Third Places as First Priority

Communal spaces provide a sense of belonging in a world increasingly isolated by digital bubbles.

Words Maia San Diego
Photo courtesy of Book Club Coffee, Climb Central Manila, Everything's Fine, Tago Jazz, and Whimsy Game Cafe
June 3, 2025

The word isolation has become all too familiar. While we’ve moved beyond the pandemic era, have we truly left behind the era of isolation? For many, the daily rhythm of work-home-work feels like running on a hamster wheel. By the end of the day, we turn to doomscrolling in search of entertainment—some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.

But doomscrolling can be more draining than uplifting. It becomes a black hole that devours what little time and energy we have left. Watching TikToks and Reels isn’t inherently bad; it’s the compulsive, almost unconscious habit that can slowly take over our personal lives.

Social media gives us fleeting glimpses into the lives of our peers—celebrations, milestones, and achievements, all compressed into curated highlight reels. On a tough day, these glimpses can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to spiral into comparison, especially when we rely on feeds and For You Pages just to feel connected.

That’s where the concept of “third places” comes in.

Coined by sociologists Ray Oldenburg and Dennis Brissett in 1982, third places refer to “public spaces crucial for neighborhoods as areas to interact, gather, meet, and talk.” These spaces—cafés, bookstores, gyms, and more—exist outside of home (first place) and work (second place), offering neutral ground for meaningful, real-world connection.

Post-pandemic, many of us rushed to reclaim our social lives. Why not continue that momentum today—even amid packed schedules? Here are a few third places in Metro Manila worth exploring on your free time:

Book Club Coffee – Mandaluyong City

Tucked in Mandaluyong, Book Club Coffee is a cozy nook for readers of all genres. It’s part café, part “reading library”—a quiet space to flip through titles over coffee or connect with fellow book lovers.

Book Club Coffee has a wide selection of titles on shelf.

The Book Club Coffee signage from the outside.

Tago Jazz – Cubao

Music has a way of bringing people together, and Tago Jazz does just that. This Cubao spot offers an intimate night of live jazz, great drinks, and a welcoming, pet-friendly environment that keeps people coming back.

Witness passionate performers at Tago Jazz

Everything’s Fine – Makati

More than just a bookstore, Everything’s Fine offers a dynamic community space. With its wide selection of titles—from queer lit to local history—and events like book- and zine-making workshops, the space encourages creative exchange and conversation.

A crowd gathers for an event held at Everything’s Fine.

Everything’s Fine is a vibrant nook for a wide selection of titles.

Whimsy Game Café – Greenfield District

For those who prefer tabletop gaming over small talk, Whimsy Game Café is the place to be. Located in Greenfield District, it offers a cozy space to enjoy drinks, snacks, and your favorite board games—with friends or soon-to-be friends.

Players gather at Whimsy Game Café to learn new games and play their favorites.

Whimsy Game Café welcomes players with various interests.

Climb Central Manila – Greenfield District

Also in Greenfield District, Climb Central offers indoor rock climbing for all levels. First-timers go through a safety briefing, creating a supportive environment for people to stay active and connect over a shared challenge.

Engage in a shared hobby with friends at Climb Central Manila.

Stay active and challenge yourself while learning from other climbers.

Identifying and nurturing a “third place” is a vital act of self-care. As the old saying goes, “No man is an island.” Despite how strong or independent we may be, we all crave a sense of belonging. These communal spaces help us reconnect—with others, and with ourselves—off-screen and in the real world. In a time of curated feeds and digital disconnection, a shared space, real conversation, or even a friendly nod across the room can make all the difference.

References:
Henshall, Angela. “‘Third Places’: The Ways Losing Our Local Haunts Hurts Us.” BBC News, BBC, 25 Feb. 2022. www.bbc.com