MANILA, Philippines -- Hair Asia takes center stage once more as it presents its 21st National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Makeup Competition on March 28 at the World Trade Center.

To coincide with the affair, the latest issue of Hair Asia magazine will be released. On the cover is Marian Rivera, projecting 1950’s movie star glamour a la Elizabeth Taylor. This could very well be her and Hair Asia’s tribute to the legendary actress and beauty icon who passed last Wednesday. Taylor was 79 at the time of her death. She was married eight times, twice to Richard Burton.

This is Marian’s second time to grace the cover of Hair Asia, the first of which was for the magazine’s Bridal Issue in 2008.

Expected to attend the 21st National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Makeup Competition are thousands of salon professionals from all over the country. Hair Asia also draws a number of consumer traffic thanks to the Cosmetic Trade Fair that happens simultaneously with the competitions.

“There will be four giant LED screens as backdrop for the main stage, and LED TV flooring for the catwalk,” discloses Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, President and CEO of Hair Asia, Inc.

The country’s best “undiscovered” hairstylists and makeup artists will compete in four different categories – Ladies’ Cut and Color, Commercial Makeup, Men’s Cut and Color, and Bridal Makeup.

Aspiring talents have the chance to win as Hair Asia Overall Champion, and the coveted prize of a certificate course at Vidal Sassoon Academy, Shanghai, China. Hair Asia is joined by three hair-care industry leaders in sponsoring the event – INOA and MATRIX by L’Oréal Professionnel, whose ground-breaking hair-color formulation called Matrix; is raved about, and Beauty Lanes Phils.

Hair Asia is taking yet another pioneering step to boost the hairdressing industry with Salon Job Fair 2011, the first-ever job fair exclusive for salon industry professionals, practitioners and aspirants.

Jesi Mendez, James Cooper, Reyes Haircutters, Vivere Salon and World of Beauty and Wellness are just a few of the leading salon and spa chains that will be participating in Salon Job Fair 2011. The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte as well as TESDA are also joining by putting up one-stop-shop kiosks to facilitate employment.

Mowelfund marks 37th anniversary

The Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) is celebrating its 37th anniversary today, March 26 from 1-5 p.m. at the Mowelfund Plaza. The celebration will start with a mass.

The highlight of the celebration is the launching of PCSO and Mowelfund’s sweepstakes partnership.

Invited as guests of honor are former President Joseph Estrada who traditionally gives an inspirational talk as founder and chairman emeritus and PCSO Chairman Margie Juico. Also expected to attend are representatives from LVN Pictures, Premiere and Sampaguita Pictures for the formal turnover of their respective memorabilia for the Mowelfund Museum.

Mowelfund, founded by former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada in 1974, has been serving its 4,500 members not only through its hospitalization, surgery, medical reimbursements and death benefits but also through livelihood opportunities and housing projects.

The Mowelfund Board of Trustees is composed of Ms. Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda as chairman. Vice Chairman is National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Eddie Romero. Board members are film director Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao, composer Josefino Cenizal, actor Rez Cortez and actress Boots Anson Roa who also serves as Mowelfund Executive Director.

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Screening for Mr. & Ms.Ecotourism starts

The search for Mr. & Ms. Ecotourism kicks off today with the screening of candidates. The screenings are set on March 26 and 27 and April 2, 1 p.m. at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center.

Female applicants must be at least 5’5” tall and 5’7” tall for male, single and never been married and not a parent, a Filipino citizen, possesses beauty of face and proportionate body structure with a pleasing personality. Applicants must bring their portfolio, photos or set cards and swimwear to the screening.

Mr. and Ms. Ecotourism Philippines – The Mossimo Bikini Summit 2011 Edition is a production of Galaxy Entertainment and Productions.

Pageant night will be on June 18 at Canyon Cove Beach Club in Nasugbu, Batangas, and will have 32 candidates.