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.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. For more information on how we use cookies consult our revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.