Whang-Od, a living legend from the Philippines, has fascinated the globe with her

mastery of pagbabatuk, a traditional Kalinga tattooing art. Her talent, passion, and
cultural significance reflect the Filipino people's rich legacy. In this reflection, we look at
the significant impact of Whang-Od and pagbabatuk on cultural preservation, identity,
and indigenous knowledge. Whang-od Oggay is known as the last mambabatok
(Kalinga tattooist) from the tribe of Butbut in Buscalan, Kalinga. She has been tattooing
for the past 80 years, including being a head hunter of the indigenous tribe, since the
beginning of her long career. She is the last Kalinga Artist in the Philippines.
Remarkably, she is the last person to be still able to tattoo, and what's more, she did
that for 80 years. I respect her dedication to her tribe's tradition.
Pagbabatuk refers to the traditional Kalinga tattooing technique that Whang-Od and her
community practiced. It uses thorns to puncture the skin and charcoal ink to create
intricate designs, often symbolizing cultural significance and identity. Once the charcoal
and water are mixed to make the ink, it is tapped into the skin using a thorn from a citrus
tree, calamansi, or pomelo. The thorn is then attached to a 12-inch long bamboo stick,
and from there, Whang-od will start tapping it deep into your skin. She has sample
designs, so you can choose which design you'd like. It already hurts to get tattooed in
this modern era, but to be tattooed traditionally to this extent would hurt, especially the
thorns that would puncture your skin deeply. The women in their tribe view tattoos as a
sign of beauty and elegance, while for the men, tattoos symbolize bravery and courage,
for they are the warriors of their tribe. It truly is fascinating. After 80 years of tattooing,
Whang-od is inviting foreign and Filipino visitors to visit her to get tattooed. She's still
doing well and healthy despite being in her 90s, and she still has her skills as an artist.
Whang-od and her traditional tattooing technique amazed me, and I realized how a
person can be so dedicated to their work and tradition. A person who enjoys doing their
job is inspiring.