We paint, we don't judge: How a casual gathering became a creative haven

In bustling Metro Manila, where the demands of a busy weekday grind often stifle creativity, a visual artist and junior architect has found a way to inject color and community into the lives of a bunch of unique individuals.

Vergel Gregorio, 25, through his brainchild—the Weekend Watercolor Circle—transformed a simple, post-run coffee meetups into a vibrant, ever-growing community, where art, connection, and escape converge.

How it started

Vergel’s initiative began on a typical Sunday after a run with his club.

“One random Sunday, I told my friends, ‘Can you help? Do you wanna join me? Let’s do a coffee after—maybe I can bring my watercolor,’” he told GMA News Online.

What started as an informal gathering at a random coffee shop soon blossomed into something far more significant. With just three people sharing in a candid session of watercolor bonding, the seeds were planted.

Through social media, content from that very day spread online, and in a heartbeat, what began as an intimate group grew to 15, then 25, and eventually, hundreds of members joined the circle.

“Doon ko na-realize na, ah, baka I have to formalize this na event, kasi nga people are very interested. On a business side, meron siyang market, ganoon. So, last year lang to? Last year, November. So, very baby pa 'yung community,” Vergel said.

A community with a purpose

At its core, the Weekend Watercolor Circle is more than just an art session—it’s an escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Vergel and his team, composed of 9 individuals, set up a meeting at two different spots: The Astbury and Annex House, both located in Makati.

Vergel said they have a three-fold objective upon maintaining the community:

Relaxation: As weekdays are often decicated for work, Vergel aims to provide an avenue where people can have something to look forward to at the end of the week. “The first objective is to help people relax during weekends—an escape from the corporeal stresses of a busy workweek,” he said.

Connection: Most times, it is indeed scary to try something new and be surrounded with a bunch of strangers especially when you're doing it alone. According to Vergel, it's their second objective to help people connect with new faces and learn new experiences. "I learned that when you’re open to trying new things, life opens up new opportunities."

Artistic Growth: The circle also serves as a casual classroom where beginners can learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting—a medium often overlooked in favor of oil or acrylic. Vergel said the philosophy of blending art with genuine human connection is what sets the Weekend Watercolor Circle apart.

“It’s about creating a family—a space where everyone feels welcome and can express themselves freely."

For him, the rapid expansion of the community was both a blessing and a challenge. Although he was first overwhelmed by the unexpected turnout, the young artist soon realized that the beauty of the circle lay in its organic development.

“I don’t have to over-plan every detail. People are naturally warm, willing to help, and eager to be part of something authenti," he said.

This laid-back approach—eschewing conference-level formality for a more relaxed, unplugged vibe—has helped maintain the community’s charm, even as its numbers soared.

From students, to professionals, businesspeople, content creators, the community grew and grew, and even more people became interested in joining.

“Anyone is like a volunteer. Kasi nga, parang nakita nila yung beauty ng community and they found a home din na parang willing sila, pati sila, to alagaan yung community na 'yun.”

Balancing passion and pressure

Despite his many roles as a visual artist, junior architect, content creator, and sometimes even a solo music artist, Vergel has managed to weave his passion for watercolor and teaching into his hectic schedule.

“Managing a day job, school, and multiple projects is challenging, but I never regret devoting time to the community,” he said.

His busy schedule only reinforces his belief in the importance of creative outlets, especially for those juggling the demands of modern life.

Beyond the weekends of color and camaraderie, Vergel’s art reflects a more profound commitment to societal issues.

“I believe as an artist I have the responsibility to create works that spark discussion on social and political issues,” he said.

Whether it’s through a brushstroke or a conversation at the circle, his art is a medium of communication—a way to reach out and share ideas that matter.

When asked for one word to encapsulate the spirit of the Weekend Watercolor Circle, Vergel answered: “Family.”

For him, the beauty of being able to build such a community with compassion and love without judging each other’s background and own ‘art' — is something irreplaceable.  

“Ang saya nakikita na collectively, as a whole community, yung beauty. Kung paano sila... Let's say sa society, paano sila nag-function. Pero sa community natin, kung paano sila nag-act or nagbe-behave. Parang makikita mo, kahit iba-iba yung tao, iba-iba yung personality, you allow them to be themselves. Nagiging as one pa rin sila. And that's so nice to witness actually.”

“And siguro ano rin, it's really fun to have something to look forward to at the end of the week. After a tiring week, parang sa work, okay lang may Sunday naman, may Saturday naman. Kaya ang dami repeaters. So yun, ang dami ang dami. This one session, small na yung repeater. Usually last kahapon, Saturday, kasi two session siya, nandun na yung ikon almost 60% of the joiners and that's 60 people,” he added.  

The circle is not just an event but a long-term project aimed at sustaining a space where creativity and connection continue to thrive, Vergel said.

To aspiring artists, old and new, including those who are making their way back to their passion, he advised, “Don’t give up on your creative journey. Even when life gets busy, never stop nurturing your passion.”

With every brushstroke and every shared moment, the Weekend Watercolor Circle continues to grow—a testament to the power of art in bringing people together and offering a respite from the everyday.

Aside from being an artist, Vergel is also a boy who loves music. He also performs in small gigs in town, and he writes songs, too. He is a massive Taylor Swift fan and loves to incorporate her lyrics into his art.

The 24-year-old Vergel Gregorio and his journey reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea and a willingness to connect to spark a movement that brightens lives one watercolor at a time.

So, see you next weekend? —JCB, GMA Integrated News