Tinglayan showcases Next-Gen Mambabatok at Bodong Festival Agro-Tourism Booth

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Young tattoo artists were given a platform to showcase Tinglayan’s artistry during the 7th Bodong Festival held from February 11–14, 2026.

The municipality, led by Mayor Charles Abay, brought its rich tattoo heritage to Tabuk City by featuring five new-generation tattoo artists from Buscalan at the town’s agro-tourism booth at the Capitol Grounds in Bulanao.

The featured artists were Aiza Ayangao, Rhea Paclay, Mia Faith Lagui-ao, Jolleen Ba-od, and Penny Sagmayao. All of them inked clients onsite, promoting the traditional “batok” of Buscalan Village, home of the oldest mambabatok, Apo Whang-od.

According to Larae Lactao, Tinglayan Municipal Tourism Officer, Buscalan Village selected the five young artists to represent Tinglayan’s traditional hand-tapped tattooing. The initiative aims to provide younger generations with an avenue to practice and preserve the tradition they learned from their elders.

In a statement, Mayor Abay expressed his appreciation to the young artists for their talent and for helping preserve Tinglayan’s cultural practices by learning and upholding them.

“Maragsakan tayo nga mangkita kadagitoy younger generation nga willing mangipakita kadagiti talento da ken kadagiti nasursuro da nga tradition ken practices kadagiti elders and ancestors tayo. I would also like to take this opportunity nga pasalamatan dagiti nang-supporta iti booth iti Tinglayan ken dagiti local products tayo idi Kalinga Day,” he expressed.

Aside from onsite tattooing, the Tinglayan booth also displayed agricultural products such as unoy rice, coffee, ginger, turmeric, watercress, basi, and rice wines, as well as souvenir items including keychains, tote bags, ref magnets, T-shirts, and handmade flowers.