These Filipino personalities’ most unique cultural experience is getting tattooed by the 107-year-old legendary Apo Whang-Od.
The oldest and last mambabatok in the Philippines from the Kalinga province, Apo Whang-Od, recently received the Presidential Medal of Merit for raising “international awareness of our country’s rich cultural heritage.” Her traditional hand-tap method, or “pagbabatok”, has led Filipinos to travel to the Kalinga mountains to tattoo their skin, including these known Filipino personalities.
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1. Rhian Ramos
Rhian Ramos braved the 12 to 14-hour journey to reach Apo Whang-Od not once, but twice. On her first trip, she had two designs done: a hawk to symbolize her spiritual relationship with God, and a scorpion done by Whang-Od’s grandniece. The Kapuso actress herself designed the third tattoo: a reminder for her to stay humble and grounded.
2. Zeinab Harake
Most recently, Zeinab Harake made the journey as well and documented her trip in a YouTube vlog. She says it’s been a long time dream of hers to have Apo Whang-Od leave a mark on her body, and that dream became a reality last February 15. Zeinab had her new ink, Whang Od’s signature three-dot tattoo, placed above the tiger face on her arm.
3. Sheryn Regis
Cebuana singer-songwriter Sheryn Regis and girlfriend Mel De Guia got matching tattoos last 2022 on the back of their necks. On top of that, they also had the tattooist’s three-dot signature ink on their hands. This was Sheryn’s first time getting tattooed, and it was certainly a memorable moment for the couple.
4. Maine Mendoza
Whang-Od’s three-dot signature tattoo can also be found inked on Maine Mendoza’s skin, vertically placed on her lower leg. The actress even gave insight on the artist’s personality, saying she was “super kulit” and “malakas pa rin”.
5. Kim Atienza
Kuya Kim’s first tattoo was also done by the legendary artist back in 2018 on her 101st birthday and Matanglawin TV’s 10th anniversary. The television personality asked Whang-Od for a cross tattoo to symbolize his relationship with God.
Featured Image: ZEINAB HARAKE and RHIAN RAMOS (Via Facebook)
