Top Places To Get A Tattoo In PH

Tattoos are embodiment of one’s culture, arts and heroism and were famous in the ancient times with the tribal warriors of Cebu, the Visayans and of the Cordilleras.  Not only that, most cultures in Asia such as the Ainu of Japan and the Polynesians had practiced tattooing as an art form for centuries.

Tattooing as an art in the Philippines has become very popular.  Tattoo parlors are now in almost every corner of the archipelago. These tattoo shops range from the studios run by top-caliber artists, well-known both locally and internationally having “inked” top celebrities, to those underground and up-and-coming tattoo artists who are inching their way to the mainstream of “Body Art Tattooing”.

Unlike in the past, when wrong notions about having tattoos are prevalent. People now, from almost all walks of life, both men and women are getting “inks” on their skins. People, especially the younger ones, actually think it’s “cool” and are getting it done as a form of self-expression.

A word from the wise,  getting a tattoo is easy but getting it from a tattoo parlor that uses strict sanitation practices with their equipment given the thumbs up by the Department of Health is a MUST!

We have listed here some of the “Top Places” to get a tattoo in the Philippines for both Phil TAG (Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild) member artists and some up-and-coming (starting up) tattoo artists.

1.  P&P TATTOO & BODY ART – Makati, Eastwood City & Boracay

“We are not just a tattoo shop but a lifestyle and a brand. – P&P Tattoo & Body Art

Makati:
45 Polaris Street, Makati City
Contact No.: 890-8037

Eastwood City:
Unit G1-C
Eastwood Citywalk 1, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, QC
Contact No.: 5853545

Boracay:
D’ Mall, Aklan
Contact No.: 5853545

Operating hours: Mondays (12 – 8PM), Tuesdays to Saturdays (12 – 10PM), Sundays (2 – 9PM)
Price range: Depends on size and design
Inks used: Starbrite Colors
Star artists: Myke Sambajon, Stephen Ku, Bingo Manahan, Emao, Clemen, Jake Cuerpo, Ces Olondriz and Pablo Tobias

Sanitation practices: All products are brand new, sterilized and imported from the U.S. including soap which are shipped gallons at a time.
Accreditation: DOH certified

P&P Tattoo is acclaimed as the  number #1 tattoo studio in the Philippines. Come and experience the new style of INK by Ron Poe, Joel Poniente, Myke Sambajon, Jake Cuerpo, Stephen Ku, Bingo Manahan, Pablo Tobias, Emao Clemen, and Ces Olondriz. They have artists with more than 20 years of tattooing experience.

There are too many international and local 1st place tattoo awards under their résumé. Their artists are all big names in the Philippine tattoo scene and are members of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild (PHIL TAG). The shop displays the countless first place awards in various tattoo categories that the group has garnered through the years, in both the local and international scene. Because of the artists’ broad ability and experience, they have also been chosen to judge in competitions. P&P does tattoo cover-ups or reconstruction, body piercing and dreadlocks. They also sell P&P merchandise like T-shirts and body jewelry.

Website: http://pandptattoo.com/
Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pandptattoo

2. TATTOO AT JOE’S/EPIC TATTOO STUDIO

If it’s from Me, It Must Be Good! – Joe Saliendra

Address: 28 J. Elizalde St., BF Homes, Sucat, Paranaque City
Contact number: 0916-5786493
Operating Hours: Schedule M-W-F-S: BF , T-TH-S: Greenhills

Price range: Depends on size and design
Inks used: Imported pigments from the U.S.
Star artist: Joe Saliendra
Sanitation practices: Autoclave sterilization, disposable needles, ink caps, gloves, etc.
Accreditation: DOH certified, one of the founders of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild

Tattoo at Joe’s with its Star artist Joe Saliendra, specializes in Oriental tattoos.  It is the premiere tattoo spot in the southern part of Metro Manila. The award-winning Saliendra, who is one of the founding members of PHILTAG, is known for his keen attention to intricate details and always make certain that he is able to execute his customer’s body art ideas.

Website: http://www.tattooatjoes.com
Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/tattoo-at-joes/314441041724

3. TATTOO BY EDWIN MIRAFLORES – Quezon City

Address: Unit 213 Dona Anita Bldg. E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City
Contact numbers: 0920-4129799
Operating hours: Mondays to Saturdays (1 p.m. to 8 p.m.), Sundays (by appointment)

Price range: Depends on size and design
Inks used: Intenz, Starbrite, and Dynamic Colors
Star artist: Edwin Miraflores
Sanitation practices: Autoclave sterilization
Accreditation: DOH certified

Edwin Miraflores has been a member of PHILTAG for more than 14 years and has won numerous awards here and abroad.  He specializes in portrait tattoos and has been famous for first timers due to his pleasant and accommodating demeanor.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/edwin.miraflores.9

4. SKINWORKZ BY RICKY STA. ANA – Pasay & Quezon City

Address: Pasilyo D-19 Cartimar Arcade, Pasay City; 51-B, Stall No. 2, Timog Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City; Tribal Ink, 3rd Level SM Annex, North Edsa, Quezon City
Contact number: 0905-2222012

Star artist: Ricky Sta. Ana
Accreditation: DOH certified

Ricky Sta. Ana is one of the biggest names in the Philippine tattoo scene. He originally set up his shop at Cartimar during the 90’s and from then on, he has branched out in Timog Avenue and in SM North Edsa. He gained popularity in the industry back in the early 90s, when he tattooed the late English tattooist Ron Ackers with a portrait of Jesus Christ.  That portrait earned Sta. Ana his first international award. He is an officer of PHILTAG.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Skinworkz

5. MORBID TATTOO & BODY PIERCING – Makati

Address: Cash and Carry Mall, Brgy Palanan, Makati City
Contact numbers: 986-3804 or 0905-3136545
Operating hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Price range: Depends on size and design
Inks used: Intenz and Kuro Sumi
Star artist: Luigi Mercado
Sanitation practices: Autoclave sterilization, ultrasonic cleaner, ultraviolet sterilizer
Accreditation: DOH certified, Remedios Aids Foundation accredited

PHILTAG member Luigi Mercado is known for his intricate designs and has garnered numerous awards throughout his career as an artist. He is also an honorary member of the Canadian Tattoo Artist Association.

