A Visit to Apo Whang-Od - Mambabatok of Buscalan

Yes Indeed!

I admire people with tats — it looks cool, it makes them look brave and somehow it reveal something about their soul. Hence when my friends asked me if I wanted to get inked the traditional way, I said yes!

My first "tat"

How to go to Buscalan from Manila

There will be two optios here:

First Option

Manila to Bontoc - ride a bus that goes straight to Bontoc (Victory Liner from Kamias Terminal to Bontoc). Ride is approximately 10 to 12 hours. Fare is less than P1000. Check for their scheduled trips.

Bontoc to Tinglayan – ride a jeep to Tinglayan (ask for their terminal in Bontoc, everyone knew about it). The ride is approximately 2-3 hours. Fare is about P130.

Tinglayan to Buscalan – is a 30-45 minute trek, depending on how fast you are.

Second Option

Manila to Baguio – ride a bus to Baguio (Dagupan Bus from Cubao to Baguio). Ride is approximately 5-6 hours. Fare is about P600. Regular trips so you can travel anytime.

Baguio to Bontoc – ride a bus from Baguio to Bontoc (better take a taxi to take you the terminal). Fare is around P400.

Bontoc to Tinglayan – ride a jeep to Tinglayan (ask for their terminal in Bontoc, everyone knew about it). The ride is approximately 2-3 hours. Fare is about P130.

Tinglayan to Buscalan – is a 30-45 minute trek, depending on how fast you are.

Note: this is advisable if you have plenty of time. It is a chance to see Baguio first before heading to Apo Whang-Od’s hometown.

Tip: We travelled through Baguio then Sagada and had a day tour in Sagada. We travelled early the following morning to Bontoc. Sagada to Bontoc is just 30-45 minutes jeep ride.   

Where to Stay in Buscalan

Before our scheduled trip, I searched online and found Kuya Gilbert. His contact number is 09084792012. I texted him of our schedule and asked if he can get us a room and a guide which he taken care of. A night in Buscalan costs P250 with unlimited black coffee and rice (you have to bring your own viand “ulam”).

The Trek

Uphill

Long and Winding Road towards Buscalan

Although the trek is just 30-45 minute walk, Buscalan Village is not easy to reach. You have to cross a mountain to reach it. The good news is, the road was paved and not slippery and the view around is totally amazing.

Another long and winding road

Buscalan Rice Terraces

The gang less "Mace" 

And we are almost there yeheyyyy!

Getting “Inked”

We arrived in Buscalan at around 3 in the afternoon yet a number of visitors were already there, waiting for their turn. With so many visitors waiting for their turn, we were hoping to at least get Apo Whang-Od's signature.

The "THREE DOTS"

We spend the rest of the day talking to other visitors, getting to know the locals and the village and wandering around.

One of the views from Buscalan Village

Buscalan Rice Terraces

We got inked the following morning by one of Apo Whang-Od’s granddaughter. Apo Whang-Od was not feeling well that day but she agreed to do her “signature tattoo” to anyone who wants it.

The "Traveller"

A regular tattoo costs P500 (as the size gets bigger, so is the price) and Apo Whang-Od’s signature costs P100.

 And here I am getting Apo Whang Od's signature!

Ouch - that hurts!

and the Gang!

Goodbye Buscalan- See YOU SOON!

Salute to our "OLDEST MAMBABATOK"

Do you think she did it fast? Think Again :)

To view our Spring of Youth (Rakuh-a-id-Spring) Tour in Batanes, click here.

To view our South Batan Tour – Team Promising Goes to Batanes, click here.

To view our Batanes Tour, click here.

To view our Sabtang Tour, click here.

To view our South Batan Tour – Team Promising Goes to Batanes, click here.
To view our Bohol Day 1 Tour, click here!
To view our Bohol Day 2 Tour, click here!
For my Bohol Sunrise, click here.
For my Bohol Sunset, click here.