Around Town: Sip & Gogh in Capitol Hills, Quezon City

What does it take to become an artist? To many, art can only be fully understood and appreciated by those who live and breathe it; by those who have studied its history, many forms and techniques, along with those who have a thorough knowledge of its greatest icons.

These days, though, anyone can celebrate art — and take a dab at it too! Our latest haunt transforms art into something that’s not just meant for art critics and enthusiasts, but also as a creative recreational activity for the whole family.

Located at Capitol Hills, a residential neighborhood in Old Balara, Quezon City, is Sip & Gogh — a cleverly concocted name for the very first paint and sip studio in the country. Having experienced the novel concept in the U.S., one of the partners of Sip & Gogh brought the idea to Manila.

“We named it after Van Gogh because he’s one of the greatest painters of all time,” says Grace Santos, one of the owners. As to why they brought the concept to the Philippines, Grace says, “Filipinos are looking for other venues to have fun. When you say art, it seems so formal. But we want to convey the message that art can be for everyone. Anyone can do art.”

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Their business, which they put up in December last year, quickly took off as non-artists—children and adults alike—became curious of what Sip & Gogh was all about. 

The idea is simple. Basically, interested customers book a workshop or session with the studio, and on their chosen schedule, they will be given all the materials they will need to create their very own masterpieces, from the easel, canvas, paintbrushes, palette, paint, down to the apron. 

Bright yellow and white walls peppered with brightly colored paintings create a warm and inviting atmosphere for would-be artists, while soothing and relaxing music is played. 

Customers get to choose which among the Van Gogh sample artworks on display they’d like to try painting, or they may also bring their own artworks, if they prefer. Only acrylic paint is used at Sip & Gogh, since it is unscented, non-toxic and water-based, and thus safe for kids to use. Art instructors who are Fine Arts graduates are also around to guide the customer as far as stroke and technique are concerned to achieve the desired results. A typical session can accommodate as many as 40 clients.

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Those interested can simply choose among the many packages available and make a reservation online, depending on their requirements:

• Little Van Gogh (for kids seven years and above) - every Saturday at 10 am, P900 per person 

• Family Fun Day - Tuesdays to Saturdays at 4 pm, and every Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm, P1,000 per person 

• Date 2 Create (for couples) - Session depending on the month’s calendar of events, P2,200 per couple 

• Open Session - Schedule depending on the month’s calendar of events, P1,000 per person

All packages come with appetizer snacks and a drink. Customers can choose from among fruit juices, wine, beer or cocktails, while minors are served non-alcoholic drinks

If you’re planning a get-together or reunion activity with balikbayan relatives this coming holiday season, Sip & Gogh also hosts functions and private parties. According to Grace, they’ve had debuts, birthday parties, team building workshops—even wedding proposals at Sip & Gogh. And since the customers get to bring their artworks home, you already have a one-of-a-kind souvenir right there that you can hang on your wall. 

Want to go on a virtual tour of the Sip & Gogh studio? Click "view slideshow" below!

 

For more information on Sip & Gogh, visit their website www.sipandgogh.com or check our their Facebook page. Customers are advised to book at least two weeks before their preferred date for functions.

Sip & Gogh is located at 1 Capitol Hills Drive, Capitol GreenStreet, Old Balara, Quezon City. 

Photos by Mark Jesalva