#BuyLocal: On its second year, local bubble tea shop ‘Sober’ launches first merch

A whooping eighteen branches in just two years is no small feat.

And bubble tea shop, Going Sober and Tea, more popularly known as Sober and a favorite among the locals of North and Central Luzon, is only right to mark this achievement with its first-ever merchandise in partnership with local clothing line What We Wear.

Bearing the tea shop’s distinct orange hues of high quality embroidery of text and minimalist designs, the shirts do not only celebrate Sober’s second anniversary; it also calls for everyone to support and buy local, the project being a collaboration among young Filipino entrepreneurs and creatives, including Wild One Vape Shop X Clothing and John Mark Segundo.

Sober’s owner Nathaniel “Nat” Mamauag shares that although the shirts were originally conceived as exclusive tokens to their business partners and franchisees, their team eventually decided to launch their first-ever Sober merchandise on their second anniversary in collaboration with What We Wear.

"At first, we just wanted to gift all our business partners, but as we came through the production, we fell in love with the designs and the overall feels of the shirt. That why we thought, ‘Why not open it to the public?’” Nat said.

It was then last March that he contacted What We Wear entrepreneur Baby Grace Mendiguarin for a possible collaboration in time for Sober’s second year anniversary in June.

Mendiguarin says although the project seemed daunting at first, this being their first big break, she is thankful to Sober for pushing them to become better business owners.

The Sober merch was officially launched today. And Sober is accepting pre-orders as only a limited number of shirts per design are available. You may check out the designs and order through their Facebook page or through What We Wear’s Shopee account starting tonight at 8PM.

So, go ahead and indulge not only with Sober’s popular drinks, but also by supporting and #BuyingLocal when you avail of these exclusive and limited-edition Sober shirts you will surely love.

Sober’s main branch is located at #28 Mabini Street., Poblacion South, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, near MMG Hospital. Its 17 other branches are located in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Ifugao, Isabela, Cagayan, and Bulacan.