It was very easy to reach out and set up an appointment ahead of time. They followed up a few days…read morebefore and once I got there they were very welcoming. The whole process was smooth and everything was clean and sterile. It was great being able to learn more about the culture and my heritage. We decided on the patterns and they worked on it right away. The line work was really good and I'm really happy with how it turned out

I spend a lot of time in Manila due to work and I love the culture. A friend introduced me to…read morethese amazingly talented and caring people. It was an easy process to tell them my vision and they make it the art. The place was clean and I had zero concerns on the quality of work! It healed so nicely and I intend to go back for more! Jean and Jonathan are amazing artist and really nice people.

Run by two of the most talented artists I know, Ryan and Minnehaha Calleja, Good Hand Tattoo is the…read moreparlor that I go to if I need someone that I can trust to do a piece on me. Artists to the core, Ryan and Minnie are free spirits who found each other at the School of Fine Arts in UST. So you know that these two are not amateurs or wannabes; they were born to do what they do, and they've had the training to back it up. I'd always liked Minnie's style and rendering (feminine, but strong and rich), so immediately we agreed on a traditional pin-up mermaid and galleon piece, on my back. She was attentive to what I wanted, but at the same time, gave her professional artistic opinion on how it might look, so although it really was her art, it felt like a collaboration between me and her. She drew it out, free-hand and fresh, right in front of my eyes, on a sheet of paper. It took a while, but I loved what I saw. She stencilled it out, and began outlining. It took us two sessions, and a total of 7 hours to complete the whole thing. It hurt like a b****, but Minnie was very comforting and gentle the whole time. I've tried other artists before, but Minnie did my last one, and it looks like she's going to be doing a lot more of my tattoos in the future.

I got several tattoos by artist Jan Fresco. I can't recommend him enough. The shop itself is a…read moregreat low key place to get inked. I felt very comfortable there especially being a foreigner. Jan was very professional and helped me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. He is a very talented artist and does all his tattoos free hand. I'm very happy with the end product. Thank you Jan for such a great experience. Next time I'm in the Philippines I will be back. Cheers!

I got my first tattoo three months ago…read more It was a dare. Really. I mean, I've always wanted to have a tattoo, but I was always afraid of the pain. And the needles. And the blood. My friend and I first went to the place on a Saturday morning. We knocked and waited for someone to open the door. Some guy then told us that we would have to set an appointment if we wanted our tattoos done in the morning. It was Monday and our appointment was set. I was panicking and needed to calm my nerves. The tattoo artist, Marlon Capuno, was still on his way to the shop. So while my friend was busy talking to some guy who was drawing our tattoos, I went out to have a smoke. Thirty minutes later, my friend told me it was time to get inked. I noticed right away that the place was clean. Marlon wore gloves and showed me the new needles he was going to use. He was very professional and confident,but didn't brag about those he inked before. Getting the tattoo wasn't that painful. I only got a small star. Marlon reminded me to keep breathing and not to panic. My friend got her tattoo and almost passed out from the pain. Marlon had her lie down for a few minutes. I guess there's nothing these tattoo artists can do to ease the pain. You just gotta toughen up. Am I going back for more? Of course. And I'm getting a bigger one. And yes, I'll still have Marlon ink me.

