The Long Road to Samar

Road to Samar

Airport

Once Landing in Tacloban , the smell of debris gets stronger, The Taxi drivers bombard you , all wanting to be your guide . (TIP, wear head phones and ignore them ..works great !)

As the people stare at you while walking down the stairs of the airplane onto the run way , guarded by airport security , you enter a room where you can pick up your luggage . (similar to landing in Hana , Maui ) but much more populated than Maui ..Keep the Country ,Country !

Into a Caravan and into town, where reading the news of the most recent Political Murder in town , the Mayor executed in the way of power .

Tacloban

After being harassed by the Hotel Counter person who wanted to charge us extra , we check in to our room , that looked more like a jail cell.  Note , the Hotel has better rooms , but this time we stayed in a much smaller room .The holding cell room .

This is the last stop to pick up what ever you are going to need , the rest of the way will have no stores, hotels , gas stations or pit stops .

Stocking up on 2 weeks worth of food and water , and shopping for any of those hard to beat deals , we hire a driver , Arnold who always drives us , to take the crew to the jungle .

Road to Samar

The trip should take about a hour or two  , depending on traffic . Its not long before your into deep jungle , and then over the San Juanico bridge , Guarded with the biggest guns of them all . M16s and Army Soldiers  heavily arm this San Francisco looking bridge in the middle Samar  .

After crossing the bridge more jungle and smell of smoke in the air .Then finally after over a hour we make a left , at first a smooth road then no more concrete , bumpy off road action  for about 30 minutes . Check out the video footage for yourself .

When we get to the village , after the hard rain , you hear cheering , walk out the front door and about 30 yards away is a chicken fighting ring and all the guys holding there chickens waiting to enter inside .

It is a Rain Forest with smoke always in the air . From the village to go any further down the road , you must ride a taxi bike , 4-5 people and children  on a bike is very normal , check the pictures .

Taking the off road motor bike to the end of the road you will find the Mayors town , a major school and small police station and a small post office , a few small basic food stores , very small only the bare essentials for survival  . The first gas station is being built on the road to town .The Mayor owns a nice little cozy bar and restaurant on the Ocean Waterfront on a walking pier . Offering Karaoke as well .

The Culture

The people here are very hard working Farmers and Fisherman , as tried to capture in many photographs , a festival is held every year to celebrate to hard work of there Community . Each Village has a captain with a few people under him in charge of maintaining peace with in . You will not find a police officer around unless you go to the Mayors town .

Things to Remember
Chicken Fighting is a very important part of  Culture ,with drinking and singing Karaoke . The smell of fire burning is thick and can be found in any part of the Philippines . Riding in the boats to get to other islands is a great memory . The Tobacco Leafs grown here are as strong as  Cuba’s , from the mountains and grown 100% organic with out needing any additives .

Being farmers of Rice , they have some of the best tasting Rice ever had a chance to eat . Not being a rice lover , it is a guarantee , and you would admit , this locally grown rice is the best flavor ever tried .. And they have many excellent strains , from brown, black and red rice all so good .

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

Custom Tattoo – Black Panther Tattoo / Jaguar Tattoo

What up from 434 Tattoo, your number one Honolulu Tattoo Shop!  Check out this custom design Famous Tattoo Artist Adam Siehr worked on for a client recently.

The kid had a dream that saw a Jaguar crawling up the back of his arm.  He is a spiritual dude and his teacher told him she saw a Black Panther so his idea was a Black Jaguar Tattoo.  The black (melanistic) coloring that occurs in big cats are what are known as Panthers, so you can actually have a Black Panther that is a Jaguar or a Black Panther that is a Leopard.

Anyway, Adam created this awesome Black Jaguar Tattoo or Black Panther Tattoo or you get the point!

Stop by today and check out our Waikiki Tattoo Parlor and get your Free Consultation and take that step into getting a custom tattoo design.

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

Tattoo 411 from 434 Tattoo

Tattoos are a form of body modification, a practice that has probably been around since Ugg hit Uggy over the head with a club.

Okay, bad joke aside, it’s safe to say that people have been finding ways to express themselves on their body for as long as there have been people.  Ink and whatnot must be in our blood, we even tattoo animals and carve trees!

In this day and age, body modification by getting a custom tattoo design has only increased in popularity.  Celebrities are often emulated around the world and in America it is no different.  Adam Siehr from our team has personally tattooed former heavyweight boxing kingpin, Mike Tyson, and Grammy Award winning Rapper T-Pain, who got ink done at 434 Tattoo studio in Honolulu.

People get tattooed for a variety of reasons and here’s what the pros at Wikipedia report as to the reason why:

“Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts.”

Many people just want to get a souvenir tattoo while for others it is something different, at times it means something more.  Regardless of the reasoning behind getting ink done, we will support you and help to make the experience an awesome one!

Stop by today to get your Free Consultation, we are ready to work on your custom tattoo outline today!

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

Visiting Hawaii and thinking about a Tattoo

Planing to Visit Hawaii

If you are planing to come to Hawaii and you have never been here before , let The 434 Hawaiian Tattoo Company describe how Culture is with in the Tattoo Community .

Perhaps you are from the Conservative World of Politics and Business , And in the line of work , Tattoos are just not excepted and allowed to be Shown to other coworkers , Well 434 Tattoo thinks that is a Conformist Brain washed idea that you must leave behind when visiting the beauty of Hawaii .

In Hawaii Culture , Tattoos are a way of life , everyone wears them , doctors , lawyers, police , and surfers .

If you plan to visit with a narrow minded attitude about the art form of Tattooing , Then Hawaii is not the place for you .

Now that we have opened your mind , its time to talk about the specialty of Polynesian Tattooing , originating from the islands , All Islands , not only Hawaii . Polynesian Tattooing has been around for a really long time and not until recently have Outsiders been getting these designs . Every Tribal Element has a deep meaning to its Culture of Hawaii and to The Local who can trace back his Family Heritage through design .

There are many Tattoo Artists who will refuse to put these designs on to a visitor , but it is something that can be given to a visitor who has a genuine reason for wanting to wear it for the rest of there life .

Many visitors from all over the World pass through 434 Tattoo, and the Studio is proud to display all the foreign currency it has received from there Loyal Foreign Client’s, Displayed above the front door , take a look next time passing through .

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

Just One More Reason To Go to 434 Tattoo for a Custom Tattoo

Just One More Reason To Go to 434 Tattoo for a Custom Tattoo

by Jason M.A. Walter (JMAW) for 434 Tattoo

While researching “A Story Told in Ink,” an article telling the story of World Famous Tattoo Artist Adam Siehr, something really interesting came up.  When I got my first lion tattoo done by Adam back in November, we talked alot about spiritual journeys and spiritual tattoos.  While we were doing the interview and I was getting another custom tattoo, this time of Black Panther/Jaguar, I asked Adam how he prepares for working on people.

“I like to spend about 15 minutes meditating before the day to focus on the clients that I have scheduled and their custom pieces.”

In my opinion, that right there is reason alone to go to 434 Tattoo Shop and why it’s the best tattoo shop on Oahu.  Mindfulness is needed to help fight the Zombie Apocalypse of mindlessness that runs rampant in our world.  The fact that Adam meditates is awesome for Hawaii Tattoos, the tattoo industry, and for our global island amidst the stars.

So let’s rewind, not only do you get a free consultation, you get amazing work by someone with 2 decades of experience, a team of tattoo artists that have tattooed celebrities such as T-Pain and Mike Tyson, and you also get mindfulness.

434 Tattoo For the Win!

Shoots.

JMAW

A Story Told in Ink Part Two

A Story Told in Ink:

Hawaii Tattoo Artist Adam Siehr Part Two

By: Jason M.A. Walter for Hawaii’s 434 Tattoo

“Guns were going off, I was 17, someone called the cops.” ~ World Famous Custom Tattoo Artist, Adam Siehr, Owner 434 Tattoo

Adam’s laughter is contagious.  The laughter, as I mentioned earlier, is that of a free spirit.  The buzz of the tattoo machine, his “paintbrush,” is hypnotic, it’s calming, it’s liberating, and I start to relax into the mood of the laughter myself.  Less than a year ago, I had no tattoos.  Since then, since my spiritual journey was undertaken fully, I started to get custom tattoo pieces done (six sessions in total) as a way to ritualize this experience of rebirth that I was going through, a way to make peace with all the Death in my life…

“There was this one time, at the first shop I was apprenticing for back in Milwaukee, where we finished up work and they asked me if I wanted to shoot a gun.”  The laughter takes me over now because I can see where Adam is going with this.  “Guns were going off, I was 17, someone called the cops.  My Mom had to come down and get me.”

I look in his eyes and I place why the spirit is free: here is a man who lives his life doing what he loves.  All the writing, this article, my completed book, that’s me following that guideline, that’s what this rebirth has been about, to rise above fear and live my life from a place of love.

