Achievements
Gum Cruz’s achievements reflect years of focused work across barbering, competition, education, and industry leadership. Each milestone represents both personal progress and a growing role in representing Filipino barbering beyond local spaces.
From competitive stages to international training platforms and leadership roles, Gum’s achievements are built on consistent involvement and contribution. These milestones highlight how his work expanded from the barbershop into regional and global industry spaces.
Competitive Barbering Milestones
Gum entered barbering competitions as a way to test his technical skill under pressure. His most notable competitive result came when he, alongside Joe Camacam and Dencio Aguilar, won Bronze at the first-ever Southeast Asia Barberlympics, representing the Philippines against top barbers from the region. He later became the Philippines Country Winner of Wahl’s Legend of Barbers, a major competition recognized across Southeast Asia. These competitions required precision, structure, and the ability to perform within strict judging standards. Each stage experience sharpened his technical execution and presentation. Competition became a benchmark for growth rather than a pursuit of recognition alone.
One of Gum’s most significant career milestones came in 2024, when he was appointed as the first Filipino Wahl Southeast Asia Barbering Educator. This role formalized his position as a regional representative for education and technical standards.
It acknowledged years of groundwork built through competition, teaching, judging, and international participation. The appointment also expanded his responsibility beyond national borders. His achievements now reflect leadership as much as personal performance. Today, these milestones continue to shape how he contributes to barbering in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
As the Founder of Mizutani Scissors Philippines, Gum was invited to attend Mizutani Scissors Japan’s 100th Anniversary—an exclusive gathering reserved for select global partners and industry leaders, including Leen and Bertus, the Dutch master barbers behind Schorem Haarsnijder en Barbier and the globally recognized men’s grooming brand Reuzel.
He also became an Ambassador for Learn To Cut, supporting education initiatives focused on developing barbering fundamentals. In addition, Gum collaborated with 12PELL, a New York-based barber collective, where he participated in a haircut jam and talk that blended technique, culture, and industry perspective. These moments highlighted his ability to engage across different barbering communities. Recognition followed sustained involvement rather than isolated appearances.
Gum’s role in international barbering expanded beyond competition. As the Filipino Wahl Southeast Asia Educator, he represented the country in regional programs such as Wahl Future Makers and Wahl Asia Pacific Training, contributing to education initiatives across Asia.
He also served as Chief Judge for the Skull Republic Barber Battle at Barber Expo Asia, representing the Philippines in a leadership and evaluation role. These roles placed him alongside international educators and industry leaders. Representation in these spaces required both technical credibility and the ability to communicate standards clearly. His presence helped position Filipino barbering within broader regional conversations.
