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.

I came in a few nights ago for a walk-in, but the work I wanted was going to take a few hours so I…read morescheduled an appointment instead. I was on a bit of a tight schedule since I'm only visiting for a week from the states, so they were very accommodating. I got my tattoo from Denver, one of the sweetest and caring artist I've worked with. This wasn't my first tattoo, but my first time getting it in another country. Despite the language barrier, communication and positive energy were shared. I enjoyed getting to know him, along with the other artists there. Definitely the most genuine group of humans I've met this whole trip. Meeting people like them makes going home so much harder! Thank you Denver, Luleng, Koko, and all of Don Antonio staff for your warm and welcoming experience. My heart is full with so much vibes! One of the raddest shops I have ever stepped foot in. So many talented artists and fun people to get to know! Hope to see you all soon during our next visit!!

EXCELLENT STAFF AND SERVICE. My expectations were highly met after the artist Koko finished my…read moretattoo. Very family oriented shop with great values and respect. This shop houses talented artists so if you are looking to get a tattoo then come here! It was my first time coming here and I will most definitely come back next time I visit the Philippines. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK DON ANTONIO TATTOO SHOP!

The whole process of getting a tattoo is like courtship. You don't just go with the first tattoo…read moreshop you see and commit right then and there. It takes time. You research, ask around about their reputation and the work they've done before. You have to make sure they can cater to your needs and can take care of you before you show your skin to them. 55 Tinta in Maginhawa Sreet (unfortunately named because they left #55 but I digress) is the tattoo place you can go all the way with. Behind their laidback exterior lie years of tattooing experience between famed and award-winning local tattoo artist Dyuntats and the members of the rock band Kamikazee. As you're lying down, apprehensive and scared, 55 Tinta's artists will gently hush you and reassure that it's going to hurt only for a while and that everything's going to be okay. Before you know it, it'll be over and you'll have something to remember the whole experience by for the rest of your life. That's enough double entendres. Just go here.

Rip Off! They jacked up the prices once they saw us walk in. The 3 of us are obviously from out of…read moretown. We are volunteering our services in building homes here in the city. The moment we asked for small 2x2 inch tats on our wrists they upped the price to more then we can get in the states. NO tattoo shop should use a measuring tape for AWFUL pricing. A 2inch by 2inch with them was gonna cost 4,000 Pesos! ($88)...are you kidding me! RIP OFF! DO NOT GO! TOURIST TRAP! There are better and cheaper artists in the area. Just ask. They weren't even willing to negotiate! Horrible horrible place. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

At a very young age, I knew I was gonna get myself some ink sooner or later. and of course that…read morecame in later in life when I could make responsible or at least conscious decisions on my own. I think the hardest part was finding a shop you trust enough to stick a needle in you multiple times and draw on your skin. You have to understand that it's permanent and even though there are ways of erasing your tattoo, it'll leave a mark or there would always be remnants of it on your skin. That's why shops always say: Think before you ink! The first time I went there, I really had no idea what to do but I knew they were one of the best shops in the country and they're obliged to follow the safety and sanitary protocol. They walked me through what was going to happen, in theory and while the artist was actually doing it. and after that we reviewed the do's and don'ts and then they sent me off. It's always good to invest on your ink. These shops might be expensive but you're getting your money's worth for sure. The first one I got from them is 5 years old but it still looks like new.

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.

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.

You know what they say about getting a tattoo -- it's a huge commitment, it requires a lot of…read moremental preparation and strength of will, etc etc. Yes, to all of that. You're basically altering the biggest organ you've got, so yes. So apart from all the mental preparation that YOU have to do for yourself, one of the biggest things you have to work on is finding the right shop to get your ink. A quick checklist would look something like -- What are their sterilization procedures and equipment? Who are the artists in that shop? What is their reputation in the tattoo world? (Yes, that tells you a lot.) How much does a tattoo cost per inch? And so on. When i was getting ready to get my second tattoo, I didn't automatically go to the one that made my first -- his schedule was always full. I wanted to go somewhere where the artist/s can take their time and really work on your design and make you feel at ease (because they are, too!). So i went through that checklist again, and decided on Republic Tattoo in San Juan. They were very easy to talk to from my first inquiry, had a good reputation, and were very helpful about translating my friend's design for me on to something that would work well as a tattoo. The inking went off without a hitch -- except for the small matter of me forgetting to NOT be hungry before the session and almost blacking out from combined hypoglycemia and pain, and they had to get me a can of soda to chug right away to bring my blood sugar levels back up (thanks for recognizing the signs, guys! Haha.). Everything was clean (they had ultrasonic cleaners, dry heat sterilizers, and autoclave machines!), the artist had a good, steady, light hand -- and banter! -- going. All in all it was a great, memorable experience -- which is exactly what getting a tattoo should be, pain and blood and all. PS. Not that it should matter more than safety and skill, but their artists are award-winning vets with their own specializations in style. Don't forget to ask them about it :)

