Michelle Dee gets tattooed by Apo Whang Od: 'Finally!'

Michelle Dee has finally gotten tattooed by one of her heroes, Apo Whang Od.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 queen visited the oldest and last mambabatok in Buscalan Village in Kalinga.

In her Instagram Reel, Michelle can be seen wearing traditional Filipino woven fabric as a headband and around her neck. Apo Whang Od tattooed Michelle with her three dots, her signature.

“Finally!!” Michelle said in her caption.

“What an amazing way to start the month of May and my final days as your reigning queen,” she added. “All love.”

Michelle paid tribute to the living legend through her gowns for Miss Universe 2023 and her homecoming parade. Michelle also called Apo Whang Od an “amazing symbol of cultural preservation” and said that if she could ever live as another woman, she would choose her.

A top 10 finalist in Miss Universe who won several special awards, Michelle is set to crown her successor at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant on May 22.

In February, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. honored Apo Whang Od for her contributions to the Philippine traditional arts. She was bestowed with the Outstanding Government Workers of 2023 and the Presidential Medal of Merit awards.

In 2023, Apo Whang Od was one of the cover stars of Vogue Philippines, where she exuded beauty and strength.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News