INTERMISSIONS EP1 A simple tribute to Apo Whang-Od HD

I first heard about Apo Whang-Od around 2009 when I chanced upon an article written by world-renowned Tattoo Anthropologist Lars Krutak. Back then, no one knew about her. And the art of the Mambabatok was on the brink of being forgotten and lost forever. Apo Whang-Od was the last of her kind, and I found it ironic that a foreigner would be the first to bring her story to the world...which ultimately saved the dying tradition of the mambabatok. Last Monday, June 25, she was finally given the recognition she deserves. Apo Whang Od was awarded the 2018 Dangal ng Haraya Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Though she herself did not create the art and tradition that is the Batok- which is a collective heritage of Kalinga- she did champion it, and her efforts, hard work, and perseverance made sure that the life and legend of the Mambabatok lives on. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 6 original apprentices of Apo Whang-Od, Grace, Elyang, Rhenalyn, Emily, Awai, and Chessie, and the other newer generation of Mambabatok in Buscalan for their effort in continuing this tradition. Sharing with you some of the intimate and light moments I was honored to spend with Whang-Od. From the first time I was invited to have coffee at her home, where she shared her admiration for Coco Martin (and her wish to see him in person- which already happened this year)...to a more recent trip to Buscalan where we joked and laughed about her new love interest from Cebu ❤️ I’d like to thank the entire village of Buscalan for their warmth and hospitality, and for making sure that every traveller is well taken cared of ❤️ PS: The rest of Buscalan is still waiting on Coco Martin, Arjo Atayde, and the whole cast of ‘Ang Probinsyano’ to come and visit their humble village..you have no idea how happy the whole village would be if you all gave them a surprise visit! ❤️ Co-Credits to Mark and Benzi for photos and videos, and for being my all around partner in crime (Owwwwwwokkokokoko -sounds like chicken!) and also to Mt.Pulag Yapakanz for being the best guide ever! Softwear: #ColumbiaSportswearPH #ColumbiaSportsWear @columbiasportswearph Partner in discovery: #VictoryLiner #KnowYourNorth #10DaysNorth @victoryliner Follow the #KnowYourNorth documentaries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocPdRGbNASbNFKoFUf2ojw Like and follow me on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Kiko-Rustia-95385800441/ Subscribe and follow me and my #10DaysNorth #Vlogumentaries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6WZTUuELyK60lMzIHQNnw Catch me on Instagram: @kikorustia Not all those who wander are lost..’-JRR Tolkien #Vlog #Vlogumentaries #Adventure #AdventureIsOutThere #LearnAndDiscover #KeepDiscovering #DiscoverYourWorld #Discover #Wonder #Philippines #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines