The hum of tattoo machines, the rhythm of cultural dance, and the quiet endurance of inked skin filled The Forum in San Fernando as the Ligligan International Tattoo Convention 2025 concluded its two-day run on December 6 and 7, drawing tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and families from across Luzon and beyond.
Recognized as the largest tattoo gathering in the region, the convention brought together local and international artists who competed live across several categories, including Small Piece Tattoo, Black and Grey, Colour Tattoo, and the event’s most prestigious award, Best Ligligan Artist. Over the course of the weekend, artists created original designs on the spot—some lasting hours—offering the public a rare glimpse into the discipline, precision, and physical demands behind tattoo artistry.
The highlight of the event came with the announcement of this year’s top honor. Renato Amos Aguilon emerged once again as the Best Ligligan Artist, clinching the title for the second consecutive year. His back-to-back win was met with loud applause from fellow artists and spectators, reinforcing his reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished tattooists.
But Ligligan 2025 was never just about competition. The convention opened with a performance by Sinukwan Dancers, paying tribute to Pampanga’s famed Sinukwan Festival and rooting the event firmly in local culture. A live boxing match later in the program added an unexpected yet crowd-pleasing element, turning the convention into a full-scale cultural and entertainment event.
Founded by tattoo artist Chikulet Jonalyn Radovan, Ligligan began in 2016 as a small local competition. It has since grown into an international convention, welcoming artists from different parts of the world. For Radovan, the event carries a deeper purpose beyond showcasing technical skill.
“The goal is to provide a platform for tattoo artists while helping reduce the stigma surrounding tattoo art,” she said. “For a long time, tattooing has been judged and criticized. This is about putting the art in a positive light—not just in the Philippines, but globally.”
That advocacy was reflected in the convention’s inclusive atmosphere. Organizers emphasized a family-friendly environment, encouraging the public to see tattooing not as taboo but as a legitimate form of artistic and cultural expression. Local Kapampangan food, holiday-themed décor, and open viewing areas helped create an accessible space for first-time attendees.
As the final day drew to a close, organizers announced that the Ligligan International Tattoo Convention 2026 will take place on December 12–13, 2026, promising an even larger and more diverse lineup. A separate tattoo event, scheduled for February in San Fernando, Pampanga, is also in the works in partnership with Skin Candy, with details to be released in the coming months.
With its blend of live competition, cultural performance, and advocacy, Ligligan Tattoo Convention 2025 underscored a growing shift in how tattoo art is perceived—less as a mark of rebellion and more as a canvas of identity, discipline, and shared culture. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
