Get ready for a dazzling spectacle at the heart of Manila! The National Museum is set to host the Circle of Light, a breathtaking art installation that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a beacon of hope for communities across the Philippines.
Imagine this: over 3,500 handcrafted solar lamps, each telling a story of sustainability and Filipino ingenuity, will transform the open area of the National Museum of Natural History into a mesmerizing Circle of Light. This stunning display, aiming for a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest display of solar powered lamps this July 1, is Sun Life Philippines’ way of celebrating its 130th anniversary with a bang – and a whole lot of heart.
From July 2 to 9, 2025, visitors can wander through this luminous wonderland, marveling at the interplay of light and shadow. But the real magic happens after the exhibit closes. These beautiful lamps will find new homes in Talim Island and areas in Region IV-A, bringing much-needed illumination to students and communities living off the grid.
The National Museum, known for its commitment to showcasing Filipino heritage, sees this collaboration as a blend of art, science, and social responsibility. “Through the Circle of Light, the National Museum is able to showcase its shared dedication with Sun Life of supporting creative, green, and sustainable advocacies and presenting them through this illuminating installation,” Jorell Legaspi, deputy director-general for museums for the National Museum of the Philippines, said.
The Circle of Light also highlights the solar expertise of global changemaker Liter of Light and local pottery advocate Odangputik Art Space.
Liter of Light co-founder and board director Ami Valdemoro recounted how their hand- built solar lights are guided by three principles: to utilize readily available and local materials, teach green skills, and create livelihoods for the communities served. “Likewise, Sun Life’s Circle of Light initiative fulfills those principles,” she said. “We are all united in the idea that everybody can make a difference, and we will soon have 3,500 examples of what we can do when we give our time and talent to a meaningful project.”
The program also fosters cultural appreciation for the art of ceramic pottery. Lin Bajala, co- founder and curator of Odangputik Art Space explained, “Ceramic pottery isn’t easy.
Through our community gatherings, we help people understand that this is an interdisciplinary collaboration between art and science. In a way, the Sun Life Circle of Light is helping us build cultural appreciation for this type of art.”
For its part, Sun Life expressed gratitude for the support for Circle of Light. “It’s remarkable how Circle of Light has brought together organizations and volunteer lamp-builders within the Sun Life community in pursuit of a noble mission. Together, we are turning science into art, and art into hope,” Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines chief client experience and marketing officer said. “It not only mirrors the trust that Sun Life has received over the years but it also stands for our commitment to make more lives brighter for the next 130 years and beyond.”
To know more about Circle of Light, visit www.sunlife.co/CircleofLight or follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on the program.