MATA Expo, Cebu - James presented our early bird tickets at the entrance booth, came into a room filled with humans! Most of them sitting on their respective chairs and the familiar sound of tattoo equipment called our attention.

We were at the second MATA Expo held in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu and its another venue for me and my husband James to take photos and video clips of these tattoo artists and models patient and ever industrious in finishing their work of art.

TATTOO ART: IS IT WORTH THE PAIN?

Two years ago was my first time to watch a tattoo artist brushed into the skin of his model inks of different shade, it was my first time ever to see it upfront and personal. I felt overwhelmed, I wanted to take photos of all the participants but there were tons of them scattered around that big room.

This year, another set of hundred tattoo artists putting on their best shot for this competition, live!

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Live tattoo contest is one of the activities offered during the MATA Expo in JCenter Mall last February 3, 2018.

MATA EXPO 2018

MATA is actually a Japanese terminology for "See you again". In Tagalog, it means Eyes and it is a symbolic word for "visual and small world" in the deaf-related community. -bitlanders.com/jean-beltran

This is the second time that the MATA Expo was held here in the country, specifically in Cebu and it is also my second time attending such event. Proceeds of the event is for the benefit of the dead and mute community in Cebu.

Since tattoo is appreciated through our visuals, it is one of the major activities in the event.

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We move from one chair to another, from one artist and model to another. I could hear the buzzing sound of tattoo needles pinching into the very skin of their respective models whilst being entertained by the live graffiti show from the stage area, that guy is definitely a pro with mural art and graffiti which somehow reminded me of those ones I always pass by everyday along Escario Street in Cebu City.

At this point in time, I realized there were female tattoo artists in this batch. There were foreigner models too! Quite interesting how this event had become a home for these tattoo enthusiasts.

Tattoo has been part of our history as Filipinos. Tattoos has been an indication of beauty for women as per our ancestors. Men who have tattoos signify bravery and heroism! Apo Whang Od, the last mambabatok is a testament to that! She had provided us with evidences of how tattoo was a part of history, beauty and culture of our country!

Even in our family, tattoo is present. My parents have tattoos, mama has in her chin, a small one which looks like a mole. Papa on the other hand has some tiny ones in his hands, sign of brotherhood he said. My brothers have huge tattoos on their backs, arms and even legs! I guess I am the only one without a tattoo.

But although I have no tattoo and is not planning of having one anytime now, sees that these tattoos are form of art. Our bodies, our skin is the canvass which will showcase that art in a life long journey.

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Having a nicely done tattoo speaks so much of yourself and so it is best to get one from a professional artist, one of whom you can brag about and refer to your network. One example though is to have it done during the MATA Expo as I have seen all tattoos done beautifully!

Salute to all the artists who were part of this competition. They all deserve to win but I am pretty sure that in each participant's heart, they had already won after seeing the tattoo design they successfully inked into their model.

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