Whang-Od: The Last True Tattoo Artist

At somewhere around 100 years old, Whang-od is the last true tattoo artist in the Philippines. She still practices the ancient form of tattooing she first began at 15—tattooing warriors and indigenous women. In this new Matador Original, we learn about the pilgrimages modern travelers make for Whang-od’s tattoos, and how a new form of sustainable tourism is emerging which helps preserve local culture.

Filmed in Buscalan, Kalinga Province, Philippines
©2017 Matador Originals, Shot and edited by Scott Sporleder