Brandon Tenedora
Brandon Tenedora is the Founder and Artist at Kapwa Tattoo Studio, specializing in Contemporary Filipino tattoos and Freehand Baybayin. Born and raised as a Filipino American in Milpitas, CA, Brandon felt disconnected from his culture until he found connection through art. Drawing inspiration from Filipino mythology and traditional Filipino tattoo practices, Brandon's art serves as a bridge between heritage and personal expression.
His journey began with studying books on Filipino mythology, traditional Filipino tattoos, pre-colonial practices, and textiles of the Philippines. Brandon's commitment to helping others through Filipino culture led him to open Kapwa Tattoo Studio, providing a space for young artists to grow and pursue their dreams.
Brandon's artistic philosophy revolves around creating meaningful tattoos rooted in his clients' stories and heritage. By getting to know his clients and understanding their journeys, families, and aspirations, he crafts tattoos that serve as symbols of transformation, healing, and inspiration.
Influenced by traditional Filipino tattoos, textiles, and mythology, Brandon incorporates concepts of balance, composition, flow, and contrast into his work. He approaches each tattoo session with care, recognizing it as a form of transformation for his clients, whether healing or inspiring.
May 17th Flash Day Designs
Prices Range from $100 - $200
Ba (ᜊ) resembles a circle, which some interpret as a symbol of unity or wholeness, reflecting the importance of family and community in Filipino society.
Ka (ᜃ) is believed to have a shape that symbolizes the movement of waves or water, emphasizing the significance of fluidity and adaptability in Filipino culture.
ᜀ (A)
The vowel "A" is considered the foundation of the Baybayin script. In Filipino culture, the vowel sound is often connected with the spiritual essence of life. It is seen as the sound that begins all things, representing the origin or the beginning of creation.
ᜌ (Ya)
"Ya" is often associated with the spirit of light and enlightenment. It is connected to the illumination of the mind and the ability to gain wisdom and clarity in one’s life journey. The character is sometimes seen as a symbol of the higher consciousness or divine understanding.
ᜆ (Ta)
The character "Ta" represents the concept of balance and harmony. In Filipino culture, this symbol reflects the importance of maintaining a balanced life in all aspects—spiritual, physical, and emotional. It also ties into the idea of maintaining inner peace and being in tune with one's surroundings.
ᜇ (Da)
The character "Da" is associated with resilience and perseverance. It symbolizes strength in facing life’s challenges, as well as being grounded and deeply rooted. The character can also be seen as a reminder of the Filipino concept of bayanihan, or communal unity and helping one another during difficult times.
ᜐ (Sa)
"Sa" can be seen as a spiritual connection to the earth, symbolizing the grounding force that holds everything together. It represents stability, rootedness, and respect for the natural world. It is often associated with the element of earth, which plays a central role in Filipino cosmology.
More Baybayin designs will be available during the event