Had an incredible experience here at VGIB that's a bit hard to put into words. While we communicated with the chef owner Jetro while making our reservation, we didn't have a chance to meet him personally; but his mission of healing through food was well presented by the team of "life servers" that took care of us that day. Rainy and Kuya Paolo in particular were awesome! You start off by finding the hidden entrance to the restaurant (spoiler alert: it's the mirrored closet door next to the shoe rack). You take your shoes off before going inside because you're essentially going into somebody's house- the restaurant was formerly Chef Jetro's personal house. We got a brief tour of the interior, which is an explosion of eclectic art, furniture, and architecture. There's even a "dark room" where patrons are given the opportunity to have cathartic moments, either by leaving anonymous written confessions or even screaming. Just FYI, some of the written confessions in the room are NSFW so avoid bringing sensitive or young people in there. There are also masks and hats lying around if you're interested in using them for photo ops throughout your time there. There are a few different dining options including tiers of dinner menus, or a la carte. We went for the highest tier (Lover's Menu) for two for our dinner reservation. The meal starts off with a small handwashing ceremony, then is ceremoniously followed by each course. Kuya Paolo, who was cooking for us that night, told us he customizes and adjusts the menu based on the vibe of the customer, so every dinner can be a little different. Each course came with a beautiful story and presentation, and an explanation on Chef Jetro's intention with the meal. The courses we had were: - Appetizer: Homemade banana chips (yummy and warm) - Soup: "Virginia Woolf's Tears" (Japanese Miso Soup) - Alcoholic Drink (shot): "Axelrod Stress Buster Egg Shot" (one of my favorites) - Main Course: Lover's Feast (blue marlin, free range chicken, pork bacon, assorted veggies and rice) - Alcoholic Drink: Pink Moscato - Non-alcoholic Drink: "Courtney Love Potion" - mango and pineapple drink with chia seeds (another favorite, but I think this changes based on what fruits are in season) - Dessert: "Mel Gibson's Darkest Sin" (another favorite- an alcoholic shot chased with dark chocolate) and ice candy Don't be fooled into thinking this place is just about the bells and whistles. This restaurant is also a refuge for anyone suffering from mental health conditions seeking support and a community. After the dinner, we got around to talking with Rainy, Kuya Paolo, and some of the other life servers, and we had a long, wonderful conversation getting to know each other. The people here care very deeply for community, and while I'm very happy I was able to meet new people and learn their stories, I'm so glad this also gave me the chance to bond with the family member I came here with more closely. This is a very special place. Definitely make time to visit if you're ever in Manila! read more

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The restaurant with the experience. Started by the owner to spread awareness about bipolar and other conditions. Has two sections "Shadow" and "Light" . The shadow section serves three course set meals. Light section serves a la Carte, herbal tea, preparations on the menu in light section are vegetarian. It's a great experience to visit this place plus your visit will be supporting a noble cause. The owner also maintains safe house for anyone who is looking for answers about their condition. They have volunteers and staff who can guide the ones needing assistance. There are many great artists but only one Van Gogh same way there are many restaurants but only one "Van Gogh is Bipolar. " read more

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This is the most unique restaurant experience I've ever had. Everything here is strange/weird and I love it. This place is more than just a restaurant. It is a mood-healing place that serves mood-altering dishes that trigger happy hormones. But depending on the owner's mood, the menu may vary too, from comforting to adventurous, which makes this place and the foods really unique. It is a small place, only catering 15 people at the same time. Jetro, the genius owner, has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and this inspired him to make this adorable place. This restaurant runs in a self-service operation, hence they have house rules. You have to write down your own orders and submit it to the kitchen, and to pay, you have to put your payment in a box of cash and get your change from there too. It's all about honesty! You also get to make your own tea, and pick from a variety of cool teapots. They have a dark room with "for adults only" artworks and which you can write your deepest darkest secrets. For the dessert, we had Mel Gibson's Darkest Sin, and it is really a must try! Definitely a one of a kind experience in a one of a kind place. PS it's been years since I visited this place and this review is based from that time. read more

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"You go there for the experience and not really for the food." - is what someone's opinion of VGB but I beg to differ because I had a good meal as well as a pleasant experience. the place is so quirky and artsy and not your usual restaurant. I'm a happy and satisfied vegetarian after my meal. You can have self-service tea while you wait for your meal to be prepared. They serve really fresh veggies and fruit and you know that there's a creative thought to have put together such a meal together. They even have unlimited black heirloom rice and veggies, just ask! For the more exciting dessert, choose Mel Gibson's Darkest Sin. read more

