In 2007, I began my journey into tattooing, utilizing homemade tattoo machines and drawing ink. It wasn't until 2010, while completing my college studies, that I transitioned into traditional tattooing. For my final exam, I was assigned to research ancient Filipino art, and it was then that I stumbled upon a book that piqued my interest. This book didn't just showcase Filipino art, but it also shed light on the extinct tattoo culture that once thrived in our country. This discovery sparked my passion for traditional tattooing, and I began to delve deeper into the subject.

 

With the guidance and encouragement of my mentor at the time, Ben Randy, I sought to learn from experts in traditional tattooing. My mentors hailed from Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the USA, and the Philippines, communicating through online chats and video demonstrations. Through their teachings and my own research, I honed my skills in both Hand-Poked and Hand-Tapped Tattooing. Today, I specialize in ancient Visayan tattoo motifs and symbols that align with a person's personality and place in life. I don't just create tattoos for recreational purposes; I also create ritualistic and ceremonial tattoos that celebrate the significance of tattoo culture and tradition.

 

I have participated in numerous local tattoo events to spread awareness and educate people about preserving traditional tattoos. During my journey, I have met several people who have been inspired by my advocacy. One of them is Roel of Sinag Baybayin Hand-Poke Tattoo, who is now a highly respected hand-poke tattoo artist in our country. Together, we have formed a group of traditional tattoo practitioners in the Philippines, with the aim of encouraging and teaching aspiring local practitioners about the importance of traditional tattooing. We seek to expand the boundaries of hand-poke tattooing, by making tattoos that look just as refined and professional as those made by a machine. Our mission is to express our advocacy truthfully and preserve the beauty and cultural significance of traditional tattooing in the Philippines.