Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo traveled to Kalinga and got the signature three-dot tattoo from Apo Whang-Od, which she described as a ‘piece of history.’
The beauty queen visited the renowned mambabatok along with her rumored boyfriend Cole Micek and a few other companions, as seen on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Manalo showed off the tattoo inked on her side rib, also giving a glimpse of the tattooing process, called ‘batok’ which is a traditional Kalinga ethnic hand-tapping tattoo practice that had been around for a thousand years.
‘I didn’t just get a tattoo. I received a piece of history,’ she said in the caption. ‘A traditional batok given by Apo Whang-Od, the last of her generation keeping this sacred art alive, and a prayer inked by her granddaughter, continuing the lineage with her own hands, it felt like a blessing for the journey ahead.’
Manalo further noted that the tattoo from Whang-od is a pride she carries in her heart and is etched on her skin.
‘To be able to sit, feel the rhythm of the tapping, and know that every dot carries a story of resilience, identity, and our people, that is something I will carry forever,’ she added.
Aside from Manalo, Whang-Od also tattooed on another Filipino Miss Universe queen, Michelle Dee, in 2024. Dee, during her Miss Universe journey in 2023, took inspiration from the legendary mambabatok when she wore a custom gown by Mark Bumgarner with details inspired by Whang-Od, a presidential merit awardee.
Meanwhile, Manalo and Micek have been making headlines with their recent public appearances, although the pair has yet to outright confirm their relationship as of this writing.