Ryzza Mae Dizon's First Tattoo from Whang-Od

Former child star Ryzza Mae Dizon, now transitioning into adulthood, embarked on a cultural journey that many can only dream of. The beloved television host-actress took to social media to share her experience of receiving a signature tattoo from none other than Kalinga's esteemed mambabatok, Apo Whang-Od.

In an Instagram post early Thursday morning, the 18-year-old star unveiled snapshots and clips from her visit to Buscalan, where she met with the legendary Apo Whang-Od and underwent the traditional tattooing process.

Captioning her post with excitement, Dizon revealed, "got inked by the legendary Apo Whang-Od 🤍," signifying the significance of the moment.

Among the images shared, one captured Dizon proudly displaying the iconic "three dots" pattern tattooed on her left arm, a symbol of her memorable encounter with Whang-Od.

Ryzza's decision to get inked by Whang-Od adds her to the list of notable personalities, including Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual, who have sought out the renowned tattoo artist for a unique piece of cultural art.

Born Apo Maria Oggay, Whang-Od holds the distinction of being the country's oldest mambabatok, garnering recognition for her contribution to intangible cultural heritage. Her talent and legacy were further honored with the Dangal ng Haraya Award in 2018, followed by the prestigious Presidential Lingkod-Bayan Award received in February.

As Ryzza embraces adulthood, her journey to Buscalan and the symbolic tattoo she received serve as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in her personal growth and appreciation for indigenous traditions.

In response to Ryzza's Instagram post, her close friend and fellow celebrity, Ryan Agoncillo, expressed his support with a comment, to which Ryzza playfully replied, "nauna na ako BB! ikaw na po next," hinting at the possibility of Ryan following suit in receiving a Whang-Od tattoo.