Let the Sunshine in

MANILA, Philippines –  Art knows no boundaries and is for everyone at the Sunshine Place in Makati, which recently showcased works of participants in its art class program in an exhibit.

The exhibit was a graduation ceremony of sorts for 19 participants from the senior recreation center, who amazed family members and friends with their remarkable oil pastel and acrylic paintings. After all, they had no background in painting, but the weekly art workshops facilitated by Art Association of the Philippines president Fidel Sarmiento drew out the artists in them.

At the core of the workshops are mentoring sessions in hands-on techniques, basic strokes and mixing colors. Originally created for the senior members of the center, the workshop has been opened this year to all adults and young adults as well. For the rest of 2015, Sunshine Place will also be holding Young at Art, acrylic lessons for 8- to 18-year-old participants, and basic Chinese painting classes.

Luisita Guerrero, one of Sunshine Place’s newest members and art exhibit participant, admitted she “didn’t know anything about painting; it was my husband who’s an artist.” But on the first day, “Fidel advised us to use an inspiration and we were able to produce an artwork after our first day of class.”

“I will definitely continue participating in the art classes here,” she adds. “Sunshine Place is where seniors like me can learn something new.”

Sunshine Place, a senior recreation center under the Felicidad Tan Sy Foundation, is a venue for adults to live actively through engaging in recreational classes and age-appropriate physical training programs. It is the venue to be entertained, to socialize and to reflect; a place of happiness and wellness for one’s mind, body and soul.

Aside from the art workshops, Sunshine Place offers a wide range of activities for its members and guests. There are iPad classes, ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement) tutorials, monthly health talks, games and hobby clubs.

There is always something new to learn: music classes and voice lessons; jazz, Yeba and social ballroom dance classes; a 10-session course in Tai Chi; nutrition counselling and customized fitness training programs. One can also take time to reflect in the chapel that is open every day and holds a 12:15 p.m. mass every Friday.

Sunshine Place also offers venue rentals with its roof deck complete with amenities that are ideal for private parties and corporate functions, and a dance studio for dance practices or fitness training sessions.

Sunshine Place is located at #56 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City. For more information, call 856-4144 or (0917) 515-5656; email [email protected].