03/19/2024
MAGDALENA GAMAYO - National Living Treasure
I first learned about Magdalena Gamayo, a master weaver of Inabel in 2019 when a friend of mine suggested that we see her, since we were already in Pagudpud. We planned our trip, but it we were unable to visit. In 2023, we planned to go, but again, even with all the planning, it didn't push through.
Yet, I had a dream...I was traveling by car and Lola Magdalena was traveling by boat and was ahead of me. But at one point, we met each other and she told me - "I will wait for you." Upon waking, I knew I will meet her personally, soon.
With the help of another friend, I am so thankful that I got the great opportunity of meeting her and delightedly watched as she weaved.
After traveling for 7 hours from Manila to Pinili, we met Lola Magdalena, who is now 99 years old.
She can only speak in Ilocano, but she was warm and friendly. She wore clothes which she has woven herself. She loves vibrant colors in her works. She said it makes her happy when she has visitors and they appreciate her works. She also shared stories of how she learned how to weave and most of her work were given away as gifts before. She talked about her daily routine. Of how she wakes up at 4am everyday, and would weave starting at 5am, take a rest midday and then resume weaving until it ends at 5pm.
She has gone through a lot in her life, including the loss of her only child. That is why, being given the Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan award meant a lot to her. This recognition eased the hardships and pain she has endured, and she felt happy.
What also makes her happy is that she is able to teach the art of weaving inabel to the younger generation. It is her advocacy that this skill is passed on and continued in the future.
She will turn 100 years old this coming August, and she is looking forward in celebrating on that day.
😊
