Have you ever reserved your own skin to be tattooed by someone? Would it be someone special in your heart or someone legendary that acquire such Philippine culture?
Apo Maria Whang-od Oggay or famously known as Apo Whang-Od is a 106-year-old indigenous tattoo artist residing in Tingalayan, Kalinga.
Her popularity sparked up around 2017 when people around the world would travel to the Philippines to get their first tattoo or add up to their collection by Apo Whang-Od.
It is of biggest pride of the Filipino culture – now, a documentary about Filipino tattoo culture featuring Apo Whang-Od is currently in production!
The teaser of ‘Treasure of The Rice Terraces’ was recently released last April 14 by Aimer Films and Crawford Filmworks and directed and written by the Filipino-Canadian Kent Donguines.
The documentary not only features the outstanding Filipino culture of tattooing but also the history and symbolism of Kalinga tattoo
“The film explores how this old practice, once banned and despised in Philippine society, has now evolved into a chic and in-demand type of body art that has become a source of pride and belonging for many Filipinos, both at home and abroad.” mentioned in the teaser description
Furthermore, “The documentary also highlights the importance of preserving the tattoo culture for future generations and the challenges faced by the community in doing so. It also delves into the issues of stolen mummified bodies, cultural appropriation, stigmatization, and discrimination faced by tattooed individuals.“
“One of the important things about our culture is when we die, that’s the only thing we can keep as treasure, if you’re rich, when you die, they will take all your jewelery and it’s only your tattoos left on your body and it can’t be taken away from you.”
Apo Whang-Od (in Kalinga)
Donguines also mentions that the documentary will also explore stolen mummified bodies, cultural appropriation, and the ongoing fight for cultural sovereignity.
The release date is yet to be announced but it is exciting to find out more about Kalinga culture and featuring the legendary artist, Apo Whang-Od, accompanied with so much information about our Filipino pride!
Watch the official teaser here!
