MANILA, Philippines – Shortly after being accused of being a “scam”, Nas Academy has issued a statement and released a video showing traditional tattoo artist Whang-Od signing an agreement through a thumbmark, signifying that Whang-Od’s tattoo course is legitimate.
In a statement accompanied by a video of Whang-Od signing a contract, Nas Academy wrote: “As a matter of fact, Whang-Od’s trusted niece, Estella Palangdao, was present and translated the content of the contract prior to Whang-Od affixing her thumbprint, signifying her full consent to the project. This is the clearest evidence that it is not a scam and achieved the consent of her and her immediate family.”
Nas Academy reiterated that Whang-Od and her family were compensated for their time. According to its statement, proceeds of the sale generated from the Whang-Od Academy went directly to Whang-Od and her family.
Furthermore, Nas Academy dispelled allegations that the company is exploiting Filipinos and its culture for personal fame and gain. They revealed that almost half of Nas Academy’s staff are Filipinos.
“40% of Nas Academy is made up of Filipinos. So for us, this is personal. We care deeply about the Philippines and respect the many cultures and traditions that exist across the country. And we have all come together to make the world a better place,” the statement read.
Nas Academy, a learning platform created by world-renowned vlogger Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily, was accused of “cultural exploitation” by Whang-Od’s grandniece Grace Palicas, who is also a tattoo artist. According to Palicas, the 104-year-old Kalinga tattoo master did not sign any contract with Nas Daily. Her Facebook post has since been deleted.
The learning platform temporarily took down Whang-Od’s course.
— Mini, The Summit Express
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Nas Academy & Nas Daily |
In a statement accompanied by a video of Whang-Od signing a contract, Nas Academy wrote: “As a matter of fact, Whang-Od’s trusted niece, Estella Palangdao, was present and translated the content of the contract prior to Whang-Od affixing her thumbprint, signifying her full consent to the project. This is the clearest evidence that it is not a scam and achieved the consent of her and her immediate family.”
Nas Academy reiterated that Whang-Od and her family were compensated for their time. According to its statement, proceeds of the sale generated from the Whang-Od Academy went directly to Whang-Od and her family.
Furthermore, Nas Academy dispelled allegations that the company is exploiting Filipinos and its culture for personal fame and gain. They revealed that almost half of Nas Academy’s staff are Filipinos.
“40% of Nas Academy is made up of Filipinos. So for us, this is personal. We care deeply about the Philippines and respect the many cultures and traditions that exist across the country. And we have all come together to make the world a better place,” the statement read.
Nas Academy, a learning platform created by world-renowned vlogger Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily, was accused of “cultural exploitation” by Whang-Od’s grandniece Grace Palicas, who is also a tattoo artist. According to Palicas, the 104-year-old Kalinga tattoo master did not sign any contract with Nas Daily. Her Facebook post has since been deleted.
The learning platform temporarily took down Whang-Od’s course.
— Mini, The Summit Express
