MANILA -- Van Gogh is Bipolar (VGIB) has been known for years as one of the most unique restaurants in the Maginhawa neighborhood. The quirky restaurant and abode of Jethro Rafael, revolves around the idea of healing and setting moods.

Since the enhanced community quarantine was declared, the restaurant has been turned into an open kitchen for community and humanitarian services.

According to Rafael, he started the initiative of giving out free meals to make use of the remaining ingredients and food supplies he had on hand for the restaurant when he had to close down.

But he decided to continue the initiative to harness the community spirit. VGIB now cooks and prepares meals sourced from raw food ingredients and spices donated by homes and generous individuals, turning these into free meals to anyone who needs them.

“People are willing to help, they just don’t know where to start,” said Rafael. “Anyone who has extra funds and resources is welcome to bring ingredients over. Instead of letting extra produce spoil or rot inside your fridge and pantries, we can put it to good use.”

“Some people have come to us apologizing that they only have limited ingredients, enough for just one meal, but that’s perfectly okay,” he added.

The meals they prepare depend on whatever they get that day, such as Adobong Mushroom with Black Mountain Rice, Munggo and Mushroom Soup, Arroz Caldo, or Veggie Fried Rice. On average, they are able to prepare about 100 meals a day.

Volunteer organizations and individuals can come to pick up the prepared food and distribute it to the disadvantaged communities or individuals.

VGIB also welcomes anyone in the neighborhood who needs a meal, provided they bring their own food containers as they’re a zero-waste establishment.

While many small businesses are finding creative ways to make money and recoup losses, 100% of VGIB’s profits have been offered purely for community services in the meantime.

The restaurant has also opened up its space to individuals in the community who want a physical outlet to donate or sell homemade products as long as they fit the restaurant’s philosophy.

“We accept all-natural food products, healthy food, or anything good for community and environment.”

Van Gogh is Bipolar is located on 154 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Food donations are welcome from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.