Appu Ambaleng Ausalin.Yakan. National Living Treasure.

I met Ambaleng Ausalin by chance at a bus stop while waiting for the bus that would take us from Lamitan to Isabela in Basilan. My friend Earl told me that she was a highly regarded weaver and made the introductions. She is a highly animated woman and quite funny.

Ten months later, she was awarded the GAMABA Manlilikha ng Bayan distinction for Yakan weaving.