Nas Takes Down ‘Whang-Od Tattoo Course’ as Cultural Exploitation, Scam Concerns Arise

The new online learning platform Nas Academy took down its tattoo course that seemingly features Philippine tattoo and cultural icon Apo Whang-od.

This comes after the Kalinga tattoo icon’s grandniece, Grace Palicas, cried foul as she called the course a ‘scam’ and raised the issue of cultural exploitation.

The now-deleted Facebook post of Palicas said that Whang-Od did not sign any contract to do the course, and added that some people are ‘taking advantage’ of their tattooing culture.

Screen grab: Facebook/Grace Palicas

The “Learn the Ancient Art of Tattooing” course that featured Whang-Od was available for only P750.

Palicas’ posts has since been taken down as well as of Wednesday, saying that Nas told her to remove her posts in exchange of removing the Whang-Od course from the website.

“The two posts have since been deleted after Nas Academy asked Palicas to remove her posts, in exchange for their removal of the course from their catalogue,” according to a Reportr article.

Palicas reiterated in a different post that was taken down that Whang-Od will not be joining the academy as she said her village’s concern was of other people profiting and exploiting their culture.

She added that Whang-Od was not aware of any contracts with Nas.

Screen grab: Facebook/Grace Palicas

“Am sorry to tell you she will not be joining the @nasdaily. I know you have good intentions of sharing our culture to the next generation. However our village concern is that some people are profiting and expointing (sic) our art and culture. I know you spoke to someone and gave some money and will share profits, but Apo Whang-Od is not aware of your contract,” Palicas’ taken down post said.

“Nas Daily” is currently trending in Twitter with a large number of netizens are now calling for the “cancellation” of the content creator.

Nas Academy is an online learning platform by content creator Nas Daily.(GFB)