ONENESS IN TATTOOS: THE MOTIVATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF

TATTOOED COUPLES

A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty
Of the College of Arts and Sciences
University of St. La Salle
Bacolod City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Bedia, Jo Warren A.
Ciseneros, Regie Brenn
Guerrero, Alexander Jr.
Rosales, Justin Moses C.

October 2017

i
 University of St. La Salle Bacolod
College of Arts and Sciences
Interdisciplinary Studies Department

APPROVAL SHEET

The senior thesis entitled Oneness in Tattoos: The Motivation and Perceptions of Tattooed
Couples has been prepared and submitted by:

1. Bedia, Jo Warren A.
2. Ciseneros, Regie Brenn
3. Guerrero, Alexander Jr. S.
4. Rosales, Justin Moses C.

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Social Research and for the degree of Bachelor of Arts
in Interdisciplinary Studies, is hereby approved.

SHIELA A. JAVIER ANA LEA T. REYES

Panel Member Panel Member

ROBEEH G. RAMOS, PhD

Panel Chair

VIRGILIO R. AGUILAR, Phd

Adviser

Accepted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Interdiscplinary Studies, this
11th day of October, 2017

BARRY JOHN O. BELEN, PhD ROWENA V. BAES, PhD, RPsy

Deparment Chair College Dean

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers would like to express their gratitude and wish the expression could be

more personal to each one of the following:

To our beloved parents, for the moral and financial support they gave throughout the

study;

To Dr. Barry John O. Belen, our research professor, who by, all means guided and helped

us improve and understand the nature of our research, for his patience, and for the knowledge he

had shared with us, for his valuable assistance and guidance that helped us enhance the quality of

this study;

To Dr. Virgilio R. Aguilar, our research adviser, who had helped, commented, checked

and share his knowledge in conducting our research;

To Bedia residence, for the venue and accommodation in making our research paper;

And lastly, to our Almighty God for the guidance, good health, strength, and

perseverance to face our day to day challenges, for the vast understanding he gave us to the

completion of this paper.

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 ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in order to identify and explore the motivations and perceptions of
tattooed couples living in Bacolod City. The information provided by the researchers was gathered
from the answers of the three couples who shared their knowledge about tattoos and their
experiences as a tattooed couple. The researchers discovered their perceptions and experiences as
a tattooed couple, how society views them and how they view society. They gathered data with
the use of an interview to determine the motivation and perception of the tattooed couples. Data
were analysed based on the interview guide questions. The results gathered based on the answers
of the three tattooed couples suggests that the major findings of this study are limited to the
common experience and interest of couples who had tattoo. There are series of conclusion that can
be drawn to this study: First, most of the participants considered tattoo as an art and is commonly
associated for self expression. Second, most of the participants experienced stereotyping for being
inked, most of them are being categorize as people group who involves in bad conduct.
Conservatism hinders them in seeking self acceptance and social acceptance. Lastly, the meaning
of tattoos for couples gives definition for their interest in passion, art, love, and oneness in tattoo

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the Study 1
Problem Statement 3
Theoretical Framework 3
Scope and Limitation 4
Significance of the Study 5
Definition of Terms 6
Review of Related Literature 8
Synthesis 14
METHODS 15
Research Design 15
Participants of the Study 16
Research Instrument 17
Data Gathering Procedures 18
Data Analysis 18
Ethical Consideration 19
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 20
Profile of the Participants 20
Symbolic Representations of Tattoos 22
Underlying Motivations in Tattoos 26
Meaning of Tattoos for Couples 30
Perceptions of Tattooed Couple: Distinct but Normal Persons 33
Challenges and Experiences 36

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 Perception of Others: Deviant Persons 40
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 44
Conclusion 44
Recommendation 45
REFERENCES 46
APPENDICES 47
APPENDICES A 47
APPENDICES B 48
APPENDICES C 49
APPENDICES D.1 50
APPENDICES D.2 52
APPENDICES D.3 54
APPENDICES F.1 57
APPENDICES F.2 61
APPENDICES F.3 65
APPENDICES G 71

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 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Tattoos are permanent markings in the skin made by way of ink and needles. Once ink is

deposited into the second layer of skin known as the dermis, the wound scabs over and the skin

heals to expose a design under the new layer (Michalak, 2016).

In various forms, it has been used ornamentally and religiously by humans for thousands

of years. Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent

designs sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal have served as amulets, status

symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of

punishment (Lineberry, 2007).

Tattooing has long been a way of ceremonial rites and passages in most cultures

throughout the world. From Africa's scarification process to the Celt's inking griffins and

monsters that were later found on their corpses, tattoos are worn to mark special events, to pay

honor or respect, and even to unite body to body with ash remains that are later inked under the

skin. Tattoos tell a story and can be written in any language. From symbols depicting cultural

images to words and font designs, if you dare to dream it, a tattooist can likely create it and tell

your tale on a living canvas. To celebrate life, choices, and to pay tribute and memorial to life's

purpose and companions, tattoos have the artful ability to speak volumes. Many people choose to

remember those they love and honor traditions and life events with a tattoo. As the saying goes, a

picture speaks a thousand words. (Michalak, 2016).

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 Indigenous groups throughout the Philippine islands have been practicing the art of

tattooing for centuries. But after the arrival of the Spanish, the Americans and the advent of

Christianity, traditional practices such as tattooing were evidently on the verge of extinction.

When the Spaniards first arrived in the Visayan Islands in 1521, they labelled the natives of this

region as "pintados", meaning "painted people" or "painted ones", as most of their entire bodies

were covered in tattoos leaving only their hands and feet bare. Several of these tribal groups

customarily practiced headhunting, being one of the main reasons behind tattooing. They

believed tattoos possessed spiritual powers and magical qualities which gave them strength and

protection. They were also used to distinguish or reward a warrior after a successful headhunt

expedition and marked their social status within their community. Methods and tools used in

ancient Filipino tattooing all differed between the groups throughout the regions. Some methods

involved attaching a sharpened object such as metal, a thorn, wood or a bone to one end of a

stick and was then either tapped or poked repeatedly into the skin to apply the ink. Another

method involved cutting or pricking the skin prior to rubbing black powder into the wound. (One

Tribe Tattoos, 2013)

The researchers chose this topic because they primarily seek to uncover and understand

the lived experiences of tattooed couples especially their motivations behind their decisions to

have tattoos and their varied perceptions on tattoos and their being as tattooed individuals and

couple. What is important to study also is how the tattooed couples are unified in their

relationship on the basis of tattoos.

2
Problem Statement

This study primarily seeks to uncover and understand the lived experiences of tattooed

couples especially their motivations behind their decisions to have tattoos and their varied

perceptions on tattoos and their being as tattooed individuals and couple. What is important to

study also is how the tattooed couples are unified in their relationship on the basis of tattoos.

Theoretical Framework

Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theoretical framework and perspective in

sociology that addresses how society is created and maintained through repeated interactions

among individuals. The perspective emerged in the mid-twentieth century from a variety of

influences, including the Scottish Moralist and American Pragmatist philosophers its greatest

influence being American philosopher George Herbert Mead (1934) and his theories about the

relationship between self and society. (Carter and Fuller,2015)

The researchers chose this theory because symbolic interactionism can connect people with

symbols especially persons with tattoos they can relate with each other through tattoos and their

symbols and can share a common interest and interact with one another.

3
Scope and Limitation

This study focused on the lived experiences of tattooed couples in Bacolod City who

showed oneness in their relationship through their body tattoos. Three couples were covered by

the study who came from different walks of life as participants of the study. Participants could

decide to end the interview early if they wanted because of time constraints. In the selection of

couple-participants, the study took into consideration that the couple is in an actual relationship

for at least three years and both have tattoos on their bodies. This study was conducted for a

period of five months starting June to October, 2017.

4
Significance of the Study

This study is an important academic endeavor that may benefit the following persons:

Participants. This would let them know that there is no harm in having a tattoo. This

indicates that persons who have tattoos are self-expressive, creative and are tattoo enthusiasts.

Parents. This study may help the parents to have better understanding of their

sons/daughters who have tattoos and help out erase the stigma associated with people who have

tattoos.

Community This study would help diminish their negative impressions of the persons

who engaged in body tattooing. This is to further inform them that there are benefits derived

having a tattoo such as self-expression, culture and fashion. This study will help the Community

to have a deeper understanding about tattoos and will hopefully change their negative notion

about people having this.

Guidance Counselors. This study may help the guidance counselors understand better

about tattoos and can could on counseling tattooed couples.

IDS Students. This study would help IDS students be more open on tattoos and help

them understand the meaning behind the tattoos.

Future Researchers. This study could benefit and help future researchers because it will

serve as their guide. This study is also open to development and improvement.

5
Definition of Terms

This section entails to understand and clarify terms used in the study. The following were

defined conceptually and operationally.

Couples. Conceptually this refers to two people who are married, engaged, or otherwise

closely associated romantically or sexually. Operationally this refers to the participants of the

study who are tattooed couples.

Lived Experience. Conceptually Personal knowledge about the world gained through

direct, first-hand involvement in everyday events. Operationally this refers to the experiences

and involvement of the tattooed couples.

Motivations. Conceptually this is the state or condition of being motivated or having a

strong reason to act or accomplish something. Operationally this refers to the motivations of the

tattooed couples on what made them have tattoos

Oneness. Conceptually this is a strong feeling of closeness or affinity union.

Operationally this refers to the unity of the tattooed couples.

6
 Perception. Conceptually this is

immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral,

psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment. Operationally this refers to

the participants view on them self, on how they see themselves as a tattooed couple

Tattoo. Conceptually this is

the act or practice of marking the skin with indelible patterns, pictures, and

legends, by making punctures in it and inserting pigments. Operationally this refers to the

markings on the couples body.

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Review of Related Literature

This section presents related literature that supports the problem and has significance to

the study.

The History and Social Impact of Tattoos

Tattoos are becoming more and more popular these days, as celebrities and the general

population alike opt to decorate themselves with permanent ink designs.

Tattoo originated over 5000 years ago, though there are few records of when they first

became popularized as a way of making signs and symbols permanently inscribed on the body.

The word Tattoo comes from the Polynesian word Ta, which means to strike something and

the Tahitian word Tatau which means to make a mark (Jones, 2007). Tribes and cultures all

over the world use tattooing as a way to mark out individuality. Gang members use tattoos to

delineate allegiance, and the tattoo is increasingly becoming more socially acceptable as people

become more open to the idea of using permanent ink to scar the skin in individual ways.

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice at least since around Neolithic times. tzi the

iceman, dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BC, was found in the tz valley in the Alps

and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on lower spine,

behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. These tattoos were thought to be a form of healing

because of their placement which resembles acupuncture. Other mummies bearing tattoos and

dating from the end of the second millennium BC have been discovered such as the Mummy of

Amunet from Egypt and the mummies at Pazyryk on the Ukok Plateau.

8
 Pre- Christian Germanic, Celtic and other central and northern European tribes were

often heavily tattooed, according to surviving accounts (Borton, 2003). The Picts were famously

tattooed (or scarified) with elaborate dark blue woad (or possibly copper for the blue tone)

designs, Julius Caesar described these tattoos in Book V of his Gallic Wars (54 BC).

Tattooing in Japan is thought to go back to the Paleolithic era, some ten thousand years

ago. Various other cultures have had their own tattoo traditions, ranging from rubbing cuts and

other wounds with ashes, to hand-pricking the skin to insert dyes (Elis, 2002).

Tattooing in the Western world today has its origins in Polynesia and in the discovery of tatau by

eighteenth century explorers (Curry, 2005). The Polynesian practice became popular among

European sailors, before spreading to Western societies generally.

