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 kid’s art students.

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 , 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 , it shows because she can use both her left and right hands while painting.

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.

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 forceto 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.

In the tapestry of life, I, at 80, thought I had woven my final chapter. Three children now soaring in their own skies of success and a lifetime of memories held me in their warm embrace. Then, amidst the quiet solitude of the pandemic, I found myself adrift in the stillness. The echoes of my past seemed distant, and the world ahead felt empty.

Then, a whisper of vibrant energy beckoned me. With trembling hands and an open heart, I picked up the brush. The vibrant colors spilled onto the canvas, mirroring my long-forgotten vitality. Each brushstroke became a lifeline, each shade a symphony of emotions. With every artwork, I found my soul dancing with previously unimagined hues. Art became my bridge between a seemingly faded past and a bright, colorful present. 

As you view my paintings, you see heartbeats, memories, and a testament to the human spirit finding beauty and meaning, regardless of age or circumstance. When everything else seems to be fading, art is a reminder that it’s never too late to find new meaning, to find oneself in the twilight years of your life.

Grace Lazo’s life journey is a fusion of purpose, creativity, and courage that resonates deeply with those who encounter her story. Initially finding her stride in the realm of pharmaceutical marketing, Grace’s compass later guided her toward the mission of De La Salle Philippines, where she channeled her energy into making a meaningful impact. However, it was in her artistic endeavors that Grace truly painted a portrait of resilience.

Her artistic odyssey ignited during a childhood summer camp in Lipa City, Batangas, revealing the first brushstrokes of her creative inclination. This spark reignited when she confronted a formidable adversary—cancer. In the face of adversity, Grace turned to art, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and self-expression. Armed with determination, she embraced watercolors, mastering techniques through online resources. With each stroke, Grace’s paintings became a testament to her unwavering spirit and her ability to find beauty in life’s intricate details.

In her final chapter, Grace embarked on a new chapter of artistic exploration, diving into the realm of acrylic painting under the guidance of skilled mentors. Her courage to venture beyond her comfort zone mirrored her broader outlook on life, one of continuous growth and resilience. Grace’s artistic legacy stands as a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of passion, purpose, and an unyielding commitment to turning life’s challenges into opportunities for creative expression.

Mercedes Uy Tan, 72, a lovely mother of 4 and a brain cancer survivor from San Juan City.  She has no formal training and never tried any forms of painting until February of 2023 under the devoted guidance of Teacher Loida. She enjoyed expressing her creativeness through painting immensely and never thought that this hobby would play a huge part in her therapy to develop cognition and boost memory.

Stephen Rey “Red” Destura, a 16-year-old artist and dedicated student. Alongside his studies, he’s passionately honing his artistic skills. What sets him apart is his ambitious dream of creating a horror franchise titled “Modoru Hallways”.