Filipino Hairdressers Association (FilHair), the premiere association of professional hairdressers, makeup artists, and salon owners in the country, celebrated its 35th year in a landmark event that gathered together people in the beauty industry to a daylong event on April 23.
Tagged as the “Jade Anniversary Beauty Event,” FilHair showcased a glitzy gathering of beauty trade practitioners and suppliers at the Metrotent in MetroWalk, Pasig City.
Beauty industry pillar and philanthropist Ricky Reyes, FilHair president, who is at the helm of this colorful event, gathered industry leaders (Asia Pacific hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association members) from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan to comprise the steamed panel of judges.
Several categories of different hair and makeup trends were opened for competition.
The LGBTQ community shined in the centerstage for the ‘Fabulous Cleopatra” total look category where they dressed up as the historical icon. Other divisions included men’s cut and blow dry, creative color, evening party makeup, and bridal makeup for the professional division.
Prior to the national level competition, several preliminaries and qualifiers were organized by FilHair officials in partnership with the respective Local Givenrment Units and LGBTQ organizations in Quezon City, Malabon, Antipolo, Baguio City, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Iloilo City.
With months of hard work and rigorous preparation, Mother Ricky ensured that the best of the best clashed in the much awaited event.
Mother Ricky’s vision for the LGBTQ community is for its members to be more relevant in the society and contribute in the economic development by providing livelihood trainings and avenues to hone their skills.
“My vision is for people to realize the mislabeling of the LGBT group, that the LGBTs have the capacity to help and be relevant to the society that they belong; that it is not about whether you are straight, gay, or lesbian, but just another human with a heart and a life’s purpose. I told them [the LGBTs] to change gears and let’s join hands together in serving our countrymen,” Mother Ricky said.
On April 23, new stars were born, a handful of dreams were fulfilled as they emerged winners in various categories. Christian Rogel bagged the championship prize for the Bridal Makeup and Evening Party Makeup categories, Regie Cruz took home the championship prize for Men’s Cut and Blow Dry, Julius Curivan for Creative Color, and Avie Viola for the Fabulous Cleopatra category.
The standout from Cavite and first-timer in the competition, Christian Rogel was hailed overall champion and will be representing the Philippines in the 23rd Hair Olympics which will be held in Singapore.