Carol is an accomplished watercolorist & oil painter. She began painting in Chinese Brush in the 80’s under the tutelage of Master Hau Chiok, an awarded & recognized Master of the Chinese Brush Lingnan Style by the People’s Republic of China.

In 2015, Carol joined the class of Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, President of the Art Association of the Philippines for several decades now. She opted to focus on portrait painting in oil. She has since then painted the portraits of the 16 Philippine Presidents & the portraits of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. She has also exhibited her works extensively here & abroad.

Currently, Carol continues to paint figures of women & girls as well as floral portraits.

Cecile de Joya is no stranger to the field of arts, be it in dance, interior design, crafts, music and fine arts. Thanks to the genes from her parents, both from the UP Conservatory of Music and Arts.

Since her leave from the active life of dance, Flamenco in particular, Cecile has been devoting her senior years to a very rewarding form of self expression, which is painting. Kudos to the masterful tutelage of Mr. Fidel Sarmiento and his very able assistant, Mr. Robert Fernandez. Indeed, Cecile has found another home at Sunshine Place wherein seniors as well as non-seniors, are given the opportunity to learn and express themselves in various activities.

Cultural and civic endeavors also keep Cecile occupied together with her colleagues from the Bayanihan Phil Dance Co. Working hand in hand with Gawad Kalinga, Cecile and contemporaries, share their knowledge and experiences with the children in the villages in Trese Martires.

Conchitina Bernardo has been painting for 6 years now at Sunshine Place with Maestro Fidel Sarmiento. While she embarked on this field later in life, it has opened a wealth of creativity and satisfaction which comes with the discovery of an ability that lay dormant for many years.

She is grateful that this new phase in her life gives her a sense of accomplishment. Especially after a painting is completed and is affirmed by those who enjoy her works of art.

Ed Ramos: From Finance to Fine Art

Ed Ramos, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a bank trader, found his artistic calling later in life. What began as a casual hobby in 2015 soon blossomed into a deep passion for painting. Over the years, Ed has explored various genres, with his works ranging from serene landscapes to intricate portraits and detailed still-life compositions. Recently, Ed has ventured into the world of abstract painting, finding it both intriguing and challenging—a new frontier in his evolving artistic expression.

A writer of children’s books and a lifestyle columnist in her younger days, Lin finds fulfilment now in painting under the tutelage of Fidel Sarmiento and Robert Hernandez.

I’m Ervin Francis M. Balisoro, a tattoo artist and painter with a background in Fine Arts from EARIST Manila. My artistic journey began as a child with colored pencil artworks, which evolved into a passion for both tattooing and painting. In 2023, I worked as an assistant beginner painting instructor at Sunshine Place, where I helped others explore their creative potential. I take pride in combining creativity and precision to craft meaningful, personalized tattoos and artworks that reflect unique stories and emotions.

Mr. Sarmiento has received numerous prestigious awards, here and abroad and he is presently the President of the Art Association of the Philippines and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum, among others.

Ka Fidel’s interest in colonial houses stemmed from his initial college work while taking up an architectural degree course at the MAPUA Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines. He graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts at FEATI UNIVERSITY.

Heidi is a self thought artist and trained art restorer in San Agustin Conservation Laboratory,Intramuros Manila since 2006. She is from Cagayan Valley and is now residing in San Juan, Metro Manila. She usually paint using oil for several years but tried to create masterpieces using charcoal,ink and pen,pencil, soft pastel, colored pencil, ball pen,water color and acrylic. Practicing each medium depends on her mood and clients’ request.Most of her works are portraiture, either realistic, abstract or caricature. Some landscape and still life.Trying to develop her skill all through the years. She used to be a Nurse by profession but Artist by heart.

Joyce Valdeabella-Ashworth discovered a passion for painting in August 2019. Much of her artworks are influenced by master painter, Maestro Fidel M. Sarmiento, President of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP).

