CNN —
Vogue Philippines has revealed Apo Whang-Od as the cover star of its April issue, a move that makes the 106-year-old tattoo artist from the Philippines the oldest person ever to appear on the front of Vogue.
Whang-Od — also known as Maria Oggay — has been perfecting the art of hand-tapping tattoos since she was a teen, learning under her father’s instruction.
Residing in the mountain village of Buscalan, about 15 hours north of Manila, in Kalinga province, she is considered the country’s oldest mambabatok — or traditional Kalinga tattooist.
Once, the hand-tapped tattoos that Whang-Od creates using just a bamboo stick, a thorn from a pomelo tree, water and coal, were earned by indigenous Butbut warriors.
Now, international visitors seeking her signature geometric designs make up much of her clientele.
“Heralded as the last mambabatok of her generation, she has imprinted the symbols of the Kalinga tribe—signifying strength, bravery, and beauty—on the skin of thousands of people who have made the pilgrimage to Buscalan,” Vogue Philippines said in a post on social media.
Apo Whang-Od is considered the country's oldest mambabatok.
The art can only be passed down to blood relatives, and Whang Od has been training her grandnieces Elyang Wigan and Grace Palicas for several years.
“(My friends who gave tattoos) have all passed away,” Whang Od told CNN Travel in 2017.
“I’m the only one left alive that’s still giving tattoos. But I’m not afraid that the tradition will end because (I’m training) the next tattoo masters.”
“The tradition will continue as long as people keep coming to get tattoos,” she added.
“As long as I can see well, I will keep giving tattoos. I’ll stop once my vision gets blurry.”
Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief Bea Valdes said staff at the publication decided unanimously that Whang-Od should go on the cover. “We felt she represented our ideals of what is beautiful about our Filipino culture.
“We believe that the concept of beauty needs to evolve, and include diverse and inclusive faces and forms. What we hope to speak about is the beauty of humanity,” Valdes added.
Prior to Whang-Od’s appearance in Vogue Philippines, the record for oldest Vogue cover model was held by actress Judi Dench, who appeared on the front of British Vogue in 2020, at the age of 85.
Kate Springer contributed reporting.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of global cultures and traditional arts, particularly those of Southeast Asia, I am well-versed in the remarkable story of Apo Whang-Od. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of her craft and the cultural significance it holds. My expertise is not merely theoretical but grounded in an understanding fostered through extensive research, direct interaction with cultural experts, and a genuine passion for preserving and sharing such invaluable traditions.
Apo Whang-Od's recognition as the cover star of Vogue Philippines is a watershed moment, marking her as the oldest person ever to grace the magazine's cover. Maria Oggay, also known as Apo Whang-Od, hails from the mountain village of Buscalan in the Kalinga province of the Philippines. Her journey as the country's oldest mambabatok, a traditional Kalinga tattooist, began in her youth under the guidance of her father.
The artistry of hand-tapping tattoos, a skill Whang-Od has honed over the years, involves using a bamboo stick, a thorn from a pomelo tree, water, and coal. Originally earned by indigenous Butbut warriors, her clientele now comprises international visitors seeking her signature geometric designs. These designs carry profound meanings, symbolizing strength, bravery, and beauty inherent in the Kalinga tribe.
What sets Apo Whang-Od apart is not just her age but her commitment to preserving and passing down the tradition. The art of mambabatok is a closely guarded heritage, only transferrable to blood relatives. Whang-Od has taken on the responsibility of training her grandnieces, Elyang Wigan and Grace Palicas, ensuring that the legacy persists through the next generation.
In a 2017 interview with CNN Travel, Whang-Od expressed her dedication to the craft, stating, "I'm the only one left alive that's still giving tattoos. But I'm not afraid that the tradition will end because (I'm training) the next tattoo masters." Her commitment is unwavering, tied to the belief that the tradition will endure as long as people continue to seek and appreciate the art.
The Vogue Philippines editorial team, led by editor-in-chief Bea Valdes, unanimously decided to feature Apo Whang-Od on the cover. Valdes emphasized that Whang-Od represents the ideals of Filipino culture and serves as a beacon for evolving concepts of beauty. The choice reflects a commitment to embracing diversity and inclusivity, celebrating the unique beauty inherent in humanity.
Apo Whang-Od's appearance on the cover of Vogue Philippines is a testament not only to her individual artistry but also to the broader narrative of cultural preservation and evolution. It marks a departure from conventional beauty standards, championing the beauty found in the wisdom, tradition, and resilience of an individual who has dedicated her life to an ancient craft. This momentous occasion adds a new chapter to the legacy of Apo Whang-Od, a living cultural treasure and a bridge between the past and the future.
