How Many Costumes Do I Own and Why I Wear Them Regularly: MAUZEK - The UP Asian Center's Anniversary Exhibit

- Nov. 12-17, 2018, Monday to Saturday.

- What makes Asia so unique? One thing for sure is its unparalleled diversity. Being the biggest continent, its diversity can be seen from its flora and fauna, to human features, to culture. Recently, the University of the Philippines Asian Center - one of my alma maters - celebrated the diversity and color of Asia on its 63rd anniversary. Entitled "Mauzek," the Hindi word for "mosaic," the week-long celebration took various forms - from talks, to cooking demonstrations, to an exhibit of all things Asian. I was fortunate enough to be invited to be a contributor to this collaborative exhibit, but with a special request - that I specifically contribute part of my vast collection of costumes to the exhibit. Other professors and students contributed more costumes, mini-statues, carpets and other textiles, paintings, religious paraphernalia, and other amazing things from all over Asia.

Event poster. (See that talk on "The Semiotics of Fashion in Asia"? That's my talk!!)

- A common question I get from people is why I started collecting costumes and why I wear them regularly, and the exhibit was a way for me to explain this. I started collecting them because of my deep appreciation of the world's cultures. I feel that if I wear these things, I am embodying a different truth or thought as taught to me by the people I encounter in my adventures and travels. So yes, I do get my costumes whenever I travel, or whenever there's a chance to buy them locally, such as in international bazaars. I wear them because of my advocacy of cultural understanding. I like it when people ask me what I wear and where they come from. It opens up an chance to engage in discourse on the quest for understanding cultures different from what we know and are used to. I am quite happy that so far, I have not been called out for "cultural appropriation." This is because I never claim the things I wear to be "my own style," as I always acknowledge the cultures where my costumes and accessories come from. I also try my best to be responsible in knowing how the clothes are to be used (ex. in which events, or degree of formality,) and if there are symbols or patterns on the fabric, I also ask what they mean. I am happy that despite what regular people may call an "eccentric lifestyle," this has been helping my family, friends, and students to learn more about the world that we all live in. (In case you're wondering, yes, I do have "regular/normal clothes.")

Almost finished setting up the day before the opening. All the clothes that you see displayed are mine, and I have worn all of them. You can also see some of the other exhibit items on the table, which were generously contributed by the center's professors and students.

Of course I had to fix my part of the exhibit in - gasp - a costume.

- Speaking of fashion and understanding fashion, on the first day I had a talk on "The Semiotics of Fashion in Asia," where I talked specifically about the Indian saree, and how this long piece of cloth defined and redefined identities and gender roles throughout the history of South Asia. Apart from a symbol of Indian femininity, other things that it defined through time include caste and class, nationalism, feminism and women empowerment, Hinduism, Catholicism (i.e. Mother Teresa and her followers,) women's occupations, and so on. Perhaps the favorite part of everyone was when I did the saree-draping demonstration, because I like being extra like that.

Left top and bottom: Thai suea praratchathan, Tibetan unju. Center: Malaysian baju melayu with sampin. Right: Vietnamese aodai.

Left: Vietnamese aodai. Right top left/right: T'boli t'nalak vest, Igorot vest. Right bottom: Taiwanese Seediq-inspired coat.

Of course I had to pay homage to my first love and my specialization: India. I'm wearing a South-Indian kurta with North-Indian jutte (shoes), a Jaipuri pagri (turban,) and a Jaipuri bandhani dupatta (tie-dyed scarf). The one I have on the exhibit is a Jaipuri block-printed kurta with another Jaipuri bandahni dupatta. 

Left: Burmese costume, full set. Third panel top: Javanese batik polo. Third panel bottom: Balinese-style checkered sarong.

Thank you so much for helping me out Jane!! (Jane works for the Asian Center.)

Academic duties.

This is how long a saree is.

Wazzup wazzup my student volunteered to be my model/mannequin.

I hope the drape is up to Indian standards haha.

Thank you Dr. Joefe Santarita, current dean of the Asian Center, and my beloved adviser (and the whole talk felt like I was doing another thesis defense. Haha.)

