Happy #philippinesindependenceday 🇵🇭☺️ Reposted from @cbcvancouver Two ancient styles of Filipino writing and artwork are surging in popularity among younger Filipinos, thanks to the work of two local tattoo artists. In Richmond, Romeo Reyes tattoos custom baybayin scripts. It was a style of writing and calligraphy used in the Philippines before Spanish colonization. This design (first photo), done for his personal trainer Jayson Morales, roughly translates to "grace" in English. Reyes says his art is part of reclaiming his Filipino identity. "I know most parents, like of their generation, they're kind of against tattoos or they see it as like a criminal thing," Reyes said. "But basically since the beginning, all Filipinos were tattooed." Those tattoos were once tribal markings, traditionally done in a style called batok. In Vancouver, tattoo artist Mayo Landicho (third photo) is one of the few people in the world still practicing batok: an ancient style of tribal tattooing done by tapping ink into a person's skin using a needle and two sticks. The design and markings are chosen by the batok practitioner for the client. The designs can vary based on the region of the Philippines that the client's family hails from, as well as any life achievements they may have received. This design (fifth photo), done for Jen Angelucci, a Filipino Canadian from Vancouver, showcases the flora and fauna of the region in the Philippines her mother hails from. "I got it so that I could connect to my ancestors ... then Mayo gave me markings that originate in the province that my mom is from, so in Visayas," Angelucci said. The batok technique has only been passed down orally from practitioners for centuries. Landicho says he hopes to one day take on an apprentice. "That’s what my goal is ... to keep the tradition alive.” CBC is exploring perspectives in B.C.'s Filipino community this month. Use the hashtag #mabuhaybc if you have a story you think we should tell. Tap the link in bio for more. Photos and reporting by CBC's @gpsmendoza. #batok #baybayin #filipinotattoos #tattooartists #filipinoheritagemonth🇵🇭 #philippineindependenceday🇵🇭 https://www.instagram.com/p/CQCUVctM48i/?utm_medium=tumblr