Never too late to learn
It’s never too late to learn something new and bring more joy to your life. The Sunshine Place is a source of new things, new discoveries with its unique classes, and opportunities to meet new friends.
The start of the year is the best time to look into tai chi, chair dancing, porcelain painting, and intermediate and advanced acrylic painting at this senior hub of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation.
Instructor Irene Chia says the tai chi class in Sunshine Place is unique for its strong focus on health and its healing benefits. “Sensitivity to the students is important and each student learns differently so the lessons are adjusted accordingly,” she said.
Through guided sessions, students will master proper breathing techniques, enhance their balance, and develop their inner energy. Tai chi offers a holistic approach to health, promoting calmness, focus, and vitality.
Tai chi sessions under Chia are scheduled on Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Chair dancing is a unique and inclusive fitness class designed for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and anyone looking for a low impact way to stay active. Performed entirely while seated, this class uses wide, flowing movements for both the upper and lower body, set to the timeless tunes of classic golden hits.
It’s also a fun and engaging way for office workers and those who stay at home to counteract stiffness from prolonged sitting. Don’t underestimate the workout—an hour of targeted arm and leg exercises will leave one feeling energized and refreshed.
Teacher Danny Vinculado points out that chair dance classes cater not only to seniors, but especially to super seniors who are in wheelchairs and walkers. “We want to make differently abled seniors feel that even if they can no longer dance like before, they are still capable of dancing and having a good time, even while sitting!” he says.
Chair dance classes under Vinculado are held Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In porcelain painting, each brushstroke transforms a simple porcelain plate into a work of art. This traditional technique involves carefully hand-painting designs, then firing a piece in a kiln to fuse the colors permanently. The process is repeated multiple times to build depth, vibrancy, and intricate details, ensuring a stunning, long-lasting finish.
“Like tableware, with decorative painting you can frame your work, create your own style and skill, and discover your talent,” says teacher Mee Lee Casey. “It also helps improve social skills, is soothing, healing, and relaxing fun, and there is no pressure.”
Porcelain painting classes under Mee Lee Casey are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Painting is a stress reliever,” says Vicky Pollisco, “I only concentrate on colors and blending after reviewing legal documents and contracts. It also promotes personal growth because we should not stop learning something new.”
At 88, Erlinda Flores considers the acrylic painting class “one of the best things in my aging life. With the help of Maestro Fidel and Robert, I produce paintings my grandchildren, children, and siblings appreciate and ask for.” She feels “so productive and proud even if I know some of my classmates are more talented than me.”
Dr. Elmo Lago has been painting on his own even before joining the group art class at Sunshine Place. “[It’s] inspiring to be in a group class … you watch them doing things and learn from them.”
Intermediate and advanced acrylic painting classes under Fidel Sarmiento and Robert Fernandez are scheduled Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunshine Place is at 56 Jupiter St., Bel Air, Makati City.
