In 2019, Nina Unlay graduated with a master's degree in journalism and landed a job as an entry-level business reporter in London, making $36,000 a year. This was a significant achievement for her, as journalists in her hometown of Manila, Philippines, earn an average annual salary of only $7,000. Despite the lower salary in London, where the median gross annual salary for a full-time employee is about $45,400, Nina was thrilled to have the opportunity to work in her dream city.

A Journey from London to the Heart of Manila

Living the Dream in London

Nina lived in a warehouse conversion with five other Londoners. Their living room was spacious enough to fit a DJ and a hundred dancing people, and their rooftop overlooked Victoria Park. She paid $1,075 a month in rent for her room. In London, she made great friends who were also journalists in flux. They spent their free days having picnics and discovering new parks, and their nights barhopping around East and North London. Nina was in love with the city and enjoyed every moment of her life there. She never felt alone and cherished every morning stroll through Broadway Market, every new café she discovered in Hackney, and every afternoon spent people-watching along the pathways by Regent's Canal.Despite the cost of living in London being 150% higher than in Manila, the salary bump at her new job was enough to greatly improve her quality of living. She had reliable transportation, good air quality, and high healthcare standards. Many of the places she enjoyed, such as markets, museums, and parks, were free to visit. However, she did miss certain things about living in the Philippines, like the reliable presence of the sun, quick getaways to white-sand beaches, and the cheap and delicious food.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Decision to Return

In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Nina had to make a difficult decision. Just a few days later, she packed her things and was on a flight back to Manila. She knew she needed to be with her family during this challenging time. During the two years she spent in London, she started having an irrational fear that if planes lost the ability to fly, she would never go home again. The pandemic made this fear more real and forced her to choose between building a life around her favorite city or her favorite people.

Back in Manila: A New Chapter

After returning to Manila, Nina shifted to a career working at an advertising and communication agency. She moved into a new apartment and found the person she plans to marry. Her fiancé is a Filipino-American who was born in Virginia and moved to the Philippines when he was 5. Sometimes they consider moving to the US and getting citizenship for Nina. They talk about the possibility of having children and how this might give them better options for their future. But whenever they think about retiring, it is always in the Philippines, in their warm, crowded Manila, in the presence of the people they love most.In Metro Manila, Nina never feels alone. The people here are the city's best part. They make Manila what it is - an imperfect place held up by tape, with good food and people who know how to make the best of a crappy hand. She tries to enjoy the bright sun here, especially when compared to the gray and foggy skies in London. She is grateful to be home and have her loved ones close.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was a groundbreaking event that left an indelible mark on the music industry. With 21 months of 149 shows and over 484 hours of performance, it became the first tour in history to gross over $2 billion. This tour was not just a financial success but a cultural phenomenon that will be remembered for years to come.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour - A Standard Unmatched

Financial Success and Industry Impact

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was a billion-dollar success that set a new bar for pop stars. Not even she can reach it again. The tour was an unprecedented financial success, becoming the first to gross over $2 billion. It boosted local economies across the globe, from the US to the UK to Singapore. Fans shelled out thousands to see their idol perform a marathon of hits from across her catalog. At the end of it all, the Eras Tour became a high watermark for the industry.However, while all that may be true, there's reason to believe not even Swift's commercial juggernaut has the power to forever alter the touring landscape. The costs of touring are so high that even major acts like Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and The Black Keys are canceling dates or entire tours.

Connection with Fans and Performance Style

Swift's performance style relies on her connection with fans. The eras theme was particularly smart positioning for Swift at this moment in her career. After her former label sold her catalog without her permission in 2019, she began rerecording and rereleasing her first six albums. This project asked fans to rekindle their love for her old music and their old selves.Two of these rerecorded albums, "Fearless" and "Red", were unveiled ahead of the Eras Tour, while two more, "Speak Now" and "1989," were announced by Swift onstage. The two endeavors worked in conjunction to legitimize each other, giving Swifties the feeling that she was still fresh off of a new release.Swift's connection with fans was evident throughout the tour. She took the time to interact with them, making each show a unique experience. Her energy on stage was infectious, and fans were left feeling like they were a part of something special.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Swift has achieved incredible success with the Eras Tour, there are challenges ahead. Pulling off such an intensive tour demanded a special blend of ambition, financial freedom, physical endurance, and self-congratulatory bravado that is unique to Swift alone.Even if Swift could release another 11 albums and launch the Eras Tour Part Two in another 18 years, would she want to? All signs point to no. She is famously prolific, but she also values innovation and growth. The Eras Tour was a one-of-a-kind experience, and it's unlikely that she will repeat it exactly.However, Swifties still have plenty to look forward to. She is a talented artist who will continue to create music that resonates with her fans. Whether it's through new albums or other projects, Swift will always have a special place in the hearts of her fans.