I got my first tattoo in Republic Tattoo about 5 years ago and I still remember it clearly. I still…read moreremember what I ate for dinner with my friends before we all headed to the place to get our tattoos (FYI it was steak, home-cooked by one of my awesome friends). I still remember what I was wearing that night (because the ink that oozed out of my fresh tattoo hours later ruined that shirt). I still remember getting a small order of salami from the Santi's downstairs. I remember walking into the tattoo studio with my mind fixed on the design that I wanted to get . I remember the first plunge of the needle that pierced my back. I remember the lights going out in the place, and the building's security guard came running to announce that there was a street-wide blackout. Of all the days that the street's main electric transformer would mysteriously stop working, it had to be on the night when I got my first ever tattoo. Weirdly enough, I don't even remember the name of my artist. I just remember his strokes to be very deliberate and consistent, and it was such a therapeutic and nice sensation that I got hooked on getting inked from that day on. I would wait another 2 years to get my next tattoo, but that great first-time experience really made a good impression on me. (In case you're wondering, no, I'm not showing you the tattoo that I got. I didn't know what I was thinking. I was 19 and stupid.)

As a child, I have always been fascinated my tattoos - from the temporary tattoos from the markets…read morewith cheesy rose and thorn designs, to the girly, imported ones from Lisa Frank and Disney. When I was in college and high school, I remember how I would always ask my Dad if I could get a tattoo. His answer would always be, "when you graduate, you can do whatever you want. Just make sure you are decided and consider all consequences." I think this is why, even with full knowledge that I want a tattoo, I have never quite gotten one. I guess it's the fear of something being so permanent, something being right there plastered across my skin, stretching, sagging, getting wrinkly along with my getting older. However this doesn't stop me. Hello to Mad Tatter - a source for blank/plain tattoo sheets that give me creative freedom to decorate and express myself, without the fear and pressure of permanence. At less than PhP400 per A4 sheet, you have the artistic freedom to write or draw whatever design you want, and wear it on your skin as trial for the tattoo design you plan to get, or just for plain fun. This is, quite honestly, what I have been doing the past couple of months. Thanks to this, I have crossed out what could have been terrible designs and places to get tattooed with and at.

I was highly impressed with my Aunt's microbladed eyebrows by Alberto. That is the reason I…read moreinitially gave him 5 stars. When Alberto microbladed my eyebrows, he stated that it would not look so dark once it heals. Once it healed, my eyebrows lightened to a bluish black. It reminded me of the color that black ink fades into years after. I asked for dark brown microbladed eyebrows, and I ended up with bluish black eyebrows. I ended up going elsewhere to correct Alberto's end results. I was told by the other salon that it looked like I received microblading and tattoo work. My Aunt even questioned Alberto if he was microblading, because it sounded like I was receiving a tattoo. Alberto assured her that he was microblading. If that is true, the end result did NOT look like microbladed eyebrows. The other salon even partially shaved my eyebrows to show me that I only received partially microbladed eyebrows. Underneath of my real eyebrows was a tattoo. Now what? Alberto's bluish black TATTOO now has to be covered with skin colored ink. I now have to use cover-up to cover his tattoo work. What else could go wrong? When Tony/Toni (?) finished tattooing my eyeliner, something ended up irritating my eyes. Tony/Toni tried to flush it out, but it never came out. It would have been nice if he used something like saline eyedrops to flush it out, but whatever he used stung my eyes and the tattooed eyeliner. They stated that there are no follow up appointments for eyeliners as there are for eyebrows. Well, they were so very wrong. All those eyedrops caused my eyeliner to become lighter and unevenly colored. By the way, one eyeliner ended up thicker than the other. I also want to mention that they place tape underneath the eyes When Tony/Toni pulled it off from my Aunt's skin, my Aunt got hurt. There were bits of skin that stuck to the tape. A different salon had to correct my uneven eyeliner. I wanted to like this salon because everyone that works there is very hospitable. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this salon.