They are some of the awesome people in our life! In my experience, most grandmas are the strict and yet most loving people you ever had. They are also one of the bravest people (even deep inside they are also afraid) but for the grandkids and family, they will always look strong.
Stronger than a carabao (carabao is a water buffalo), as we always say in Filipino.
At the Manila FAME, I’ve got the privileged to somehow meet (afar) and observe the greatest grandma of the Philippines – Apo Wang Od.
She is the last century-old hand-tapped tattoo artist living in the highlands of Buscalan, Kalinga Apayao, in northern Luzon. Together with her two apprentice and nieces, and the trusted elders of her tribe and closest relatives and friends, they made it to Manila FAME for her once-in-a-lifetime appearance and tattooing stint.
I know that for the past few weeks after the show, she’s been the center of controversy of most naysayers, however for her and her family and friends, the experience was the best that they had here in the city.
*****
Living a city life is exciting and fun, but there are times it was too tiring, exhausting with a whole lot of pressure, something that the people of Apo Wang-od in highlands have never experienced.
And honestly, there are times I envy them.
I envy that they have a beautiful nature that welcomes them every day and kisses them good night before bedtime. That sweet morning cool breeze that every one of us in the city never experienced every day, even we set our air-conditioning on a high level – the experience is different.
And I envy that they have Apo Wang-od, a sassy grandma they have.
I could imagine the stories she shares about her younger days, who she met (and probably dated), who she hangout, what happened during the wartime, etc.
I guess it will be a glorious moment, apart from receiving her tribal tattoo.
Her stories are more important than her tattooing. She is more than an artist, she is an awesome grandma.
Am sharing with you some of her photos during the event, with memes that I’ve added.
1. Apo Wang-od is your Grandma who is never shy to show her true feelings.
…and yes even when she felt BORED.
2. Apo Wang-od is your Sassy Grandma who has is surrounded by her own bodyguards!
… and yes even when she goes to the comfort room!
3. Apo Wang-od is loved by many!
4. Apo Wang-od is your Sassy and Thoughtful Grandma
5. Apo Wang-od is your Sassy Grandma who is found with young men (after all, she is unmarried and still single!)
… ohh Grandma! How to be YOU??!!
6. But when she is tattooing you, please focus on her craft and not on your selfie.
7. I wish to know Apo Wang-od’s vanity and make-up techniques!
8. Of course, Apo Wag-od is your sassy Grandma who values health first.
And yes, with the cameraman! How cool is that?!
9. And Apo Wang-od knows how to party and attend a gala in her honor
Dressed in her traditional formal tribal wear, Apo Wang-od gladly appears at the gala night in her honor. See those colored pieces of jewelry she had on? Those can buy you a house and a lot, so don’t play, play!
10. Apo Wang-od is your sassy Grandma who likes to be guarded with the cute pilot! Well, we can’t blame her :D
11. Apo Wang-od is your sassy grandma who flies using Air Force Chopper. She definitely knows how to travel with style!
12. Apo Wang-od is your sassy grandma who loves by many people not only locally but the people around the world.
13. Apo Wang-od is your sassy grandma who is nominated as Philippine’s National Living Treasure.
From left to right: Ilyang Wigan, Whang-Od Oggay, and Grace Palicas during the KATHA Awards and Networking Night.
OMGEEEE!
CITEM is honored to announce that the nomination of Whang-Od Oggay to the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living Treasures Award, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 7355, was accepted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA),” said CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon.
NCCA is the Philippine government's highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the arts. Through the agency’s GAMABA Committee and an Ad Hoc Panel of Experts, will then conduct the evaluation, with a program that ensures the transfer of skills and promotes genuine appreciation of our heritage.
“Apo Whang-Od’s impact extends farther than her village. Her presence brought new life in appreciating our traditional art sand she now stands as the living embodiment of the Philippine culture’s unwavering resilience against the test of time,” said Gov. James Edduba. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition than Apo Whang-Od.”
*****
She is such an incredible woman.
We are so blessed to have her at Manila FAME. And we are thankful for all the coordination from various government sectors, and all members of her family and tribe for letting her share her rich traditions and crafts in the city.
A most treasured moment, and we are happy that she enjoyed every single moment of her stays here.
Now we have more reason to visit her rich tribe and experience the nature’s beauty of Buscalan, Kalinga, and learn from its people.
Because Buscalan is not just about Apo Whang-od.
Buscalan is about the people.
If Apo Whang-od is my grandma at home, I think having drinks with her and listening to her stories will be one of my happiest moments.
