Yes, let’s finally disfigure my skin!
So it’s been two years since I started to seriously think about getting a tattoo. And as with anything with me, it’s never a rush decision. There was criteria to fulfill:
- It had to mean something to me
- I didn’t want it to be made in some average corner tattoo shop
- Specifically I want it done during a holiday abroad
- Near a beach
- In an Island
- In the Philippines
Simple, right? Well, I had my chance when during a massage at Coco Beach (which happens to be a beach resort) in Puerto Galera (which happens to be in the Island of Oriental Mindoro) in the Philippines (well… y’know what’s coming) that the resident artist also did permanent tattoos. So, after a chat I found out he knew Alibata. There you have it and this post documents the process of getting my Philippine family name in Alibata permanently marked on my ankle. Tadah!
Okay, it wasn’t as simple as that. I delayed the event a few days to really -really- think about it. As in: Will it look nice? Will it look nice with all my shoes? Do I have to throw any shoes away? How about my dresses? Will it go with my evening gowns? Does it mean I have to style myself tribal forever?!
The machine…
The artist and the victim…
Aaaaaarrrghhhh!!! No seriously, it wasn’t too bad. When the needle wasn’t near a bone or tendon I didn’t feel a thing. Unfortunately the ankle is full of bones and tendons. Graaagggggrrgle….
George Marley, the artist. I bought a lovely painting from him too.
The end result the next day…
Happy ^_^
Ps. Will post about Coco Beach soon! <3
Sleepless In KL Said,
November 11, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
This is actually the first time I’ve ever heard about Alibata. I never learned about it in school somehow.
Sleepless In KL´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Princess
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Sinta Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Me neither. I only learned it when I was in my late teens, while surfing wiki to learn about Philippine history.
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witsandnuts Said,
November 11, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
The mention of Alibata brought me to gradeschool days. Something related to alphabet. The only time I got a temporary tattoo was when we went for the Desert Safari.
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Sinta Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I was thinking of getting it first as a temporary tattoo, but then went: It’s now or never!
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fortuitous faery Said,
November 11, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
if the spaniards never invaded us, we would probably still have our own alibata alphabet.
you’re one brave girl! donating blood is the most painful process i can subject myself to which involves needles. and that’s nothing compared to this! :P
fortuitous faery´s last blog ..Ebenezer Scrooge’s Nightmare Before Christmas
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Sinta Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Actually I think donating blood is a lot scarier! I’m always worried that I might feel a sucking of some sort. Although I have been told that you don’t feel any sort of thing.
The good thing about this tattoo… yep it hurt like hell but what a high! The adrenaline rush was amazing!
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suki Said,
November 12, 2009 @ 4:09 am
ouch! :-/ i could never get a tattoo, but wow! very nice.
suki´s last blog ..Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – highlights
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Toni Said,
November 12, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Great choice for a tattoo! Classic and meaningful. Looks great too :)
Toni´s last blog ..I Dream of Pies
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Sinta Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
That was the plan :D Thanks!
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Nadine Said,
November 12, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
nice tattoo! (: I wished I didn’t do mine but oh well.
Nadine´s last blog ..I am part of Baker’s Dozen!
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Maan Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 1:14 am
what a brave soul! heehee.
Maan´s last blog ..the CDO-Camiguin adventure.
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jeanny Said,
November 14, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Love that Tribal design. So cool. When I was in my twenties I wanted to have a tattoo but I was a scaredy cat….hahaha!!!!
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