IF you’re in the beauty industry, there are some exciting times coming up for you.
The international hair and beauty competition is the highlight of the 20th Asia Pacific Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (APHCA) convention.This October Manila will be the site of a beauty showdown as practitioners from 18 countries compete in a “hair Olympics” at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia.
APHCA is an association of professionals in the beauty, health and wellness industries from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (including Macau and Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. The brainchild of beauty guru Ricky Reyes, APHCA was formed in 1997 to bring together international and local beauty experts to foster camaraderie and facilitate the exchange of trade knowledge in the industries.
The association holds an annual event, called Hair Olympics, wherein industry experts can showcase their talent and creativity. The convention is hosted by different member countries every year. Last time, the conference and competition were held in Taiwan.
“This year will be very special to me because it is happening here in Manila, where it all began,” says Reyes, fondly called Mother Ricky by everyone in the association (yes, including the foreigners).
Hairdressers and cosmetologists in the Asia Pacific are expected to showcase their knowledge and creativity in such categories as Men’s Cut and Blow Dry, Avant Garde Cut and Colors for Men and Women, Evening Party Makeup, Bridal Makeup, Total Look, and an interesting new category, Nail Art (where both professionals and nonprofessionals can compete).
THE HEAT IS ON
THE pressure is on for Filipino hairstylists and makeup experts, says Reyes.
“I expect premier hairdressers and makeup artists all over the country to shine once again, as they compete with the best in the world. The Philippines has proven time and again that we have what it takes to be the best in this field,” he says. He adds, “Filipinos are a force to reckon with. In the past 20 years, Filipinos have never gone home empty-handed.”
BEAUTY CARAVAN
TO make sure the country sends the best to the competition, Reyes says his own organization, FilHair, is now on a nationwide “beauty caravan” to search for talented practitioners.
“Right now we are scouring the different regions and provinces, holding competitions so we can discover the best beauty practitioners to send to the competition.” The beauty caravan is currently underway in major areas, like Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, General Santos City, Puerto Princesa, Tuguegarao, Tacloban, Laoag, Urdaneta, Olongapo, Cabanatuan, Tarlac, Lucena, as well as key cities in Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Cavite, Bataan, Rizal, Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) region and Muntiparlas (Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Las Piñas) area. If you’re a beauty practitioner in these areas, make sure to keep an eye out for it. The caravan ends on September 16.
The 20th APHCA International Hair Olympics will be held on October 24 and 25 at the Hall 4 of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Aside from the competition, there will be seminars and workshops for those interested in the latest beauty trends, as well as a trade fair where beauty items and products from various member countries, will be available.