Ink Rebels in Tattooland

MANILA, Philippines - Dutdutan is one festival of ink where tattoos rule and anything goes.This year, with Tribal Gear’s steady and all-out support, Dutdutan demonstrated why it was a show like no other. 

Two weekends ago, the tattoo world’s epicenter shifted to Manila. The best tat artists on earth gathered in the country’s capital for the biggest and grandest annual tattoo expo. On its 14th year, Dutdutan marked its rightful place on the map of international tattooing.

An army of ink enthusiasts flocked to the World Trade Center for the weekend they’ve wished the year away for. Playing host to some of the most illustrious ink merchants known to the business, every square inch of WTC was literally buzzing with action as a massive throng wandered through a labyrinthine row upon row of tattoo booths.

From stunning displays of exoticism to album cover-worthy iconography, anyone seeking an artist suited to their needs and tastes surely found it among the bewilderingly vast array of talent. 

With over 140 jaw-dropping tattoo booths from all over the world, there were stunning displays of ink on flesh by the tattoo world’s best. Everyone, from new-wave inkers to old-school greats, showed off the weird and wonderful, with the bad and beautiful.  

Dutdutan presenter and lifestyle brand Tribal Gear celebrated its 25th anniversary landmark at Dutdutan 14.

Tribal Gear founder Bobby Ruiz, with Tribal’s notorious pool of international tattoo artists Big Tiny of UNAuthorized Ink, Sal Elias of 3 Foot Radius Tattoo and Dago Dane of Dago Tattoo popped in for the big celebration. POD drummer Wuv also crashed in the scene and laid out his load of insane drumming genius with Drum Duel grand winner.

Tribal’s 25th year brought with it a rally of showstoppers at Dutdutan 14. With the lever pushed higher than ever, Tribal Gear treated Manila to the best lifestyle show in Asia.