Amanda Atayde is the first baby of the 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 18 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.

Amanda is a 15-year-old emerging painter whose artistic journey is marked by curiosity and creative exploration.With a growing command of color and texture, she brings a whimsical yet thoughtful touch to her work, imbuing each piece with emotion and character. Amanda enjoys experimenting with different themes, allowing her art to evolve organically as she continues to learn and refine her technique. Passionate and hopeful, she aspires to connect with others through her paintings, believing in the quiet power of visual art to inspire and resonate.

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 loved music and graphic arts even when she was young, and she also loved socializing and making friends as much as she could.She has a flair for artistry, which was seen in 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.

Conchitina Bernardo 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.

With 4 decades in marketing for international luxury hotel chains, Cristina has always found a place to practice her creativity in her everyday work. From conceptualizing marketing campaigns to writing hotel brochures and websites, there was always some work that kept her creative juices going. After having retired from the 24/7 fast lanes of hotel life, Cristina had quickly adapted to enjoying the luxury of time by jumping head-on into learning various arts and crafts—soap making, ikebana, acrylic & porcelain painting, and now decoupage.

Last year Cristina participated at Sunshine Place’s Acrylic Painting exhibition, while this year she participates with her decoupage pieces.

At 86, 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.

I’m Eric. I am a self-taught artist transforming a lifelong passion into my professional career. What began as a personal creative outlet has developed into a dedicated focus on visual storytelling through my artwork. Currently, I specialize in abstract art, and I look forward to sharing my ongoing journey of growth, creation, and professional connection through my work.

Joaquin Riego is a 15-year-old Filipino artist and high school student who works primarily in acrylic painting and classical drawing. He is inspired by impressionism and the works of Fernando Amorsolo. He often paints still life and landscapes, drawing from Filipino culture and everyday scenes to create timeless moments on canvas.

At a very young age, Joaquin has been drawn to sketching and finding ways to portray moments in time, developing a habit of close observation. In a world that often overlooks traditional aesthetics, he aims to revive them by capturing light, detail, and feeling in ways that speak to both memory and meaning.

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

Isabel Caro Wilson is now retired but she served as the Philippine Ambassador to Spain during the Ramos administration. She was a businesswoman, a civic minded Filipino that had many leadership posts which she served for love of country as well as the arts. She was the head of Namphrel in 1986 and later served as the President of the CCP as well as a founding member of the Asian Cultural Council an organization that supports the growth of artists. In her retirement she plays bridge every week and attends painting classes where she fondly paints portraits of the pets of good friends.

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.

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.

Childhood never gets old… dreams never end… life is like dancing with paperboats…

Painting was beyond me until it unknowingly became my friend and companion during covid. Just like paperboats, it is more fun painting with friends from Senior Hub. Thanks to Lai Balubayan, these brush artworks carried me to somewhere I only once dreamt about … artwork exhibits … and with child like happiness in my heart, please enjoy this mixed media artpiece on a rainy day “DANS MED PAPIRBÅTER”.

At 82, 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 2 years ago at Sunshine Place, she is now participating in the Happy Hues Group Art Exhibit for the 3rd time, proving that age is no barrier to discovering new horizons.

At 15 year old, Regina Beatrix Elizabeth Ang Lim has already discovered a passion for art and a heart that knows no limits. A grade 11 student, Regina’s artistic journey emerged 2 summers ago when she fell in love with acrylic painting. What sets Regina apart is not just her love for brushes and strokes, but her deep appreciation for the Impressionist style of painting. Regina’s artistic journey isn’t solely about personal growth; it’s a tribute to her younger brother, G. As a gesture of unwavering support, Regina has pledged the proceeds from her acrylic pieces to various organizations that benefit indigents and differently abled individuals, Regina paints a message of hope, inclusion, and the belief that every individual possesses unique talents that can be celebrated and cherished. She aims to create positive changes in the world of special needs, one artwork at a time.

Ruby Banzon-Caragay has loved art since she was a child. Now retired, she finally has the time to explore painting and drawing. With each brushstroke, her work reflects the joy and passion she feels at this chapter of her life. For Ruby, retirement means having all the time to be more active and creative.

Timothy Rain Damian is a young aspiring artist from Manila, Philippines. Since the age of 3, he has been fascinated with colors and drawing. In the last quarter of 2023, he began his journey in painting and has been devoted to learning continuously. It has also been 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.