On Tuesday, the Senate nominated traditional tattoo master Whang-od Oggay, or Apo Whang-od to many, to receive the “highest honor given by the State to traditional folk artists,” according to a report on CNN Philippines.
The nomination was via Senate Resolution No. 2, which aims to recognize the traditional tattoo master for her works as the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living Treasures Award. Apo Whang-od is said to be oldest and last “mambabatok” or traditional Kalinga tattooist. She is reportedly a 100 years old.
In April 1992, the GAMABA was institutionalized via Republic Act No. 7355. It recognizes Filipinos, particularly traditional folk artists, “for their contribution to the national heritage through awards, grants, and other forms of recognition.”
Apo Whang-od is said to have begun in her traditional tattooing at the age of 15. The tattoo ink she uses is made of a mixture of charcoal and water. She taps it into the skin using the thorny end of a calamansi or pomelo tree branch.
In October 2017, Apo Whang-Od attended an event in Manila called Manila FAME. At that event, she said that “she is hopeful that her tribe in the village of Buscalan, which is around 450 kilometers north of Manila, will continue her work.”
“I am happy that today, children are getting interested in tattoo making, so when my eyesight is gone, I know they will continue my work,” she added.
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