A senior’s exclusive hideaway
THERE IS DEFINITELY NOW
more attention and privileges given to the senior citizens of our country. They enjoy discounts on medicine and healthcare, reduced travel fares, deductions on hotel and restaurant bills and even free entertainment options such as movies, to name a few. Indeed, maturity brings forth a new sort of haven for them.
Cognizant of the upgraded positive concern for the welfare of our mature residents, the Felicidad TanSy Foundation opened the doors of Sunshine Place, a recreational center which caters to anyone who has reached the golden age of 50 years.
“The place brings a feeling of happiness to everyone, much like the rays of the sun,” center head Gilda Reyes reveals by way of explanation of the establishment’s name.
“I believe we are the first in the country to take on the optimistic route in enhancing the well-being as well as assist and achieve the personal goals of seniors,” Cris Moreno-Cruz, marketing manager of the hub, declares as she took me on a tour of the building.
“In this center, the active – not the sedentary – mingle and socialize. The great majority plan to achieve dreams that they pinned their hopes on when they were younger,” Cruz adds.
They may gain access to a selection of recreations. Among many others, they can learn a new craft or two in handy classes, explore new areas of interest, attend enlightening workshops, re-ignite their old passions, rekindle former hobbies, pursue inner talents, savor healthy food, be pampered with choice cosmetic treatments and keep in shape through active workouts.
The Roof Deck on the fifth floor is a spacious
multi- purpose hall that can accommodate up to a hundred. Directly beside it is the chapel with Friday noon mass for approximately 30 worshippers. The events chamber, on certain occasions, would spotlight a skilled pianist at the grand piano. A karaoke is readily available should patrons want to test their vocal skills. A viridian mini- garden boasts a picturesque view of the ever- changing Makati skyline.
The tour next leads us to the Vivify Salon, where members and walk-ins can get pampered with a wide range of sterling services, which include but are not limited to haircuts, hair color, highlights, perms, rebond, makeup, manicure and pedicure and massages, all done by trained professionals.
The Dance Studio houses a well-lighted platform and completely mirror-walled interior. This serves as the venue for energizing classes such as flamenco, social ballroom, zumba gold and Yeba, which is an all-Filipino workout scheme that incorporates folk dance steps with original Pinoy music.
Fitness workouts are held at the gym, where one can improve motor skills to improve health conditions and combat illnesses. Taichi introduces new recruits to the all-important but often-neglected proper breathing and ideal posture techniques under a 10-day personal program. Feel the flow of Qi from head to toe in this pursuit, perfect for those who seek elusive serenity and inner peace.
“As you can see, it’s really an institution where patrons can experience complete wellness for their body, mind and soul, and have a good life,” Cruz continues.
We descend upon the recently opened Foot Zone Day Spa – which has a wellknown, sought-after center in Annapolis, Greenhills – a health farm that focuses on Korean and Chinese foot reflexology, acupuncture and Sentosaesque treatments.
Our next destination, The Activity Center, is an open-air area where most of the recreational seminars and sessions occur. Fidel Sarmiento, president of Arts Association of the Philippines, gives acrylic and pastel classes, which discuss hands-on techniques in paint combinations, brush strokes, different styles and essential tips in framing the finished product.
Marc Tomas, board member of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 and chapter member of Sogestsu Potential Manila, teaches the art of traditional Japanese flower arrangement. The sessions are ideal for creative outlet seekers, and for those who wish to relax.
Caesar Cheng, a professor of the Confucius Institute of the Ateneo de Manila University and Maximillian Gallery, supervises the fundamentals of Chinese painting.
Other workshops such as beading – the art of jewelry-making to you and me – teach the basics of design patterns, rhythm and even color psychology, to keep fingers and hands nimble and dexterous.
On the other hand, for the musically inclined, voice, guitar, violin and piano tutorials by group or even one-on-one may be arranged.
Bridge, mahjongg and other tabletop games –a favorite pastime – are available upon request.
Among the well-attended past activities, The Sunshine Place hosted Dr. Jimmy Galvez Tan’s “Prescription Without Cost Workshop: The Best Natural Remedies Series 2016.” It covered topics like prevention and treatment for hypertension, and will continue with other subjects such as diabetes, prevention and treatment for cancer, aging joyfully and detoxification.
“Memoir: What’s Your Story?” – a legacy to one’s children – was a symposium for memory exercise, self-discovery and self-healing conducted by Oscar Peñaranda, 2012 Gawad ng Alagad ni Balagtas recipient.
On the ground floor, the Happy Garden Cafe welcomes guests with its homey feel and serves rustic and organic food. The restaurant prides itself in a particular blend of the healthy and the yummy, filled with fragrant herbs and robust spices. It also has a variety of freshly squeezed juices and gluten-free cakes.
As memories are shared and created in this five-story building on Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village of the city of Makati, the staff is familiar with each and every regular, and the genuine interaction eventually becomes a part of their daily routines. Most frequenters now spend a great portion of their day at their newfound hangout, where phrases like “This is my happy place,” “This is our second home” and “We practically live here” are often heard.