2023 Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee recently made the journey to the Buscalan community in Tinglayan, Kalinga, seeking Apo Whang-Od’s signature on her skin. She took her brief interaction and tattoo session with the oldest living mambabatok to her socials with the caption: “Finally,” honoring a full-circle moment upon meeting Whang-Od—who inspired her Mark Bumgarner-designed Miss Universe 2023 gown. Dee expressed her gratitude to her creative team, Personifi, for the experience.
In the nearly 10-second clip, Whang-Od is seen with a thorn and bamboo stick in hand, tapping her iconic three-dot design into the arm of Dee with Kalinga’s mountain range in the background. During her visit to the tattoo village, she was seen performing a cultural dance with the Presidential Medal of Merit awardee and filming a cover of BINI’s “Pantropiko” with the locals.
via @michelledee (c/o @karlotorio) on Instagram
via @michelledee (c/o @eljohnmendoza) on Instagram