I would never get tired of it.
How do you bond with your Grandma?
How do you bond with your Grandma?
*Photo credits to Ms. Nerza Del Rosario, and Manila FAME, and myself.
xoxo, Blair
The old lady looks so energetic she even put on makeup !
ReplyDeleteI know right?!
DeleteShe is now 100-years old, I must know her beauty secret :D
She so energetic & i love her smile
ReplyDeleteI know right! Her smile is so sweet, charming, and very calm.
DeleteApo Wang-od looks cute & cool at the same time. Never give up looking her best no matter what age she is.
ReplyDeletexx
Puiyeesss
Hahaha so true! I would be so proud to be her grandkid.
Deletewhoa. Philippine’s National Living Treasure, i would love to be see her.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you can visit her anytime to her tribe in Kalinga, Busuanga
DeleteWow such an amazing Woman! It's really a great experience to meet Apo Wang-od, known as The National Living treasure of the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I am stars-tracked, speechless, and truly mesmerized.
DeleteShe does sound like a fabulous woman. My grandma is pretty fabulous as well. I love her!
ReplyDeleteYeah she is. How I wished I've asked her about her vanity secrets :D
DeleteOMG she is so cute and active! I hope that my mum can be active as she is! I really do hope I have more time with my grandma, is her 80th Birthday this Saturday! We are going to visit her =P
ReplyDeleteOh Grandmas are great spoiler and always adorable. Always give them attention that they deserve.
DeleteI love this! This is how I envision myself at this age! Age is just a number - it's all how you live your life and how you feel!
ReplyDeleteI agree. And always treasure many stories of your life.
DeleteShe seems like an amazing lady and a wonderful grandma. Wow! It makes me miss my grandmas.
ReplyDeleteOhh give her a call? I bet she is missing you too.
DeleteI've never heard of her before, but she sounds like a really incredible woman! I can't believe she still does tattoos that way, at her age! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI know right! And got a very clear sight, and sweetest smile :D
DeleteUnfortunately I moves far far away from my grandparent both side of of my parents. I didnt grow up with any and neither will my daughter!😠I googled the tattoos that Apa Wang-od has been doing! They are awesome! To put on my bucket list and hopefully she will be with for many years to come!
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking her works!
DeleteYeah we pray that she will be blessed by more healthy life by the nature. And living in the highlands makes her stronger.
You should spend time with your grandparents :D
My grandparents are no longer alive but you are right apo wang od really is sassy and her facial expressions are always so real. I had not heard of her before but I see no harm in her having fun, not sure why she has naysayers? x
ReplyDeleteAbout her naysayers?
DeleteBecause these people thinks that she is too weak to perform her work of art, which is wrong! If only they witness her during the event, it feels like you watch a magical tribe with unknown superpowers. She is blessed.
My grandma is long gone. This is one amazing lady that I would love to meet.
ReplyDeleteOh I know you are missing your grandma. But don't worry, you can share your love to other grandmas you know.
DeleteI'm lucky to have both my grandmothers still with me. However, what I took for granted was not always calling or spending time with them when I had it. Like you mentioned, her being an incredible person, just makes me wonder what I missed with my own grandmothers.
ReplyDeleteGive your grandmothers a huge hugs!
DeleteShe is so tiny! She has seen more in her lifetime than any of us! What a great thing that she got to be honored in such a big way.
ReplyDeleteI know! Ahh I will be thrilled to know her stories about her childhood years!
DeleteTattoo artist, cultural guru; you have a right to be proud of your grandmother Apo Wang-od. She is stereotype defiant and seems to be the embodiment of all of that is impressive in Filipino culture.
ReplyDeleteYes! And I am so happy that I met her :D
DeleteThis lady sounds like the life of the party! She looks like a great person to meet.
ReplyDeleteOMG yes! Her people is so lucky to have her.
DeleteI didn't grow up with pretty much any of my grandmothers... She looks like she has a really amazing personality and is fearless.
ReplyDeleteShe is kicking-ass! Most of her clients holding their tears while receiving their tattoos and yeah, even those tough people we think they can.
DeleteShe sounds like a really cool lady. It was very interesting to learn a little about her and what she does. Grandmas are awesome, mine was not very strict. :)
ReplyDeleteGrandmas are one of the greatest protector!
DeleteWow what a inspiration grandma! Amazing! I connected with my grandma (when she was still alive) that I used to knit and sew with her. She taught me how to hand sew and hand knit! Great post!
ReplyDeleteOhh that's awesome! Now you can carry-on the skills that your grandma taught you, and continuously pass it on to your future kids and grandkids.
