"Beyond the Heidi Tale"

My Own Story of Reinvention, Belonging, and Becoming in Switzerland

by George Londob

I am George Londob, originally from Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, and now based in Zurich. I work as a Global Market Research Analyst for an international company in Lucerne.

So how did I end up in Switzerland?

In 2011, while living and working in Bangkok, I met my Swiss partner during what was meant to be a temporary exchange period for his master’s studies. What began as a chance encounter gradually evolved into something more grounded and lasting. He later returned for a project, and we ended up living together for a year.

During that time, we discovered something important—we were different in ways that complemented each other. He doesn’t enjoy cooking but takes pleasure in cleaning and organizing. I love cooking and don’t mind a bit of chaos, as long as things eventually fall into place. It sounds simple, but those differences created a rhythm that worked for both of us.

Eventually, he proposed, and in 2014, I moved to Switzerland to begin a new chapter of life with him.

Learning Switzerland, Slowly and Honestly

Adjusting to life in Switzerland was not immediate. One of the biggest shifts for me was the structured nature of social life. In contrast to what I was used to, everything here is planned in advance. Even meeting for coffee often requires scheduling weeks ahead. At first, I missed the ease of spontaneous conversations—the kind that happen naturally when people are simply present and nearby.

Over time, however, I learned to appreciate structure. Planning brought clarity. It made life feel less rushed and more intentional.

I was fortunate to live with my in-laws when I first arrived. They did not merely accommodate me—they included me. They welcomed me into their routines, their home, and their community, which made the transition much smoother.

Food became one of the most meaningful bridges between cultures. I learned to cook Swiss dishes with my mother-in-law while introducing Filipino and Thai flavors into their kitchen. Potatoes gradually replaced rice in my daily meals, and I even learned to enjoy dairy despite being lactose intolerant.

Even the weather required a shift in perspective. I adopted a Norwegian saying: There is no bad weather, only bad clothing. At first, the cold felt intimidating, but I adapted over time. Now, I look forward to the changing seasons.

Writing Beyond the Heidi Tale

Beyond the Heidi Tale began as a personal project—a way to mark my ten years in Switzerland and preserve the experiences I had gathered along the way. I felt fortunate for what I had lived through, and I wanted to share it. My hope is that whoever reads it—Filipino or not—will find something meaningful about integrating into a new country and discover Switzerland beyond the stereotypes.

I found time to write during my daily train commute to Lucerne. It was in those quiet, in-between moments that the book slowly took shape.

At its core, the book is about integration—and my belief that it is never a one-way process. While I made efforts to adapt, I was also deeply shaped by the people around me, especially my partner, his family, and the friends I met along the way.

Integration requires openness from both sides. I brought my own culture, resilience, and adaptability. Switzerland gave me structure, opportunity, and a new way of seeing life.

Work, Identity, and Reinvention

The book also explores the realities of living and working in Switzerland. One of my biggest professional challenges was entering the Swiss job market. Beyond academic qualifications, I had to learn how to present myself differently—how to speak about individual achievements during job interviews rather than the collective style I was used to back home.

It was a shift in mindset. I had to learn how to “sell” my skills without losing authenticity. That process became part of my broader transformation—not just professionally, but personally.

Community and Belonging

The book also acknowledges the kindness and generosity of the Filipino community in Switzerland in welcoming newly arrived kababayans. During my master’s thesis, members of Samahang Filipina, an organization of Filipinas in Switzerland, supported my research by participating willingly and generously. Their help allowed me to complete my studies on time, but more importantly, it reminded me that I was not alone.

I also found connection with fellow Igorots in the country. Through gatherings, we practiced our traditions and introduced younger generations to their Igorot heritage, even far from the Philippines.

These moments of community profoundly shaped my understanding of belonging. It is not defined solely by geography—it is defined by connection. And that sense of connection within the Filipino community in Switzerland is strong.

Identity as a Continuum

After more than a decade in Switzerland and becoming a dual citizen, I no longer see identity as something I must choose between.

I carry both Filipino and Swiss identities with me. One does not replace the other; instead, they coexist, shaping how I see the world. This duality has made me both more adaptable and more grounded.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

I consider myself fortunate to have experienced all that I have. It was not always a bed of roses, but each challenge and moment of uncertainty has shaped who I am today.

Writing Beyond the Heidi Tale allowed me to make sense of my journey—not as a straight line, but as something richer and more layered than I could have planned. It is a story not just of moving, but of learning how to belong, to adapt, and to grow without losing where I came from.