Pre-Pinoy Pride
June 3, 2009 by Christian · 1 Comment

Noel F. (Manama, Bahrain)
Pinoy Pride by SpillN-ink Tattoos
“The design was originally for my right forearm. One day, a Fil-Am asked me that he wanted a tat to represent his roots. I showed him the sketch and there it was.”
No it’s not the grouper fish. It’s the great Lapu-Lapu, then king of Mactan, whom you can see in the middle.
Regarded as the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu is the first native who resisted Spanish colonization by Spanish soldiers when its leader—ironically, a Portuguese—Ferdinand Magellan set foot to the Philippine Islands year 1521. Though the Muslim chieftain was killed along with his men during the Battle of Mactan, he will always be remembered as a hero.
Having sad those, Lapu-Lapu can be seen as a central figure in the official seal of the Philippine National Police. His figure was also use in one of the now-defunct one centavo coins. A type of grouper fish which can only be found in the country is named after him. Believe it or not, but an alcoholic drink was also named in his honor.
So when you say Lapu-Lapu, it isn’t only the fish. He’s a hero worthy of admiration.
Sabong
May 4, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment

Chris (East Coast Virginia)
Sabong by Chris Garcia Ocean Mystic Virginia Beach
Sabong or cockfight, which is believed to have started during pre-Hispanic era, is a turf of activity for Filipinos where demarcation between the rich and the commoners blurs. A game enjoyed by both young and immemorial, sabong is often tagged as a male-oriented “national past time” in which gamblers and playgoers, regardless of one’s social status, place on their bets in equal amount. Sabong can also be a very good window of Filipinos’ traits, one as being innovative. Slain roosters are either deplumed for feather duster or cooked in different dishes.
Jose Rizal with Philippine Sun
January 29, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment

Here’s a good looking shoulder tattoo with the American made Filipino hero, Jose Rizal with the Philippine Sun with eight rays. I find this odd for the following reasons:
Jose Rizal was a conformist. He did not want to join the revolution to oust the Spanish. He actually wanted the group of islands named the Philippines to become a province of Spain.
The “Philippine” Sun’s eight rays represent the eight provinces that rebelled against Spain.
Again, is this tattoo representative of the duality of the so-called Filipino, misunderstanding of history, or blind pride? What do you think? Read something I wrote about 10 years ago on this subject after the jump….
Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan
January 22, 2009 by Christian · 2 Comments
One of the best Filipino related tattoos I’ve seen in a long time.

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino revolutionary leader and one of the main leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. He is regarded as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution” and one of the most influential national heroes of his country. A Freemason, Bonifacio was the leading founder of the Katipunan organization which aimed to start an independence movement against Spain.
From Wikipedia
Submitted by Marco and inked by Chris Garcia at Ocean Mystique Tattoos, Virginia
Tilapia tattoo!
July 14, 2008 by Christian · 1 Comment
I probably have 10 Philippine Sun and Stars tattoo photos sitting in my inbox. It’s refreshing to receive one that’s totally original. I present to you, the Tilapia tattoo!
Sent in by Jonathan from Makati, Philippines


Grand Son of great Manuel Arguilla…. Gilbert finally had a real tattoo. he is sick looking at pop fish tats. He wanted real palengke pop culture!!




