She is a living national treasure being hailed as the oldest “ Mambabatok ” of the native tribe of Butbut in Buscalan Village, Kalinga. At 102-years old, she is seen as a celebrity to many travelers, and … I was here to find Apo Whang Od, a living legend and the last Kalinga tattoo artist to hold the title of Mamababatok – the tattoo master. Embed review. For decades, Whang Od has kept the traditions of the Butbut tribe alive by tattooing with thorns, charcoal and a small bamboo hammer. Check it out here. Pot Pot eventually arrived, apologising again and again for keeping me late. She then passed it on to her grandniece, Grace Palicas, who has been to Dutdutan, the country’s biggest and grandest tattoo … You may alter it a little but if I may suggest, just stick to the original designs, especially if you want to be tattooed by Apo. I suggest you. Other guests also said Apo loves chocolates and anything Coco Martin. A: It is safe. Don’t worry, the Butbut tribe of Buscalan is very nice.Your tour guide will arrange the accommodation for you. Details about PHILIPPINES - KALINGA TATTOO LADY - WHANG OD - ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR PAINTING. Required Cookies & Technologies. These are a coconut bowl where water, charcoal, and sweet potato are combined to produce the tribal tattoo … but you can also buy from some of the sari-sari stores in Buscalan (a little bit pricey than the usual but I actually prefer this option so they can have additional income). Mine healed after a month. With that, if you have any plans to hit the beach anytime soon, take into consideration the healing time needed. 5. Apo Whang Od is considered as the oldest living tattooist in the Philippines at the age of 103. Prepare yourself emotionally and physically. With so few reviews, your opinion of Apo Whang Od Tattoo Artist could be huge. After getting my Buscalan tattoo, we descended to the nipa hut of Apo Whang-Od. I had been conformable travelling in Sagada, happy to be in a small mountain town with a cool climate and numerous hike. You’ll know it’s almost done when Apo Whang-od starts imprinting her signature “3 dots”. The jeepney usually leaves some time between 1 pm and 2 pm. But hey, even though it’s just 3 dots, it still eats a lot of time especially if many people are lined up for her signature. 6 photos. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. There’s no off-peak season for Apo Whang-od. My traveler tattoo costs Php500 but I gave … You have to take a guide or you are not allowed to visit the village – the guide fee is 1000 pesos per day per group. You only need the guide for the first day; make it clear that you don’t want to pay the guide fee after the first day. I. It can be bought in Buscalan, just ask your guide to buy one for you. A small framed 95 years old woman with shy eyes and I can see that she has that colorful vibrant personality too. Whang Od - Oldest Tattoo Artist - National Artist T-Shirt Price: $19.99 FREE Shipping Get free shipping Free 5-8 day shipping within the U.S. when you order $25.00 of eligible items sold or fulfilled by Amazon. Whang Od: An Icon of Pop Culture. Tattoo from Apo Whang-od depends on availabilty. Ride a Victory Liner bus from Kamias station to Tabuk. Others only end up getting a signature from Whang-od, usually early in the morning at around 7:00am-8:00am before going back to Tinglayan Point. If possible, ask your guide to schedule you in the morning to be tattooed. I arrived at the village without warning, one minute I was still on the lonely path, the next moment, I burst from the jungle and was standing next to a wooden shack with a tin roof. As for the wet wipes, make sure to make every ply accessible to Apo so she will use it to wipe the ink and blood from your skin. 11. Please, only visit the village if you can stay a few days, do not litter, consider visiting other villages and be a responsible tourist. Shorts, leggings, few shirts (depending on the length of your stay) and one reliable jacket or shawl would do. Apo would sometimes comment during or after each of her session “balat kalabaw” (in Butbut Kalinga dialect) if your skin takes too long to absorb the ink. After I published my story about Getting Inked by Whang Od a couple of years ago, I’ve received numerous e-mails and private messages from people from around the world asking for more information about Buscalan and the famous tattoo artist, Apo Whang Od. Also, since Apo Whang-od is not very fluent or has very limited tagalog or english vocabulary, your guide will also serve as your interpreter, he will also be the one to talk to Whang-od, Grace or Elyang (Apo Whang-od’s grand daughters whom she also trained to be mambabatok) if it’s already your turn to be tattooed. Used it for 2 consecutive days. Once you have been tattooed, Whang Od will then tell you how much your tattoo costs – it will probably be between 400 and 1000 pesos. Standard price of Apo Whang-od’s signature is Php100. Expect to live under one roof with a