THE universe has simply permitted a Bacolodnon -- the known hairstylist and makeup artist Carlos Durana -- with a momentous opportunity to share his talent that partly contributed to the overall success of the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines pageant held at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City Saturday, April 30.
The said pageant is labeled with class and an international flavor.
Miss Universe Philippines newly crowned Filipina-Italian Celesti Cortesi of Pasay City accepted the crown from her predecessor Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss Universe Philippines 2021, an openly bisexual woman.
Durana was proud to take part in the backstage preparation of a prestigious beauty pageant.
His dexterity in enhancing a person’s beauty with his hairstyling mastery became part of the MUPh’s preparation in staging their candidates and those playing major roles in the said event.
Durana was among those who hair styled some Miss Universe candidates and several important participants in the said pageant.
The MUPh’s Glam Team represented the Culture Salon Manila owned by Jim Ryan Ros enlisted Durana in his team and commissioned him to perform those beauty and fashion-packed tasks.
Durana said he enjoyed this privilege as he maintained his wide connection to known salon owners and alliances outside of Bacolod City that started with his showbiz linkage to the renowned film director the late Peque Gallaga.
Durana has learned this ‘magic’ of enhancing a person’s beauty that commences from the time he sees the person’s physical aura.
He usually starts with a quick assessment of what hairstyle will fit a model.
“They said, the hair is one’s crowning glory, so I made it a point that the hair style that I do to my subject will perfectly enhance her beauty where she will look lovelier and prettier on stage or in a crowd,” Durana said.
Durana’s hairstyling skills are propelled by his natural appreciation of the arts, softened by emotions.
Those conditions enable him to deliver perfect execution of his creation of hairstyle.
Durana’s mark will always be synonymous to “Simplicity is beauty and glamorous when necessary.”
“I did the hair style of Ms. Pauline Amelinckx (of Bohol) during the preliminary interview (while) on the coronation night, I did the hairstyling Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Bianca Guidotti Santos and Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010 Carla Lizardo,” he noted.
Durana also did a grooming for American Idol Season 18 Top 2 Francisco Martin, who was a guest performer.
“It was a memorable experience where I had an ‘all access’ backstage... Not all would have this opportunity,” he quipped.
The Bacoleño make-up artist added that he is grateful to work in this prestigious beauty pageant with his fellow team members who are also fun to be with.
He said he believes that his stint at the MUPh 2022 is just the beginning.