At 106 years old, Apo Whang-Od has etched her name into history—not just as a legendary tattoo artist but now as the oldest cover star ever featured by Vogue.
Hailing from a remote village in the Kalinga region of the Philippines, Apo Whang-Od has dedicated her life to preserving the ancient art of batok, a traditional hand-tapped tattooing technique. Using a thorn attached to bamboo, dipped in soot and natural dyes, she creates intricate designs that hold deep cultural meaning. These tattoos, once worn by Kalinga warriors and women to signify strength, bravery, and beauty, are a living testament to a heritage that spans generations.
Apo Maria “Whang-Od” Oggay symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Filipino spirit.
— Vogue Philippines (@vogueph) March 30, 2023
Heralded as the last mambabatok of her generation, she has imprinted the symbols of the Kalinga tribe signifying strength, bravery & beauty on the skin.
Read more on https://t.co/2F1mJ5iQWG. pic.twitter.com/urVcA3g2Ek
Vogue Philippines celebrated her legacy by showcasing her on their cover, with CEO Bea Valdes explaining: “She embodies what is beautiful about Filipino culture. We believe beauty should evolve to reflect diversity and humanity.”
For centuries, batok tattoos have been more than just skin-deep. For men, they symbolized courage and achievement in headhunting, while for women, they marked fertility and beauty. These designs, painstakingly created, often took days to complete, with payment made in pigs or rice. “When Kalinga women die, they can’t take their beads or gold with them. Their tattoos are the only things they carry into the afterlife,” the magazine explained.
As the last mambabatok of her generation, Whang-Od has tattooed thousands of visitors who journey to Buscalan to receive her one-of-a-kind designs. Though she never had children, she has ensured the tradition will endure by training her grandnieces, including Grace Palicas, who started learning the craft at just 10 years old. Initially hesitant, Grace now carries forward her aunt’s legacy alongside her cousin Elyang.
Whang-Od’s commitment to her craft remains unshaken. “My friends who gave tattoos have all passed away. I’m the only one left,” she told CNN in 2017. “But I’m not afraid the tradition will end. I’m training the next tattoo masters. As long as people keep coming for tattoos, I’ll continue—until my vision gets blurry.”
This historic Vogue cover isn’t just a milestone for Whang-Od but also for Indigenous representation in global fashion. Before her, the oldest person to grace Vogue’s cover was Dame Judi Dench, at age 85. Apo Whang-Od’s appearance redefines beauty standards while honoring the resilience of cultural traditions.
Her story is more than inspiring—it’s a reminder of the timeless power of art, heritage, and perseverance. So, what do you think of Apo Whang-Od’s incredible journey? Share this with friends and celebrate her legacy!
