Bea Millan-Windorski gets inked by niece of Apo Whang Od
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Philippine bet Bea Millan-Windorski shared that she got a traditional tattoo made by Apo Whang Od's niece, Grace Palicas.
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski is happy and proud to have been inked by Grace Palicas, the niece of the oldest mambabatok, Apo Whang Od.
On Instagram, the beauty queen shared photos of her visit in Buscalan Village in Kalinga where she got a traditional tattoo. Bea also got to meet and had a photo with the legendary Apo Whang Od herself.
“Proud to be inked by the great @palicasgrace and carry the stories of the generations of women who came before me. The three dot signature represents the continuation of the mambabatok art form through the legendary Apo Whang-Od, her niece Grace Palicas, and her grandniece Elyang Wigan,” she wrote.
Bea also said that the three dots tattoo is also a reminder of her mother and grandmother, who shaped her into the woman she is now. The Philippine-bet also reflected on how her perception of beauty deepened after visiting the province and meeting women mambabatok.
“As a pageant queen I am often asked about my perception and definition of beauty, but I was reminded in the lush contours of the Cordillera and in the presence of the women mambabatok that beauty is more than meets the eye. For the Kalinga, tattoos are markers and enhancers of beauty. It was believed that you could not bring gold, silver, or any worldly possessions into the afterlife, you could only bring the markings on your bodies,” she continued.
She went on, “However, Mambabatok was pushed to the brink of extinction due to the forces of modernization and American occupation. Tattooed women were shamed for the complex patterns of figs, snakes, prayers, and ferns that bloomed across their bodies.
“But one trailblazer was able to preserve the art form for future generations. Due to the work of Apo Whang-Od, mambabatok has not only survived, but thrived and found its way onto the skin of Filipinos around the country, and visitors from around the world.”
Bea also said that her traditional tattoo also symbolizes the unwavering strength and perseverance of Filipino culture, which she will be proud to showcase on the international stage.
About a week ago, Bea started her runway preparation with a parasela training by Ian Mendajar and under the guidance of MUPH President Jonas A. Gaffud.
Bea Millan-Windorski is set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico in November.
In May, Bea, who represented the province of La Union, triumphed over 49 other competitors in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 competition.
Related gallery: Meet Miss Universe PH 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski
