This was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had, getting a jeepney (local taxis), from Manila to Banaue rice terrace valleys, hiking to the mountains of Sagada to meet the oldest living Kalinga tattoo master, Whang Od. She should be about 106 years old now.
Saying it’s memorable, just easier to say that, but it was a special type of trip where it changes your path of life. It gives you a glimpse into the future that’s about to unfold.
Our road trip started in Manila, via jeepneys and buses, from one town to another, getting the tickets and stops were easy as most of the locals were very helpful and friendly.
We did not take a guide as most travellers were doing to get into the mountains in Sagada and Kalinga, as we just asked around and followed some locals into the villages.
Once we reached the village where Whang Od was living, they took us to see her, and had many home-stays and rooms for travellers, where they provided us with a basic comfortable room close to the rice fields, good warm food, we then walked around to see this beautiful village and it’s people.
She gave me a tattoo, a symbol of a crab, which means a spirit of an explorer, a guide. As though at that moment it was stamped into my soul and I was ready to do this, for the rest of my life.
