"Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan" event in Dubai grows significantly
The 2025 edition of "Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan" concluded in Dubai, marking a remarkable success for the vintage cap exhibition. This year, the event showcased over 4,000 caps, surpassing last year's total of 3,100. Algene De Los Reyes, the event's organizer, highlighted the impressive turnout of more than 200 attendees from the UAE, representing both seasoned collectors and newcomers. The exhibition featured exceptional collections, including a 500-cap display by renowned collector Rogie Alcazar. Another highlight was the complete MLB Black Dome Collection, with each cap valued at over AED 3,000. An array of nostalgic caps from the 1980s and over 200 Mighty Ducks Caps also drew significant attention from the audience. Even though the event was non-sales, attendees had the unique chance to view rare caps up close. One standout was the Raiders Arch Sample Cap, considered invaluable in the vintage cap world. Other notable items included the Nike Raiders Splash Cap and the Los Angeles Raiders Hieroglyphic cap, valued at AED 16,000 and AED 20,000 respectively. The sense of community at this year's event was striking. Many collectors were meeting face-to-face for the first time, exchanging stories and forging new connections. Jerome Pineda's Mighty Ducks collection, inspired by his brother, added to the shared enthusiasm present throughout the exhibition. Participants like Genesis Espina shared their personal journeys into collecting vintage caps, illustrating how the community has grown. The event received positive feedback and plans are underway to make next year’s exhibition even more interactive and engaging. Algene De Los Reyes emphasized that Latagan is more than just a showcase of caps; it represents a movement and a celebration of a vibrant culture. As the excitement builds for future events, the legacy of Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan continues to expand.