Deletehow old is she.. omg.. she is so energetic and love by many!!!
ReplyDeleteracheal_foodilifecious
She is now 100-years old!
DeleteShe is so healthy at her age. Wonder what she eats and do daily to stay strong.
ReplyDeleteShe said she loves eating boiled sweet potatoes, eat vegetables and crops, and do farming!
DeleteWhoa she is one cool grandma! I cannot imagine my lola doing anybody's tattoo lol! Looks like a fun event.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joline, yeah it is :D
DeleteI love her vitality and spunk. She is a great role model and unafraid to do her thing. I'm impressed...and if she's willing, I want to give her a hug <3 (She's so cute!!)
ReplyDeleteOhh truly an adorable grandma! She enjoys the attention and her guards :D
DeleteWow she looks great for 100. How wonderful they are honoring such an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and we believe she deserves more! I feel blessed to met her.
DeleteWow, she looks full of energy and seems loves herself and surroundings much, happy to know that she even wears makeup , that signifies her spirit!
ReplyDeletehahaha I know! She is totally cool :D
DeleteOh gee the memes are just too hilarious. My grandparents are deceased and this made me super nostalgic. She sounds awesome.
ReplyDeletethank you Nina :D
DeleteApo Wang she look so humble and lovely. She must be very pretty when young
ReplyDeleteI agree. I kept on thinking of it and trying to reimagine her during her younger years. I think she is already famous during those days.
DeleteSassy grandmothers are so much fun! Mine sadly passed away a few years ago (and the other is definitely not the fun-loving sassy kind) and she was so much fun to spend time around!
ReplyDeleteOh, but you should still spend time with your remaining grandmother. I bet she misses you, babe!
DeleteI don't look that great at my age. She is amazing. Full of life and energy. Hope I will be half that person when I will be old.
ReplyDeleteLet's try our very best, girl :D
DeleteApo-wang old seems to be an energetic old woman. She is old but still do so much things. This help young people spend more time with their grandparents I think. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and thank you for visiting!
DeleteShe is very inspiring, and also her nieces. They could carry-on Apo Wang Od's legacy.
She's a legend! I bet that she can't even grasp the magnitude of how famous she is. You are lucky to have met her!
ReplyDeleteAh she enjoyed her stays here in the city!
DeleteApa-wang-od seems to be an old but enegetic woman. Talking with her might help the young spend more time with their own grandparents. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAww she's so cute! I would love to meet her one day. What a fabulous woman!
ReplyDeleteCome and visit her at her tribe in highlands of Busuanga, Philippines. You will love the place.
DeleteOmg, i cant believe that she is 100 years old. This grandma is so fabulous too. You are so lucky, have the chance to meet up with this grandma. Hope i'll have the chance too. Thank you for your sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome and thank you for visiting. Yeah you can visit her anytime at her hometown in Busuanga. Plus you will also enjoy the place!
DeleteI would have wanted to meet her myself. Maybe I'll get a tattoo soon!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!
DeleteShe sounds like such a wonderful and spicy woman! My grandma is totally my absolute best friend.
ReplyDeleteI wish that our good nature should give her a longer life.
DeleteShe is indeed a national treasure. Who can even dare dream of living till 100 years old? May she continue to live in good health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I keep on praying that many people will still have chance to meet her.
DeleteWow! lady had such a refreshing attitude. She is amazing. I miss my grandmother after reading about her.
ReplyDeleteOhh maybe you could pay your grandmother a visit.
DeleteSuch an amazing woman, I really enjoyed reading about her. We all need to cherish our grandparents we have so much to learn from them.
ReplyDeleteI agree. And her 100-years of experience is unbeatable.
DeleteWow! She is surely and incredible woman, and talented too. I hadn't heard pf her before but am glad I disvovered your post and got to know about her. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDo drop by my blog as well : http://styleovercoffee.com :)
Thank you for visiting and appreciating our legendary Grandma!
DeleteWow! She seems like an amazing woman! I am lucky to have my great grandmother still in the picture with us!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Jessica! What's your most memorable sweet moments with her?
DeleteWow!! That's one dynamic grandma. She is such an inspiration. She has managed to stay so fit and focused in what she likes doing. I also agree with your point that although the city life is good, it;s always better to be amidst nature. Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteYeah we will all go back to nature.
DeleteApo Wang-od Sounds like one fun woman!!! I can see the appeal she has to people!!!! Such a fun spirit!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Oh she was loved by everybody :D
DeleteThis is excellent and such a wonderful tribute. She seems like such an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteYes she is. And I think she is also strict in teaching her crafts to her 2 apprentices. The traditional is so extinct we need to treasure it.
