Apo Whang Od, at an impressive 106 years old, has recently made history by becoming the oldest person ever to grace the cover of Vogue. Her mesmerizing artistic talents have captured the hearts of people worldwide, and her life story is nothing short of inspirational. So, what are her secrets to her extraordinary energy and longevity? Here, we reveal the top six ways she stays vibrant and healthy as we delve into the mystical world of Apo Whang Od.

1. Pollution-Free and Organic Diet

Apo Whang Od resides in the serene highlands of Buscalan, Kalinga, where the air is clean, the water is pure, and the fertile land contributes to the longevity of its inhabitants. Growing up in this pollution-free environment, surrounded by fresh streams and rivers, she benefits from a diet rich in organic foods. The villagers cultivate their rice without harmful chemicals, using natural fertilizers like chopped wild sunflowers. Brown rice, in particular, is a staple, providing essential nutrients and dietary fiber that support heart health. While fruits are scarce, the villagers enjoy a variety of vegetables, exotic herbs like amorseko, and homegrown root crops and beans, ensuring a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

2. Occasional Meat Consumption

While primarily adhering to a plant-based diet, Apo Whang Od and the elders occasionally indulge in meat, including crispy fried chicken and pork. Meat provides essential nutrients such as complete protein, amino acids, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are vital for immune health. Despite the limited availability of fish due to their mountainous location, the villagers enjoy simple meat dishes, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

3. Exercise Through Manual Labor

Apo Whang Od’s journey began at 16, learning the sacred art of mambabatok (traditional tattooing) from her father. As the only female practitioner of this ancient tradition, she traveled to various villages, honoring ancestral customs and marking life milestones with sacred symbols. Hard work is ingrained in the Butbut tribe’s culture, with villagers engaging in farming, guiding visitors, and other labor-intensive tasks. Apo Whang Od herself spent most of her life working in rice paddies. Even in her senior years, she continues to stay active, tending to household chores, poultry, and tattooing visitors daily.

4. Staying Calm and Positive

Apo Whang Od’s life has not been without heartbreak. Her love, Ambatang, a headhunter warrior, was forbidden to marry her due to tribal customs. Despite this, she remained resilient and chose to stay unmarried, dedicating herself to her craft and maintaining a positive outlook. Her unwavering spirit and ability to find joy in simple pleasures, like her extensive collection of red lipstick, contribute to her longevity and positive demeanor.

5. Simple Joys in Life

Finding contentment in simple pleasures is a key aspect of Apo Whang Od’s life. She delights in her red lipstick collection, often sharing it with other women in her tribe. Her natural charm and style caught the attention of Vogue Philippines, who featured her in her natural element, adorned with her own ornaments and signature red lipstick. This celebration of simplicity and authenticity reflects her positive outlook on life.

6. Strong Community Bonds

A supportive community and a sense of purpose are vital to Apo Whang Od’s longevity. As the last mambabatok, she is dedicated to preserving the tradition of hand-tap tattooing, empowering and inspiring the younger generation. She has trained around 90 apprentices, mostly women, to carry on this ancient art form. Despite her advanced age, she embraces the inevitability of death, with her grave already prepared, viewing it as a natural part of life.

Apo Whang Od’s life is a testament to the power of a healthy diet, hard work, resilience, simple pleasures, and strong community ties. Her wisdom and strength continue to inspire people around the world, ensuring her legacy lives on for generations to come.

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