Yesterday was a very special day for me, i received my first batok/tatak. Tatak translates “to mark” and it’s a precolonial filipino hand tapped tattoo practice. These traditions were lost when we were colonized. Now we are revitalizing our culture and reclaiming it. Traditionally the recipient does not choose the design, it is given. Every line tells a story, these markings tell our family ancestry and our stories. I am thinking of all my loved ones who have passed and my ancestors watching over me. What they’re thinking and feeling. No one can take away our culture and our history, i am so proud to be here. When our loved ones pass, we carry a piece of their light with us wherever we go and continue to share it with others. My markings represent my loved ones who came before me and the strength they continue to give me. I felt my ancestors with me as we honored the old ways. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude, maraming salamat @tatakbyayla for keeping our culture alive 🇵🇭♥️ #aapi #filipino #tatak #batok #kalinga #tattoo #traditionaltattoo #traditionaltattoos #filipinoculture #luzon #handtapping #philippines #culture #shareculture #knowculture #visayas #tribaltattoo #tribal #explorepage #armtattoo #tapping #handtapping