Apo Whang-Od, the oldest-known tattoo artist in the country, recently faced criticisms online after a video of her grabbing actor Piolo Pascual’s crotch went viral on social media.
In the clip, Whang-Od can be seen engaging in what some are calling an “unconventional” approach to tattooing.
The video, reportedly shot in Buscalan, Kalinga Province, showed Piolo and his brother Pochie, as they visited the 107-year-old “mambabatok” for a tattoo session.
However, what caught the attention of netizens was the moment when Whang Od touched a private part of the actor’s body during the tattooing process.
Piolo’s reaction in the video is one of laughter, as the actor seemed to take the incident in good humor, surrounded by onlookers who also joined in the amusement.
Known for grabbing male visitors’ private parts, this isn’t the first time Whang Od’s tattooing process has gained attention.
Another male celebrity, actor-host Paulo Ballesteros, had previously shared a similar encounter with the tattoo artist, as seen in his co-host Maine Mendoza’s 2019 Instagram post.
While some found the encounter amusing, however, not everyone shared the same sentiment, raising concerns over the nature of the interaction as criticism surfaced online, with some arguing that the act could be considered a form of “harassment”.
Some argue that regardless of the artist’s age or reputation, touching private areas “without consent” should be considered “inappropriate”.
Meanwhile, others defended Whang-Od’s tattooing approach, discussing the interaction as a show of a sense of humor and emphasizing that both parties consented to the process.
Due to the viral video, “Apo Whang-Od” became one of the top trending topics on X Philippines as netizens expressed their opinions on the issue.
This shouldn’t be condoned. Alam ko malaki ang respeto natin kay Apo Whang Od at sa sining niya ng pagtatattoo. Pero dapat ba natin baliwalain itong ginagawa niya? Kung matandang lalake si Apo Whang Od, ano na lamang ang reaction ng mga tao? https://t.co/NbA2cSkfMS
— Lou Bading (@ladidalou) March 11, 2024
What if Apo Whang Od were a man? I respect her and her craft but pls let’s not condone a ridiculous and unacceptable act just because people find it funny or she is THE Apo Whang Od.
— Ejay (@_ejayyyyyyyyy) March 11, 2024
My opinion on the Apo Whang Od dakma issue:
— bengbengbengbengbengbengbengbeng (@beng_beng_beng) March 11, 2024
It becomes offensive when one party did not give permission, or was offended, or was uncomfy.
Piolo did not say No, did not move away, and was laughing in good fun.
Anong next na icacancel nyo, yung mga tribe women na walang bra? ?
