Robee Ng

Gabriel Almanzan

WRITTEN BY ENA ALGOPERA AND BEA PANGANDIAN

I was really interested in other countries’ cultures. [However], I decided to shift after a year because I realized that it wasn’t really my thing. I lost interest in it.

PASSIONS AND interests both bloom and wither as time passes by, but there is comfort in knowing there are no set deadlines to fulfilling them. One can begin early and also start late. The journey of Joaquin Gabriel Almazan (4 BS LfSci) is one such example, having encountered different shifts in college.

Gabby found himself constantly adjusting to what he felt he was truly interested in and passionate about, from culture to sciences and then to the arts. Nonetheless, he showcases that, regardless if passions and interests bloom or wither, one can always choose to start all over again.

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

Coming from the humanities and social sciences track during senior high school, Gabby believed it was only fitting to take on a related college program, eventually choosing AB European Studies. However, along the way, Gabby admittedly lost interest in what he was studying and ultimately decided to pursue other interests. “I was really interested in other countries’ cultures. [However], I decided to shift after a year because I realized that it wasn’t really my thing. I lost interest in it,” Gabby reveals. Thus, in his sophomore year, Gabby opted to shift into BS Life Sciences, pivoting from his interest in the social sciences to science and engineering. Of course, Gabby initially struggled in adjusting to the demands of the heavily science-laden course, but eventually got the hang of things as time went by.

As his college journey nears its end, Gabby looks back and sees himself surviving his taxing course shifts as a triumph. He recognizes that he was surrounded by a caring family, friends, and fellow coursemates that made going through his humanities course, and then shifting and adjusting to a science one, attainable and bearable. “I had [a] great support system that helped me,” Gabby shares.

SARTORIAL COMING-OF-AGE

Despite finding his academic footing in the sciences, Gabby’s passions were still deeply rooted in culture and the arts. Fashion, in particular, was always something he felt comfortable with. Styling and putting together unique pieces allowed him not only an outlet to express his creativity, but also an opportunity to connect with his grandmother who exposed him early to indigenous Filipino fashion.

Because Philippine art and culture had such a heavy influence on Gabby’s life, pursuing a passion project in the fashion industry was almost second nature to him. “[I] wanted to be able to contribute in preserving [the tradition of weaving] because this is part of our culture and gives us a sense of identity as Filipinos,” Gabby reflects.

This became the driving force for Tagpi, a social enterprise that spotlights the local textile industry, weavers, and artisans through unique everyday pieces incorporating traditional Filipino weaves, embroideries, and hand-painting. As with any new endeavor, it was not without its fair share of challenges. “I had no fashion and business experience prior to Tagpi, [so] I was really scared of starting this brand,” Gabby expresses. The lack of technical expertise also manifested in self-doubt, especially because his rigorous pre-medical course also demanded a significant amount of time and effort.

However, all these hurdles seemed less daunting whenever Gabby went back to his vision for the local weaving tradition. He was willing to step out of his comfort zone because he felt so strongly about what he could contribute to the bigger picture.

Gabby looks back on his young journey as a social entrepreneur with humility and gratitude because of how much running Tagpi has taught him about the Philippines and the rich cultures of artisanal communities.

PAYING IT FASHION-FORWARD

Tagpi came at a time when the Philippine textile industry was put to the test because of the pandemic. As a young social enterprise, it has a rich and colorful future ahead with Gabby continuing to build the brand and travel to personally learn more about artisanal communities. His journey of rebuilding his own path gave him the tools, direction, and heart to become part of rebuilding a significant aspect of Filipino culture.

All of this is to say that following passions and finding greatness have no deadlines. It can co-exist with different facets of life. In the same way people grow out of their clothes or mature out of their styles, they also grow out of their interests. While every stitch or rip cannot be planned ahead of time, the best a tailor and seamstress can do is make alterations as they come and trust the result is a perfect and unique fit.

[I] wanted to be able to contribute in preserving [the tradition of weaving] because this is part of our culture and gives us a sense of identity as Filipinos.