I ink therefore I am

Henry Rollins. Rob Zombie. Don Ed Hardy. Manuel Ocampo. The guys from Korn and Queso. The aforementioned are personalities who are tough as nails, pursue a take-no-prisoners philosophy, and are not known to take crap from anyone. They are also highly creative individuals who sport some of the best skin paintings known to man, and who have made their own marks in their respective worlds. You could say they’re marked for life.

One guy who has also made quite an impression upon the minds of those who dig designs and graphics inspired by street culture, and who has formed his own tribe of likeminded dudes who follow their own beat, is Bobby Ruiz who founded street-wear brand Tribal Gear in California.

Bobby started Tribal in ’89 with brother Joey. Then in ’91, when Bobby was looking for sponsors for a graffiti/art benefit show he was curating for the San Diego, California Food Bank he met Carl Arellano, who got involved in the brand as well. The Ruiz brothers bought white shirts from people on the streets and factories and applied their own tattoo designs and graphics — inspired by Aztec and Mayan art — on the shirts. They also worked with graffiti artists who made hip-hop inspired graphics. The going got rough at the onset, but Bobby and Carl stuck it out and eventually became successful. The T-shirt business branched out into apparel and accessories but still maintained that trademark street appeal. The rest is history. Rock stars who are part of the Tribal gang include the guys from Korn, POD and Linkin Park.

 “What we were thinking was about our lifestyle — the things we liked and what we were into,” Bobby says. “Cars, music, skateboards, friends and family, San Diego State University. We were trying to make a statement and a few extra bucks. (We wanted to) do something fresh and original — unlike anything else.” 

Now as a successful businessman, Bobby will be quick to say he has remained true to his roots. He skated in the mid-’70s, and he still does so today with his sons. He still digs graffiti art. (“Graffiti allows you to make a name on the streets and represent who you are.”) He still digs head-banging and booty-shaking music. As a teen he used to listen to Hendrix, The Beatles, the Stones, James Brown, Kool & The Gang, Jackson 5, Santana and Malo. These days, Bobby does more than listen to the musicians he admires. He hangs out with them.

“POD is family. Korn is family. (Korn bassist) Fieldy and I have been good friends since ’93. We hung out yesterday at Tribal. (The guys from) POD are from San Diego. They have their studio at Tribal, so we basically work together. (The guys) from Linkin Park are all good guys — great musicians and artists. Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda are good graphic artists also. Cypress Hill is also representative of what we do. I’ve been on several tours with all these groups.”

And like these musicians, says Bobby, he is in the business for the long haul as well. “I feel like I have a responsibility to maintain. This is not only for myself, but for all the artists and people who contribute and make Tribal what it is. I want Tribal to be remembered as something innovative and second to none when it comes to art, graphics and lifestyle. We’ll be 20 years old in 2009. I can’t name too many other street-wear or skate brands that can say that.”

That infectious attitude toward street culture has affected our own neck of the woods as well. The Tribal founder credits the success of Tribal in the Philippines to their crew.

Bobby explains, “They understand our brand, image, lifestyle, philosophy, etc. (Tribal Philippines) has a good crew and shares in our international vision. I’ve been to the Philippines several times and enjoy my stays. As for Tribal’s future direction, we will continue to represent who we are collectively with pride and integrity. As clichéd as it might sound, we just keep it real and represent who we are.”

Starting today — at 10 a.m. at A Venue Events Hall along Makati Ave. — until Sept. 20, participants can get their fill of graphics on skin and on wheels, the finest and most intricate tattoos, sought-after local inkers, best low riders and top automotive custom workers.

The “Dutdutan ’08” tattoo exposition aims to establish tattoo as an art form in its own right and make it more mainstream or more acceptable to the public, while the goal of the “Cruzin’ Nyts” car show is to present an alternatively hip car show to local car enthusiasts. So, expect to see respected tattoo artists, custom carmakers, enthusiasts and supporters gather to compete, acknowledge artistry, and marvel at the synthesis of a culture and a lifestyle.

Highlighting this event will be a competition of creativity and innovation among the best local talents in both industries. Tattoo artists and custom carmakers from all over the country are set to battle in their own categories. The exhibition also features booths where participants can watch inkers at work and custom car demos, or get information on anything and everything about tattoo and low riders.

Completing this celebration of urban culture are featured bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, Valley of Chrome, Pedicab, Sinosikat, Death Threat with Ely Buendia, Amber, Krazykyle, and Dice & K9, among others.

Speaking of tattoos, Bobby Ruiz is damn proud of his.

“Well, I like to say I have just ‘one.’ It (encompasses) my whole back and half of both sleeves. I’ve got about 50 hours worth of ink-work, all done by Mister Cartoon of Los Angeles, and the most memorable is the latest one. Across the top of my back are the words ‘Deliver Us From Evil.’” 

As a conclusion, Ruiz has these words to say: “Pay the bills. Work hard. Stay focused. Enjoy life and all that comes with it.”

Let those thoughts from the Tribal leader sink in. It’s all about leaving a mark somewhere. About being indelible.

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Dutdutan 08 and Cruizin’ Nyts are being presented by Tribal Gear, in cooperation with the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild, Colt 45 and Southside Customs. Sponsored by Skinworkz, Kenny Rogers, Cerwin Vega, Numark, Sound Qoncepts, Powerplant Generators & Stageline. Media partners Jack TV, NU107, MYX, Solar Sports, Max FM, Pulp, Maxim and Computer Express; other partners are autoindustriya.com and musiklokal.com. For inquiries, call 834-5001 and 771-1522, or visit www.dutdutan.com / www.cruzinnyts.com.