A New Passion That Came Late

With a pair of scissors and a comb, Oscar made the finishing touches to a customer’s hair, as he requested for few minutes before the interview would start. The questions though weren’t related to the paraphernalia he was using at the moment. He already knew how to perm at the age of 11, did the hair and make-up of his classmates and teachers at the age of 13, and started working as a hairdresser at the age of 14.

At the age of 11, he already knew he was going to be a hairstylist. But making Christmas decors? Oscar Peralta did not see that coming.

With a pair of scissors and a comb, Oscar made the finishing touches to a customer’s hair, as he requested for few minutes before the interview would start. The questions though weren’t related to the paraphernalia he was using at the moment. He already knew how to perm at the age of 11, did the hair and make-up of his classmates and teachers at the age of 13, and started working as a hairdresser at the age of 14. Oscar Peralta may be famous for being a hairstylist and make-up artist, but a side of him which not too many people know, is his talent and passion to craft his own version of Christmas decors.

Ten years ago, he would make various Christmas decors every year. After three years, he had so many of them he decided to place all the decors he made for the past three years in his salon. A customer was enthralled by his creations and asked if she could buy all of them. At that time, Oscar’s Christmas decors were not for sale but eventually he gave in to the customer’s request. At the end of the day, the customer sported not just a fantastic do but also brought home a set of Christmas decors worth P12,000!

Since the first purchase, Oscar has been making and selling Christmas decors for 10 years already. He describes his works as simple yet elegant and original. With materials bought here in Cebu, Manila and some from outside the country, he creates drop balls (a disco ball crowned with a garland and adorned with smaller Christmas balls), wreaths, and candleholders when he is in a relaxed mood. The prices of his decors start at P2,000. There is also a small charge when the customer wants the décor maker to do the decorating himself. As a Fine Arts graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas, Oscar has some tips in making Christmas decors. “Do not put too many colors. Always appreciate whatever you have created,” he shared.

His salon may be embellished with beautiful and sparkling Christmas decors but when asked what his favorite decors are, he has only two: the belen or The Nativity Scene and the wreath. Why? “Jesus was born in a manger, in a humble place where there weren’t extravagant lights or balls. These two truly symbolize what Christmas is,” he answered.

The discovery of such talent may have come late compared to his hairdressing ability, but Oscar has acknowledged this blessing. And at the age of 58, he plans to continue doing make-up, hairdressing and décor making as long as he is able.