Lifestyle

Plastic waste is a growing concern in the Philippines, which is the third biggest contributor of unmanaged plastic in the ocean. The report found that on average, Filipinos release 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste into the ocean every year, with 560,000 metric tons of plastic waste coming from Metro Manila alone.

by Robbie Pangilinan

Eighteen years ago, he had no idea how to tattoo. Today, he inks celebrities and famous personalities and owns his own tattoo studio.

“I was even confused how tattooing works. When my friend taught me how to do henna tattoo, I started to get interested,” says Ryan Dante F. Dayandante, founder and owner of Bloodlines Tattoo Studio in Marikina City. Established in 2004, Bloodlines has welcomes popular people yearning to get inked.

Armed with the conviction that tattoos are part of the Filipino culture, 38-year-old Ryan recalls that his very first tattoo design was tribal. He then studied the macabre design as well as oriental, but says that in his 18 years of experience in the industry, he learned that you can never claim to be an expert of a particular design.

“Every tattoo is different, unique. As an artist, I need to study all the different cultures and designs, and I don’t want to stick to one or a few designs only,” adds Ryan.

The humble artist (he says that humility is necessary to become a good tattoo artist) says he still feels empty and he is always hungry to learn more.

“I think I need to improve in all aspects of how a real tattoo artist works, becouse until now I feel empty, I wanna know more,” he says, adding that he finds all designs challenging because every client has a different type of skin and personality.

“That is primarily my work. To know the skin of the client, and to know which suits him/her best. The design is secondary,” says Ryan who is always in the process of studying new designs in search for his dream tattoo.

More than just a TV host, King of Talk Boy Abunda also proves he is a loving Filipino son as he divulges his early life in Samar, his precious time with parents, as well as his aspirations for the Philippines in the book Nanay’s Gay Boy by ABS-CBN Books.

Boy recalls his early life as a young child residing in Borongan, Eastern Samar, where he merrily participated in fiestas, went caroling during Christmas, and waited for his Tatay to finish his “bulangan” (sabong). A happy kid loved by both his parents, the author has always been driven and outspoken as he entered various declamation contests. His Nanay would always be excited to pin ribbons on his shirt every school year.

The now renowned talk show host shared that he was bullied by “normal boys” during the days.
“I fought back by facing the bullies head-on or I’d run away fast. Running was my weapon. It was not perfect, but it was a wonderful childhood,” he shared.

The multi-awarded television personality, who is celebrating his silver anniversary as a host this year, also disclosed inspiring rhetoric on “Why can’t we have a gay president?” in this latest read.

More than just a TV host, King of Talk Boy Abunda also proves he is a loving Filipino son as he divulges his early life in Samar, his precious time with parents, as well as his aspirations for the Philippines in the book Nanay’s Gay Boy by ABS-CBN Books.

Boy recalls his early life as a young child residing in Borongan, Eastern Samar, where he merrily participated in fiestas, went caroling during Christmas, and waited for his Tatay to finish his “bulangan” (sabong). A happy kid loved by both his parents, the author has always been driven and outspoken as he entered various declamation contests. His Nanay would always be excited to pin ribbons on his shirt every school year.

The now renowned talk show host shared that he was bullied by “normal boys” during the days.
“I fought back by facing the bullies head-on or I’d run away fast. Running was my weapon. It was not perfect, but it was a wonderful childhood,” he shared.

The multi-awarded television personality, who is celebrating his silver anniversary as a host this year, also disclosed inspiring rhetoric on “Why can’t we have a gay president?” in this latest read.

“If gays were accepted long ago, the world would be a better, kinder place,” he said.
In the book, Boy discussed how being gay is not an ailment. He referred to it as a power that should be embraced. With new generations being more open-minded, he also believes that the Philippines will be ready for their first gay president very soon.

When asked if he was willing to run for the post, he simply replied, “No. I would much rather work for the first gay president.”

Nanay’s Gay Boy is available in National Book Store and Powerbooks branches for only P395.

Everyone is looking for ways to beat the sweltering heat this summer, and indulging in Pinoys’ favorite dessert, the famous halo-halo, is one of the easiest and best ways to cool off.  

Kuya J’s halo-halo tops the list of many diners. 

SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines (AP) — Several Roman Catholic devotees were nailed to wooden crosses in a gory Good Friday ritual in the Philippines, and others flogged themselves or took part in religious plays to reenact Jesus Christ’s suffering.

by Robbie Pangilinan

Eighteen years ago, he had no idea how to tattoo. Today, he inks celebrities and famous personalities and owns his own tattoo studio.