Born in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and raised in the Barong Tagalog-rich town of Lumban, Laguna, Joyce is now a published artist who keeps on evolving, focusing on conveying a message to her audience with visual communication.

The artist’s medium of choice is acrylic, but Joyce also uses graphite, and charcoal. Each medium manifests in its own individual style, showcasing a diverse range of techniques. She uses mostly canvas but influenced by Maestro Fidel, she also paints on wood plates, ceramic tiles, and wine bottles. This multimedia artist blends modern abstraction, impressionism, and realism, resulting in captivating pieces that invite viewers to interpret and connect with the emotions behind each artwork. With a passion for experimentation and an eye for detail, Joyce continues to evolve her artistic voice, making a distinct mark in the contemporary art scene.

Joyce earned recognition with her Non-Representational pieces at the 18th and 19th GSIS National Painting Competition placing her as a Finalist in 2023 and an Honorable Mention in 2024. Her non-representational style delves into the subtle interplay of light and shadow against a backdrop of deep black. Using meticulous layering and careful manipulation of values, her pieces reveal hidden depths as light dances across its surface.

Loida ‘Laiyan” Balubayan never stops discovering the magic of art. “Walang mali sa Art basta nasa puso mo”. Teaching Kids and beginners is my inspiration why I don’t stop discovering the world of Art. At the same time teaching them, is also a process of continues learning on Art for me.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and counselor from CEFAM, there came a time when we became empty nesters. It was the period in my life to do what I loved most, to paint and to write. I find both very rewarding.

The first exhibit of my oil paintings was in the late 80’s. I have done different mediums and since I joined Sunshine Place, now acrylic. I have met many wonderful and talented artists and acquired valuable skills under the tutelage of Maestro Fidel Sarmiento and his assistant Robert Fernandez. In hindsight, I learned that life indeed begins at … !

Mariquit P. Reventar is a licensed Architect, a licensed Broker, and a Land Developer. A widow at 39 years old, she worked in the Family Corporation, Laguna Lands and Estate Development Corp. as its President and CEO until her retirement in September, 2019. An active Rotarian since 1990 she served Rotary Club of Calamba as its first Lady member in RY 1990-1991 , and lady President in RY 1993-1994. She served Rotary District 3820 as its first Lady District Governor in RY 2002-2003, the second in the Philippines together with District Governor of RID 3810 DG Rosie Go.

A widow with 4 children, namely Raul Jr.,51, an Architect; Raphael,47, Materials Engineer; Rhodora,44, Civil Engineer and Lawyer; and Mary Rachel,39, a Pediatrician. She is a proud grandmother to the 3 children of Raul, one of Raphael, and one of Mary Rachel.

After retirement in September she enrolled herself in Acrylic Painting at Sunshine Place Senior Hub. During the Pandemic of 2020-2022, she continued learning online under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento until today on a face to face lessons.

Sunshine Place inspired the students to participate in the annual Art Competition of GSIS. She participated three times in 2020, 2021, 2023. Her art works were exhibited in the GSIS Museum. She also participated in First Art Competition of the Philippine Postal Service,2023 thru Sunshine’s encouragement and inspiration.

As a senior student learning painting in acrylic is a challenge, therapeutic, and satisfying. Challenge to learn the mixing of colors, and trying the many techniques. It is therapeutic especially during the pandemic because it gives you an activity that requires time. It’s a pleasure to see your completed artworks. The pleasure is similar to an Architect’s satisfaction in seeing his/her plans executed and the structure completed according to the design.

Lawyer by profession, artist by passion.

Weekdays, Vicky handles real estate contracts; weekends, she paints vibrant, realistic flowers. She is the Philippines’ Georgia O’Keefe! She brings nature to life, aiming for the viewers to “smell the roses” through her art.

Her artistic journey began two decades ago, mentored by Rody Herrera. Recently, she ventured into abstracts influenced by Fidel M. Sarmiento. Vicky’s works has been exhibited in Rose Bowl, San Fernando, La Union, the Archaeology of Power Plant Mall and Chef Jessie at Rockwell Club and online, earning her recognition as a finalist in the 2024 GSIS National Art Competition for the non-representational category (abstract).