Some Maori still choose to wear intricate moko on their faces. In Laos, Cambodia, and

Thailand, the yantra tattoo is used for protection against evil and to increase luck. In the

Philippines, certain tribal groups believe that tattoos have magical qualities, and help to protect

their bearers. Most traditional tattooing in the Philippines is related to the bearers tattoos with

Christian symbols would be inked on to protect themselves from the Muslim Turks. (Love, 2009)

Extensive decorative tattooing is common among members of traditional freak show by

performance artists who follow in their tradition. (Derse, 2001)

People have also been forcibly tattooed. A well-known example is the identification

system for inmates in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. Tattoos have also been

used for identification in other ways. For example, during the Roman Empire, Roman soldiers

were required by law to have identifying tattoos on their hands in order to make it difficult to

hide if they deserted. Gladiators and slaves were likewise tattooed, exported slaves were tattooed

9
with the words tax paid and it was a common practice to tattoo Stop me, Im a runaway on

their foreheads. Emperor Constantine I banned tattooing the face around AD 330 and the Second

Council of Nicaea banned all body marking as a pagan practice in AD 787. The latin words for

tattoo was stigma, hence our word stigmatic.

In the period of early contact between the Maori and Europeans, Maori chiefs sometimes

drew their moko (facial tattoo) on documents in a place of a signature. Tattoos are sometimes

used by forensic pathologist to help them identify burned, putrefied or mutilated bodies

(Crawford, 2002). Tattoo pigment is buried deep enough in the skin that even severe burns are

not likely to destroy a tattoo. For many centuries seafarers have undergone tattooing for the

purpose of enabling identification after drowning. In this way recovered bodies of such drowned

persons could be connected with their family members or friends before burial. Therefore,

tattooists often worked in ports where potential customers were numerous. These traditional

custom lives on in the modern era (Aflalo, 2009).

Theyre kind of cool, and a great place to find unexpected pieces of literature. Tattoos

that feature literary works give an unexpected twist to reading, kind of like science tattoos.

Since literature and tattoos both use ink, however, perhaps they naturally gravitate towards each

other. (Parks, 2001)

The existence of people having a tattoo is a great way to tell other people how they feel.

It does not only cater to big artist but also the small artists who are really willing to put

everything they love. The popularity of tattooing has increased dramatically, especially with

teenagers. Tattooing has been a fad for centuries and teenagers are now starting to take on this

so-called form of art.

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 Though teenagers feel that getting a tattoo is the in thing to do, it is in fact a long-term

problem. The increasing frequency of tattooing done by teenagers is because of rebellion peer

pressure and social status.

Rebellion is one of the many reasons why teenagers get tattoos. The children of today

want to use piercing and tattoos as a form of expression and independence the problem with this

is that parents do not feel the same way, and so teenagers go out and get a tattoo anyway just to

show their parents that they can do as they please, and that they are not the bosses of them.

(Smith, 2008)

The problem with this is that later on in life the child that got the tattoo will grow up and

have children of their own, who will also want to get a tattoo or other means of expression done

on their body. The teenager who is now a parent will most likely tell them no, but just like they

did when they were younger, their children will also still probably go out and get a tattoo. How is

the parent going to explain that it is not the right time for it, if they themselves got one also at the

age? (Warrick, 2001)

This study explores how tattoos affect personal identity through a series of self-portrait

photographs. Tattoos are most personal and intimate form of art; forever altering a persons

identity. With self-portrait photography, the artist has the ability to depict their identity in any

way they choose. (Barker, 2007)

It must be remembered that teenagers are sheep and like sheep they follow the crowd.

The in-crowd such as the popular kids in school, musicians, and actors spread their fad very

easily amongst teenagers, because they feel that they will have to get a tattoo just to fit in so they

will feel left out and abandoned. The main problem with this is that getting a tattoo now will not

11
always be the in-thing with other people. Soon enough going to college and then graduating will

mean getting new friends and who is to say that they too will also like tattoos? Just because that

one group you were in liked tattoos does not mean the rest of the world will also. (Kaman, 2007)

Finally, social status in gangs plays a role in the increase of teenage tattooing. Teenagers

who are in gangs are getting tattoos to show their ranking in their growing society. One example

of this would-be gangs. For them tattoos are like badges of honors. The main problem with this

is that they get all of these tattoos just to prove their loyalty to their gang. (Sambora, 2002) What

if later on in life they want to quit and get a real job in society? The tattoos on their arms and

face will not go over very well with the employers. The chances of them getting professional

business careers are slim to none, depending on the type of career or job. (Kid, 2006)

So, for the most part the main reasons teenagers are getting tattoos are because of

rebellion, peer pressure, and social status, but teenagers may not be thinking of the

consequences. Tattoos are permanent and we have to remember that. For some reason or another,

if later on in life the teenager does not want their tattoo or tattoos, it is going to be real difficult

and expensive to get rid of them.

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 The Effective Removal of Tattoos

There are a huge number of tattoo removal methods publicized all over the web (Meg,

2001). Treatments range from laser removal, which has scientific backing as the only guaranteed

way of breaking down the ink, right through to topical creams and abrasive scrubs which are

designed to fade or remove the tattoo. However, no method other than cosmetic laser treatment

has received medical backing as a safe and permanent way of removing the tattoo.

The Negative Associations of Tattoos

Until recently, tattoos were associated with criminals or the naval community, and it has

taken many years for these negative associations to fade. In Japan, tattoos are associated with the

Yakuza, and this causes apprehension in Japanese citizens, to the point where gyms and

swimming pools actually ban people with large of offensive tattoos from using the facilities

(Cage, 2005).

Tattoos are used within prison communities to indicate allegiance to a certain gang or

affiliation to an organization. A tear drop tattoo can symbolize murder, and cobwebs on the

elbow or elsewhere can demonstrate crimes committed. Racial or political views are expressed

pictorially, making it easier for inmates to demonstrate some sense of gang allegiance, or strive

for a semblance of individuality in an otherwise regimented environment (Webb, 2009).

Furthermore, negativity has come from the practice of forcibly tattooing people. Jewish people

resident in concentration camps were forced to be branded with identification numbers during

the Holocaust.

13
 More Facts about Tattoos

Tattoos can occur naturally, if the skin has open wound or cut that subsequently gets a

staining substance in it. Ash and coal dust are two examples of materials which will stain if the

wound is not tended to quickly enough prior to the skin healing (Wilkin, 2008)

Tattoos can be used for conveying useful information, for example the blood group of the

bearer, or certain allergies. In this way, in an emergency situation a medical team can learn of

their patient and instantly know critical information relevant to the situation.

Cosmetic tattooing is now becoming more popular, and people can select to have their

eyebrows, lips or other features enhanced through the use of permanent makeup Eye liner, lip

liner and freckles or moles can all be simulated through careful tattooing. Tattoos are now

available with ink that gradually fades over time, making this a more viable practice for those

people concerned about committing to a life-long cosmetic alteration (Roby, 2007).

Synthesis

The widespread idea of accepting tattoo designs is on the rise. Tattoos are now a common

way of life and rapidly being accepted into society. This is not always the case though, older

generations are frustrated with this idea as they think of tattoos with negative connotations, but

they slowly have to deal with this new idea. The reasons for receiving a tattoo vary. However,

the design itself is what holds all the meaning. Spiritual ideas often incorporated into the design

and allow each person to be able to wear a family heritage with pride. Tattoos are often used to

remember a lost loved one. This is important because the person feels the honor towards the

person they lost, as well as a sign of respect.

14
 METHODS

This section describes the research design used, the participants of the study, and the

sampling procedure. Included also are the reliability and validity of the data gathering procedure.

Research Design

This study is a descriptive and qualitative research in nature using phenomenology as its

research design. Descriptive research can be explained as a statement of affairs as they are at

present with the researcher having no control over variable. Moreover, descriptive research may

be characterized as simply the attempt to determine, describe or identify what is, while analytical

research attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be. (Ethridge, D.E., 2004)

Qualitative research methods are interpretative and aim to provide a depth of

understanding. Qualitative methods are based on words, perceptions, feelings etc. rather than

numbers and they include experiments, interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires with open-

ended questions. (Monette, Sullivan, &, DeJong, CR, 2005)

Phenomenology studies focus on experiences, events and occurrences with disregard or

minimum regard for the external and physical reality. Phenomenology is a variation

of interpretivism, along with other variations such as hermeneutics, symbolic interactionism and

others. (Armstrong, 2010)

This study was conducted to gather data, in order to know the lived experiences of

tattooed couples in Bacolod City who showed oneness in their relationship through their body

tattoos.

15
Participants of the Study

Three couples who came from Bacolod City were covered by the study, the first couple

were tattoo artist and they own a tattoo studio in Bacolod City, the second couple were football

fans the male partner was a football player and the female partner is a model who is currently

employed as a call center agent, the last couple were both college students in Bacolod City. The

couples shared their experiences and perceptions with the researchers. In the selection of couple-

participants, the study took into consideration that the couple is in an actual relationship for at

least three years and both have tattoos on their bodies.

16
Research Instrument

The researchers used a paired interview to gather data from the participants. In qualitative

research a paired depth interview (or just paired depth) is an interview conducted with two

people. Often referred to as dyad, the methodology allows the researcher to probe in depth

around each persons experience as well as using any similarities and differences in experience

to explore the subject more deeply. (Nagy Research, 2015)

The study used the snowball sampling method. Snowball sampling is a method where

the study starts from a particular participant and through him or her suggests other participants.

It is used where potential participants are hard to find. Its called snowball sampling because (in

theory) once you have the ball rolling, it picks up more snow along the way and becomes

larger and larger. Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling method. It doesnt have

the probability involved, with say, simple random sampling (where the odds are the same for any

particular participant being chosen). Rather, the researchers used their own judgment to choose

participants. (Andale, 2014)

17
Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers made an initial interview guide questions based on the studys objectives.

The initial interview guide questions were then corrected, revised, and validated afterwards by

three panelist who are Guidance Councilors. After the participants were identified, individual

letters for approval were given to them asking their permission to participate in the study. An

informed consent form was also attached to the letter, where the participants signified their

approval. Once they signed and returned the consent forms, an interview schedule was made

with them, where they stated the most convenient time when the researchers could interview

them.

The researchers paired up by twos to conduct the interview and made use of the approved

in-depth questions guide. An audio recorder was used to record the statements of the participants

and was written during the interview. The interview usually lasted for thirty minutes.

Data Analysis

After the interviews were conducted, the researchers transcribed the data and prepared

them for interpretation and analysis. Since this study is phenomenological in nature, Collazi

methods of data analysis were employed. As part of the coding process, the trascriptions were

read and reread and then significant statements were identified based on the research questions.

Based on the significant statements, formulated meanings were formulated and then themes were

identified. After identification of themes based on formulated meanings, cluster themes were

then formulated.

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Ethical Consideration

To complete the research with appropriate research guidelines, research ethics is very

important. The researchers observed free prior informed consent. Confidentiality and anonymity

is also applied so that the identity of the participants remain confidential and anonymous. The

data gathered during the study werel be deleted after six months after it was gathered.

19
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This part discusses the results of in-depth interview conducted to three tattooed couples

living in Bacolod City. Furthermore, the participants were given the assurance that their data are

for research purposes only and that their identities are confidential and are highly valued. The

objective is to know the participants tattoos and their motivations and perceptions as tattooed

couples. Actual words are used to present the significant statements made by the participants to

show the richness of the description of their experiences and insights.

Profile of the Participants

Couple one John & Jane Tattoo Artists

John and Jane are both twenty-nine years old and they are very well-known in Bacolod

City as a tattoo artist. They are both living in Bacolod City and they own a tattoo studio in

Bacolod City. They readily accepted an interview when the researchers visited them and asked for

their permission. One afternoon during their free time John and Jane shared their experiences

about their motivations and perceptions as a tattooed couple.

