Bea Millan-Windorski gets traditional tattoo by Apo Whang-Od's niece

Bea Millan-Windorski now proudly wears a permanent piece of Filipino heritage.

On Instagram, the beauty queen shared that she received a traditional Kalinga tattoo from Apo Whang-Od’s niece, Grace Palicas, and said the experience allowed her to 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. To me, they also serve as a reminder of my mom and lola, who shaped me into the woman I am today,” Bea said.

She also reflected on how the experience deepened her understanding of beauty beyond appearances.

“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 Cordelia and in the presence of the women mambabatok that beauty is more than meets the eye,” she said.

Bea explained that for the Kalinga people, tattoos serve as markers and enhancers of beauty, adding that they were believed to be the only possessions a person could bring into the afterlife.

“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.”

She continued, “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 said her tattoo is also a reminder of the resilience of Filipino culture.

“My tattoo also serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of Filipino culture, one that I will be proud to share on the international stage,” she said.

Bea is the reigning Miss Universe Philippines queen.

The upcoming Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico is set for November. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA News