Some places shape us in ways that time and distance can never erase. For Rommel Del Valle, that place is Bulolo—a picturesque town in Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province that nurtured his childhood, instilled in him a deep sense of belonging, and continues to define his identity even as he builds a life in Australia.
Though born in the Philippines, Rommel grew up in Bulolo from the time he was 16 months old until he was 12. Today, as an Australian citizen living in Sydney with his wife and three children, he still carries the spirit of “Mangi Bulolo” wherever he goes—so much so that he has it painted on his shoes as a personal tribute to his roots.
But Rommel’s story is more than nostalgia; it’s a testament to resilience, cultural connection, and the enduring power of identity.
Growing Up in Bulolo
Rommel’s journey to Bulolo began in 1976 when his father, Romy Del Valle, an engineer with PNG Forest Products, brought his family to Papua New Guinea. From the very beginning, Bulolo became home. It was a place of warmth, friendship, and cultural exchange—where people treated each other like family and where respect was deeply ingrained in daily life.
“I made lots of friends there, especially with the locals,” Rommel recalls. “It was just a really nice place to live, where I knew everybody and developed strong values of respect and love for all.”
Rommel attended Bulolo International Preschool and later Bulolo International Primary School, where he was surrounded by classmates from all over the world—Japan, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This multicultural upbringing gave him a broader perspective and a deep appreciation for diversity.
“I learned to live, cooperate, and work with people from different backgrounds,” he says. “That experience has stayed with me throughout my life.”
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| Rommel Del Valle Click to watch the full video interview with Rommel Del Valle |
The Transition to Australia
At the age of 12, Rommel’s journey took another turn when his parents decided to send him to boarding school in Australia. For some, this might have been a difficult transition, but for Rommel, it was a natural step. Having grown up around Australian expatriates in Bulolo, he was more familiar with their culture and language than with his own Filipino heritage.
“I felt more at home going to Australia than to the Philippines,” he explains. “It was a natural transition for me.”
Despite the move, his attachment to Bulolo and Papua New Guinea remained strong. His childhood experiences—the friendships, the values, and the sense of community—continued to shape his identity.
“You can take me out of PNG, but you can’t take PNG out of me,” he says with a smile.
A Vision for Papua New Guinea’s Future
As Papua New Guinea approaches 50 years of independence in 2025, Rommel reflects on the country’s journey and his hopes for its future.
“I wish for every Papua New Guinean to be brave enough to stand up and be counted,” he says. “To be more assertive and inclusive in decision-making, especially our leaders—not just in politics but also in communities.”
One of his biggest hopes is to see greater economic empowerment and job creation for Papua New Guineans.
“If people can start generating income and creating businesses, PNG can move forward as a strong, independent nation in the Pacific and beyond,” he says.
Bulolo: A Connection That Never Fades
Rommel’s love for Papua New Guinea is something he carries with him every day—quite literally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he custom-painted his shoes with the words “Mangi Bulolo PNG” and an illustration of the Raggiana bird-of-paradise. The artwork is more than just a design; it’s a deeply personal symbol of where he comes from and the values that continue to guide him.
“In this day and age, sometimes we get lost in who we are,” he says. “I do this to remind myself—this is where I grew up, this is my family and friends. Maybe one day, I’ll go back to visit, because there’s no other place like it in the world.”
For Rommel Del Valle, Bulolo is more than just a childhood memory—it’s a foundation, a guiding light, and a constant reminder of who he is. Whether he’s at home in Sydney or walking along Bondi Beach, Bulolo is always with him.
Because home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling that never fades.
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