Couple two Mark & Michelle Football Player and a Model

Mark and Michelle are both twenty-years old and they both love football and they are

from Bacolod City. Michelle is a well-known model in Bacolod she is also employed as a call

center agent while Mark is a football player in a university in Bacolod City, the couples accepted

the interview that was held on a local coffee shop in Bacolod city, they opened up about their

experiences and perceptions on tattoos and how it connects them as one.

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 Couple three Erik & Erica Tattooed Students

Erik and Erica are both students who have tattoos. Both are college students in Bacolod

City, the couples accepted the interview after the researchers asked for their permission. It was

held on a local coffee shop here in Bacolod City, they deeply open up to us about their love story

and how their tattoos connect with their strong relationship as a tattooed couple.

21
Symbolic Representations of Tattoos

When the researchers asked their participants about their story behind their tattoos they

deeply shared different stories why they decided to have a tattoo. Their tattoos reflect their life,

talents and interest, experiences, dreams and aspirations, country, family, and self-identity. This

becomes a symbolic representation of their tattoos.

Talents and Interests. The interviewees shared with the researchers why their tattoos

represent their talents and interest in art and music.

According to the male partner of couple number one his tattoos designs are

representations of his interest in art, that is why he has a tattoo of pencils and brushes embedded

on his back that represent him in an artist lifestyle. As he related verbatimly,

Sa akon personally laban parte sa life ko kung anu akon nga umm gina ubra so hilig ko

sa drawing so may ara kosa likod um pencils brush nga ga represent nga ara kosa art

nga side (For me personally all of my tattoos are part of my life and the things I like,

like drawing. I have a tattoo of pencils and brush on my back that represents that I am in

the side of art.)

22
 According to the female partner of couple number three, her last tattoo is a G-Clef which

is a musical sign. This represents her interest in music and her membership before in the

orchestra. Also, she told the interviewees that this also represents her talent in playing the guitar

and ukulele and singing. As she related verbatimly,

ang last ko nga tattoo g clef or musical sign kay love ko gd ang music ga intra ko sang

una orchestra, kabalo ko mag guitar kag ukelele kag nami.an ko mag kanta kag mamati

gd music. (My last tattoo is g clef or a musical sign because I really love music and I

was once member of an orchestra, I also know how to play the guitar and ukulele and I

also like to sing and listen to music.)

Self-Identity. The paricipants shared with the researchers that their tattoos mostly

represent their self-identity.

As stated by to the male partner of couple number three he has a tattoo in his upper

abdomen. A calligraphy or a letter type tattoo of his last name before is now his last name

SANTOLICES. This shows that he wants his tattoos to represent his self-identity. As he

related verbatimly,

ika duwa ko nga tattoo sa upper abdomen is a calligraphy a letter type tattoo kag ang

naka sulat is SANTOLICES akon old nga apilyedo. (My second tatoo is located in

my upper abdomen which a calligraphy a letter type tattoo and tattoo says

SANTOLICES which my old last name.)

23
 According to the female partner of couple number three her second tattoo is a numerical

tattoo of her birthday. This represents her personal information. This also shows that her tattoo

represents her self-identity. As she related verbatimly,

Ang second time ko nag pa tattoo, birthday ko in numerical number. So akon na

personal information (The second time I had my tattoo is on my birthday, th tattoo e is

the date of my birthday in numerical numbers. So, its all about my personal information.)

Country and Family. The tattoos of the interviewees also represent their country and

their love for their family. They mark this in their bodies to remember their family and country

wherever they go.

According to the female partner of couple number two, her favorite tattoo is a portrait of

her mother. This represents her close relationship with her mother. As she related verbatimly,

Ang pinakafavorite ko gid ang portrait ni mama sa kamot ko (My most favorite tattoo

is a portrait of my mother on my hand.)

While for the male partner of couple number three his tattoo is about his country and

family. His tattoo represents his country because he is Half-Japanese and he grew up in Japan,

and another tattoo shows his close relationship with his family.

(And the third is about my country and family.)

24
 Dreams and Aspirations. The tattoos of the particapants also represents their dreams

and aspirations in life.

For to the female partner of couple number three, she has a tattoo of a moon, sun, and star, and

for her they represent feminism. The stars represent hope because, for example, if we see look up

in the skies we can see stars, so just like we have problems, we can always see hope when we

look up, there is always hope. There are no problems if there is no hope. Lastly, the sun

represents that there is always a new beginning because if we have a bad day there will be

another day to enjoy. As she related verbatimly,

after sina may ara ko three symbol nga sun, star and moon. Ang moon ang stand as

feminism, ang star ga stand as hope like for example kung ara ta sa dulo diba ma kita ta

mga stars, daw parehos lang na kung ma problema ta nga may ara gid na hope nga ma

kit.an ta. wala gd problema nga wala gd hope. ang sun nmn ya, there's a new beginning

para saton. kung ma palpak ta sa ini nga adlaw hindi ta ma limtan nga may ara pa sa

dason nga ma himo ta mga mas better (After that I have a three-symbol tattoo which is

sun, star and a moon. The moon stands for feminism, the star stands for hope like for

example if we are down then we look up we can see stars, its like if we have a problem

we can always see hope. There is no problem that there is no hope. The sun on the other

hand represents that there is a new beginning for all of us. If we fail today, we cannot

always forget that there will be another day to make things better.)

25
Underlying Motivations in Tattoos

The researchers also asked the couples about their motivations, why they decided to have

tattoos, by sharing their stories and motivations to have tattoos. Their motivations included their

interest, association with interest group, peer influence, childhood memories, and their

conformity with their partner.

Association with an interest group. The particapants shared their reasons why being

associated with an interest group motivated them to have a tattoo.

According to the male partner of couple number one, when he was a child he would

always watch videos of bands with tattoos, and this inspired him because they look cool if they

have tattoos. This inspired him to have tattoos because it lasts forever, that is why he wants to

have tattoos with a meaning. This shows that being associated with an interest group can

motivate a person to have a tattoo. As he related verbatimly,

Bilang isa ka bata sang una nga hilig music makita mo ang videos sang banda nga may

mga tattoos mo deny ta man or indi ga inspire man ta sila eh te daw ka cool b ang tattoo

so kung my ara ka tattoo amu na te amu na kag ang tattoo ga last mo medyo gusto mo

man mag pa tattoo nga my meaning (Being a child before who likes music, you can see

videos of bands who have tattoos so we cant deny it that we are inspired by them

because tattoo is really cool. So if we have tattoos you can now that it will last and you

really like to have a tattoo that has a meaning.)

26
 Conformity with partner. The participants deeply shared on how they conform with

their partner through tattoos.

For the female partner of couple number one, she stated that a tattoo is a different level of

art because it is inked into the skin because it is permanent and she liked that idea. When she met

her partner with tattoos, she really like it, so she decided to have a tattoo. This shows that there is

conformity between the two of them. As she related verbatimbly,

Sang una daw pag kita ko daw ka lain naman nga level sang art kay sa panit naman

siya ya kag permanent so namian man, so na timing man nga na migo ko siya tapos my

tattoo siya try ko te name nami (Before when I look to a tattoo I really like it because

for me its another level of art because it is on the skin and it is permanent thats why I

really like it, then when I met my partner he has a tattoo so I tried and I like it.)

Interest. The participants shared how interest motivated them to have a tattoo.

According to the male partner of couple number two, he was interested in tattoos when he

was young, but he is afraid of getting one because his friends do not have tattoos, but after

moving in Bacolod City, a lot of teammates have tattoos, and that was the time when he got his

first tattoo. This shows that he was afraid before but when he started to have an interest in tattoos

he decided to have one.

(Umm first I wanted to have tattoo since when I was young but I was afraid because my

friend and none of them have tattoo but when I move here in Bacolod I saw a lot of my

teammates having tattoo so.)

27
 Peer Influence. The particapants also shared on how peer influence motivated them to

have a tattoo.

For the female partner of couple number two, she said that it was crazy when she had her

first tattoo because her friend invited her to have a tattoo, so she went with her friend. By the

next day she started to have an interest on tattoos and decided to have her second tattoo. That is

why until now she has six tattoos. This shows that peer influence is a huge motivation for having

tattoos. As she related verbatimly,

Um daw ka crazy kay ang first ko nga tattoo ging hagad lang ko ka friend ko nga lakat

ta pa tattoo amu na nag upod lang ko tapos amu nato pagkabwas nag second tattoo naku

dayon diretso tapos asta nga nag anum na siya subong. (At first it was crazy because

when I had my first tattoo my friend invited me to have a tattoo so I went out with my

friend. Then by the next day I had my second tattoo immediately. Until now I already

have six tattoos.)

Memories. The participants shared on how their past experiences and memories

motivated them to have a tattoo.

For the male partner of couple number three he stated that during his childhood he likes

to draw and do letterings. When he was in elementary he would always buy junk foods like

sweetcorn and safari, after he finished eating, he would rinse the wrapper with alcohol then

stamped on his skin to make a tattoo. This experience led to an idea of getting a tattoo. As he

related verbatimly,

28
 Ako bi sang una hilig ko sa art like drawing-drawing kag lettering. sang una sang

gamay ko, mga classmate ko sang elementary ko ga bakal sang junk food nga sweetcorn

kag safari dayun bas-on sang alcohol kag tapik sa kamot. so didto ko na kwa ang idea

nga ka nami mag pa tattoo. (Ever since in the past I really art like drawing and lettering.

When I was young during my elementary days I bought some junkfoods like sweetcorn

and safari. After I finished eating I soak the wrappers in alcohol and stamp it on my hand.

This leds me to an idea the have a tattoo.)

Self-Expression. The participants also shared on how self-expression motivated them to

have a tattoo. For the female partner of couple number three she stated that she wants to have

tattoos because she considers it as an art marked on the body. She wanted to have tattoos not to

boast about it but because for her tattoos have a deep meaning and are part of her life and

experiences. For her, it maybe a symbol for others but it has a deep meaning that only she can

understand. This shows that tattoos are a form of self-expression because they want to express

themselves through their ink. As she related verbatimly,

Para sakon, gusto ko gd mag pa tattoo kay art na para sa body hindi tungod eh pa

bugal or something. kay tungod may deep meaning na para cmo kag part sang life ko

man eh. kag kung ano mga experience ko sa kabuhi. In short It maybe a symbol for other

but there is a deeper meaning for you and only you can understand it so amo na hehe

(For me, I really wanted to have a tattoo because it is an art in the body its not because to

show-off or something but it has a deep meaning for me and it is a part of life and

experiences. In short it maybe a symbol for others but there is a deeper meaning for you

and only you can understand it. Thats it.)

29
Meaning of Tattoos for Couples

The researchers asked the interviewees about the meaning of tattoos between the two of

them. They deeply opened up their story to the researchers. The researchers gathered themes

about the meaning of tattoos between the couples. The main theme that came out was about

connectivity.

Connectivity. The participants shared on how tattoos connect them as a couple. For the

male participant of couple number one he stated that they are planning to have a couple tattoo

but somehow through their tattoos they connect to each other. For example, he stated that if her

partner likes something then he will just go with it. This shows that there is a connection between

the two of them even though they do not have a couple tattoo, but they connect through their

interest. As he related verbatimly,

Huo eh, ah para sa amun nga duwa? so far ga plano kami, somehow guro ga connect man

guro ang especially anu iya trip b for example hilig siya ya sa amu ni kag hilig man ko sa

amu ni so dira na lg ko ga anu (Yes, for the two of us? So far we are planning but somehow

it connects especially in our interests, for example if she likes it I also like so thats we

connect with each other.)

