Seniors find joy and purpose at Sunshine Place
This month, Sunshine Place celebrates 10 years of joy, creativity and sunshine in the lives of its members. As part of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, it has become a place where seniors and their families and friends can discover hidden talents, share memories and make new friends.
Tess Castaneda, 74, calls it her happy place. “By joining various activities like dancing, workouts, art classes and more, I had the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle for the overall wellness of mind, body and soul. I also was able to socialize with members and gain new friends.”
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 [I may have].”
Bernardo found it in the Sunshine Place which was “delightfully so close to my residence.” She would even bring along her granddaughters to her painting classes.
As a bank executive and later the 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 her memoir and short stories.
Many other members found their voice in writing workshops at the Sunshine Place, especially those conducted by Oscar Penaranda and Dr. Joem Antonio.
Antonio says that Sunshine Place “has always felt hospitable and conducive to writing. It is, as its name does suggest, a place of sunshine in the city.”
Chit Mijares Chua has participated in the workshops of Penaranda and Barbara Gonzalez. She says, “Confidence, productive me-time, courage to step out of the box, peace, gaining a friend or two—Sunshine Place gives me those.”
Music therapy instructor Czarina Cruel says that the Sunshine Place has been her second home. “I am having the time of my life.” Harvey Chua, one of her students, says that Sunshine Place brings the sunshine in her life especially after her husband’s passing six years ago.
Cynthia Huessaff says she enjoys the Sogetsu ikebana classes taught by Marc Tomas. “I meet new, interesting ladies and our sensei Marc has helped us improve our talent in flower arrangements.”
For porcelain painting instructor Mee Lee Casey, the classes are not only about learning a new skill. “We enjoy the friendship and gathering and occasionally being able to unload our frustrations and worries.”
Tess Colayco, who attends the porcelain painting classes, says, “When I think of Sunshine Place, my heart skips, twirls and dances with joy! It’s my ikigai place, a wonderful corner this side of heaven where I meet the nicest people, learn porcelain painting, decoupage and exercise my limbs and mind with fellow lolas.”
Members can also enjoy dancing, meditation, fitness and therapy classes.
Erlinda Velasco has so much fun attending tap dance classes at 95. “I don’t know how long I’ll be able to do this, but as long as I can follow on my feet and they don’t throw me out, I’ll keep trying. It keeps me young at 95!”
Fifty-three-year-old Cherry Co, also a tap dance student, brings her mom Enrica Babao, 84, to Sunshine Place three times a week. Babao has been active in dance, salsa, chair dance, music and brain enhancement classes. Co says, “There is life and happiness being part of the Sunshine Place family.”
Sunshine Place is at 56 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City.
