A Pilgrimage to APO WHANG-OD. Halsema Hwy to Buscalan, Kalinga with MattFromAmerica & Chris

PAMANA (Inheritance)
New Generation of Butbut absorbing the traditional techniques of Apo Whang-Od.
On our previous trip to Buscalan, we were able to acquire some of the Tattoo Artists’ contact informations and were later notified of Apo Whang-Od's return to the village. We immediately took a trip back to Buscalan to get tattooed by Apo Whang-Od.
Halsema Highway. We barely covered it, but it used to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world and it still might be one. Halsema Highway is narrow, sometimes only single laned, and prone to landslides. It is also over cliffs and blind curves. Thanks Rhowney for your awesome driving skills.
Apo Whang-Od Oggay is 106 years old and is the oldest tattoo artist in the world, and she practices the traditional batok, which she is currently passing down to the younger generation.
Interestingly, we actually got her signatures on her birthday. The day was also a hectic one. We witnessed Apo Whang-Od fall in a ditch as she was about to take a small break. She assured her nephew she was fine. We weren't sure if she would continue inking that day. But she comes back out while in an argument with her nephew. The tough lady refuses to take longer breaks. She continued to tattoo and we were lucky to be able to receive her tattoos that day. She was also fond of our big tattoos and approves.
Later, my Dad was able to send some pain relief patches to her, which made her very happy that day. Surely, a pain reliever after a long day of tattoing would be welcome.
#itsmorefuninthephilippines #apowhangod #halsemahighway

[@Koolestgtl]

I hope viewers are watching till the last minute for the easter egg.

[@lamiscellaneadiSavitri]

Grazie!!bellissimo video!

[@Koolestgtl]

Molte Grazie :)

[@maritessaasejo9504]

Katakataka!!!

[@MattFromAmerica]

BRO! Great video! It's weird watching it all for the first time. I am glad about what you shared at the end!

[@Koolestgtl]

It was surreal.

[@lostwithoutacairn]

Yesh… 20 minutes! 🤗

[@MattFromAmerica]

lol

[@Koolestgtl]

No, 19 mins. I did that on purpose hehe

[@stellareyes4135]

Great video! I’ve been wanting to visit Whang Od. Can you share how to go about getting there, do you need reservations? I also love your choice of music.

[@Koolestgtl]

There are plenty of buses that go to Bontoc. I suggest staying a night in either Buscalan (homestay) or get lodgings in Bontoc which is an hour away. Apo Whang-Od gets really busy and there’s usually a queue to get her signatures. But while waiting, you can get your desired tattoo from a few of her apprentices, who lives in the village. Best is to get in contact with one of the locals. I can give you a FB page where you can contact them. If you decide do do it without a pro guide, there are aunties at the foot of the mountain that you can take you up to the village.

[@Koolestgtl]

Thanks for watching and listening to my song picks. 👍🏽

[@nqgomb8732]

Nice vid! How far is the walk from the parking lot to the village?

[@Koolestgtl]

30 minutes average for us. Some were faster, some we passed.

[@nqgomb8732]

Thanks!

[@jermiemiguel4929]

naks may extra.. hahha

[@Koolestgtl]

Always a welcome addition 😀