My name is Ervin Francis Balisoro. People like to call me Ervin. I'm 28 years old from Manila. I'm an assistant painting instructor in Sunshine Place where i go every Saturday to teach our beginner students in painting. Aside from that, I'm a home-based tattoo artist, and this is where i put my Heart in Art. I specialized in making portrait tattoo and fine-line or minimal tattoos. I really like to be an artist growing up and I'm very proud and grateful as i was able to pursue this career. It makes me really happy and motivated being able to express my passion and influence other people through my art.

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.

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Painting started as a bonding activity between Camille and her daughter during the pandemic. It eventually became a form of meditation and respite for Camille, which led her to favor landscapes as her subject. She started with watercolor, and then eventually discovered the joy of acrylic pouring. 

Camille first exhibited two of her acrylic pouring paintings at the Sampayan 2023 exhibit of Pintô Art Museum last June 2023, then eventually continued her formal painting classes at the Sunshine Place to continue her growth as an artist.

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.,50, an Architect; Raphael,46, Materials Engineer; Rhodora, Civil Engineer and Lawyer; and Mary Rachel 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.

Mee Lee Casey, instructor to Porcelain Painting, shares her 20+ years of knowledge and training on the craft. Learning from various countries, UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, she brings the new art form in the Philippines, hence the first of its kind in the country.

Victoria Lopez is a graduate of Assumption Convent and Assumption College, where she was a Literature and History major. She took Design courses, after which she practiced interior design for many years before parlaying her skills into the fashion business under the label of Victoria II.

The artist started painting as a hobby in 2016 when Sunshine Place invited interested students.  Mentor Fidel encouraged her to develop her own style and became a realist focusing on flowers and nature. 

I am a wife to my husband of 51 yrs. Dr. Manuel Fernandez, a mother of two, and grandmother of two boys. Being empty nesters in 1998, I took up a diploma degree at the Center of Family Ministries and began doing marriage counseling. I have also been a co-facilitator of the Bi-polar Support Group of Makati Medical Center for 17 years now. But painting has always been a passion, and I have been doing it since the 80’s. I started with charcoal and pastels, followed by Chinese, oil, watercolor, and now acrylic. Writing narratives and poems are also a passion that was honed by writing classes with Prof. Oscar Peñaranda. Sunshine Place has afforded me a home to meet other artists and writers that share the same passion. Life teaches one that you are never too old to learn. 70 is just a number, it’s what you make of your life that matters. And I feel fulfilled doing what I love best at this age.

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.

Erlinda picked up a paintbrush tentatively for the first time in 2018. Encouraged by Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, his assistants, and by the students who had been painting in Sunshine Place ahead of her, she learned to like spending hours trying to create images on canvas. It became her therapy when her husband passed on and during this time of pandemic.

Vicky …. A lawyer and a licensed real estate broker by profession and a painter by passion. She joined acrylic and oil painting classes in Sunshine Place in 2015 and has been the most consistent student in attendance. She has had four successful solo exhibits already and she had her first online art exhibit at Sunshine Place last November - December 2021.  

She has been invited to the Chinese New Year art exhibit at Art Elements in SM Aura in 2018 and at Zonta’s one day fund raising activity at the Manila Jockey Club in Carmona, Cavite in 2022.

She also joined porcelain painting classes in 2018 and attended calligraphy, bag painting and pressed flower workshops at Sunshine Place.

Angela Yu enjoys art as a tool and testament of human talent. She holds a doctorate in Psychology from the University of the Philippines and currently does consultancy work in the area of organizational talent and leadership assessment and development. Still a jane of all trades, Angela has had exposures to corporate, government and NGO work, academic and entrepreneurial/start up engagements. These and her research interests in indigenous psychology, identity, culture, cultural and cross-cultural influences, intergroup relations, mental health, wellbeing and social issues sparked her to engage in advocacies at the individual and systemic/ institutional/community levels, to promote social change positively impacting on talent optimization and human thriving. In her other lives, Angela is a mother of five and a grandmother of one---all excellent individuals, a lifelong learner, and a being still in the cycle of growth and transformation. 

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.

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.

Loida 'Laiyan" Balubayan never stop 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.

Delle Paulino has always been prominent in the arts. She is a fashion designer and owns her own uniform manufacturing company that has been a forerunner in the industry for over 30 years. Aside from fashion, she has also taken up landscape and underwater photography. In her retirement, she began to pursue other forms of art, mainly oil and acrylic painting.

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.