An Ateneo College and Law School graduate, Vicky has 35 years experience in real estate, with stints at San Lorenzo Development Corporation, KPPI Land Corporation (now Shang Properties Inc), Rockwell Land Corporation and Bonifacio Civic Center Holdings Inc.

Meliza Gonzales, who had no previous experience in painting began attending workshops at the senior center under Art Association of the Philippines President Fidel Sarmiento in 2015.

At that time “she thought that life has plateaued with grown-up kids taking more control of their lives,” shares one of her daughters, Giliza. It was her husband Gil who encouraged her to take painting lessons at the Sunshine Place. While she was hesitant at first, Meliza took the big leap, and with the guidance of Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, the blooming went into over drive.

Meliza had a successful Solo Exhibit last 2017 and was recognized as Top 25 Honorable Mention non-representational category during the GSIS 2018.

mir.IAM, a painter who is so much more grateful to the Lord as years passed by for her talent as an artist, for that edge over others to be more discerning of His beautiful creations and for that ability to capture, immortalize and impart if possible such beauty, such pleasure, such deep emotions and blessings for everyone to see, feel appreciate and enjoy!

The intricacies of art in all forms have naturally intrigued Rica Rosario B. Ong from an early age.

A graduate of Fine Arts major in Interior Design at the College of the Holy Spirit, Rica was born October 3, 1966, to Remedios Cabral Balingit and Ong Ben Cuan in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija. Her entrepreneurial father uprooted the family to Binondo, Manila which instilled the art of business to young Rica and dislodged the art of painting.

But the art of designing jewelries beckoned her. And whatever she does, she prepares to be the best in the field. Hence, she carries a sought after diploma in Diamond Grading from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. Rica indulged in this sparkling intriguing industry for 14 years relegating interior design to a hobby.

She finally fully embraced the art of painting this year after a serendipitous encounter with Sunshine Place alumna. Under the tutelage of master artist Fidel M. Sarmiento, Rica developed a realist style using acrylics. She paints listening to slow and country music, because “music speaks what you feel inside.” More inclined to monotone colors, Rica believes that her multi-faceted interests from furniture and interior design, jewelry design to gardening, conspired her towards painting.

“Art for me is a way to express my emotions and feelings. It can be used to communicate ideas and thoughts, or a tool for self expressions. It is a form of therapy, or a means to find beauty and balance in life,” said Rica.

Her works are heavily Asian influenced – blue and white ginger jars, old lamps, calado embroidery, vintage furniture- “ representing old world charm…am an old soul in a contemporary world.” To relax, Rica walks along side her furry babies in the beach watching the sunset or simply gardening. Every act becomes an inspiration for her rediscovered love for painting. She credits the woman she is today to her late father who pushed her not with fear but with courage to fulfill her dreams.

Originally a tattoo artist, he was referred by a friend to develop his creativity by joining Arts Association of the Philippines. Robert started with AAP in 2001 as a volunteer and a canvas maker and pursued painting the following year. From then on, he joined art competitions of the organization and became protégé of the President Mr. Fidel Sarmiento. Eleven years after he joined, he had his first break to showcase his work with other artists abroad in “Young Art Philippines 2009 “Euro Tour (8 cities). His expertise subjects are still life baskets, jars, fruit and flowers to name a few. He also accepts commission work to figurative painting.

He has been receiving awards since 2006 and his works are published in coffee table books and magazines. He also conducts art workshops in schools and provinces. Robert has been teaching with Mr. Fidel as an assistant instructor for more than six (6) years at Sunshine Place. Robert Has been painting for more than 25 years.

Victoria Lopez started painting under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento and Robert Fernandez on October 2019 and has been painting since then at Sunshine Place for Vicky is her “Happy Place”.