I got my tattoo done at Vice Tattoo on Jan/20/18. A little background, I got a tattoo of a cobra…read morewith "SWIFT*DEADLY" above it when I was young and in the US Marines, seemed like a good idea at the time. 5 years later I am thinking that I don't want that on my arm anymore, 15 years after that I had a red line put through it and had "SLOW*SARCASTIC" tattooed about it. Funny change but looked stupid so started thinking about a cover up tattoo. I spoke to artists over the years but while here in Philippines I decided it was time to go for it. I looked at on-line reviews of artists in the Manila area and saw that Marlon at Vice Tattoo was listed in the top 5 of most of them. I sent him an email with my current tattoo and a picture of an image that I liked. Marlon asked me to come in for measurements. I went to his shop and he told me that he could do it but it would be larger than I described in my email. I asked Marlon to prepare a drawing that would be the actual size. Marlon asked for a p2000 deposit but I was not convinced that I wanted to do it and offered p700 which he accepted. My cover tattoo would be a US Marine Corps image (EGA) with American flag background which I knew he was not familiar with so I was very clear on my instructions. The first couple images that he emailed me were not correct which was partially my fault. The US flag was the wrong direction for the right arm and North and South America were inverted on the globe. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about him understanding my request due to his less than perfect English skills. Hey this is the Philippines and Tagalog is the national language so I really cannot complain. My sweetie is Filipina who translated my instructions and we got the image banged out in no time. It is a good idea to take someone that speaks Tagalog with you. Marlon may understand just fine but don't just expect him to understand precise details in English. Marlon asked that I bring my lady with me when I got the tattoo so he could speak with her and make sure that it is perfect for me. I got the big dark colored tattoo on my arm now and it is healing. I am anxious to see it once it is healed so that I can make a 100% observation and opinion but for now I am happy with it. Looking over other reviews I see there are mixed opinions. One person said that he uses a heavy hand and fast strokes. This is true, he had the gun cranked up and it was painful. Not enough pain that I wanted to quit but it was uncomfortable. Big tattoos are going to require some patience and tolerance. Also he was about an hour late for the appointment but during that time his apprentice worked hard at creating the overlay of the image and even had to redraw a couple times to get it to my requirements. When Marlon arrived the overlay had been transferred to my arm. I could see in the mirror the size and layout of the tattoo. We discussed the cost of the tattoo and he quoted me p10,000 and did not increase the price after I asked to add on some letters under the tattoo. I feel that the price was reasonable but keep in mind too that I had my lady with me discussing all of this so was not just a foreigner in the shop. Although I saw it in another review, I cannot even speculate whether or not he charges foreigners extra but I will guess that he does not do that. Now he did charge me p900 for three small packages of lotion. That was way overpriced but I paid it. Not going to argue over $18.00. Take a tube of triple antibiotic ointment with you from your country if you plan to get a tattoo in the Philippines, it is like $4.00 USD and you are not going to find it in a Manila pharmacy. At least I did not see it here. I was impressed with Marlon's awards, achievements and also the appreciation letters for being at judge a various tattoo competitions. Marlon has several books with pictures of his past work. These are good for determining his skills. A tattoo is going to be on your body forever (unless you get a cover tattoo like me) so do your research and don't make a fast decisions. I am happy with the work Marlon did. He did most of the work free hand from the drawing and was able to change the overall look so that I was not stealing someone else's tattoo. I would recommend Vice Tattoo to anyone and will honestly say that it was a good experience and I am happy with my tattoo.

I've always wanted to get inked at some point in my life with the names of all my pets from the…read morepast to present. I guess I've found the perfect place to get one. Morbid Tattoo looks like a down-to-earth tattoo shop in Cash and Carry Mall. Entering, you'd find their awesome reception area, with all the certficates and awards displayed on the wall. Seems my humble little shop isn't so humble at all--it's a star in the ink industry! Going to the inside further, you can see photo samples of their ink art on actual clients in the past. I'm liking what I saw so far. Regarding prices, I've asked about it, and they've given me a 2" by 3" inch card. For about the size of that card, you can get a fully colored professional inking for 2000 pesos.

When in Makati.... Go see Luigi. awesome free hand work and fun private shop. Best symbol for…read moreremembering my 1st time in the Philippines #enzo ++ #sampaguita

I have been wanting to get a tattoo ever since I was in high school. My Dad would always tell me to…read morewait until I finish college, then I could do whatever it is that I want - get dreadlocks, color my hair pink, or get a tattoo. Fast forward to more than a decade after, I still haven't gotten one. Seriously considering getting one before I turn thirty, I decided what better way to do research than to go to Dutdutan - the biggest (and quite possibly the only) annual tattoo convention in the Philippines. When I got there, the first sight of the long line made me think twice about going. However, I thought to myself that if I couldn't even go through with checking it out, then how will I even push through with getting a tattoo, right? The registration and process of going through was efficient and effective, yet there were just so many people wanting to get in. After about an hour, I finally got in. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the number of tattoo shops that were there to offer their services, even doing tattoos onsite! I also came across tattoo models, posing gladly with fanatics. The models would take breaks and head to the stage for the judging of the tattoos done one them. There were several different categories for the awarding and I must say, that I am impressed by the workmanship and capability of our local artists. I even got to watch a band, whose lead singer also happened to be a popular tattoo artist. Going to Dutdutan really made me see so many things and made me realize even more just how serious and how fun getting a tattoo can be. I didn't get a tattoo right there, but because of that experience, I'll definitely be getting one soon.

