Getting inked

CEBU, Philippines - Tattoos are a part  of Filipino history.

During the pre-Spanish period, our ancestors covered their bodies in tattoos and believed that these have magical and spiritual powers to enhance strength and provide protection. The women were also tattooed for enhancing beauty or for clothing purposes.

There came a time, however, when tattoos were frowned upon, basically because of health and sanitation issues concerning fatal diseases that can be transmitted by sharing needles, including tattoo needles. There were also people who considered tattoos dirty.

While there are still people who have negative perceptions about tattoos, the art of tattooing in the country has improved, in terms of designs, as well as hygiene.

This is one of the reasons why the popularity of tattoos is increasing, said tattoo artist Ryan Alcordo Teñoso of Maribago Ink.

“Tattoo artists, especially the established ones, are now very particular about sanitary practices. Before starting a session, artists would now usually show clients that the needles to be used are new and sealed, to assure that these are clean,” he said.

While our ancestors got tattoos to symbolize bravery or for protection, people nowadays get tattoos for a variety of reasons. Teñoso said there are those who get cosmetic tattoos – permanent eyeliners, eyebrows, and even lip color. Others get inked to celebrate a milestone in life or as a rite of passage. Some get tattoos to remember loved ones who have passed on.

“It is always best to have a personal reason for getting a tattoo. I say personal because a tattoo is something permanent – you cannot erase it without spending so much. You may be able to hide it but it will be there, a constant reminder. So, before getting a tattoo, one has to really be sure and most of those who are sure about their tattoos are those who have a very personal reason for the tattoo,” he stressed.

The tattoo artist of 17 years, shared he once had a client who had the portrait of his girlfriend tattooed on his bicep. The girlfriend even accompanied the client when he had the tattoo. Two months after, Teñoso said, that client returned, wanting to have the face of the now ex-girlfriend covered.

Although there are people who insist on having the portraits or names of their girlfriends or boyfriends tattooed on their bodies, the artist does not recommend this, saying that, despite sounding pessimistic, these relationships are not yet permanent. “I have covered up many tattoos of such nature. It is easy to do cover-ups but remember that you have to spend. It is good business for us tattoo artists, though,” he said.

Before getting a tattoo, one must also be ready with a design. Tattoo designs can range from the very simple to the more complicated. You can also choose to have a tattoo that is colored.

The tattoo artists today are very talented and are surely ready with a portfolio full of designs that clients can choose from. However, Teñoso said that it is still best to at least have a design idea in mind and not just leave everything to the artist. “Like I said, tattoos are personal. Leave the drawing to the artist but insert something that is your own,” he said.

Mental preparation is also important when getting inked. Getting a tattoo will involve pain and those who have a low tolerance for pain must think twice before getting inked. The level of pain one experiences when getting a tattoo depends on a number of things, including the area in the body where you want the tattoo.

Teñoso said that tattoos on skin exposed to the sun will be less painful compared to those that are not. Tattoos on body parts that have bones are also a bit more painful than those that are on muscles.

“Getting inked is a big thing. You have to do a lot of preparation. You have to prepare yourself mentally for the pain, because there will be pain, though not as intense for some. You have to have a design that has meaning to you and then you have to choose an artist that puts importance on hygiene,” Teñoso concluded.