For the female partner of couple number two she said that is not really like a couple tattoo

but one time when she wanted to have a compass tattoo she asked her partner if it was nice to

have a compass tattoo, her partner said that it was not nice, so she decided to have a rose tattoo.

This shows that the couples consulted with each other before when they wanted to have a tattoo.

This shows that there is a deeper connection between the couples. As she related verbatimly,

30
 Indi man gid sha daw ka couple tattoo pero may ara time na ga decide ko kung anu

nga tattoo nga ipa butang ko sa akon kamot and you remember when i was about to put

the compass on my arm tapos hambal mo ka.law. ay kung rose ah i mean compass te amu

to nag pa butang ko tattoo nga rose (Its not really a couple tattoo but one time when I

decided to have a tattoo on my arm and do you remember when I was to put a compass

and you disliked it. So thats why I tattooed a rose on my hand.)

For the male partner of couple number one, he stated that having a tattoo is not a bad idea

because tattoo is an art for them. Both of them has a passion for art and they both share the same

interest not only in tattoo but also in arts like music. Tattoo is not a hindrance for them because it

is their passion. They consider it as part of their body and life. This shows that their tattoo

connects their same interest and passion in music and arts. This makes their connection deeper

and stronger. As he related verbatimly,

For us tattoo is not a bad idea the meaning of tattoo for us is art. for us we have passion in

arts we share the same interest in arts not only in tattoo but also in other arts like music.

tattoo is not a hindrance if you have passion in it. We love to get inked and look at it as it

is part of our body and part of our life.

31
 For the female partner of couple number three she stated that both of them have a passion

for art and expressing it through a tattoo. Even though it is painful, they still consider it an art.

For them, a tattoo has a meaning. They accept it to be permanent on their body as it has meaning

in their life. This shows that they inked their body to show their interest in art. Art connects them

as a couple. As she stated verbatimly,

Well, saamon may ara kami duha passion sa art bisan ano lang lang art so, we express

its a tattoo even though it's painful, it's still an art. Kay para samon may ara kami

meaning para sa tattoo namun. Gin accept namon nga maging permanente na saamon

lawas kay amon tattoo may meaning nga ara sa life namon. (Well, for us we have a

passion for art any kinds form. So, we express it in tattoo even though its painful, its still

an art. Because for us we have a meaning for our tattoos. We accepted that it will be

permanent on our skin because our tattoos have a meaning in our life.)

32
Perceptions of Tattooed Couple: Distinct but Normal Persons

The researchers asked the couples about their perceptions towards themselves and on

how they view society. The following themes were discussed, Distinct but normal persons, it

does not matter as a person and artistic and expressive.

Distinct but normal persons. The participants shared on how they are distinct and also,

yet normal people.

For the male partner of couple number one, he stated that having tattoos is still normal.

Just like everyone else, he considers himself a simple person. As he related verbatimly,

So ako siguro anu man? waay man gid simple man lang dyapon (For me I dont know?

Just nothing and act simple as usual.)

For the female partner of couple number one she stated that even though both of them

have tattoos, they still give respect to people and show to them that they are still normal people

even though they have tattoos. As she related verbatimly,

Ako daw anu eh daw ka example man sa iban nga kita nila bala oy mag-asawa parehos

sila may tattoo te makita nila bala nga daw ka okay man ga hatag man kami respeto sa

iban daw para sa akon daw ka good model na lang pra sa ila pakita lang niya namun

nga normal lang kame ya japon te damo lang kami ya kurit ya eh. (For me for example

there are other people when they see us and said look they are a couple and they tattoos

and for them its ok. We give respect and be a good model for them so that they can that

we are still a normal couple but we have tattoos on our skin.)

33
 It does not Matter as a Person. The particapants also shared that it doesnt matter to

them as a person.

For the female partner of couple number two she stated that they are still normal people

despite having tattoos, and it does not matter if you have a tattoo or not as long as their

relationship is intact. As she related verbatimly,

Wala were just normal people lang japon it doesnt matter if you have tattoo or not its

like uh amo man sha japon wala man ga matter kung dapat tattooan ka gid or anu as

long as intact lang japon ang relationship okay lang wala na sha ga matter. (Nothing,

were just normal people. It doent matter if you have a tattoo or not its like It doesnt

matter that you really have a tattoo as long as our relationship is intact it doesnt matter.)

Artistic and Expressive People. The participants shared that they are artistic and

expressive persons. For the male partner of couple number three, he stated that he perceives

themselves as a simple person and respecting each others interest, having dignity as they have a

tattoo and consider themselves literate in arts. As he related verbatimly,

(For me we perceive ourselves as a simple, respect in each others interest, have dignity

as we have a tattoo and literate in arts. Not many people understand tattoo as they

concluded that people who have tattoo came from jail or an addict.)

34
 For the female partner of couple numner three, she considers themselves as an

extraordinary person, they are artistic and open minded and the couples love arts. As she related

verbatimly,

For us we perceive ourselves as an extraordinary person, an artistic, open minded and

love of arts.

35
Challenges and Experiences

In this section the researchers asked the participants about their challenges and

experiences as tattooed couples and how they overcame them. The following themes were

discussed, conservatism and, social Acceptance.

Conservatism. They shared their experiences about conservatism

For the male partner of couple number one, he stated that their parents do not accept

tattoos, especially that they belong in a Christian family, they had a hard time introducing tattoos

to their families, but as time passed by they were accepted for having tattoos. Still, he said that

there are still people out there who do not understand them for having tattoos as they look at

them in a different perspective. As he related verbatimly,

Baw grabe gid una-una family te kabalo man taya mga old school nga mga parents

hindi gid na mag sugot nga may tattoo mo especially nga my kasal pa gid kami kag

christian nga anu so ara kami sa side nga medyo budlayan kami mag introduce sang

tattoo para sa amun pamilya pero na anu man ah na ok man na chindihan man nila kag

amu na eh kung may tattoo ka te normally mga tawo ma hambal ah sila ni wala ni ya

chansa ho daw halin ni sila ya guro nga halin ya nga negative daun bala ara eh parehos

man lang ta tanan ga ubra. (At first is family, we all know our parents are old school

thats why they dont want us to have tattoos especially were getting married and we are

Christians. Thats why its hard for us to introduced tattoo for our family because they

normally said that we dont have a chance and for them it was always negative.)

36
Social Acceptance. The participants shared about social acceptance.

For the female partner of couple number one she stated that they take the initiative to

understand people who do not understand them as they grew up in a different environment. She

also stated that people who understand them make them happy as they do not mind them having

tattoos. As she stated verbatimly,

Kami na lang ga inchindi te sila lain mana ila ging dak.an nang te, nang swerte na lang

namun sa iban nga tawo nga maka inchindi nga maski amu ni edad ka inchindi dira na

lang kami gakalipay. (We just take the initiative to understand them because they grew

up in a different environment and we are lucky that there are people who understands us

despite our age and we are happy for it.)

37
 For the female partner of couple number two she stated that she is worried about her

boyfriend having tattoos because his father is strict. If her boyfriend gets caught having tattoos,

his insurance will be removed. She was also worried about the picture she uploaded on Facebook

because the tattoos were visible on the picture she uploaded and was nervous, thinking that her

boyfriends mother would look at her as a bad influence. But later on they talked about tattoos,

and the family of his boyfriend accepted it. As she related verbatimly,

Ah may ara kay before ang mom ni haru wala na kabalo nga my tattoo siya kag its not

allowed sa iya family ky bawal gid ky his dad is very strict tapos if ma bal.an nga my

tattoo siya ang iya insurance madula one time naka upload ko picture sa facebook nga

naga show tanan niya nga tattoo nga lagko didto nga time ging nerbyos man ko ky bsi

bala paminsaron ni mama ya ako ang bad influence kay before my tattoo siya pero tago

siya sang amu to daw kit.anun gid te sang na kilala ko ni mama ya sa facebook my tattoo

nako ya te basi bala paminsaron ni tita na amu na na bad influence ko amu na daw ka

challenge siya pero later on daw nag sturyanay naman sila ok naman ok na sa family

ya. (Before the mom of Haru doesnt know about his tattoo because its not allowed in

his family because his dad is very strict. If his family know about it his insurance will be

stop. One time when I uploaded a picture on facebook and his family saw his tattoos I

was afraid because his mother will say that I am a bad influence to him. It became a

challenge for us but when we talked to her mother it is ok with his family.)

38
 For the male partner of couple number three he stated that the first challenge they

encounter is their family, they kept the tattoos hidden from their family and if they were known

to have tattoos their family would think that they joined a group that is a bad influence to them

and they were worried about their family looking at them in a different perspective. He also

stated that mostly old people are closed to them and they give them malicious stare, that is why

they are hiding their tattoos. But the experience they have as a tattooed couple is wonderful

because it connects them. As he related verbatimly,

Una nga challenges nga na enkwentro namon is ang amon family. nga gina tago namon

amon tattoo ky basi ma sal-an kame may grupo nga bad influence nga nag pa influensya

samon kag basi ma lainan sila. and then mga palibot namon usually mga katigulangan

makita nila nga may tattoo kame dw lain ila panulok samon nga dw na diri-an so amo na

gna tago namon. ang na experience namon as a couple tattoo is kanami nga both kame

may tattoo like wala saamon problema nga may tattoo kame. kg may ara man nga ndi

nami-an lg gn higko-an lg kunu namon amon lawas. ka useless gd knu katama ang tattoo.

ndi kuno kame ka ubra sa abroad ky my tattoo and etc. (The first challenges we

encounter is our family because we kept our tattoos hidden from them and they will

mistake us that we are in a group that will be bad influence for us. Then the people

around us especially old people they stereotyped as a scum so thats why we hid our

tattoos. Our experiences as a tattooed couple is good because we both have a tattoo and

we dont have a problem. There are people who likes it and others disklike it because

they said we cant work abroad if we have tattoos.)

39
 For the female partner of couple number three she states that she has the same experience

as her boyfriend as they both struggled with their families and society. As she related verbatimly,

Same man kami experience. (We have the same experience).

Perception of Others: Deviant Persons

The researchers asked the tattooed couples on the perception of society to them and how

they deal with the stereotyping. The following themes were discussed deviant people and

stereotyping.

Deviant People. The particpants explain briefly why they are deviant to the eyes of other

people. For the male partner of couple number one he stated that people wonder about their

tattoos. For example, why should we get tattoos when not having tattoos is still fine. But not all

people view tattoos negatively, but there are still people who appreciate tattoos. As he related

verbatimly,

Ga smile sila daw ga wonder, kalabanan ga wonder amu na ga tulok, wala labot sa

physical nga aspect guro ga tingala sila guro nga may amu na siya ya nga pwede man

wala My ara man indi man tanan kalain my positve man oy hala kanami amu amu na.

(They smiled and wonder, most of the wonder thats why they look to us, besides the

physical aspect there our others that wonder that we have tattoos and there are others are

ok with. Not all are negative there are also positive.)

40
 Stereotyped. The particapants shared on how other people stereotyped them for having

tattoos. For the male partner of couple number three he stated that old people asked them that

having tattoos is not good but for the younger generation, it is acceptable. He also stated that

they are not aiming to have a tattoo and boast about it or look cool but for its meaning and he

states that its not about how people react to you but its how you see yourself. As he related

verbatimly,

(Umm for old people maybe its like they always ask us why would you have tattoo is

disgusting but in the young generation like us its totally fine like they see us couple but

were not aiming to have tattoo for looking cool or what but every tattoo has a meaning I

guess, its not about how people react but its how we see our self.)

