A hunt for the perfect ink

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino tattoos have a rich history dating back to before the islands were colonized by Spain. When the Spaniards arrived, they were greeted by a heavily tattooed Visayan tribe and they called the islands La Isla De Los Pintados which meant the “Islands of the Painted Ones.”

Tattoos during those times were seen as a sign of accomplishment and rank. Men bore ink on their chests and heads as signs of their strength as warriors. Women wore detailed lines on their arms and wrists or full chest and arm tattoos, seen as marks of beauty.

But after World War II, western missionaries discouraged the practice of tattooing, seeing it as frightening and uncivilized. Gradually since, Filipinos abandoned the practice. Though some people continue to perform the art, tattoo remained an underground thing. It was not until in 1990 when a small group of tattoo artists, enthusiasts, musicians, painters and music lovers, headed by then emerging tattoo artist Ricky Sta. Ana, started a yearly gathering to celebrate skin art.

Naming the affair Dutdutan, the group did not realize that they have just given birth to what will become the country’s biggest, grandest and most-anticipated tattoo convention ever.

Eleven years after, Dutdutan now boasts of bringing together the country’s finest tattoo artists, the best international inkers and thousands of tattoo enthusiasts ranging from famous personalities to non-celebrities in a festival of skin art and the lifestyle it represents.

Dutdutan owes part of its success to Ricky, now a premier inker, who has constantly toiled for the mainstreaming of tattoo. Ricky, who started to make a name back in the ’90s when he tattooed the late English tattooist Ron Ackers, a work that earned him his first international award, can’t help but swell with pride at how Dutdutan has evolved over the years.

Currently, Ricky is the president of PhilTAG (Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild), an organization of tattoo artists accredited by the DOH and complies with all the requirements regarding safety and sanitation relative to skin art.

Another force behind Dutdutan is its annual presenter Tribal Gear Phils., the lifestyle brand that represents the hardcore, underground and alternative street scenes.

Skin art has come a long way from its radical brandings. These days, tattoo is one of the highly recognized art forms in popular culture.

Raising the bar higher each year, these forces work to bring you the country’s biggest, grandest and most-anticipated tattoo expo. Dutdutan ’11 is a two-day exclusive event that will feature the finest ink works as well as notorious inkers at work on Aug. 26 and 27 at the World Trade Center’s Halls B & C.

Tickets are available at selected Tribal Gear boutiques at P250 for a one-day pass or P450 for a two-day pass. Gates open at 12 noon with program starting at 1 p.m. For details, log on to www.dutdutan.com.ph / www.facebook.com/dutdutan or text and call 0917-859-3759.