Amid the celebrations around this year’s International Women’s Month, the revered traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-od finds herself at the center of a cancel culture storm following an interaction with famous actor Piolo Pascual. The controversy arose when Whang-od playfully touched Piolo’s private area during a visit to Buscalan, Kalinga Province, where the centenarian tattoo artist practices her craft.
Piolo Pascual and his brother Pochie sought out Apo Whang-od for a personal tattoo session, a customary pilgrimage for those who appreciate the ancient art of batok. However, the ‘playful’ gesture captured on video stirred discontent among Filipino social media users, who deemed it inappropriate and raised concerns about consent.
Despite Piolo’s evident amusement and lack of objection to the viral video, social media users argue that Whang-od’s action sets a questionable precedent and could be interpreted as harassment. Some social media users expressed disapproval, drawing parallels to hypothetical scenarios involving a male artist and a female subject.
https://twitter.com/yamariposa/status/1767228094190928014?s=46&t=kY7tlrspwi46yfVvjmkhpQ
One social media user commented, “Sexual harassment! 😒 If a guy did this to a woman, we will all be up in arms. Just because a ‘national icon’ did it doesn’t make the act funny, cute, or worthy of giggles.”
Another remarked, “Ang tanda na mahalay pa din. Kakasuka. [She’s already old and yet she’s still lewd. Disgusting.]”
Another user added, “F*cking disgusting. Where’s the outrage?!?!?! If a man did this, you woke folks would foam and protest non-stop!”
In contrast, supporters of Apo Whang-od argued that the incident was taken out of context and should be viewed within the cultural framework of her traditional practices. Many defended her, emphasizing that Piolo’s laughter and apparent lack of discomfort indicated consensual playfulness rather than malicious intent. The artist is actually known for doing the gesture. Many guys who came to be tattooed by the artist experienced the same thing, but some did not interpret it in a sexual manner and thought of it as part of the norm.
One defender stated, “Facial expression & reaction ni Papa ay hindi pagkagulat or pagtutol but kapilyuhan. [Papa (P’s) facial expression and reaction were not of surprise or disapproval but playfulness.] Laughter says it all. A touching (with consent) as her norm without any intention of sexual malice or flirtiness but culture & religion.”
Another user also came in defense, saying, “Those who criticize Apo Whang Od haven’t even had the chance to meet her in person. She’s a lively, skilled elder with a sense of humor, occasionally mischievous. I’ve visited her four times and marked by her twice. Some things in life are better left overlooked and tolerated.”
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation on cancel culture and the importance of contextual understanding when evaluating the actions of cultural icons. As Apo Whang-od’s case unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of tradition, consent, and contemporary norms in cultural preservation.
In the era of social media, where discussions on cultural sensitivity and appropriate behavior are amplified, Apo Whang-od’s unexpected encounter with cancel culture highlights the complexities of navigating tradition within the evolving landscape of public perception.
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