Makeup art highlights culture

Let’s Get Glam, an online makeup competition, celebrated Filipino tradition and heritage, culture and arts amid the lockdowns as it challenged aspiring and budding makeup artists to interpret some of the biggest Philippine festivals into works of art.

Themed Buwan ng Wika: Hala Bira, after the Aklanon word Hala Bira which means “dispense all means,” the virtual tourney was hosted to recognize the humble freelancers and creatives behind small businesses who passionately support their families during these trying times.

The first prize was awarded to Andrea Asuncion, an advertising student from De La Salle University, who gave a glimpse of the treasures of Davao City in her Kadayawan-inspired look. Asuncion’s entry seamlessly incorporated three core elements: The indigenous tribal patterns, the colors of the Philippine flag and the imageries of the Philippine Eagle and the South Sea and Fresh Water Pearls.

In second place was Pangasinan-based makeup artist Nyle Lyndon Lalata, who encapsulated the Pintados Festival in a complementing clash of prints and colors.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Culinary Arts student Emmanuel Ochoa earned the third spot for his detailed floral painting reminiscent of the Panagbenga Festival.

Other grand finalists included Benilde students, with the vibrant Sinulog Festival by Janick Lei and the head-turning MassKara Festival by Justin Manlapaz.

Albeit unrelated to their respective tracks, they believe that representation and meaning are important factors to be highlighted in any occasion, especially during the month that commemorates Philippine culture and language.

The roster of judges was spearheaded by online business Make-Up Store creative department head and reality show MEGA Fashion Crew 2012 awardee Lei Ponce, with experience handling models, celebrities, Miss Supranational and Miss Universe delegates. His works have donned local and international glossies and he has likewise served as the brand ambassador for Make Up For Ever where he did masterclasses, lives and store workshops.

Completing the panel were experienced makeup artists and Ma. Angelica Jaramillo, a Hospitality Management undergraduate from Southville International School; and Eisley Navela, a Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising apprentice.

The contest was spearheaded by the Let’s Get Glam Organization, composed of culinary arts and tourism management students from the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management from the DLS-CSB.

Entrants submitted three-to-five-minute videos to demonstrate the creative process and four photos from different perspectives to highlight the finished look.

“The Let’s Get Glam organizers wished to put up a new variety of competition in the community since makeup tilts like this aren’t common as other events,” noted Camille Bartolo, a public relations representative. “Now that we are transitioning into the new normal life, our ways and creativity must transition as well.”