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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Making lives brighter: Sun Life Philippines celebrates historic milestone with Circle of Light

Making lives brighter: Sun Life Philippines celebrates historic milestone with Circle of Light

On its 130th year of service, Sun Life Philippines continues to uplift Filipino lives after a record-breaking installation of solar-powered lamps

Published Jul 8, 2025 03:25 pm
Aerial view of the Circle of Light display at the National Museum of the Philippines
Aerial view of the Circle of Light display at the National Museum of the Philippines
Sun Life Philippines is the country’s first and longest-standing life insurance provider that offers financial advice, life insurance products, health-focused products, and investment products. The company has received several awards and recognitions from various local and regional award-giving bodies.
Beyond accolades and providing financial and insurance solutions that uplift Filipino lives, Sun Life is also committed to delivering value to the communities they operate in and being a part of the solution for climate action and sustainability. As the company marks its 130th anniversary, Sun Life proves its unwavering dedication with its unique way of celebrating this milestone.
On July 1, Sun Life unveiled the Circle of Light installation – a meaningful collaboration with global organization Liter of Light, the National Museum of the Philippines, and local pottery studio Odangputik Art Space. Nearly 3,000 hand-made solar lamps were illuminated at the National Museum of the Philippines’ Liwasang Rizal, forming a striking art display that symbolizes unity, hope, and the light that communities can bring to one another.
Benedict Sison, CEO and country head of Sun Life Philippines, holding the official certificate from the Guinness World Records.
Benedict Sison, CEO and country head of Sun Life Philippines, holding the official certificate from the Guinness World Records.
Each solar lamp showcases a testament to Filipino ingenuity and sustainability, forming a stunning Circle of Light. More than the luminous installation, the stunning display also received the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest display of solar-powered lamps, awarded by Sonia Ushirogochi, the official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records.
“This achievement is a shining example of what we can accomplish when purpose-driven organizations and passionate individuals come together,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “As we celebrate our 130th anniversary, we are proud to mark this milestone not just with a record, but with a message that light, in all its forms, has the power to transform lives.”
Through the workshops led by Liter of Light, a globally known non-profit organization that empowers communities with solar-powered lighting solutions, Sun Life Philippines’ employees, advisors, volunteers, and community members worked together and assembled the lamps. The initiative further highlights handcrafted pottery lamps skillfully made by the artisan community of Odangputik Art Space.
“We want to invite Filipinos to recognize the importance of sustainability and clean energy. This is why we are mixing sustainability, art, and community into one initiative with Circle of Light. It shows that when the community is gathered, we will shine brighter together,” Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong shared in an interview.
After the exhibit, the solar lamps will be given to underserved communities that have limited to no access to electricity, providing access to clean energy and ensuring that students can study even at night. “The lasting impact we want to leave behind is to give the gift of light to the communities in Region IV-A and Talim Island. We hope that through these lamps, they will be able to continue with their studies and create awareness around clean energy and sustainability. And of course, to inspire them to aim for a brighter future for themselves and their families,” Gonzalez-Chong added.
Sun Life Philippines, Liter of Light, and National Museum of the Philippines achieve a Guinness World Records title for largest display of solar powered lamps.
Sun Life Philippines, Liter of Light, and National Museum of the Philippines achieve a Guinness World Records title for largest display of solar powered lamps.
Sun Life Philippines is not only celebrating a monumental milestone for its 130th year and its record-breaking installation, but the company is also extending its broader commitment focused on sustainability, financial inclusion, and nation-building, in line with the mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos and help them achieve lifetime financial security.
To learn more about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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