Call me a pilgrim…read more In my early 20's, I had the idea that I had what it took to be a tattoo artist. Fueled by binging on Miami Ink and my fascination with Japanese woodblock, my greatest and most overarching passion was to be a tattooist in the tradition of old Japanese masters, my services sought by gangsters in fundoshi (that would be the pilipit ns bahag of the Japanese. It's painfully cool). Fast-forward to the present, my late 20's, and I am not quite there. So while I may have had to accept that I won't be called Hori-something anymore (sadly, tattooing by hand pricking isn't in the cards for me), I still have a love for tattoo culture, but this now, it also includes the people. This is all thanks to Dutdutan. I first came to Dutdutan, happily, when it was still a niche event, and wasn't so heavily sponsored. Sure, there was already a bikini contest, but it wasn't crawling with mouth-breathing creeps with cameras, only there to hungrily snap pictures of half-naked women, to be uploaded for bragging rights (sorry for the rant, but damn, fellas be thirsty lately). With the stage events barely relating to tattoo anymore, you walk the floor. This is where Dutdutan is still largely the same. Year after year, you meet the same cool, chill people, whether they are artists (surprisingly, yes, they're the boss but they're not too busy within reason), models (both dudes and girls), fellow enthusiasts, and even the friendly Tribal staff (for people working in retail, they sure are chipper). I even met friends there in their respective booths, like Sarah and Paolo (snowflake on the floor, Turbogoth on stage), Wildchild Tattoo (represent!) and the ever-friendly Dyuntats booth (if you're not friends with them yet, you will be). This is the showcase of tattoo, both as an art and as a lifestyle. You'll come to Dutdutan for the curiosity, but you'll stay for the people.

I finally get to finish my elbow done after a while and P&P tattoo (BGC) and Aw the artist made it…read morehappened for me, shout out to Aw for I'm very satisfied of the outcome, I definitely recommend to check him out or P&P itself if you're looking for some ink done especially if you're visiting and hesitant , don't search no further just hit them up (email or call) Liezel answer right back Ty P&P

Great tattoo shop. I didn't really have an appointment, but was able to get two tattoos after a…read morelittle wait. Aw did my tattoos and I couldn't be happier with them. Thank you!! :)

For my first tattoo, I searched for a reputable tattoo shop in the metro (an advice you shouldn't…read moretake lightly!) Remember, tattoos will last longer than you! P&P is known for their talent in inking as well as their high profile clients. I'm convinced! I set up an appointment a week later and was there on time. Their shop looked clean, with the typical vibe of what a tattoo shop would be: pictures of previous works all over, celebrities who have gotten their tattoos there. Finally, it's inking time! I explained my design to my artist (it's not a complicated design, just a simple text with a personal touch) and he asked questions to make sure he's getting it right, which I appreciate. And then our session started and he was explaining to me what he's doing. 15 minutes after, we were done and I love it! I'm so glad I went to P & P for my first tattoo, couldn't imagine having it done somewhere else. Some people think that they charge too much, but for something permanent, it shouldn't be something to skimp on. If you're not ready to commit for a tattoo, try visiting their shops and ask for advice before getting one. Good luck!

I've always wanted to get inked in the past, but I wasn't quite sure what exactly I wanted to get…read moredone yet. So when the day came I finally knew what I wanted, I asked my significant other to tag me along. At that time, she was about to get her second done. Being Quezon City residents, we decided to head to P&P Eastwood after one random workday (P&P Makati seems to be the most popular). The place won me over immediately by the second I walked in. I never felt a snobbish or smug vibe despite being a first-timer and a newbie. The staff and artists were very accommodating, friendly, and patient. They made sure that you walked out of their establishment happy. Most importantly, I love the place's emphasis on professionalism, sanitation, and hygiene. You can just sit back, relax, watch the news on their TV, and get your tat done without worrying about the risk of contamination or contracting any diseases. My tattoo count is still currently at one, but when the day comes that I decide to get my second one (or third, or fourth), I won't look any further as it will probably be P&P once again.

Of course I'm the first person to review this place. Haha. I wish more people in Manila had tattoos…read morejust cause they're so attractive... but then again, wouldn't it be boring to have everyone look exactly the same? I'm confusing myself. I employed the services of Gene Testa back in 2009. I was in my senior year of college, 23 years old, and I had my sights set on getting inked. I asked around for recommendations, and Gene Testa's name kept coming up. So one holiday, I asked a good friend to accompany me to Robinson's Galleria so I could get my design of choice permanently etched onto my body for all of time. And that's exactly what happened. One of Gene's artists named Sam worked on me and I have to say that it was very painful. Imagine the sensation of several machinated needles piercing through your skin simultaneously. I had to constantly ask him to stop and take a breather. Thank goodness my friend was there to hold my hand through it! Nonetheless, I was happy with the job done though it's a shame they didn't have smaller needles on hand as I wanted a smaller version of the design.