Tattoos have come a long way in the Philippines. From being frowned upon, tattoos are now considered art and a form of self-expression.
Davao tattoo artists are also eyeing the tattoo industry as a possible tourist attraction for the city.
“Good business ang tattoo and pwede pud sya mahimong tourist attraction,” Keneth dela Cerna told Dateline Davao in an interview. Dela Cerna is also a tattoo artist and owner of the “Drill Ink Tattoo Studio” in Obrero.
Dela Cerna, Arriane Balaga and Ryan Gee are the people behind KGA Productions, the organizer of the Araw ng Dabaw Tattoo Fest 2024 slated at The Dome, NCCC Victoria Plaza Carpark in Bajada on March 16 to 17.
Back to back with the Tattoo Fest are the Death Fest Concert at The Dome and the Food and Non-Food Bazaar at the carpark.
Dela Cerna said tattoo competitions are important to the tattoo industry, especially for beginners. “They can learn a lot from the competition and this is also one way to professionalize the city’s tattoo industry,” he added.
Davao tattoo artists are on the rise but there is a need to organize and strengthen the industry to ensure quality and safety.
This is not the first time for a tattoo fest to be held in the city. Dela Cerna was also one of the organizers of the Araw ng Davao Tattoo Fest Phase 1 in 2023. The one-day on-the-spot tattoo event also attracted participants and spectators from nearby cities and provinces.
“We hope that the Tattoo Fest will be included in the Araw ng Davao list of activities as it will help promote the event,” he said.
This year’s Tattoo Fest expects a crowd of over 500 to include tattoo artists and their models. The contest is open for small to large tattoo pieces, back pieces, full arm sleeves, and full leg.
The two-day Tattoo Fest will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun does not end there though. The Death Fest Concert will be from 6 p.m. to midnight.
“We have confirmed the participation of up to 21 bands from Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila,” dela Cerna said. The main act are two visiting bands from Hong Kong, “Human Betray” and “Cursed Eyes”.
Early registrants for the Tattoo Fest will get a free event shirt and free meals for two days. Tickets to the Tattoo Fest are being sold at P150 with a raffle ticket while tickets to the Death Fest Concert are being sold at P500 at the gate, or a discounted price of P400 for pre-sold tickets.
Among the food merchants participating in the two-day Araw ng Davao Bazaar are Kape Lakay (Booth No. 18), Bro's Sisig Wrapped (Booth No. 20), Grind Clothing (Booth No. 1), Locs Davao (Booth No. 7), High Blood Corner (Booth No. 5), A&B Cravings / Good Lovin' Treats / Kanubis Davao (Booth No. 19), Maximoos, Kape Boss, Bepochitu (Booth No. 8), Pizza by Jorge (Booth No. 11) and Boxed Burgers (Booth No. 6).
