In a dazzling display of community-driven innovation, a record-breaking installation of solar lamps has illuminated the heart of Manila, setting a new Guinness World Record and sending a powerful message of hope and sustainability.
The largest display of solar powered lamps, consisting of 2,743 hand-built lights, was officially certified on June 30, 2025. The breathtaking installation was a collaborative effort led by life insurance company Sun Life Philippines in partnership with Liter of Light, a global non-profit that provides sustainable lighting solutions, and the National Museum of the Philippines, which provided the “canvas” for the large-scale display.
Named the “Circle of Light,” the art installation was unveiled to the public at the National Museum. The lamps, which were meticulously arranged to form the iconic shape of the Philippine sun, were crafted by women-led cooperatives using traditional ceramic techniques. The display was a powerful symbol of unity and the shared commitment to sustainable development.
“This is more than just light—it’s a future where no Filipino child is left in the dark,” said Illac Diaz, the founder of Liter of Light. “By sharing the skill of building these solar lights, we are showing the world that grassroots action can drive global change.”
The initiative was part of Sun Life’s 130th-anniversary celebration in the Philippines. Following the public exhibition, all of the record-breaking solar lamps were donated to underserved, off-grid communities in Talim Island and Region IV-A, providing clean, renewable light to students and families in need. The record not only showcases Filipino ingenuity but also proves that with a shared purpose, a small beam of light can make a transformative impact.
