I don’t remember exactly when I first heard about Orman Manansala, but I think I met him for the first time during the Avatar Media Practical Photojournalism Workshop. We didn’t talk much but I remember him to be a jolly person, very personable.

The second time I met him was during his visit to Davao last December 2009 which coincided with Mica Rodriguez’s visit to Davao. It was during this visit that Orman invited me and the other Avatar Media members to cover and participate during the General Santos City Kalilangan Festival 2010.

It was during this five day trip to General Santos City that I experienced how much of a great person Orman is. For one, he is a damn good host. Even if he was very busy as Festival Director, he managed to take very good care of us and even accompanied us to most of our trips and stops during the five day trip.

Going above and beyond his duty as Festival Director and host, Orman fed us, gave us shelter, and entertained us to the hilt during those five days. He even managed to introduce us to some *ehem* boys to keep me company during my stay there. He is the perfect example of the hospitality and kindness of the Generals of General Santos City.

And Orman was not just gracious to us, it was apparent that he was a loving brother, est SISTER, to his siblings and a doting uncle to his nieces. He took care of them and made sure their needs are met. But he was also always constantly reminding them to take care of themselves better.

While he was playing gracious host to us, he also performed his duties as Festival Director. Excellently. He works very hard and even if he is the top boss for the event, he worked well with other people, trusting that they will deliver well. He is a testament to effective leadership through leading by example and inspiring others to work as hard as he does.

During that trip, Orman gave me the chance to judge first ever Queen of Mindanao Festivals. It was a very challenging and humbling experience that gave me a new look into beauty pageants and festivals. A very unforgettable experience.

While we were there, everywhere we went, somebody knew Orman and wanted to chat or catch up with him. He is popular. And it’s not just because of his position or his work, but because of his cheerful and friendly personality. He talks to everybody and makes them feel important.

It was during that five day trip to General Santos when I learned to appreciate Gen San, its people, and their culture. More importantly, it was the trip that cemented the friendship between the Diyosa (me, LOL!) and Gen San’s Ganda Ever So Much, Orman Manansala. A friendship which will conquer heartbreaks, stress, illnesses, and maybe even the end of the world. 😉

Photo courtesy of Chattee Lara.