No Pardon for Corruption

People who run the government conceal every bad motive in their genes. They present themselves spotless of scheme and greed. But once in position they are ready to construct shroud of lies to serve the purposes of their ingenuity. Behind the well-tailored suits is the cunning, immoral and corrupt persona of these so-called public servants.  They suffer from diarrhea of the mouth and have constipated ideas of running the populace. Power tends to pollute the minds of those who have it, the arrogant, lustful, and the hungry to feed.  Money together with power creates a negative influence to these people and misuse their authority for private gain.

They choose to ignore the needs and rights of the weak causing fear, pain and death to the people.  The people tend to reject any evidence of corruption. Some people are no longer interested in finding the truth. It is just too sad and painful to acknowledge.  We’ve been taken over by fear by those heartless, greedy and venal rulers. The disease that the government spreads is like information that we feed a hard drive which starts the corruption of files.

A line from a great movie says “With power, comes great responsibility.” But it is defined falsely by those who are in control. Now it is most likely that “With power, comes great exploitation, corruption and deception.”  We choose the leaders of our country but should we feel responsible for all this evil? On May 13, 2013 there will be 18,053 positions up for grabs for the National and Local Elections in the Philippines. Once more the Filipino people will be put to test.  Knowing the right candidate to vote for, their agenda, platforms and true intentions of running into office are the things we should think of. There’s a relative lack of understanding among the Filipinos as to how they should elect their next leaders. A general accepted standard is that we vote by name and not by character. Some are ignorant and sell their freedom to these fake political figures who impose numerous laws and continue to bury the people under taxes and fraud.  If we only accept a fraction of the responsibility in making our country a better place to live in for us and our children, that fraction can somehow in the future become a great part in reshaping our nation. 

The Philippines with its 90 million inhabitants faces difficulties on the economy, growing population, graft and corruption, natural calamities, poverty, peace and order, international debt and many others. A small Asian country with a huge number of people is being pounded by enormous problems. How can every JUAN survive? How can every JUAN change their worsening plight? The answer lies within the hands of every JUAN. Vote wisely and be vigilant enough not to fall into the wraths of these devious candidates and wanna-bes. Make a stand every JUAN and don’t be fooled by their tissue of lies.

Vote wisely. Your voice is your vote.

Richard Gordon, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jan 23, 2010

“No pardon for anyone convicted of corruption.”

#May 2013 Election

The Dying Filipino Society

In a complex society, two things are prominent, “deviousness” and “unutterable greed”. Seeking for just and equal rule of law is far from reality as you have to face chaos and destruction in the process. We must frankly face and accept the fact that there are some with inadequate conception of power and there are those who become prey and human sacrifice. People are enslaved to a world of never-ending greed, temptation and scheme. Thus the continuing decline and death of the society is not far. Our country is like a ship slowly sinking in the dark waters. What was once rich and prosperous, is now a country plagued with poverty, violence, immorality, corruption and injustice.


With democracy we all have the government we choose and deserve.  A government ruled by the people with the sole purpose of helping and serving its citizens, building a nation that would cater to its needs. During the primeval times when simplicity and contentment is supreme, when everything else is free from selfish manifestations, when there is still self-sufficiency and freedom Filipinos have lived without any dependency or influence from the government. They live in the abundance of natural resources. They cultivate their own land. There are no constitutional laws to abide because the people treat each other with respect. But with the incessant greediness of some people, who use and abuse the weakness of their countrymen brought us and the country’s posterities into turmoil.  It is just so sad that a country like ours with its natural wealth and intellectual populace is classified as a third world country.


It is never too late to act.  Any of our actions has an impact on others. Filipinos must unite and work on a common goal to bring back our country’s dignity. The people must free itself from the influence of the government. The government has to be stopped from making selfish decisions and should start to care for its people and the country’s welfare. The Filipino people are strong and wise. The choices we make today can change not only our lives but the Philippines’ future generation.  Poverty, violence, immorality, corruption and injustice are all preventable. But it will continue if we do not do something about it. We also have our own responsibilities in making a long-term change possible and NOW is the time.