For the female partner of couple number two she stated that her friends like and

appreciate that both of them have tattoos she also stated that with or without tattoos, there is

nothing wrong with it. But for the old people, she said that they dont like tattoos. As she related

verbatimly,

Kag amu na like sa mga friends ko ga hambal sila nga pareho gid kamu damotattoo

daw ka bakod ba amu na pero amu with or without tattoo man siguro ok man lang

kay sa mga tigulang as we all say indi gid nila bet. (Like my friends they said that we

are the same with my partner because we have many tattoos and we look cool but with or

without tattoo its ok but for the older people they really dont like it.)

41
For the male partner of couple number three, he states that there are people who find them

unique and appreciate them. Usually the reaction that they get from other people is mostly

negative, they look at them as drug addicts. As he related verbatimly,

For us some ka inchindi kg nanami-an sila ka unique daw. pero usually mga react sang

iban negative like nanugonan kag na diri-an panulokan nila dw addict kame sa drugs or

something. (For us some can understand and they appreciate it because its really unique

but for those who reacted negatively they disgust us because we look like drug addicts or

something.)

For the female partner of couple number three she stated that people tend to be curious

about their tattoos at first, people look at them as cool and fresh, but what they do not know is

that their tattoos have deep meaning for the couples. Both of them have the mindset of Think

before we ink. Because of this, they carefully plan if they will get another tattoo or not. If people

ask them about their tattoos, they open up their artistic side and share their stories. Society

always has negative comments about them, but they do not mind those comments but instead go

on living their life. As she related verbatimly,

Syempre sa una-una daw ka manol sa ila amon tattoo, daw the way they look saamon

daw ka bakod. daw pa presko galaw kay kami duha may tattoo pero wala sila kabalo

may meaning ma para saamon ang ink.

Hindi lang kami basta mag ink kung wala mn pulos bala aw. Think before we ink mn

kami duha. pero mag dugay may mga tao gapangkot mn nga nag tattoo kamo so dira

kami ma open up saamon nga side.

42
Not all people think positive about sa tattoo, there will always be negative comments.

pero gina pabay.an lang namon kay amon ni life kay amon ni desisyon. (At first they

were really curious about our tattoos we look so cool for them because we both have

tattoos but they really dont know that our ink has a meaning to us. We just dont ink

ourselvels for nonsense. We think before we ink ourselves. As time goes by there are

others who are asking why we have tattoos and thats the time we open up our side for

them. Not all people think positive about tattoos, there will always be negative comments

but we try to ignore those negative comments because this our life and this our decision.)

43
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion

In the course of this phenomenological study, the researcchers gathered enough

information to have incorporated all the important points needed to generate out the outcome of

this study. The overall objective of the researchers is to have a glimpse of the life experiences of

tattoed couples. These includes the symbolic representation of their tattoos, the underlying

motivations of their tattoos, and lastly the meaning of tattoos for couples. This study has allowed

people having prejudice towards tattoo to understand the reason behind the word it.

The major findings of this study are limited to the common experienced and interests of

couples with tattoo. There are series of conclusions that can be drawn from this study: First, most

of the participants considered tattoo an art and is commonly associated with self expression.

Second, most of the participants have experienced stereotyping for being inked, most of them are

categorized as a group of people who involved in bad conduct. Conservatism hinders them from

seeking self acceptance and social acceptance. Lastly, the meaning of tattoos for couples gives

definition for their interest in passion, art, love, and oneness in tattoo.

44
Recommendation

For the Paricipants, that the participants can share their own perspective towards tattoo

and be guided by the data gathered in this study, thus bringing awareness and knowledge for

those who seek informations about tattoo

For the Parents, that they should be more open towards tattoo, it is not a just a trend that

people get inked, but it signifies openness of people and acceptance for art.

For the Community, that people in communities have to be more open-minded towards

tattoo and avoid stereotyping people with tattoos, but treat them with respect for their decision to

have tattoos.

For Guidance Counselors, that the study can help them understand and help them in

counseling tattooed couples and to have awareness and understanding on tattoos.

For IDS Students, that the study can help them be open and understanding on tattoos

and how people view them as art

For Future Researchers, that the data gathered in this study could help out and benefit

future researchers that are interested in studying about tattoos. This study is also open to

development and improvement.

45
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https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-a-tattoo-3189418

NagyResearch (2015) Retrieved from https://www.nagyresearch.com/?p=2111

Wyse, S. (2011) Retrieved from https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-

between-qualitative-research-and-quantitative-research/

46
 APPENDICES

APPENDICES A

Interview Guide

1. Tell me the story behind your tattoo?

2. What motivated you to have a tattoo?

3. What is the meaning of the tattoo between the two of you?

4. How do you both perceive yourselves as a tattooed couple?

5. What are the challenges and experiences that you both encounter as a tattooed

couple?

6. How do the people react to you as a tattooed couple?

47
 APPENDICES B

University of St. La Salle-Bacolod City

College of Arts and Sciences

INFORMED CONSENT

Oneness in Tattoos: The Perceptions and Motivations of Tattooed Couples

You are being invited to take part in our research study entitled Oneness in Tattoos: The Perceptions and
Motivations of Tattooed Couples. Before you decide whether or not to take part, it is important for you
to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve.

Please take time to read the following information carefully.

The main objective of the study is to explore the lived experiences as a tattooed couple. This study will
last for 1 - 2 months. However, an interview with you as our participant in this study will take 1 hour.

This will help us gather information to give a greater value to you, the tattooed couples. Your sharing will
help enrich the content of this paper and give it a very personal touch.

You are chosen as our participant because you have been referred to us by some of our friends knowing
that you as a couple are known to have tattoos.

The results of this study will not in any way affect their business, employment, evaluation or anything
related to your situation.

The information that we get from you will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for research
purposes only.

In order for us to accurately gather information, the interview will be recorded through an audio recorder
and will be transcribed afterwards. The transcript and recorded data will be deleted after 6 months.

To confirm your participation, please accomplish the attached consent form and give it back to us.

If you have more questions regarding our research you can contact us the researchers in this following
numbers:

Justin Moses Rosales - +639175566289

Alexander Guerrero - +639202407018

Regie Brenn Cisneros - +639272090970

Jo Warren Bedia - +639079864451

48
Thank you very much.

APPENDICES C

CONSENT FORM

Oneness in Tattoos: The Perceptions and Motivations of Tattooed Couples

Please put a check mark () if you agree or x if you dont on the box after each statement.

1. I confirm that I have read and understand the information sheet

for the above study and have had the opportunity to ask
questions.
2. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free
to withdraw at any time, without giving reason.
3. I agree to take part in the above study.

YES NO

4. I agree to the interview/focus group/consultation being

audio recorded
5. I agree to the interview/focus group/consultation being
video recorded
6. I agree to the use of anonymised quotes in publications

7. I agree that my data gathered in this study may be stored

(after it has been anonymised) in a specialist data centre and
may be used for future research

_____________________________ _________________ __________________

Name of Participant Date Signature

_____________________________ _________________ __________________

Name of Researcher Date Signature

49
 APPENDICES D.1

Pictures of the Tattoos of Couple Number One

Male Partner

50
Female Partner

51
 APPENDICES D.2

Pictures of the Tattoos of Couple Number Two

Male

52
Female

53
 APPENDICES D.3

Pictures of the Tattoos of Couple Number Three

Male

54
Female

55
 APPENDICE E

Symbolic
representation of
tattoos
-Talents and Interest
-Self-Identity
-Country and Family Underlying
-Dreams and Motivations in Tattoos
Aspirations -Association with an
Perception of Interest Group
Others: Deviant -Conformity with
Persons Partner
-Deviant People -Interest
-Stereotyped -Peer Influence
-Memories
-Self Expression

Tattooed Couples

Challenges and Meaning of Tattoos

Experiences for Couples
-Conservatism -Connectivity
-Social Acceptance
Perceptions of
tattooed Couple:
Distinct but Normal
Persons
-Distinct but Normal
Persons
-It does not Matter as
Person
-Artisitc and
Expressive People

Main & Sub Themes

56
 APPENDICES F.1

Transcript of Interviews

Couple Participants No.1

Tattoo Artist

Date of Interview: August 21, 2017

Venue: Storm Tattoo Studio

Profile:

Participant 1

Sex: Male Occupation: Tattoo Artist

Age: 29

Participant 2

Sex: Female Occupation: Tattoo Artist

Age: 29

Interviewer Good morning so ma conduct lang kami gale sang interview about sa amon thesis

oneness in tattoo perceptions and motivations on tattooed couples

Interviewer So ma ask lang kami questions

Interviewer so first question tell me about your tattoo

Participant 1 Umm sakon bi mga tattoo kuni dugay nani siya mo daw lagan na siya guro 6years

7years so that time ang tattoo industry especially sa bacolod

ara naman pero indi gid amo na ka panawag sini man ka dako kag daw ka lapta so ang mga

tattoos indi pa gid ara sa taas nga form daw ga amat-amat pa lang ga build

sa akon personally laban parte sa life ko kung anu akon nga umm gina ubra so hilig ko sa

drawing so may ara kosa likod um pencils brush nga ga represent nga ara kosa

57
art nga side, family especially amu na eh gakatabo sakon parte sa anu kabuhi ko man ga reflect

man gd halos tanan nga tattoo sa parte man sa personal mn

Interviewer sa imo ya miss?

Participant 2 Same man may meaning ni tanan nga tattoos indi lang bala nga ging tapik lang

Interviewer So ma ask ko lang anu bala ang what motivated you sa imo sir sa imo miss nga to

have a tattoo bala

Participant 1 Bilang isa ka bata sang una nga hilig music makita mo ang videos sang banda nga

may mga tattoos mo deny ta man or indi ga inspire man ta sila eh

Te daw ka cool b ang tattoo so kung my ara ka tattoo amu na te amu na kag ang tattoo ga

last mo medyo gusto mo man mag pa tattoo nga my meaning

so siguro influensiya nga gina lantaw nga video kag banda kag sa iban nga artist

Interviewer Influence mn gd?

Participant 1 Huo influence gd

Interviewer So sa imo ya miss?

Participant 2 Sang una daw pag kita ko daw ka lain naman nga level sang art kaysa sa panit

naman siya ya kag permanent so namian man so na timing man nga na migo ko siya

tapos my tattoo siya try ko te t nami nami

Interviewer So my ara kamu tattoo nga as a couple?

Participant 1 Waay waay pa guro

Interviewer Pero sa inyo both my meaning bala ang tattoo sa inyo duwa?

Participant 1 Huo eh, ah para sa amun nga duwa? so far ga plano kami somehow guro ga

connect mn guro

ang especially anu iya trip b for example hilig siya ya sa amu ni kag hilig man ko sa amu

58
ni so dira na lg ko ga anu

Interviewer Daw eh anu nyu na lang siya

Interviewer So how do you both perceive yourself as a tattoed couple?

Participant 1 So ako siguro anu man? waay man gid simple man lang dyapon anu man?

