ScholarSIP: A Sip for Every Scholar

Fundación Sanso has finally opened its expanded coffee shop, ScholarSIP, intending to help fund the education of the organization’s scholars.

Words Luis Joaquin Gregorio
Photo courtesy of Fundación Sanso
August 26, 2025

From the people behind Fundación Sanso comes a new extension of the organization’s philanthropic efforts at preserving the institution of art, originally championed by the late artist Juvenal Sansó. 

The ScholarSIP initiative operates as a café within the esteemed museum in San Juan City, created to provide financial support for art scholars under the foundation’s care. The café offers visitors a welcoming space to relax and reflect after viewing the gallery’s artistic collections. With its warm aesthetics and comforting snacks, ScholarSIP perfectly complements the Fundación Sanso experience.

ScholarSIP Finds

Through a partnership with Yardstick Coffee, ScholarSIP offers a thoughtfully curated and affordable menu featuring a variety of quality refreshments. From classic hot and iced lattes made with locally sourced ingredients to an array of tea blends, the café effortlessly brings a sense of coziness to the space. 

Complementing its drinks are pastries that appeal to Filipino taste buds—such as buko, ube, and calamansi meringue pies. For those craving something savory, Chef Kim Tatel elevates the menu with her unique takes on sourdough and focaccia.

Adding to the experience is the café’s impressive latte art, proving that creativity isn’t confined to the museum’s walls. ScholarSIP’s inviting, polished interiors exude artistic elegance while offering a work-friendly atmosphere where guests can feel truly at ease. 

The café also houses official Fundación Sanso merchandise, thoughtfully displayed as a decorative exhibit where visitors can purchase souvenirs and functional art pieces.

An essential mission

The charitable mission behind ScholarSIP is one of many initiatives Fundación Sanso has established over the years to serve as a lifeline for emerging Filipino artists. The foundation has already helped bridge students to quality education from institutions such as Far Eastern University, Bulacan State University, University of the Philippines Diliman, and FEATI University – School of Fine Arts. 

Committed to sustaining this initiative, Fundación Sansó sees it as both an investment in the local art community and a way to nurture and recognize excellence among young artists.

Proceeds from ScholarSIP go entirely toward supporting the education of these students and their unwavering ambition to contribute meaningfully to the future of Philippine art.