Image via Google

Your Taste Is Different As Mine

We occupy a world of choices and the choices we make define who we are. We try to fit in and we devote serious effort to achieve social importance.  The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, places we visit and the people we follow affect our intellectual activity and the way we live our lives.  Are we in actual existence or are we becoming fine copy cats in a domain full of pretense, inequality and disgrace? Each one of us enjoys freedom but not everybody live through the same privileges.  We are enslaved to materialism and earthy pleasures that we lose our own definition as human beings.

Our society can be classified into three, the UPPER class, MIDDLE class and the LOWER class.  People who are born with silver spoons in their mouths, those who do not worry of tomorrow because they have all the money they would ever need. Filthy rich individuals who maintain a high status in the society and most of them are in the business sector, some in politics, media or just plain rich folks belong to the upper class. There are countless who dream of having their lives but on the other hand much of them prefer of having a trouble-free and an uncomplicated way of living. They remain rich or become even richer because of their principles or simply because of their money making skills. But there are also those who become rich through their wicked activities. Then there’s the middle class, the mediocre, the common people. They work for a living and have enough to spend on what they need.  Sometimes they may find their way up or even down but there are those who are just fine being at this level.  But there are also people below, those who belong in the lower class who are deprived of a lot of things. Food, shelter, clothing are just among the basics which are very hard for them to acquire. They define poverty.  You see them on the streets, in the slums and almost everywhere because there’s just too many of them.

But what does this tell us? Getting rich and wanting to get richer with awful means, taking advantage of people with the use of money and power, exploiting natural and human resources for selfish motives, being in debt just to have that glamorous lifestyle or if not struggling just have that social spot.  Is securing a place in the society or trying to fit in the righteous thing to do rather than living with full simplicity and contentment? Is it a crime to be poor and lack social class? Is it a mortal sin if one cannot drink an overpriced coffee, or eat in a fancy restaurant, buy himself a top of the line mobile phone, wear designer clothes, or walk on expensive shoes? 

We maybe of different statuses in life, with different priorities, tastes, responsibilities, goals, opinions and beliefs but let us not forget in the end we won’t be judged through what we have become or who we were. It will be based on how well we have lived our lives. We tend to forget our purpose in life because we focus on competition and definition and can’t decide on who or what we should be.  The purpose of life is to live it. Be determined to live for something not just for yourself and your own well-being. Remember to respect people, be responsible of your actions, know right from wrong, and do a reality check that life is not always on your favor. Today you are rich but tomorrow you may be not. There are so many things in this world that we can’t control. But it is important to remember the things that we can. What we do, what we say and what we think.

Atake sa Kalye

Nowadays, just who among us haven't seen walls, streets and properties without colorful graffiti and stickers on them? Even if there are clear signs imposed by the government prohibiting such acts, you can still see a rash of vandalism everywhere. They say sticker art and vandalism defaces or destroys public or private property and there's severe punishment for it. But for artists, these pieces of street art mean more than just that. Some of these artists or shall we say "vandalists" explore their potential and creativity through this medium. They will mark and stick on almost anything to make a name for themselves and spread their message to the people through art.

Providing message by the use of adhesives and spray paints is an exhibition in the street. They may rant on sociopolitical issues or can also be an art campaign. But for whatever reason, you can see all the contradictions of the society through these exhibitions. Sticker art and graffiti emphasizes the desire to elect the road as their own personal "gallery of reference". Sticker becomes an aesthetic medium for everyone, exchangeable and reproducible, immediate and anti-commercial. Graffiti, tells us to look and discover the surprises hidden with the signs, alphabets and images that run through the infinite.

 The Filipino youth nowadays have different ways of expressing themselves. It can be by mouth through democratic rallies or by hand as seen through artistic manifestations. Some refrain from speech and choose to express their unfavorable disapproval by means of art. It is again a question of social attitude. Art does not get much support from the government. Why do these artists showcase their talents on the streets anyway? Because there are not enough galleries and museums where they can display their works and taking up a course in the arts costs a lot.  Fine art is limited to only few and those who have the innate ability and skills are rather trashed. These artists are left alone to do their own marketing that is why they settle on the street level imagery.

If art is not your cup of tea then you might just consider these creative stickers and graffiti as mere vandals and property damage. But if you appreciate it just like I do then it's high time that we promote awareness, acceptance and support of artists in public.

