Amidst collective gasps and wild applause, Ms. Evelyn Alvaran Cruz, Hair Asia President & CEO, drove unto the stage in a brand-new lime green Chery QQ – the grand prize for the event’s Overall Champion. She was joined in the car by premier hair and makeup master, and Evelyn’s co-host for the affair, James Cooper.

With the theme “Hair Evolution,” the event paid tribute to great icons that have shaped the evolution of beauty as well as eras that represent turning points in the history of hair as we know it today. With three great pyramids in the background, Club Mwah’s ever faultless dance troupe gave a dazzling Egyptian number channeling the decadent era of Cleopatra.

The ambitious production number was concluded by the grand reunion hair show of eight of Hair Asia’s past champions – Leo Priagola, Ronald Malaluan, Ren Ren Santos, Jun Catabay, Rowell Conde, Rolly Catinco, Stephanie Ilagan, Mhar Tacuboy, and Dennis Santos. The exhibition of Hair Asia’s elite featured hair pieces of Marie Antoinette, vibrant interpretations of the Twiggy period, and various other hair creations marking various decades.

Hair whiz Alex Carbonell took to the stage to present his Vintage Collection 2009 for Revlon Professional in a fun and hip hair show top-billed by four of his hottest celebrity clients Andre Andique, Rainier Castillo, Bianca Gonzalez and Jolina Magdangal. He was later joined on stage by the Bench FIX Salon Artistic Team, Ms. Vicky Lim of Signature Styles and Andrew Noble of Revlon Professional.
Meanwhile, the satellite stages were abuzz with FREE non-stop hair-shows and demonstrations by Angelo Justin for Cream Silk; Jeave Gabiana for Basement Academy; Signature Style for the Revlon Professional line and Sofia Rebond & Relax System; and Matrix Socolor.

Product seminars were also given by Dr. Vinson Pineda and his technical team for Isac Minoxidil, Dermclinic and Gluta Advance; Beauty Lane Philippines for the GiGi line of professional hair removal products; Indio (Industry Only) and finally, Aficionado Germany Perfumes and Joel Cruz Signatures by Joel Cruz.

The Diamond Star

The highlight of the day was the appearance of the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano, who could not stop gushing at the fantastic hair creations she saw on stage and on the arena, personally handed out the Plaques of Recognition to Hair Asia’s past overall champions and the members of the Hair Asia Artistic Team. She extended her congratulations to all the contenders and winners, and commended Hair Asia’s Evelyn Cruz for the magnificent job she has done for the past 20 years in giving the country’s hairdressers the attention and break they deserve.

The Partners

Luc Olivier Marquet and Bram Timmer of L’Oreal Philippines both lauded Evelyn for her work in upgrading the Philippine salon industry and giving a chance to hairdressers all over the Philippines.
Voicing out how impressed he was with the sheer number of people in attendance, Bram Timmer commented that he had “never seen it as crowded as today,” and that L’Oreal Philippines is, “very honored to be part of Hair Asia today.”

“We’re very proud to be associated with you,” said Andrew Noble Regional Director for Asia Pacific of Revlon Professional, to Evelyn. He unequivocally cemented the existing relationship between Hair Asia and Revlon by saying, “We commit to be with Hair Asia for 20 more years!”

Mon Lopez of the Office of the President and Chairman of “Go Negosyo” also dropped by to congratulate Hair Asia. “You have our support in your endeavor to develop competencies and skills, and provide livelihood and employment for millions of Filipinos.

Mr. Lopez was accompanied by Les Reyes CEO of Reyes Haircutters in extending his warmest wishes to Evelyn Cruz.

Angel Pelayo of the Department of Trade and Industry also came on stage to reaffirm the support of the government to Evelyn in her efforts to buttress the Philippine hairdressing industry.

Jennifer Sevilla-Go, former actress and teen idol turned entrepreneur with her hair wigs and extensions business- Lynelle Hair Fashion, took to the stage to address the crowd to extend her deepest thanks to Hair Asia.

Joel Cruz, the fragrance genius behind Aficionado Germany Perfume and the recently launched personal care line, Joel Cruz Signatures, was ecstatic over his decision to join the hair Asia event.

He said that they launched their hair wax – a temporary, washable hair color, just for the Hair Asia event and could not be happier with the sales. This was also shared by David Charlton, the master behind the David’s chain of salons.

The Winners

Reggie Cruz edged out his fellow competitors with his combined scores from the Ladies Creative Cut and Color, Commercial Makeup, and Bridal Makeup categories. What qualified him to win the top spot though was his 1st place win in the Men’s Creative Cut and Color category.

Gerald Belino grabbed the top spot in the Ladies Creative Cut and Color category. Arriane Gamboa took the top spot in the Commercial Makeup category while Romeo Enriquez came out champion in the Bridal Makeup category.

All in all, Hair Asia’s 20th anniversary celebration and 19th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup was a fantastic success!