An online course under the revered Filipino tattooist Apo Whang-od Oggay was taken down from a digital learning platform hosted by Nas Daily after the artist granddaughter says no agreement was signed.
Nas Daily, famously known for its 1-minute video content, collaborated with the Whang-Od or the “last mambabatok,” in an online course called, “The Ancient Art of Tattooing” under the Whang Od Academy.
Whang-Od, also known as Maria Oggay, 103 years old, gained popularity as the Oldest Tattoo Artist in the Philippines and was given the Dangal ng Haraya Award of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA).
For PHP 750, learners are being offered lifetime access to the course, Kalinga tattoo making and its cultural aspect, live courses with tattoo artists, resources, and cheat sheets.
However, Gracia Palicas, the artist’s granddaughter posted in her Facebook account called the course a scam and told the public that they didn’t sign up for the event.
(Gracia Palicas’ Now-Deleted Post)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/164620733642453
Palicas posted in a public group saying, “My grandmother did not sign any contract with @NasDaily to do any academy.”
Palicas fears that other people might take advantage of their culture.
“Some people are taking advantage of our culture. Please help us stop this disrespect to the legacy of Apo Whang Od and the Butbot Tribe,” she further shared.
Nusser Yassin’s group traveled to Buscalan to feature her 104-year-old grandmother, but the mambabatok said she could not understand what the translators were saying, she shared in her now-deleted post.
“However our village’s concern is that some people are profiting and exploiting our art and culture. I know you spoke to someone, gave them money, and will share the profit. But Apo Whang Od is not aware of your contract,” she wrote.
As of writing, Nas Daily took down the Whang Od Academy Page and the initial post of Palicas after being asked by the team to take it down in exchange for their removal of the course.
Alongside the Filipino tattoo artist, Nas Daily hosts an online session with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
On its page, renowned journalist Jessica Soho, fashion designer Michael Sinco, singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre, wealth expert Chinkee Tan, host James Deakin, videographer Jason Magbanua, and fellow content creators Erwan Heussaff, Carlo Ople, and Maverick Bautista, will soon share their insights regarding their fields of expertise.
Nas Daily has been collaborating with more influencers and brands in the past, even once partnered with the Department of Tourism in a campaign video.
Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily and his team have not yet posted any comment on the issue.
