Treasure Of The Rice Terraces - Preserving Culture One Tap At A Time

Treasure of the Rice Terraces is more than just a documentary, it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity, heritage, and the delicate act of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly modernizing world. Written and directed by Kent Dounguines, a first-generation Filipino-Canadian, the film follows his personal quest to the Philippines in search of the last remaining practitioner of a centuries-old tattooing art form: hand-tapped tattoos. What begins as a journey of self-discovery evolves into a universal story that resonates with first- and second-generation immigrants yearning to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Photo Courtesy of Emmett Sparling

The film opens with Kent recounting a recurring dream in which an elderly woman, seen only in silhouette, beckons him toward a world that feels at once familiar and distant. This haunting image becomes the catalyst for his pilgrimage to uncover the ancient tattooing tradition of his heritage, a practice nearly lost to time. His search leads him to Maria “Apo Whang-Od” Oggay, a remarkable 106-year-old woman revered as the last mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattoo artist).

Photo Courtesy of Emmett Sparling

Kent’s path is guided in part by anthropologist Lars Krutak, who introduced Apo Whang-Od to global audiences through his National Geographic series Tattoo Hunter. Krutak’s insights enrich the film with cultural and historical context, grounding Kent’s personal story in a broader narrative of indigenous resilience and artistry.

Photo Courtesy of Emmett Sparling

What makes the documentary especially compelling is its nuanced portrait of the intersection between tradition and modernity. The film highlights the warmth of Filipino hospitality, the nation’s diverse cultural influences, from Japanese to Spanish to Western influences, and the complex role tourism plays in keeping ancient practices alive. While visitors bring visibility and income to Buscalan, they also risk reducing the tattoos to mere photo opportunities, stripping away the profound cultural significance they hold. Still, Apo Whang-Od’s quiet strength and generosity shine through, as she tirelessly works from dawn to dusk to share her gift with those who seek it.

Photo Courtesy of Emmett Sparling

Ultimately, Treasure of the Rice Terraces illustrates how a community can transform external interest into an opportunity for cultural preservation. Apo’s legacy is not just in the tattoos she creates but in the way she has inspired younger generations in Buscalan to carry on the tradition. Her influence has extended far beyond the village, shaping Filipino artistry even on international platforms like the fashion industry.

Photo Courtesy of Emmett Sparling

Through it all, Kent beautifully captures the warmth of the Filipino people and the enduring power of cultural traditions. His journey is both deeply personal and widely relatable, reminding audiences everywhere of the importance of honoring and sustaining the practices that connect us to our ancestors.

I had the opportunity to speak with Kent about his film, his discoveries while traveling to the Philippines, and his reflections on how we can all play a role in keeping culture alive. You can find our full conversation below.