Photo credit: www.facebook.com/mhelen.shimmy/photos

http://newshopper.sulekha.com

The Right Tattooist (Part II)

Dyani Lao

Crafted Custom Tattoo Designs in All Styles. "Dyani Lao Tattoos You are welcome to experience it".

Jean Pierre Lao is also known in the tattoo community as “Dyani Lao”.  He wouldn’t be considered one who can just trace a design with a tattoo machine. Having a formal art training, Lao is a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Majored in Painting, he earned the Best Thesis Award for Tattooing  my Pig ”Sining” entitled ”Ritwal”.

His skills with color, saturation, lighting, texture, and shading are truly top-notch. Maintaining his signature in oriental style, Dyani has a substantial number of clients wanting and waiting to have the “Dyani Lao Experience. Currently he only does custom tattoo designs by appointment.

Check this interview as Dyani Lao talks about his journey, his first tattoo, who influenced him and his advice for aspiring tattoo artists. .

What got you in tattooing?
Since I was a child, I am already amazed with tattoos.  Saw it on "cargadors" at the market near our house in Davao City. There's magic in it for me. Until i was in high school, I saw an actual tattoo session from friends who belong to a gang. It was "jail house style" aka mano-mano. That's when i got the idea of trying it my-self. I was also influenced by rock icons from "song-hits" since tattoo magazines are quite rare those days.

Tell us about your first Tattoo experience? Have you tattooed yourself?

When I was about 16-17 back then, I bought a sticker tattoo of a rose then applied it on my arm. That's what I used as my stencil. Then goes the poking...outline lasted 3 days, because I stopped every time my parents arrived home. I was an out of school youth that's why I have nothing to do at home. So yeah, that's how it started. I colored it after 3 years!

Who are your influences?
I have a lot. My professor in college, Mr. Bob Feleo. Painters like, Bosch, Dali, Munch, Van Gough, Da Vinci, Klimt, Kawasaki, Vallejo, and Ryden.  In tattooing, I like Filip Leu, Horiyoshi 3, Guy Aitchison, Shige, Tom Renshaw, Arron Cain, Anil Gupta, just to name a few.

How do you choose your tattoos?
Personally, I choose concepts that are related to my beliefs. This could be something I consider as talismans or stories I want to record, moments I would like to recall in the future, stuffs like that, symbols. And of course, the right artist who can interpret what ever ideas you have in get something posted in Google.

What does a tattoo artist have to focus on? 
Focus on quality. Develop your skills not your pocket. Good income will follow those who don’t hurry getting big buck without learning. Professionalism is about a lot more than getting paid.


How much thought do you put into your ink?

With my clients I see that we meet and discuss first. They should provide me everything I want to know. Then I draw the study for them to approve. Then I schedule them.

What do tattoos mean to you?

For me tattoo is a visual diary. A conversational piece about myth, afterlife, beliefs, talismans, and experiences I had, that I think is relevant in the future. I get my tattoos spontaneously. I don’t plan. I just know when I want to get it when the design shows up in my head.

 If you could tattoo one person in the world who would it be? A judgmental, political entity, a religious icon,  or a celebrity?
I don’t know. Perhaps,  Angelina Jolie. I have a crush on her, that’s why.

If you could get tattooed anywhere in the world, by anyone in the world, where and who would you go to? 
I’ll go to the master himself! Horiyoshi3 in Japan.  Next choice is Fillip Leu from Switzerland or Shige, also from Japan. Getting tattooed by them is like downloading skills, right into your hard drive.

If you are only allowed to make one tattoo in the world what would it be?
Tough question, my dream is to make a body suit with one design and concept. I guess that would be something new. I don't know what it is yet.

What do you think of collaboration tattoos and who would you want to do it with? Foreign and local?
I love doing that, I did it once with a friend. Oman Daluz. I often do collaboration drawings with friends. I really enjoy drawing spontaneously, enhancing my skills and creativity. It's something pure. Just like children's drawings. I'm open with anybody. It's a learning experience, so it's a lot of fun. I don't have any particular artist in mind to do it with though. Hope somebody invites me.

