ALY (2024)

29/11/2023

𝗣𝗔𝗚-𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗞 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡: 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔, 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔

Did you know that Apo Whang-od Oggay was awarded the 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙖 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts? The award was given on June 25, 2018, at the Kalinga Capitol Plaza, “for her lifetime of achievements and noteworthy contribution in preservation and promotion of the Kalinga traditional art of tattooing.”

The 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙖 (Achievement Award) is given to living Filipino artists, cultural workers and historians; artistic or cultural groups, historical societies, institutions, foundations and councils, to recognize their outstanding achievements in relevant fields that have made an impact and significant contribution to Philippine culture and arts. (National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

HARAYA means imagination.

So here’s another Ode to Apo Whang-Od.

Taking inspiration from the recent masterpiece of Fashion Designer Mark Bumgarner, Michelle Dee’s evening gown, at the Miss Universe 2023, here’s another tribute to “a legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art.” (as captioned by Michelle Dee)

BLACK – the color of Whang-od’s tribal tattoo ink that is made up of charcoal and water, and MMD’s gown.

WHANG-OD’s Portrait – Vogue Philippines' cover for the April 2023 issue, making history as Vogue’s oldest cover model at 106.

BUSCALAN, TINGLAYAN, KALINGA – Whang-od’s hometown which has become a popular tourist destination for adventurers and tattoo enthusiasts alike. The home of the Padjao rice terraces where tourists can enjoy welcoming the sunrise and a dose of fresh air.

PHILIPPINE SERPENT-EAGLE – 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘴 is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on most of the major islands, except Palawan.

TATTOO PATTERN – pattern from the back of Michelle Dee’s gown that symbolizes a fern (correct me if I’m wrong)

5,000 – in the quest for the 5th crown

WO1061119 – Whang-od Oggay, 106 years old, November 19 (Day of MU competition)

Credits:
Whang-od Portrait | Vogue Philippines
Philippine Serpent-Eagle | Carmelo López Abad
Whang-Od Tattooing | Miguel De Guzman/Philippine Star
Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga Photo | Transit Pinas

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