Tattoo model shares anguish, hope in ‘Ecoart Exhibit’

Deedee Villegas (left) was among those who witnessed the signing of the agreement that establishes San Remigio Hotel as a “Renewable Energy Learning Hub.
(CDN Photo/Tonee Despojo)

People call him “The Villain” because of the intricate “rebellion design” of tattoos that cover the upper half of his body.

But 23-year-old tattoo model Deedee Villegas said his tattoos are more  of an art   form  to  convey to people the message that they can be someone beyond their imagination.

“I decided to do my first tattoo when I was 16, after I attempted to hurt myself,” he told Cebu Daily News in Cebuano.
Villegas was a victim of bullying by his classmates seven years ago.

He said it came to a point that he couldn’t  endure the pain of harassment anymore and tried to end his life with a  knife. His mother stopped him in time.

Good feeling

He was advised by his psychiatrist to do things that make him happy and pull him out of depression.

“Then I tried tattooing. It was a good feeling at least I could say to myself I am not the person they think I am,” he sighed.

Villegas’s photo of himself showing his tattoos from his face to the body were featured at the “Ecoart Exhibit” launched yesterday  at the Paseo Cuidad of  Ayala Center Cebu.

The two-day exhibit  organized by the Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities (SEED4Com)  ends today.

“We are using art as a visual weapon of attack in saving our environment. It is not preserving anymore but saving,” said Dann Diez, SEED4Com executive director.

Exposure

He said most of the artwork  on display were made from recyclable materials like newspapers, plastic bottles, and coconut husks.

“The  calamities happening in the world today were not just caused by  other people.  We, too,   contribute to the problem,” he added.

The exhibit features  works of local artists who advocate environmental issues – Michael Ortega, Roberto Gonzales, Nathan Archival, Mark Copino, Bart Bartolome, Marc Abuan, Lauren Sparks, and Carlo and Katrina Delantar.

“In each community there are local artists who  may inspire people to be advocates for environmental campaigns,” he said.

Strategies

SEEDS4Com signed a Memorandum of Agreement with San Remigio Hotel in Mabolo, Cebu City to make it a “Renewable Energy Learning Hub.”

Under the agreement, the hotel will install 5,000 watts of solar panels and batteries. This will help reduce the hotel’s dependence on the province’s coal-fired power supply.

The Ecoart Exhibit is part of SEEDS4Com’s contribution to the World Clean-Up Movement as the country hosts the 2nd Let’s Do It! Regional Conference for Asia this November.
Green advocates from other countries will share their strategies in protecting the environment and sustainable use of resources.

“They will also help us  measure and follow up improvements,” said Joris Claeys, chief engagement officer of ecoNOVATE, a non-government organization for poverty alleviation.