Her first foray into art was through the Lingnan style of Chinese brush painting under Master Hau Chiok. At Sunshine Place, she continues to hone her portraiture skills under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento.
A prolific artist, Llanillo’s life extends far beyond the canvas. A former president of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, she has long been a pillar of charitable work. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the successful Order of Malta art exhibit fundraiser, seamlessly bringing together art and philanthropy.
Among her most remarkable accomplishments is a portrait series of all 16 Philippine presidents, a visual record of leadership across generations.
True to her nature as a catalyst for meaningful projects, she is already rallying her creative circle for what comes next. Llanillo is currently completing a series of 20 Marian paintings for an art exhibit in early September and has invited her Wednesday group of Sunshine Artists to participate.
Together, these four women possess sharp minds, quick wit, and vibrant spirits that belie their years.
“As the doctor said,” Bernardo says with a laugh, “keep on painting.”
And so they do.
Week after week, they return to Sunshine Place, not merely to master new techniques, but to share encouragement, friendship, and the joy of continued discovery.
A project of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Sunshine Place was established to promote lifelong learning and purposeful aging. Today, under the leadership of Reyes and the stewardship of her team, it continues to provide seniors with a vibrant community where creativity, friendship, and learning flourish.
Inside its art studio, landscapes, flowers, portraits, icons, and memories emerge from canvas after canvas. Yet perhaps its most enduring creation is something less visible: a friendship built on mutual admiration, shared laughter, and the unwavering belief that there is always something new to learn.
The four women exchange stories, critique one another’s work, celebrate every accomplishment, and eagerly anticipate the next project. At Sunshine Place, life does not wind down. It keeps unfolding, one brushstroke at a time.