From your point of view, how did tattooing change your life?
I wouldn't know. I started tattooing at a young age and this is the life I planned and dreamed of living. Tattooing is a lifestyle for me, so it's hard to think what would I be without it.

What plans do you have for the future?
I am so conscious on focusing with my color palette and trademark especially when it comes to the level of intricacy of my details. I am hoping to develop a certain style to call my own. I plan on working hard to evolve my style into what I envision.

Email	dyanilao@facebook.com dyanilao@hotmail.com dyanilao@yahoo.com
Website	http://dyanilaotattoos.multiply.com

Ato Legaspi

Exceptional Ink on Human Portraits and Wildlife Subjects

Email coupletats@yahoo.com

Art has always been a passion for Ato Legaspi. Back then he used to participate in school contests but never really saw himself pursuing a course in the Arts. He became very curious with tattoos and at thirteen he got his first tattoo done by a neighbor in their kitchen. Who said that after getting one that he’d stop from having more? With this came the idea of buying his own machine and practicing on his own skin. Back then getting a tattoo kit is just like buying a candy from a candy store. It just came with basic instructions on how to set up the machine and which needles to use. But with his talent came out fantastic art pieces one could not even imagine came from an amateur. He never really intended to make money out of it. . For Ato it was just a hobby apart from his full time job as a truck driver in the United States. His appreciation of skin art led him to take his passion to a different level and asked artists there for apprenticeship. He thought that it would help him hone his skills in tattooing.  He went to different tattoo artists but never found one that is willing to give him an apprenticeship.” I do not blame them, teaching your skills to someone you barely know is something you would not just give like that. Also apprenticeship in US is not free, it cost a lot of money!” he said.  So he went back to practicing on his own body which did not turn bad after all according to his friends and relatives. When on vacation in the Philippines he would practice on his relatives, friends and his wife too. Grynne was the second person I did a tattoo for besides myself according to Ato.

Through continuous practice he became better on what he does and thought of charging a little bit just to cover his expenses on tattoo supplies.  What was then a hobby became a source of income for him. He quitted from driving 18 wheelers and found another job that gave him more days off. He finally found a studio that gave him his break. Pleasure and Pain in Easton, Pennsylvania was among the many shops Ato went into to ask for a part time job as a tattoo artist. He did not have a good portfolio to show back then but they trusted him and said that they would give it a shot. After a year he was asked to work full time. In 2009 he started then a promising career as full time tattoo artist. Just recently, he opened his own tattoo studio located in Lucban, Quezon the Infernal Tattoo Gallery.

From 2006 when he first started tattooing and until now Ato never stopped in trying to improve his skills and now he shares his talent and passion with his kababayans. He is now starting to make a name as one of best tattoo artists in the Philippines.

The Right Tattooist

Having a tattoo is like buying a car and getting it from the best dealer. Find time to check artists’ works.  Check the artist's portfolio or see a live example. Here’s a list of Pinoy artists who made made a big name in the industry and are being recognized in our country and also abroad. Check out  interviews and stories that I have gathered about them and you might just consider having your tattoo done by one of these artists.

Chris Garcia

Self-taught artist living the American dream since 1994.

As far back as early childhood in Manila, Philippines, Chris Garcia, has always been recognized for his exceptional artistry. But it was during his teenage years when he became fascinated with tattoos and the culture associated with it. The idea of having a permanent work of art on someone amazed him and fueled his desire to learn tattooing.

A true student of his art form, Chris strives to be versatile with his styles of tattoos. However, as a perfectionist he has proven to be second to none in creating portraits and realistic tattoos.

I thought that his insights and experiences would be beneficial to readers who might be considering the profession of tattooing or for those wanting to have a tattoo. During my e-mail interview with Chris Garcia, the artist shared his thoughts on tattoos, greatest influences, how he enjoys his profession and the meaning of tattoos in his life.

