I started to tattoo because I wanted to be the pointman for Filipino tattoo art from a critical political stance- Filipino tattoo art by a Filipino for Filipinos. My cultural work within the marginalized spans three decades and I'll be the first one to tell you that I don't know anything. I just entered my tenth year of being a tattoo artist and I proud to admit that I am a baby to the tattoo world.

I'm a typical immigrant story. I needed ETL (English as a third language), and excelled in whatever I sunk my teeth into. It is important to me to do things for our culture and support that, not to water down, trivialize or even romanticize being Filipino/ Fillpino-American/ Asian-American into something "exotic."

My favorite quote: "It's like everyone is pretending to be somebody that they're not, or pretending who they want to be..."It's like adapt, adapt, adapt" because you've got to. Right?..." -Jessica Hagedorn, a conversation, Most Wanted, October 2007.

I am not the best tattoo artist, nor do I claim to be. I have failed some clients and made a lot of others very happy. I am blessed to tattoo. I just want to do my best for people who like my art.

As a blessing, I have been able to travel, research , work and meet great people with whom great relationships have been built.

I have traveled far from home, frequenting the SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, San Jose, New York, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines in pursuit of the tattoo art, design research, and humbly, the opportunity to work and share my art. In turn, people have traveled from these lands to be tattooed by me.

As seeking a tattoo is a unique and personal experience, I feel blessed, honored and privileged to have worked with the hundreds of beautiful spirits who have shared my tattoo art. “It is truly a privileged opportunity to do what I do. I do not take it for granted. I thank the Gods looking over me. I thank the good word and the kind warrior souls who choose me. I truly believe a tattoo is earned, and I thank those who have trusted me and my tattoo.

I continue to shuttle between the SF Bay Area and Long Beach to tattoo, and if you live outside of this locale, I welcome tattoo appointments and consultations upon availability. Please contact the studio for more information.

See you on-the-road!