We walk into an alcove tucked away in a corner of Maginhawa, welcomed by an unconventional entryway hidden in plain sight - a stark difference to the busy street that has since seen new storefronts and faces after a long pandemic.
Van Gogh Is Bipolar is a sanctuary built by self-titled accidental artist Jetro Vin Rafael to embrace mental health, starting from a single step into an antique wardrobe that leads to a cozy and eclectic world viewed through the lens of neurodivergence. In this cozy yet colorful space, Rafael shares that he "serves life". As an endeavor that he feels he fell into by accident, Van Gogh Is Bipolar evolved to reflect Rafael's own perceptions on life, love, food, and everything in between.
In this sanctuary, the only constant is “change”. Highs and lows fill every corner, asking you to peer into the mind of its proprietor and perhaps even embrace both the calm seas and thrashing waves within yourself. From the food to the decor, you can see that Rafael’s goal is to create a space that serves as not only a form of self-expression but a salve for the ailing.
One old chair remains through interior changes, worn out and beaten over time, as a perfect representation of Rafael’s imperfections and mental state. He treats it dearly and with care, just as you would when caring for your own mind as you pass through the hardships of depression and anxiety. As Rafael likes to say, the old "sabog-sabog" chair is a great reminder that life is not easy but it can foster beauty and resilience.
Jetro's Vintage Chair & Love Mailbox
01 - Adam Velvet Tub Chair, 02 - Vessel Metal and Fabric Dining Chair,
03 - Resin and Stone Tissue Paper Box Holder, 04 - Stationery Storage Box
Works of art are strewn across the walls and ceiling, a cacophony of expression that begs to be deciphered. The kitchen’s pass is worked into vintage cabinetry, another quirky piece of innovative interior design that fits into Rafael’s dogma of creating something more behind what you see on the surface. Originally a platera, Rafael has reworked the mirrored middle panel to connect to the kitchen. Another clever invitation for guests to look beyond the surface.
Each item here is not placed just for the sake of it. Rafael cares most about his family and creating an experience that heals the mood. Shelving sees rows of instruments for tea making, along with curated tea mixes for different moods. A carefully crafted guide sits ready to help visitors choose what to drink whether they feel bitter, guilty, stressed, abandoned, or lonely.
Rafael also features pieces that he himself created, fully integrated into the furniture and ornate silverware that adorn the space. One of these is his very first painting, created in the midst of a 36-hour train ride to Mongolia. Another is a painted tablecloth and curtain that Rafael used as a canvas for a European exhibit meant to signify the lightness and darkness of his life.
Everything is deeply curated, from the dark UV-lit room with messages from those that have come by to the quaint room that one discovers through some folding doors—more on these later. A great example of Rafael's appreciation for details and personal touches is a whimsical love mailbox that guests are invited to drop notes into. It is through such a passive collaboration that Rafael further completes the feeling of solidarity and acceptance within Van Gogh Is Bipolar. After all, Rafael says, "we are each other's home".
Dim lights, collections of plants, and pictures posted on the walls follow you as you walk through each area. Relaxation and life are the core ideals that breathe through the floors, ceilings, and walls. As you sit down, each wooden table proudly adorns the nicks and grooves that have developed over time.
This same time-worn charm is again seen in Rafael's beloved gramophone. A 200-year-old find, the gramophone was sourced from the UK. A living embodiment of what is meant to be will be, Rafael was able to acquire the historic piece despite it initially being out of his budget through charm, enthusiasm, and sincerity. Though the item was meant to be put up for auction, its initial owners felt that it had found its home with Rafael. True enough, at Van Gogh Is Bipolar the British gramophone looks perfectly meant to be. Similarly, everywhere you look, you can feel Rafael’s spirit imbued.
Jetro's Bamboo Swing Chair, Antique Gramophone, Various Artwork & Painting on Curtain and Tablecloth
05 - Kailah Papasan Chair, 06 - Tinikling Rattan Coffee Table,
07 - Bamboo I, acrylic painting on canvas, 08 - Portal Landing 2, mixed media painting,
09 - Malabulak Sculpted Blossom Lamp, 10 - Untitled, acrylic flower painting,
11 - Unhappy, acrylic painting on canvas, 12 - Untitled, mixed media painting,
13 - Cyrus Rust Round Rug, 14 - Coming of Age, mixed media painting
Further, into the space, a nearly Filipino-made Four Poster Bed with pearl inlays creates a warm nook. Atop it, Rafael features a cuckoo hat that he regularly accessorizes. "I really love the humor behind all these quirky things," Rafael says. Perhaps unexpectedly, or expectedly considering its creative mastermind, the extension outdoor shower, and the kitchen is Rafael's favorite area. As a native of Isabela, local bamboo is used to create a divider that adds a rustic element.
Jetro's Four-Poster Bed and Nude Artwork in Dark Room
15 - Champagne Resin Sunburst Mirror, 16 - Musa Wooden Bed Frame, 17 - TENCEL™ Lyocell 3-PC Cream Bedsheet Set,
18 - Hurricane, oil and acrylic on canvas, 19 - Rhythm in Lapiz Azuli, mixed media painting
Rafael is also a passionate photographer, and as such, has included a pseudo-dark room in Van Gogh Is Bipolar. Here he showcases photographs on canvas, some of which feature abstract doodles from his then-toddler nephew and mother as a model. "My family is a huge huge part of Van Gogh Is Bipolar," he explains. "When I see this artwork, it reminds me of how blessed I am to have the most loving family."
Jetro's Platera, Antique Wardrobe, Display Cabinet, and Teapot Tablescape
20 - Ulap Rattan Mirror with Shelves, 21 - Soliya Wood Armoire Cabinet, 22 - Fernando Light Wood Shelf,
23 - Bodum Yo-yo White Mug & Tea Strainer Set, 24 - Soy Candle - Aphrodite, 25 - Marble Quatrefoil Food Serving Tray with Handle,
26 - Decorative Bowl in Honey Brown Finish, 27 - Pinya Dinner Plate Set, 28 - Gold and Navy Art Deco Dinner Plate Set,
29 - Escolta Dinner Plate
As an experiential restaurant, you get a whole package with both the interiors and the menu. Just like the decor, the dishes served change over time but never falter in their aim of boosting the positive neurotransmitters in your brain. Each dish is dedicated to serving "food-based nutrition", as Rafael describes. "Very integral part and significant yung pagkain dito sa Van Gogh Is Bipolar." Undoubtedly, a penchant for gastronomy and sensory alleviation drive Rafael as he reopens the space for those that need a port in a storm.
Rafael happily shares how Van Gogh is Bipolar is about feeding both body and soul, and you can see how the entire space is a manifestation of his mind while wrapping it in a warm and comforting hug.
