Sunshine Place celebrates 10 years ‘THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN’
‘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’
Conchitina Bernardo, a diplomat’s wife for many years, says Sunshine Place made her aware of her hidden artistic talent. ‘It came to my life at just the right time,’ she says.
This September, Sunshine Place celebrates 10 years of joy, creativity and, well, sunshine in the lives of its members. 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.
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.”
Here members and instructors share with us their stories of sunshine.
Conchitina and granddaughter Ella bond over their painting sessions at the Sunshine Place. ‘We both love it and it makes for double creativity,’ they say.
Linda Atayde and granddaughter Mandy. ‘We cannot overemphasize the benefits we have gained from our active participation in the activities at Sunshine Place.’
Mee Lee Casey, who teaches porcelain painting, says Sunshine Place is all about friendship, gathering and, of course, learning.
Art is for all ages
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 take her granddaughters to her painting classes. Ella, who was then six 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, Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises.” Today, her granddaughter Mandy joins her in the Sunshine Place’s art classes. “We cannot overemphasize the benefits we gained from our active participation in the activities of the Sunshine Place,” she says.
