Marianas Ink is revitalizing the art of tattooing

The idea to set up a tattoo shop all began when Eugene Wong returned to the islands for a fresh start.

“When I moved back and began working at Toyota, I met Marcus Taisacan and we starting talking about tattoos and we both realized our passion for tattoos,” and that’s when it clicked, he said.

Wong, who used to operate the Ace Pool Bar, decided to transform his old pool hall into a tattoo parlor.

“I had the old pool hall which was not being used and didn’t know what to do with it. I didn’t want to get into the bar business again…and I asked Marcus if he wanted to open a shop and the idea hung onto him and he thought about it for awhile and eventually I took out a loan,” and that’s when the two decided to transform their passion for the art of tattoo into a reality, he said.

The CNMI’s only tattoo shop opened in April this year on the second floor of its Garapan location at the former Ace Pool bar.

Citing the misconception that tattoos can be done by anyone or that it’s easy, “some think that all tattoos are prison style or backyard tattooing but we’re all health-certified and skilled,” he said.

“There was only one shop for a long time that laid down the culture of tattoo, but now we have a new generation and we’re doing our best to change the perception of tattooing. All our artists are born and raised here, have a lot of history here and this is a skilled craft, backed by many years of passion, practice and refining,” Wong said.

Megavision used to be the primary shop for enthusiasts to get inked professionally but it closed shop and moved to Guam in July.

Being the only locally owned tattoo shop on the island, Wong said they will regularly feature guest artists from Guam. For the holidays, the shop will also be offering Christmas specials on regional seals for those looking to represent their islands such as the Philippines, Guam, Yap, the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, the CNMI, Kosrae, Palau, and Chuuk starting at $200.

Those who want to get inked must be 18 and sign a waiver committing to tattoo aftercare.

For Polynesian, custom fonts, custom designs or cover-ups, contact Chris Sablan at 783-0809 or Marcus Taisacan at 989-9393.

For services that include Oriental art and color fill-ins, contact Rods Hernandez at 788-2584 or follow the artists on Facebook and Instagram. The shop is open from 12pm to 8pm, Monday to Saturday with Sundays by appointment only. It is located on Beach Road, the second floor above Canton Restaurant.