Dutdutan Trece 2013: Collective ink assault

MANILA, Philippines - An event made of both tradition and legend, Dutdutan Trece stormed Manila anew.

Undoubtedly still the biggest, grandest and most anticipated tattoo expo in the country, Dutdutan Trece continued to exhibit the finest ink works this side of the planet along with the whole extraordinary lifestyle that came with it.

Artists, celebrities and ink enthusiasts by the thousands trooped to the World Trade Center last Sept. 27 and 28 to get their regular dose of a year-worth of art and ink.

The two-day event housed 140 tattoo booths, a number bigger than last year’s. Four hundred of the best local and international artists from Singapore, Hawaii, Germany, Malaysia, California, Las Vegas, Guam and Canada demonstrated and displayed their own breed of ink. Showcasing vivid, larger-than-life tattoos, Dutdutan Trece continually advocated the incredible skills this country and the world has to offer. The main event that drew thousands from the flock was the tattoo competitions.

Presented by Tribal Gear Philippines, Dutdutan Trece’s highlights included exceptional pieces by notorious inkers who competed in 14 categories. “Tattoo of the Day” remained the most coveted since entries for this category were created on the day itself. Collectors showed off the baddest and dopest art works etched on skin and gave judges the hardest of times. Winners took home cash and a trophy symbolic of the highest of recognition from the best in the industry.

Dutdutan Trece received solid support from Tribal founder Bobby Ruiz, Unauthorized Ink’s infamous Big Tiny and world-renowned tattoo artist Steve Soto of Goodfellas Tattoo.

Electricity of the crowd multiplied 10-fold as hardcore band Payable On Death a.k.a. P.O.D. conquered the stage two nights in a row with their fierce alternative rap metal sounds.

Spontaneous brawls from URCC’s hardcore exhibition fights turned full intensity on. Combat display invaded Dutdutan Trece with five separate fights from different weight classes.

Throbbing with expectation were the whole three halls of WTC as 10 of Tribal Gear’s hottest babes burned the catwalk and teased audiences on Saturday night.

Tribal Project: Detonation, a photo competition launched last year, received overwhelming response from detonator participants. Entries were planted, and explosive, badass pics were chosen. The lead of the pack, shooting the dopest authentic Tribal lifestyle-inspired pic was Robert Sarayba.

Dutdutan’s Drum Duel, on its fourth year, called on amateur drummers with the skills, style and substance worthy of a true Drum King.

Dutdutan Trece ended with intensely charged shows from a potent mix of musical artists namely General Luna, Indio I, Skychurch, Dong Abay & The Tanods, Peryodiko, Franco, Chicosci, Joey Ayala and Kamikazee.

It was a music fest worthy to end the ultimate tattoo party.

DUTDUTAN Trece was presented by Tribal Gear, co-presented by Skinworkz Tattoo & PHILTAG. Sponsored by Colt 45, Pepsi, Kenny Rogers, JB Music, Padis Point, Victoria Court and Avatar Tattoo. With media partners FHM, The Philippine Star, Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Gala Magazine, and Clavel Magazine.