Kent Donguines on his Apo Whang-Od documentary, 'Treasure of the Rice Terraces'

Two years ago, Filipino Canadian filmmaker Kent Donguines talked to us about his passion project, the documentary "Treasure of the Rice Terraces." It was just then 30 to 40 percent done.

Now the documentary is done and will be premiering in October at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Donguines, whose parents hail from Kalibo, Aklan, is the first Filipino Canadian filmmaker to travel to Buscalan, a secluded mountain community in Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines, to find the legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od, now 108 years old.

The famed tattoo guru or mambabatok, who lives in the remote village of Buscalan, in the municipality of Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines, recently made history when she was featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines and became the oldest person the magazine has given that honor.

The legendary Apo Whang-Od and her descendants are the subjects of Donguines' film, which explores the use of traditional tattoos from symbols of beauty and bravery, their stigma of being associated with gangs and criminals, to their current use as political statements.

The film explores how this old practice, once banned and despised in Philippine society, has now evolved into a chic and in-demand type of body art that has become a source of pride for many Filipinos, both at home and abroad.

The documentary also highlights the importance of preserving tattoo culture for future generations and the challenges faced by the community in maintaining their art tradition. It also delves into the issues of stolen mummified bodies, cultural appropriation, stigmatization and discrimination faced by tattooed individuals.

Directed by award-winning Donguines (Paco, Kalinga, This Ink Runs Deep) and written by Donguines and Zlatina Pacheva (Run the Burbs, Kim's Convenience), the documentary is produced by Jacob Crawford and Bailey Wood, co-produced by Epicmedia's Head of Production Patti Lapus (Midnight in a Perfect World, In My Mother's Skin, Nocebo) and Grace Palicas. Cinematography is by John Fleming (Kalinga).

The documentary was filmed in Manila, Buscalan, Philippines, and Vancouver, Canada.

Donguines, who runs Aimer Films, Inc. based in Vancouver, BC, talked to us via email about the challenges he underwent in the making of the documentary, what he learned from Apo Whang-od and the Buscalan people, how tattoos have evolved in the beauty and fashion worlds, and what he hopes his film will do for how people perceive tattoos, and their cultural meaning and importance to the world.

When I first interviewed you, you just had 30 to 40 percent of the film done. Now the film is done and is premiering at the Vancouver International Film Festival in October. Can you please tell us your feelings and thoughts about your journey, now that the movie is done, and will be shown internationally?

First, I'm really grateful to God for giving us the opportunity to make this film a success. Second, I'm grateful to our cast and crew for rolling with the punches of this production especially when we were in the Philippines. We won't be able to make this happen without everyone bringing their A-game; huge shoutout to my ever-supportive producers Jacob Crawford, Nicolle Rufino as well as cinematographer John Fleming. Also, a huge thank you to the entire Buscalan Village, Apo Whang-od, Grace Palicas for embracing us with open arms. This World Premiere is just the beginning, and we're really honored to be playing in our home turf, a lot of our family and friends will be able to catch the film right here in Vancouver first.

Now that the film is done, I'm excited for everyone to see it! This has been a five-year journey since its conception, and sharing this with the Buscalan community back in April 2025 really sealed it for us. A beautiful reminder of why we do what we do — championing a community that might not have a chance to share their stories in a cinematic and immersive way. So honored to have made this one!

Please talk about the major scenes you have added because of your additional research, like your interviews with Lars Krutak, the tattoo anthropologist, beauty queens Celeste Cortesi and Michelle Dee, and fashion designer Mark Bumgarner and Kuya Kim Atienza. Please tell us the importance of each new interview.

Overall, each person we've included in the film has a unique perspective on tattoos as well as personal experiences that connect them to Apo Whang-od and the tattoo practice.

Lars Krutak brought a wealth of knowledge on the understanding of indigenous tattoo practices, especially as someone who brought Buscalan to the limelight back in 2007 with his Discovery Channel show, Tattoo Hunter. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Miss Universe Top 10 Finalist Michelle Dee and fashion designer, Mark Bumgarner created and showcased the famous Apo-Whang-od-inspired dress on the international stage during the 2023 Miss Universe competition. Celeste Cortesi shared her personal experience with tattoos, especially during her stint in the 2022 Miss Universe competition.

In addition, we've also featured Kuya Kim Atienza, museum conservator Orlando Abinion, local tattoo artists Joe Musngi, Rannel Bayeta, Kurt Bayeta, the people of Tondo and many more.

You also added the segment that Vogue Philippines put Apo Whang-od on its cover, showcasing Apo Whang-od's beautiful, tattooed body. Please tell us how you felt seeing her on the cover and being your main subject in your documentary.

I think all of us when the cover came out were all in awe. I'm also not surprised because she deserves to be on the cover; especially as someone who has zero foreign influence, it's our way to celebrate what true Filipino beauty is.

Seeing Grace and Elyang and other young tattoo artists of the village making it in the article also promises a beautiful and brighter tomorrow for this magical tattoo village.

Since my last interview with you in 2023, what is now your present outlook on tattoos and how do you think the millennials and members of Generation X see tattoos – a trend, a political statement, a cultural thing?

Now, my love for tattoos has grown much deeper. Other than simply putting meaningful tattoos on my body, I look at it in a much different way - now I ask the question, "what's the story I want to leave on my body?"

In this generation, people get tattoos because of their trendiness, but they also now think of the deeper meanings of each one they add to their bodies - with the batok tattoo, it has now become a stamp that strengthens one's Filipino identity especially for Filipinos outside of the Philippines.

Based on your experience in making this documentary, how do you think Buscalan and the people of Buscalan changed you?

The entire process of making this film has changed my perception of life and the Filipino culture. It made me fall in love with my Filipino identity even more as I continue to wear my culture and my story on my skin.

As for Buscalan, this place will forever have a special place in our hearts as a team. To me, this is no longer a place to visit; this is a place I now also consider home. Thank you for teaching us the simplicity of life and what truly means to make the most out of our time there in the village. Manjaman ah! (Thank you!)

How are you preparing for your premiere in Vancouver? Who are you bringing with you? How do you plan to celebrate this milestone event in your life?

No crazy preparations yet but will get there for sure. For now, we're focused on gathering support from the Filipino Canadian community here in Vancouver and getting as many eyes as possible on this film. I'm definitely bringing a lot of friends and hopefully some of my siblings will make it too. To celebrate this milestone, I honestly want to spend more time with God in prayer and dedicate this film to Him and the rest of the Filipino community.

After this documentary, what are your future projects?

After this documentary, I will be taking some time to develop my narrative projects more. I'm currently developing two feature-length narrative projects, Four Four and Error 404. These two projects feature strong and resilient Filipino Canadian characters and is still culturally grounded to my roots as a Filipino while unfolding their stories in Canada and the Philippines. The mission to bridge the gap between the Philippines and Canada through the stories I tell continues! —MGP, GMA Integrated News