A 100-year-old female artisan practices the ancient art of hand tattooing in the scenic landscapes of the Philippines.

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A centenarian craftswoman skillfully crafts hand-poked tattoos in the heart of the Philippines.

Whang Od Oggay, the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines, adorns visitors from around the globe with up to 80 unique designs daily.

A centenarian craftswoman skillfully crafts hand-poked tattoos in the heart of the Philippines.

Nestled amidst lush rice fields and rolling hills, Buscalan village is home to about 200 residents. Located in the Kalinga province, it's a 15-hour drive north from Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Despite its remote location, thousands of visitors annually seek out Whang Od Oggay, the last mambabatok (traditional tattoo artist) in the Philippines. At 100 years old, she has been practicing this craft since the age of 15.

In an interview with CNN, Whang Od shared, “The tradition lives on as long as there are people willing to be inked. As long as my vision holds, I will continue to tattoo. I'll only retire when I can no longer see.”

Grandpa narrates: 'All my colleagues in this profession have passed away. Now, I am the sole practitioner. However, I am not afraid of this tradition disappearing because I have successors.' Grandpa Whang Od also shares her secret to reaching 100 years old: avoiding canned food, oily dishes, and salty food, only consuming vegetables and beans.

Source: Huong Chi/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour

MytourAugust 16, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Whang Od Oggay and what is her significance?

Whang Od Oggay is the oldest traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines, renowned for her hand-poked tattoos. At 100 years old, she has been practicing since age 15 and symbolizes the preservation of the ancient art of tattooing.

What is the location and cultural context of Buscalan village?

Buscalan village, located in Kalinga province, Philippines, is home to around 200 residents. Nestled in lush rice fields, it is a remote area that attracts thousands of visitors seeking traditional tattoos from Whang Od Oggay.

What lifestyle habits contributed to Whang Od's longevity?

Whang Od attributes her longevity to a healthy diet, avoiding canned, oily, and salty foods. Instead, she consumes fresh vegetables and beans, which she believes have played a significant role in her reaching 100 years old.

How does Whang Od Oggay feel about the future of her tattooing tradition?

Whang Od is optimistic about the future of her tattooing tradition. Despite being the last of her colleagues, she believes the art will continue as long as there are successors willing to learn and carry on the craft.

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