When did your journey as a tattoo artist begin?My tattooing career started in 1994. My family and I just immigrated to the US, and out of curiosity and fascination with tattoos, I ordered a cheap tattoo kit out of a mail-order catalog on the back of a tattoo magazine. As soon as i got the kit, I used it on myself. Then one of my friends saw what I did, and he convinced me to tattoo him. Then other people followed, mostly family and friends. In 1996, I was able to get a job at a Ancient Art Tattoo Studio in Virginia, until I transferred to the Virginia Beach studio when tattooing was legalized. I moved once more to Ocean Mystique's Ink Gallery where I remained until leaving Virginia altogether to pursue a new adventure at Club Tattoo on the famous Las Vegas strip. I have always been artistic though even when I was very young. I remember spending a lot of time copying the drawings from Funny Komiks like Niknok, Superdog, etc.

Are there any famous artists, tattooists or not, that have influenced you down the path of your career?

My greatest influences in tattooing are usually the other artists that I work with. I can contribute a major portion of my development as an artist from watching other artists work and from sharing our knowledge and ideas with each other. My motivation for constant growth though is influenced by seeing other artists' works on tattoo magazines and on the internet. There are so many artists out there who are doing really amazing work, and some of the ones that I try to keep up with are Filipino artists, like Oman Daluz and Raquel Natividad.

                                                              

 In finding the right tattoo, what are the things to be considered?

The only thing to remember when choosing a tattoo is that it's permanent. So you have to make sure that whatever tattoo design you decide to get, make sure it is something that you will not regret in the future. People always think that tattoos need to have a profound meaning. Well, it's great if it does, but for me, as long as it's a design that you will enjoy having on your body for the rest of your life, no matter how trivial, then go for it. 

With the influx of artists in the tattoo industry, what advice can you give to those aspiring tattoo artists?

I think anyone who aspires to be a tattoo artist should really have a very solid artistic foundation. Practice your drawing skills and put together a really impressive portfolio of your sketches, illustrations, paintings, etc. If your works are really good, it wouldn't be hard to find a reputable tattoo artist who will be willing to take you on as a student or an apprentice. 

How much thought do you put into your ink?

I definitely put a lot of thought and time into my tattoos before and during the actual process of tattooing. There is always a huge pressure knowing that whatever I create will be on the person's body permanently, that other people will see it, and that my name will be attached to that work. Most of the time, the idea comes from the client, so my job is to turn that idea into an image that will be pleasing to the eye, and I need to make sure that it is something that will look good on the skin. For most designs, it takes me anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours to complete a drawing. If it is a really large piece like a sleeve or a back piece, it takes me a few days to think about how i will approach the design, and then several hours to draw it. 

When doing the actual tattoo, focus is very important to me. I put as much focus and concentration into a tattoo as I would if i am taking a really difficult math exam. I don't mind talking to the client while I work, and I make sure that they are comfortable, but I do have a tendency to be quiet while I work so that I'm able to give my full undivided attention to my work.

What do your tattoos mean to you?

I only have a few tattoos, but the only one that has a real meaning is my mother's name on my forearm. My mom passed away when I was 12, and she has always been one of my greatest inspirations to work hard and be very good in what I do. I have 4 brothers and we all have a memorial tattoo for our mom.  

If you could tattoo one person in the world who would it be? A judgmental political entity, a religious icon, a celebrity? 

A celebrity. As an artist, I want my work to be enjoyed and appreciated by as many people as possible. I became fascinated with tattoos because I saw them on celebrities like Francis M and Axl Rose. Celebrities have a great influence on the popular culture, and i think that the people who can really appreciate the art of tattooing belong in the popular culture.

If you could get tattooed anywhere in the world, by anyone in the world, where and who would you go to? 

I will go to Switzerland to be tattooed by an American tattoo artist named Filip Leu. Ever since I started tattooing, Filip has been doing groundbreaking work. And even now, when there are so many really talented artists doing mind-blowing tattoos, Filip's work is still untouchable.

What would you say is your favorite part of the job?

"I believe that i am naturally stronger at this style of tattooing because I find it fun and challenging to capture as much detail as possible into a tattoo. I am truly fortunate to do this for a living and the joy of knowing that I have exceeded a client's expectations is the most rewarding part of my job." 

Where do you see the art of tattooing in 10 or 20 years from now?

