Van Gogh is Bipolar

By all accounts, it was, as I can honestly say and look back right now, a bi-polar Friday.

It was at the onset of typhoon Ondoy that the entire team braved the pouring rains of that Friday night, clueless of the onslaught that it laid upon the entire metropolis the very morning after. Just like a typical bi-polar, the elements that enveloped us that day was a myriad of eventualities and the virtually unexpected. As the rain poured endlessly outside, the noise of the seemingly belligerent drops of rain at the window sill was a complete contrast to the soothing and relaxed aura of Van Gogh is Bi-polar. Yes, you read it right, strange as it may seem, and no pun intended but the place is really called Van Gogh is Bi-polar. Why VGIB ? You may ask. In a brief account with Jetro Rafael, VGIB owner, all around connoisseur and a self-confessed bipolar; VGIB is a place where one, more suitably for those experiencing the momentary blues and that fleeting blissfulness the next can openly manifest their emotions thru the simple wine and dine and self-expression. As I or somebody else from the team (and who would know by the way?) can completely relate to the brilliant concept behind VGIB, I’d say it’s like getting one’s psychotherapy in a unique package of delectable gastronomic surprises, artistic freedom and most importantly a welcoming environment. In here, you can be who you want to be at the exact moment that your heart pleases. And believe me- the people will embrace the brilliance and beauty that comes with the chaos and oddness that’s in every one of us.

Larry Flynt, President Roosevelt and Axl Rose are names synonymous to their unparalleled achievements and contributions in their respective fields. Unbeknownst to most of us, these men are bi-polars too. And with that, why not literally feed on the legacy and inspiration that we can get from them? That is the kind of vibe that we felt as we delighted ourselves to the daring and unique dishes named after these famous bipolars. Stuffed and our chakras up, we all thought that the night is over and every one will be sent home, we are not mindful of the rain back then as we were cocooned in a small universe of our own in a quaint corner in Sikatuna Village. And as it turned out that the highlight of the night is yet to unfold.

Nakedness connotes openness. Seeing a naked person, still and steady and with only the cool air to envelope her body is not voyeurism. Not when you’re in an artist ground like VGIB. In an impromptu sketching lecture with no less than Mr. Robert Alejandro himself, we were taught to “unlearn” what we’ve basically learned from our art classes. There are no limitations, no technicalities, no inhibitions. We were encouraged to open the very depth of our beings and allow our innate qualities to dictate our sketch. It did not matter may it be the most bashful stick figure or the most vivacious sketch ever drawn, we were all united and looking at one direction, the naked lady who posed for us became a catalyst to liberate the artist within us and in significance it taught us to express ourselves, trust our capabilities and enjoy every moment as it is. And that having said, the many wonders that opened our eyes that night will be perpetually sketched in our memories.