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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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

The power of a simple 'thank you'

Thank you.

These are two words that some of us take for granted especially in this age where we do multi-tasking and are preoccupied with so many activities in the world.

When I wrote a piece about Mother's Day last Sunday, a simple "thank you" from featured friends it melt the writer's heart. And if the subjects had received a positive write-up responds that was another bonus.

Of course, there is no law requiring people to do that. But saying "thank you"  is more than an act of courtesy, it’s a way of crossing frontiers on an emotional, personal and emotional level.

During the pandemic, some bashed our barangay, municipal and provincial  officials for being so slow... but mind you they are doing their best to protect and help us.  Why not recognize others for who they are, and for the qualities that cause us to love them?

We should also thank our frontliners (health-care workers, fish and vegetable vendors, cashiers, security guards, barangay officials, police, army, mediamen, et al) and countless other people, they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

All of us are deeply grateful to all of them  who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

***

So how can you keep your sanity in the time of COVID-19? 

Most of us are in fear of anxiety and having sleepless nights and not eating properly being quarantined for two months. 

Psychology Today shared some tips in managing anxiety during this extraordinary time:

*Stay informed and updated on the news—but (important but) limit your exposure to TV images of pain and suffering so as not to become overwhelmed by grief. Consider reading the news online or in a “real” newspaper instead.

*Focus on the positive actions you can take to prevent exposure to the virus, including social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing a face mask while you’re around others in places like grocery and liquor stores.

*Don’t catastrophize or minimize the health crisis by exaggerating statistics or allowing loudly opinionated, under-informed public figures to influence you.

*Remind yourself “this too shall pass,” and when it does we will have changed, hopefully for the better if we learn from our experiences to be more resilient as we face future challenges.

*Reflect with gratitude on everything good and positive in your life and in the world.

*Think about your loved ones, your shared histories, things you’ve been through and survived together in the past.

*Make sure that voice in your head we refer to as “self-talk” directs your thoughts and actions from a place of information and positive action, not fear.

*Get outside (socially distanced as needed, of course) into the sunlight and nature. There is a beautiful springtime unfolding out there, and a walk or hike can do wonders for you.

*Have flowers and green plants in your home. Their beauty and "aliveness" are inspiring.
Listen to upbeat music. Dance! It’s incredibly therapeutic.

*Celebrate joyfully each positive step toward resolving the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines caring for the ill.

*Laugh. Regularly. Watch funny shows, movies, and stand-up comedy.

*And one final tip: Give yourself permission to cry as needed. It's healthy and a normal human compassionate response to suffering, and we are all suffering. Even the most resilient people need to vent the buildup of sadness at all we are living and witnessing. It's a hard time we are all going through together. But we can get through it together, while holding it together too.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Coronavirus: Here's how they are coping in uncertain times

As the COVID-19 continues to spread, the public has been taking to social media to express concern over the disease and precautions they're taking to protect themselves.

Extreme times call for extreme measures. We thank our leaders and frontliners for saving the community. 

VRS asked some of our friends how they are coping/dealing with the situation.

Maria Fe Evasco:  Following authorities
"I deal with the covid situation by following what our local government has strictly enforced and of course, pray, pray and pray."

Fiel Angeli Gabin: Watching Netflix
"My coping mechanisms? Listening to music, watching “Modern Family” on Netflix while folding clothes, and praying the rosary with the Jerome, Cielo, REnji, and Mama Wincie. We are now on our 7th day of novena for protection against COVID-19."

Andrew Baker: Being obedient
"In our country, medical experts and politicians ordered us to stay at home for our safety and to follow the precautionary measures to be always clean and healthy hence, the quarantine. Our duty as citizens of this country and an individual of the world is to simply follow the directions given by us, hope for the best, and pray. Even at home, we can do something, like spreading documented and legit  information about the current situation online.The doctors, nurses, peace officers, humanitarian aiders and other medical experts did their part as citizens with roles just to eliminate this virus. Likewise, we can be our own defintion of hero by simply being an obedient, positive and disciplined citizens in this country, in the world."