Participant 2 Ako daw anu eh daw ka example man sa iban nga kita nila bala oy mag-asawa

parehos sila may tattoo te makita nila bala nga daw ka okay man ga hatag man kmi respeto

sa iban daw para sa akon daw ka good model na lang pra sa ila

Interviewer daw bale pakita nyu lang

Participant 2 pakita lang niya namun nga normal lang kame ya japon te damo lang kami ya

kurit ya eh

Interviewer So ang second to the last namon nga question is what are the challenges and

experiences nga na encounter nyu na duwa as a tattoed couples

Participant 1 Baw grabe gid una-una family te kabalo man taya mga old school nga mga

parents hindi gid na mag sugot nga may tattoo mo especially nga my kasal pa gid kami

kag christian nga anu so ara kami sa side nga medyo budlayan kami mag introduce sang

tattoo para sa amun pamilya pero na anu man ah na ok man na chindihan man nila

kag amu na eh kung may tattoo ka te normally mga tawo ma hambal ah sila ni wala ni ya

chansa ho daw halin ni sila ya guro nga halin ya nga

negative daun bala ara eh parehos man lang ta tanan ga ubra

Interviewer Pero gina overcome nyu ang mga

Participant 1 Halos huo halos positive dapat te mag negative ka daw ma dula, waay man namun

gina pilit nga mag pati sila sa amun or ang kalipayan namun ga base kung anu gina hambal nila

so sa amun duwa ya gina pabatchag namun iban nga tawo nga tawo man lang kami japon

59
ga ubra kami sang positibo nga bagay

Participant 2 Kami na lang ga inchindi te sila lain mana ila ging dak.an nang te, nang swerte na

lang namun sa iban nga tawo nga maka inchindi nga maski amu ni edad ka inchindi dira na lang

kami gakalipay

Interviewer So ang last na lang namun nga question is how do people react to you as a

tattooed couple

Participant 1 Ga smile sila daw ga wonder, kalabanan ga wonder amu na ga tulok, wala labot sa

physical nga aspect guro ga tingala sila guro nga may amu na siya ya nga pwede man wala

Interviewer Pero my mga tawo man nga sample ga lakat kamu nga daw ka nami tan.awon.

Participant 1 My ara man indi man tanan kalain my positve man oy hala kanami amu amu na.

Interviewer So thank you gid sir dako gid ni nga bulig sa amun thesis.

60
 APPENDICES F.2

Transcription of Interviews

Couple Participants No.2

Football Player and a Model

Date of Interview: August 21, 2017

Venue: Tom n Toms Bacolod

Profile:

Participant 1

Sex: Male Occupation: Football Player

Age: 21

Participant 2

Sex: Female Occupation: Model

Age: 21

Interviewer Good evening Sir and ma'am ma conduct lang ko tani interview sa amun thesis,

thesis namun is Oneness in tattoos The perceptions and motivations of tattooed couples

So tell me about your tattoo

Participant 2 well um i have six tattoos tapos um first ko na tattoo is when i was 18 years old

um tanan ko nga tattoo my ari ni siya meaning pero ang pinaka favorite ko gid ang portrait ni

mama sa kamot

Interviewer Huo

Participant 2 Um daw ka crazy kay ang first ko nga tattoo ging hagad lang ko ka friend ko nga

lakat ta pa tattoo amu na nag upod lang ko tapos amu nato pagkabwas nag second tattoo naku

dayon diretso

61
 tapos asta nga nag anum na siya subong

Interviewer Mga pila ka months antis mag pa tattoo ka naman liwat

Participant 2 ah dasig lang like every 2months every 1 month ara na dayon

Interviewer This year lang na or last year na?

Participant 2 This year. ah last year naka tatlo ko ka tattoo in a row like after 1month 3 tattoos

na siya kay nag start ko last year mga october asta na gid nga nag tatlo this year nag dugang

namun ko tatlo

Interviewer How about your sir?

Participant 1 Um i have uhh 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 8 i have 8 tattoo and my first tattoo was back to uh

2014 when i was first year college that was saying about my dream

and my second tattoo is uhh saying about my life and the third is about my country and

my family

Interviewer Ok sir, so what motivated you to have a tattoo

Anu ga motivate sinyo nga ga pa tattoo kamu

Participant 1 Umm first i wanted to have tattoo since when i was young but i was afraid

because my friend and none of them have tattoo but when i move here in Bacolod

i saw alot of my teammates having tattoo so

Participant 2 You got jealous?

Participant 1 Its not about jealous, I was thinking a its okay here i can have a tattoo here

something like that

Interviewer So what is the meaning of a tattoo between the two of you my anu kamu ah

couple tattoo?

Participant 2 Indi man gid sha daw ka couple tattoo pero may ara time na ga decide ko kung

62
anu nga tattoo nga ipa butang ko sa akon kamot

and you remember when i was about to put the compass on my arm tapos hambal

ka.law.ay kung rose ah i mean compass

te amu to nag pa butang ko tattoo nga rose kay my meaning what's the meaning of the

rose you remember?

Participant 1 My rose is uhh love for the rest of life

Participant 2 amu na siya na nag suggest sang rose tapos after a week nag pa tattoo man siya 2

rose sa iya chest kag iya arm

Interviewer So my plano kamu duwa nga mapa butang gid nga couple tattoo

Participant 2 nga ma identify nga couple tattoo?

Participant 1 Maybe we already have one which is rose which is fine

Participant 2 tapos anu man daw wala naman ko plan mag pa tattoo liwat

Interviewer How do you both perceive yourself as a tattooed couple

Participant 2 wala were just normal people lang japon it doesnt matter if you have tattoo or not

its like uh amo man sha japon wala man ga matter kung dapat tattoan ka gid or anu as long

as intact lang japon ang relationship okay lang wala na sha ga matter

Interviewer So what are the challenges and experiences that you both encounter as a tattooed

couple for example may ma sugat.an kamu

Participant 2 Ah may ara kay before ang mom ni haru wala na kabalo nga my tattoo siya kag its

not allowed sa iya family ky bawal gid ky his dad is very strict

tapos if ma bal.an nga my tattoo siya ang iya insurance madula

one time naka upload ko picture sa facebook nga naga show tanan niya nga tattoo nga

lagko didto nga time ging nerbyos man ko ky bsi bala paminsaron ni mama ya ako ang bad

63
influence

kay before my tattoo siya pero tago siya sang amu to daw kit.anun gid te sang na kilala

ko ni mama ya sa facebook my tattoo nako ya te basi bala paminsaron ni tita na amu na na bad

influence ko

amu na daw ka challenge siya pero later on daw nag sturyanay naman sila ok naman ok

na sa family ya

Interviewer How do people react to you as a tattooed couple?

Participant 1 Umm for old people maybe its like they always ask us why would you have tattoo

is disgusting but in the young generation like us its totally fine

like they see us couple but were not aiming to have tattoo for looking cool or what but

every tattoo has a meaning i guess, its not about how people react but its how we see ourself

Participant 2 kag amu na like sa mga friends ko ga hambal sila nga pareho gid kamu damo

tattoo daw ka bakod ba amu na pero amu with or without tattoo man siguro ok man lang

kay sa mga tigulang as we all say indi gid nila bet

Interviewer Mismo sa parents gid na ga una

Participant 2 akon parents ok lang pero iya parents finally nag ok man carry lang

Interviewer Okay so thank you sir, ma'am

64
 APPENDICES F.3

Transcription of Interviews

Couple Participants No.3

Tattooed Students

Date of Interview: August 22, 2017

Venue: Munchies Bistro

Profile:

Participant 1

Sex: Male Occupation: Student

Age: 24

Participant 2

Sex: Female Occupation: Student

Age: 21

Interviewer Ma conduct lang kami interview about our thesis titled Oneness in tattoos:

motivations and perceptions of tattooed couples.

Interviewer So bale amun first is question is tell me about your tattoo

Participant 1 ako may ara ko 2 ka tattoo sa middle chest (heart area) kg sa my upper abdomen,

una sa chest ko image type is a anchor with 2 roses and a rope kag ang shape sang tattoo ko is

heart and ang

ika duwa ko nga tattoo sa upper abdomen is a calligraphy a letter type tattoo kag ang

naka sulat is akon old nga apilyedo which is middle name ko na sbg.

nga Santolices in a old english font.

Interviewer So when age mo meg sang naka tattoo ka?

65
Participant 1 Sang 21 years old ko meg

Interviewer Ikaw ya miss?

Participant 2 well, ang tattoo ni damo ni meaning para sakon. I have 6 tattoos. kada tattoo my

meaning gd ni para sakon. ang First tattoo ko nga ara sa center sang likod ko means happiness.

Ngaa happiness? kay gusto ko nga we feel happy bisan ara ta sa pina ka nubo ta bala aw.

Hindi ta mana ma limtan nga maging happy kag there is no limit nga maging happy ang isa ka

tao, ang second

time ko nag pa tattoo, birthday ko in numerical number. So akon na personal information

after sina may ara ko three symbol nga sun, star and moon. Ang moon ang stand as feminism,

ang star ga stand as hope like

for example kung ara ta sa dulo diba ma kita ta mga stars, daw parehos lang na kung ma

problema ta nga may ara gid na hope nga ma kit.an ta. wala gd problema nga wala gd hope. ang

sun nmn ya,

there's a new beginning para saton. kung ma palpak ta sa ini nga adlaw hindi ta ma limtan

nga may ara pa sa dason nga ma himo ta mga mas better. ang last ko nga tattoo g clef or musical

sign kay love ko

gd ang music ga intra ko sang una orchestra, kabalo ko mag guitar kag ukelele kag

nami.an ko mag kanta kag mamti gd music

Interviewer Kanami sang mga answers nyu hehe

Participant 1 Thank you

Participant 2 Hahaha te kay tuod man na be

Interviewer So second question nmun is what motivated you to have a tattoo?

Participant 2 para sakon, gusto ko gd mag pa tattoo kay art na para sa body hindi tungod eh pa

66
bugal or something. kay tungod may deep meaning na para cmo kag part sang life ko man eh.

kag kung ano mga

experience ko sa kabuhi. In short It maybe a symbol for other but there is a deeper

meaning for you and only you can understand it so amo na hehe

Interviewer Sa imo ya sir?

Participant 1 ako bi sang una hilig ko sa art like drawing2 kg lettering. sang una sang gamay ko

mga classmate ko sang elementary ko ga bakal sang junkfood nga sweetcorn kg safari daun bas-

on sang alcohol kg tapik sa kamot.

so didto ko na kwa ang idea nga ka nami mag pa tattoo kg amo to nga time dw na

motivate ko mag pa tattoo and curious man ko sang tattoo na gusto ko gid ma tistingan.

kag nag pa tattoo ko indi para e pa show like unique ko or what but hilig ko lg gd b nga

para sakon ndi ni ang tattoo ko for show but gusto ko as art for myself and my mga meaning ni

akon tattoo.

Interviewer The third question namun is what is the meaning of the tattoo between the two of

you?

Participant 2 well, saamon may ara kami duha passion sa art bisan ano lang lang art so, we

express it sa tattoo even though it's painful, it's still an art. Kay para samon may ara kami

meaning para sa tattoo namun.

Gin accept namon nga maging permanente na saamon lawas kay amon tattoo may

meaning nga ara sa life namon. So it's meaningful for us. Daw ka amo na.

Interviewer How about you sir?

Participant 1 for us tattoo is not a bad idea the meaning of tattoo for us is art. for us we have

passion in arts we share the same interest in arts not only in tattoo but also in other arts like

67
music. tattoo is not a hindrance

if you have passion in it. We love to get inked and look at it as it is part of our body and

part of our life. because it is a lifetime ink.

Interviewer So may ara kamu couple tattoos?

Participant 1 for now wala pa kame couple tattoo because for us mas gina una danay namon

ang mga gusto namon nga tattoo individually.

for us siguro mapa tattoo nlg kame if naka settle in na kame or magpakasal na kay para

ang couple tattoo namon meaningful gid katama kg ma remember gd namon nga parti na kame

sa isa kag isa sa kabuhi namon

as what ive said nga art is part of our life so ang couple tattoo namon maka last for the

lifetime na gd. na ndi na namon ma regret sa ulihi nga nag pa couple tattoo kame pero ndi kame

gali sa uli kay ka law-ay.

Interviewer bale amun fourth question is

How you do both perceive yourselves as a tattooed couple?

Participant 2 for us we perceive ourself as a extraordinary person, an artistic, open minded and

love of arts.

