14/08/2025
The nation celebrates the 101st Birthday of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo.
Magdalena Gamayo has immersed herself in the rich tradition of textile weaving, mastering the intricate patterns of binakol, inuritan, kusikos, and the most demanding of all—the Inubon a Sabong. She has honed the remarkable ability to recreate designs from mere glimpses, a skill that proves invaluable when a tangible sample eludes her grasp.
At the remarkable age of 101, Magdalena's vision remains sharp, allowing her to meticulously arrange the threads on her loom. Fellow weavers acknowledge that this task is the most formidable of all; a single misstep can lead to a design that only reveals its flaws when it is too late to amend.
Her works surpass the ordinary Inabel, boasting an exceptional thread count and intricate patterns and compositions that often incorporate up to five colors. The challenge of ensuring that each colored thread is evenly spaced and accurately counted is one that Magdalena has consistently conquered.
The magnificence of her work lies in the delicate intricacy of the patterns, harmoniously woven into a uniform textile. With hands weathered by time, she breathes life into her art, and her unique creations stand as a testament to the irreplaceable essence of human artistry, far beyond the reach of machines.
To know more about MB Magdalena Gamayo, please visit: https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/gamaba/national-living-treasures-magdalena-gamayo/
