IN AN industry as lucrative and cutthroat as the field of beauty, the way to be a part of the players is to present a product that will cement one’s position, with products both trusted and followed by patrons all throughout the years.
There in Liloan, Cebu was a business that sprouted from a pastime now turned legacy. Conceptualized in 1994, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc. has come a long way with its array of products catering to one’s beauty and skincare needs. For chief operating officer and vice president of GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc., engineer Leonora Salvane, it never crossed her mind that her handmade soaps would become a hit. A hobby turned into a family activity, as her family helped wrapped up the finished products, she began distributing samples to her would-be first customers, her neighbors and friends, who later became her dealers. It was brandless up until 1996 when it was christened.
This year, the brand reached its 25-year-mark and celebrated it at Robinsons Galleria Cebu last July 5, bearing the theme “GT Through 25 Years.” The celebration was hosted by its endorsers, Blinky de Leon and Phoebe Fernandez; with special performances by MAKA Girls, “Pilipinas Got Talent” finalists.
A fashion show also took place at the party showcasing the designs of Celine Borromeo, Tatah Costales Dela Calzada and Yoko Sato Li.
Dela Calzada’s designs centered on comfortable dressing without sacrificing style, regardless of the occasion. Borromeo’s designs was inspired by strong women with the core of her design process focusing on pieces that can be worn at the workplace to the party showing fashion’s ability to be practical and make a statement. Meanwhile, Li’s designs in earthy tones combined minimalism with that touch of volume and drama as seen on the sleeves and ribbons for the final touch.
“It was to showcase women empowerment, and the newest addition to our GT Colour Cosmetics: the GT Color Wand Natural Matte Liquid Lipstick, For Every Hue Collection and GT Brightening C+ Hydra White Body Serum,” shared GT Cosmetics’ marketing manager, Bruce Villamor who added that apart from the products mentioned, more products will be added to its colour cosmetics and skin care products that are more affordable but still carry the GT cosmetics quality.
“I owe the success of GT Cosmetics to all our patrons who trusted GT products, to our people who have done their parts in producing quality and effective products, to all who have positioned our products in the market as it is now and most of all to God Almighty, who has blessed us so much,” said Salvane.
When asked what goals or new products they’re coming up with in the near future, she said: “More discoveries and innovations that give solutions to problems of beautifying oneself, like an effective hair grower that really solves baldness and something that is so unique in solving any skin problems.”