The Internet presented mixed feelings about Presidential Medal of Merit awardee Apo Whang-Od’s interaction with Piolo Pascual, where she was seen touching the Filipino actor’s crotch area during his visit to her shop in Buscalan, Kalinga. In the 12-second clip that made its rounds on social media, the pair smiled and laughed, with cheers heard off camera.
1 point kay Apo Whang Od 🤣🤣🤣
https://t.co/C7GqhO3Auz— K~ELLE~M (@yamariposa) March 11, 2024
According to several outlets, the “National Treasure’s” contact with Pascual’s “treasure” was consented to by both parties. Grabbing the genitals of male visitors abided by a long-time tradition of the last living mambabatok, given her playful and mischievous sense of humor.
Regardless of her renowned distinction, several netizens disapprove of her actions. Some regarded it as borderline “sexual harassment,” comparing it to the scenario of a male artist and a female subject.
Might delete this later.
What Apo Whang Od did is hindi tama and don't close your eyes sa fact na iyan just because she is an icon. Imagine if it's an old man who did that? Everyone, if not all, will be pissed off. Kaya I don't understand bakit nagsa-sana all pa kayo#GAIMIN… pic.twitter.com/s6hiGFn9XW
— The Unpr0x 🧙♂️❤️$BLOCK (@Unpr0x) March 11, 2024
What if Apo Whang Od were a man? I respect her and her craft but pls let’s not condone a ridiculous and unacceptable act just because people find it funny or she is THE Apo Whang Od.
— Ejay (@_ejayyyyyyyyy) March 11, 2024
This shouldn’t be condoned. Alam ko malaki ang respeto natin kay Apo Whang Od at sa sining niya ng pagtatattoo. Pero dapat ba natin baliwalain itong ginagawa niya? Kung matandang lalake si Apo Whang Od, ano na lamang ang reaction ng mga tao? $BLOCK pic.twitter.com/f9t7qICjrS
— Gorge 🎒 (@Gorgennft001) March 12, 2024
Others quickly latched to Whang-Od, mentioning the uncalled-for reactions to the clip, defending the 106-year-old indigenous tattoo artist, and expressing relief after realizing the nature of her trend.
OA pag ka cancel culture mo. Una hindi matandang lalake na manyakis na may malisya si Apo Whang Od.
Pangalawa, alam na nung mga nag pa pa tattoo sa kanya na yan ang way nya para maging playful na walang malisya.
Third, consensual yan na act para sa simpleng katuwaan lang.
— Marky Ramone Go (@markyramonego) March 12, 2024
My thoughts on the Apo Whang Od issue. U go there to support her. At her age cancelling her doesn't do anything. Just dont visit her if u are not comfortable with what she does. If there are people who feels victimized, the victim should be the one speaking about it. NOT YOU.
— Chrispee (@KAIAmananSTAN) March 11, 2024
Those who criticize Apo Whang Od haven't even had the chance to meet her in person. She's a lively, skilled elder with a sense of humor, occasionally mischievous. I've visited her four times and marked by her twice. Some things in life are better left overlooked and tolerated. pic.twitter.com/gUYoXrGEwo
— Aisa Mijeno-Labastilla (@AisaMijeno) March 12, 2024
My opinion on the Apo Whang Od dakma issue:
It becomes offensive when one party did not give permission, or was offended, or was uncomfy.
Piolo did not say No, did not move away, and was laughing in good fun.
Anong next na icacancel nyo, yung mga tribe women na walang bra? 😆
— bengbengbengbengbengbengbengbeng (@beng_beng_beng) March 11, 2024
*trending si Apo Whang Od*
*i got worried*
*saw the clip*
me: pic.twitter.com/VpXUKh36W4— wren (@dobolyu_) March 12, 2024
*oh no Apo Whang Od is trending*
*sees the post* pic.twitter.com/oaOGmZUy5t— RAIKANTOPENNI 🌸🪐 (@hellerhammer_m) March 12, 2024
