Apo Whang-Od was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine's April 2023 issue, making her the oldest person ever to appear on the front of Vogue at the age of 106-years-old. This is a significant achievement and a testament to Whang-Od's impact on the world of art and culture. The cover has been widely celebrated as a milestone in age diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and media industries.

Whang-Od is a traditional tattoo artist from the Philippines, known for her hand-tapped tattoos using traditional Kalinga methods. She gained international attention for her work and was featured in documentaries and articles including the recent cover of Vogue Philippines magazine.

Whang Od also known as Maria Oggay is 106-years-old and is a traditional Kalinga tattoo artist and is considered the oldest living mambabatok, or traditional tattooist, in the Philippines.

She resides in the remote village of Buscalan, located in the Kalinga province, which is about 15 hours north of Manila. Whang Od has gained international recognition for her work and has become an icon in the traditional tattooing community.

Whang Od has become a popular tourist attraction, and visitors from around the world come to Buscalan to receive her signature hand-tapped tattoos. Her traditional Kalinga designs, which often feature geometric patterns and nature-inspired motifs, have gained popularity in the tattooing community and have been sought after by people looking for authentic and meaningful tattoos. While the influx of tourists has brought some economic benefits to the village, it has also raised concerns about cultural appropriation and the impact of tourism on the community and its traditions.

The art of traditional Kalinga tattooing is a sacred practice that is passed down through generations within families. As Whang Od has no children of her own, she has been training her grandnieces, Elyang Wigan and Grace Palicas, to carry on the tradition. The training process involves learning the traditional techniques, patterns, and cultural significance of the tattoos. It is a rigorous process that can take several years to master, and only blood relatives are considered eligible for the training. By passing on her skills and knowledge to her grandnieces, Whang Od is ensuring that the Kalinga tattooing tradition will continue for future generations.