Dennissa Lorelle Owen: Keeping family updated
"I believe that it's time for us to be one and to keep our faith to God as He is the answer of everything. As a citizen, I am trying my very best to follow the rules of the government because I know my simple obedience will make a difference if practiced with love and willingness. I also encourage my mutuals to be responsible in everything that they click because there are many false news circulating in the media which causes panic and horror to almost the majority.
I have used this time to cope up with the stress I had and to connect to my family. I am catching up with the household chores in order to help my parents. I am taking the rest that I think I deserve too. I know that this pandemic is causing everyone to panic and it can be upsetting but let us not forget that we are in this together and God is more powerful."

Engr. Aprilmel Lupot: Staying can be fun
"Unfortunately, we had to shut down our construction site but the Project Management Team had been working from home for the past 11 days. It’s been very challenging to fight the boredom of being isolated from everyone, especially from my family. But thanks to technology, there’s always a way to communicate to everyone. Like any normal day, I do grocery when needed, do laundry and cook for myself. On workdays, I just sit with my laptop and keep the news on the background. I try to move around as much as I can. Otherwise, I find myself doing funny things I never thought I would do—like talking to ants, separating the contents of a Dingdong Mixed Nuts and counting all 54 holes in one Skyflakes cracker!Kidding aside, I have been very obedient by STAYING HOME. It's the least I can do to help flatten the curve."

Jerome Magallen, Ph.D.: Family bonding
"Our ways of coping the situation primarily includes  the following: Always take time to pray that God will help us overcome the crisis; we will pay attention on the preventive measures  and focus on the things that we can control to avoid the virus; physical and mental well-being like making sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and supplements to boost the immune system. As much as possible, we avoid news/articles in the social media that increase our stress and anxiety; pre -occupied ourselves  cooperating with household chores like gardening and cleaning for us to be more productive even in the quarantine period; and make use of the time for family bonding."

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: Helping others
"While on home quarantine, I've been observing the proper handwashing and teach the kids and other members of our household to do the same, use of 70% alcohol, taking of Vitamin C and wearing of mask if necessary have been practiced. Now, since a lot of frontliners are risking their lives doing their job, in our own little way we also prepared and provided them with alcohol, mask, Vitamin C and other food supplies. This has been one of the most difficult times, we can only hope for the best and pray that this too shall pass anytime soon.  Salute to all our frontliners!  May everyone be safe and healthy for the rest of the coming days."

Police Corporal Aldrin "PNP Beatbox King"  Palaca: Washing my hands often
"Being one of the frontliners, we are vulnerable to infection not only of Covid-19 but other viruses that we might get during our deployment on field manning checkpoint operations. Before going back to our home, I sanitize my uniform specially my shoes  to ensure the non-spreading of Covid-19 including other viruses that our uniform may have picked up. I am washing my hands often."

Leah Tirol-Magno: Trusting G-d
" I face this situation with a trusting heart that all this is part of a God's greater plan. While staying home most of the time, I am spending it more in baking for others."

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan: Safety protocols
"Being a doctor, I have no choice but to go out and see patients despite the enhanced community quarantine protocols. I just follow proper hygiene and safety protocols.Whenever I'm home, I keep myself busy doing household chores,doing my favorite pastime, and last but not the least, I pray. It's the greatest weapon to end this dreaded disease."

Ate Vi Yorong: Social distancing
"At the office I make sure that social distancing is strictly followed as well as the "no face mask no entry policy." At home I strictly impose home quarantine to my nieces staying with me especially that we are taking care of my 81-year-old father who had a stroke in 2018. I beg for consideration on the "no back ride policy" because I work together with my niece who drives her motorcycle. Sadly, because of the "no back ride policy" we just commute. I just thank the multicab drivers that despite the implementation of the social distancing, they are there for the public."

