Khangkie outdoors

CEBU, Philippines - It is always a good thing to discover that there are some entrepreneurs and dedicated artists whom we can be proud of. Not only because they hail from our beloved Cebu, but also because of the fact that they somehow become bearers of our country’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and diverse skills.

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to have met one.

Gerald “Khangkie” Diola, who lives in Basak (Cebu City), is the owner of a tribal performing arts group, as well as an art gallery cum souvenir shop called Khangkie Outdoors (Tel. No. 418-9657). Khangkie is the great grandson of Estelita “Inday Titang” Diola, the person behind the “two steps forward and one step backward” of the world renowned Sinulog dance. 

Khangkie said the idea to put up such a business came from a fashionista aunt who taught him about exotic fashion and native accessories. He started three years back with a small tribal group composed of a few members who would perform, packed with native drums and wooden instruments and play amazing tribal beat in town fiestas in the region. Promoting his souvenir shop at the same time with its top of the line fashion accessories from necklaces, bracelets down to stunning home decors such as lanterns, dream catchers and figurines, Khangkie Outdoors started to gain momentum. At present, his tribal group members have ballooned to almost 30 and they have added fire dancers in their performances, which is a crowd favorite for foreigners and locals alike.

There’s no stopping this young entrepreneur from fulfilling his dreams and his dedication of promoting the Cebuano talent and skill. As what some Filipino patriots would say, “Tangkilikin ang sariling atin!”, “Buy Pinoy Products!” (THE FREEMAN)