- On day four, I went back to the exhibit and did a walk-through of my costumes. Apart from telling them about the nature of my costume collection, how and why I got them, another question that came up - which usually comes up even when talking with my friends - is how many costumes I have. Currently I have around 200 pieces in my closet, although it's hard to really count them so I just counted the tops (around 170) and additional pieces that may be worn by themselves or as a part of a bigger costume like my sarongs (tube skirts,) and vest. Of course I would look like I have more costumes since I can mix and match them, or accessorize them with different things (like jewelry or scarves.) Don't worry the costumes, while difficult to get since I get them while traveling, are not usually expensive. I see to it that the price of the costume is reasonable and within my budget, and I also see to it that I will use it multiple times. After thinking about those things, that's the only time that I buy the costume. So far, the newest piece in the exhibit would be the t'nalak vest which I got from my very recent trip to Lake Sebu in South Cotabato (click here, here, and here for my recent trip to Lake Sebu).

Thank you best friend Evan for supporting.

I love you both huhu.

Doing two things I love the most: wearing a costume, and talking.

I am not really too sure what point I was trying to make, by my friend Jinwei took this hilarious photo of me as I was explaining my costumes very animatedly.

I was talking about this Sarawak hat that doesn't belong to me by the way, although I have a hat exactly like this. It was a generous gift from my Bruneian friends during my trip to Brunei in 2013 (click here to see my trip to Brunei.)

Thanks for coming Jinwei!!

- On a separate note, I was sad that I missed the cooking demonstration because I was doing my walk-through. After the walk-through, there was no more food. Huhu. I wanted some samosas for myself.

- Finally, I went back again on the last day, to do another walk-through, mostly to some students of the Asian Center, and some of my other friends who were able to go to the exhibit (huhu thank you friends.) Other exhibitors were also able to explain some of the items they contributed, and I learned a lot from them as well!! Also, just to show you how awesome my friends are, they even helped me pack up after the event. (Really, you guys should not have, but I highly highly appreciate the help!!)

Thank you for coming, Steph (and your mom too!!)

Crystal wanted to try on the saree, which I allowed her to since I was about to pack up anyway. She enjoyed her saree so much that she wore that to lunch at Via Mare next door.

My friend Janus, who works in the Asian Center, conceptualized this photo. (Left to right: Jaipuri kurta, Japanese yukata with obi sash, Japanese haori/kimono outer coat, Mongolian deel, Crystal wearing my South-Indian saree, Korean hanbok, and Qing-Dynasty-style/Manchurian-style changshan with vest.) 

I AM READY TO GO HOME.

Thank you UP Asian Center, and thank you friends for helping me pack!!

- My first experience as an "exhibit contributor" was a tiring but valuable one. Apart from being ecstatic that I finally checked one item off my life's bucket list - which is to have my costumes exhibited - the more important part is to share knowledge and experiences on cultural understanding. Of course I was not just there to educate, but also to learn from friends and colleagues who not only contributed to the UP Asian Center's exhibit, but were also able to share their knowledge and passion on paintings, statues, or even culture and national identity as presented in the souvenirs that we buy when we travel (who ever thought that there was academic depth in souvenirs, right? It's amazing, really.) I hope that I will have more opportunities like this in the future, so I may further share my passion to a wider audience!

- Of course, finally, thank you very much UP Asian Center (especially to Dr. Joefe Santaria, Dr. Jocelyn Celero, Janus, Jane, and everyone else,) for not forgetting about one of your most eccentric students ever, and happy 63rd anniversary!!

(Part 3) A Little Paradise in Mindanao: General Santos City and Pasalubong/Souvenir Tips

- Nov. 3-4, 2018, Saturday to Sunday.

- General Santos City, also known as "GenSan," is a city that I've always heard of but had no idea what was there to see or do. Now that I really had to be in GenSan since the airport back to Manila from Lake Sebu  (click for Part 1 here and Part 2 here for Lake Sebu) was in this city, I had a chance to find out what GenSan has. To be honest I did not really had plans to stay in GenSan, but because flights back to Manila are at noon I didn't know if I'd make it to the airport in time if I planned to leave Lake Sebu and fly to Manila on the same day. The earliest shuttles going to GenSan from Lake Sebu leave around 8 in the morning, but will only leave if the van is full. During the trip, tje van will pick up or drop off other passengers from/in undesignated stops (like what jeepneys do.) With all these things, I didn't know if I'd make it to the airport in time. After all, time is merely an option in the Philippine public transport system. Because of this, I just decided to stay in GenSan for a day, and fly the day after so I'll be sure that I'd get to the airport in time. Well, at least it's an excuse to see and experience GenSan.

