It’s never too late to learn something new and bring more joy to your life. At the Sunshine Place, senior hub of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, there is always an opportunity to learn new things and make new discoveries with its unique classes and opportunities to meet new friends. This year, it offers Tai Chi, Chair Dancing, Porcelain Painting, and Intermediate and Advanced Acrylic Painting.
Discover Tai Chi, a traditional martial art known for its benefits in meditation, balance, and overall well-being. This low impact exercise is especially popular among older adults as it gently strengthens muscles and improves joint flexibility without straining the body.
Instructor Irene Chia says that what she thinks makes the Tai Chi class in Sunshine Place unique is 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 adds.
Under Teacher Irene, students can explore different Tai Chi styles including Tai Chi 18 Movement Qigong; Tai Chi for Arthritis (Sun Style), Tai Chi for Diabetes (Sun and Yang Styles); and Yang 10, Yang 15, and Yang 24.
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.
A student in her 60s says she enjoys Tai Chi because “it combines exercise and meditation, which has made me stronger and more balanced. The slow movements have eased my arthritis and improved my posture. It also helps keep my mind sharp as I follow and memorize teacher Irene’s movements.”
She adds, “Teacher Irene is patient, gentle and truly skilled at what she does. She carefully breaks down each movement, ensuring that we learn it correctly and remember it.” They have practiced Tai Chi for Diabetes, the eight-form and 16-form, and now, “she is guiding us through them again to refine our movements.”
Tai Chi sessions under Ms. Irene Chia are scheduled on Saturdays at 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. and 1 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 and 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 that stay at home to counteract stiffness from prolonged sitting. Don’t underestimate the workout -an hour of targeted arm and leg exercises will leave you 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 they could do before, they are still capable of dancing and having a good time -even while sitting!” he says.”
Every time he has classes, “can see my students having fun, not just because of the happy hormones from exercising, but also because the music makes them reminisce of their beautiful past.”
Chair Dance enthusiast Harvey Chua says “dancing lifts my spirits and keeps my mind sharp. It’s a fun way to exercise both my body and my brain. I love the Chair Dance class because it keeps me moving and feeling independent. It helps with my Parkinson’s by reducing my stiffness and keeping me strong.”
More than that “I enjoy meeting new friends, sharing laughs and feeling a sense of accomplishment.”
Chair Dance classes under Teacher Danny Vinculado are held every Tuesday from 3 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.
Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, allowing students to create elegant, heirloom quality pieces while refining their artistic skills.
“Like tableware, decorative painting that you can frame, create your own style and skill, discover your talent” enriches your living, says Teacher Mee Lee Casey. “It also helps improve social skills, soothing, healing, relaxing fun, no pressure.” In the class, “all problems seem left solved and left behind”
While she plays golf regularly, Cynthia Heussaff says she would like to try something new, and discovered the joys of Ikebana and Porcelain Painting at Sunshine Place. “Sunshine Place is a very friendly place,” she adds. “Even if you are alone, there is someone who greets you. It’s a good environment for seniors. Admitting she got hooked to Sunshine, she also looks forward to joining the Dekada dance class.
Porcelain painting classes under Ms. Mee Lee Casey are held every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 1:30 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 I.”
Dr. Elmo Lago, who has been painting on his own before joining the Group Art Class at Sunshine Place. “Inspirational to be in a group class . . . you watch them doing things and learn from them.” He adds that “SP is a place where everybody helps everybody. Their attitude is always to share. That’s the reason why I always come back.”
Vicky, Erlinda, and Dr. Elmo are part of the Immediate and Advanced Acrylic Painting Class under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento and his assistant Mr. Robert Fernandez. Perfect for students with prior experience, this class offers guidance to refine techniques and embrace creative challenges. Led by teachers of the Art Association of the Philippines, the program includes annual exhibitions at the Sunshine Place, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their works. Special sessions are also available for large canvas projects, making this class ideal for those who want to expand their horizons.
Teacher Fidel considers the painting class a unique way for students who now find time to revisit their creative skills. “Our students here are not bound by restrictions on what to paint, because we encourage them to use their own imagination and guide them along the way,” he says. “Aside from the physical benefits, their mental health is also improved because they are encouraged to use their imagination.” Besides, attending a class with a group encourages to thrive in social interactions, helping them improve their social skills.”
Intermediate and Advanced Acrylic Painting classes under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento and Mr. Robert Fernandez are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sunshine Place is located at 56 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel Air, Makati, Metro Manila.