'Do what makes your heart happy': 75 anyos Fil-Aus retired public servant, nagpatattoo kay Apo Whang-Od

Ayon sa 75-year old writer, retired broadcaster at public servant Violi Calvert kakaiba ang kanyang naramdaman ng masilayan ang legendary tattoo artist na si 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

• Si Violi Calvert ay isang manunulat, retired broadcaster at public servant ng higit sa tatlong dekada sa Australia. Kinilala rin siya at pinarangan ng iba't ibang organisasyon dahil sa pagiging aktibo sa komundad at pagtulong.
• Mula Nueva Ecija umabot sa higit 11 oras o higit 400 kilometres ang byahe ng grupo ni Violi Calvert papuntang Mountain Province para magpatatto sa legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od.
• Sabi ni Violi, ramdam niya ang mas malalim na ugnayan ng pagka-Pilipino dahil kay Apo Whang-Od, na patuloy na sumisimbulo at nagtataguyod ng tradisyonal na paraan ng pagta-tattoo.

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'Do what makes your heart happy': 75 anyos Fil-Aus retired public servant, nagpatattoo kay Apo Whang-Od

SBS Filipino

13:37Filipino

Tubong Nueva Ecija ang 75 taong gulang na si Violeta Garcia- Calvert o mas kilalang Violi Calvert.

Siya ay isang kilalang manunulat, retired broadcaster, public servant at aktibo sa komunidad dito sa Australia partikular sa estado ng New South Wales.

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

Ani Violi matagal na niyang gustong magpatattoo sa mismong legendary na 108 years old na Kalinga tattoo artist na si Apo Whang Od sa Buscalan Village, Tinglayan, Kalinga Apayao sa 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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