deadlysnips

As I mentioned before there are a lot of side quests to be done. They will aid you along the way. For example once you have defeated the general at Numara and have the White Boa go into the queens room and collect her harp. Then go to Numara Atoll and defeat the Holy Beast, he will then give you an accessory 100 dreams which allows you to have 10 extra skill slots. Gongoras secret cave is great to earn SP if all characters have anti petrify. I recommend using the White Boa and going to the Pirate Fortress and exploring around and finding the Cubic Music Store 9. Play the required tune and you will receive sunderch glasses which reveals hidin chest that give you most of the level 8 spells. Once your satisfied with the side quests go to the island I mentioned in the answer below and defeat Gongoras men. Once done, head to a small inlet in the mountains surrounding the second Grand Staff mission. This must be done in the Nuatalis (don't no how to spell). The cut scenes take you under water and after a few fights and aimless walking you find Gongora. Once again save before you enter Grand Staff so you can go back and explore more and earn achievements. Then after the credits save in a different slot and this will give you New Game +.
Hope I helped and happy to answer other questions.