Mel Orpilla

Welcome to my website. I am a martial artist, Filipino historian, tattoo enthusiast and world traveler. My site has a lttle bit of everything. It is a refelction of my life and my passions. Enjoy

What I Do

I teach Balintawak Arnis, an ancient Filipino fighting art, in Vallejo at the Island Warriors Dojo. I also give lectures and presentations on Filipino American history to large and small groups. It is used by large corporations as "cultural competency" trainings.

I am passsionate about my Filipino culture and heritage. I travel often to places where I feel, Filipinos have journeyed. Mexico, Hawaii, and parts of South East Asian. My photogrphs document those journeys.

I trace my authentic Filipino roots to the tribes of the Cordilleras in the Northern Philippines. To honor my ancestors, I have the markings of the Ifugao warriors on my body. You can learn more about this dying artform from my website.