Tinglayan, Kalinga - Legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, known as the last mambabatok of the Kalinga people, is set to make her international film debut in the 'Treasure of the Rice Terraces,' which celebrates indigenous culture and traditions in the Philippines.
Said film is a documentary project of the award-winning Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Kent Donguines, head of the Aimer Films, Inc., based in Vancouver, BC. Donguines is the first international filmmaker to travel to Buscalan Tinglayan, Kalinga, where he met the 108-year-old legend.
The documentary, as cited by Donguines via national media, is directed by himself and produced by Jacob Crawford and Bailey Wood; co-produced by Patti Lapus and Whang-od's grand-niece Grace Palicas herself, while the cinematography was done by John Fleming.
Filmed in three different places, (Buscalan, Malina and Vancouver) the piece explores the transformation of traditional Filipino tattooing into a celebrated cultural symbol, highlighting preservation efforts and challenges like appropriation and discrimination, with the last mambabatok and her descendants as prominent subjects.
Personalities such as Michelle Dee, whose Miss Universe 2023 gown was designed as a tribute to Whang-Od alongside its designer Mark Bumgarner, are also featured in the documentary.
Talking to the media, Donguines shared that Buscalan and its people have somewhat changed his perception of the place and living in simplicity saying, "...as for Buscalan, this place will forever have a special place in our hearts as a team. To me, this is no longer a place to visit; this is a place I now also consider home. Thank you for teaching us the simplicity of life and what truly means to make the most out of our time there in the village. Manjaman ah!"
The film will be screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2025 and is scheduled to be shown from October 2-12. For show times and tickets, those interested are advised to visit the official VIFF website.
.png)
%20(2).png)
