In the hair and makeup world, progressing from fledgling to legend can take decades. We know some who have achieved it: Biba Varona, Boots Babushka, Jun Encarnacion, Ricky Reyes, Tony Galvez, Teng Roma, Henri Calayag, Jesi Mendez, Jingky Ilusorio, James Cooper, Fanny Serrano, Bambbi Fuentes and Victor Ortega.
With his passion, savvy and perseverance, Lourd Ramos will soon join this illustrious list. Even in an ugly economic climate, Lourd knows everyone wants to be beautiful. That’s why he has expanded far and wide in the metro his Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon, an upscale improvement from his “parlor” beginnings.
In all branches of Creations (including BF Homes, Parañaque; Greenfield, Mandaluyong; Somerset Olympia; and BGC Taguig), clients can choose from several services: haircut, color, highlights, Keratin, treatment, rebond, manicure, pedicure, and hair and makeup. Or they can avail themselves of either of Lourd’s Vidal Sassoon-level signature styles: the Rihanna cut or the short symmetrical bob.
“I’ve undergone a series of evolutions in my life and throughout my career. During each phase, however, what remains the same is my desire to create. Together with equally fired-up artists, I thrive on this uninhibited process of creating,” Lourd shared in his self-published book, Imprint. “When one is in that mood, there are no limits to freedom of expression. There are only continuous nudges to move beyond one’s comfort zone. I find that I live to create and recreate. This has defined both my passion and purpose.”
Besides being the creative director of his salons, Lourd is also the reigning hair care expert for TRESemmé. He was the brand ambassador for Smashbox makeup from 2006 to 2009 in Los Angeles; the Davines Italia Philippines Grand Winner in their 2007 Hair Competition; a one-time judge at Asia’s Next Top Model Season 3 (2015); and the current president of the Philippine International Cosmetology Association.
“I am constantly moved by people of pure talent and great substance. When I meet people whether through work or socials, I look at them with awe and admiration, instantly becoming a fan of their work, their presence, their person. Because of who and how they are and what they stand for, I’m constantly inspired to make my own mark in the world,” Lourd said.
Katarina Rodriguez, who had an early heartbreaking bow at Miss World 2018 over the weekend, and Catriona Gray, still in the running to be our fourth Miss Universe, are two of Lourd’s favorite muses.
“I’m one proud hairstylist who has been their ‘Mother’ who always tells them my honest opinion. I care for them like they’re my children,” he shared. “I never spoil them but I’m always on point in showing them the reality and facts of life!”
Kat and Cat are two fierce felines prowling on the pageant stage, and both have benefited immensely from Lourd’s guidance. Before Kat left for China and Cat for Thailand, Lourd’s prayer was: “They will win! They have prepared for and dreamed of this! Both will conquer the Universe and the World!”
KAT WILL ‘SAVE THE CHILDREN’ OF THE WORLD
She may not have clinched our second blue crown, in a show with a convoluted format, but Kat assured before she left to compete that she will remain committed to her advocacy of helping children.
“I’ll share with you guys what I normally don’t tell people. One reason why I decided to work closely with Save the Children is because if I were not Miss World Philippines, if I were not a beauty queen, I want to be a mother,” Kat said at the launch of the #LahatDapatChristmas campaign of the world’s leading independent children’s organization that seeks donations to fund local programs on nutrition to save at-risk children from dying and allowing them to reach their full potential.
Save The Children (www.savethechildren.org.ph) is “dedicated to helping children. As part of the Save the Children International network, we share a global vision and strategy aimed at creating better lives for children in the Philippines and across the world.”
“I believe in two things: sustainability and education. One thing I’ve learned with working with Save The Children, and being part of the Miss World Organization, is that the United Nations believes in 17 goals to help transform the world. The second goal is Zero Hunger,” Kat explained. “So I admire Save The Children for having this dream of decreasing malnutrition especially this Christmas season. That’s pretty much why I partner with Save The Children. It all starts with the youth, with our children. How they develop also dictates how our future lives develop. Now that I have a crown, I hope to extend the goals and dreams of organizations like Save The Children to the rest of the world.”
CAT WALKS THE UNIVERSE RUNWAY
She is the “Girl to Beat” at Miss Universe in Bangkok, a daunting tag for every pageant contender. Yet, Cat treads this great expectation with ease as our ravishing rep. One task she has taken as a responsibility is wearing clothes made by her favorite Filipino designers.
As such, Cat has championed Philippine fashion and the pageant activities have become her personal runway. On a field trip to a snail farm, she wore a denim jacket emblazoned with “Kababayan” and a jeepney illustration at the back. It was by Lahi Lifestyle, a design collab between Mia Arcenas, Solenn Heussaff and Vavi Heussaff-Small.
She has worn a skirt with T’boli embroidery by Nino Franco; dresses by Noel Crisostomo and Charina Sarte; a Benjie Panizales at Nongnooch Gardens; an Erwin Flores suit for a tour at the Royal Palace; a Louis Pangilinan cocktail at the welcome dinner; a Jearson Demavivas T’nalak ensemble at media interviews; and has brandished Amina Aranaz bags, Jojo Bragais shoes and Tessera Jewelry.
“Your dream is worth fighting for, and while you’re not in control of what life throws at you,” Cat, claws out, posted on her Instagram, “you are in control of the fight.”
Image credits: Erik Esperat, Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon Facebook page, Mark Neto Diaz