So It Goes Café: Where Memories Brew
Angel L. Lagman, Student Journalist
3-4 mins read

The familiar jingle of the door chimes signals another soul seeking solace within the cozy confines of the coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is wafting in every inch of the small space. You tread your way towards the counter, and order your favorite latte, an act marking the transition from your day’s hustle to a moment of quietude. Your gaze falls upon your favorite spot – the lone couch nestled by the window, offering a panoramic view of the bustling street outside. There are groups of students cackling with each other while walking; some are walking hand in hand, looking sweet, while some are walking alone, sporting a long face. It was at that time of the day when the sky transforms into a canvas of golden and fiery hues, this fleeting moment imbues the scene with the feeling of tranquility and melancholy. The familiar melody of "Ode to My Family" drifts from the vinyl player, a warm wave of sound washing over you. You close your eyes, and it felt like home. With every sip of coffee, nostalgia seeps in through every fiber of your being. Every sip slows down time as the past whispers its secrets, the memories you hold close to your heart.

Close to the heart of the Industrial Giant of CALABARZON, a cozy vintage coffee shop called "So It Goes" offers a haven of tranquility and nostalgia. With its diverse menu of 95 drink variations, from cold brew and espresso-based lattes to unique blend of frappes, the cafe brings forth a soothing escape from the monotonous day-to-day life.

Contrary to popular belief, So It Goes Cafe didn't get its name from Taylor Swift. Instead, the cafe's owners found inspiration in the poignant lyrics of American rapper Mac Miller's song "So It Goes." Opening shortly after the COVID quarantine was lifted in the Philippines, the name symbolizes the continuation of life. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, overcoming the struggles and setbacks faced during those challenging times. "So it goes" marks a new chapter, one equipped with a commitment to move forward.

The cafe is dedicated to building a community and fostering human connections. It's a place where people can gather and find a sense of belongingness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of music, and the welcoming atmosphere create a space where connections are made, and friendships are forged.

The cafe's strategic location, proximate to five educational institutions, a hospital, and residential dormitories, attracts diverse customers. “We have different patrons, from students, young adults, adults. Their differences in age group and statuses did not become a hindrance in building a community” The cafe’s owner, Mark Anthony Legaspi said. The cafe also caters different events such as birthdays, bridal showers, dates. “Which must be one of the reasons the bonds are even deeper,” He added.

“I’m a regular customer of the cafe since its opening. I’ve brought a lot of my friends here and this is where we hangout to relax after a tiring day at work. I’m also happy that I made a lot of friends here” Ralph Vincent Bernabe, regular customer of So It Goes Cafe.

The cafe offers 24 different espresso flavors, 16 for non espresso drinks, 21 for coffee-based and non-coffee based frappes, 10 variations for drip press and filter coffee, 12 flavors for cold brew, and 6 mixes for sodas and smoothies. Their best-selling espresso drinks are their signature latte, So It Goes latte followed by the sea salt latte, Spanish latte, biscoff latte, and their barista's favorite drink, Good Item.

“Actually… for me, the coffee and ambience of the cafe is good. When it comes to the space, I think it’s limited but overall it’s fine. I am not particular about the ambience, The quality of coffee is what I’m after rather than the ambience of the coffee shop” Eve Carnacite, a regular customer of So It Goes Cafe.

The coffee shop brandishes an air of nostalgia with their vintage themed aesthetics. From the theme color of the old looking furnitures, to the retro displays, The retro vintage speaker, turntable with discs from the golden singers of the past, a vintage cameras, lamps, books down to the vintage mini toys that are intriguing to look at. At the center of the wide white wall in the dining area sat an art masterpiece called Mr. Smoke. It depicts how overthinking chirps at the life of a person, eating the soul and the consciousness out of him. The overall ambience of the coffee shop offers a serene atmosphere, one that will push you to take a trip down the memory lane.

“The coffee is super affordable and the taste is super worth it” Neomis Ydlaz Y. Delos Reyes, regular customer of So It Goes Cafe

“For me, the vibes is super aesthetic one that I think is very crucial for cafes nowadays. Not just the coffee but also the ambience is really pleasing to the eye. Of course as millenials, we love instagrammable places. Also the staffs are super kind and approachable” Elijah Mari R. Paala, regular customer of So It Goes Cafe