Amanda Atayde is the first baby of Sunshine Place Art Class. Despite having a difficult schedule with her school activities she makes sure that she still has time for her first love “Painting” with the guidance of her art instructor.

She is now 16 years old and a grade 10 student. She started at Sunshine Place at the age of six (6) years old that is why she is one of the pioneer students of the kids art class.

Aurora or “Auring “ as known to her friends was born in Tondo, Manila on Dec 7, 1937. Auring was able to complete her course in Home Economics at Centro Escolar University in Manila. She was 2nd from the brood of 7 siblings . She loves music and graphic arts even when she was young , and she also loves socializing and making friends as much as she can. She has a flair in artistry which was seen on her stitching and handwriting before . Picking up the brush in this stage of her life made her remember the artistry in her , and it shows because she can use both her left and right hands while painting.

Benita Lui Tan, a 76-year-old retired businesswoman, was born in the vibrant city of Zamboanga and later moved to Manila to pursue her studies. Despite her retirement, Benita’s business-mindedness remains strong. She humorously admits that her initial motivation to create artwork was to sell it. Known for her gentle heart, Benita is also a beloved mother and grandmother to four grandchildren, whose love and support inspire her daily. This exhibit not only showcases her talent but also celebrates the life of a remarkable woman whose journey is as inspiring as her art.

Enjoying her retirement after many decades in the international hotel industry, Cristina decided to fill up her time by immersing herself in various creative hobbies. Thus began her adventure into acrylic painting in April 24 of this year. Liking the play of colors and texture of acrylic she also enjoys the relaxing , meditative process of this art form. She says, “In the near future I plan to experiment with more textural abstract and impressionistic style as this allows for greater creative freedom in expressing one’s self and perspectives”.

At 85, Elizabeth “Baby” Chua Lu discovered her passion for painting after enrolling in Sunshine Place Senior Hub earlier this year. Despite no formal art background, Baby’s creativity, rooted in her 50 years of managing a jewelry business and sketching designs, blossomed anew. With her art teacher’s guidance, she paints subjects that bring her joy, filling her canvases with life and color. Her work celebrates her enduring spirit and showcases her unique perspective and newfound artistic voice.

Isabel Ting Chua was born May 10, 1935 in Liliw, Laguna. She is the third daughter and 5th child from 8 siblings. Isabel loves exercise and likes to keep a routine to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. She loves reading also likes to try other activities as well such as painting and music.

Banker by day, Artist by night and that is Gigi.

Jessamyn Desiree Bañez Perez is literally a budding artist. Never expecting she could come up with beautiful artworks, this amateur painter in acrylic is very grateful to God for bringing her to Sunshine Place, where beginner artists can dream big, as well as enjoy the therapeutic advantages of art. Indeed, every painting experience is a journey to the unknown and the product a surprising delight. She truly enjoys every moment of art as a date with God and her inner artist child. Wherever that takes her, wherever God leads her, she will go. Finally, she is very grateful to God for giving her the talent and the means to develop it and for giving her a very supportive family, friends, and staff at Sunshine Place.

A novice in the art scene, Leo R. Reyes (a.k.a./sig. LRReyes) is a seasoned corporate executive and a semi-retired businessman with wide-ranging exposure in the furniture and carpet manufacturing industry, as well as in interior finishing and construction works.

Before he entered the world of interior design, Reyes had several years of experience in the corporate world, having served as a top executive of two of the largest food and beverage manufacturing entities in the Philippines. Reyes’ immersion in visual art was inspired by his wife, who left behind a wide selection of interior design creations including paintings and sculptural works by national artists including H. R. Ocampo and Larry Alcala as well as popular artists, Mauro Malang, Norma Belleza, Angel Cacnio, Manuel Baldemor, and Cesar Amorsolo among others. Reyes’ wife, Yolly, who passed away in 2021, served as his biggest driving force to journey into the world of visual art. To have a feel and glimpse of what his wife loved and enjoyed, enough to pursue as her professional career despite harsh criticism of it being a niche venture at the time. Parallel to his wife, Reyes studied business administration and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism (AB Journalism) and a master’s degree in business administration(MBA). Aside from his informal knowledge of the arts, Reyes is being mentored by art teacher Loida “Laiyan” Balubayan with professional guidance from seasoned artist, Fidel Sarmiento, President of the Art Association of the Philippines. As part of his training, Reyes is presenting his initial works in a group exhibit on September 9, 2023 at the Sunshine Place, 56 Jupiter Street, Makati, Metro Manila.

At 81, Lolita Feliciano has faced many life challenges, yet she chooses to embrace positivity daily, reflected in the vibrant colors of her art. Each brushstroke captures the sun’s warmth and energy, a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and find joy in creativity. Having started painting just a year ago at Sunshine Place, she is now participating in the Happy Hues Group Art Exhibit for the second time, proving that age is no barrier to discovering new horizons.

Matthieu Clark Baldovino, is a 15-years-old incoming Reedley International Grade 10 student from California, USA, although he was born in the Philippines. Having been diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, he only recently started painting after his parents enrolled him in an art school during the summer as a recrational activity to redirect his attention and refocus his energies on more productive endeavors. He started off experimenting with oil paintings, where despite his youth, inexperience, and lack of training, he soon showed some talent in color mixing to give his works a surprising sense of realism. His parents are committed to providing him with more opportunities and avenues to hone his artistic abilities further.

Mercedes Cuaycong Llamas, Iding for short. Being the first woman president of GPJI (Guild of Philippine Jewellers, Inc.) Iding, established her first shop Mercelles at Pasay road in 1980. Mercelles has three shops – in Glorietta, in Shangrila Hotel, Makati and in Rockwell. It has its factory in Parañaque. Iding is a holder of Master of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Education. Until now, at 94 years old. Her love for art are shown in her paintings.

Ruby is a retired CPA and a businesswoman who has always been fascinated in the different branches of art and life itself. Ruby’s venture into painting is deeply influenced by her passions and sports. An avid nature enthusiast and a mountaineer at that, she finds inspiration during her hikes, runs and her travels elsewhere. As of late, Ruby has successfully scaled the heights of Mt Fuji with her daughter. With a passion for adventure, she looks forward to her next conquest. Her love for the outdoors is reflected in her pieces, which often explores themes of the beauty of the natural world. When not making art, Ruby enjoys doting on her four grandsons, taking care of her dog and playing the piano and guitar. A self-taught baker, she finds joy in baking delicious treats for her family and friends. This rich tapestry of interests brings a unique vitality to her work, inviting viewers to connect with the pieces on a personal level.

Timothy Rain Damian is a young aspiring artist from Manila, Philippines. Since the age of 3, he as been fascinated with colors and drawing. In the last quarter of 2023, he began his journey in painting and has been devoted in learning continously. It has been also a source of self confidence and happiness for him. He aims to constantly improve on his skill and share the beauty of arts with everyone, most of all, with his family.