Getting old is one of the eventualities of life and as time marches on, everyone finds that their life slows down. However, being older does not mean that time has to stop and at Sunshine Place, many of its members find new life in their later years.

As part of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, it has become a place for discovering hidden talents, sharing memories, and making friends for seniors and their families and friends and this September, it celebrates 10 years of bringing joy, and sparking creativity for its members.

The place offers several activities for its members such as dance and art classes, as well as exercise and workout activities. Aside from keeping them active and sharp, these lessons provide avenues to build friendships and relationships for its members and their families.

Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo says the Sunshine Place came to her at just the right time. She had just turned 70, and after a fast-paced life in the diplomatic circle as the wife of a former ambassador she “was looking for a place where I could search for whatever creative talent” she may have.

This woman of style found it in the Sunshine Place which was “delightfully so close to my residence,” and would tag along her granddaughters to her painting classes.  Ella, who was then 6 years old showed much interest and excelled in it. Today, Lala, as she is called and Ella share many creative moments painting together.

As a bank executive and later executive director of SM Foundation, Linda Atayde says she “grew up believing I had no artistic bone in my body.” That was until she enrolled at the Sunshine Place’s Ikebana Flower arrangement class.  That led to many other creative pursuits including writing memoir and short story writing.

During the pandemic, she, along with other classmates, managed to stay happy, healthy, and optimistic with “online classes in dancing, studying French and Spanish, Yoga, TaiChi, and Qi Gong exercises.” Today, her granddaughter Mandy joins her in the Sunshine Place’s art classes.

Many members were also surprised to find their voice in writing workshops at the Sunshine Place.  Chit Mijares Chua, who has taken writing workshops under Mr. Oscar Penaranda and Ms. Barbara Gonzales says she likes the quiet joy and lightness of Sunshine Place. “Confidence, productive me-time, courage to step out of the box, peace, gaining a friend or two. Sunshine Place gives me those,” she says.

Sunshine Place also highlights gracious living with its Ikebana and Porcelain Painting classes.

Cynthia Huessaff, says she enjoys every Sogetsu Ikebana class where “I meet new interesting ladies and our Sensei Marc has helped us improve our talent in flower arrangements.”

As members of the Dekada Class, Bella Pilapil, 71; Marilou “Balot” Prudente, 57; Maria Corazon Mendoza, 71; Cecille Ventura, 50; and Rey Legarda, 57 say they can’t imagine life without Sunshine Place, finding it conducive to learning, sharing wisdom and experiences, and further growth especially after retirement.  After classes, there are lunches and mahjong sessions “to relax and exercise our brains.”

Sunshine Place is located at 56 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel Air, Makati Metro Manila.