local family. First, I had to get there. Practicalities of visiting Whang Od – July 2016 Update, Pot Pot’s walkthrough over at Travel Trilogy. Nov 30, 2015 - Explore Claudia Cojuangco's board "Whang Od | Kalinga Tattoos | Traditional Tattooing", followed by 164 people on Pinterest. Your tour guide would be happy to carry your bags but please be easy, after all, he only has two hands. (Prices may vary for AK and HI.) A: Depends on how big the design is. It would also help if you join the Facebook Group “Tattooed by Apo Whang-od” if you have further questions before going up or if you can join a group tour going to Buscalan so you can save more. Healing takes time. The Whang-Od streetwear cap goes on sale for … I sat on a hard block of wood, watching with grim fascination as she lifted the stick and began. The Whang-Od tattoo cap from New Era Caps Philippines is on sale for P2,095. Be the judge. See more ideas about Tattoos, Filipino tattoos, Traditional tattoo. The trek to Barangay Buscalan can be considered as an initiation already. Apo Whang-Od is the legendary Filipina tattoo artist from Kalinga and the last to hold the Mambabatok title — a true tattoo master.. The biggest problem currently faced by the village is tourists littering – there is no waste management in Buscalan so please do your bit; do not litter and carry all of your trash out with you when you leave. A month later, Apo Whang Od’s tattoo … I was starstruck to see a living legend, however, disappointed by … Spin Locker. Just make sure to tell your tour guide to help Apo change the water and remind her to use a new pomelo thorn before the session. Despite her popularity, preserving the rich Kalinga art faces many setbacks. Fruits and Sustagen Premium are nice ideas too. Apo Whang Od’s tattoo has almost healed but the Fern tattoo was only healed from the outside. You can arrange to stay in one of the villager’s houses relatively easy, it will only cost around $5 but be aware that it is pretty basic – you will get pillows and blankets but will basically be on the floor so if you have a rollmat you should bring it. The next day, we returned at Grace’s house (this is where Apo performs her tattoo session), excited to have our tattoos (there were only 3 people left on queue before we can have ours) but were disappointed upon learning that a lot of people were lined up to have Apo’s signature tattoo. Share review. 3 days and 2 nights package available upon request for better chances of getting a tattoo P.S. Bringing a book will also help kill boredom while waiting for your turn to be tattooed. Compass The villagers are all wonderfully friendly people and you will end up staying in one of the villager’s homes. A living legend in the Philippines, she has mastered the indigenous inking art of the “batok” and is a … A. I strongly suggest that you consider heading to OTHER villages in the Buscalan area so as not to overwhelm Whang Od’s small village and so as to help spread tourist dollars around the area. II. Slowly but surely we traipsed further from the road and higher into the hills. The Backpacker Bible – Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. Spin Locker. Just make the wet wipes ply available on her sight, don’t push her to get it. 694 photos. Apo stopped tattoing at almost 6:00pm (it was summer so sunset was late). I really mean it! She was sprightly, humorous even, and smiled from beneath a heavy black hoodie – the kind of thing a teenager might wear. Bring something for the kids. (There’s 7PM and 8PM trips. Yun ang sabi samin as courtesy. Starting price is usually Php300-Php500 and up. IV. If you are planning to go to Buscalan anytime soon, here are few things you need to know before getting a tattoo from the Oldest Mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattooist) and National Living Treasure in the mountain of Kalinga. Ask your tour guide to ask if how much is the price of your tattoo and…PICTURE! Today, he runs a number of online ventures, including, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide. Starting price is usually Php300-Php500 and up. Whang-od uses a thorn, a bamboo stick and wet charcoal to put the design on one's skin. Electro-swing pumped through my headphones as I held on tight to the metal roof-rack, my fingers white from the biting wind. Tiny droplets of blood decorated my arm as slowly but surely, the design came to life upon my flesh. This is also for the protection of the tourists so please heed their advise. She took a quick look at our freshly-inked tattoos and told the guide the total price. So go ahead and be generous. According to the feature story entitled “At 100 or So, She Keeps a Philippine Tattoo Tradition Alive” and written by Aurora Almendral Wang-Od is a tattoo artist from the tribe of Butbut of the Kalinga ethnic group of the Philippines.. She is one of the legends who belongs to the last generation doing the ritual inking and is also one of the few who still remembers how it was done. Bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated but please don’t drink too much while trekking to avoid overhydrating or hyponatremia due to too much water intake. The Kalinga coffee in Buscalan is VERY GOOD so make sure to take home some. We did not left the place until her last session because we want to know if how many people are still on queue before our turn. Now, I hoped to join the privileged few who could say that they had been tattooed by the last Kalinga tattoo master. Batok is a form of traditional tattoo; given to warriors with unprecedented achievement during the early times. We keep a close eye on international developments and our many contributors the world over ensure we always have a fresh take on what is going on in the world of tattoo and everything that revolves around this art form. Tattoo is now appreciated by many because of the different perspective used by media and netizens. Apo Whang Od is considered as the oldest living tattooist in the Philippines at the age of 103. We raced further into the country, taking hair-pin bends with reckless abandon, bouncing along on top of the Jeepney as we climbed into the mountains. More information. Whang-od’s first tattoo, she recalls, was a ladder and a python, designs that have no meanings at all and permanently inked on her skin so that she could “belong to the group.” While the Kalinga tattoos have lost some of its ancient qualities over the years, the materials used by Whang-od have remained the same. They are not persistent but the happiness you see whenever you hand them little treats is just priceless. I guess this also depends on the pain tolerance of a person because others say otherwise. Their house is located just beside Buscalan Elementary School. I was here to get inked. Just drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Fare is Php700. as well as some matches and a kilo of salt. A: I can only speak for myself because I believe each person’s pain threshold varies. 3 days and 2 nights package available upon request for better chances of getting a tattoo Support the site and learn how to travel the world on $10 a day. So even if you get your tattoo done by Grace or Elyang, you will have to go find Apo & show your tattoo to her for pricing. The musical noise of the hammer drifted across the village as a crowd of interested villagers watched to see if I would reveal any sign of pain. Waiting for the most coveted batok from Apo Whang-od can really test your patience especially if you only have one or two days to spare. After getting your tattoos, visitors are asked to go to Apo Whang Od to ask for the price. Your group will then be assigned a number based on your arrival. She then passed it on to her grandniece, Grace Palicas, who has been to Dutdutan, the country’s biggest and grandest tattoo exposition held annually. Whang Od at home. Walk few meters, past the police station , and look for a jeepney (Php60) or van (Php150) to take you to the turning point in Tinglayan. We believed they just arrived the previous day and we obviously arrived first, but then again, since they just want Apo’s signature, we can’t do anything but give way. The trek to Buscalan takes between forty minutes and two hours depending on fitness. . Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment. (Source: Wikipedia) Of course, who ever got a tattoo, will get a photo opp with Whang-Od too! Also, since Apo Whang-od is not very fluent or has very limited tagalog or english vocabulary, your guide will also serve as your interpreter, he will also be the one to talk to Whang-od, Grace or Elyang (Apo Whang-od’s grand daughters whom she also trained to be. It was July 2015, when my friends and I decided to head to Buscalan, Kalinga to meet with the renowned traditional tattoo artist from the Butbut tribe, Whang-Od. Apo(a word to show respect) Whang-od does NOT do full tattoos anymore because she is 101 years old and her eyesight isn’t up to it anymore. Prices are subject to change with out prior notice For rates for less than 06 participants please contact us. Whang–od starts her day early and accommodates as many as she can but chooses to rest by 4pm. We passed deep ravines and soaring hills, countless paddy fields, farmers carrying goods to market, children playing on the road, herds of hogs snuffling in the undergrowth and tiny hamlets, clinging to the tiny space between the road and a vertical drop. The wind whistled past my face as I sat atop the jeepney, my eyes stretched wide to take in the plunging landscape whipping past me. MANILA – The local counterpart of the sports and lifestyle brand New Era Cap has released a collection featuring the works of the famous Kalinga tattoo artist Whang-Od. I kept observing the tattoos. 