PayPal estimates that there are about 1.5 million freelancers in the Philippines at the moment.* With benefits such as working remotely, with more control over your time, it's no wonder why the data is increasing. But being too comfortable while working can be disadvantageous. You can become less productive due to distractions at home. Internet service providers and electricity blackouts also pose a threat to home-based work. Plus, the lack of social interaction may lead to mental health issues. This is where coworking spaces come in handy.
While there are quite possibly hundreds of coworking spaces in the Philippines (a website called Coworker.com list show close to 200), I can only talk about what I have actually tried or at least seen. Here are three of those:
I was able to work for a few hours in a neat table at the Technology Center branch when it was still called Square One. Now, they have an easier to find location at Bonifacio High Street after merging with Clock In (Ayala Land) and retained the latter's name.
Inside, the area is spacious. You can be seated anywhere you like without feeling cramped with other users. Mine was similar to the sofa on the left of this picture above. The table can accommodate two persons facing each other but I was alone on mine, just like this lady seated infront of me.
It feels luxurious in some sense; which is possibly why most of the people I saw at that time looked like CEOs or travelling executives. Maybe it was just incidental and I wasn't there went younger freelancers were logged in.
You can serve yourself a coffee through the lounge found at the far end of the room, close to the lockers and conference room.
Other branch locations include The Ayala North Exchange and Makati Stock Exchange in Makati City, The 30th Corporate Center in Pasig City and Vertis North in Quezon City.
Co-working seats start at ₱550 per day (varies depending on branch location). You can even try a free one-day pass. A virtual office, meeting rooms, private office, and event space are also available. Some branches offer additional amenities such as sports hubs and food halls as well.
Website: https://www.clock-in.com.ph/
Thanks to a freelancing platform event, I was able to see Racket Room Collective and their impressive co-working space.
Upstairs, there are more spaces for larger groups like startup companies or freelancer groups.
Like most coworking offices, there are lockers for valuables too.
Still thanks to a freelancing event, I've seen Acceler8's Finman branch.
While there are quite possibly hundreds of coworking spaces in the Philippines (a website called Coworker.com list show close to 200), I can only talk about what I have actually tried or at least seen. Here are three of those:
Clock In BGC
I was able to work for a few hours in a neat table at the Technology Center branch when it was still called Square One. Now, they have an easier to find location at Bonifacio High Street after merging with Clock In (Ayala Land) and retained the latter's name.
Inside, the area is spacious. You can be seated anywhere you like without feeling cramped with other users. Mine was similar to the sofa on the left of this picture above. The table can accommodate two persons facing each other but I was alone on mine, just like this lady seated infront of me.
It feels luxurious in some sense; which is possibly why most of the people I saw at that time looked like CEOs or travelling executives. Maybe it was just incidental and I wasn't there went younger freelancers were logged in.
You can serve yourself a coffee through the lounge found at the far end of the room, close to the lockers and conference room.
Branches
Other branch locations include The Ayala North Exchange and Makati Stock Exchange in Makati City, The 30th Corporate Center in Pasig City and Vertis North in Quezon City.
Rates
Co-working seats start at ₱550 per day (varies depending on branch location). You can even try a free one-day pass. A virtual office, meeting rooms, private office, and event space are also available. Some branches offer additional amenities such as sports hubs and food halls as well.
Website: https://www.clock-in.com.ph/
Racket Room Collective
Thanks to a freelancing platform event, I was able to see Racket Room Collective and their impressive co-working space.
The place looks trendy. Millennials and even Generation Z remote workers can definitely be inspired by how the place looks like.
It's also spacious inside but still allows an opportunity to possibly have quick chats with other people.
Upstairs, there are more spaces for larger groups like startup companies or freelancer groups.
Like most coworking offices, there are lockers for valuables too.
Not in photo but apart from the coffee below, they have a delectable menu of snacks you can buy from right outside while working. This is at the Symphony Tower branch.
Rates and Services
Rates start at ₱600 per day, with weekly and monthly subscription also available. They offer a consumable pass as well in case you don't plan to drop by daily.
You can also avail of a virtual address to establish a business without having to build or rent a brick and mortal location.
Location
Racket Room is located in 94 10th Ave. Cubao, QC and in 3G Symphony Tower 1, St. Esguerra, Ave. QC.
Website: http://www.racketroomcollective.com/
Acceler8
Still thanks to a freelancing event, I've seen Acceler8's Finman branch.
Right after stepping out of the elevator, you'll have a glimpse of how the place looks like through the glass doors.
Inside, it's modern; something the younger generations will certainly like.
Aside from complimentary drinks, you can head out downstairs or right outside the building for snacks and refreshments through nearby establishments.
Rates and Services
Rates start at ₱550 for the day pass. You can also pay for a solo dedicated space. Other services include meeting rooms, serviced offices, and a virtual office address. They also provide event spaces, just like the local freelancing event I've attended.
Branches
Acceler8 is located in three Makati City branches: Finman Bldg. in Salcedo Village, Paseo de Roxas in Legazpi Village and Phinma Plaza in Rockwell.
Website: http://acceler8.ph/home/index.php
For more coworking spaces in Philippines, a list from CoWorker.com gives you a search filter so you can easily find out exactly what you need and where. The site compiles other remote working spaces 161 countries worldwide.
Note:
This is NOT a paid review
*Resources:
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