Cover Recognised as a Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2012, Nana Gamayo continues to pass down the ancient art of inabel weaving, a craft born of patience, rhythm and grace
Recognised as a Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2012, Nana Gamayo continues to pass down the ancient art of inabel weaving, a craft born of patience, rhythm and grace
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‘Rich Rarities: Weaving’ by Tatler and HSBC explores Ilocos Norte’s Inabel weaving and how heritage craftsmanship mirrors HSBC’s enduring values of integrity, connection and care
In Pinili, Ilocos Norte, threads hum beneath the weight of history. At the Pinili Inabel centre, inaugurated on the 99th birthday of Manililikha ng Bayan Magdalena Galinato Gamayo, the art of Inabel continues to thrive.
Nana Magdalena, 2012 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee, began weaving during the Second World War, and still works the loom daily. Her creations—binakol swirls, inuritan geometrics, kusikos spirals and sinan-sabong florals—are both mathematical and meditative, each a reflection of patience and precision.
Read more from Tatler: Path to Fortune: Celebrating 150 years of HSBC in the Philippines
Above Threads of heritage, woven by hand
Above The Pinili Inabel Centre is not merely a workshop—it is a living archive of Filipino skill, patience and pride
Threads of heritage, woven by hand
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Above The rhythm of patience
Above The art of devotion
The rhythm of patience
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When Tatler, with HSBC, visited her and fellow artisans in Pinili, the rhythm of the loom seemed to echo a deeper truth: that every enduring creation relies on balance. The warp must be firm, the weft flexible, just as institutions must hold fast to integrity while adapting to change.
See also: The weaving revival in Cebu that is empowering women and preserving Filipino craftsmanship
Above With every weave, Manlilikha ng Bayan Nana Gamayo transforms cotton into culture—crafting cloth that carries both her name and the nation’s story
With every weave, Manlilikha ng Bayan Nana Gamayo transforms cotton into culture—crafting cloth that carries both her name and the nation’s story
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HSBC Philippines’ story, like the Inabel, is woven over time. Established in Binondo, Manila, in 1875, it financed industries that built the modern Philippines—from sugar and railways to the country’s post-war recovery. Today, HSBC, through digital innovations, continue this thread, linking Filipino talent to a global network of opportunity. HSBC Philippines supports local clients in their quest to expand to international shores, as well as international clients looking to invest in the Philippines. Supporting these operations with dedicated relationship managers and digital banking services that allow them ease of centralised vantage points across all their international operations, with a single point of contact to support their needs. With its local expertise, extensive network and digital capabilities, HSBC Philippines can help businesses navigate through complexities of international expansion, optimise financial operations, and seize growth opportunities.
Above Threads cross and intertwine—echoing stories of patience, tradition and quiet mastery
Above Each movement at the loom mirrors the weaver’s heart—steady, deliberate and full of memory
Threads cross and intertwine—echoing stories of patience, tradition and quiet mastery
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Above Like threads in a tapestry, HSBC’s 150-year story in the Philippines is built on connection and care
Like threads in a tapestry, HSBC’s 150-year story in the Philippines is built on connection and care
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Nana Magdalena’s weaving embodies what HSBC calls its four pillars: heritage in tradition, integrity in craftsmanship, connection across communities and care in transmission. Both weaver and bank know that strength lies not in single threads, but in the unity that binds them.
As the sunlight caught the woven cloths fluttering in the Ilocos wind, one could see the pattern clearly: threads of heritage intertwined with innovation make for a fabric built to last. See the full video below:
Above a Tatler Philippines production, in partnership with HSBC
Location: Pinili Inabel Centre, Ilocos Norte
“Rich Rarities”
Director: Adi Bontuyan
Assistant Director: Mikki Soriano
Edited by: Dan Pablo
Lead Producer: James Mayo
Production Manager: Jo Reglos
Words: Dowee Untivero
Camera Operators: Lord Gerald Bala and Dan Pablo
Production Assistant/Gaffer: Ian Agapay
Deputy Editorial Director: Isabel Martel Francisco
Commercial Initiatives Manager: Bianca Simeon
Special thanks to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
This video is part of a four-part feature series entitled “Rich Rarities”. Visit our channel to watch more.
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A creative storyteller with a background in literature and culture, Dowee has been with Tatler since 2016 and now leads the brand’s digital voice—pursuing stories that highlight inspiring people, moments, and experiences. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from De La Salle University and is pursuing her PhD in Philippine Literature and Society at the University of the Philippines. She is also a member of the writers group, Taftique, which hones young writers in the field of creative literature.
For story leads, collaborations, or inquiries, reach out via dowee@tatlerphilippines.com or info@tatlerphilippines.com.
