PAMANA (Inheritance)
New Generation of Butbut absorbing the traditional techniques of Apo Whang-Od.
On our previous trip to Buscalan, we were able to acquire some of the Tattoo Artists’ contact informations and were later notified of Apo Whang-Od's return to the village. We immediately took a trip back to Buscalan to get tattooed by Apo Whang-Od.
Halsema Highway. We barely covered it, but it used to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world and it still might be one. Halsema Highway is narrow, sometimes only single laned, and prone to landslides. It is also over cliffs and blind curves. Thanks Rhowney for your awesome driving skills.
Apo Whang-Od Oggay is 106 years old and is the oldest tattoo artist in the world, and she practices the traditional batok, which she is currently passing down to the younger generation.
Interestingly, we actually got her signatures on her birthday. The day was also a hectic one. We witnessed Apo Whang-Od fall in a ditch as she was about to take a small break. She assured her nephew she was fine. We weren't sure if she would continue inking that day. But she comes back out while in an argument with her nephew. The tough lady refuses to take longer breaks. She continued to tattoo and we were lucky to be able to receive her tattoos that day. She was also fond of our big tattoos and approves.
Later, my Dad was able to send some pain relief patches to her, which made her very happy that day. Surely, a pain reliever after a long day of tattoing would be welcome.
#itsmorefuninthephilippines #apowhangod #halsemahighway
