In the remote mountain village of Buscalan, I had the rare opportunity to document the legendary Apo Whang-Od, often regarded as the last traditional mambabatok of the Kalinga people.
Born in 1917, Whang-Od began tattooing at age 16 under her father’s guidance and has since become a living symbol of cultural resilience and artistry.
She uses a centuries-old hand-tapping technique called batok, using a thorn dipped in soot to create intricate tattoos that once marked bravery, transitions, and social status. Today, these designs connect visitors to ancestral heritage and living tradition.
Visiting her home meant trekking through rice terraces and entering a world where culture is preserved one slow tap at a time. It was a solemn yet celebratory moment I was able to capture through my lens.
