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    There are [10] photos and [2] stories about Philippines

    Fang-Od lets customers stay as guests in her home. I found this wall inside her house where she pinned all of her photographs, including the ones sent by her former traveler customers as gestures of gratitude for their tattoos. by: bernicebeltran Views[388] Fang-Od shows her tattoo that was given to her when she was young. Some say it was her father who tattooed her, while others say it was given by another Kalinga tattoo artist. She has become a culture bearer. Her inked skin is a living artifact that speaks stories of her tribe’s culture and history. by: bernicebeltran Views[625] In Kalinga, people take pride in their tattoos. Kalinga male warriors who triumphed in battle and brought home the heads of their fallen opponents receive tattoos from the mambabatok (tattoo artist) as a symbol of honor, while tattoos given to the women are aesthetic in nature. Scholars believe that this tradition was practiced for centuries, but over the years, the tribal wars gradually ceased and tattooing headhunters discontinued. Fang-Od makes a living by giving tattoos to travelers from all over the world who seek their dying craft. by: bernicebeltran Views[670] There were about 20 travellers who came and left when I was in Kalinga. They all came to get tattoos from Fang-Od. The tattoo is done using two bamboo sticks, one of which has a thorn attached to it while the other is used for tapping. The ink is made of soot. This is a photograph of her giving a tattoo to one of the travelers who came to visit her. by: bernicebeltran Views[714] Fang-Od is a 93 year old Kalinga tattoo artist. She lives in Buscalan, Kalinga - about 15-16 hours by land from Manila. To get here, a traveller will have to take a 12 hr bus ride, about 4-5 hrs of jeepney ride, another 1 hr in the minivan and a long trek which can take 2-3 hours, depending on your level of fitness. This is the home of the Butbut tribe. Back then, the people here were known to be fierce warriors and headhunters for centuries. Today, I would consider this as one of the most peaceful places that I have been to. It has no phone signal and the people are very friendly and welcoming. by: bernicebeltran Views[632]
     
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    Photos: Fang-Od, The Culture Bearer

    Friday, 21 Nov 2014 | Photo Gallery | Scholarship Entry

    As an aspiring travel photographer, I want to focus my work on culture, particularly in indigenous cultures and ancient architectures. I joined this contest, not because I want to win for the sake of winning, but because I want to learn more about the ... Read more >
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    Tags: 2014 travel photography scholarship

    Photos: Place of Prayers and Profits

    Monday, 14 Jan 2013 | Photo Gallery | Scholarship Entry

    My love-hate relationship with Manila has inspired me to pursue my passion for travel photography. It made me curious about what other places are like, if the people from the other parts of the world ever felt the same way for their country. I've only ... Read more >
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    Tags: travel photography scholarship 2012

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