427 friends. Recent sales price provided by the seller. Little things mean a lot. Whang-Od is a mambabatok of the But-But tribe.Batok is the term for the technique she uses where the ink, made of a mixture of soot and water, is embedded into the skin by a pomelo thorn (which serves as the needle).The thorn is attached into a bamboo stick which would then be repeatedly tapped by another bamboo stick until the desired design is tattooed on the skin. Rate of tour guide is Php1,000 per day (max of 5 pax. 7. Below are the steps being done to get your batok. First to Review. Legendary tattoo master Whang-Od was transported from her tribal village of Buscalan to the capital for the Manila FAME trade show, with the help of the Philippine Army and Air Force. This 103-year-old woman named Whang Od Oggay is the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. However, please also understand that having the traditional tattoo, especially by Apo Whang-od, is really worth the wait and should not be rushed. All traditional designs. Once you have been tattooed, Whang Od will then tell you how much your tattoo costs – it will probably be between 400 and 1000 pesos. Her enigmatic tattoos are the main reason travelers from all over the world come to … Occasionally, if she liked you, she would tattoo a westerner. There were three of us by the way. Plus other collabs with the legendary tattoo artist. Whang Od Tattoo Designs. A: Depends on the length of your stay. PICTURE with Apo! There’s no phone signal in Buscalan, all the more data signal. Also, I would be a hypocrite If I say that it doesn’t hurt because it really does. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It was July 2015, when my friends and I decided to head to Buscalan, Kalinga to meet with the renowned traditional tattoo artist from the Butbut tribe, Whang-Od. Whang Od is currently in poor health and is turning away the vast majority of those who come seeking tattoos. Every tattoo’s price varies depending on the size and area. Whang Od - Oldest Tattoo Artist - National Artist T-Shirt Price: $19.99 FREE Shipping Get free shipping Free 5-8 day shipping within the U.S. when you order $25.00 of eligible items sold or fulfilled by Amazon. But please, don’t haggle. Besides, Whang Od’s family has hung a sign on their house door as an indication for lost tourists and she provides them with food and lodging. 10. Legendary tattoo master Whang-Od was transported from her tribal village of Buscalan to the capital for the Manila FAME trade show, with the help of the Philippine Army and Air Force. ^_^. (Prices … For better or for worse, tourism has now arrived at the village as word of Whang Od and her tattooing skills continue to spread far and wide. In anticipation of her retirement from the tattooing scene, Whang Od has been busily training other women in the village how to give Kalinga Tattoos and there are now as many as ten other artists, the youngest of whom is just eight years old – it seems that the practice of Kalinga tattooing will live on. A: Depends on how big the design is. Some people make singit so be sure to tell or remind your guide to be vigilant as well. People from all over the world visit Buscalan all year round just to get a tattoo from the master so plan your trip accordingly. The villagers request that foreigners do NOT visit Buscalan for one or two days, stay longer or don’t go at all. PHILIPPINES - KALINGA TATTOO LADY - WHANG OD - ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR PAINTING. 1. I felt nothing. I turned, catching the last rays of the sun as they slipped across the valley, and decided I better hurry up. Again, it depends on how big the design is and if how easy your skin can absorb the pine tree soot (ink). Hahaha! It actually depends on your skin. You save: PHP 1,450.00 (50% off) Price: Discounted price PHP 1,450.00 Others get lucky but it’s not always the situation. She will get it if she wants. Yes, it’s manageable because I did not cry (hahaha) but for me it hurts and I bled a lot. 425 reviews. II. The prices range … And I would like to stress the posted guideline on their wall…“If you cannot wait, then you do not deserve this rare work of art.”, P.S. . Apo Whang Od is probably one of the most revered Filipinas of our generation. The uphill and downhill climb to the small barangay of the Butbut Kalinga tribe will take an average of 1-1.5 hours depending on one’s pace. I had caved, swam, climbed and trekked to my heart’s content. The process. Nonito C. Maynila, Philippines. I waited in the dusty frontier town of Bontoc, half expecting tumble-weeds to roll past at any moment and an impromptu cowboys versus Indians shoot-out to begin. Mambabatok refers to the people who practice the art of traditional tattoo making called Batok which is popular among the tribal warriors of the Cordillera region. These are the usual tribal/traditional tattoo designs. Whang Od’s house is quite modest, although she is always well dressed and one of the richest women in the tribe … Most tattoos will be priced up afterwards, usually costing between 400 and 1000 pesos, which is approximately $10-20, and many people will offer Whang Od some gifts too, such as food … I sat there waiting for Pot Pot, a local chap who had offered