It would be really exciting to find out what tattooing will be like a decade or two from now. I'm sure that tattoos will continue to be elevated into a real fine art, with more artists really pushing the envelope of what can be done on skin. Better inks that stay brighter on the skin and tattoo machines that are much more efficient and cause very minimal trauma to the skin. Tattoos will definitely be fully accepted in society.

 Do you think it will ever become fully accepted as an art?

There is no doubt that tattoos will become fully accepted as an art. more and more artists who do have formal art training from well know art universities are getting into tattooing. 

 Where do you see yourself in 10 years or more? Still tattooing?

10 years from now, I wanna see myself in my own private studio, doing the kind of tattoos that i really enjoy to do, on clients that seek me out to get the kind of tattoos that i'm known for. I would also like to be able to work just a little less, enough to have more time to hangout with my family. 

Where can we find you?

 I work at Club Tattoo in Las Vegas, Nevada. My website is chrisgarciatattoos.com. 

Racquel Natividad

First Female Professional Tattoo Artist in the Philippines 

Rakel Natividad’s journey began when she was 20 years old, fresh out of university. Armed with a degree in elementary education, Rakel began to make regular visits to Manila to review for her teaching license. Her true passion, though, is art, and it wasn’t long before her interest was piqued by Manila’s active but still underground tattoo scene. In secret and against her parents’ wishes, Rakel started spending time in various tattoo shops in Recto, schooling herself in the tools and the trade. When her husband sold his Marshall amp to fund her first tattoo kit, Rakel’s path took a decidedly unexpected turn, her adventurous spirit leading her to pursue tattooing instead of the more stable education field.

It turned out to be a fortuitous decision, though there was nothing easy about the new road she was then about to take. Back in 2001, most reputable tattooists were based in large cities, not easily accessible from the provinces, where Rakel lives. Even more daunting, the Philippine tattoo community, at that time, had no female presence. Still, Rakel was firm in her resolve and began to apprentice at the tattoo shop of respected old-timer Mel Lacanilao, who satisfied her thirst for knowledge and prepared her to navigate a tattoo scene that, back then, was definitely a man’s world. Tito Mel provided Rakel not just with practical knowledge, but also a solid work ethic and respect for her chosen craft. He became both a mentor and a friend, and Rakel credits him with giving her the courage and motivation to strike out on her own.

Soon after her apprenticeship ended, Rakel established her own tattoo shop in her hometown of Santa Cruz, Laguna. She also began competing in 2002, becoming a fixture in the Philippines’ tattoo conventions, where, for the next four years, she was often the only female artist in competition. In the comparatively short time that Rakel has been competing, she has won more than twenty awards, including eight National Champion awards and one International Champion award in Saipan. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long before Rakel was invited to be a judge at the very same conventions and competitions which she entered as a novice tattoist. In 2003, she became the first female member of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild, and is now widely acknowledged as the First Female Professional Tattoo Artist in the Philippines. Increased word-of-mouth soon led Rakel’s work to be featured on various tattoo magazines in the country, her female perspective being a refreshing change from the Philippines’ traditionally male-dominated tattoo industry. Rakel then organized The Ink Poetry Tattoo and Rock Festival in May 2007, the first tattoo convention in Laguna and, thus far, the only tattoo convention in the country to have been headed by a female tattoo artist. It was a resounding victory, with many seasoned and budding tattoo artists in attendance. The success of the convention inspired Rakel to reach out to the newer members of the tattoo community, holding Laguna’s first tattoo seminar on November 2009, where she imparted information regarding proper and sanitary tattoo procedures, career development, and tattoo techniques, hoping to give the younger set the same education and guidance that her mentors gave her. Due to public demand and to further educate the tattoo community, Rakel is bringing her tattoo workshop to other Philippine cities, with Manila and Davao being next on her list.

Today, Rakel is held in high esteem by both veterans and newcomers in the tattoo community. Though she has proven herself many times over, she never stops learning, always eager to improve the merit and quality of her work. However remarkable her achievements have been in her relatively short career, it is certain that Rakel will continue to redefine her role and, by extension, the role of female artists, in the national and international tattoo community. 

Email	·         inkpoetry@yahoo.com
Website	·         http://www.rakeltattoo.com ·         http://www.facebook.com/rakeltattoo ·         http://www.facebook.com/racquelnatividadII