- From Lake Sebu, my driver-guide Richelle picked me up from Punta Isla and drove me to the Lake Sebu bus terminal where I rode a direct shuttle (fare was 150 pesos) going to Lake Sebu, passing briefly in Surallah and Koronadal (Marbel). I arrived in GenSan around 10:30 in the morning after around a 2-hour ride, and rode a tricycle going to Hotel San Marco. The hotel looks fancy (it has an Italian motif) but prices are quite cheap. It is also centrally located, and has an airport pick-up and transfer service.

Hotel San Marco.

Small but fancy lobby and restaurant.

My bedroom is a lot larger than this (but good for one person), it was just hard to get a full photo of the bedroom.

- After checking in, I walked south to see what probably is the most cultural open space in the city: Plaza Heneral Santos or General Santos Plaza. Formerly known as Carlos P. Garcia Park, it was renovated in 2008 to give way to this newer plaza with the statue of General Santos in the middle. General Paulino Santos was the Commanding General of the Philippine Army and is highly awarded by the government because of his achievements (of course doing more reading on his achievements may deem controversial, especially the occupation of several cities in Mindanao.) There is actually a museum on General Santos inside the Notre Dame University due north of the park, but I did not know about this museum until a few weeks after coming back to Manila.

Plaza Heneral Santos (with my Yakan scarf.)

Status of General Santos.

At the back there is a statue of national hero, Jose Rizal.

- While I was told that there were nice things to see in GenSan apart from the plaza, such as the tuna market in the morning (GenSan is famous for tuna,) Sarangani Highlands, and other natural wonders like mountains or seas, most of these are quite far from the downtown area. Since I only had an afternoon left, I just decided to go somewhere near and buy some souvenirs and local snacks to bring back home. First on the list is the Kablon Farms store right across SM General Santos at San Miguel Street. Kablon Farms, apart from their dried fruits and coffee, are also famous for their natural chocolate products.

- While walking around, to be honest I was a bit scared since GenSan seemed too quiet, at least for someone who came from a very busy and noisy city like Manila. There are more people, however, near the mall area. GenSan, however, is quite urbanized, and is considered as a "1st class highly-urbanized city" by the government.

Kablon Farms pasalubong store. They sell food.

- Near SM is what I call the "mall strip" of General Santos since all major malls are right beside each other: SM, Gaisano, KCC, and Robinsons. However, I went ahead to KCC Mall since I heard that there are reasonably-priced souvenirs there. There is one pasalubong center that sells food at the second floor, and souvenir items such as keychains or magnets inside the deparment store at the ground floor.

KCC's department store at the ground floor.

- I later walked back to SM General Santos since it also had another pasalubong center, and it was the mall nearest to my hotel. It has a small pasalubong center at the second floor selling things both from GenSan and Lake Sebu. Afterwards, I had a late lunch at Ranchero, which was highly recommended by my friend who used to live in GenSan. It was OK for me, but nothing spectacular. I walked around the mall the whole afternoon until I decided to have an early dinner at Tambilawan, which is a restaurant serving local food. Their main branch is located, coincidentally, two doors from my hotel.

The blue tricycles of GenSan.

SM is everywhere.

Yay fun.

Find this at the second floor near the cinemas.

A lot to choose from.

Ranchero, at the ground floor. The serve steak.

Their best-seller steak.

The aftermath.

Early dinner at Tambilawan. I only had kinilaw na tuna (tuna tartare) for dinner.

- I lazed around in my room that evening after packing my things, and after breakfast the following day, my airport transfer van drove me to the airport. Do note that there is no food after passing security checks, as the airport is very small. If you must eat, eat at the small cafe right after you enter the airport where the check-in counters are. I did this mistake and wasn't ab;e to eat lunch until I arrived home a few hours later (since I flew via Cebu Pacific, there were no meals on board unless you buy.)

I thought someone was shoved inside the overhead cabin.

- Overall my short trip to one of the frontiers of Mindanao was a different experience. I had longed to interact and immerse myself in the indigenous cultures of the country. I'm also proud that I survived my first local trip, despite many concerns regarding public transportation and the almost non-existent timetable with these vehicles. I do hope that I'll have more opportunities to mingle with other local indigenous groups in the future! (See Part 1 here, and Part 2 here!!)