Interviewer Anu sa imo ya sir?

Participant 1 for me we perceive ourself as a simple, respect in each others interest, have

dignity as we have a tattoo and literate in arts. not many people understand tattoo as they

conculded that people who have tattoo came from jail or an addict.

Interviewer So our fifth question is What are the challenges and experiences that you both

encounter as a tattooed couple?

Participant 1 una nga challenges nga na enkwentro namon is ang amon family. nga gina tago

68
namon amon tattoo ky basi ma sal-an kame may grupo nga bad influence nga nag pa influensya

samon kag basi ma lainan sila.

and then mga palibot namon usually mga katigulangan makita nila nga may tattoo kame

dw lain ila panulok samon nga dw na diri-an so amo na gna tago namon.

ang na experience namon as a couple tattoo is kanami nga both kame may tattoo like

wala saamon

problema nga may tattoo kame. kg may ara man nga ndi nami-an lg gn higko-an lg kunu

namon amon lawas. ka useless gd knu katama ang tattoo. ndi kuno kame ka ubra sa abroad ky

my tattoo and etc.

Participant 2 Same man kami experience

Interviewer Final question namun sinyu duwa how do people react to you as a tattooed

couple?

Participant 1 for us some ka inchindi kg nanami-an sila ka unique daw. pero usually mga react

sang iban negative like nanugonan kag na diri-an panulokan nila dw addict kame sa drugs or

something

Interviewer Sa imo ya miss?

Participant 2 syempre sa una2 daw ka manol sa ila amon tattoo, daw the way they saamon daw

ka bakod. daw pa presko galaw kay kami duha ma tattoo pero wala sila kabalo may meaning ma

para saamon ang ink.

Hindi lang kami basta mag ink kung wala mn pulos bala aw. think before we ink mn

kami duha. pero mag dugay may mga tao gapangkot mn nga nag tattoo kamo so dira kami ma

open up saamon nga side.

not all people think positive about sa tattoo, there will always be negative comments.

69
pero gina pabay.an lang namon kay amon ni life kay amon ni desisyon

Interviewer Sir and Ms. Thanks gd sa inyo time nga ginshare para sa amon nga thesis. Dako

gd ni nga bulig para smun and ang outcome ni sng amo nga research mka benefit gd ni sa.inyo

thank you gd and god bless.

Participant 2 welcome gd! and thank you man

Interviewer Thank you gid sa inyo kag sharing

Participant 1 Welcome gid guys

70
 APPENDICES G

Audit Trail

Questio Couple Couple Couple Signific Significa Themes Main

ns 1 2 3 ant nt Theme
Statem Stateme
ents nts
Male Female
1. Tell Partici Particip Particip C1 - Sa C1 - Life Symbolic
me pant 1 - ant 2 - ant 1 - akon Same Represent
about Umm well um ako may persona man may Talents/interest ation of
your sakon bi i have ara ko lly meaning Tattoos
tattoo mga six duwa ka laban ni tanan Experience
tattoo tattoos tattoo sa parte sa nga
kuni tapos middle life ko tattoos Dreams
dugay um first chest kung indi lang
nani ko na heart anu bala nga Country
siya mo tattoo is area kag akon ging
daw when i sa my nga tapik Family
lagan na was 18 upper umm lang
siya years abdomen gina Self Identity
guro old um , una sa ubra so C2- i
6years tanan ko chest ko hilig ko have six Relationshp
7years nga image sa tattoos with parents
so that tattoo type is a drawing tapos um
time my ari anchor so may first ko Personality/Att
ang ni siya with two ara kosa na tattoo itude
tattoo meaning roses and likod is when i
industry pero ang a rope um was 18 Aspirations
especial pinaka kag ang pencils years old
ly sa favorite shape brush um tanan
bacolod ko gid sang nga ga ko nga
ara ang tattoo ko represe tattoo
naman portrait is heart nt nga my ari ni
pero ni mama and ang ara kosa siya
indi gid sa ika duwa art nga meaning
amo na kamot ko nga side pero ang
ka tattoo sa pinaka
panawa Particip upper C2 - i favorite
g sini ant 1 - abdomen have 8 ko gid
man ka Um i is a tattoo ang
dako have calligrap and my portrait
kag daw uhh hy a first ni mama
ka lapta 1,2,3,4,5 letter tattoo sa kamot
so ang ,6,7 8 i type was

71
mga have 8 tattoo back to C3 - . I
tattoos tattoo kag ang uh 2014 have 6
indi pa and my naka when i tattoos.
gid ara first sulat is was kada
sa taas tattoo akon old first tattoo
nga was nga year my
form back to apilyedo college meaning
daw ga uh 2014 which is that was gd ni
amat- when i middle saying para
amat pa was first name ko about sakon.
lang ga year na sbg. my First
build college nga dream tattoo ko
sa akon that was Santolice and my nga ara
personal saying s in a old second sa center
ly laban about english tattoo is sang
parte sa my font. uhh likod ko
life ko dream saying means
kung and my Particip about happines
anu second ant 2 - my life s. second
akon tattoo is well, ang and the time ko
nga uhh tattoo ni third is nag pa
umm saying damo ni about tattoo,
gina about meaning my birthday
ubra so my life para country ko in
hilig ko and the sakon. I and my numerica
sa third is have 6 family l
drawing about tattoos. number.
so may my kada C3 - So akon
ara kosa country tattoo may ara na
likod and my my ko personal
um family meaning duwa informati
pencils gd ni ka on after
brush para tattoo sina may
nga ga sakon. sa ara ko
represen ang First middle three
t nga tattoo ko chest symbol
ara kosa nga ara heart nga sun,
art nga sa center area star and
side, sang kag sa moon.
family likod ko my Ang
especial means upper moon
ly amu happines abdome ang
na eh s. Ngaa n, una stand as
gakatab happines sa chest feminism
o sakon s? kay ko .
parte sa gusto ko image

72
anu nga we type is
kabuhi feel a
ko man happy anchor
ga bisan ara with
reflect ta sa pina two
man gd ka nubo roses
halos ta bala and a
tanan aw. rope
nga Hindi ta kag ang
tattoo mana ma shape
parte limtan sang
man sa nga tattoo
personal maging ko is
man happy heart
kag there and ang
is no ika
Partici limit nga duwa
pant 2 - maging ko nga
Same happy tattoo
man ang isa sa
may ka tao, upper
meanin ang abdome
g ni second n is a
tanan time ko calligra
nga nag pa phy a
tattoos tattoo, letter
indi birthday type
lang ko in tattoo
bala nga numerica kag ang
ging l naka
tapik number. sulat is
lang So akon akon
na old nga
personal apilyed
informati o
on after
sina may
ara ko
three
symbol
nga sun,
star and
moon.
Ang
moon
ang

73
stand as
feminism
, ang star
ga stand
as hope
like for
example
kung ara
ta sa
dulo diba
ma kita
ta mga
stars,
daw
parehos
lang na
kung ma
problema
ta nga
may ara
gid na
hope nga
ma kit.an
ta. wala
gd
problema
nga wala
gd hope.
ang sun
nmn ya,
there's a
new
beginnin
g para
saton.
kung ma
palpak ta
sa ini
nga
adlaw
hindi ta
ma
limtan
nga may
ara pa sa
dason

74
 nga ma
himo ta
mga mas
better.
ang last
ko nga
tattoo g
clef or
musical
sign kay
love ko
gd ang
music ga
intra ko
sang una
orchestra
, kabalo
ko mag
guitar
kag
ukelele
kag
nami.an
ko mag
kanta
kag
mamati
gd music
2. What Partici Particip Particip C1 - C1 - Interest Underlyin
motivat pant 1 - ant 1 - ant 2 - Bilang Sang una g
ed you Bilang Umm para isa ka daw pag Association Motivatio
to have isa ka first i sakon, bata kita ko with Interest ns in
a bata wanted gusto ko sang daw ka Group Tattoos
tattoo? sang to have gd mag una nga lain
una nga tattoo pa tattoo hilig naman Peer Influence
hilig since kay art music nga level
music when i na para makita sang art Childhood
makita was sa body mo ang kay sa Memories/Exp
mo ang young hindi videos panit erience
videos but i tungod sang naman
sang was eh pa banda siya ya Curiosity
banda afraid bugal or nga kag
nga because somethin may permane Self
may my g. kay mga nt so Expression
mga friend tungod tattoos namian
tattoos and may mo man, so

75
mo none of deep deny ta na Conformity
deny ta them meaning man or timing with partner
man or have na para indi ga man nga
indi ga tattoo cmo kag inspire na migo
inspire but part sang man ta ko siya
man ta when i life ko sila eh tapos my
sila eh move man eh. tattoo
Te daw here in kag kung C2 - siya try
ka cool Bacolod ano mga when i ko te t
b ang i saw experien move nami
tattoo alot of ce ko sa here in name
so kung my kabuhi. Bacolo
my ara teammat In short d i saw C2 - daw
ka es It maybe alot of ka crazy
tattoo having a symbol my kay ang
amu na tattoo so for other teamma first ko
te amu but there tes nga
na kag Particip is a having tattoo
ang ant 2 - deeper tattoo ging
tattoo Um daw meaning so hagad
ga last ka crazy for you lang ko
mo kay ang and only C3 - ka friend
medyo first ko you can hilig ko ko nga
gusto nga understa sa art lakat ta
mo man tattoo nd it so like pa tattoo
mag pa ging amo na drawing amu na
tattoo hagad hehe 2 kg nag upod
nga my lang ko letterin lang ko
meanin ka Particip g. sang tapos
g friend ant 1 - una amu nato
so ko nga ako bi sang pagkabw
siguro lakat ta sang una gamay as nag
influens pa tattoo hilig ko ko mga second
iya nga amu na sa art classma tattoo
gina nag like te ko naku
lantaw upod drawing2 sang
nga lang ko kg element C3 - para
video tapos lettering. ary ko sakon,
kag amu sang una ga gusto ko
banda nato sang bakal gd mag
kag sa pagkab gamay sang pa tattoo
iban was nag ko mga junkfoo kay art
nga second classmat d nga na para
artist tattoo e ko sang sweetco sa body
naku elementa rn kg hindi
dayon ry ko ga safari tungod

76
Partici diretso bakal daun eh pa
pant 2 - tapos sang bas-on bugal or
Sang asta nga junkfood sang somethin
una daw nag nga alcohol g. kay
pag kita anum na sweetcor kg tapik tungod
ko daw siya n kg sa may
ka lain subong safari kamot. deep
naman daun so didto meaning
nga bas-on ko na na para
level sang kwa cmo kag
sang art alcohol ang part sang
kay sa kg tapik idea life ko
panit sa nga ka man eh.
naman kamot. nami kag kung
siya ya so didto mag pa ano mga
kag ko na tattoo experien
perman kwa ang kg amo ce ko sa
ent so idea nga to nga kabuhi
namian ka nami time dw
man, so mag pa na
na tattoo kg motivat
timing amo to e ko
man nga time mag pa
nga na dw na tattoo
migo ko motivate and
siya ko mag curious
tapos pa tattoo man ko
my and sang
tattoo curious tattoo
siya try man ko
ko te t sang
nami tattoo na
nami gusto ko
gid ma
tistingan.
kag nag
pa tattoo
ko indi
para e pa
show
like
unique
ko or
what but
hilig ko
lg gd b

77
 nga para
sakon
ndi ni
ang
tattoo ko
for show
but gusto
ko as art
for
myself
and my
mga
meaning
ni akon
tattoo.
3. What Partici Particip Particip C1- C2 - may Relationship Meaning
is the pant 1 - ant 2 - ant 2 - someho ara time of Tattoos
meanin Huo eh, Indi well, w guro na ga Identification for the
g of the ah para man gid saamon ga decide Couples
tattoo sa amun sha daw may ara connect ko kung Connectivity
betwee nga ka kami mn anu nga
n the duwa? couple duha guro tattoo Self Interest
two of so far tattoo passion ang nga ipa
you? ga pero sa art especial butang
plano may ara bisan ly anu ko sa
kami time na ano lang iya trip akon
someho ga lang art b for kamot. te
w guro decide so, we exampl amu to
ga ko kung express e hilig nag pa
connect anu nga its a siya ya butang
mn guro tattoo tattoo sa amu ko tattoo
ang nga ipa even ni kag nga rose
especial butang though hilig kay my
ly anu ko sa it's man ko meaning
iya trip akon painful, sa amu
b for kamot it's still ni C3 -
example and you an art. saamon
hilig rememb Kay para C3 - for may ara
siya ya er when samon us kami
sa amu i was may ara tattoo is duha
ni kag about to kami not a passion
hilig put the meaning bad sa art
man ko compass para sa idea, bisan
sa amu on my tattoo the ano lang
ni so arm namun. meanin lang art
dira na tapos Gin g of so, we

78
lg ko ga hambal accept tattoo express
anu mo namon for us is its a
ka.law.a nga art. for tattoo
y kung maging us we even
rose ah ipermane have though
mean nte na passion it's
compass saamon in arts painful,
te amu lawas we it's still
to nag kay share an art.
pa amon the Kay para
butang tattoo same samon
ko may interest may ara
tattoo meaning in arts kami
nga rose nga ara not only meaning
kay my sa life in tattoo para sa
meaning namon. but also tattoo
what's So it's in other namun.
the meaningf arts like Gin
meaning ul for us. music. accept
of the Daw ka namon
rose you amo na. nga
rememb Particip maging
er? ant 1 - permane
for us nte na
Particip tattoo is saamon
ant 1 - not a bad lawas
My rose idea the kay
is uhh meaning amon
love for of tattoo tattoo
the rest for us is may
of life art. for meaning
us we nga ara
Particip have sa life
ant 2 - passion namon.
amu na in arts
siya na we share
nag the same
suggest interest
sang in arts
rose not only
tapos in tattoo
after a but also
week in other
nag pa arts like
tattoo music.
man tattoo is

79
 siya 2 not a
rose sa hindranc
iya e if you
chest have
kag iya passion
arm in it. We
love to
get inked
and look
at it as it
is part of
our body
and part
of our
life.
because
it is a
lifetime
ink.

4. How Partici Particip Particip C1 - - C1 - Ako Distinct but Distinct

you do pant 1 - ant 2 - ant 2 - So ako daw anu normal persons but
both So ako wala for us we siguro eh daw It does not Normal
perceiv siguro were perceive anu ka matter as a Persons
e anu just ourself man? example person
yoursel man? normal as a waay man sa
ves as a waay people extraordi man gid iban nga Artistic and
tattooe man gid lang nary simple kita nila Expressive
d simple japon it person, man bala oy people
couple? man doesnt an lang mag-
lang matter if artistic, dyapon asawa
dyapon you open parehos
anu have minded C3 - for sila may
man? tattoo or and love me we tattoo te
not its of arts perceiv makita
Partici like uh e nila bala
pant 2 amo Particip ourself nga daw
- Ako man sha ant 1 - as a ka okay
daw anu japon for me simple, man ga
eh daw wala we respect hatag
ka man ga perceive in each man kmi
example matter ourself others respeto
man sa kung as a interest, sa iban
iban dapat simple, have daw para
nga kita tattoan respect dignity sa akon
nila ka gid in each as we daw ka

80
bala oy or anu others have a good
mag- as long interest, tattoo model na
asawa have and lang pra
parehos as intact dignity literate sa ila
sila may lang as we in arts. pakita
tattoo te japon have a not lang niya
makita ang tattoo many namun
nila relations and people nga
bala nga hip literate underst normal
daw ka okay in arts. and lang
okay lang not many tattoo kame ya
man ga wala na people as they japon te
hatag sha ga understa conclud damo
man matter nd tattoo ed that lang
kmi as they people kami ya
respeto conclude who kurit ya
sa iban d that have eh.
daw people tattoo
para sa who came C2 -
akon have from wala
daw ka tattoo jail or were just
good came an normal
model from jail addict. people
na lang or an lang
pra sa addict. japon it
ila doesnt
pakita matter if
lang you have
niya tattoo or
namun not its
nga like uh
normal amo man
lang sha
kame ya japon
japon te wala
damo man ga
lang matter
kami ya kung
kurit ya dapat
eh tattoan
ka gid or
anu.

C3 - for
us we
perceive

81
 ourself
as a
extraordi
nary
person,
an
artistic,
open
minded
and love
of arts

5. What Partici Particip Particip C1 - C1 - Struggle with Challenge

are the pant 1 - ant 2 - ant 1 - Baw Kami na conservatism s and
challen Baw Ah may una nga grabe lang ga with family, Experienc
ges and grabe ara kay challeng gid una- inchindi church and es
experie gid una- before es nga na una te sila friends
nces una ang enkwentr family lain
that family mom ni o namon te mana ila Social
you te haru is ang kabalo ging Acceptance
both kabalo wala na amon man dak.an -Family
encount man kabalo family. taya nang te, -Other people
er as a taya nga my nga gina mga old nang
tattooe mga old tattoo tago school swerte Challenges and
d school siya kag namon nga na lang Experiences
couple? nga its not amon mga namun
mga allowed tattoo ky parents sa iban
parents sa iya basi ma hindi nga tawo
hindi family sal-an gid na nga
gid na ky kame mag maka
mag bawal may sugot inchindi
sugot gid ky grupo nga nga
nga his dad nga bad may maski
may is very influence tattoo amu ni
tattoo strict nga nag mo edad ka
mo tapos if pa especial inchindi
especial ma influensy ly nga dira na
ly nga bal.an a samon my lang
my nga my kag basi kasal pa kami
kasal pa tattoo ma gid gakalipa
gid siya ang lainan kami y
kami iya sila. and kag
kag insuranc then mga christia C2-Ah
christia e palibot n nga may ara
n nga madula namon anu so kay

82
anu so one time usually ara before
ara naka mga kami sa ang mom
kami sa upload katigulan side nga ni haru
side nga ko gan medyo wala na
medyo picture makita budlaya kabalo
budlaya sa nila nga n kami nga my
n kami faceboo may mag tattoo
mag k nga tattoo introdu siya kag
introduc naga kame dw ce sang its not
e sang show lain ila tattoo allowed
tattoo tanan panulok sa iya
para sa niya nga samon C3 - family
amun tattoo nga dw una nga ky bawal
pamilya nga na diri- challen gid ky
pero na lagko an so ges nga his dad is
anu didto amo na na very
man ah nga time gna tago enkwen strict
na ok ging namon. tro tapos if
man na nerbyos ang na namon ma
chindih man ko experien is ang bal.an
an man ky bsi ce amon nga my
nila kag bala namon family. tattoo
amu na paminsa as a nga siya ang
eh kung ron ni couple gina iya
may mama tattoo is tago insuranc
tattoo ya ako kanami namon e madula
ka te ang bad nga both amon
normall influenc kame tattoo C3 -
y mga e kay may ky basi Same
tawo before tattoo ma sal- man
ma my like wala an kami
hambal tattoo saamon kame experien
ah sila siya problema may ce
ni wala pero nga may grupo
ni ya tago tattoo nga bad
chansa siya kame. kg influenc
ho daw sang may ara e
halin ni amu to man nga
sila ya daw ndi
guro kit.anun nami-an
nga gid te lg gn
halin ya sang na higko-an
nga kilala ko lg kunu
negative ni mama namon
daun ya sa amon
bala ara faceboo lawas. ka

83
 eh k my useless
parehos tattoo gd knu
man nako ya katama
lang ta te basi ang
tanan ga bala tattoo.
ubra paminsa ndi kuno
Partici ron ni kame ka
pant 2 - tita na ubra sa
Kami amu na abroad
na lang na bad ky my
ga influenc tattoo
inchindi e ko and etc.
te sila amu na Particip
lain daw ka ant 2 -
mana challeng Same
ila ging e siya man
dak.an pero kami
nang te, later on experien
nang daw nag ce
swerte sturyana
na lang y naman
namun sila ok
sa iban naman
nga ok na sa
tawo family
nga ya
maka
inchindi
nga
maski
amu ni
edad ka
inchindi
dira na
lang
kami
gakalipa
y.
6. How Partici Particip Particip C1 - - C2 - amu Deviant People Perceptio
do pant 1 - ant 1 - ant 1 - Ga na like sa n of
people Ga Umm for us smile mga Stereotyped Others:
react to smile for old some ka sila daw friends Deviant
you as a sila daw people inchindi ga ko ga Persons
tattooe ga maybe kg wonder, hambal
d wonder, its like nanami- kalaban sila nga
couple? kalaban they an sila ka an ga pareho

84
an ga always unique wonder gid kamu
wonder ask us daw. amu na damo
amu na why pero ga tattoo
ga would usually tulok, daw ka
tulok, you mga wala bakod ba
wala have react labot sa amu na
labot sa tattoo issang physica pero amu
physical disgusti iban l nga with or
nga ng but negative aspect without
aspect in the like guro ga tattoo
guro ga young nanugon tingala man
tingala generati an kag sila siguro ok
sila on like na diri- guro man lang
guro us its an nga kay sa
nga totally panuloka may mga
may fine liken nila dw amu na tigulang
amu na they see addict siya ya as we all
siya ya us kame sa nga say indi
nga couple drugs or pwede gid nila
pwede but were somethin man bet
man not g wala
wala aiming Particip C3 -
My ara to have ant 2 - C2 - una-una
man tattoo syempre Umm daw ka
indi for sa una- for old manol sa
man looking una daw people ila amon
tanan cool or ka manol maybe tattoo,
kalain what but sa ila its like daw the
my every amon they way they
positve tattoo tattoo, always look
man oy has a daw the ask us saamon
hala meaning way they why daw ka
kanami i guess, look would bakod.
amu its not saamon you daw pa
amu na. about daw ka have presko
how bakod. tattoo is galaw
people daw pa disgusti kay kami
react butpresko ng but duha
its how galaw in the may
we see kay kami young tattoo
ourself duha generati pero
may on like wala sila
Particip tattoo us its kabalo
ant 2 - pero totally may
kag amu wala sila fine meaning
na like kabalo ma para

85
sa mga may C3 - for saamon
friends meaning us some ang ink.
ko ga ma para ka Hindi
hambal saamon inchindi lang
sila nga ang ink. kg kami
pareho Hindi nanami- basta
gid lang an sila mag ink
kamu kami ka kung
damo basta unique wala mn
tattoo mag ink daw. pulos
daw ka kung pero bala aw.
bakod wala mn usually think
ba amu pulos mga before
na pero bala aw. react we ink
amu think sang mn kami
with or before iban duha.
without we ink negativ pero mag
tattoo mn kami e like dugay
man duha. nanugo may mga
siguro pero mag nan kag tao
ok man dugay na diri- gapangk
lang may mga an ot mn
kay sa tao panulok nga nag
mga gapangk an nila tattoo
tigulang ot mn dw kamo so
as we all nga nag addict dira
say indi tattoo kami ma
gid nila kamo so open up
bet dira saamon
kami ma nga side.
open up not all
saamon people
nga side. think
not all positive
people about sa
think tattoo,
positive there
about sa will
tattoo, always
there be
will negative
always comment
be s.
negative
comment
s. pero

86
gina
pabay.an
lang
namon
kay
amon ni
life kay
amon ni
desisyon

87