Shaun Pelayo is Making a Mark, One Tattoo at a Time
Shaun Pelayo’s tattoos tell the story of his life—the tale of a man who found his place in the world by inking it on his own terms
The markings of a man
As a boy, while other kids looked up to Superman, Shaun Pelayo revered a real-life hero: the Philippines’ Lapu-Lapu, the tattoo-clad chieftain who prevailed over Spanish colonial forces over 500 years ago.
Not only was the Filipino-British model and actor inspired by the late warrior’s heroics, but he also felt a deep, ancestral connection. After all, both of them hail from the island province of Cebu, many miles south of Metro Manila.
“I knew at a young age that I was going to be covered in tattoos as an adult. Lapu-Lapu was a huge inspiration, and I wanted to keep the Filipino tradition of tattooing alive,” he shares.
Shaun’s deep appreciation for tattoos came about at university, where he researched on the impact of tattoos in the sports industry. He read up on the Philippines’ rich tattoo heritage, seeing his ancestors proudly inked from head to toe.
“I saw Apo Whang-Od, the Visayan people and what their markings meant, and I thought: ‘We were covered in tattoos then—why is it a bad thing now?’ I got inspired to represent my heritage, that’s why I have a lot of Visayan tribal tattoos.”
Closer to the present, another tattooed man inspired Shaun: former professional basketball player Allen Iverson, regarded as one of the influential and stylish athletes in the United States.
It makes sense, as Shaun himself pursued the sport. An all-around athlete, he played football in Germany before making the shift to shooting hoops.
“I don’t remember a time in my life that I didn’t train intensely. On top of sports, I’d put in extra workouts. It’s become a habit for me at this point: everywhere I go, I have to hit the gym, I have to play basketball, beach volleyball, anything. Sports is like my forte. I can easily pick up one and play,” he shares.
But that isn’t to say he had it easy. While pursuing basketball, Shaun got dropped to a tertiary team. This urged him to work harder every day to prove that he deserved a starting spot, which he eventually got. Hence, his first tattoo, inked on his shoulder: a Tagalog quote that translates to ‘prove them wrong.’
Thus began Shaun’s ongoing journey as a walking canvas, adding a tattoo for every meaningful moment in his life. Shaun never backed out of getting a tattoo, excruciating as it can get. Nor did he get any medical complications—they are rare, yes, but they do happen.
Read the full cover story in the pages of VMAN SEA 03: now available for purchase!
Photography JL Javier
Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Rex Atienza
Words Angelo Dionora
Grooming Yra Mantaring
Hair Gab Villegas
Photography assistant Ruel Constantino
Special thanks Nikki Martel and Cornerstone Entertainment