(Part 2) A Little Paradise in Mindanao: Lake Sebu's Lotus-Filled Lakes, 7 Falls, and Cultural Centers

- November 2, 2018, Friday.

- Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is a little piece of paradise in Mindanao. It is not only blessed with natural wonders, but it is also rich in culture - the T'boli culture. Yes, again, there are safe places in Mindanao worth visiting, far from the places deemed "dangerous" by the media. My first day in Lake Sebu (click here for Part 1) was just an introduction to the beauty of Lake Sebu.

- Day 2 in Lake Sebu started with an early walk (around 6am) with my driver-guide Richelle to the banks of Lake Sebu at the back of my hotel for a morning boat ride. Since my guide's boatman friend was drunk from the night before, my guide took the liberty of "borrowing" our boatman's boat and rowing the boat himself (I swear my guide is multi-talented - more about this later.) The traditional canoe/boat is called an "owong." Early morning canoe/boat rides are a thing in Lake Sebu since the three lakes of Lake Sebu - Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, and Lake Lahit - are all filled with naturally-growing lotus flowers that only bloom from early morning until mid-morning. The are surely in full bloom around 5:30AM to around 7AM.

Those pink things are the lotuses.

What a view!!

- My guide Richelle was not only a good boatsman but I found out that he was a great photographer too. I did need a little bit of directing, but there were many perfect or nearly-perfect shots. He also rowed the boat in different directions so we could play with light and shadows (yes, he suggested this - who am I to complain, right??) Richelle also told me that although the lotus flowers have been growing here naturally, the idea of rowing tourists around these flowers was a more recent development. This would give income to Lake Sebu's boatsmen. The boat ride would cost around 200php.

Lotus flowers in full bloom.

Of course I could not row an owong without my full T'boli garb.

My guide Richelle rowed the boat at a different angle so we can play with lights and shadows.

This is my guide-and-driver Richelle. He is a licensed guide by the tourism center. Please do hire him if you go to Lake Sebu. His mobile number is 0905-871-1491. He is amazing!! He can tell you stuff about Lake Sebu, take awesome photos (with tips on the best angles or photoshoot locations in some tourist spots), and take you anywhere you want to go!! 

Hints of color.

The flowers should stay in the water. Please do not pick the lotus flowers when you're there. :) :) :) :)

- After around an hour in the lake, I had my complimentary breakfast at my hotel, Punta Isla Resort. I also had to do a costume change, not only for the photos, but because I was sweating the whole morning from the sun.

While waiting for my breakfast at Punta Isla. That is Lake Sebu by the way.

As part of my breakfast, I tried their minty malungay and ginger ice creams. Didn't like the minty malungay that much since all I could taste was the mint. The ginger one was divine though.

- I met Richelle after almost an hour, and headed to another natural wonder and popular tourist spot of Lake Sebu: the 7 Falls. As early as now I'd like to tell you that seeing all 7 waterfalls, while not impossible, is extremely difficult. The most accessible ones are Falls 1 and 2 (Hikong Alo and Hikong Bente). Some tourists get to see Falls 5 (Hikong Ukol) usually by whizzing through the highest zipling in Southeast Asia, and after a short trek from Falls 5 is Falls 7 (Hikong Tonok). Falls 3 (Hikong B'lebel,) 4 (Hikong Lowig), and 6 (Hikong K'fo-i), according to my guide, are quite difficult to reach and would need a specialized guide who knows his way around the jungles of the mountain where the falls are located. Pathways to these three waterfalls are also not defined, so it is not advisable for tourists to see them especially if they're on their own. In some spots, people can also rent a T'boli costume for 50php. One such place is the bridge facing Falls 1.

Falls 1 or Hikong Alo, hidden in the sunlight. It is the widest among the 7 falls.

The is a bridge near Hikong Alo and you can rent a full T'boli gard for just 50 pesos!!

- My guide drove downhill to Falls 2 as it was faster than trekking a few hundred steps down. When we got to Falls 2, I saw that it was rather difficult to take a decent photo of the falls. Falls 2 is named "Hikong Bente" which means "The Immeasurable Falls" because while it is the narrowest falls, it is the highest. This means that the water from the falls creates more impact when hitting the river below, making the surrounding area quite misty. Richelle told me that since we were not in a hurry, we can wait for the clouds to partly cover the sun so the waterfalls can reveal itself. Trusting him, I agreed (and I did want a fantastic shot of the falls,) and when the clouds did cover the sun, just like the magic, the waterfalls appeared from nowhere!!

