'Do what makes your heart happy': 75-year-old Filipino-Australian retiree gets tattooed by Apo Whang-Od

Violi Calvert felt something extraordinary when she met the legendary tattoo artist, Apo Whang-Od.

According to Violi Calvert, she felt a deep connection to her Filipino roots through Apo Whang-Od, a living symbol of our culture who continues to preserve the traditional art of tattooing. Credit: Violi Calvert

Key Points

• Violi Calvert is a writer, retired broadcaster, and public servant with over three decades of service in Australia. She has been recognised by various organisations for her active involvement in the community and her dedication to helping others.
• Traveling over 11 hours and more than 400 kilometers from Nueva Ecija, Violi’s group journeyed to Mountain Province to get tattoos from the legendary artist, Apo Whang-Od.
• Violi shared that meeting Apo Whang-Od deepened her connection to her Filipino roots, as Apo Whang-Od continues to symbolize and preserve the traditional art of tattooing.

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'Do what makes your heart happy': 75-year-old Filipino-Australian retiree gets tattooed by Apo Whang-Od

SBS Filipino

13:37Filipino

Violeta Garcia-Calvert, more commonly known as Violi Calvert, is 75 years old and hails from Nueva Ecija.

She is a renowned writer, retired broadcaster, public servant, and an active figure in the community, particularly in New South Wales, Australia.

The young Calvert family. Credit: Violi Calvert

Violi Calvert’s family, inspired by the love of her mother [Nanay Rosalina] and the lasting legacy of her late father, who taught her the importance of showing love and serving others selflessly. Their influence continues to guide her in making a difference in the lives of those around her. Credit: Violi Calvert

According to Violi, she has long wanted to get a tattoo from the legendary 108-year-old Kalinga tattoo artist, Apo Whang-Od, in Buscalan Village, Tinglayan, Kalinga Apayao, in the Cordillera region.

Visiting Apo Whang-Od was a profound experience that made me feel deeply connected to my Filipino roots. Credit: Violi Calvert

The tattoo symbolises a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Rosalina, whose name means "rose." By saying "God gave me Rose," it reflects how she sees her mother as a precious and divine gift in her life, much like a beautiful and cherished rose. It’s a deeply personal expression of love, gratitude, and remembrance. Credit: Violi Calvert

Visiting Apo Whang-Od was a profound experience that made me feel deeply connected to my Filipino roots. She is a living symbol of our culture, tirelessly preserving the traditional art of tattooing—a heritage that speaks to the soul of our identity.

Violi Calvert Writer, retired broadcaster and public servant

At first, Violi’s husband, John Calvert, wasn’t keen on getting a tattoo. But as Violi shares, throughout their life together, they’ve always talked things through. Now, they enjoy traveling and spending quality time with their grandchildren. Credit: Violi Calvert

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