In this Philippines travel vlog, I head to Kalinga in northern Luzon to find the tattoo artist legend Apo Whang Od. The last mambatok, a style of traditional tattoo found only in the Philippines.
The people of Kalinga were head hunters. Buscalan, the home of Wang Od was particularly famous for their strange tradition of tattooing. They thought tattoos were beautiful, and the women would cover themselves in full body tattoos to attract men. The men however, would have to earn their tattoos by bringing back the heads of rival tribes. The more ink, the greater the warrior.
After being featured recently in a documentary, and multiple TV shows, visiting Whang-Od and her granddaughters has become a tourist attraction. Many people make the trip from Manila to receive one.
It's about a 12h bus ride north of Manila to Sagada, from there, it's another 4 hours to the trail to Buscalan, then an hour walk.
To my filipino and filipina fans. Would do you get a tattoo from Apo Whang Od?
Big thanks to my friends Joan of Art, Ken's life Journey, and Hannah for all the help organizing this trip!
—————————————-————————————–--—————
ϟ LINKS TO GEAR HERE ϟ
Cameras
Sony a7s Cameras:
Sony RX100 V:
GoPro Hero 5:
My Flying Camera:
Lenses
Sony 16-35mm f/4 :
Sony 90mm f/2.8
Sony 55mm f/1.8:
Rokinon 24mm f/1.4:
Canon 70-300mm:
Phone Fisheye + Macro Lenses:
Camera Accessories
CPOL for Sony 16-35mm:
Variable ND for Sony 16-35mm:
RODE Videomic Pro:
RODE Dead Cat:
My SD Cards:
Zhinyu Crane Gimbal:
PEAK Camera Clips:
PEAK Lens Switching:
PEAK Camera Strap:
PEAK Keeping Safe on Rainy Days:
3 Legged Thing Tripod:
Get a discount from PEAK DESIGN with my link:
—————————————-————————————–--—————
♥ Friends ♥
JOAN OF ART:
—————————————-————————————–--—————
♫ Music ♫
( )
—————————————-————————————–--—————
☎ Say Hi Here ☎
✧ Instagram:
✧ Tweetz:
✧ Facebook Fanpage:
—————————————-————————————–--—————
✯ Experiences over Possessions ✯
Kipling Women's City Pack S Backpack Handbag, One Size
(as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
EASTPAK Delegate Messenger Bag Slurpydurp Purple
(as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ATX Luggage Medium Suitcase on 4 Dual Spinner Wheels Super Lightweight ABS Hard Shell Hold Check in with Built-in TSA Lock (Orange, 65Liter)
£36.09 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
UK to European Travel Adaptor with 4 USB Ports(1 USB C), Grounded EU Euro Europe to UK Power Plug Adapter for Germany Spain France Iceland Greece Poland Netherlands Austria Turkey etc (Type E/F)
£9.99 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
FREETOO Luggage Scale Portable Digital Weight Scale for Travel Suitcase Weigher with Tare Function 110 Lb/ 50Kg Capacity Red
£9.99 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Della Gao Pencil Case for Large Capacity Pen Maker Pencil Pouch Office Organizer Simple Multifunctional Pencil Bag Black
£7.64 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Flight Knight 56x45x25 EasyJet Cabin Bag, Jet2, British Airways Suitcase - Lightweight Small Durable 4-Wheel Cabin Case, Maximum Carry-On Size, ABS Hard Shell, 10kg Hand Luggage Bag- 56 x 45 x 25
£54.99 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kipling Womens Alvar Shoulder Bag
(as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cities Set of 2 Super Lightweight Cabin Approved Luggage Travel Wheely Suitcase Wheeled Bags
(as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Touchstone Indian Heritage Fabric filter pocket nose bridge double layer cotton face mask reusable washable for men, women (Pack of 3). Pink Grey White
£9.99 (as of August 23, 2025 19:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Comment (0)