Manila breaks tattoo stigma through 'Tintang Manileño'
The local government of Manila broke the stigma attached to body painting or tattoos by holding “Tintang Manileño” at the Kartilya ng Katipunan beside Manila City Hall on Thursday, February 29.

The activity was held during the conduct of the “Obrang Manileño, ang Obra ng Bayan,” where attendees were encouraged to practice their creativity through a wide range of medium.
According to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, the city government intends to inspire tattoo artists to showcase their craft and influence other organizations and cities to do the same.
She added that the day-long activity was also meant to remove the stigma that tattoos are bad, saying it is a form of art and that she herself has them.
Liga ng Mga Barangay President and Council Lei Lacuna said "In most of the regions in the country, tattoo is being stereotyped as persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) or people who use drugs (PWUDs) and associated with discrimination. Manila as a city, is rich in different culture cultivated throughout the years, and this is celebrated as a culture and in art form."
“The goal of Tintang Manileno is to share their own stories as a tattoo artist and how they learn from the experiences of thousands of people they meet and hear stories from," Councilor Lei added.
Among the other activities held were “LaraJuan” photography; “Guhit Pinta” paint artists; “Cine Kartilya” films; and “Sayawit,” song and dance.
The mayor was accompanied by Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Head Charlie Dungo and Councilor Lou Veloso.