Apo Whang Od’s viral video of touching Piolo Pascual’s private parts draws mixed reactions from netizens

Netizens have mixed reactions to Apo Whang Od’s viral video of touching Piolo Pascual’s private parts.

In the video making the rounds online, the oldest mambabatok is seen touching the actor’s genitals in Buscalan.

Both Apo Whang Od and Piolo burst out laughing during the moment, and a crowd of people off-camera also laughed and cheered them on.

Some netizens accused the Filipina icon of sexual harassment and said that she should not have grabbed Piolo’s or other guests’ private parts. The video also led to a discussion on gender roles.

“What Apo Whang Od did is hindi tama and don't close your eyes sa fact na iyan just because she is an icon. Imagine if it's an old man who did that? Everyone, if not all, will be pissed off. Kaya I don't understand bakit nagsa-sana all pa kayo,” an X user said.

“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?” another user said.

However, netizens were also quick to defend Apo Whang Od, saying that grabbing the genitals of male visitors is among her longtime traditions.

Users also pointed out that both Apo Whang Od and Piolo gave their consent.

“My opinion on the Apo Whang Od dakma issue: 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?” a netizen said.

Netizens also gave a resounding statement, saying that instead of canceling Apo Whang Od, they should focus on more important national issues.

“May talak kay apo whang od dedma kay Quiboloy mga depotah… Ibang level talaga mga wokeninam thesis ghoooorls dito..” a netizen said.

“APO WHANG OD getting cancelled by twitter wokes, at her age. Please, give the same energy sa mga academics nyo na puro reklamo lng ng reklamo kineso pagod na kayo HAHAHA Kalowka,” another user said.

“My thoughts on the Apo Whang Od issue. U go there to support her. At her age cancelling her doesn't do anything. Just dont visit her if u are not comfortable with what she does. If there are people who feels victimized, the victim should be the one speaking about it. NOT YOU,” a user said.

GMA News Online has reached out to X users who have posted the video but they have yet to respond as of this posting.

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.
 
Last year, Apo Whang Od appeared on the cover of Vogue Philippines, where she exuded beauty and strength. It also went viral and made the rounds online.

The tattoo artist famously inspired Michelle Dee, who paid tribute to the last mambabatok through her gowns for Miss Universe 2023. Michelle also called Apo Whang-Od an “amazing symbol of cultural preservation.”

How do we unpack something like this, mga Kapuso? Does Apo Whang-Od deserve to be cancelled? Can she be forgiven given her age? How should Piolo Pascual have reacted? 

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News