WATCH: Whang-ud wants to inscribe warrior tattoo on Coco | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

WATCH: Whang-ud wants to inscribe warrior tattoo on Coco

WATCH: Whang-ud wants to inscribe warrior tattoo on Coco

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Jul 26, 2017 08:12 PM PHT

Clipboard

Fifteen hours north of Manila lies the the quiet village of Buscalan, which is known for their skillful traditional tattooists. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Amid the heavy rains and unpredictable land slides, a team from "Ang Probinsyano" endured the grueling journey to the village of Buscalan in Tinglayan, Kalinga to give a special gift to iconic tattooist, Whang-ud.

The world-renowned Kalinga artist, who is believed to be more or less 100 years old, welcomed the team in her humble abode at the heart of the village. She handed them the village's most prominent product, Buscalan coffee, which she served in her favorite "Ang Probinsyano" cup.

In an interview with the "Ang Probinsyano" team, Whang-ud said she really wants to meet Coco, her ultimate crush and idol, since she only sees him on TV.

"Hinahangaan ko siya [Coco] dahil machong lalaki," the old woman said in local language. "Tatanungin ko siya kung may asawa na siya kasi single pa ako. Tatanungin ko siya kung sino asawa niya."

ADVERTISEMENT

Whang-ud, the oldest traditional tattooist in Kalinga, was brought to the global spotlight when Lars Krutak did a documentary about her for Discovery Channel. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Although Buscalan is hidden in between mountains, Whang-ud and most Buscalan residents are thankful for they can still watch their favorite primetime show. According to Whang-ud, she personally likes "Ang Probinsyano" because it's child-friendly and does not contain a lot of kissing scenes, which she finds inappropriate.

Meanwhile, the unmarried and childless tattooist gave some marriage tips to the 35-year-old bachelor, whom she advised to hunt for a wife who is as beautiful and caring as her.

"Sana naging dalaga nalang ako. Nahiya ako kasi matanda na ako," she said in jest. "Tignan mo rin 'yong mabait para alagaan ka niya at hindi ka kawawa sa huli. Sayang ang iyong kagwapuhan."

Whang-ud tattooes day by day in a makeshift tattoo shop. Her customers comprise foreign and local tattoo enthusiasts. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

As the interview ended, the team gave Whang-ud a box full of personalized Coco Martin memorabilia. These include a signed portrait, a jacket, shirts, and blanket, among others. All of these will now be a part of Whang-ud's massive Coco Martin memorabilia collection, which has a special place in her small hut.

While wiping her tears, Whang-ud said time will come that she and her idol will meet. And by then, she will inscribe a python or centipede tattoo on Coco's arm.

These designs, according to literature, are given to Kalinga warriors to as a form of talisman and recognition for their courage and bravery.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.