I painted this piece entitled "Let me be who I am" in 2018. A tribute to a Philippine Icon Apo Whang Od.
For those who dont know her here's a little info.
Whang-Od is the oldest tattoo artist in Philippines and the last living mambabatok, which is a traditional Kalinga tattooist. She lives in the small town of Buscalan, in the mountains of Kalinga, creating tattoos since she was just 15.
Whang-Od, also known as Maria Oggay, became known to the whole world when Lars Krutak, the American anthropologist, visited Kalinga in 2007. He documented her work in the series Tattoo Hunter that were featured on Discovery Channel. That was the beginning of a big wave of tourists that will come to Kalinga in the next few years only to meet this legend and get tattooed by her.
It is not easy to reach Buscalan and the trip itself is an adventure. However, many tourists from all over the world are ready to embark on this trip. After a 8-10 hours bus ride from Manila to Bontoc, all you have to do then is take a jeep or a car to Tinglayan and from there to hike up to Buscalan.
As soon as you arrive, it’s best to register at the tattoo shop, to get a chance to be tattooed by Ms. Whang-Od. On most days, she finishes quite early and stops doing any work after lunch, so people who have arrived that day, get the chance to spend the night in town, so that they can keep their place in line the next morning.
Come visit us here in the philippines and meet Apo whang od! :)
