| Interested in joining Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon Tribe or Getting a Tattoo? |
TODAY! We are on the verge of gaining a renaissance to revive lost traditional tattoo arts of the ancient Filipinos.
TATAK NG APAT NA ALON (Mark of The Four Wave) is a tribe of today that is bringing light to the "PAST" the
Spaniards wanted us to forget! The contemporary tribe of today is dedicated in reviving tradition of the old and
watering it for future youths to see. All below these words are pictures of some of the members of the tribe and all
and all have search and dug up there past to make a story on their arm. Every lines, shapes, and symbols means
something. In today's age we need to step up to the plate and read literature about our past. To be proud of our
race we need to identify who we are first!
TATAK NG APAT NA ALON (Mark of The Four Wave) is a tribe of today that is bringing light to the "PAST" the
Spaniards wanted us to forget! The contemporary tribe of today is dedicated in reviving tradition of the old and
watering it for future youths to see. All below these words are pictures of some of the members of the tribe and all
and all have search and dug up there past to make a story on their arm. Every lines, shapes, and symbols means
something. In today's age we need to step up to the plate and read literature about our past. To be proud of our
race we need to identify who we are first!
Be PROUD of who we are the FILIPINO PEOPLE! Be proud of the culture we had
before the raping and pillaging of the Spaniards. They called our poetic beliefs
and beautiful cultures, paganistic and savage, we are but primitive barbarians to
them! Yet when they came under the flag of Catholicism they force the death of
most beliefs by forcing their religion to the people of the land that is more savage
and barbaric to say the least. It was a massacre of cultures in the many islands of
the Philippines. That is why we need to wake up together as a people and be
aware of the cultures that is well disappearing amongst our midst. Our ancestors
fought too many battles for Filipinos of today to be proud of who they are and
what their individual island culture is all about, from all that greatness what do we
have to show in return? LOOK at what is happening to the Philippines general
population culture, it is almost assimilated to the general culture of the western
world. That is too SHAMEFUL to our ancestors that drew blood for what they
believed in.
When people ask what is a Filipino? What will Filipino’s say? We do not want our
grand children to look at us in the eyes, wondering who they are as Filipinos?
That is why we are digging up the death of most beliefs and breathing life with a
proud perspective of what it really is to us as a people - the definition of who we
before the raping and pillaging of the Spaniards. They called our poetic beliefs
and beautiful cultures, paganistic and savage, we are but primitive barbarians to
them! Yet when they came under the flag of Catholicism they force the death of
most beliefs by forcing their religion to the people of the land that is more savage
and barbaric to say the least. It was a massacre of cultures in the many islands of
the Philippines. That is why we need to wake up together as a people and be
aware of the cultures that is well disappearing amongst our midst. Our ancestors
fought too many battles for Filipinos of today to be proud of who they are and
what their individual island culture is all about, from all that greatness what do we
have to show in return? LOOK at what is happening to the Philippines general
population culture, it is almost assimilated to the general culture of the western
world. That is too SHAMEFUL to our ancestors that drew blood for what they
believed in.
When people ask what is a Filipino? What will Filipino’s say? We do not want our
grand children to look at us in the eyes, wondering who they are as Filipinos?
That is why we are digging up the death of most beliefs and breathing life with a
proud perspective of what it really is to us as a people - the definition of who we
are before the assimilation of foreign religion. It will give the real mirror image of our identity. So from the revival of
tattoos it will only be the beginning of unfolding what covered Philippines eyes for centuries. Having a tattoo is not
wrong because it is not wrong to be yourself; it is your culture, and your belief as a Filipino.
That is why the Tribe is dedicated in reviving traditional tattoo arts of the Philippine Islands. From the Big Island of
LUZON's proud Igorot tattoo traditions, to the VISAYAN islands the Spaniards spoke of as, "La Isla De Los
Pintados" (Island of the Painted Ones) because the people called "Pintados" were literally tattooed from head to
toe. And on MINDANAO island the traditional patterns found on their textiles gives a glimpse to the regions native
tribes myths, folklores and legends that were used as the subject of their past tattoo traditions. All through out the
Philippines our people were blessed with these beautiful adornments, it gave us distinct definition to who we are as
an island people.
Remember! A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. All
the ancients, "our ancestors," are of course the roots on the tree of life, which is our culture. As one nation, the
great revolutions and battles that the Philippines have been through, is the large strong tree trunk standing proud
always! All the branches tell the story of our grandparents, and the leaves are our parents. All from the bottom, on to
the top each support one another to reach for the warmth of the sun. To reach for the skies, to see the light of day
NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!
However, today in Filipino communities many parents fall into that category of a withering leaf that falls off the tree
of culture. They simply just withered away for not teaching the youth about how beautiful it is to be a Filipino and
having such a diverse culture as ours. Today it is our responsibility to research for ourselves and learn to seek
answers about our roots, the trunk of the tree, its branches, and its leaves. After all, we are the fruit it bared and
within that fruit, is the passion of learning about our heritage, THE SEED! Because the seed is needed to make that
new tree. The new tree healthy and filled with consciousness. So brightly opened in seeing the true identity of our
race. The FILIPINOS, The Mark of The Four Waves! So to everyone out there water the seedlings inside and watch
our pride grow as we bridge the gap between our ancestors from roots to trunk, branches, leaves, and of course
the future, the seeds.
tattoos it will only be the beginning of unfolding what covered Philippines eyes for centuries. Having a tattoo is not
wrong because it is not wrong to be yourself; it is your culture, and your belief as a Filipino.
That is why the Tribe is dedicated in reviving traditional tattoo arts of the Philippine Islands. From the Big Island of
LUZON's proud Igorot tattoo traditions, to the VISAYAN islands the Spaniards spoke of as, "La Isla De Los
Pintados" (Island of the Painted Ones) because the people called "Pintados" were literally tattooed from head to
toe. And on MINDANAO island the traditional patterns found on their textiles gives a glimpse to the regions native
tribes myths, folklores and legends that were used as the subject of their past tattoo traditions. All through out the
Philippines our people were blessed with these beautiful adornments, it gave us distinct definition to who we are as
an island people.
Remember! A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. All
the ancients, "our ancestors," are of course the roots on the tree of life, which is our culture. As one nation, the
great revolutions and battles that the Philippines have been through, is the large strong tree trunk standing proud
always! All the branches tell the story of our grandparents, and the leaves are our parents. All from the bottom, on to
the top each support one another to reach for the warmth of the sun. To reach for the skies, to see the light of day
NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!
However, today in Filipino communities many parents fall into that category of a withering leaf that falls off the tree
of culture. They simply just withered away for not teaching the youth about how beautiful it is to be a Filipino and
having such a diverse culture as ours. Today it is our responsibility to research for ourselves and learn to seek
answers about our roots, the trunk of the tree, its branches, and its leaves. After all, we are the fruit it bared and
within that fruit, is the passion of learning about our heritage, THE SEED! Because the seed is needed to make that
new tree. The new tree healthy and filled with consciousness. So brightly opened in seeing the true identity of our
race. The FILIPINOS, The Mark of The Four Waves! So to everyone out there water the seedlings inside and watch
our pride grow as we bridge the gap between our ancestors from roots to trunk, branches, leaves, and of course
the future, the seeds.
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| DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF E-MAILS THAT WE RECEIVE WE ASK THAT YOU READ ALL THE PAGES OF THIS SITE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE. |
| ----- HOW TO GO ABOUT IN GETTING A CUSTOM TATTOO DESIGN FROM US?? * First off please answer the posted questionnaire, it will of course start you in the research of your background. Make sure that you take the time in researching the answers to these 17 questions because the more thorough and detailed it is the better it is to determine what patterns you deserve and what will tell of your family storyline. Remember these tattoos will be forever be embedded on your skin so please take the time in answering the questionnaire. * When you are done with the questionnaire that's when you contact this email: apat_na_alon@hotmail.com from there make sure to explain who you are and how you found out about the tribe. Also please mention why you want to get a tattoo and where you are from in the states. A little history is all we ask so we know ahead of time who you are and how sincere you are. * Once you turn in your questionnaire via email to: apat_na_alon@hotmail.com In addition, please include your phone number so that we will be able to give you the rate on how much the designing fee will be. The designing fee depends on how big the piece is. Now when we give you the fee price and you are ready to pay please send the payment via western union. From the time you pay that same week we the tribe will start on the designing. The process will take 4-5 weeks to finish. But it really depends on the size of the tattoo. After the 3rd week we will contact you to meet for a rough draft drawing on your skin. From there we can schedule a tattoo appointment for the 4th or 5th week. * Also if we, the tribe, agree in doing your design, you will be referred to one of the tattooist the tribe works with and trusts. After all, these are very sacred patterns so we are careful to who it goes to. Back in the day, we use to accept peoples request in going through their own tattoo artist, but through the years of doing that, there were consequences. The first situation happened with 3 different people, it started by the tribe seeing other Filipinos who were tattooed with Filipino tattoos but with out meaning behind them, like the patterns did not amount to a certain story, it looked like it was just put together in random, not defined so well. So of course we ask the people where it is coming from, it ended up as the 3 people that went through us to get their personal storyline translated to a tattoo design. What they did was use the same patterns over and over again in different arrangements on friends and others. That is why it did not make sense when we try to read it, it wasn't too defined because it didn't have a start or a finish. Another situation was with other tattooists who wanted to sell these sacred patterns for tattoo flashes knowing ahead of time that patterns that were assigned to an individual tells that individual's story not others, so for the TATTOOIST to attempt making FLASHES with his individual storyline of patterns then he is selling his history to everyone and anyone, just for selfish financial gain. So that is why we say "NO EXCEPTION" to the rule, if you want to work with us you will have to work with our tattooists. Please BE PATIENT when turning in questionnaires or waiting for us to answer your questions. Because as mentioned up on top we deal with plenty of e-mails from Filipino communities around the world. So please do be patient! It is worth the wait. These kinds of tattoos are not fashion statements where it is a rush to rock because the trend might end at the drop of a dime. This is roots and culture, our identity, and heritage and should be taken the time to marinate. It's a spiritual journey, so take that respect. BE PATIENT! |
** If you are just interested in getting a tattoo, please fill out the questions below and proceed with the directions
above on how to send the information. **
above on how to send the information. **
| [click here for a list of several animals from the Philippines. *for those unfamiliar with an animal that resembles their characteristics] [click her or below to enlarge] |
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It has come to our attention that many people would like to have tattoos and therefore would like to get one but are
not willing to pay for the price of the consultation fee and the research put into the Filipino designs. In our
perspective, the price given is equally fair for our Filipino brothers and sisters - not all are rich but most would agree
that it is the price they pay in order to have their storyline and ancestry tattooed onto their skin.
We are not about money, and therefore do not charge ridiculous amounts of money. We charge only by the size and
where the tattoos are located. Our profits received from the consultation/designing fee go directly to the tribe’s
mission, from the purchasing of antique historical books, to funding field research and exhibitions - all of which are
neither free nor cheap for that matter.
Most would presume that books would not cost so much. However, if you try researching and finding books on
Filipino Tattoos, you’ll find that it is a rarity to actually find the information and if by chance you do find them, these
books do not come cheap. Their prices can range into the hundreds all the way to the thousands. It is our goal to
obtain these books to understand the many tattoos that have been lost so long ago. Furthermore, our goal is to
build a library that would hold the collected information about tattoos for all Filipinos, so we as a community can all
be able to research the information.
FILIPINO TRIBAL TATTOO designs were never available to the public until the elders of this organization stepped
up to the plate for everyone to witness the beautiful and rich tattoo history of the Philippines on their skin. We have
worked hard to study these tattoo patterns, we have spent our own money in order to obtain the expensive antique
books just to have information on Filipino tattoos, as well as, using our own money to fund exhibits throughout the
states for Filipino communities to appreciate. So for Filipinos who are interested in the tribal tattoos, please realize
that it is made easier for you to get your tattoo by answering just a few questions that will determine the patterns
that you will receive, which will tell your family storyline according to your answers. This is a great way to celebrate
our ancestors.
So if you think the designs are expensive, try researching this information yourself, buy the books that leads to
your ancestry then find out if they have adornment practices like tattooing. I bet the amount we offer in order to
design the tattoos compared to the time and effort you put into the research, plus the many books you have to read
and buy, the amount we give you will look especially cheap and you’ll realize that what we offer is quite a deal.
not willing to pay for the price of the consultation fee and the research put into the Filipino designs. In our
perspective, the price given is equally fair for our Filipino brothers and sisters - not all are rich but most would agree
that it is the price they pay in order to have their storyline and ancestry tattooed onto their skin.
We are not about money, and therefore do not charge ridiculous amounts of money. We charge only by the size and
where the tattoos are located. Our profits received from the consultation/designing fee go directly to the tribe’s
mission, from the purchasing of antique historical books, to funding field research and exhibitions - all of which are
neither free nor cheap for that matter.
Most would presume that books would not cost so much. However, if you try researching and finding books on
Filipino Tattoos, you’ll find that it is a rarity to actually find the information and if by chance you do find them, these
books do not come cheap. Their prices can range into the hundreds all the way to the thousands. It is our goal to
obtain these books to understand the many tattoos that have been lost so long ago. Furthermore, our goal is to
build a library that would hold the collected information about tattoos for all Filipinos, so we as a community can all
be able to research the information.
FILIPINO TRIBAL TATTOO designs were never available to the public until the elders of this organization stepped
up to the plate for everyone to witness the beautiful and rich tattoo history of the Philippines on their skin. We have
worked hard to study these tattoo patterns, we have spent our own money in order to obtain the expensive antique
books just to have information on Filipino tattoos, as well as, using our own money to fund exhibits throughout the
states for Filipino communities to appreciate. So for Filipinos who are interested in the tribal tattoos, please realize
that it is made easier for you to get your tattoo by answering just a few questions that will determine the patterns
that you will receive, which will tell your family storyline according to your answers. This is a great way to celebrate
our ancestors.
So if you think the designs are expensive, try researching this information yourself, buy the books that leads to
your ancestry then find out if they have adornment practices like tattooing. I bet the amount we offer in order to
design the tattoos compared to the time and effort you put into the research, plus the many books you have to read
and buy, the amount we give you will look especially cheap and you’ll realize that what we offer is quite a deal.
Also we have noticed that people have been asking WHY DO THE TRIBE CHARGE SEPARATE FOR THE
DESIGNING AND TATTOOING?
We charge separately because the majority of people prefer to get tattooed with a machine not the old fashion way
of tapping it in. We, the tribe, practice the traditional way of applying the tattoo; it is more sacred and connects the
person applying the tattoo and the person getting the tattoo to the ancestor’s spirit world.
DESIGNING AND TATTOOING?
We charge separately because the majority of people prefer to get tattooed with a machine not the old fashion way
of tapping it in. We, the tribe, practice the traditional way of applying the tattoo; it is more sacred and connects the
person applying the tattoo and the person getting the tattoo to the ancestor’s spirit world.
An elder from back in the cordillera mountains told us that if we practice this old fashioned
way of tattooing, it has to be on someone who we believe really earned it, and we the tribe
have to give it a proper ceremony and ritual, otherwise we will make it an empty vessel,
hallow and without meaning once it is practiced everyday to any ol' Filipinos that wants it.
So from the very get, we give our Filipino brothers and sisters a choice and tell them about
the situation in hand. Plenty understand, that is why most rather choose the machine
instead of the traditional way because they too give respect to the elders' advice about, not
practicing something so sacred unless the person we are tattooing achieved something
worth the cause of the session.
That is why the traditional way of tattooing is practiced more on the members than Filipinos
outside of the tribe, because as a tribe member they go through title and color rank system
like back in the day. So as they move up in the title & color rank system they are decorated
with tattoos and we are properly practicing tapping the tattoo on that individual who really
way of tattooing, it has to be on someone who we believe really earned it, and we the tribe
have to give it a proper ceremony and ritual, otherwise we will make it an empty vessel,
hallow and without meaning once it is practiced everyday to any ol' Filipinos that wants it.
So from the very get, we give our Filipino brothers and sisters a choice and tell them about
the situation in hand. Plenty understand, that is why most rather choose the machine
instead of the traditional way because they too give respect to the elders' advice about, not
practicing something so sacred unless the person we are tattooing achieved something
worth the cause of the session.
That is why the traditional way of tattooing is practiced more on the members than Filipinos
outside of the tribe, because as a tribe member they go through title and color rank system
like back in the day. So as they move up in the title & color rank system they are decorated
with tattoos and we are properly practicing tapping the tattoo on that individual who really
achieved something, going and respectfully by tradition and following the words of the LAKAYS (elders) mana.
That is why the tribe works the majority of the time with trusted TATTOOIST that work very good with machines
because many Filipinos do not want to commit in joining the tribe and go through all the trials. It does not make
them bad or different from us because we can understand that they cannot commit to joining so they can't be
decorated the way of the old. It does not make their tribals lesser just because they are tattooed by machines they
are very anxious for the cause and the movement and we can respect that as they are bridging that gap by getting
their heritage on their skin, we encourage it. And since the tribe did the research and designing for that individual
interested, he or she is of course charged for the consultation/designing separate from the tattooing charge.
That is why the tribe works the majority of the time with trusted TATTOOIST that work very good with machines
because many Filipinos do not want to commit in joining the tribe and go through all the trials. It does not make
them bad or different from us because we can understand that they cannot commit to joining so they can't be
decorated the way of the old. It does not make their tribals lesser just because they are tattooed by machines they
are very anxious for the cause and the movement and we can respect that as they are bridging that gap by getting
their heritage on their skin, we encourage it. And since the tribe did the research and designing for that individual
interested, he or she is of course charged for the consultation/designing separate from the tattooing charge.
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| We ask that you do not copy the patterns of the tattoos given here as well as the tattoos from our other pages. These tattoos have actual meanings that are specifically made for the person wearing them. Each pattern and design depict their own personal stories of their lives and ancestry, NOT YOURS!!! "Research your own roots and water your own tree." © 1998-2011 TATAK NG APAT NA ALON TRIBE. All Rights Reserved. |
| --- TRIBE MEMBERS TATOOING THE TRADITIONAL WAY --- |
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| [LEFT] Tribe member, Jason Tauti, Amang-RED. [RIGHT] It is obvious this is a person who copied one of the tribe members' chest tattoos - his tattoo motif and his storyline. |
| APOLOGIES FOR THE LACK OF UPDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING YEARS. AS YOU NOTICE BELOW WHEN WE UPDATE THE TRIBE MEMBERS' PAGE WITH GALLERIES OF PICTURES AND TATTOOS OF CLIENTS WE NOTICE MANY, WHO TEND TO TAKE THE SHORTCUT OF RESEARCHING THEIR OWN ROOTS, FROM FILIPINOS TO DIFFERENT ETHNIC DIVERSITIES THEY TEND TO COPY THESE SACRED TATTOO MOTIFS THAT ARE RESEARCHED ONLY FOR THAT CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL THAT CAME TO US. WHEN THEY ARE POSTED ON OUR SITE THEY ARE COPIED LIKE A TATTOO FLASH. SO IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THESE TATTOOS SACRED IS TO KEEP OUR GALLERY LIMITED AND UPDATE ONCE IN A WHILE. SO CHECK BACK FOR RECENT UPDATES AS WE WILL BE UPDATING EVENTS AS THEY DEVELOP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN OUR ENDEAVORS IN REVIVING FILIPINO TATTOO TRADITIONS. MARAMING SALAMAT! |
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