The last tattooed women of Tanudan

Tucked deep in the folds of the Tanudan Mountains lies a village often called the last frontier of Kalinga — a place seemingly untouched by time. But beyond the pristine forests and ancient footpaths is a living canvas of cultural memory: the birthplace of Kalinga tattooing, known locally as batek.

Once, full-sleeve tattoos adorned the arms of women here — each mark a story, a rite, a legacy. Today, only a few elders bear these inked histories. Amid shifting ideals and fading interest, one woman dares to revive this intricate art, preserving its pulse against the tides of modernity and social stigma.