to take me to visit Whang Od. There are already groups lining up to get her signature tatto, the three dots, and the designed tattoo. The tattoos will come afterwards starting at a price of 500 Philippine pesos. Will has been on the road for thirteen years, travelling to far-flung lands on a budget. Be sure to check out the villager’s awesome bamboo smoking pipes… They are an excellent way to keep yourself entertained in the evening and to help support crafts in the village. Truly, nothing worth having comes easy and this is especially true with Whang-od’s precious batok (tattoo). The village of Buscalan is home to Whang Od Oggay, a centenarian tattoo artist (mambabatok) and last of the traditional Kalinga tattooists, as well as a major cause for tourism in the area.First brought to international attention in 2009 after anthropologist Lars Krutek’s 2007 journey to Buscalan was aired on Discovery Channel’s Tattoo Hunter, Whang … Save the world, one backpack at a time. I. A fun fact about tattooing here is about the legendary Maria “Whang Od” Oggay. We arrived at Whang-od’s house at 1pm. I went on the long journey to meet the famous Apo Whang Od, the last mambabatok (tribal tattoo artist) in her village, Kalinga. I had spent most of the morning agonizing over what tattoo to get and had, in the end, decided upon a fern; a symbol of rebirth and, I later found out, fertility. When a helicopter brought tattoo artist Whang-ud from her home village in remote Buscalan in Tinglayan, Kalinga province, to Manila for a two-day trade event, people cried “exploitation!” Or get 4-5 business-day shipping on this item for $5.99 . Based on Kalinga tradition, the master tattooist could only pass on the batok tattooing to blood relatives to prevent getting the tattoos infected by others. The tattoo session. A po Whang Od is famously known as the last mambabatok of the Kalinga. You can also travel by zipline for 100 pesos if the zipline is running (it often isn’t). Master of the handstand pushup. I shouldered my pack and set off into the jungle, following some kids with some extremely unhappy chickens tied to sticks. From Bontoc, you can catch a daily jeepney from outside ‘Dereyk’s Restaurant’, just up from the police station, that costs 150 pesos, and will take you to the turning point near Buscalan. Tossed by social media, her unprecedented fame created a newfound appreciation of a unique traditional art. I strongly recommend that you bring Whang Od some … Having a tattoo in this generation is not as taboo as before. Close, https://www.facebook.com/thebrokebackpacker, Writer and entrepreneur. If you really want a customized one (a mix of several traditional designs available), you may want to consider having Grace or Elyang do it but it’s not always 100% sure that they would agree to do it. She is often described as the "last" and oldest mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattooist) and is part of the Butbut people of the larger Kalinga ethnic group. I had traversed valleys and hiked through the jungle, ridden atop metallic-death vans and endured belching fumes; what were a few pin-pricks to mark the successful completion of my journey? Q: Apo Whang-od uses unsterilized materials for tattooing, is it safe? At the registration area, you will be asked to pay for an environmental fee of Php75.00 per head, the date and time of arrival and the number of people who plan to have a tattoo in your group will also be listed down in a small piece of paper. My bucket list adventure to Whang Od Apo, the oldest Buscalan traditional tattoo artist and living legend, to get a tattoo in the Philippines. The New Era x Whang-Od line features caps and a shirt, each in black with gold prints of the mambabatok’s designs. Legendary tattoo master Whang-Od was transported from her tribal village of Buscalan to the capital for the Manila FAME trade show, with the help of the Philippine Army and Air Force. Plan your trip during weekdays. Ask the driver to drop you off at St. William’s Cathedral in Tabuk. I have decided that henceforth when I discover a hidden gem such as this I will not be blogging about it. People from Buscalan say that it is advisable to go during weekdays as there are less people lining up. Whang-Od ’ s not always the situation length of your stay treats like candies, chocolates, etc get line. Kamias station to Tabuk known as the oldest traditional tattoo artist from Buscalan, perfect time to detach from master... To carry your bags but please be easy, after all, whang od tattoo price! Are very used to visitors offering them treats like candies, chocolates,.... Just priceless to life upon my arm as slowly but surely we traipsed further from the biting wind a... She was sprightly, humorous even, and the last Kalinga membantok or tattoo ’! ( it whang od tattoo price isn ’ t hurt because it really did not cry ( hahaha ) for... With his shaved head and twinkling eyes tattoo using Dove body Wash put. 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