This is a tattoo I got to commemorate the end of my Peace Corps journey this past November in Baguio City, Benguet Province, Luzon, Philippines. The artist was my friend, artist and native of Kalinga Province “Kalawang aka Daniel Purisima.” The tattoo took 13 hours total in 3 sessions because it was done tribal style with homemade soot ink, handmade bamboo tools, and tapped into my skin. To say it was intense was an understatement. But it meant a lot to me to experience such an essential part of traditional Filipino culture. I was able to learn about the history from someone who lived on tribal lands and had learned the art from his elders. I was also tattooed in his home surrounded by his family, friends, fellow Peace Corps volunteers and other artwork he has done. It was incredible. It was probably the most memorable experience of my over 2 years of service.
The tattoo has many different meanings but, in a nutshell, it means: to be one with nature and to live a long, happy fulfilling life full of strength, love and wisdom. I also have traditional Filipino script there that translates to “Bahala na…” which is basically Filipino for “What will be, will be…”
For photos I took during my Peace Corps Journey, check me out at http://wanderstruck.tumblr.com/