Work from Tha Kuya
November 6, 2009 by Poty · Leave a Comment
These images are works from Tha Kuya in San Diego, California.
This is an unfinished tattoo of Daryl with his version of 3 Stars and a Sun. He promised us that he will share its complete look as soon as it got finished.
These three photos that means ROBLES are from Pinoy Tribal.
This simple letter tattoo also means ROBLES.
These tattoos unveil the richness of Philippine culture. We can see this by the different designs these artist are making. There are still many designs and meaning of tattoos out there. They are not merely decorations of the body but have greater meanings that we should learn and know.
My Tribe…..Philippines
November 4, 2009 by Poty · Leave a Comment
“Proud to be and I’m not hiding it!”, a message from Allan of St. Pete, Florida along with his inspired by virtual game tattoo. His tattoo is a Philippine spaceship with 3 Stars and a Sun. Looking closely, you can see the Philippine Island inside the sun which greatly represents the country.
A very inspiring one especially to those who are virtual gamers. This one will make you think that Filipinos are very competitive and reigning even in the virtual world. And this is also one way of being nationalistic. Nowadays, even a three year old kid knows how to play computer games. We will not be surprised if one day Filipinos are among those whom what we call “Game Masters.” So keep the spirit, represent your country, fight for your country and be proud of it!
Filipino tribal tattoos and Baybayin (Alibata is incorrect)
November 4, 2009 by Christian · 1 Comment
More info on Baybayin (not Alibata)
Traditional Tribal
October 23, 2009 by Poty · Leave a Comment
As what the title said, this tattoo is a traditional tribal one with Alibata saying “Filipino”. The tattoo is located at the outer side of Shawn’s leg.
To give you some background, tribal tattoos are more on black inks, holds up very well and doesn’t fade easily. Plus, this is easy to design and very bold. So the next time you want to have a customized tattoo, you can consider trying this first because there are lot of tattoo artists that can do very well on this.
By the way, this tattoo was made by Kiko of Island Ink located in San Diego, Las Vegas.
Filipino tattoo art unrepresented
October 5, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment
I was at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco for the Filipino American History Month celebration today helping teach the pre-Filipino writing system, Baybayin. I’ve been actively participating at these events for the past 2 years and have yet to see Filipino tattoo art fully represented.
With all other art forms such as painting, Baybayin, cooking, fashion, dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) and etc are all well represented but where is the Filipino Tattoo community? I get asked about Filipino tattoos, especially tribal patterns 50x at every event. My experience is in San Francisco Bay Area but I assume that other regions across the USA/world are probably in the same situation. What about in the Philippines? Is there some sort of FREE education? There might be but I don’t see it on the internet and in this modern world, if it’s not on the internet – it doesn’t exist…..period. It may exist in your local area but in order to spread/keep the culture, it has to be online.
I fully understand that these cultural events are usually on the weekends and that’s your busiest times but maybe the investment in your own culture is worth it? What is the point of trying to preserve/spread the culture if you only teach people who can afford to pay? I’m all for capitalism but it’s a big contradiction.
From a business standpoint, it’s stupid to teach your craft or the meanings of “secret” tribal tattoo patterns but from a cultural one, it’s blah. I can tell you from personal experience by teaching Baybayin for FREE and giving out FREE materials to ANYONE who asks has been rewarding culturally, personally and financially. If someone steals my artwork and does their own thing, so what…..let them. I’ll just have to step it up. If I can’t, then so be it.
So my ask is of Filipino tattoo artists is…..please share your knowledge of Filipino tattoos. Don’t leave out the good 99% of your fellow Pinoys because your scared of the 1% that might take advantage of what you know. There’s a BIG hole in the Filipino tattoo community. If you don’t fill it, someone else will and it will be your loss. Need help or exposure, contact me and I will be gladly to assist.