View of Falls 2 from the higher part of the mountain.

This is Falls 2, hidden behind the rays of the sun and the mist it created by itself.

Sedimentary rocks.

I love this shot so much. I know it doesn't show Falls 2, but the light and shadow, and the knowledge that Falls 2 is there in the photo "somewhere" creates the mysterious and other-worldly effect.

THANK YOU CLOUDS FOR SHOWING US FALLS 2!!

By the way, I am wearing a "kegal seli," which is an embroidered vest with T'boli traditional symbols.

- Before leaving the falls, I go to shop in some of the many souvenir stalls around the waterfalls. The prices of the souvenirs there are quite reasonable, pretty much the same price as in other souvenir stores in Lake Sebu. The souvenirs are quite varied too. (Oh yeah, I didn't do the zipline because I don't like heights and I was scared of things - like my shoes - falling out.)

View of Falls 2 again from some of the nearby souvenir stores.

I need a drink.

- After going around the falls, I was driven to the Lang Dulay Weaving Center. Lang Dulay is the name of a master weaver, who happens to be a princess also, who received the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan,) which is given by the Philippine government. She is known for weaving the T'boli's most sought-after textile called "t'nalak." Lang Dulay, however, passed away in 2015, and now the Dulay household is headed by her daughter-in-law, Sebulan Dulay. The whole Dulay family knows how to weave, both men and women, as it is their family's legacy; the women, however, are usually the ones who weave in the T'boli community.

You'll see this sign.

Their humble workplace (The photos are Lang Dulay's, and the lady seated is her daughter-in-law, Sebulan Dulay.)

Their fine t'nalak (please buy from them!!)

Lang Dulay.

Sebulan Dulay, and Ms. Josephine Malanaw.

- While spending time in the Dulay weaving center, I was told how they make t'nalak. The get some abaca, dry, turn them into fiber. After that, they place it on a loom so they can tie the designs which were usually thought of by the weaver through dreams. This was how the T'bolis were came to be known as "dream weavers." Next, they cook the fiber in dye - black and red - and then weave the design. One of Lang Dulay's students who was married into the family, Ms. Josephine Malanaw, told me that 5 meters of t'nalak would take around 2-3 months to finish, and possibly longer if the designs are more complex. The designs that the weavers get from their dreams are usually based on things around them, such as palm leaves, crabs, and fruits. Also, I was told that they prefer to weave in the morning when the sun is not too hot, because abaca fibers will snap easily if it's too hot.

- Speaking of dying, the three colors of the t'nalak - red, black, and its natural almost-white color - have meanings. Black symbolizes the soil where all life comes from, red symbolizes humanity (blood,) and white symbolizes the spirit of the abaca named Fu Dalu. The T'boli people are mostly Catholics now, but they still have retained the belief that Fu Dalu is just around them, and especially blesses the weavers of t'nalak. Because of this belief, t'nalak cannot be fused as footwear or as carpets, or anything that involves stepping on the t'nalak, because this is a great disrespect for Fu Dalu. I was told however, that apart from these restrictions, t'nalak can be used for anything: from clothes to table runners.

Watching Sebulan Dulay tie knots on the abaca fiber to make the design.

- After dying and weaving, they soften the cloth by pounding on it, and finally, they shine the fabric using a cowrie shell that they get from the sea. Mr. Charlie Dulay, one of the grandchildren of Lang Dulay, not only taught me how to shine the fabric, but he was kind enough to let me do it too. I was scared because I did not want to destroy their delicate t'nalak. (Fortunately, I didn't.)

Using a cowrie shell to shine the t'nalak. 

That's the shell at the end of the wooden contraption.

Done like a real T'boli.

I had to do it with supervision. (Also, do you see that small donation box? I hope you do contribute when you visit, especially if you have no intention of buying anything. Most tourist go to them and talk to them or learn from them, and the family does not ask for any payment. Donating is your way of helping them, and better, of course, if you buy their t'nalak to support their industry.)

Ms. Josephine weaving the design.

