PAGBABATOK
Art is a rich component of our society. Our forefathers had their indigenous art even before the arrival of the Spaniards and other colonizers, as evidenced by caves, sculptures, weavings, and carvings. The traditional manner of tattooing or "Pambabatok" that is endemic to the Cordillera Region is one of the art forms etched in our culture. Luzon, the Philippines' largest island, is home to a variety of indigenous groups. These indigenous cultures, particularly the Northern Mountain tribespeople of the Cordillera Region, are famed for their elaborate tattoos and rituals
APO WHANG-OD
Whang-od Oggay is the last mambabatok (Kalinga tattooist) from the Butbut tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga. She has been tattooing for the past 80 years, including indigenous tribe head hunters at the start of her long career.
INSIGHTS
The tribal tattoo ink used by Whang-od is comprised of charcoal and water. It is then tapped into the skin using a thorn from a citrus tree, either calamansi or pomelo. The thorn is then affixed to a 12-inch bamboo staff, and Whang-od begins tapping it deep into your skin. She provides sample designs so you may chose the one you like. The locals or your tour guide will then gently transmit your request to Whang-od, and she will begin tapping your preferred design from there. I'm jealous of sir because he got a tattoo of the famous whang od, despite the fact that I'm not interested in getting a tattoo, and I'm also jealous because sir was able to make a pandemic trip to Buscalan just to give us knowledge and understanding about our topic. We had the opportunity to travel through sir and we also saw the beautiful scenery. Sir also spoke about the arts and history. The tribesmen use resistance to gain strength and protection through the tattoo in their body.