Website:  http://www.morbidtattoo.com/

Starting Up Tattoo Artists:

These are the tattoo artists that have established their shops in the Philippines and are slowly making it to the mainstream of Body Art Tattooing.

1. 4LEAF INK TATTOO SHOP BY ALEC EMMANUEL PASAGUI – Davao City

Address: Washington Street (Near Colasas and Almendras Gym), Davao City
Contact #: 09394275599
Operating Hours: 10am – 12mn

Price Range: Black and Gray- 500php (2×2); Colored- 800 (2×2)
Inks used: Fusion, Intenze, Ala Prima, Starbrite
Artist: Alec Emmanuel Pasagui
Sanitation practices: Disposable needles, ips, ink cups (1 use), autoclaved machines and equipment
Accreditation: DOH (Dept of Health) Certified, TINTANAO (Tinta Mindanao) member

Alec Emmanuel Pasagui is a graduate of Ateneo de Davao University and has established himself as one of Mindanao’s budding Tattoo artist who is currently based in Davao City.  He is a member of TINTANAO (Tinta Mindanao).

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/4leafink?fref=ts

2. AGONY ARTS BY JOY LEGASON –  Antipolo City

Address: Francisville, Antipolo City
Contact number: 09996721457
Operating Hours: 7AM- 12AM

Price range: Depends on design
Inks used: Intenze, Kuro Sumi, Moms & Starbrite
Star artist: No Stars, Just One Artist – Joy Legason
Sanitation practices: All Sanitation practices & Department of Health Certified
Accreditation: Underground

Joy Legason is the bassist of the Filipino Indie Metal Band Barrabas and an animator by profession.  He is one of the notable underground tattoo artist in Antipolo City.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Agony-Arts/161018577254708?fref=ts

3. KULTO TATTOO SHOP BY JOJO KULTO – Paranaque City

Address: Greenhills, Olivarez Compound, Paranaque City
Contact number: 09292156653
Operating Hours: 8AM – 12MN

Price range: Starts at 500
Inks used: Starbrite, Intenze, Eternal, 127
Star artist: Jojo Kulto
Sanitation practices: All Sanitation practices & Department of Health Certified
Accreditation:  Underground

Jojo Kulto is a starting up tattoo artist in Paranaque City.  He currently has no accreditation with any Tattoo groups but is gaining popularity among underground tattoo enthusiasts specially those who would like to get their first ink on their body in Paranaque.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/jojo.kulto?fref=ts

4.  MARS INK LIFE TATTOO BY MARCIAL BICBIC – Pasay City

Address: 1788 Tramo, Pasay City
Contact number: 09994699639
Operating Hours: 12pm-10pm Monday-Friday Sat. and Sun. By appointment.

Price range: Starts at 1000
Inks used: Dynamic, Starbrite
Star artist: Marcial Bicbic
Sanitation practices: All Sanitation practices & Department of Health Certified
Accreditation:  Underground

Marcial Bicbic is a budding tattoo artist from Pasay City and has been known in his area for his henna, permanent tattoos and body piercing works.  He was also able to travel to Puerto Galera to showcase his talent in Henna Body art in 2010.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mars-Ink-Life-Tattoo/423919281025926?fref=ts

5.  SQUARE STONE TATTOO SHOP BY MARVIN DELA CRUZ  – Las Pinas City

Address: 1236 Tramo, Balite Street, Ilaya, Las Pinas City
Contact number: 09289472402
Operating Hours:9AM-7PM and accepts home service 7PM onwards

Price range: Starts at P800 5X5
Inks used: Dynamic, Starbrite
Star artist: Marvin Dela Cruz, Michael Nierves, Jeremy Dela Cruz, Rose Vi Rasco
Sanitation practices: All Sanitation practices and DOH Certified
Accreditation: Underground

Square Stone Henna & Tattoo led by Marvin Dela Cruz is an undergound group of budding tattoo artists in Las Pinas City wherein they are known for good henna and permanent tattoos.

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/SquareStoneHennaTattoo

Things to Consider When Getting A Tattoo:

Proper time and consideration should be seriously taken into account to avoid the chance of regret before you get a tattoo.   Hasty tattoos are at the top of the list for tattoo removal, so don’t be so quick to jump the gun, if you will. Spend some time going over tattoo art styles to narrow down your personal style. You’ll find you are drawn to different looks the more you pay attention to body art.

Tattoo artist choice is also imperative in the tattoo process. Take your time and do some research on your tattoo artists. It is always best to learn basic styles and techniques, and then develop an eye for the art.

Bring your artistic eye to a more personal level by studying the works of modern artists and painters. Explore literature and mythology and begin to relate sentimental things that may apply to you, into design interpretations. Remember that a tattoo could speak about your own personal history.  This is the fun part, but by all means can be a lifelong process. Take your time. Your body deserves the best answer to the question, what is a tattoo?

It’s something that becomes part of you.

BODY ART TATTOOS ARE MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

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