The Comfy Kumbong

CEBU, Philippines - You can never underestimate the comfort and convenience a kumbong gives.

A kumbong is a head cover commonly used by Muslim women. It is not as bulky as bath towels and blankets or as large as sarongs or wraps. It is too short like a head scarf, either.

Some may find kumbong buffs eyesores. I overheard, in a recent trip to Manila, a companion giving a side comment on our other companion wrapping herself with a violet kumbong. "The last time she was in deep red, now in violet. I think she can't live without that [item]. I think she can't stand the cold every time," the she-male blabbed.

I had my kumbong on too. Mine was ash gray in soft textile with fine tassels, a most appreciated piece because it has already proven its versatility to me. Maybe the she-male had attacked me silently, too, or made a big deal of the stuff around my neck, wrapped like a python.

I'm not a big fan of umbrellas and am in gratitude to the kumbong, which is an alternative protective shield - from the sun, the wind and dust. It is a sanitary instrument too; I use it as a hankie. As I travel via public conveyances, the kumbong becomes my bandana. It is my pillow, my blanket, my body towel. This piece of cloth allows me to travel light.

Some people, like that she-male, may not like to see kumbong users around because we probably appear to them like "walking tents." But I see nothing wrong in being in the league of Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel and Leila de Lima, who always have a panuelo (piece of square or rectangular cloth running from the shoulder down to the waist or hips), a shawl or scarf to accessorize their wardrobe. Unless these two women claim exclusivity rights to it. (FREEMAN)