EVENTS & News Article

Invitation from KULA GLOBAL GATHERING Mumbai, India

Tribe together, vibe together. Diverse communities thrive together.

2025 will mark the third gathering of Kula at @nescoevents where the most diverse communities of practice will come together to showcase, exchange knowledge and skills and engage in dialogue. Kula is thankful to all the members of the tribe for supporting this project where our vibes blend, weave and connect.

With this edition, we reflect on the ties that bind our communities together, understand the changing nature of our practices, recognise our distinctiveness and collectively explore ways to nourish and revitalise the fabric of our community.

Kula – A Global Gathering
13-16 February 2025
Nesco Center, Mumbai

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFCogF7vD8V/?img_index=4&igsh=MWgwYjJkZnRvenNxYw%3D%3D

Philippine Consulate General in New York

January 08, 2025

Visit to the Philippine Consulate in NYC & meeting Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz & his wife Citadel Cruz underscored the critical importance of cultural exchange. Sharing my experiences as an indigenous traditional tattoo artist on a cultural exchange, and my research on my people at the 1904 World's Fair, reinforced the power of cross-cultural dialogue. Their support strengthens my commitment to bridging cultures through art and historical understanding. Maraming salamat po!

For more info: bit.ly/3C3tcSK

Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2025

We're honored to showcase a Traditional Mambabatok artist, also known as Traditional Hand Tapping Tattoo, at the Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2025!

From the stunning landscapes of Benguet & Tinoc Ifugao in the Cordillera region, 𝐀𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐦𝐳 is a respected Kalanguya/Kankanaey artist, blending the rich traditions of her culture into each intricate tattoo.

This marks her second appearance at Kapatik, where she brings the Cordillera Tattoo heritage to Cebu. We invite you to experience the timeless artistry of hand tapping tattoos
Please message artist directly for availability.

Booths are selling fast! Register now: www.kapatiktattoo.com/registration

Are you a tattoo collector? Be a model for our exhibitors, click here to sign up:
https://forms.gle/Ge9sStkJFDyvrrYbA

Ate Wamz is at Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA.

Great visit to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.! Thanks to Cultural Attaché VC Mark for the welcoming meeting. Thank you for the insightful conversation!

December 20, 2024

Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco

December 13, 2024

Consul General Neil Ferrer welcomed Wilma “Ate Wamz” Gaspili, Igorot mambabatok (handtap tattoo artist) and cultural advocate, to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on 13 December 2024.

During the call at the Sentro Rizal, the Consulate’s cultural hub, “Ate Wamz” shared her activities in the United States, including a visit to the site of the 1904 Saint Louis World’s Fair and a ritual for indigenous materials stored at Chicago’s Field Museum.

She expressed her interest in helping recover and preserve lost Filipino cultural artifacts and traditions in the United States.

Also joining the call were Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, and Director Soleil Tropicales of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco. (San Francisco PCG photos).

For more info: bit.ly/4jdBXdV

Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu

December 02, 2024

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE WELCOMES MAMBABATEK AND CULTURAL ADVOCATES

02 December 2024, Honolulu – Vice Consul Leizel Caasi welcomed Ms. Wilma Gaspili, a renowned mambatek (traditional hand-tap tattoo practitioner) at the Consulate today. Joining the call were Cultural Officer Mia Gaspar, Ms. Jennifer Taylor, Ms. Angie King, and Ms. Leah Stephenson.

Fondly called “Ate Wamz,” Ms. Gaspili shared her activities across the U.S. since October, which started with a lecture - demonstration of the batek tradition at University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Batek utilizes organic materials including, bamboo sticks, lemon tree thorn, water from Mount Pulag, and ink made from the soot of pine sourced from different areas in the Philippines and some select sites overseas.

During the courtesy call, discussions on the Filipino-American experience and their own appreciation for indigenous cultural heritage in the Philippines were also touched upon. Ate Wamz also shared that her visit also allowed her to conduct a ritual for some indigenous materials stored at the Field Museum archives in Chicago and visit the site of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/PHinHonolulu

Imperial Hotel Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia (July 26-28, 2024)

Miri Tattoo Festival 2024

A TATTOO FESTIVAL USING THE THEME OF BORNEO’S WEALTH OF TRADITIONAL TATTOO ART AND CULTURE

The tattoo party this time will be held at Imperial Hotel, Miri Sarawak, Borneo in accordance with the traditional theme that does not use air conditioning and the atmosphere of the foyer of Rumah Ulu Mulu still maintains the use of wood carvings as the basis of construction. For the first time, the Miri Traditional Carving Art Association emphasizes the original art/culture of the Dayak tribe in Borneo. In addition to tattooing, there are also other activities such as Kuntau performance (Dayak martial art), traditional music performance using Sape, Bebiau, and Pampat Drums, Handicraft Shop from Sarawak natives, and a parade using traditional Dayak clothing around Coco Cabana.

For More Information visit: https://inkppl.com/en/tattooevents/2024/july-2024/miri-tattoo-festival-2024

Rhythmic Taps of Tradition -Rappler News

JUL 12, 2024 12:17 PM PHT Article by: MARI-AN C. SANTOS

Manbabatek Wilma Gaspili's path takes a notable turn when Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy visited Baguio and chose her to ink a part of his story onto his skin

BAGUIO, Philippines – The soft, rhythmic tapping of wooden sticks fills the air at Igorot’s Charm Cafe, a sound that transports listeners back to a time when tattoos were not just skin deep but carried the weight of cultural heritage and personal identity.

Wilma “Ate Wamz” Gaspili, a manbabatek (traditional tattoo practitioner in Kankanaey), sits poised and focused, her hands steady as she prepares to ink yet another intricate design onto the skin of a client.

Full Article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/rhythmic-taps-tattoo-tradition-manbabatek-baguio/

Invitation to showcase the talent of Filipinos

Rainforest World Music Festival

The Rainforest World Music Festival is an annual celebration of culture, music and nature.

The event – held at Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia – brings together all the different cultures in the world under one roof to showcase their music and heritage.

Wilma Gaspili I am an indigenous tattoo artist and advocate. My objective is to promote cultural awareness and preservation.

Join us in celebrating and recognizing the unique skills and creativity that define the Filipino spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a global audience that appreciates and honors the remarkable contributions of Filipino artists.