As always, the forthcoming 2010 Hair Asia Salon Spectacular mounted by Ms. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz is expected to be celebrity and star-laden. In the past, big name stars like Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ruffa Gutierrez, Marian Rivera, Charlene Gonzalez, Dina Bonnevie, Piolo Pascual, and Gretchen Barretto among others had attended Hair Asia events.

The 2010 Hair Asia Salon Spectacular will again be held at the World Trade Center on Nov. 16.
For over two decades, Hair Asia has been organizing the most prestigious hair and makeup competition that assembles the best and brightest salon professionals all over the Philippines. And for 50 years, Sunsilk has been a leading hair-care authority and one of the most trusted brands all over the world. Last March, these two industry heavy-weights came together to hold Hair Asia’s 20th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup.

Sunsilk which collaborates with top international hair experts for its Sunsilk Co-Creations campaign, chose to team up with Ms. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, the grand lady of Hair Asia and a respected member of the Philippine salon industry.

The National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup is one of Hair Asia’s annual competitions that are eagerly anticipated by salon professionals all over the country. Throngs of beauty aficionados trooped to the World Trade Center last year to witness thousands of hairdressers and makeup artists compete in four different categories – Ladies’ Cut and Color, Commercial Makeup, Men’s Cut and Color, and Bridal Makeup.

Philippine hair and makeup guru, James Cooper, and Ms. Alvaran- Cruz hosted the whole-day affair which kept a strong focus on the competitions and the real stars of the show – the competitors.

Comprising the panel of judges were top hairstylists Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco, Philip Louie Kee, Tinette Ozamis-Puyat, Deng Foz and Angelo Justin, and makeup experts Bambbi Fuentes, Patrick Rosas, James Cooper, Albert Kurniawan and Ricky Dali. Also joining the judges were Loida Pioc of L’Orèal Philippines, Akihiro Nomaguchi of Sabrina Fair Japan, and latest Hair Asia Magazine cover girl, Chelsea Yao Robato.

This year’s lucky overall champion will join Evelyn and the Hair Asia delegation to Paris, France in November 2010 to attend the Hair World Olympics. The contingent will also include Dennis Santos, Hair Asia’s Regional Chairman for Sta. Cruz, Laguna; Salon Spectacular 2009 Grand Champion, Arnel Palmera; and Edward Canale.

Winning the top spot in the Ladies’ Creative Colour Haircutting and Blowdry is Harizon Olivar. The Commercial Hairstyle and Makeup Category was conquered by Bernard Plaza of Park Hair Salon. Meanwhile, Albert Aparente of Gateway’s Mirage Salon bagged the top spot for the Men’s Creative Colour, Haircutting and Blowdry Category.

The final category, the Bridal Makeup,was won by Eduardo Canale, who also was named Hair Asia’s 20th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup overall champion.

As always, Salon Spectacular will be bringing together the best and the brightest hair and makeup stylists from all over the country to compete in the Battle of the Champions.

For inquiries e-mail hairasia@hotmail.com.

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Actor-politician special PVB guest

Philippine Veterans Bank started the year with a big bang by simultaneously opening 10 new branches all over the country.

Last week saw the inauguration of its new branch in Malolos, Bulacan which holds the record of the largest number of war veterans still alive.

Bulacan and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando was the guest of honor.

Other new branches are located in Pasay City, Santiago City, Isabela; Olongapo; Lipa, Batangas, San Pablo, Laguna; Kalibo Aklan, Tagbilaran, Bohol, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, and Koronadal. It brings PVB’s network to 60 branches nationwide.

As an actor, Daniel will always be remembered for the erotic thriller “Scorpio Nights” by master filmmaker Peque Gallaga. Daniel considers it a breakthrough in his film career. At present, public service is his priority.

He is in the cast of “Noah” where he plays a mean guy to lead actor Piolo Pascual.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Oct. 15, go to SC Chief Justice Renato Corona, SM patriarch Henry Sy Sr., Paz Yuchengco, Leo Baluyot, Cris Villahermosa, Gary C. Villanueva, Teresa Cabigao, Tessie Isidro, Ernie Pecho, Dante Ponce, Mely Muñoz, Alvin Obillo, Billy Formoso, Mario Baluyot, Remy Go, UK-based Tessie Coronel, Mrs. Ondang Sarao Virata, Gabriel Patrick “Gabe” G. Jimenez, Noel Asinas, Joyce Burton Titular, Jimi Cruz, Tet Andolong, Gerry Sunga and MB’s Rachel Castro Barawid…