A “mambabatok” from Benguet province stood out at a recent international tattoo convention in China as the only traditional tattoo artist among the 800 invited world-class tattoo artists from more than 40 countries.
Wilma Gaspili joined world-class Filipino tattoo artists Joel Buzon, Analou Savage, and Aldrin Ace Jimenez and showcased their talents at the 2024 China Tattoo Convention held at the Langfang Conference and Exhibition Center in Hebei, China, last May 25 to May 27.
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According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Gaspili attracted the attention of her fellow tattoo artists because she was the only traditional tattoo artist at the convention.
She demonstrated the unique “mambabatok” technique of lightly tapping bamboo sticks to inscribe the tattoo.
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Gaspili was also one of the few female tattoo artists who participated in the annual event. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN