In a delightful twist, the April 2023 cover of Vogue Philippines features 106-year-old Buscalan-based tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Gigi Hadid, and Naomi Campbell have expressed their admiration for the “mambabatok” and her incredible talent. The magazine’s cover story dives into the rich history of the Philippines’ ancient tattoo art, showcasing Whang-Od’s lifelong dedication to her craft.
Having started her tattooing journey at 16 under her father’s guidance, Whang-Od’s unique skills have now captured the attention of local and international stars alike. Halle Berry shared the Vogue cover on Instagram, praising Whang-Od as the epitome of “real beauty.” Fellow celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Mario Lopez, and Law Roach also chimed in to express their awe.
Gigi Hadid took to her Instagram Stories to share the captivating cover story. In the meantime, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy declared it as the “best Vogue cover ever” and applauded Whang-Od for finally receiving recognition for her exceptional work.
Numerous Filipino celebrities, such as Bretman Rock, Pia Wurtzbach, Jach Manere, Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Iza Calzado, Kyline Alcantara, and Gretchen Ho, also shared their excitement over the cover. They praised Whang-Od’s achievements in the comments section of the magazine’s post.
With this feature, Whang-Od is now reportedly the oldest person to grace a Vogue cover in the magazine’s history, according to the report from CNN International, surpassing the previous record held by English actress Judi Dench. Alongside Whang-Od, the magazine also highlights her grandniece and protégé, Grace Palicas.
This intriguing cover story not only celebrates the incredible life and talent of Apo Whang-Od but also provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, captivating the hearts of celebrities and fans around the world.
