Nas Daily releases video to address Whang-Od Academy issue

Nas Daily has responded to allegations that "Whang-Od Academy" was a scam and that Whang-Od signed no contract with his program.

On Facebook, Nas Daily shared a video showing Whang-Od signing a contract using her thumb print, with her niece Estella Palangdao present.

"Dear Philippines! There has been a post circulating online regarding our beloved Whang-Od Academy," Nas Daily wrote. "The post claims that Whang-Od has no knowledge of the Academy and that this is a scam."

"As a company, we have been champions of the Philippines from Day 1, so this makes us very sad to hear," they added.

Nas Daily said they approached Whang-Od because just like most Filipinos, they "love her traditions and are inspired by her."

Since they wanted to share her culture "for future generations to appreciate and respect the ancient Kalinga tradition of mambabatok," they pitched the idea of creating Whang-Od Academy.

"Her and her family present both loved this idea, and have worked WITH US to build it, with Whang-Od teaching herself," Nas Daily said.

"As a matter of fact, Whang-Od’s trusted niece, Estella Palangdao, was present and translated the content of the contract prior to Whang-Od affixing her thumbprint, signifying her full consent to the project," they added. "This is the clearest evidence that it is not a scam and achieved the consent of her and her immediate family."

They added that everyone involved was compensated for their time, and that most of the sale that Whang-Od Academy generates would go directly to Whang-Od and her family.

Nas Daily released the statement and video after Whang-Od's grandniece Gracia Palicas slammed the program for "taking advantage of our culture."

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Gracia said she spoke to her grandmother and "she said she did not understand what the translators were saying" and to tell Nas Daily that "she will not be joining."

"I know you have good intentions of sharing our culture to the next generation," she said. "However our village's concern is that some people are profiting and [exploiting] our art and culture."

"I know you spoke to someone and gave some money and will share profits, but Apo Whang Od is not aware of your contract," she added.

The Whang-Od Academy course has been taken down from Nas Daily's website following the controversy.

Last June, Palestinian-Israeli vlogger Nas Daily announced a roster of professionals from the Philippines who will be collaborating with him in "Nas Academy" to share their knowledge, and Whang-Od was one of those listed to teach.

Its website said that the "104-year-old legend will reveal all her rituals, tools and methods for making traditional tattoos."

The course costs P750 which includes "Lifetime Access To Her Course," and "2 Live Lessons With Trainers."

Aside from Whang-Od, other Filipino personalities tapped for Nas Academy  Kapuso include award-winning journalist Jessica Soho, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco, among others. —JCB, GMA News