INabel: Living Threads exhibition to open in Carson on May 22
One-day public exhibit will showcase indigenous Ilocos Norte textiles and the work of National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo
CARSON, Calif. — INabel: Living Threads, a traveling exhibition of indigenous Philippine textiles from Ilocos Norte, will open to the public on Friday, May 22, at the Carson Community Center.
The one-day exhibition, which is free to the public, will highlight the cultural heritage, craftsmanship and textile traditions of Northern Philippines, with special attention to inabel, one of the region’s most prized handwoven fabrics. The exhibit will also showcase the delicate and intricate work associated with Magdalena Gamayo, the master weaver recognized in the Philippines as a National Living Treasure.
The exhibition forms part of the ongoing Pinagmulan textile and fashion exhibition, which has been presented in Los Angeles over the past four years.
“This is part of the ongoing Pinagmulan textile and fashion exhibition that has been displayed in Los Angeles over the past four years,” said executive producer Rosie Chua, “but this is the first time that the distinct INabel fabric will be displayed in Southern California.”
The exhibition is being brought to Southern California by a Philippine government delegation led by Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, in honor of the yearlong celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines.
“When the Philippine Consulate asked me to lead the display of INabel, I was overjoyed and honored,” Chua said. “This is part of a greater effort to draw attention to the cultural heritage of the Philippines through the craftsmanship, design and creativity of these unique fabrics. I hope that patrons who see this work feel a sense of pride and unity in being Filipino.”
Ted Benito, a producer for the exhibit, said the organizers are working with Philippine Airlines as the major sponsor in bringing the exhibition to Carson.
“We are extremely fortunate to be working with Philippine Airlines, our major sponsor in bringing this stunning work to Carson,” Benito said. “And we are also honored to host Governor Araneta Marcos and her delegation, which includes artists and craftsmen who will install and oversee the entire display. This is timeless art, one which carries the stories of generations of Filipinos in its threads.”
Additional support for the exhibit comes from the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, Asian Journal as main media sponsor, Lisa Lew of P&L Media, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the Office of Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute.
INabel: Living Threads will open with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. on Friday, May 22, at the Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745. Admission and parking are free. Organizers encourage patrons to arrive early.
Event details
What: INabel: Living Threads
When: Friday, May 22, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745
Admission: Free
Parking: Free on-site parking available
Presented by: Philippine Airlines, in association with LXV Enterprises, LLC
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