Michelle Dee Gets Signature Tattoo Of Apo Whang Od
MICHELLE DEE – Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee shared a video of herself getting a tattoo from Apo Whang Od.
Maria Oggay, famously known as Apo Whang-Od, holds the title of the oldest traditional Kalinga tattoo artist in the Philippines. From the age of 15, she has been skillfully tattooing individuals, using delicate equipment that demands precision.
Whang-Od made history by gracing the cover of Vogue Philippines’ April 2023 beauty issue, becoming the oldest person to feature on a Vogue cover.
Even celebrities are not exempt from this trend. Renowned figures are counted among the many who have endured the harsh cold of the Cordillera mountains just to receive the iconic markings from the legendary artist of Buscalan.
A video showing Apo Whang Od touching Piolo Pascual’s private area has been gaining traction online, circulating across different social media platforms and sparking diverse reactions from internet users.
Six months following Michelle Dee’s acclaimed appearance in an Apo Whang-Od-inspired evening gown at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, she, at last, had the chance to receive tattoos from the beloved traditional tattoo artist.
Dee captivated audiences during the global competition’s evening gown segment in November 2023, wearing a Mark Bumgarner creation adorned with indigenous tattoo motifs paying homage to the legendary “mambabatok.” Despite her journey culminating with a Top 10 placement, Dee remained determined to be tattooed by Whang-Od. She expressed on an Instagram post dated May 1 that it was the “best way” to commemorate her final days reigning as queen.
“Finally!! Grateful for my team @personifi.io for making this trip with me. What an amazing way to start the month of May and my final days as your reigning queen. (more to come) All love,” she wrote.