Sunshine Place Celebrates Art, Community, and Giving Through 9th Coloring Lives Exhibit

Creativity, compassion, and lifelong learning came together as Sunshine Place Senior Recreation Center staged the ninth edition of its annual Coloring Lives fundraising art exhibit at the second-floor Atrium of The Podium. Despite the rainy season, the exhibit brought warmth and inspiration by showcasing the artistic talents of students of all ages while raising funds for a worthy cause.

The much-anticipated event featured an impressive collection of original works created by participants from Sunshine Place’s seven art programs. More than an art exhibition, Coloring Lives highlighted the transformative power of creativity and demonstrated how artistic expression can enrich lives, strengthen relationships, and build a caring community.

Visitors explored a diverse display of artworks that reflected the dedication and growth of the center’s students. The exhibit presented 55 framed paintings produced by participants from the Intermediate and Advanced Art, Beginners Painting, Children’s Painting, and Watercolor classes. Complementing these were 26 intricately hand-painted porcelain pieces, 15 elegant Ikebana-Sogetsu floral arrangements, and 24 beautifully crafted decoupage creations.

Each artwork represented not only technical skill but also the personal journeys of the artists who discovered new passions, developed confidence, and found joy through creative pursuits.

The exhibit attracted supporters from the art community, as well as families and friends of the participating artists. Serving as guest of honor was renowned sculptor and glass artist Impy Pilapil, who attended alongside her sister Bella, an active participant in Sunshine Place’s dance classes. Their presence underscored the center’s commitment to nurturing creativity across various artistic disciplines.

Among those who came to support the event was the family of Elena Fernandez, led by her husband, distinguished dermatologist and cosmetic and restorative surgeon Dr. Manuel Fernandez of Makati Medical Center.

The exhibition also reflected how artistic interests often become a shared family experience. SM Foundation’s Linda Atayde, who studies Ikebana at Sunshine Place, attended together with her granddaughter Mandy, whose enthusiasm lies in painting. Their participation illustrated how creativity continues to bridge generations through shared learning and appreciation for the arts.

Another inspiring story came from Dolly Borlongan, an active member of the center’s Decoupage Club. Her family’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond the arts, as her daughter, Kat Borlongan, recently received France’s prestigious National Order of Merit, one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions recognizing exceptional public service.

The exhibit likewise celebrated the idea that artistic talent can be discovered at any stage of life.

Sixteen-year-old Regina Lim first joined Sunshine Place’s Kids Art Class at the age of 14 and has since progressed to the Beginners Art Class. Through painting, she has found a meaningful way to express herself, sharing that landscape art enables her to communicate emotions through colors and scenery.

At the other end of the age spectrum is 85-year-old Erlinda “Leni” Araullo, whose artistic journey has earned national recognition. She recently became one of the Top 50 finalists and received an Honorable Mention Award in the prestigious 21st GSIS National Art Competition. For Araullo, Sunshine Place has become a space where learning never stops and creativity continues to flourish regardless of age.

The center has also become a place of growth for both students and instructors.

Watercolor artist James Empeño discovered painting during the pandemic, eventually realizing its therapeutic value and emotional benefits. His experience reflects how art can become both a creative outlet and a source of healing.

Porcelain painting instructor Mee Lee Casey has likewise found fulfillment through teaching at Sunshine Place since joining the center in 2017. Bringing more than 25 years of international teaching experience from Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, Casey has witnessed countless students gain confidence while developing new artistic skills and meaningful friendships.

Now on its ninth consecutive year, Coloring Lives has become Sunshine Place’s signature fundraising event and the culminating showcase of its year-round art programs. Since its beginnings in 2018 as a modest exhibit held within the center in Bel-Air, Makati, the annual event has steadily grown into a highly anticipated gathering that attracts returning supporters while benefiting charitable institutions.

This year’s exhibit marked the second time Coloring Lives was staged at The Podium Atrium after making its successful debut there during the eighth edition in 2025.

Beyond celebrating artistic achievement, the exhibition continues to fulfill its charitable mission. Proceeds from artwork sales this year will benefit Nazareth Bahay ng Pag-ibig, a home that cares for abandoned elderly women, following the close of the exhibit on July 26.

Over the years, Coloring Lives has extended assistance to several organizations serving senior citizens and vulnerable sectors, including San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly, Kanlungan ni Maria Home for the Aged in Antipolo, the National Center for Mental Health, and Josefheim Elderly Care Community in Rizal.

 

For Sunshine Place President Lizanne Uychaco, every artwork displayed tells a story of growth and discovery.

She shared that each piece began with someone who simply needed encouragement and a supportive environment to realize their creative potential. According to Uychaco, nine years of Coloring Lives demonstrates what can happen when individuals are welcomed into a community that believes in their abilities—allowing them to grow, create meaningful works, and ultimately give back to others through their talents.

Located at 56 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City, Sunshine Place continues to provide senior citizens, adults, and children with opportunities to learn new skills, build lasting friendships, and discover that creativity has no age limit. Through initiatives such as Coloring Lives, the center continues to prove that art can inspire hope, strengthen communities, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.