Wake-upper:
Scene: Donald John Trump
was elected the 45th president of the United States last Tuesday in a stunning
culmination of an explosive, populist and polarizing campaign. On Election
Night, however, Trump’s star became the site of a victory party. Supporters
gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, chanting “U-S-A!” and
wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. The star had been defaced several
times over the course of the election.
***
The
story of hair and beauty guru Bebei Tagoctoc is a ‘hairy’ kind of success story
at all.
Bebei
Tagoctoc is known as the "Mother of All Hair
and Make-up Artists in
Bohol" who
started as utility boy at a small beauty parlor
and working his
way to the top. Contributed Photo
|
Bebei,
the "Mother of All Hair and Make-up Artists in Bohol," started as
utility boy at a small beauty parlor (called Blue Petals) inside the old BQ
Mall, working his way to the top.
"At
15, I dropped out at school," recalled Bebei. “I am a firm believer of education, but I had
to stop from my studies because of poverty.”
It
was at the Blue Petals’ beauty parlor where Bebei’s talents was enhanced and
developed. He decided to apprentice in
that Blue Petals where he started as a mere parlor sweeper, then eventually
became a manicurista, a neophyte
hairdresser and a make-up artist.
In
1987, Bebei opened his salon on CPG Avenue, consisting of a wall mirror, a
shampoo chair, a bowl, and a dryer. It wasn’t much, but to Bebei it meant
everything, as it was something he could call his own. It was Jun Quimpan,
Bebei’s partner, who encouraged and helped him to establish his own salon.
Due
to unavoidable circumstances, Bebei’s salon transferred to Lambert’s Building
along Ma. Clara Street, then finally settled at K of C Drive. However, his loyal clients continue to hire
his services.
Twenty-nine
years later, Bebei has become an institution in his own right, sought-after by
the clients, mostly the who’s who in Tagbilaran, who submit themselves
wholeheartedly to his "magic touch" which sometimes transforms them
into completely new and different personalities, beautiful inside and out.
Name
a who’s who and a star and Bebei has touched her: Christine Hermosa, Piolo Pascual, Ruffa Mae
Quinto, Jericho Rosales, Philippine top models, when they came to Bohol. Bebei was tasked to touch their delicate
faces. In 2005, when Miss Earth candidates
came to Bohol, Bebei was hired as the official make-up artist.
Bebei
said he has never snubbed a client since he knew how to deal clients with
tantrums.
“As
possible, I please them,” he said.
Coming out
Bebei
starts his day very early by praying. Then, he does prepare for the salon at K
of C Drive.
Everyday
is a busy day. If he’s not at his salon, he’s somewhere else doing home service
for a bride and her entourage. He also designs gowns.
Bebei
was one of a handful few “bayots” in the city who came out in early ‘60s. He said “coming out” in those years was a
suicide.
Even
as a kid, Bebei knew he was gay. He would draw faces, figures and fashion
designs on his notebooks. He liked
dolls.
“It
was something a near to death experience when you were coming out. It was a
moment to see if society accepts my true identity or not,” he shared.
Bebei
has experienced different layers of discrimination throughout his life- for his
sexuality. Each time, he shrugs it off.
“I
let them go,” he said, “I am not the one who is kawawa. I know myself.”
He
said being a Marian devotee has helped him to conquer obstacles in life. He
owns a Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrow) statue after he was inspired during
his many visits at the St. Joseph Cathedral. The statue of the Mater Dolorosa
at the Cathedral was donated by the late Charing Dejaresco.
“I
like the Dolorosa’s teary-eyed and I felt her love for me,” he said.
Bebei’s
life story was featured on GMA’s Jessica Soho Reports. It was no less than
multi-awarded journalist Jessica Soho called Bebei as “Ricky Reyes of Bohol.”
‘Mothering’
Bebei
spends much of his time “mothering” to other “bayots” who asked his help. Even
Lamok, who once dubbed the “Beautiful Boxer”, could testify Bebei’s good heart.
It was Bebei who adopted him when he was down.
As
of this year, Bebei has two adopted “badings”. He may not have completed his
education but he is sending them to college.
“I
told them to finish school for a bright future,” he said.
Bebei
said he has no plan to stop working, not yet.
“I
don’t have any plans to stop working, or to stop helping,” he said. “I love what I am doing with the love of the
people.”
Come
to think of it, if he were not a hair and make-up artist, what would he have
been?
"A
teacher," said Bebei. "I love to teach."
But
with what he’s doing, Bebei has more than achieved that dream.
***
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