The Dutdutan 2009 Tattoo Expo
By Sharlene Valencia - To The Manila Times

The stigma once associated with tattoos has proven impermanent. Beauty and artistry remain indelible. Today, some of the most esteemed runway models, fashion trendsetters, celebrities, artists and intellectuals have committed their bodies to skin art. An ancient tradition in a numerous cultures—from Celtic to Maori, from Bisaya to Ifugao—the tribal aesthetic is now gathering even more adherents to the fold.

On September 18 and 19, tattoo enthusiasts gathered at A-venue Makati to celebrate tattoo artistry with Dutdutan: A celebration of art and lifestyle. Currently the country’s grandest tattoo exposition, it is held annually and is presented by Tribal Gear Philippines.

“The significance of this event is to promote tattoo industry that will set a benchmark of skills and artistry—be recognized in the art scene that tattoo is a genuine art form and medium of expression,” explains Arvin Espeleta, event merchandising manager of Tribal Gear Philippines.

At Dutdutan, tattoo-lovers could choose from wide range of stores and artisans, local and foreign. Many were entertained just watching artists paint on human skin with needles and ink. Live rock music from some of today’s most popular bands, mixed-martial arts exhibitions from the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) and the Tribal bikini contest amped people’s adrenalin even further.

“This is the Dutdutan in nine years. What’s new this year is the URCC, and the foreign artists from Singapore, France, Malaysia,” notes Espeleta.

Celebrities present during the expo included KC Montero, Dennis Trillo, Will Devaughn, Yasmien Kurdi and Carlene Aguilar.

The event drew highly decorated tattoo aficionados, tattoo virgins and curious onlookers. Event goers were mostly young adults. Mia Claravall, inker of 55 Tinta Tattoo, a young artist notes, “We have a niche with students UP [University of the Philippines] and Ateneo.”

Anne-Sophie, from Triple Stars Tattoo in Paris, France, says she likes the Philippines, stating, “Tattoo is more accepted here than in France.”

Marked women

The crowd was mostly men. But women also made their mark at the event both as enthusiasts and artists.

Claravall remarks, “Many women win here at Dutdutan.”

Sadly, some prejudices still linger. “People think were not as good [compared to male tattoo artists],” she says, adding, “I still get the looks at the mall, at the jeepney . . . but I don’t care.”

Arianne de la Cruz, inked with two tattoos, feels the same sentiments, “ At job [applications] they would ask you to erase it or they won’t accept you at all.”

But she adds, “It’s not a big deal anymore. More and more people appreciate women with tattoos. Some look up to women for enduring the pain. It’s like a woman doing a man’s job. You break stereotypes.”

For her part, Anne-Sophie declares that women with tattoos are hot.

The main event

Tattoo-artists impressed the audience as they vied for best tattoo in different categories: Best, Best Realistic, Best Sleeves, Best Leg, Best Female, Best Small Piece, Best Big Piece Best Colored Piece, Best Black and Gray Piece and Tattoo of the Day.

Marlon Capuno and Ryan Bernardino won Tattoo of the Day for the first day and on the second day respectively.

Advice to ink virgins

Tattoos are more than fashion statements; they cannot be taken off with the passing of seasons and styles. They are more intimate than any apparel and literally get under one’s skin. To be adorned is to expose one’s flesh to an artist, allow him or her to inflict a thousand pricks and to turn one’s body into a canvas for art.

Espeleta notes “To get a tattoo, it must be significant,” he said. De la Cruz advises, “Think. Think. Think. The one you will get is permanent, it’s something you will have until your last breath.”

more info and credits 
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/2689-beauty-stains?fontstyle=f-larger