Hiraya: A Nurse’s Journey from the Philippines to Cornwall

In this special episode, we’re celebrating Filipino Cultural Appreciation Month and exploring this year’s theme: Hiraya, a beautiful Filipino word that represents hope, imagination, and the courage to realise your dreams.Peter Young is joined by Paola Pilapil, a Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to Cornwall.Paola reflects on what led her into healthcare, the challenges of working far from home, and the role that community, resilience, and culture play in shaping her experience in the NHS. She also shares what Hiraya means to her, not just as a word, but as a mindset in both her personal and professional life.