12 Great Places for Getting a Tattoo in Metro Manila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

(SPOT.ph) There’s no doubt that society’s views on tattoos have changed for the better. In fact, some would even call them trendy. No matter what kind of tattoo you want to get, it’s always best to do your due diligence. To help you with that, here’s a list of tattoo parlors and artists we’ve arranged by specialty to help match you with one who specializes in your desired style—though it’s also very important to note that most artists are adaptable and can create artwork based on your preferences. 

Keep these tattoo places in mind for when you're ready to go under the needle!

FLORAL BLACKWORK

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Gigie Santiago

Contact: gigiebearrr@gmail.com

Instagram: @gigiebear

Not one to turn down a challenge, Gigie has made a name for herself in just four years. She is best known for her blackwork florals and precise lines, which is a must if your design is as seemingly simple as a thin line around your finger! She also gives her creations a unique finish by rendering its depth in dots.

Did we mention her studio is like an art gallery? It features prints by foreign artists like Nikko Hurtado, Marco Luzz, Alvaro Flores as well as local artists Auggie Fontanilla, Miguel Alberto Antonio, and Kay Aranzanso. She even has Kewpie dolls and The Walking Dead action figures!

Rates start at: P2,000 for blackwork

Gigie Santiago is at Project 4, Quezon City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. Open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Katz Lorenzana

Website: www.katzlorenzana.com

Instagram: @katzlorenzana

FB: www.facebook.com/katzlorenzana

What sets Katz apart is her approach to tattooing. She’s there with you every step of the way to make sure you don’t have any reservations left once it’s time for you to get on the tattoo chair. She’s also extra particular when it comes to hygiene and allergens, so all you germophobes can breathe easy.

Her work is a mix of intricate blackwork illustrations and vibrantly colored pieces. Most of which are small and dainty. But having started in 2010 and graduated cum laude from the College of Fine Arts in UP Diliman, she’s equally capable of other aesthetics.

Rates start at: For small pieces, P2,000 for black and P3,000 for colored. For big pieces, hourly rate is at P2,500/hour.

Katz Lorenzana is at Project 4, Quezon City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. Strictly by appointment only (preferably 8 a.m. or 1 p.m.).

GEOMETRIC BLACKWORK

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Camsy Valencia Tattoo

Instagram: @camsyvalencia

FB: www.facebook.com/CamsyValencia

The level of conviction it takes to solely work with just one color is astounding. Camsy specializes in blackwork tattoos and works exclusively with black, which she uses to create intricate mandalas and sacred geometries. Her linework is so exact that she can recreate the pattern of lace on skin. But that’s not all there is to her portfolio. Her portraits are also definitely worth checking out. She merges these themes with fauna to create an image that is bold and graphic. That’s the level of expertise that you get from a tattooer who’s been in the business for eight years now.

Rates start at: P2,000 for basic black 2"x2"

Camsy Valencia is at AFPOVAI, Taguig City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. Open daily from 5 p.m. onwards. By appointment only.

HAND-TAPPED

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Katribu Tatu

Contact: 0906-410-2934 and 0939-949-5818

Instagram: @katribu_tatu

If you’re thinking about heading up to the mountains of Kalinga to get a traditional hand-tapped tattoo by Whang-Od but unsure about the journey (or the health implications of a shared thorn), then Katribu is the perfect shop for you. It’s owned by tattoo artists Jonathan Cena and Jean Sioson who studied Filipino tribal tattoo designs and symbolisms, and received a blessing (basbas) from Apo herself. Not to worry, disposable sterile needles are used for each client. And you can even opt for a tattoo gun instead—but where’s the fun in that? As all designs are personalized, be sure to contact them at least two weeks before you plan on getting inked.

Rates start at: P2,500 for hand-tapped and P2,000 for machine-work

Katribu Tatu is at San Guillermo Avenue corner A. Santos, Buting, Pasig City. Strictly by appointment only.

ILLUSTRATIVE

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Chronic Ink

Contact: 0915-441-1534 and 0949-374-0915, or chronicinkphilippines@gmail.com

Instagram: @chronictattooculture

FB: www.facebook.com/chronictattooxculture

Chronic Ink was founded by tattooists Shellby and Mia Claravall-Reyes in 2012. Its first branch was inside Tomato Kick—which also carried its own cachet—along Katipunan and it has since moved and grown. This iteration of the tattoo parlor features green walls, gaming consoles, and a ton of merch. It’s generally kept moody and dark yet the effect is that of a cozy den—relaxing for the client as it’s complete with all the trappings of the perfect hangout spot. Great news for anyone who’s afraid of needles.

Rates start at: P1,500 for black and gray, P2,000 for colored

Chronic Ink is at #19 F. Concepcion Street, San Jose, Pasig City (above Black Lamezza). Open daily from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Earlier appointments may be arranged.

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Wild Ones

Contact: 0915-295-9505 or wildonestattoo@gmail.com

Instagram: @wildonestattoo

FB: www.facebook.com/wild1stattoo

Wild Ones has been a popular name in the south for a while now. It first opened in 1998 and one of its founders, tattoo artist and rap and metal musician Mark “Batas” Rodriguez still remains in the shop today. Don’t let all those names intimidate you. The shop itself might not be airy or sunlit but its no-nonsense interiors are actually quite charming. It’s just you and your tattoo (or your piercing, as the shop also offers that as a service). And if you’re famished after your session, there’s a burger joint right beside it and a Spanish restaurant one floor down.

Rates start at: P1,500 for black and gray, P2,000 for colored

Wild Ones is at Unit-6, J32S Building, No. 35 President's Avenue, Teoville, BF Homes, Parañaque City. Open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Saturday).