DeleteOh my gosh that is amazing, she really is an incredible woman!
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you for visiting Ada!
DeleteLol! Sassy GrandMa indeed! I wish she were my GradMa too.
ReplyDeleteHahaha me too! If all the grandmas in the world are like her, I think it will be a happy world.
DeleteShe is such a amazing woman.. My grandma is no more and I miss her..
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. I know your grandma is always at your side. She is guiding you from above.
DeleteSounds like a great women. Looks like everyone had a lot of fun too. That's really neat to be able to meet someone like her.
ReplyDeleteI agree Kathy. How I wish she can stay longer here in the city, but that's not possible.
DeleteOh my gosh this was the sweetest post! My grandma and I love to do little things together like go grocery shopping, and big things like going to Disneyland (yes, my grandma STILL goes to Disneyland!) Gotta love grandmas! :)
ReplyDeleteOh she did?! Your Grandma is one of the coolest! You should make a post dedicated to her sassy side as well :D
DeleteShe is really sound an amazing woman and I really want to see her soon.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you can visit her anytime at Busuanga
DeleteOmg what a lovely woman! you had me rolling with the captions....such spirit!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer!
DeleteThis is such a cute post. Apo Wang is so cute and energetic...I would love to spend some time with her :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Mayuri!
DeleteYou can visit her at her home tribe at Busuanga, Kalinga :D
wow! Amazing grandma! Apo Whang-od, the last mambabatok, uses lemon thorns and charcoal ink in tattooing at the age of 100.
ReplyDeleteYes, and she is a treasure! Hope many Filipinos will also treasure her and also her people.
DeleteI had no idea who she was up until now! Thanks for introducing me to to Apo Wang grandma, she surely is the coolest and everyone needs a grandma like her.
ReplyDeletexx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com
I agree, and thank you for reading my story.
Deletehaha she sounds amazing! and all that sass, particularly when the talking is going on too long haha love her! She's the grandma we all want
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know right! Many naysayers misinterpret her bored action, however she is a kind of person that never shy to show who she really are. No filter, and such a good grandma.
DeleteShe sounds like an amazing woman with lots of personality and talent.Sadly I don't have grandparents and never had the opportunity to meet them.
ReplyDeleteOh don't be sad.
DeleteYou can always enjoy the company of other grandmas' you adore.
Ah this is lovely! What a truly amazing woman :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Hannah for visiting!
DeleteA grandma tattoo artist! Apo Wang Od is something else. :) I love her joie de vivre and her smile :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha I agree, she is a fantastic woman.
DeleteWhat a great lady! I lost one grandma 4 years ago and I just lost my other grandma on Saturday. We need to treasure every moment with our dear grandparents.
ReplyDeleteHello Carissa,
DeleteAm sure wherever your two grandmas are now, they are both guiding you and loves you dearly.
I think I have read her in some articles too and I had to check it and I am right! Cool! I love how witty is your post as well. I grew up with grandma but only for a while so I missed many moments with my granny.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miranda :D
DeleteLove the attire. You all look great.
ReplyDeleteHahaha Thank you dear!
DeleteWhat an awesome post! Your captions were perfect and now I wish I could meet her! My Grandma is almost 93, her mother lived to be 103. But sadly my great grandmother was no where near this woman as far as mind etc. I really enjoyed your post and sharing such an wonderful woman with your readers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Becky!
DeleteWe must treasure our grandmas, because our children will do the same to us when we got oldie.
Apo-wang e that when I am that age that I am still as energetic as she is. What a lovely legacy and person.
ReplyDeleteSo true, no wonder she is loved by many.
DeleteThat's so funny and totally something I would do. I love sassy older women!
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know right! She is awesome!
DeleteSuper grandma you have luck you and she is really energetic
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteOh what an honor!!! She is truly a National treasure and she is still has her great tattooing skills even at that age! I loved all your captions on the pictures, it made the story so much fun to read!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Mery. She is so precious for us. And she deserves to be treated well.
DeleteI don't think I'll ever get a tattoo. But I'd love to meet her someday so I can learn about her culture based on her experience. Such an amazingly talented woman!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I wish that next time we meet and I pray God will allow. I wish to ask her many cute questions, such as about her beauty routine, her first bf, etc.
DeleteI would love to meet Apo Wang-Od in perosn one of these days and maybe get a small tattoo.
ReplyDelete