COVID-19 leaves beauty industry unemployed

There’s no denying that the majority of freelance makeup artists and hairstylists are affected by the COVID-19.  But Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad is at your service at the BQ Mall.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

With business disrupted and provinces on lockdown to contain the pandemic, the economy slumbers. 

 

Most projects are at a standstill. Beauty pageants and events have been cancelled and postponed.

 

So sad the virus has all but completely shut down their industry.

 

For the freelance make-up and hairstylists  their jobs---which involves face-to-face, one-on-one contact — the very thing that the entire world has been told to avoid to stop the spread of the virus--- they are left to find creative ways to survive financially and emotionally. 

 

Andrew, a Tagbilaran-based freelance makeup artist, hasn’t worked since March 16. He primarily does wedding makeup and worked a wedding that day, but he's been self-quarantining ever since.

 

“My June weddings were cancelled," he told VRS. 

 

Another make-up artist Pickles said that next year's project is totally empty. 

 

"No bookings compared to last year's, " he said. 

 

But the pandemic didn't stop them to makeup lost time and to render community volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

They have volunteered to paint social distancing markers around Tagbilaran City. They also helped to check the home quarantine pass and monitor social distancing in both public and private establishments. 

 

Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad of The Art Noveau volunteered to assist frontliners at malls and public markets. 

 

"This quarantine I would say is life changing. It had swayed me how many times, made me blank for awhile and made my life uncertain at some point. I belong to the events industry that is greatly affected by this pandemic. No events means no job and no job means no money and no food to eat, " shared Khim. 

 

He thought it was the end. 

 

For freelance makeup artists and hairstylists, their lives have already changed dramatically during this pandemic.  But Nina and Angela are at your service at the Dao Public Market. Photo: Leo Udtohan

"The Art Nouveau Models and my closest and trusted supported me and motivated me. They provided me not just material things but also wisdom and determination," he said. 

 

He said it was a challenge venturing into a new platform of work that he was not used to it. 

 

"I have been managing and handling models for more than 10 years. So I have to adjust everything on this also," he said. 

 

"I want to be able to take part in helping flattening the curve for COVID- 19. As a new member of the Glam Team, I am one of those who is very blessed to receive aid from  (Tagbilaran City First Lady) Ate Jane Yap our very active and loving 1st lady. Under the administration of Mayor Baba Yap, I am very happy and honored that I am able to help my community and work to make this community sanitized to prevent the spreading of the virus. I will render myself and continue to volunteer in maintaining the safety protocol in Tagbilaran City."

 

COVID19, he said, is still here. He encouraged everyone to protect ourselves and the community.

 

"As much as I want to help, this is the only thing I can do that is why I am giving my all because I know it will make a difference. It is very risky for me but I want to help and I want to tell people to be responsible and to stay at home when it's not needed. We should ask not what the government can provide but ask ourselves, 'What can I do to help flatten the curve?', " said Khim. 

 

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