The art of business continued to motivate Rica. An eureka moment happened during one of her Bangkok trips. Armed with faith, schooled and guided by her father, she founded a cargo business she knew nothing about and in a foreign land at that. Hence, for 10 years, Rica lived in Bangkok, growing the business which is still thriving for more than two decades.

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.

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.

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.

The Hong Kong Porcelain Painting Club (HKPPC) was founded on 6th October 1999 by Mrs Rosemary Oh. 

I started my painting journey with acrylic, oils & watercolor in 2003. It’s a hobby that I love when I was busy raising my children. I am so glad that I was introduced to porcelain painting in February 2018 & found a group of fun and warm painting buddies at Sunshine Place.

I love porcelain painting! Our wonderful teacher and friend, lao shi (italized), Mee Lee, makes it such a wonderful expefience! It’s been 6 years of growing in this particular style of overglaze painting, and 6 years of great caramaderie with my classmates! I have found my ikigai! My heart is full.

Mee Lee Casey, instructor to Porcelain Painting, shares her 20+ years of knowledge and training on the craft. Learning from various countries, UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, she brings the new art form in the Philippines, hence the first of its kind in the country.

Vicky …. A lawyer and a licensed real estate broker by profession and a painter by passion. She joined acrylic and oil painting classes in Sunshine Place in 2015 and has been the most consistent student in attendance. She has had four successful solo exhibits already and she had her first online art exhibit at Sunshine Place last November - December 2021.  

She has been invited to the Chinese New Year art exhibit at Art Elements in SM Aura in 2018 and at Zonta’s one day fund raising activity at the Manila Jockey Club in Carmona, Cavite in 2022.

She also joined porcelain painting classes in 2018 and attended calligraphy, bag painting and pressed flower workshops at Sunshine Place.

I’m now a retired stay at home señora and doting lowla.  I enjoy Sogetsu ikebana, making beaded bracelets and cooking for family.

Marc Tomas is a former president of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 and a member of Sogetsu Potential Manila Chapter. He has been teaching Ikebana classes at Sunshine Place since 2017.

A public relations practitioner, Neny has spent years holding executive positions in government and private corporations. In recent years, she has shifted to Foundation work and now has more time to hone her skills which were put on hold while pursuing her career. She has enrolled in Creative Writing classes which has improved her writing skills as shown in an essay in the book "Finding the Sun" and three stories in the book "Reflections in Light & Shadow." Apart from this, she is also active in her Ikebana class, joining exhibits sponsored by the Ikebana Sogetsu Manila association. Neny says "In Sunshine Place loneliness has becomes a stranger to me." 

Babyruth’s love for Ikebana took roots from her folks.

Both her Dad & Mom loved spending time at the garden & the greenhouse.

This affinity  resulted in pretty Ikebana arrangements which brings wonderful memories of my parents happy times interacting with God’s beautiful nature.

Thank you to Sensei Marc for being a most wonderful teacher, Sunshine Place & its management & Team led by Mrs Coson, Ms Lizanne & Ms Gilda. And, of course my terrific Ikebana classmates whom we all share the love for Ikebana-Sogetsu & delicious food

Like my husband say I am a woman of leisure.  A wife, mother  of three and a grandmother of 5.

Wife , mother , daughter, gallery owner , gardener , cook.  Beginner Ikebanaist. 

Sogetsu Ikebana is bringing out the artist within me which has been there for 70 years. Awakening my senses to Ikebana has made me more aware of the beauty of trees ( alive or drying-up), of recyclable materials which are already due to trash cans and junk shop.

Linda Atayde is Executive Director for education programs of SM Foundation. She completed Master in Management at Asia Pacific College.  She has been a habitue of Sunshine Place since it opened, in tutorial classes in French, Spanish , Writing Classes, Ikebana sessions, and other fitness sessions.

My design philosophy revolves around the idea of creating spaces that harmoniously blend with their surroundings. I believe architectural designs  should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also contribute positively to the well-being of occupants of structures. By incorporating ikebana principles into my designs, I can create environments that inspire and uplift the human spirit, and create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also promote a sense of calmness and serenity.

Former banker whose motto is : "Learning never ends"

A public relations practitioner, Neny has spent years holding executive positions in government and private corporations. In recent years, she has shifted to Foundation work and now has more time to hone her skills which were put on hold while pursuing her career. She has enrolled in Creative Writing classes which has improved her writing skills as shown in an essay in the book "Finding the Sun" and three stories in the book "Reflections in Light & Shadow." Apart from this, she is also active in her Ikebana class, joining exhibits sponsored by the Ikebana Sogetsu Manila association. Neny says "In Sunshine Place loneliness has becomes a stranger to me."