True grit
MANILA, Philippines - Got ink?”
It was a warm welcome, although a bit of a rip-off of the famous “Got Milk?” slogan that used to bombard every foreign and credible publication imaginable, that greeted the sober audience, myself included, during the P&P Tattoo Lifestyle Shop’s launch of its second store at Eastwood City last May 27. It was actually their tagline, forgivable because it was done in brilliant typography and black and white, worn by TV’s primetime princesses and tattoo fanatics looking for free beer while littering the store that was supposed to be unopened for the public.
Franco marvelously played at the city walk, and time fantastically stood still. Everyone was singing along, stoic tattoo artists became inquisitive, the onlookers started getting busy sightseeing because showbiz royalty, award-winning actors, and the curious became one, finally. Razorback rocked the stage to the delight of the obviously underage goers that didn’t seem to know them, anyway. It was a party for the non-partying attendees; it was a sight for the aspiring artists. Colorful artworks were finally the protagonists.
“Not all people that have tattoos are bad boys. We’re not addicts… It’s art,” Ronian Poe, son of the late Fernando Poe Jr. and owner of P&P, shared while he was prepping for his DJ needs. Poe obliged for a quick interview, but warned that he was a bit drunk. He then continued explaining that P&P was concocted four years ago by Joel Poniente and himself back in “the red light district,” as Poe dubbed it, otherwise known as Polaris Street in Makati City, where they have since been called the country’s version of the American tattoo show, L.A. Ink, minus their version of Kat Von D, after having tattooed the trying to be rich and the really famous.
“We should appreciate [tattoos for] our body is our temple. We are just painting our walls,” Poe added while actor Sid Lucero was nonchalantly getting inked in public.
This tattoo shop has gained respect in the art world for its valor and designs, which are so skillfully crafted and detailed that the Japanese might feel a bit threatened. P&P even got involved with Philippine Tattoo Artist Guild (PHILTAG), the most respected tattoo organization in the country, and recruited award-winning tattoo legends such as Myke Sambajon, Pablo Tobias, and Jake Cuerpo. Graceful creativity is definitely what P&P is known for.
It’s also a hangout for actors who can’t afford to be “real” on TV.
Armed with flat-screen televisions, Rockstar energy drinks, and exceptional artists, this place stands out amidst the nightclubs and booze joints enamoring the city. P&P is silently conquering the youth’s mindset with truly refined art.
Freebies and giveaway tattoos dominated the night. Many grabbed the opportunity to get marked, myself included, perhaps as an act of impulse, or too much alcohol and tasteless pasta, or to commemorate one’s first job and pay tribute to one’s mother. Judge not: tattoos are not about AIDS and tramp stamps. They’re actually about facing one’s fears and immortalizing your visions. It’s a representation that we are strong because, honestly, we sometimes forget.
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P&P Tattoo and Lifestyle Shop is located at the second floor of The Distillery, Eastwood City Walk, Eastwood City. For inquiries, call 585-3545.