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A few weeks ago, my friends and I who all live in the south, took the long trip to Maginhawa. I have no idea why we thought we were going to a bar that night. Maybe it was the name. Or the location. Or the fact that we were so stressed with finals that made us think that maybe this was the place to de-stress. Our reservation was for 7PM, but we got there at hour early. Which was great actually. The staff, who all happen to be friends of the owner, Jetro, gave us a little booklet which told us what to do while we were waiting. They told us the story of how Van Gogh is Bipolar was started. Let me give you a gist. Jetro, the owner, is bipolar and to heal himself he changed his diet, got into the arts and is starting a healing revolution at his restaurant which is also his house. There was much to do that night! Drink tea. Write on the walls. Read letters. Get rid of the anger in you. Take some shots. Learn breathing exercises.Play games. And order your food. Food in this place is a surprise because there is no set menu. They give you a form and you decide what kind of meat you want, how spicy and if you want dessert or not. That night, I had some sort of lamb dish and it was good. You know, if you're just going to this place just for the food, forget it. But if you go to Van Gogh is Bipolar to be inspired by Jetro's story and you open yourself up to the notion that you might need healing or closure from the past, then this place is for you. read more

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Manila needs more restaurants like VGIB. The owner is an awesome creative guy who so happens to be bipolar. The experience of dining here is like no other. The menu focuses on self healing (the owner claims that a change in his diet helped him get off his bipolar medication). There are also some rituals to complete at the restaurant at your own time - like making your own healing tea, writing a letter, drinking a shot of coconut oil, writing your demons on the wall, etc.. It's really a place to go for the experience. The decoration is also really eclectic - it's like stepping into a dream! The menu is small and only offers 4-5 options every day. But the food is fresh and decent and is plated in an interesting way - with fresh flowers and the herbs. It's really an experience to be had and shared with your creative friends. read more

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I haven't completely written off VGiB but I would definitely recommend you not to go there as a walk-in or for lunch. We went there for lunch as a walk-in (without reservations), the restaurant was completely empty and we were told by the lady there that she had nothing to serve us because she didn't know we were coming, even though the FB page says they take walk-ins. She suggested we leave and come back for dinner with reservations but we had just traveled an hour to get there and couldn't come back for dinner so she reluctantly said she could either make us chicken or salmon and that's it. She was obviously not happy to have us there. We were really disappointed as we had heard such good things about VGiB but our first visit wasn't very pleasant. Still, the food she eventually served us was decent and healthy. It just wasn't the experience we were hoping for. We might try going back some day for dinner (with a reservation!) and hopefully it will be a better experience. I will add that we have a baby which means our schedule is a bit unpredictable making it hard for us to make reservations in advance and we aren't usually free in the evenings. And we did message the owner before going in and they confirmed that they accept walk-ins but the menu is limited. Still, we were first told on arrival that they had nothing to serve us and later (reluctantly) offered us two choices out of an entire menu that lists breakfasts, appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Again, we will hopefully have the opportunity to come again and give VGiB another shot. read more

I highly recommend. It's quite an experience. Great food. Everything is fresh and delicious. The staff are awesome. From egg shot with balsamic to absinthe shot with chocolate. Worth the drive! read more

You'll find this little gem tucked away behind Gerry's Jeepney in Sikatuna Village. I heard about Van Gogh is Bipolar from a friend who said she'd gone with her boyfriend. I decided to try it for myself, knowing that it would be an experience in itself. When you get there you might get a little confused because you'll see a blanket of shoes hanging from the walls and another scattering of shoes parked outside the main door. You remove your shoes and step inside the veritable cave of wonders. I remember having a hard time distinguishing where the servers were because I couldn't see any. I was greeted by a lady with a flower in her hair, whom I at first thought was just another diner. She asked our names and seated us shortly. When you're seated, you're given a menu and a little hardbound guide book. We decided to go with one of the full course dinner sets. Fish for C and vegetarian for me. We are left again to ourselves. We look around at the walls, scrutinizing everything from the writing to the shadow clock. You wonder at the mind of the genius behind the birth of this restaurant turned experience. Ding! Your food is served at the counter and you're to get it yourself. Not to worry, it's only 5 steps away. Maybe 10 if you're at the end of the room. The dinnerware is a mix of ceramic and glass. Freshly squeezed juice is served in a little glass bottle that looks like it could contain some magic potion, while your food is on a platter with another surprise component encapsulated in crystalline glassware as well. Mine contained some vegetarian eggplant mash, matched with rather large leaves of cabbage carrying parcels of black rice. I don't do the dish justice but it was amazing. The quality of the greens was what stood out the most, followed by the taste. Those cabbage leaves... They looked unreal. I go back to the guide book which is basically a cipher to the layout of the restaurant. You will understand what the coconut oil station is for, realize where the tea station is, and contemplate whether to wear those hats hanging on the side, given that you are encouraged to do so. My meal is finished, I feel refreshed, and I make myself some loose leaf tea. I choose the "Happy" blend. I think about my meal experience at VGIB. There's none quite like it. It's a peek into the mind of a bipolar man channeled into art, food, and experience. read more

Van gogh is Bipolar is an awesome restaurant with an awesome story. The owner Jetro has bipolar and he felt that when he was feeling down, he didn't have a place to go to. To give back to the community and for his love of food, he started this restaurant. This is place that taught me that you cannot grow love by force, you can only nurture it and watch it grow by itself. At this place, you will be loved for all of who you are with all of your imperfections. There are multiple rituals that show you the act of self love and self healing. You are supported by a wonderful team of life servers, that will help you but only if you want it. The food is self service as well so you can really do everything at your own pace. The food is very unique (think spicy egg shots and absinthe deserts) and healing for your body, since eating healthy food is an act of self love as well. You just have to experience this place at least once. read more

