so you're a virgin...

So for you virgins out there, here are my top tattoo parlor picks and why.  Mind you, I completely recommend other artists and I will be sharing who they are with you in the future. I recommend the following tattoo parlors if you, like me, plan to get your first tattoo completely on your own with no hand to hold.

Gene Testa

Address: 3/F Bodysenses, Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas, Pasig City

Contact number:0917-4135626      

Operating hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price range: Starts at P1,500
Inks used: Kuro Sumi, Vivid Colors, Screen Ink

Let's face it, location location location is everything. If you're getting your first tattoo, you want to be comfortable. You want to be somewhere where immediately after, you are within reach of either alcohol (TGIF is just downstairs) or strong caffeine (Starbs is right around the corner). AND you can immediately shop for that fabulous backless top that will showcase your new tattoo  

Republic Tattoo

http://www.facebook.com/republictattoo

Address: 2/F Promenade Building, 198 Wilson corner P. Guevarra St., San Juan City
Contact number: +63917-5459986   

In house artists: Joe Saliendra, Oman Daluz, Ding Fernandez and Alex Rodolfo.
Price range: Starts at P2,000.00 for a 2" x 2" piece

You walk into Republic Tattoo and you think you've just entered Miami Ink...or LA Ink, if you've got your favorite. Republic Tattoo boasts the biggest lounge in the country and it's true! I think it's the new kid on the tattoo parlor block which explains why everything still smells fresh. So take advantage of it while it is. I appreciate a tattoo shop that entertains inquiries promptly and I can vouch that they do. 
 

A World Divided

The world is divided into two kinds of people:  those who have tattoos, and those who are afraid of people with tattoos.  ~Author Unknown

Cristine Reyes meets Kat Von D!

Christine Reyes already lived out one of my fantasies...being rescued by Richard Gutierrez. And here she is living out another one of my dreams...meeting Kat Von D and getting a tattoo at High Voltage in LA!

“This was a tattoo I got last April and it means God is with me. I know people always see me smile. What people don't see is me at home. And like everyone else I have problems. And whenever I feel down I look at my tattoo and this strengthens me and gives me confidence" - Cristine Reyes

a crucifix over a heart with small arrows on it and a rose that covers her left radial artery constantly reminds her that life is beautiful despite her trials or tribulations.