Get ready for the ultimate vintage cap celebration at 'Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan' in Dubai

Dubai: Heads-up! Prepare to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of vintage caps at the "Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan" exhibition—Dubai's ultimate gathering for cap collectors and enthusiasts in the Middle East! Returning for its second year, this exciting event is set to dazzle with rare, one-of-a-kind caps, cultural storytelling, and a growing community of passionate collectors. Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to the world of vintage headwear, this is the event you can’t afford to miss. And who better to guide us through the excitement than Algene De Los Reyes, the visionary behind the movement and founder of BangketaPH?

From passion to phenomenon: The origins of Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan

"Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan" wasn’t always the global sensation it is today. What began as a simple hobby for Algene in 2018 has blossomed into a global cap-collecting movement. It all started with his love for NCAA basketball and March Madness, but the moment Algene stumbled upon a vintage cap with unique embroidery and vibrant colors, he was hooked. "I didn’t know much about vintage caps back then," Algene recalls, "but once I discovered those older pieces, I knew I was hooked." That was just the beginning of his journey, leading him to focus on Chicago Bulls caps, inspired by his Michael Jordan fandom. Over the course of seven years, Algene’s collection grew into a legendary showcase of over 200 vintage caps, each with its own story and history.

What started as a small gathering among Filipino cap lovers in the UAE quickly captured the hearts of cap enthusiasts across the Middle East. Algene shares, “It all began with a shared passion for vintage caps, and before we knew it, it evolved into a regional celebration. Last year, we broke records by displaying over 3,100 vintage caps, and this year, we plan to surpass that milestone with even more collectors, rarer pieces, and a larger venue!"

A collection of rare and priceless caps

For those attending this year’s exhibition, prepare to have your mind blown! Last year, the "Raiders Pewter Hat"—valued at AED 65,000—stole the show, but this year, expect even bigger and better pieces. One of the most exciting features will be the "MLB - Black Dome Side Logos", a coveted collection worth AED 3,000 plus per cap. Imagine a full set of these rare beauties, each one representing a different MLB team!

And that's not all— Algene is bringing out the heavy hitters with his 200-piece Mighty Ducks collection, recognized as the largest in the world. But the NFL caps on display? Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia!

This exhibition isn’t just about any caps—it’s a showcase of history and artistry in the world of vintage headwear. One of the rarest hats in Algene’s collection is the "Pewter" Raiders cap, featuring a Pewter Metal logo. This cap is so rare that it last sold for a mind-blowing 800,000 pesos at auction, making it an exclusive collector’s item. Released in the ‘90s in limited quantities, it became an iconic symbol in hip-hop culture, thanks to its popularity with rap artist Ice Cube.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Algene’s collection is packed with rare gems like the "MLB Side – Black Dome" caps, regarded as the holy grail of vintage collecting. Each piece is worth AED 3,000 or more, and one dedicated collector has managed to complete the entire MLB team set—an absolute jaw-dropper! Another favorite in his collection is the “Crayon Graffiti” hats, known for their bold, graffiti-inspired artwork—a true standout in the world of vintage caps.

For Algene, hat collecting is more than just about acquiring rare items. It's about the stories, the nostalgia, and the memories behind each cap. "Hat collecting is all about self-expression," Algene explains. "It’s about showcasing your interests, affiliations, and style. But it’s also about nostalgia. A cap can remind you of a moment in time that you’ll never forget." These hats are more than accessories—they’re personal statements that hold deep cultural significance, whether related to sports, music, or fashion.

If you’re new to the world of vintage caps, Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan offers a rare opportunity to connect with the deeper social and cultural influences that make these hats so valuable. Whether you’re drawn to the hip-hop scene, the streetwear movement, or even high fashion, this exhibition will give you a whole new perspective on the power of caps in shaping culture.

Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan is a celebration of the global cap-collecting community. Meet Jerome Pineda, another passionate collector who was inspired by his eldest brother’s collection of Anaheim Mighty Ducks caps. Jerome started collecting caps in April 2022 and his favorite? The iconic Anaheim Mighty Ducks logo—bold, unique, and full of character. One of his rarest pieces is the "Anaheim Mighty Ducks ‘CRACK’", designed by Drew Pearson and made in the Philippines. It took him two years to find it, making it one of the most prized pieces in his collection.

As of now, Jerome has more than 200 hats and one of his favorite caps is the “Ducks on the Pond big logo” designed by The Game. His most prized hat in his collection is the Anaheim Mighty Ducks Double Sharktooth designed by Logo Athletic. 

For Jerome, just like Algene, cap collecting isn’t just about the hats—it’s about community and camaraderie. "Algene is the one who helps me track down my missing pieces," says Jerome. It's this sense of shared passion that makes the vintage hat community feel like family. At Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan, you'll experience that same sense of belonging and connection.

Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a curious newbie, Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan offers an unforgettable experience. Explore rare caps, meet passionate collectors, and get a glimpse of the global culture surrounding this ever-growing hobby. The event is open to the public for only AED 10, making it accessible to all.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: ProsportsUAE, Karama, Dubai

Don't miss out on the chance to witness a legendary collection of more than 3,500 caps from over 55 exhibitors and uncover the incredible stories behind these iconic hats tomorrow! Latagan sa Gitnang Silangan isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a cultural movement taking over Dubai. Come immerse yourself in the world of vintage caps like never before!