Traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-od was nominated by the Philippine Senate for the honor of National Living Treasure on Tuesday
The title is the highest honor awarded by the country to folk artists.
Whang-od, who is now 100 years old, is the last surviving original hand-tap tattoo artist from Kalinga’s Butbut tribe.
People from all over the country and the world trek Kalinga, a province in the Philippine highlands about 400 kilometers north of Manila, just to get a tattoo from Whang-od.
“The continuity of the batek is anchored on the well-being of Whang-od being the last living mambabatok (hand-tap tattoo artist), which necessitates immediate action to preserve the folk art considering Whang-od’s advanced age,” the senate resolution read.
“The batek survived centuries of foreign influences. The traditional Filipino tattoo art must not disappear and turn extinct due to mere negligence to preserve a significant feature of Philippine culture and identity.”
“Bestowing Whang-od the GAMABA or the National Living Treasures award does recognize the beauty and grace of the ancient art of tattooing and ensures that such Filipino heritage will survive and continue to exist,” said Senator Nancy Binay in a statement.
Whang-od made a rare appearance in Metro Manila last October for the 66th Manila Fame local design and trade show last October.
Those who receive the National Living Treasure award are given an initial grant of PHP100,000 (US$2,000) and PHP10,000 (US$200) per month for life.
