Mon, September 22, 2008
Tattoos used to be stigmatised in largely conservative Philippines. but now, the skin art is seen in a different light.
Dutdutan, which mean "piercing" in Filipino, is an annual festival where tattoo artists can exhibit their best works and attract more customers -- or "collectors," as they are called.
This year, 30 artists competed for best tattoo awards in categories such as "leg", "arm", "realistic", "tribal", "full color" and "black and white".
The tattoo industry is still in its infancy in the Philippines, with only around 150 shops across the country. But business is growing and artists are hoping that events such as the Dutdutan Festival will attract foreign tourists.
