To relieve stress and keep the mind strong and healthy, the Department of Health (DOH)-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) conducted a recent four-day “Face Painting Workshop” at Ciudad Christhia Resort in San Mateo, Rizal. The participants were employees from the regional office and various provincial health offices in the region.
Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said that the objective of the workshop is to promote stress relief among the employees, develop creativity, bolster emotional growth, stimulate an optimistic attitude and foster camaraderie.
“At least 45 minutes of creative activity significantly reduces stresses in the body, regardless of artistic talent or experience,” he said. “Finding an emotional release from a rigorous work like painting allows the mind to relax and liberate it from all the troubles that provide high level of stress. Kapag mas mababa ang stress level ng isang tao, mas masaya at healthier ang lifestyle niya. Mas mai-improve rin ang overall mental health niya.”
Face painting is the application of cosmetic paint to a person’s face for entertainment, theatrical or symbolic purpose. In some parts of the world, it is a common cultural practice and used primarily to identify important individuals like tribal chiefs, shamans and witch doctors to denote different genders and social classes.
According to Regional Mental Health Coordinator Paulina A. Calo, safety comes first, even in face painting.
“Dirty painting tools like sponge and brushes and contaminated materials due to lack of sterilization can cause allergic reaction to the skin and eyes,” she said. “Before applying any paint, you should first check if the person is allergic to the material by applying a small amount to the skin, preferably at the back of hand.”
Participants were introduced to various types of face painting styles, such as cake face paints, liquid makeup, crayons, dry glitter, glitter gels and basic prosthetic makeup. Proper application of cosmetic paint was also taught, including the use of sponge and various brushes, along with the techniques in creating designs, such as tribal art, animal faces and scary faces.