Filipino Tattooing: Evolution Unveiled

“Can you make my tattoo like ‘The Rocks’; but, Filipino?” - most common question received by male Filipino clients since 2003.

This is an examination of the changing perception of tattooing in Filipino culture over the past 25 years. The following questions consider the influence of mainstream figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and popular tattoo reality shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink. Additionally, they explore how Polynesian hālau hula (dance groups/schools) have contributed to the acceptance of tribal tattooing in Filipino culture. Finally, they address the factors that led to tattooing evolving from a stigmatized practice associated with criminals to a globally recognized art form in Filipino society.

Filipino Tattooing: Evolution Unveiled

1. How has the perception of tattooing in Filipino culture evolved over the last 25 years?

2. What role did mainstream figures like Dwayne Johnson play in reshaping the narrative around tattooing?

3. In what ways did the acceptance of tattooing differ between Miami Ink, LA Ink, and the influence of Dwayne Johnson within the Polynesian community?

4. How did Polynesian hālaus, or dance troops, contribute to the acceptance of tribal tattooing in Filipino culture?

5. What factors led to the transformation of tattooing from a stigmatized practice associated with criminals to a globally recognized art form in Filipino society?

In the past, Filipino society held a perception of tattooing as a marginalized art form associated with criminality and tribal communities. Over the last 25 years, a significant transformation has occurred, marked by a shift from societal disdain to widespread acceptance, largely influenced by mainstream figures such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and other celebrities.

The catalyst for this change can be attributed to influential personalities like Dwayne Johnson, whose prominent display of tribal tattoos played a crucial role in reshaping the narrative around tattooing in Filipino culture; beginning with Filipinos in America (widely Filipino-Americans). Unlike other tattoo-focused shows like Miami Ink (2005) and LA Ink (2007), Johnson's impact resonated more deeply within the Polynesian/islander community, contributing to the broader acceptance of tribal tattooing.

Despite initial reservations, Polynesian hālaus (schools/groups), embraced this evolving art form, fostering a bridge between tradition and modernity. The convergence of cultural acceptance from mainstream icons, celebrities, and tribal communities gradually dismantled the negative stigma surrounding tattooing in Filipino culture as Filipino-Americans make up a large percentage of performers in Hawaiian and Tahitian dance groups on the West Coast.

Evolution of Filipino Tattooing:

• Historical Perspective:

• Explore the traditional view of tattooing as a stigmatized practice.

• Highlight the association with criminality and tribal communities.

  • Bahala Na Gang

  • Budol-Budol Gang

  • Dugo-Dugo Gang

  • Zephyrus Crew (Romblon)

  • Kuratong Baleleng

  • Martilyo Gang

  • Salisi Gang

  • Zesto Gang

  • Satanas 

  • Sigue Sigue Sputnik

  • Waray-Waray gangs

  • Km Sentosa

• The Cordillera Mountain Province tribes of BIBAK: Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc (now called Mountain Province), Apayao, and Kalinga

• Catalysts for Change:

• Examine the role of mainstream figures like Dwayne Johnson in challenging stereotypes.

• Contrast the influence of shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink with Johnson's impact.

• Further examination of Black American cultural icons like NBA Philadelphia 76ers, point guard, Allen Iverson (2004), Chicago Bulls, Forward, Dennis Rodman (1998) and American rapper Tupac Shakur (1991-1996) introduced the bad boy persona with tattoos on people of color that Filipinos readily identified with through sports and music.

• Polynesian Community Acceptance:

• Discuss the significance of Polynesian dance groups embracing tattooing.

• Explore how dance schools contributed to breaking down cultural barriers.

• Mainstream Adoption:

• Analyze the broader acceptance of tribal tattooing in Filipino society through the Cordillera mountain people’s autonomy movement, specifically the BIBAK community at large.

• Highlight the impact of musicians, athletes, and movie celebrities in reshaping perceptions.

• Examine the rise of Fang-Od (2013) as a cultural icon who has played a pivotal role in popularizing traditional tattoo practices.

Synopsis:

The evolution of tattooing in Filipino culture reflects a remarkable journey from a once-stigmatized art form associated with criminality to widespread acceptance. Influential figures like Dwayne Johnson (and aforementioned celebrities) played a pivotal roles in challenging societal norms, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. The acceptance from both mainstream and tribal communities, particularly Polynesian dance groups, further accelerated the transformation. This comprehensive analysis provides insight into the dynamic shifts in perception and the cultural renaissance that has propelled Filipino tattooing to global recognition.