Let the name Elmer Catungal be added to the long list of Filipino international achievers. And who is Elmer Catungal? His expertise in the field of beauty traces back to his humble beginnings glamming up Filipino celebrities.
This hardworking and family-oriented person started as a makeup artist for print photo shoots and movies, such as Dreamboy starring Piolo Pascual and Bea Alonzo. It was on the set of this movie where he was introduced to Alex Vicencio, a beauty and prosthetics expert. This meeting with Vicencio paved the way for Catungal to earn more projects for film and television. Catungal’s relationship with Vicencio developed into a mentor-mentee and friendship bond.
Catungal’s first job abroad was for Sephora Middle East. Sephora, a high-end brand based in France, has been regarded as an international beauty trailblazer for its premium skin care products. Working for Sephora further honed Catungal’s skills and talents to the fullest. He gained ample knowledge in applying cosmetics and creating different looks for various faces. He also learned to identify various skin types, understand skin physiology, and use application techniques.
Catungal’s trip to the United States, which primarily was to attend his cousin’s wedding, gave him new exciting opportunities. He met his long-time friend, former Viva Hot Babe Ella V. Manalang, who Catungal had a chance to work with in the Philippines.
Manalang, owner and founder of VGlow Beauty Bar and VGlow Skincare, eventually commissioned Catungal to be her beauty ambassador for VGlow Beauty Bar, one of the leading medical skincare spas in Los Angeles. The collaboration between Catungal and Manalang solidified the start of Catungal’s journey into skincare.
As a beauty ambassador, Catungal’s main role is to meet the clients’ needs and preferences to ensure that they become the best versions of themselves. He empowers women by sharing his skincare expertise.
“Patience and hard work will carry you more than halfway through what you want to achieve in life,” Catungal said. “Just be patient and keep moving. Best practice makes perfect.”