Magdalena Gamayo lives in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, not far from the capital city of Laoag. Despite the proximity, her rural area remains quiet and dedicated to farming rice, cotton, and tobacco. As a 2012 recipient of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award, Magdalena's status as a master weaver is well recognized, but weaving alone does not sustain her. 

As a National Living Treasure, Magdalena has contributed immensely to the country's intangible cultural heritage. As a cultural bearer, she teaches her craft to young weavers and shares her passion for a tradition close to her heart. 

Nana Magdalena learned the art at 16 and was influenced by her aunt and family. Her father bought her first loom at 19, which lasted her at least 30 years. Today, few locals have the skills to create a loom like Magdalena's, which uses a sturdy wooden frame with three-foot pedals and a longer lengthwise frame to support the warp. This loom differs from the traditional backstrap loom used in the Cordillera region. She has been a agab-abel for over 83 years, learning the craft at age 16 by watching her aunts work at the height of the Second World War.