PSYCHEDELIC

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Dyuntats

Contact: dyuntats@gmail.com

Instagram: @dyuntats

FB: www.facebook.com/DyuntatsGallery

Dyuntats is the longest running practitioner on this list. He started tinkering with his own DIY tattoo gun in the mid-'90s, but only committed to the craft full-time years later. His style has evolved and grown as evidenced by his masterful use of color and the large (literally) bodies of work. Making the trip to Novaliches might seem like a chore, but once you see his studio, you’ll know you’ve had made the right choice. It’s homey and spacious, and you’ll be comfortably lying on a tattoo chair that’s directly facing a large flat screen TV. His work defies classification but colorful works that are surreal and psychedelic currently holds his attention.

Rates start at: P2,000/hour

Dyuntats is at Novaliches, Quezon City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. Strictly by appointment only.

REALISM

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Jhay Colis Tattoo

Contact: 0915-977-5443 or jhaycolistattoo@gmail.com

Instagram: @littlekapitan

FB: www.facebook.com/jhaycolistattooshop

Heavy curtains black out the sunlight in this tattoo shop, but what truly gives the space character is the party spot above it. You’ll be treated to Filipino dance favorites as you get yourself inked. Jhay first opened his shop in 2016, but was already tattooing seven years prior. You’ll be impressed by his attention to detail and knack for portraiture. Today, he is joined in the shop by fellow artist Snuff Crame.

Rates start at: P2,000 for black and gray, P2,500 for colored tattoos

Jhay Colis is at1010 Wharf Plaza, Aurora Boulevard, Project 4, Quezon City. Open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Sunday).

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Whiplash Tattoo

Contact: 0998-557-4421 or info@whiplashtattoo.com

Instagram: @whiplashtattoo

FB: www.facebook.com/WhiplashTattoo

Whiplash is the brainchild of siblings Bochang Padua and Enzo Joson, tattoo enthusiasts who wanted to spread the gospel of ink in their neighborhood. Its pioneering artist Yok Genabe is still with the shop today. He is joined by Jonti Balbuena and Dennese Delaney, whose focuses are realism and traditional Western, respectively.

A little bit of trivia: The shop owes its name to a Metallica song of the same name.

Rates start at: P2,000 for black, gray, and colored tattoos

Whiplash Tattoo is at 134 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City. Open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday).

WATERCOLOR

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Wiji Lacsamana

Contact: wiji.lacsamana@gmail.com

Instagram: @curiouswiji

FB: www.facebook.com/wiji.lacsamana

From the moment you step in the front door of her home, it’s clear to see that Wiji is a multi-disciplinary artist. Her tattoo studio also doubles as a painting and perfumery workspace; it’s definitely a feast for the senses.

Already an illustrator in 2009, she chanced upon tattooing at Dyuntats Dapasupil’s party. The craft consumed her and within the year, he became her mentor. Presently, her works are often colorful and whimsical watercolor tattoos that often feature plant and animal life.

Rates start at: P2,000

Wiji Lacsamana is at Parañaque City. Complete address will be provided upon confirmation of appointment. Strictly by appointment only (preferably 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.).

WESTERN TRADITIONAL

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

Good Hand Tattoo

Contact: 0926-891-3586

Instagram: @goodhandtattoo

FB: www.facebook.com/GoodHandTattoo

Once you enter Good Hand, you’ll notice the rows of tattoo designs that are hung on the walls. They’re called flash tattoo designs, which you can simply pick from and have done on the spot even without booking beforehand. This is in keeping with the tradition of Western tattoos, which inspires most of Good Hand’s artists, but that doesn’t mean they’re limited to it. Depending on the tattooer, some of them also work in traditional Oriental, blackwork tribal, and Western neotraditional styles. Good Hand was founded by tattoo artists Maria Minerva (@minnie_tattoos) and Reynaldo Calleja (@rcallejatattoo) in 2012. Its current roster of artists include the former along with Jan Fresco (@Toxicles), Jef Quintano (@Agyagi), Bjan Bernabe (@earthkeeperph), Oben Miralles (@vinesnbranches), Kiyo Tawara (@kiyoxmag), Kean Mendez (@Keanmendez_), Ernie Barbon (@ernie.barbon), Drew Cortez (@Drewcortez_), Gemar de Guzman (@gemardeguzman26), and Redslim08 (@redslim08).

Rates start at: P2,500

Good Hand Tattoo is at G/F Paulina Building, 162 M. Almeda Street, Barangay San Roque, Pateros. Open from 2 p.m. onwards (Monday to Sunday).

VARIOUS STYLES

IMAGE Anton Aguila

IMAGE Anton Aguila

55 Tinta Pilipinas

Contact: 435-3383 or 55tinta@gmail.com

Instagram: @55tinta

FB: www.facebook.com/55TintaPilipinas

A Maginhawa fixture, 55 Tinta was born to realize a demand for a tattoo shop in the north. In 2006, musicians Jay Contreras, Led Zeppelin Tuyay, Puto Astete and Paolo Bernaldo—all loyal clients of Ricky Sta. Ana—decided to open shop with the latter’s blessing. Starting with just two artists, it has grown to become a hotbed of emerging talent encompassing various styles and aesthetics. At present, it is owned by Kharen Mae Santia, Jay Contreras, Led Zeppelin Tuyay, and Puto Astete, and its roster of artists include Jonathan Sanchez, Alvin Gantioque, Topek Gungab, Oskie Esguerra, Maan Simbajon, Neil Tanaleon, Katz Lorenzana, and Gigie Santiago. Whether you want a tiny minimalist tat or a full-blown colored sleeve, 55 Tinta is the place to be—they can do anything and everything.

Rates start at: P2,000 for black, P3,000 for colored

55 Tinta is at 2/F Luisa Building, 107 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. Open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday) and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday).