our roots & our journey
Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon (Mark of the Four Waves) is a reference to the “waves” of immigrants that came to the Philippines. It's an international organization dedicated to reviving the traditional culture and tattoos of the Philippine Islands. Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon recognizes the influence that each wave had on shaping the culture of the islands. Our intention is to resurrect the positive, repair the negative and gracefully move into the future while keeping our roots firmly planted in the past.
In 1998, in the midst of the Polynesian tattoo resurgence, the first Amangs (Fathers) of the tribe went to Hawaii not knowing what was ahead. They felt the spirit of MANA (Sacred Energy) guide them in their journey - leading them to the right people at the right time.
The Amangs listened to stories from their Polynesian family, weaving the stores with the knowledge they gathered from their own research. They began to see the parallels in oral history and folklore of Polynesian and Philippines culture.
Hawaiian big brother, Roy, told the stories of his tattoos and encouraged tribe members to focus more on their own tattoos and how it correlated with their own lives and ancestors. Roy introduced the first Amangs to two Polynesians from Tahiti, Po'oino and Coco. It was captivating to see their bodies also covered with tattoos that represented their ancestors. They celebrated them without shame or worries about the disapproving judgments of todays society.
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It was admirable to witness the Polynesians dedication to revive their tattoo tradition and represent their ancestral ways of expression. The Polynesians resisted the oppression of the colonizers, and regained the wealth of their tattoo culture that was once extinct. This inspired the Amangs to look at their own ancestors' tattoo traditions, and further solidified their ambitions to revive the tradition of Filipino tattoos. Our Polynesian cousins helped plant the seed and fuel the creation and mission of this tribe.
In 1999, the first four datus, Elle Festin, Biggs, Lee-way and Eric Barrios stepped up and began to revive the tattoos of their ancestors. Biggs is wearing a burik inspired by the heavily tattooed Ibaloy mummies. Elle wears a bikking inspired by the Kalinga tribe. Lee-Way wears a piece inspired by the Bontoc Igorot style with motifs that were related to his family, Bontoc roots. Eric Barrios wears the traditional insignias of his Visayan ancestors.
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The years that followed were a whirlwind of paths crossing and intertwining. As each of the datus continued to get their roots tattooed on themselves, they encouraged others to do the same by 1) wearing their tattoos proudly; 2) exchanging knowledge of patterns/motifs and tattooing techniques with others; 3) educating Filipinos (and non-Filipinos) of the ancient tattooing traditions that were in danger of being fully erased and forgotten. The tribe collaborated with countless individuals and groups who shared the same vision -- to preserve and revive the ancient tradition of tattooing. They hosted galleries, attended lectures at universities, tattooed at conventions, and boothed at Filipino-centered events such as Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC ). This led to crossing paths with notable individuals including, but not limited to, Leo Zulueta, Petelo Suluape, Trishia Allen, Lars Krutak, Keone, Analyn Salvador Amores, Orly Locquiao.
In 2007, Elle and Zel Festin journeyed back to the motherland with Lars Krutak and his team to deepen their research of tattoos and attended the Tabuk City, Kalinga Province 2nd Annual Batok Festival. They met many elders who were fully tattooed - they were astounded and the beauty of their markings. Most notably they had the opportunity to meet Apo Whang Od, and Elle had the honor of being asked to exchange tattoos with Apo Whang Od shortly after they discussed their experiences and hopes for traditional tattooing in the future. ​
​In 2013, the tribe took another pilgrimage back to the Philippines, bringing along other tribe members to attend the Dutdutan tattoo convention, and revisit Buscalan. They had the opportunity to reunite with Apo Whang Od, along with her niece, Grace Palicas. Apat na Alon members exchanged stories of their tattoos with the elders in the village, and was rejuvenated and inspired to continue their work back in the States.
In 2012, Spiritual Journey Tattoo Shop & Gallery, the official tattoo shop for Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon, opened in Stanton, California. Since then, the tribe has continued to grow. Individuals and groups have passed through - as the tribe taught traditional tattooing practices to others, building knowledge and stories with with one another.
