Meet the 106-Year-Old Vogue Cover Model and Ancient Filipino Tattooing Master

6 months ago

Recently, Vogue Philippines presented a new issue with a 106-year-old Filipino woman on the cover. Apo Whang-Od’s journey in the art of hand-tapping tattoos began during her teenage years and now she has become the oldest cover model. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t until the past 15 years or thereabouts that her patronage and global recognition surged far beyond the boundaries of the Cordillera region. Today, she attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe, all in pursuit of the unique sensation of the soot-stained thorn tattoo.

Vogue got a new face.

Vogue Philippines has made history with its newest cover model — Apo Whang-Od, also known as Maria Oggay. At 106 years old, she is an indigenous Kalinga woman and a legendary tattoo artist who hails from the mountain village of Buscalan.

Whang-Od has been practicing the traditional tattooing technique called batok since she was a teenager, using only a sharp stick and charcoal soot. Her skill and dedication to her art have given her widespread recognition, making her a true inspiration to many.

So many people around the world come to see her.

Whang-Od’s fame has not only put her on the map, but it has also helped bring attention to the small rural village of Buscalan. Tourists and tattoo enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit her, contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Vogue Philippines tweeted that Apo Maria ’Whang-Od’ Oggay embodies the resilience and splendor of the Filipino people. As the last remaining mambabatok of her generation, she has skillfully etched the symbols of the Kalinga tribe that represent courage, fortitude, and beauty onto people’s skin.

Despite now only giving her three-dot signature sign-off on her grandnieces’ tattoo work, Whang-Od has no plans of stopping her craft anytime soon. In an interview with Vogue, she revealed her intention to keep creating tattoos for as long as she is physically able.

She also expressed her willingness to share her art with visitors from afar, stating in the Butbut language, “When visitors come from far away, I will give them the tatak Buscalan, tatak Kalinga for as long as my eyes can see.”

She broke a record, becoming Vogue’s oldest cover star.

Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief, Bea Valdes, shared that the decision to put Whang-Od on the cover was a unanimous one among the staff. They believe that Whang-Od embodies the beauty of Filipino culture, which is one of their ideals. According to Valdes, the concept of beauty should include diversity and inclusivity, and they hoped to highlight the beauty of humanity through this cover.

Whang-Od’s appearance on the cover of Vogue Philippines broke the record for the oldest Vogue cover model, previously held by Judi Dench, who appeared on the front of British Vogue in 2020 at the age of 85. This feat only adds to Whang-Od’s legacy as an influential figure in preserving the traditional art of batok and representing the beauty of the Filipino culture.

Whang-Od passes on her legacy.

The ancient Buscalan tradition of “batok,” which has endured for a millennium, will continue to thrive as Apo Whang-Od imparts her skill to her grand-niece, Grace Palicas. Employing the very same traditional tools as her ancestors, Grace has also embraced the profound dedication to this age-old craft.

“I was the first child to learn how to tattoo. I just observed what she did,” Grace shared with Vogue Philippines.

At 106 years old, Apo Whang-Od’s iconic three dots, symbolizing herself, Grace, and Elyang — her second apprentice — likewise take the form of ellipses, carrying a profound message of enduring continuity and expansion that transcends its origins.

In today’s world, age is no barrier to achieving incredible feats and gaining popularity. Many women in their later years are proving that life’s adventures can continue well into old age.

Here are examples:

Preview photo credit voguephilippines / Instagram, Great Big Story / YouTube