Chelsea Manalo gets tattooed by Apo Whang Od

Chelsea Manalo met and got inked by the legendary Apo Whang Od.  

In an Instagram post, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 shared that she got Apo Whang Od’s signature three-dot tattoo on her ribs, and below it, the “prayer” tattoo done by the famous mambabatok’s granddaughter, Elyang.

“I didn’t just get a tattoo. I received a piece of history,” Chelsea said in her caption.

She added that the tattoos “felt like a blessing for the journey ahead.”

“The batok she gave me wasn’t just ink,” Chelsea said. “And now, I carry that pride not only in my heart, but etched on my skin.”

“To be able to sit, feel the rhythm of the tapping, and know that every dot carries a story of resilience, identity, and our people, that is something I will carry forever.”

In her post, Chelsea documented her trip to Buscalan, riding the tram, showcasing the views, and traversing the bridge. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, Cole Micek.

Chelsea joins the list of celebrities who got tattooed by Apo Whang Od, which includes Michelle Dee, Jo Koy, and the late Emman Atienza.

In February 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. honored Apo Whang Od for her contributions to the Philippine traditional arts with the Outstanding Government Workers of 2023 and the Presidential Medal of Merit awards.

In 2023, the oldest and last mambabatok's Vogue Philippines cover went viral all over the world.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by manalochelsea (@manalochelsea)

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News