Layla Sriyanonda is known for her book Life In Flight Mode, published by Salmon Books. It narrates the author's experiences as a flight attendant trainee. Recently, Layla released another book, Mabuhay Manila, or a journal of her days as a make-up trainee in Manila.
While Layla was a student at the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University, she visited Manila and was inspired to become a make-up artist by beauty influencer Amata "Pearypie" Chittasenee. To develop her make-up skills, Layla took a course in Thailand where she met a professional stylist at GMM Grammy who gave her opportunities to work for celebrities and models. Due to her hard work, Layla was able to save 100,000 baht.
During her two-month summer break from Thammasat University, young Layla decided to enhance her make-up experience abroad. But with limited money, she had to search for a creative make-up agency in Asia. She later found Artist and Company in the Philippines and applied to be an assistant make-up artist there.
Layla Sriyanonda, author of Mabuhay Manila. Photos courtesy of Salmon Books
"I once met a Thai make-up artist who had worked in New York. She said in other countries, there were creative agencies which had make-up artists, fashion stylists, hair stylists and photographers in one place. Each agency was in charge of finding jobs for these professionals. In Thailand, we do not have creative make-up agencies because our industry is small. I wanted to work in London or New York, but I had a limited budget. I did not know much about the Philippines, but I knew English is one of their official languages. When Artist and Company responded to my application, I decided to go to Manila," said Layla.
Life spoke to Layla via Zoom since she is currently in London after earning a master's degree in creative writing from De Montfort University Leicester. Layla told us about her past experience in Manila.
What are some negative or positive aspects of not having a creative make-up agency in Thailand?
In Thailand, many talented make-up artists do not need an agency to help them find clients. Famous make-up artists like Vinij Boonchaisri and Chatchai Peangapichart can earn money directly from clients. Other freelance make-up artists manage their schedules themselves, but they have to do wisely since I know two freelance artists who died and one who became handicapped due to overworking.
When your Filipino teacher sent you a message that said, 'Take care of yourself. Manila is more dangerous than Bangkok', why did you still want to go to the Philippines?
I chatted with him three days before I left for the Philippines. I was stunned when I received that message because he is a native Filipino. It was like someone saying that his house was dangerous. We live in Bangkok and we know there are dangerous zones, but we still feel like it is home. We do not tell foreigners that it is dangerous. His messages made me realise that this person felt that his home was dangerous.
Layla Sriyanonda works with a model. Photo: Layla Sriyanonda
Did you feel that Manila was dangerous?
I was scared after I left the airport and saw old worn-down buildings all the way from the airport to the Malate area. I was startled when children knocked hard on car windows asking for money. When I saw security officers at banks carrying long guns like rangers in Thailand, I was alarmed by that.
What is your advice for people who want to visit the Philippines?
There are a lot of warnings online for tourists visiting the Philippines. A man can be easily robbed or murdered. No one should be out in risk areas or go out during risk periods. I was not in an isolated place and did not go out during risk hours. Anywhere can be dangerous if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You said that you did not know much about the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia. Did you learn more about them?
Yes. After I returned from the Philippines, I watched YouTube about the colonial history of the Philippines and Indonesia. I took a couple of classes about Southeast Asia in Thammasat University. I discovered that Indonesia was colonised by the Dutch. Moreover, the poverty in the Philippines is a problem that no president can solve.
Who was the most famous person you met in the Philippines?
Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach, but when I met Pia, she had just won Miss Philippines Universe and had not earned the Miss Universe title yet. I felt that she was bright. When we were at a set, she spoke to me in English since some crew spoke Tagalog. I was no one important and she did not have to do that, but she helped me to not feel isolated.
Mabuhay Manila by Layla Sriyanonda. Salmon Books
Do you still keep in touch with people at Artist and Company?
Yes. I worked for them on a project-by-project basis. In a recent project, they wanted to film in a spectacular villa and wanted a model to walk through the meadow, but they could not find that kind of location in the Philippines. I found a location for them and so they went to film in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Did you experience culture shock in the Philippines?
Children knocking on car windows asking for money was a shock. If children knocked windows very hard like that in Thailand, car owners would scold them. In the Philippines, people drove very fast and did not stop their cars at crosswalks. Thai drivers often do not stop at crosswalks either, but Filipino people drive faster than Thais. I am now in London and I find the city vibe is black; everyone in the subway dresses up in black from head to toe. In the Philippines, the vibe was vibrant because people dress colourfully. Another thing is there's no health trends in the Philippines. People did not care about healthy or clean food or about being slim or chubby.
What was your most impressive experience in the Philippines?
I feel thankful that the experience there helped me speak English better. Since I studied in Thai schools, I could speak only a few words. In the Philippines, I was able to communicate in English. It began when I listened to others and then, adapted what I heard and spoke up. After I returned to Thailand, I tried to converse in English with foreign models. When I had a job interview for a flight attendant position, I was very confident. I am grateful for this short trip that enhanced my English skills which opened the door to another opportunity.
Layla Sriyanonda as an assistant makeup artist in Manila. Layla Sriyanonda
Have you figure out your make-up style?
Yes. I discovered that I like what we call 'editorial' style. It requires imagination and artistic skills.
What is your advice for young people who want to be a trainee abroad?
For anyone who contacts a company directly, do not underestimate yourself. I do not want to say "follow your dreams", because money is a factor that can limit our choices. When you have enough money, go for it. When I look back on my experiences in Manila, I was surprised that I was so brave. After training in Manila, I could speak English. Then, I became a flight attendant. After that, I saved enough money and I could study for my master's in the UK.
