Cebuanos, brace yourselves for a vibrant kickoff to 2024 as the highly anticipated Kapatik World Tattoo Expo descends upon the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City from January 13 to 14. This two-day celebration of ink promises to draw local enthusiasts and attract artists from around the globe, transforming Cebu into a melting pot of tattoo artistry and cultural exchange.
Since its modest beginnings in 1998, Kapatik has evolved into a global platform where tattoo artists weave intricate tales on the living canvas of the human body. The very name “Kapatik” encapsulates the ethos of brotherhood in tattooing, seamlessly blending “Kapatid” (brotherhood in Tagalog) and “Patik” (tattoo in Visayan). Steering Kapatik toward international horizons is Ronnie Macapagal, an industry pioneer with over 30 years of tattooing experience and the Cebu Tattoo Club president with over 200 members across the Visayas region. Collaborating with Mike Riff Vestil, founder of SGOONS (a prominent tattoo supplier shop in Cebu), and co-presented by Tanduay, Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2024 aims not only to be a convention but a dynamic festival experience encompassing art, music, dance, and self-expression.
The expo boasts a diverse lineup of 162 artists, a fusion of local talents and international luminaries from countries like France, Japan, Vietnam, Finland, Turkey, the USA, Taiwan, India, and Singapore. This convergence of artistic minds promises a rich tapestry of styles and techniques, showcasing the global influence on tattoo artistry. A testament to its commitment to a comprehensive celebration, Kapatik will feature significant categories such as Best of Show Color, Best of Show Black & Gray, Tattoo of the Day 1, Tattoo of the Day 2, and Best Female Kapatik Artist. The array of minor categories includes Realism, Medium Black and Gray, Medium Color, Micro-Realism Tattoo, Back Piece, Leg Piece, Arm/Sleeve, Handpoked/Handtapped, Oriental Tattoo, and Tribal Geometric.
However, Kapatik transcends the traditional bounds of a tattoo convention. Ronnie Macapagal expressed the vision behind Kapatik, stating, “At Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2024, we are breaking the mould of traditional tattoo conventions to create a dynamic festival experience in all forms of art, music, dance, and self-expression.”
Beyond the inked masterpieces, attendees can partake in many programs and initiatives. Kapatik emphasizes safety and health awareness in collaboration with the Department of Health, providing HIV Free Testing, a History of Tattooing Museum, a Graffiti Contest, Live Mural Painting and Mosaic, a Mixed Media Artist Gallery, a Body Painting Show, Raffle and Giveaways, Automotive Show, Sexiest Tanduay Babe contest, and live band performances featuring Kadangyan, Powerspoonz, Budoy, SE24, and more.
Adding a unique cultural dimension, descendants of the renowned “mambabatok,” Apo Whang-od, will grace the event. This inclusion promises to showcase the rich lineage and legacy of tattoo artistry, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the roots of this ancient craft.
As a token of appreciation for the tattoo community’s enthusiasm, the Kapatik World Tattoo Expo offers substantial prizes. The Best of Show winner will be bestowed with P200,000 in cash, with over P400,000 in cash prizes and freebies distributed across various categories. Two sponsored booths for the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention and Tatak International Tatu Expo are among the coveted rewards awaiting participants.
Beyond the artistic realm, Kapatik seeks to elevate the cultural experience. For fun trivia to look forward to, the event will host descendants of a national treasure and the oldest-living “mambabatok” Apo Whang-od. This promises to bring a unique and culturally rich dimension to the gathering, showcasing the community’s lineage and legacy of tattoo artistry.
Ronnie Macapagal, the executive producer, emphasized, “Sir Ronnie wanted Kapatik not just to be a competition, but he wanted it to be a gathering of Cebuano culture, Philippine Tradition and everything that’s Bisaya, everything that’s Pinoy.” With around ten manual artists participating in traditional artistry, Kapatik aims to celebrate Cebuano culture and the Philippine tradition.
Kapatik World Tattoo Expo will offer comprehensive experiences and programs to entice participants further. Safety and Health Awareness initiatives will be conducted with the Department of Health. The event will host HIV Free Testing, a History of Tattooing Museum, a Graffiti Contest, Live Mural Painting and Mosaic, a Mixed Media Artist Gallery, a Body Painting Show, Raffle and Giveaways, an Automotive Show, and the intriguing Sexiest Tanduay Babe contest. Attendees can also groove to the beats of live band performances featuring Kadangyan, Powerspoonz, Budoy, SE24, and more.
As part of its commitment to recognizing the best of the best, Kapatik will distribute substantial prizes among participants. The Best of Show winner will receive a cash prize of P200,000, while over P400,000 cash prizes and freebies will be spread across different categories. Two sponsored booths for the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention and Tatak International Tatu Expo will be awarded, offering participants opportunities to showcase their art internationally.
The Kapatik World Tattoo Expo team expresses gratitude to the numerous individuals and artists who promptly registered when registrations opened. Pre-selling registration is available at P400, providing one-day admission, while regular tickets are priced at P500. Secure your tickets at any Ronnie’s Tattoo branches, including Steelenskin, Raintree Mall Mango, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City; Ronnie’s Tattoo & Piercing at JJ Marketplace, Maguikay, Mandaue City; and Ronnie Tattoo Maribago, Quezon National Hi-Way Look, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.
Be part of this cultural convergence, witness the symphony of ink, and let the artistic spirit of Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2024 leave an indelible mark on Cebu’s vibrant art scene.