TATTOO, an art form that dates back from the time of our ancestors, has become a medium of expression for many popular and controversial celebrities in recent years. Through tattoos, they express their love, their rage, their animation and even kookiness and, in turn, show the world who they really are.

Ever wonder why VJ KC Montero has tattoo wings on his back? How about the angels in Katya Santos’ back or the fish on Mylene Dizon’s tummy? Then there are the myriad body art on Francis Magalona’s body, the curious prints on the bodies of some of the country’s hottest models like Robbie Mananquil, and the collective tattoos of bands Kamikazee and Session Road. What do they stand for?

Well, you don’t have to wonder any further as these and more celebrities with tattoos and the stories behind them will be featured in the upcoming book-magazine "Tattoo Manila."

As its title suggests, "Tattoo Manila" features the best body art on some of the most prominent personalities in the country today. They include leading names in entertainment, modeling, sports and society.

It will be published by Chris Cahilig Publishing, a dynamic new company dedicated to creating out-of-the-box and commercially viable books and magazines.

"Each page of ‘Tattoo Manila’ reflects a fresh perspective on the body art. The images will be trendy, sexy, edgy and provocative," says publishing company president Chris Cahilig.

No less than leading fashion and abstract photographer Frank Hoefsmit renders his talent in capturing one-of-a-kind images for the bookzine. The Belgian lensman’s work appears in numerous glossy fashion magazines, major broadsheets, and numerous advertising materials.

MEGA fashion editor Patrick Ty, meanwhile, brings a fresh aesthetic perspective to "Tattoo Manila." He is currently one of the hottest stylists in the fashion world right now and his work can be seen not just in the magazine, but in numerous billboards and print ads for major corporations as well.

Stylist Alvin Chingcuangco, another emerging name in the fashion industry, likewise renders his styling expertise for the bookzine. He currently writes and styles for the Philippine Star and his work has appeared in major magazines such as MEGA, Manual, and Lifestyle Asia.

And since "Tattoo Manila" is different as it is one-of-a-kind, Chris Cahilig Publishing has tapped no less than one the world’s leading make-up brand, Shu Uemura, for the celebrities’ make-up.