Asian Hair Olympics comes home to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Asia Pacific Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (APHCA) comes full circle as its annual competition, the APHCA Hair Olympics, returns to where it all started: Manila.

Established in 1997, APHCA was conceived to strengthen camaraderie among hairdressers and cosmetologists in the Asia-Pacific region, and to create an environment where members can interact and build networks with fellow members.

Hosted by the Filipino hairdressers’ association, Fil-Hair Coop, in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The 13th APHCA Hair Olympics 2009 set on Oct. 21 at the PhilTrade Training Center along Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, features the best and the brightest hair and beauty professionals in the region.

Ricky Reyes, APHCA founding president, thought that he could improve the hair and beauty industry by bringing together national associations in the region and began contacting them through the APEC delegation.

“We wanted to form an association that would gather the various practitioners in the region to keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry,” Reyes explains. “Forming an organization would make the implementation of trade agreements more efficient, resulting in lower costs for products and technology and leveling the playing field for all industry players. This is especially important for hairdressers and cosmetologists in small countries, who need the right knowledge and technology to practice their artistry but have less capital to invest.

With these objectives, Reyes had no trouble gathering support from hair and beauty organizations worldwide, and APHCA has built a prestigious membership that includes Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

The APHCA Hair Olympics showcases the latest trends in hair and makeup and other new discoveries on beauty and wellness.

Representatives from member countries will compete in various categories, including Men’s Cut and Blow, Ladies’ Cut and Blow, Bridal Makeup, and Commercial Makeup.

Seminars and demonstrations will be conducted by top professional hairdressers and cosmetologists from various beauty companies, with an exhibition of beauty and wellness products, cosmetics, food supplements, natural herbs and aromatherapy, as well as fashion and cosmetology schools.

Beauty practitioners and salon owners are invited to the 13th APHCA Hair Olympics. For inquiries, contact Lhito Pantig at [email protected] or call 7268218.