I watch as Adam weaves the machine over the outline, a custom tattoo design that he put together based on an idea I had, a tattoo concept that I didn’t even have to give him a picture of.  The man is a professional, true artistic genius does not need to see, it just knows.

“I’ve been doing this for so long, you just start to get the idea of what things look like, how it flows.”  He says.  I’ve asked all my questions.  The pain of getting a tattoo is passing, it’s alluring to some, for me, it’s symbolic of the pain that I passed through in my rebirth.  I can’t think.

“You’re doing a good job, Bro.”  Adam says as if reading my mind.  And the light bulb flashes on with my next query: Describe the intimacy of putting a piece on someone.

“Oh he went there…” Andy Burley, another member of  the 434 Tattoo team of talented artists, jokes.  Andy is the only person to make it through an apprenticeship with Adam, a very prestigious accomplishment if you think about it.  Andy, a former pro fighter himself, has just a free vibe as Adam.  Forget the stigma, tattoo people are good people, the kind of people I want to be around, better character than many of the politicians I used to work for…

“There’s nothing more satisfying then seeing someone’s face after a session or talking to them later, and they are so happy with the work you’ve done for them.  That’s what it’s about.”  Adam replies.  “Tattoos are very meaningful for people and to me, nothing is better. It’s better than the money.”

Check out Part One of  A Story Told in Ink Here.

434 Tattoo Couture

What up from 434 Tattoo, your number one destination for a Hawaiian Custom Tattoo!

We love that you come in and get the your custom tattoo with us during your Hawaii vacation and rock our work on your skin.  We just wanted to let you know that we re-stocked our apparel in the shop so that you can rock 434 Tattoo around the world as well!  Our tees sell out like new-born puppies but you can also purchase them online as well.

You’ll also find the Tattoo Adam All Natural Ointment for your tattoo aftercare should you run out or want to use it for your next tattoo in the event that you aren’t getting your next tattoo from Adam, Andy, or Marko while on your Hawaii vacation.

Until we see you again, check back for more blogs, more fun, and features like 434 Tattoo on location (pt. 1 and 2)…

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

Tacloban Experience

No its not our first time Traveling to this place ……

After interviewing 2 of the best  tattoo studios in Angeles City, We pushed on with the journey Back into a taxi van up into Manila, jumping on a Airplane and heading down south, The 434 Tattoo crew lands at a pit stop in Tacloban .

Safer Shopping in the Philippines !

After wondering where are all the guys with shot guns, i read the local newspaper to find out the Mayor had been executed, murderedcold, suspending all permits to carry guns. We are quite disappointed after traveling so far to find no men with guns, only empty guns holsters can be seen .

Philippines army

There is a 1 million Peso reward for any info on the murder about , who killed the Mayor ? and authorities have no leads yet . Hoping we can bump into some Local Rebel Army Mafia, to find the  real inside street scoop .

Looking for money ?

As 434 gets closer to jungle, the hotels get smaller, the bathroom and towels get smaller, the people look at us crazy , like they never seen a tattooed freak like Tattoo Adam. And most of all, the smell of  Burning Trash and  burning cooking wood  in the air gets  Stronger .

Jungle Hand Gun .

As soon as you land in the Philippines your welcomed with a nice deep breath of fresh burning Trash. Some of the 434 Familia  is coughing because the stench is making them sick. Sounds like they have colds (Is it Pollution or weather climate  change )!

When trying to sleep all you hear is trikes, motorcycles and horns, and of course, more burning  smoke coming through the air conditioning…

Stay tuned for our next installment and check out first blog on location in the Philippines as we seek out the best in the world of the custom tattoo…

Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.

Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815

Contact:
mailto:adam@tattooadam.com
1-808-391-8287

A Story Told in Ink Part One

A Story Told in Ink:

Hawaii Tattoo Artist Adam Siehr Part One

By: JMAW for Hawaii’s 434 Tattoo

“Guns hurt people, tattoo machines create art.” ~ Adam Siehr

Homegrown and one of Milwaukee’s best, Hawaii Custom Tattoo Artist, Adam Siehr, has been in the game for over two decades.  Adam has tattooed tens of thousands of people and owns 434 Tattoo, one of the most successful custom tattoo shops in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Celebrities such as actor Steven Graham and the auto-tune rapping sensation T-Pain are just a few of the celebrities who stopped by the tattoo shop on Ena Road in Honolulu.