Atty. Dave Maulas: Self-introspection
"The last time I was in a confined environment was when I was on my 6-month review for the bar exam. It took a toll on my psyche, brought about by the stress expected during the grueling review. It took a toll on my finances, as I was jobless during such time. This COVID-19 situation overwhelms in comparison, especially under the present circumstance where I have people who rely from me for support. The confinement, not voluntary; income-generating activities, restricted; dealing with unseen enemy, way more stressful. But I'm dealing this situation with a similar mindset, that is to  emerge as a better version of myself after all of this. Perhaps a better lawyer given the time to read more, perhaps a better family-man given the time to be with the family more, perhaps a more-skilled individual (dancer, singer, gardener) given the spare time to learn new skills, or simply perhaps a better person. Like on a cocoon, emerging thereafter as butterfly."

Elvie Bongosia: Sleeping galore
"Sleeping galore, reading inspirational books and movie marathon!"

 ***

This inspirational "letter" from reader Anne Mustasa (address not given) she culled from the internet.

Dear PANDEMIC

You’re back. But this time it’s different.

You came in 1918 as the Spanish Flu, infected one-third of us and killed over 50 million of us. Then you vanished as fast as you came.

You returned in 1957 as the Asian Flu and killed 2 million of us. Then you were gone.

You appeared again in 2009 as H1N1 - the Swine Flu. You infected a quarter of us and 200,000 of us died - less than the deaths each year from the common flu.

And here you are again today.

Each time we call you a Pandemic.
Each time we panic.
Each time you kill far less of us, and yet we panic far more.

Because you are NOT a pandemic of DEATH or even DISEASE. You are a pandemic of FEAR.

In December of 2019, that fear showed up in our media, in our stock markets, and in our, every day lives....that same big fright you've given us today.

But you’ve been here several times and this time, we see you for who you really are:

A GLOBAL GHOST of our WORRIES, ANXIETIES and deepest FEARS.

And as with any ghost, you can only grow if we feed you.
And if we don’t, YOU DISAPPEAR.

(John 10:10- "The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy...")

So this time,
instead of FEAR, we choose FREEDOM
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1

Instead of PANIC, we chose PEACE.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Instead of LOSS, we chose LOVE.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." - I John 4:16

Thank you for VISITING.
We appreciate the REMINDER.
YOU CAN GO NOW.

** To turn VIRAL FRIGHT to VIRAL FIGHT:
1 - PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.)

WASH YOUR HANDS
(Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

3 - CALM YOUR MIND
(John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.)

4 - PASS THIS MESSAGE ON
(Mark 16:15 - And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.)

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Powerful Bible verses to fight fear and help you heal in tough times

The COVID-19 pandemic is confusing and frightening millions of people as it refused to die down.

It has redefined social graces--- no beso-beso, hugs and kisses, and shaking hands. People are reminded to observe "social distancing" --- that is three feet away or farther from each other.

The virus has also affected social life. Birthday parties, weddings, concerts, graduations and the like have either been postponed or cancelled.

To all who were advised for home quarantine, please stay at home!  We have the whole community to protect.

It's 14 days to save lives,14 days to save the community, 14 days to save the world. We should not ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts. Remember, a little sacrifice can make a big difference.

The pandemic also questions our faith. It’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing our mind, body, and soul. But no matter how hard the situation is, no matter how unsure the world is,  we can count on finding some strength in G-d’s word.

Here are just a few of the great verses found in the Bible about G-d's great power to deliver us from fear and for healing:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 -"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Psalm 91- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my G-d, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Isaiah 41:13- "For I am the LORD your G-d who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Psalm 6:2-"O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror."

Jeremiah 17:14-"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise."

Psalm 27:1- The LORD is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your G-d. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to G-d. And the peace of G-d, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Deuteronomy 31:8- "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1 Peter 5:7-"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

John 14:27-"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your G-d is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 23:4 -"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

2 Timothy 1:7-"For G-d has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Psalm 34:4-"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Matthew 9:20–22- "Then suddenly a woman . . . came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.' Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, 'Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.'"

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Bohol designers donate reusable
face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.