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Hello Wanderers!

Recently I just visited Buscalan Village to get my first ink from Apo Whang Od and met wonderful people.

Ate Lui is the one that invited me to go in this trip, and she’s my supervisor when I was an intern in the Law Office since I’m a Legal Management major and an aspiring attorney.

It was raining when I came to McDonald’s Centris at night for the pick/meet up place, then I met Ate Marian. Then when we had a stop over for breakfast on the way to Buscalan, Ben introduced us to the rest of them.

When we reached the drop off place, I didn’t expect that we’ll have to trek down and climb just to reach the village (and yes those roofs in the other side of the hill is the village), but the locals who were our tour guide, especially Ate Linda who carried my bag halfway through the trek and keep me on watch to let me pee behind sa bush in the mountain haha.

Yes it was embarrassing but it’s the call of nature, I even puked when we reached the registration booth because it was hot and I felt that my sugar went low (jk ✌🏻). Then they let us rest in the receiving area of Kuya Charlie’s Homestay (photo below) to have their Organic Coffee and cold refreshing water after that unexpected trek.

With Kuya Stephen around, we will never starve since he cooked us lunch then after having lunch we took a bath for us to be ready for our ‘batok’ session.

Unexpectedly, there is WiFi and phone signal though they have a phone that is left hanging and should only be touched with delicate hands. That result with a great day to communicate and make new friends, while having a good conversation while having the traditional ‘Batok’ tattoo, we also had a lot of laughs and ‘chikas’ going around.

After our first tattoo session, we still continue our ‘chikas’ while waiting for our turn with our next tattoo which is the signature of Apo Whang-Od, by herself. I can’t imagine being inked by a Philippine National Artist.

And we did it! Even if Apo Whang-Od’s tattoo had me difficulties since I can see that the prick is being ‘batok’ deep in my skin but the pain is bearable. Keep note young lads (boys), Apo Whang-Od likes to touch your thing. But it’s okay, being touched by a famous personality is only a once in a lifetime chance.

After that tattoo with Apo Whang-Od, we stroll around the village. There’s fresh air, wonderful view, and kind neighbourhood (especially the dogs and pigs), the nature is welcoming and embracing us there.

After the stroll in the village, we went back to the receiving area and then Ben started to play a game which is like “The Resistance” but it’s King having the Killer, Queen as the Detective, Jack as the Healer, and the civilians with everyone in the group except Kuya Jerick, who is tired from driving us there, and Kuya Stephen, who is preparing our dinner. After the game, we had the “Getting to know you” portion, where in the 1st round we would ask questions that are answered with Yes and No, 2nd round is being asked what but without any reason and then the 3rd round where you’re asked just state the reason. Before the 3rd round came, we had dinner.

During dinner, we still continued with the game but it’s getting deep well it was fun since we only met there but the connection is great. Until the next day.

Thank you everyone in Buscalan Village for making me enjoy our stay! Thank you Kuya Charlie for letting us stay in your house, and your family and neighbours to help us around the village. Whenever I can’t hold a grip of myself, I’ll personally visit Buscalan.

Then after Buscalan, we’re off to Sagada check this link (https://whereshewanders.travel.blog/2019/09/24/sagada/).

Expenses

• Tattoo (P 500)
  • P 100 for the tinik
  • P 150 for Apo Whang-Od’s Signature
  • P 250 for the Compass tattoo
• Tour (P 4,000+) all-in toll, transportation, food, accommodation and tour guide in Buscalan and Sagada