So… you’ve been thinking it over for weeks now and you’ve decided you’re finally going to take the plunge… Plunge into the world of the human canvases… Was always curious bout peeps with tats. There was a time when tattooed peeps where stereotyped into being labeled Bilibid Boy, Jailbirds, etc… Not a good flock to belong to in those days…. But now, in the 21st century, where the primitive minds are the minority we have come to see the other perspective of Tattoo in general. Tattoo now is HOT!

While scouting for a good Tattoo Studio (from Malate to Boracay), we stumbled upon a little Tattoo Studio in Market Market at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. The shop was conveniently located on the 5th floor right beside the escalator (now at the 2nd level and a much bigger studio).

BertMark’s owned and operated by Melbert Habaluyan greeted us immediately and got into my interview mode and asked hundreds of questions which he could’ve charged.

First, and most importantly, think about what you want, Melbert told me. What do you want your new tattoo to say about you? Do you want it to say anything at all? Where do you want it? Why do you want it? There is an endless supply of ideas out there, just waiting for you to go find them before you finally take the plunge.

I also did scrutinize all the equipments that they were using and was shown their license and membership with the Tattoo Artist Association of the Philippines. Melbert being a very friendly person helped in his salesmanship.

So after talking for more than an hour I said bye bye and told Melbert that I will be thinking really hard bout it. Two days after, I was back and as they say, the rest is history.

VP: What gave you the inspiration to start a Tattoo shop?

MH: I really have the passion for art. Tattoo is the medium where I could express my art.

VP: How do you interpret this kind of business, some people think of it as a window to sickness and disease?

MH: You really have to be safe and at least know a little background of the artist. I see this as plain art. “Pero just like any kind of art, not everyone will appreciate it.

VP: What a brave move to place your shop in Market Market?

MH: Yes, it was. And it was a big risk for me. But sales went up, and it gave consumers a new outlook on tattoos. It’s normal thing now.