Redefining, Reviving: The Jeannie Laccay Story
Living in two different spaces simultaneously might sound odd, but for Jeannie Laccay, living between her worlds is a source of creative synergy, where each world fuels the other. One is lit by stage lights, where she holds a microphone and sharpens the edge of humor. The other is filled with the quiet rustle of threads—seeking comfort, bearing the weights of motherhood. She moves between them with a rare kind of grace.
ON STAGE
Laccay defies the notion that women must choose a single path, demonstrating the strength and possibility of embracing multiple roles.
She draws inspiration for Aruga’s designs directly from her interactions, explaining, “When I meet people, that’s where I get my inspiration for the designs in Aruga.” Her joyful or contemplative moods then translate into the colors and patterns of her handwoven creations.
As one of the few female comedians in the Philippines, she takes a unique approach that infuses advocacy into her comedy. She uses humor to engage her audience and share impactful stories.
In the comedy world, however, she notes the discrepancies that female comedians face. “There’s a little difference,” she admits, explaining how audience reactions can vary when women deliver the same kind of “bastos” or controversial jokes as male comedians.
A MATERIAL FOR REVIVAL
Laccay founded Aruga Handwoven on the principles of personal connection and cultural revival. As an Isinay herself, her experience as a mother inspired her. Seeking a way to carry her child in the tradition of her ancestors, she rediscovered the “aban,” the Isinay baby carrier. Learning to weave through online tutorials and visits to the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), she embarked on a journey to transform her life and community.
Her efforts culminated in a weaving workshop in Dupax Del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya—her hometown. She taught a new generation, ranging from 16 to 60 years old, ensuring that the Isinay tradition would thrive again.
“I’m helping the town; I’m helping my tribe,” she says.
Laccay’s journey is that of a loud, bustling megaphone that allows women to break through expectations and redefine their roles. She embodies the “kaya mo yan” spirit. She encourages women to pursue their passions, embrace motherhood without sacrificing their dreams, and find fulfillment in every aspect of their lives.
“You can do whatever you want,” she says. “Being a mom is not an excuse to not bring your greater self.”
Despite societal pressures that assume women can’t juggle the struggle and force them into narrow roles, they demonstrably succeed across diverse roles. Jeannie Laccay is one of the women who refuse to be boxed. She is a comedian, an entrepreneur, and, at the heart of it all, a mother. She is a woman who weaves her own story, one thread, one punchline, at a time. In doing so, she shows us that the most beautiful lives often defy easy definition.
