By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

CNMI’s hair expert Renren Santos, who has been on island for six years, was hailed overall champion in the recently concluded 17th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup held in Manila, the Philippines early this month.
Santos, 32, bested thousands of hair and makeup competitors in Asia where he was adjudged champion in the commercial and bridal makeup categories.
Organized by Hair Asia Philippines, Santos received gifts and cash prizes and will be sent for three weeks of study at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Shanghai, China all expenses paid by Hair Asia.
“I didn’t expect to win and I am so happy that I made it. I’ve been in many competitions…but I consider this as my greatest achievement because I was able to beat thousands of hair and makeup experts,” he told Variety in an interview.
Santos arrived from Manila on Wednesday night where he was accorded a special welcome and surprise party by his friends, led by longtime mentor and companion Ernie Molina.
Variety was told that Santos was motivated by his employer Julie Cunanan to participate in the competition, convinced that he could make it to the top.
“I was encouraged by my boss and my friends in Manila. Since I was allowed to take a 2-week vacation for the contest, I grabbed the opportunity,” he said, adding that the event provided him with a different experience.
Santos, who has a salon in Manila named after him, started in the business when he was 18 years old.
Variety learned that Santos participated in two of the four contest categories—men’s cut, women’s cut, commercial and bridal.
He topped both categories and was chosen overall winner after 8 judges voted for him.
“A week before my flight to Manila, I was starting to prepare the things that I would need in the competition. But when I was told that I needed to provide my own models, this put pressure on me, and I had to ask recommendations from my friends…and I am lucky that I made the right choices for my models,” he said.
Brazilian Jordana Schefller was Santos Bridal model while commercial and product endorser Sherlyn Gonzales was his entry for commercial category.
Santos was 809th on the competition list for the bridal category and 306th in the commercial category.
“I saw a lot of people and everybody had their own beautiful entries…models…makeup and hair styles. I am so proud that despite the long line, I made it to the top,” he said.
Santos dedicated his achievement to his family who has been his inspiration in life.
“They are the ones who give me the strength and the will to do all these things…and it’s proper to offer this achievement to my family and friends,” he said.
On Saipan, Santos is active in offering his services for community activities and events.