Filipino Tattoos – Batok

In 2025, I made the visit to the Philippines and while there, my uncle brought us to Buscalan to meet the famous Apo Whang-Od.

It was such a cool experience and a great bonding experience. My uncle, his girlfriend, my sister, my son, and I got tattoos by Apo Whang-Od and we also got her to sign our copies of Vogue magazine which she is on the cover of.

We also got tattooed by the house tattoo artist. Her name was Clare and she was very attentive to us. Some things to remember if you are going to travel to Buscalan to get tattooed. Travelers beware! It’s not the cleanest environment. I got an infection from mine and I had to go to get antibiotics for the tattoo I got on my ankle. Still, it’s a rare experience and I recommend it!

It was very apparent to me that if people want some memorable tattoos from there, it would help to have a clear understanding of what the tattoos are and their meaning. Here is my attempt to help out in that area. I might have really deep-dove into their meanings but I guess its better to have more than enough information.

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From all the tattoos below, there is creative freedom to them all. For example, the centipedes legs can be angled up or down, the python or snake or centipede can be as long or as short as needed to fit the tattoo recipient’s taste. Strips can be turned into bands and while they are depicted as straight lines, can curve to match the body.

Suns / Eclipse / Moons

Name of Tattoo: Celestial Motifs

What the meaning is: Contemporary interpretations often associate the sun with vitality, light, and purpose, and the moon with reflection, balance, and life’s changing phases. Meanings should be confirmed with the tattoo practitioner rather than assumed to be universal Kalinga symbolism.

Why a traveler would get it: Someone might choose a celestial design to commemorate a fresh start, a period of reflection, or the balance between different parts of their life.

Bands

The next bunch that I’m going to do are usually used as a band, like to wrap around a forearm or ankle or other body part.

Day and Night/Hourglass

Name of Tattoo: Day and Night (Hourglass)

What the meaning is: This repeating geometric design is interpreted in contemporary explanations as representing balance, the passage of time, and the coexistence of opposing forces. Related geometric forms may have different local names and cultural associations.

Why a traveler would get it: A traveler might choose this pattern as a reminder to accept both difficult and joyful seasons, remain grounded through change, and appreciate the passage of time.

Mountains

These are two separate tattoos, the top one and the bottom one. I actually have the bottom one around my ankle.

Name of Tattoo: Mountain Band

What the meaning is: Mountain patterns evoke the rugged landscape of the Cordillera region. Contemporary interpretations associate them with endurance, stability, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles.

Why a traveler would get it: Someone might choose this design to commemorate the demanding journey to Buscalan, celebrate a personal achievement, or remember a difficult period they successfully navigated.

Shelf

Name of Tattoo: Shelf Band

What the meaning is: This geometric band features horizontal lines supported by vertical elements, sometimes above a stepped or mountain-like base. Contemporary interpretations connect its structure with stability, foundations, and support.

Why a traveler would get it: A traveler might choose this design to represent commitment to family, community, or personal values, or as a geometric band that complements other tattoos.

Ladder

Name of Tattoo: Ladder Band

What the meaning is: The stepped geometric pattern is interpreted in contemporary explanations as representing progress, perseverance, and gradual advancement. Specific traditional names and associations should be verified locally.

Why a traveler would get it: Someone might choose this design to mark a milestone, a career achievement, or a period of personal growth, remembering that meaningful progress often happens one step at a time.

Snake Skin

Name of Tattoo: Snake Skin (Inulog)

What the meaning is: The repeating, interlocking pattern resembles snake scales. Contemporary interpretations associate it with transformation, adaptability, resilience, and protection.

Why a traveler would get it: A traveler might choose this continuous pattern to mark a personal turning point, symbolize leaving old burdens behind, or celebrate the ability to adapt to new circumstances.

Snake Tongue

Name of Tattoo: Snake Tongue

What the meaning is: This distinctive branching geometric pattern is interpreted in contemporary explanations as representing awareness, discernment, intuition, and communication. Its traditional meaning should be confirmed with the practitioner.

Why a traveler would get it: Someone might choose this design as a reminder to listen carefully, trust sound judgment, speak honestly, and remain attentive to the people and opportunities encountered along life’s journey.

Family Holding Hands

Name of Tattoo: Connected Figures / Family

What the meaning is: Connected human figures can be interpreted as representing unity, relationships, and belonging. The specific cultural meaning of a particular design should be discussed with the tattoo artist.

Why a traveler would get it: A visitor might choose this pattern to honor family, friends, or a chosen community, keeping the people who matter most close even when traveling far from home.

Before You Choose a Tattoo

Take time to discuss your chosen design with your mambabatok. Ask about its local name, cultural significance, and whether its meaning is traditional, contemporary, or personal to the practitioner. I did my research with basic google lookups and I’m pretty sure they are accurate.

The most meaningful tattoo is one you understand and choose with respect for the people and culture from which the design comes.