Amanda Atayde holds a special place in Sunshine Place’s artistic community as its very first young art student. Despite the demands of school and a busy academic schedule, she continues to make time for her first love—painting—under the guidance of her art mentors.

Having started at Sunshine Place at just six years old, Amanda remains one of its pioneering children’s art students, a testament to her enduring passion for art and creative growth.

Amanda is a 16-year-old painter who loves transforming small sparks of imagination into soft, colorful worlds. Her art carries a sweet sense of wonder—tiny stories tucked within each brushstroke, gentle moods woven through her palettes, and characters that seem to whisper their own quiet magic.

She enjoys exploring dreamy themes, allowing every piece to unfold like a small adventure. With a growing confidence in color, texture, and movement, Amanda paints with a playful curiosity that keeps her work light, warm, and full of feeling.

Through her paintings, Amanda invites viewers to pause, breathe, and wander into a world where whimsy meets emotion, leaving behind quiet moments of joy that linger like cherished memories.

Carmela Padilla expresses her deep affection for animals through her paintings, capturing their charm and spirit with warmth and sincerity.

Her love for animals serves as a constant source of inspiration, giving each painting a sense of life, tenderness, and personality.

An avid music enthusiast, Carmela finds joy in listening to her collection of classic CDs and spending quiet moments with her beloved pet cat, Boa.

Eric Epe is a self-taught artist who has transformed a lifelong passion into a professional creative practice. What began as a personal outlet has evolved into a dedicated pursuit of visual storytelling through art.

Specializing in abstract painting, Eric uses his work to explore emotion, expression, and the limitless possibilities of visual interpretation.

As he continues to grow as an artist, he looks forward to sharing his evolving creative journey and connecting with audiences through his work.

Joshua Juniller is a dedicated painter who views art as a sincere and meaningful way to express what he sees and feels. Drawing inspiration from nature, everyday life, and the beauty that surrounds us, he carefully considers color, light, and form in every work he creates.

Through his paintings, Joshua strives to create works that are both accessible and meaningful, inviting viewers to discover beauty in the ordinary.

Committed to continuous growth as an artist, he remains devoted to refining his craft while staying true to his creative vision.

For the Coloring Lives IX Exhibit, Leslie Gatchalian dwells on Dualities of Light, exploring the diverse emotional frequencies of light by fluidly shifting between the soft intimacy of watercolor (Where Cobblestones Turn Pink: A Soft Afternoon Stroll) and heavily textured acrylic (The Silent Kaleidoscope).

A visual dialogue between stillness and motion, through modern nostalgia, she invites viewers to slow down and catch tranquil moments in their lives, whether filtering through a quiet shopfront or grazing flower fields.

Her artworks represent a continuing evolution under the guidance of Laiyan Balubayan, Eric Epe, and Jennifer Consumido.

Loida “Laiyan” Balubayan never stops discovering the magic of art. Guided by the belief that, “There are no mistakes in art as long as it comes from the heart,” she continues to explore new creative possibilities with passion and purpose.

Teaching children and beginners is Laiyan’s greatest inspiration, and through teaching others, she continues her own journey of learning and discovering the ever-evolving world of art.

Lolita Feliciano painted in her youth before setting aside her brushes to devote herself to raising a family. As life grew busier, her passion for art quietly waited in the background.

Now, at 83, she has returned to painting—embracing it as a way to preserve memories and create something beautiful.

Maria Amor Laurena is a visual artist based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

She formerly served as a volunteer teacher of art photography, sharing her knowledge and creativity with disadvantaged and differently abled children.

Rafa is a young artist with an innate love for self-expression. Growing up, he faced developmental challenges that resulted in speech delays, yet these never hindered his ability to share his love, joy, and the many powerful emotions that define him.

Diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, Rafael continues to express himself beautifully through the colors, hues, and brushstrokes of visual art.

His parents, Mayie and Toteng, hope that through his paintings, many more people will come to discover the remarkable spirit and unique personality that make Rafael who he is.

At just 15 years old, Regina Beatrix Elizabeth Ang Lim has already discovered a passion for art and a heart devoted to making a difference. A Grade 11 student, Regina began her artistic journey two summers ago when she fell in love with acrylic painting. What sets her apart is not only her love for the medium but also her deep appreciation for the Impressionist style.

More than a journey of personal growth, Regina’s art is a tribute to her younger brother, G. She has pledged the proceeds from her acrylic paintings to organizations that support indigent and differently abled individuals, using her art to inspire hope, inclusion, and positive change.

Through every painting, Regina celebrates the belief that every individual possesses unique talents worthy of recognition and appreciation. She hopes to make a meaningful difference in the world of special needs, one artwork at a time.

Ruby Banzon-Caragay has loved art since childhood. Now retired, she has the opportunity to fully explore her passion for painting and drawing, embracing a creative journey she has long cherished.

For Ruby, retirement is not an ending but a new beginning—one that allows her to pursue art with joy, passion, and renewed creativity.

With every brushstroke, her work reflects the fulfillment and happiness she has found in this meaningful chapter of her life.

After retiring from teaching and relocating to the Philippines with her husband, Susanne Rodriguez-Brosi discovered a passion for painting.

Through her work, she seeks to capture the simple moments that bring people together, reminding viewers that life’s greatest joys are often found in the everyday.

As Susanne reflects, “The moments we remember most are often the simplest ones—the ones that made us smile.”

Timothy Rain Damian is a young aspiring artist from Manila, Philippines. Fascinated by colors and drawing since the age of three, he began his painting journey in the last quarter of 2023 and has remained committed to continuously developing his artistic skills.

For Timothy, painting has become a source of self-confidence, happiness, and personal growth, inspiring him to share the beauty of art with others—especially his family.