Anything Under The Sun

If you think you’ve seen enough last year, think again because the most awaited event in all Marianas is back with more excitement, ink and spunk!

Be part of Saipan Tatu Fest 2008 once again, from Oct. 23 to 26, 2008, at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Dragon Edong, the man behind this annual festivity, said they decided to hold the festival for four days this time due to insistent public demand.

“Last year’s event was only two days and a lot of people were not able to come because of conflict of work schedules on weekends. This time will be more exciting because more international tattoo artists will be coming,” said Edong.

Among those who have already confirmed their participation are tattoo artists from Japan, United States, the Philippines, Thailand, France, England, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Guam, and Norway.

The tattoo contest categories during the four-day event are tattoo of the day, best portrait, most realistic, best color, best tribal, best black and gray, best Japanese tattoo, best bodysuit, best dragon, sexiest tattoo, best arm tattoo, and best leg tattoo.

Aside from the competitions, there will also be live entertainment to spice up the already fun-filled occasion. Foods and drinks will be made available to the public. There will be a $10-ticket each day, which includes one free drink.

Just recently Dragon Edong, with his wife Fe as his model, won first place in the main event competition during the 2nd World Tattoo Festival in Pattaya, Thailand, in May 2008. It was the second time Edong won the award at the prestigious international competition.

People are invited to witness this one-of-a-kind event in the CNMI, Edong said, describing it as a local event with an international flavor, featuring a world-class gathering of great artists and talents that everyone should not miss.

“This is where the excitement is, where you will witness how to do body art in safe way. This will somehow educate people that getting a tattoo is safe and it is very much accepted in the community,” he said.

The event is sponsored by iConnect, Budweiser, Marianas Visitors Authority, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Aquarius Beach Tower, Salbahe Brand, National Office Supply, Gold’s Gym, Island Apparel, Pro-Tech, Islander Rent-A-Car, Godfather’s Bar and El Drako Kooleksions.

For ticket inquiries and more information about the event, call 233-8288.

Source: Saipan Tribune

Being young and on a college campus, you probably know someone who has a tattoo or an unusual piercing, or you might even have one yourself. Whether you can claim a few body modifications to your name, or if you just have an interest in them, the Baltimore Tattoo Museum is a great place to brush up on the history of being inked. The museum, located at 1534 Eastern Avenue in Fells Point, houses a tattoo/piercing parlor and an exhibit under the same roof. The museum consists mainly of historical photographs, articles, and colorful tattoo drawings mounted on the walls.

The exhibit wraps around the shop, following tattooing from its earliest days to its current presence in popular culture. Far East tribal tattoos, military insignias, pin-up girls; all of these and even more are immortalized on the museum’s walls. Throughout the exhibit there are also some historical artifacts preserved in glass cases, ranging from an old-fashioned tattooing machine to tattoo to a Butterfly Art Barbie, an example of the tattoo’s assimilation into mainstream culture. Visiting the museum is the ultimate exhibit experience, because you are able to learn about the history of tattooing through the years as people around you in the shop lend themselves to the craft.

As a tattoo and piercing parlor, the Baltimore Tattoo Museum does not disappoint. The staff is friendly and professional, and is more than willing to offer advice to patrons. Earrings and other body jewelry are displayed in the front of the shop, all for moderate prices. Piercings themselves at the museum are also priced fairly — my recent nose piercing with a stud cost $50, and would have only cost $40 had I gotten a ring instead. Also, as a self-confessed germaphobe, I was really happy and impressed to find the piercing and tattooing areas very clean and the procedure and equipment sanitary.

Another plus: my wait from signing the forms to getting the piercing was under ten minutes. I do recommend calling ahead, though, because the museum’s piercer is only there on certain days. Staff members will explain everything that needs to be done to take care of new piercings, and the museum’s website also lists aftercare instructions in detail.

Although I have yet to be tattooed at the museum, I would definitely suggest it as place to check out if you’re considering getting inked. The establishment has an artsy and laid-back atmosphere, but it is still extremely professional. The shop’s tattoo artists have portfolios of their work displayed on the museum’s website, and you can tell by the quality of their work that they take the craft of tattooing very seriously. They are also available for appointments to help design the best body art for their clients, and can come up with almost any tattoo you can think of or dream up.

The Baltimore Tattoo Museum stands out from other tattoo/piercing parlors because it almost has its own little community. Tattoos are a common denominator for so many different people, and the museum is a great place for the tattooed and fans of tattoos alike to come together. It is such a unique and personal experience to have something permanently etched into your skin, and having people that can empathize with and appreciate the art form of tattooing is incredibly supportive and inspiring. The museum is yet another interesting facet of a quirky city that doesn’t get enough credit. If you’re in Baltimore, stop by the tattoo museum and learn a little history. Who knows, maybe you’ll rebel against ‘the man’ and get some ink of your own. Just keep it on the down-low from Mom.

Source: Baltimore tattoo museum is a mark above the rest by Samantha Medema

Singapore 27th September, 2008, Event organizer, Tattoo.com.sg today announced the 1st Singapore Tattoo Show 2009, to be held at the Singapore Expo from 9 – 11 January 2009.

The event is endorsed and supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) with Show Ambassador Chris Garver of Miami Ink, will place Singapore on the global map for Tattoo Artistry and best practices for one of the fastest growing and most enduring Industries today. 

Some of the world’s renowned tattooists will be in Singapore to showcase their tattoo talents and create unique pieces of artwork. The extraordinary first tattoo show in Singapore will present over 60 artists from around the globe and will represent all the various modern tattoo styles ticking away with their machines in an exciting exhibition styled atmosphere.  Over 5000 visitors from around the region are expected to attend the 3-day event.

This year held the Dutdutan Festival where a lot of Pinoy Tattoo artists showcased their talents and best inclination for Arts in the field of tattoo. One noticeable personality there was Ronian Poe, son of the late Fernando Poe Jr whose body is undeniably full of tattoos.

Of course, the event wouldn’t be accomplished without giving recognition to Hollywood Pinoy Tattoo artist - Chris Garcia. 

Chris Garcia is an electrical engineer working in NASA whose younger brother is Jamir of Slapshock band. Chris is now very well recognized hollywood pinoy tattoo artist whose expression on Arts is really very creative. He is now one of the favorite tattoo artists nowadays. Well, his eyeing to put tattoo on Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp. We will see if he will be able to do that someday. And that will be an update on this post in the near future.

To what extent you can do to achieve and show to the world you’ve got a heart for ARTS. Say for instance, considering a tattoo on certain part of your body. Tattoo not only manifests ARTS in general but also a statement of  fashion. Could you dare to bare your body for tattoos? You’re very welcome to share it in the comments section guys. Till next time.

"Coz I can’t get you out of my …." Well, sounds like a song? Yes, my post title is actually a title of a song but I won’t be discussing that here. I was quite surprised this evening after our classes when out of nowhere, I was thinking to have some tattoos in my body. I came across in the internet and saw a lot of artistic tattoos which perfectly modifies the body with beauty.

Today, people choose to be tattooed for cosmetic, sentimental memories, religious, and maybe some magical reasons. Definitely their purpose is to symbolize their belonging to or identification. I’m seeking for tattoo ideas

that would definitely symbolizes me. Well, I really have to think of it carefully. And gosh, I know it’s very painful!