In the singleminded focus of a few to take the lead in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) race and win the gold, many express a swell of nostalgia for an era when life was simpler, more peaceful, and when deeper and meaningful human connections were treasured.
This scenario gave rise to YEARN, one of the four palettes in the Boysen Color Trend 2026/2027.
Third Places
Early last year, the Boysen Color Team discussed a sociological concept introduced by Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book of the third place, which refers to social surroundings separate from the first place (home) and the second place (work or school).
Third places are those spaces where like-minded individuals gather to create a community to do things together, such as spiritual worship, physical exercise, creative pursuits, or to simply have fun. We also see it done by private companies that offer their commercial spaces as community hubs like Starbucks does since the early 90s.
In the Philippines, we witness it when streets are commandeered by the community to be used as a temporary basketball court, a patintero court, an extended drinking pub, or as an impromptu mahjong space during wakes, to name a few. The last one may be strictly prohibited by law but cultural tolerance does make it possible albeit limited to two tables, as long as you ask permission from your local police and LGU first.
A Third Place at Home
At a time when digital connection is so common because it requires less effort and planning and is therefore more convenient, the need for in-person contact becomes even more important. Especially kids need in-person interactions to help them develop their social skills, like reading body language, active listening, emotional regulation and empathy.
Carve a space in your home to become a third place for you and your family. You can take turns using it. Yay if you have a family den that can be turned into a barkada base.
Also lucky are those who have exterior domestic spaces like patios, lanais, and terraces. Gardens too are a wonderful addition to a home not only for their beauty but also because family members have more possible third places to gather with their friends.
A garage can also be used for the get-togethers of your tropa. If it’s an open garage, think about painting the walls with Boysen Bug Off. It is an innovative water-based product that can take out insects like mosquitoes, houseflies, and most cockroaches. That and a generous spritz of organic insect repellent should help you enjoy any gathering. Remember to stop your karaoke or videoke at 10 in the evening, and give your neighbors the quiet they need to rest…unless they’re the ones belting out “My Way” off-key.
Go Analog
The AI juggernaut has infiltrated daily life, and we welcome the convenience it brings without being aware that a full integration may mean a loss of human agency.
An antidote is to enjoy the real external world as much as we can. Nature, sunlight, and human connection are foundations that support physical, emotional, and psychological health. Third places are crucial to our well-being because they provide the community we yearn for. Build it and pour love into it.
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