What does good cafe etiquette actually look like?

Rather than centering on whether the woman should have occupied two tables, much of the discussion focused on what courtesy in a shared cafe space should look like.

Many users argued that publicly photographing and shaming a stranger was the bigger issue. Others also accused the author of being “elitist” or “matapobre” after she agreed with a reply saying, “Acer lang naman ang laptop,” which many interpreted as mocking the woman’s socioeconomic status.

For some, good cafe etiquette simply means using only the space they need. They said customers should be mindful of others during peak hours, arguing that occupying multiple tables can inconvenience people looking for a seat.

Others argued that courtesy depends on context. Several shared that they had also occupied more than one table while studying or working in cafes, but only when there were plenty of vacant seats. They added that they would immediately give up the extra space once the establishment became crowded.

Some also pointed out that the photo itself showed the woman’s laptop and meal would have been difficult to fit on the small cafe table. They said students and remote workers often work with laptops alongside meals and other belongings, making additional space necessary in some situations.

Many also argued that good cafe etiquette is not only about the space a customer occupies, but also how customers handle conflict. Instead of photographing and posting another customer online, they said seeking assistance from staff would have been a more appropriate way to address the situation.

The discussion also prompted some users to ask why so many people spend hours working in coffee shops in the first place. They pointed to the country’s limited libraries and lack of accessible third spaces, saying cafes have become one of the few accessible places that students and workers can comfortably use outside their homes.

For many Filipinos, cafe etiquette is a balance between consideration and context. While customers are expected to be mindful of shared spaces, many also believe that courtesy means respecting other people’s privacy, communicating concerns directly, and recognizing that cafes have increasingly become extensions of classrooms and workplaces.

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