Gum Cruz’s Growth as a Speaker and Industry Educator
Gum Cruz built his voice in the industry the same way he built his craft, through measurable impact and leadership roles.
Through his work as a speaker, mentor, and industry leader, Gum Cruz has built credibility and influence across the barbering scene.
Becoming a respected voice in the barbering industry requires more than technical skill. It requires credibility, experience, and the ability to communicate standards clearly to others. Gum Cruz transitioned from competitor and brand partner to speaker and educator through documented milestones, not just invitations. Beginning in 2021, he started organizing Uncomplacent Barbering Seminars, creating structured platforms for skill development in the Philippines. As his international exposure expanded through competitions and brand collaborations, so did his role as a representative of professional standards. His speaking career reflects a steady progression from local seminars to regional expos and global platforms.
Building authority through education and industry platforms, his work positioned him as a leader beyond the barber chair.
In January 2021, Gum Cruz organized the first Uncomplacent Barbering Seminar in Angeles City, marking the beginning of his formal education initiatives. He continued expanding these seminars in different cities across the Philippines, including major sessions in Baguio and Pampanga, consistently drawing barbers who wanted to refine their technical standards. In October 2023, he co-organized the first ever Philippine Barber Convention, helping build one of the country’s largest barber-focused gatherings. The convention was not just an event but a structural contribution to the industry, creating space for collaboration, competitions, and brand participation. His role as organizer and speaker positioned him as someone shaping the direction of Philippine barbering rather than simply participating in it. These initiatives established a foundation for his transition into regional and international education roles.
His presence on regional platforms and global stages helped formalize his influence as a barbering educator throughout Southeast Asia and internationally.
In March 2024, Gum Cruz became the first Filipino WAHL Southeast Asia educator, formally recognizing him as a regional representative for professional standards and brand education. He conducted trainings and participated in expos across Malaysia and Thailand, while also serving as Chief Judge at Barber Expo Asia in Malaysia. His credibility extended into the business community when he spoke alongside Francis Kong, one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the Philippines. He was also part of the Philippine delegation at a World Business Expo in New York, participating in sessions with Francis Kong, Chinkee Tan, and CEOs of some of the largest corporations in the country. By June 2025, he delivered a TEDx talk titled “Why I’m Obsessed with Barbering,” articulating the discipline and philosophy behind his craft to a wider audience. These milestones show a trajectory that connects technical mastery, educator-level authority, and national business-stage recognition.