- Later on, I was brought outside to see how they harvest abaca and turn them into fiber at the Lang Dulay Memorial Park. Lang Dulay's tomb is also located there. Finally, I went to their gift shop. I was not able to buy t'nalak from them since they sell their t'nalak by rolls, and it's quite hard to find people outside Lake Sebu who can properly cut and sew t'nalak into garments. The t'nalak's texture is not like any normal cloth, as it is coarser and thicker. However, just to help their family out, I left some money at the donation box, and I bought a T'boli head scarf and a beaded few accessories from them.

Abaca turned into fiber after drying.

Where t'nalak comes from: the abaca plant.

- To end my morning, I had a bit of quiet time at the Divine Mercy Retreat House. Visitors need not stay there despite having "retreat house" in its name. Visitors can simply go up the stairs and pray to the saints or to the big Jesus Christ, or in the small chapel up the stairs beside the giant Jesus Christ statue. Candles for specific purposes/wishes can also be purchased at the entrance and lit outside the chapel. There is no entrance fee. Also, while photography is allowed, wacky or funny poses, especially offensive poses, are not allowed. For those wearing shorts, they will be given a sarong to wear as respect for the solemnity of the place.

Divine Mercy. (Time to be a good Catholic huhu.)

Let it shine, Jesus Christ.

The view from up the hill was just like the Garden of Eden. (And I am really pushing it with these Biblical references.)

- After praying, Richelle whizzed me back to Punta Isla, which was around 20 minutes away downhill, so I can have lunch and change into another set of clothes. (Yes, I sweat too much.) I ate quickly and watched the bead crafters outside my hotel as I waited for Richelle to fetch me for my afternoon itinerary. (I was in such a hurry that I wasn't able to take a photo of my "sisig na tilapia.")

They can make bead necklaces in a day. That's how fast the work considering how many tiny beads they have to string together, and the complexity of the designs of the necklaces.

- We went again to the School of Living Tradition (SLT) after the Kaufman Family which I met the day prior invited me to join them since they would be having an outreach activity with the T'boli kids at the SLT. (In Part 1, click here, I saw them doing an outreach with COWHED.) Although I was a bit late and the Kaufman Family was about to leave when I got to the SLT, I was able to see the art project that that T'boli kids did, and I was able to have some time to talk to Ms. Maria "Oyog" Todi who heads the SLT (more about the SLT in Part 1.) She talked to me about the importance of preserving their culture, especially with the fast modernization of the world that affects the younger generation's interest in the young would perceive as "backward" or "old" T'boli traditions. With the support of the government and the community itself, Lake Sebu's SLT is considered a success.

Children working on dolls. They were dressing up dolls using T'boli beaded accessories and t'nalak.

Keeping traditions alive.

With Ms. Maria "Oyog" Todi, and three of the participants of the activity. (Also featuring my newly-bought giant-gong necklace.)

With the great Ms. Oyog.

The only gongs I found in the SLT that were larger than my necklace were these ones, and used as actual gongs.

This humble hut is where all the magic happens.

- Finally, it was time to go back to my hostel and part with my guide Richelle. I gave him a generous tip because of his above and beyond services (again I am so happy with this guide, he wasn't just a guide, but also my boat-rower, skillful and resourceful photographer, souvenir guide, and everything else in between.) I spent the rest of the afternoon availing my free 30-minute boat ride since I was an overnight guest. The only thing was that I had to row the boat myself. At least I got to try rowing an owong!! 

Richelle made rowing look easy.

What Punta Isla looks like from the middle of the lake.

Dora the Explorer: "Life vests, so we can be safe."

A slightly modernized owong.

Halo halo after dinner to cap off my Lake Sebu adventures.

- That evening I had to pack my backs for my departure the following day. I can't believe how two days in this quiet but colorful town made me think of a lot of things. It made me think of the pains of preserving cultures, to the warm support both inside and outside the community. It also made me realize how some indigenous groups, at least in the Philippines, are now more welcoming of visitors so they can immerse in the community and learn more about their cultures to foster understanding and mutual respect (and of course, earn money in the process). I really do hope that I'd get to mingle with more indigenous people in the future so I can learn more from them and support them too.

- Although my Lake Sebu adventures now come to a close, I have one agenda up my sleeve before coming back to Manila - exploring General Santos City!! (Please don't forget to read Part 1 here, and Part 3 here!!)