The complete dinning experience. interesting people, ambiance, delicious food , chef tells a great story about how the restaurant came to be. My friend Risa is traveling food expert, and she has never had dinning adventure of this magnitude. read more

At first, I was not sure where it was. I even asked people where it was located. I am in awe when I discovered that the apartment-like building was the restaurant, and the cabinet was the entrance! I even thought that I went to the wrong place. Anyway, the food was very delicious and I had fun choosing which teapot should I use. The salad was to die for because of its freshness and its generous serving. The salmon is also ambrosial and complemented the taste of the black rice. The tamarind juice is really tamarind! Overall, more than the food, I enjoyed the people, atmosphere, and the experience from the restaurant. read more

Dining at Van Gogh isn't just enjoying a meal, it's an experience. This Mad Hatter of a restaurant is one of Maginhawa's hidden gems. A bit of backstory: The owner, Jethro Rafael, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age. Instead of solely depending on medication, he cooked his own food, using natural antidepressants to help him monitor his mood. This is the diet he shares at Van Gogh is Bipolar. All the food cooked is made to suit the given mood: Chef Jethro will let you choose between a happy chill safe selection for your meal or a more uppity, adventurous one. The food itself is like nothing I've ever tasted. All the dishes are named after famous bipolar personalities, such as the Axl Rose Eggshot, the Napoleon Bonaparte (turkey salad with pasta), Mel Gibson's Darkest Sin (a special dessert), and Virginia Woolf's Tears (turkey broth soup). The restaurant itself is also Jethro's personal abode and so it reflects a lot of his story. There's a red graffiti wall in one of the corners where customers can write special greetings or messages. A darker, more secret room is located right by the bathroom, reserved for secrets that need to be told, but told to no one. Customers can write their secrets here too, but they must do so anonymously. (I took a closer look at some of the secrets written, some are quite disturbing.) On top of it all, Jethro himself is a wonderful person to talk to. His outlook on life, despite all his hardships, is inspiring and his story is one everyone should listen to. You can learn so much by experiencing Van Gogh is Bipolar. It's best to contact the restaurant and make reservations before going there: Van Gogh is Bipolar is sometimes open, sometimes closed. (Hehe.) read more

Situated within the compound apartments in 158 Maginhawa in Teacher's Village is this home of Jethro Rafael (diagnosed Bipolar), made open for visitors who want to experience a dash of his mind through his art work-photograph-teapot-and-hat-collection themed humble abode. I was just driving along Maginhawa when I thought of checking this place out; Jethro usually accommodates guests through reservation--my case was just a walk-in incident. Before entering his home is a reminder hung on the main door to keep your shoes and slippers outside by the doormats--setting the mood of a really homey experience ahead. As I entered, I was astounded by the eccentric interiors of the house with random things all over the place. It seemed chaotic at first but once you already take a seat in one of the dining tables found inside, and looked around again, you'll see that the place is actually full of collections of different things. Jethro will be there to personally assist and introduce you to himself and to his home. He will offer you to grab yourself a teapot in his teapot collection and make yourself your own choice of tea made from actual dried tea leaves. He will also invite you to wear and play with his hat collection as you dine over his very, very special full course menu made for his house guests. Yes, a full course dinner served complete with appetizer, main course, dessert and drink. During my time, I remember dishes named after Kurt Cobain, Theodore Roosevelt and Courtney Love; these are celebrities who were diagnosed with Bipolar illness as well. He practically named his recipes after them because he serves food ideal to remedy anxiety, manic tendencies and other psychological sickness that he himself endures from time to time. You will be surprised by the look and the taste of his servings because it's all too far-out for an ordinary Filipino eater. His salad is very colorful with different type of greens, fruits and nuts with his special berry sauce, while he serves a cup of black rice with orange turkey as one of the main dishes. And the taste? IMPECABLE! The food in Van Gogh is Bipolar is the real epitome of a balanced diet! Jethro said that most of his ingredients came from his farm in Quezon so most of it (especially the veggies) are organic and freshly picked. A full course meal at Van Gogh is Bipolar is priced for about P700.00 to P1, 000.00 per head depending on what he has to offer. Payment is based on an honesty system too; a red box placed on top of his antique table is for the visitors to put their cash payment in. read more

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Ever relied on food to cheer you up? Whether it's a big, fat piece of chocolate or a greasy burger, we've all had those moments when we just needed something to munch on to make us feel better. Running on that premise, this little gem in Maginhawa promises exactly just that. Run by a man diagnosed with bipolarity himself, the dishes served and made by the owner himself are somewhat therapeutic to those undergoing the same issues as he is. Mood altering and generally delectable, the unique setup and selection provided in Van Gogh is Bipolar will surely get that frown to turn upside down. So, next time you're feeling s bit down? Give Van Gogh a little visit and find comfort in his soothing selection of culinary psychotherapy. read more