“Part of my apprenticeship included mixing the drinks with Crown for the bikers who owned the shop.” Siehr says as he paints with the tattoo machine, gliding gracefully over the freshly laid outline, my third tattoo from him.  In November of 2010, I was referred to Adam by a friend and his work has helped me tell my own story, make sense of this crazy life.  I had returned home to Hawaii after taking some time to on a spiritual journey, a vision quest, my metaphorical time in the desert, LOL, all of the above.  Or quite simply: a time to find myself.

The custom design Adam put on me that day was meaningful to say the least.  My first tattoo, which I got back home in Hilo, was on my rib cage, a quote from Corinthians (no not that famous one), that made me remember to live from love and not fear.  I told myself I would never get another tattoo on my rib cage.  That night I dreamt there was a lion in place of the words.  Adam gave me my first lion tattoo that day and today I have three tattoos on my rib cage, two lion tattoos designed by Adam.  He elegantly placed the pieces around the text, making it all flow into one design.

Siehr got his start in the tattoo industry at 17.  I got my start in the “old-school tradition” apprenticing in Milwaukee.  He has since worked as a guest tattoo artist in shops across the country, also worked around the world and settling in Honolulu as one of the founders of Tattoolicious. “I helped build the walls there.”

Now 37 (but still looks 20), Adam is a veteran in the game for sure.  I used to work in politics and in a way so did Adam.  As a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Adam spent time testifying before the Department of Health, working behind the scenes with the laws relating to tattoos in Hawaii.

In his career in the tattoo industry, Adam has seen some pretty amazing things.  “Dude, there’s so much.” he says in response to asking him about some of the best memories he has had since he began his work.  So I do what everyone else does: ask about celebrity tattoos.  That’s a pretty good question to jump off with.  I’ve never interviewed anyone while getting a tattoo so my Gemini ability to jump from question to question is only half-there as I am focusing on the pain, breathing in the experience.  I believe in the spiritual aspect of tattooing, every one of my tattoos means something.  But we get to that later…

I ask about celebrities because in addition to doing work on NFL Pro Tony Gonzales, members of the Chicago Blackhawks, there is one iconic figure who stands out.  Adam has tattooed the world famous Pro Boxing Legend, “Iron” Mike Tyson.  A picture of Adam and Tyson hangs near the entrance of the shop.  Tyson was still in his physical prime and towers over Adam.

“He came in a few days before his fight with Holyfield to check it out. The shop I was at in Vegas had a bunch of, I call them carneys, working there.  They all bum-rushed Tyson with their books.” Siehr stops his art for a second, I look at my arm, also inspired by a dream, the second piece on my arm, the next step to a sleeve, telling my own personal myth symbolizing a time of great transformation and rebirth in my life.

“I learned to be a carney myself and out of all the people there, Mike chose me.  I got to do his first professional tattoo”.  Tyson’s other “homemade” tattoos had been done before and during his prison stint.  This being my third custom tattoo design from Adam, I already knew I was in good hands, but it was kind of cool to think that I was being worked on by the same hands that worked on someone who at one time, was arguably the most feared man on the planet.

“He was a good dude.  I tattooed him for free.  I only wanted a ticket to the fight and Mike stopped by a few more times to tell me his manager was working on it.  Each time he’d roll in with celebrities or lots of people.  But I never got the ticket.”  Adam pauses his work lets out a wild, genuine laugh, the laugh of someone who in my opinion is free, a free spirit.  I ask to take a break to stretch my arm, the position not normal for me.  “It’s cool though.  I got to say I tattooed Mike Tyson.  I hope to one day get an autograph.  I’d like that.”

To be continued…

Hey Joe, nice Tattoo

434 Tattoo is in the Philippines with a camera, looking for the Elite Underground World of the tattooed.  As the owner goes deep into the streets of Angeles looking for the tattooed, follow him into the Jungle of Samar, looking for any head hunters or Abu-zya, religious Tattoo holders, Tattoo haters and all in between.

Follow us in the next 2 weeks, as we photograph street people, friendly visitors who will allow us to photograph them and talk about where there work is from, heavily tattooed of course, Tattoo shops, if they care to be interviewed, as we  ask about what kind of organizations they tattoo, find out the difference between cultures and acceptance of tattoos.

Yes they think I am a criminal, but it does not stop them from trying to rip me off,  and if you are looking for Viagra , Cialis, cigarettes, big Machetes (Charlie Sheen inquire here), knives , stun guns, you name it, its on these Dangerous streets .

Watch as 434 Tattoo takes pictures of guys with guns, only big ones of course, no hand guns unless they are going to flash them for the camera .

Follow the crazy blog and check back to see photos and video footage .