The Philippines once again made its presence felt on the international grooming stage as Team Philippines proudly represented the country at the FCI World Grooming Certification held at the Exhibition Hall, Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Supported entirely by the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI), the delegation embodied the growing excellence and professionalism of Filipino groomers. Also present at the event was PCCI Grooming Chairman, Mr. Fred Salud, who showed his full support to the team throughout the competition and PCCI General Manager Ms. Lhiza Zita.

The team arrived in Malaysia on September 23, 2025, and met their model dogs on September 24, a day before the competition proper, which took place on September 25, 2025. Competing against the best from China, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines, the event was a gathering of Asia’s most talented groomers and a celebration of artistry, discipline, and skill.

This was the second time the Philippines participated in the FCI World Grooming Certification—the first being in December 2024 in South Korea. However, this year marked a historic first, as the Philippines sent a complete delegation representing all five FCI grooming categories, overcoming prior visa limitations that once restricted participation.

Leading the delegation was Mr. Jon Trinidad, serving as Team Leader, whose leadership, international exposure, and commitment to grooming education have inspired a new generation of Filipino grooming professionals.

The country’s representatives included:

• Category 1: Mr. Rene Badera. A distinguished professional handler for conformation shows and a Level A groomer specializing in Terriers, Mr. Badera showcased his expertise in precision grooming and breed standard execution, earning admiration for his finesse and control in the ring.
• Category 2: Mr. Alejandro Batucan Jr. A licensed B groomer, Mr. Batucan was the Category 2 winner at the FCI International Grooming Competition in Araneta Coliseum last January 2025. Trained under Mr. Patrick Go of King Philip Kennel, whose methods are rooted in the practices of seasoned California breeders, his elegant approach to Cocker Spaniel grooming reflected deep technical training and artistry.
• Category 3: Mr. Romir R. Bulanadi. An instructor at PCCI and Top Notch Pet Grooming Academy, Mr. Bulanadi is best known as the groomer of the 2023 Top Poodle in the Philippines. Having trained in Taiwan under poodle specialist Ms. Pai ChiaTai, he displayed precision, balance, and grace that drew praise from peers and spectators alike.
• Category 4: Mr. Lovington Cafirma. A renowned groomer known for presenting multiple award-winning Bichon Frises in PCCI dog shows, Mr. Cafirma’s ability to bring out the classic Bichon expression and perfect coat volume demonstrated his mastery of breed-specific grooming.
• Category 5: Ms. Michelle Obona. Representing the Salon Freestyle category, Ms. Obona, a student of Japanese master groomer Mr. Toshi Omura, currently grooms the Top Poodle for 2024. Her creativity and refined salon style wowed the audience, showcasing a blend of elegance, innovation, and strong technical foundation.

Among all the competing nations, Team Philippines faced one of the most challenging situations. Unlike other teams who were able to bring and prepare their own model dogs, the Philippine team had to work with dogs they met only a day before the competition. This was due to Malaysia’s strict quarantine policies for countries not classified as rabies-free, including the Philippines, making it impossible for the team to bring their own dogs.

Despite this major obstacle, the team displayed remarkable adaptability, discipline, and skill. They spent the limited time they had assessing the dogs’ coat types, temperament, and structure, quickly forming bonds to deliver their best performances under pressure. Their calm professionalism and teamwork stood out as a reflection of true Filipino grit and artistry.

To prepare the dogs for the big day, the team showered and prepped their model dogs at Pet’s Icon, a respected grooming facility managed and owned by Ms. Valerie Khoo, whose hospitality and support greatly helped the team get ready for competition day.

While Team Philippines did not reach the podium this year, with Team Taiwan being crowned as World Champion, followed by Team Japan and Team Malaysia, the Filipino contingent still made a lasting impression. Many members of the audience and fellow competitors praised the team’s grooming quality and execution, noting how well the dogs were presented despite the immense challenges.

The 2025 FCI World Grooming Certification was not just a competition, it was a testament to the passion and perseverance of Filipino groomers. Supported by the Philippine Canine Club, Inc., led by Mr. Fred Salud and Team Leader Jon Trinidad, Team Philippines proved that talent, dedication, and teamwork can shine even under the toughest conditions.

Their journey in Malaysia marked another proud chapter in the country’s grooming history, one that reaffirms that while the Philippines may still be chasing the podium, it already stands tall among the best in the world.