Isang karangalan daw na makilala at makadaupang-palad ni European Union (EU) Ambassador Luc Véron si Apo Whang-Od o Maria Oggay, ang pinakamatandang mambabatok sa Pilipinas, matapos niya itong dayuhin sa Kalinga.
"What an incredible experience it was to meet Apo Whang-Od, the esteemed mambabatok and protector of a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. ✨ ," aniya sa kaniyang X post nitong Enero 25.
"I wholeheartedly endorse her for the prestigious National Living Treasures Award in the 🇵🇭."
Bukod dito, nagpasalamat din si Véron sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Buscalan.
6 dayuhang nagsasagawa ng medical mission sa Leyte, ninakawan!
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mayor Atty. Sacrament Gumilab of #Tinglayan and the #Buscalan Tattoo Village for their warm welcome and for facilitating this meaningful visit. The #cultural wealth they shared with us during our time together is a memory that I will cherish forever. It truly exemplifies the beauty of the #Philippines."
https://twitter.com/EUAmbPH/status/1750337854558122281
Matatandaang malakas ang panawagang gawin na sanang National Artist for Visual Arts si Whang-Od dahil sa kaniyang kontribusyon sa sining ng paglalagay ng tattoo, na dinarayo pa ng mga lokal at banyagang turista.
Subalit sa ilang kadahilanan ay hindi maipagkaloob ito sa kaniya.
