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.
Tinatayang 132,000 pamilya, lumikas sa Eastern Visayas dahil sa super typhoon Pepito
"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.
