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Kayumanggi at Ipinagmamalaki! (Brown and Proud of it!)

It has been almost 3 years since I got my first tattoo. That is my (nick)name spelled across my back (below my nape) in what is known as the baybayin (the proper name) or widely recognized as the alibata. I chose to use the said writing method because of one primary reason – it’s Filipino.

Just last February 23, 2008, I got my left arm tattooed with a half-sleeve story of my roots and lineage. The symbols I used in it are strongly influenced by the designs used by the highlanders of the north. Polynesian designs or symbols would have been okay. In fact they’re cool. Thing is, I am not of Polynesian blood. My tattoos are a strong declaration of my Pinoy Pride. I am brown and I am proud of it!

One famous tattooed celebrity is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His ink tells a story – and it’s very interesting.

No, I have no fantasies of becoming famous, nor becoming a wrestler! I just want to tell my story through this very interesting art form, where skin is canvass and ink is paint.

My sleeve tattoo tells the story of my immediate roots. It is a celebration of my heritage and my bloodline.

•The “ling-ling-o” (Mamuli)

The figure symbolizes “celebration of life” - the ability of man and woman to procreate life with Bathala (God).

This portion of my tattoo has 5 slots, one for each child born to my family.

Historical notes:

The ling-ling-o is an amulet found throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia both in modern and ancient times. The exact meaning of the ling-ling-o is a matter of debate. Various explanations are brought forth including use as good luck and/or fertility charm or as a partial residence for anitos (ancestral spirits). Among the Igorots, the amulet is empowered / purified in a ritual of washing in blood before wearing.

The open oval shape of the mamuli is similar to the female reproductive organ. The mamuli is known as a symbol of fertility, combining both masculine and feminine attributes. By wearing one it symbolizes virility (men) and fertility (women).

♦ My Mother’s side

• The Healer’s seal

The pointed figure with the star on the upper left side of the photo is symbol of a healer. I incorporated it in the design to honor my late grandfather. He had knowledge of medicinal plants and was a recognized Albularyo (medicine man) in his town.

• The Water Buffalo’s (Carabao) Horn.

A symbol of protection against the evil eye.

• The Carabao

A totem symbol of strength, loyalty and humility but also danger, when provoked.

• Mountains

My mother’s family are from the highlands - thus, the mountains.

• The Rice Fields

Staple to Filipinos is rice. Source of nourishment and of life. Rice Grains when full and ripe bow. Looking back to the earth that nourished it. It symbolizes humility, gratitude and strength.

Being that they are farmers from the highlands, the theme incorporated the brief story of my maternal bloodline.

♦ My Father’s side

• Fish

This was the primary source of income for the small fishing village where my father hails from.

Fish symbolize unity, and strength. They are never alone, always swimming in schools.

There are seven of them here. One for each memeber of the family.

To be continued..