At the time, most interactions happened online, where collectors would buy, trade, and admire pieces individually.But there was no physical space where they could truly connect. That gap has sparked the idea of creating a simple gathering where collections could be laid out and acknowledged in person.What started as a casual meet-up quickly developed into something more meaningful, a community built on common interests and mutual respect.In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Algene Delos Reyes, the man behind the event, has noted that latagan resonates because it is “real and community driven” with no pretensions and just purely passion.Founders of “Latagan Gitnang Silangan”Real-world connectionsNow on its third edition, let us take a step back to where it has begun.

The first Latagan has been modest, which gathered together a small group of collectors.Despite its size, the event has carried a strong sense of purpose. It has given people the chance to meet face to face, exchange the stories behind their collections, and build genuine connections.Unexpectedly, the exhibition has grown into a great number of showcase, featuring more than 3,100 vintage caps. Yet, the true highlight was not the number, but the atmosphere it created, one of belonging and shared passion."Latagan Tres" held on April 18 in Al Ghurair, Dubai“No matter how big it gets, the goal remains the same: to keep it authentic, inclusive, and driven by passion,” Delos Reyes told Gulf News.As the word spread, the event has also attracted attention beyond the Filipino community, with various individuals and organisations recognising the rise of vintage cap culture in the region.“We’re also looking beyond the UAE.

The vision is to eventually bring it to a bigger stage, possibly expanding to other parts of the Middle East. We want to continue challenging ourselves by breaking our own records year after year in terms of the number of vintage caps showcased.”Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan 2025 in Dubai: exclusive looks and must-see highlightsGrowth that reflects diversityBuilding on this momentum, “Latagan Dos” has been conducted last year and expanded both in scale and reach. With over 4,000 caps on display, it has become one of the largest gatherings of vintage cap collectors globally.More importantly, it has drawn people from different nationalities across the Emirates.

What started as a niche interest has evolved into a multicultural event, which has bridged differences to the same dedication for the culture.“It’s a space where people of all backgrounds and generations can come together and connect over a shared passion. You’ll see longtime collectors and newcomers and there’s that instant connection. It’s a reminder that even during challenging times, community still matters,” said Delos Reyes.“Latagan Tres” brought together 60 exhibitors, most of them first-time participants More than just capsAt the heart of latagan is storytelling.

Every cap on display has carried a unique meaning. Some have been tied to memories, others have reflected cultural roots, while many have represented personal milestones or journeys.“People connect with it because they see themselves in it. Whether you’ve been collecting for years or you’re just starting, you feel like you belong.”This has been evident in standout collections such as Delos Reyes’ 1992 “Chicago Bulls Script” hats, a set of over 120 pieces built over five years and widely regarded as a world-record collection.Among the most talked about displays was Algene Delos Reyes' presentation of over 120 pieces of the 1992 "Chicago Bulls Script" hats Stories of persistence have also emerge through collectors like Moki Osorio, whose rare “Thunderbolt” hats have demonstrated years of steady progress.Moki Osorio is this year’s recipient of the "Best Collection" award, known for focusing on “Thunderbolt” hatsA different kind of journey has been seen in first-time exhibitor Jim Jimenez, who has completed the full 1995 NBA “Sharktooth” set within a year, a process that typically takes much longer.These stories are what set the exhibition apart. It has not been driven by buying or selling, but by appreciation of the history, emotion, and identity behind each piece.Jim Jimenez earned the "Best Completed Collection" award wit