Michelle Dee Gives Apo Whang-Od A Special Gift

APO WHANG-OD – Iconic Mambabatok Apo Whang-Od received a special gift from Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.

Even those with just a passing interest in beauty pageants are aware of the bond between the current Miss Universe Philippines, Michelle Dee, and the legendary tattoo artist Whang-Od.

At the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, Michelle captivated viewers during the evening gown segment by donning a remarkable Mark Bumgarner dress influenced by Apo Whang-Od. The gown intricately depicted symbols representing fertility, strength, and protection.

Earlier, Michelle had characterized Whang-Od as “a true icon and the last of her kind, a symbol of bravery, beauty, and inclusivity”.

Just recently, Michelle shared that she has been tattooed by Whang-Od, describing the experience as “an incredible beginning to May and the concluding days of my reign.”

During their encounter in Buscalan, Michelle Dee jokingly places a crown on Apo Whang-Od’s head. Michelle proudly displays the three dots, Whang-Od’s trademark as a tattoo artist. Michelle also thoughtfully brings along a jersey with her initials to gift to Whang-Od.

Maria Oggay, widely recognized as Apo Whang-Od, is esteemed as the most senior traditional Kalinga tattoo practitioner in the Philippines. Since the age of 15, she has demonstrated her expertise in tattooing, employing intricate tools that require exactitude.

Whang-Od achieved a significant milestone by gracing the cover of Vogue Philippines’ beauty issue in April 2023, thereby becoming the oldest individual to be featured on a Vogue cover.

A video capturing Whang-Od touching Piolo Pascual’s private area has been circulating online, garnering attention across various social media platforms and eliciting diverse reactions from internet users.