MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray couldn’t help but fell into tears after seeing master weaver Magdalena Gamayo in the province of Ilocos Norte.
The beauty queen took some time to converse with the living legend during her trip to the province.
Gamayo received the National Living Treasure award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2012.
The 28-year-old beauty queen shared that she doesn’t usually tear up easily. But after seeing the cultural legend, she couldn’t help herself but turn emotional.
“Perhaps it was that I felt I was in the same room as a cultural legend. Nana Magdalena has contributed to the Filipino weaving community so greatly that @nccaofficial recognized her as a National Living Treasure noong 2012,” she wrote.
Catriona quipped that she was in awe after seeing the 98-year-old master weaver doing her craft –– adding on how amazed she was at the dedication Gamayo had for it.
“Perhaps it’s that, she shared with me, na ‘yung paghahabi niya ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng lakas. That even at her age, hinahanap ng katawan niya ang paghahabi,” she said.
“And now, at the Gumaba Cultural center, the art of abel is thriving and surviving. A tradition passed down through generations that our future generations will hopefully, continue to see and appreciate its value,” she added.
“Her hands have literally woven tradition…the hands of a national living treasure. I’m so honored to have met her and witnessed her craft with my own eyes. Our pride, Nana Magdalena. Mabuhay ka,” she shared.
Catriona is touring the province of Ilocos as part of her “Raise Your Flag” series which aims to showcase the beauty and culture of the different parts of the country.
Previously, the beauty queen featured the provinces of Laguna, La Union, and Zamboanga. (PUSH)
