Apo Whang-Od's villagers and granddaughter are overjoyed to see her on the cover of Vogue Philippines' April issue.
Whang-Od's granddaughter and nephew, Grace and Gilbert Oggay, said that the locals were happy to see the oldest mambabatok get featured in a fashion magazine.
Following her aunt's career as a tattoo artist, Grace mentioned that the magazine contacted the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which also accompanied them to Whang-Od's village in Buscalanm Kalinga.
She added that the feature in the fashion magazine is good since it is for Women's Day, and they were beyond happy to see the beauty of Whang-Od on the magazine cover.
Born Maria Oggay, aged 106, she is known as one of the last remaining mambabatoks of her generation, having about 90 apprentices.
On its Instagram post, Vouge Philippines wrote, "Apo Maria "Whang-Od" Oggay symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Filipino spirit."
"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."
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