Julienne Raboca’s style did a one eighty after moving to London and pivoting from magazine  journalist and digital marketer to commodities reporter covering metal markets in the UK capital. Gone are the days of taking the escalator down to work in athleisure – it’s cycling downhill to the Thames in a power suit and heels these days. But what hasn’t changed are the pearls that have become a signature for her, a piece of home she carries everywhere.

 

 

After ten years in Hong Kong, Julienne decided to return to journalism during the pandemic when she applied for a Master's Degree with the Mundas programme in media. She recalls, "The European Commission offered me a full scholarship, which took me to London and into the world of financial reporting."

 

 

 

 

She was already working as an editor in Asia before packing her bags for Europe. In her new city, Julienne had to start from scratch. “Recruiters told me my previous experience didn’t count in the UK. I was told my visa wouldn’t be sponsored,” she shares. But tenacity, enthusiasm, and perhaps a touch of charm broke through the barriers.

 

 

 Julienne started building relationships with contacts in the world's biggest trading houses. “They threw calculations at me that I could barely make sense of, as I struggled with more spreadsheets that I had ever had to deal with in my life. Somehow, I was able to convince people that I was worth backing. I got offered not one but two visa sponsorships and got promoted shortly after my first year on the job.”

 

 

 

When Julienne is not in the news room, she teaches classical pilates and yoga, and together with her sister manages rental properties in Siargao, the Philippines' surf capital.

 

 

For anyone on the cusp of making a daunting life change, she advises: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Say thank you to everyone who has helped you along the way. Pay it forward."

1. What is it about your work or career that you enjoy most? 

Learning about the backbone of global economies straight from the people who move essential resources across borders, from copper miners in Chile to traders in Switzerland. 

 

Traveling to those countries on business, going into five to 10 meetings per day, often the only female and Southeast Asian at the table. It's intimidating and challenging, but empowering at the same time.

2. What do you consider to be “hazards of the job?”

Because commodity prices can be headline-driven, I have to constantly follow the news, and that can erode your mental health, especially amidst several ongoing wars. I find myself listening to the news from the moment I get out of bed, while I’m brushing my teeth, cycling to work, and winding down before bedtime!

 

 

And then there's the huge responsibility of making sure what you're reporting is fair and accurate, because people rely on the information you publish to make decisions that are measured in the millions of dollars.

3. How do you balance work and family life? What are activities that enable you to bond with family?

Since moving into my new place early this year, I’ve been able to host my father and his wife for extended visits, my sister who lives in Paris, and several other relatives in my humble space. 

I also travel often to visit family all over the world. In January, I was in Manila and Hong Kong, then passed by New York in April to combine work and visiting relatives, and back to the Philippines in May for two weddings!

4. How do you unwind or rewind? Any favorite spots in your current city that you consider as your me-time haven?

Long nature walks, sound baths, yoga, and picnics with friends which is a very London thing as there are so many beautiful parks. I love that I live so close to Regent’s Canal where you can walk from Angel to Regent's Park in the west or Victoria Park in the east. 

5. How would you describe your personal style? What are your three wardrobe essentials? 

Personal style is constantly evolving, especially over age and now adjusted to four seasons! 

My wardrobe essentials include vintage tailored suits from my mom, who passed away 15 years ago. They don’t make them like that anymore! Salvatore Ferragamo or Jonak sling-back pumps are my go-to work shoes. They are as beautiful as they are comfortable. And then a collection of bright silk scarves to add a splash of colour.

6. What makes for a good investment piece? Kindly cite examples of pieces in your current wardrobe. 

A classic watch or jewelry set. I was always terrified of investing in these before, because I have a talent for losing valuable objects. But these days, I no longer underestimate the impact of a well-appointed piece that is able to convey something about you. 

Just this month I had a lady across from me at the airport complimenting me out of the blue on my earrings, asking me where they’re from. It gives me an opportunity to talk about my country and share the beauty of our pearls!

7. What do pearls mean to you?

A lot of my work is connected to the mining sector, where most jewelry is derived — gold, silver, diamonds. 

Pearls are unique in that they are gifts from the sea, created from life — a piece of my heritage that I wear with pride!

8.  What is everyday luxury for you?

Spending time being with the people, and doing the things that are meaningful to me.