Since ancient times, tattoos have existed as part of the culture of different civilizations around the world, including ancient Egypt.
Even our ancestors here in the Philippines had tattoos during their time and were dubbed as “Los Pintados” (The Painted Ones) by the Spaniards because they mistook the tattoos for paint.
In modern times, tattoos became a popular part of the rock and roll lifestyle. Rockstars and fans often don tattoos that had dark themes and it became a symbol of toughness and manliness.
For the longest time, tattoos have also been associated with criminals. This old notion likely traces its roots to the time when Romans marked felons and slaves with tattoos.
Over time, tattoos slowly evolved from mere symbols of masculinity to a pure expression of one's self. And in a way, it went back to its roots, to what tattoos really were back in ancient times: a form of art and self-expression.
Gone are the days when tattoos were deemed as sheer symbols of toughness and manliness.
Today, women and other people from different walks of life can get tattoos and not worry about being judged for it, at least in most parts of the world.
Even those in careers that previously restricted tattoos because they were considered unsightly or improper are now free to rock one, such as models, receptionists, teachers, healthcare professionals, police officers and law enforcers, bankers, flight attendants, and hotel and restaurant staff.
And just like fashion, there are also tattoo trends that people become popular such as minimalist tattoos.
But ultimately, getting tatted is not about following trends. Trends come and go after all, and a tattoo can be a lifetime commitment.
Getting inked should always be about expressing one's individuality and celebrating the pains and joys of life through tattoos.
Check out some of the awesome tattoos of Filipino male celebrities in the gallery below.
'Lolong' star Ruru Madrid has a huge Hebrew script tattoo on his left rib.
Ruru Madrid also has two other smaller tattoos on his right arm.
Ruru Madrid has also got a rose and some symbols tattooed on his hips.
Ruru Madrid also got a G clef inked on his right wrist.
In his 2013 interview with Cosmo magazine, Dennis Trillo said his favorite tattoo of all is his enormous tattoo of Jesus with a bleeding heart, inked on his left rib.
Dennis Trillo also has a tattoo of his initials on his right ankle.
Kapuso hunk actor Derek Ramsay has a number of tattoos on his body, including the small tattoo on his trapezius.
Derek Ramsay has a phrase tattooed on his back which translates to “What can't kill me makes me stronger.” It also has elements of the sun in the Philippine flag and the cross in the English flag to symbolize his being half-Pinoy and half-British. Plus, he has some big symbols inked on his lower back too.
If you look closely, you'll see the cross tattooed behind Derek Ramsay's right ear.
Derek Ramsay also has a tattoo on his left hip.
'Las Hermanas' actor Lucho Ayala has symbols tattooed on his left trapezius.
Lucho Ayala also has a minimalist crown tattoo on his left chest.
Nothing screams animal-lover louder than a tattoo of one's beloved fur baby, and Lucho Ayala has a tattoo of three dogs barking.
Lucho Ayala has another minimalist tattoo of what looks like a diamond or square on his right arm.
Praying is such a big part of 'Prima Donnas' star Wendell Ramos life. In fact, he has a tattoo of praying hands on his right arm.
Wendell Ramos has a tattoo on his left arm that looks like the Filipino ancient alphabet, Baybayin.
'To Have and to Hold' star Rocco Nacino has a tattoo on his right chest which is the name of his late grandmother, Nieves Nacino, written in Nchan.
Basketball player Kobe Paras's legs are both covered in tattoos.
Kobe Paras's left arm appears to have a full sleeve tattoo.
Singer and TV host Billy Crawford has full sleeve tattoos on both arms.
The OG “Bad Boy ng Dance Floor” Mark Herras has a number of tattoos on his body.
Mark Herras has tattoos on both wrists.
Mark Herras also has an infinity symbol inked on his left arm.
Both of Mark Herras's arms also have huge tattoos on them.
Mark Herras, whose complete name is Mark Angelo Santos Herras, has a tattoo of his mom's surname on his left shoulder.
'Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat' actor Kristoffer Martin has tattoos on his left rib and left arm.
Kristoffer Martin also has a tattoo on his right clavicle and right hip.
Kristoffer Martin also has a number inked on his left arm.
Precious is the name of Kristoffer Martin's daughter and he has a tattoo of it on his left wrist.
Jon Lucas also has tattoos of a lion and a mother and child on his arms.
Jon Lucas has a crown tattoo on his left hand and smaller tattoos on his right hand.
Jon Lucas has a tattoo of the Bible verse Roma 16:16, which is a tribute to the religious group he belongs to, the Iglesia ni Cristo.