Accelera8 is one of the many co-working spaces cropping up in Metro Manila, particularly in Makati…read more While co-working is a relatively new concept in the Philippines, it is fast-becoming a great way to get work done. Whether you're a startup company that can't afford commercial spaces for an office yet or a freelancer who just needs a quiet area with fast, reliable internet, Acceler8 is a great option to rent seats for a day, a week, a month or even longer. Coffee is free-flowing, printing and copying services come are free of charge and the people are friendly and the space is creative and is conducive to get the work done.

This place has been creating quite the buzz all over social media. I was introduced to this venue…read morewhen I attended Pecha Kucha Manila, a popular, international event that translates to "chit chat" in Japanese which is also being held all over the world in various cities. This year's Pecha Kucha was held here at A Space. A Space is a relatively new co-working space and events venue located near Greenbelt. Aside from a co-working space for startups, freelancers and entrepreneurs, they also have an art gallery which doubles as an event space for larger groups. It's a great space that gives off a vibe that's conducive for working both independently and collaboratively. It's also a nice place for events that are more on the casual, intimate and laid back feel. The whole space is designed like a modern loft with an industrial touch. I know they offer more than just events spaces and co-working spaces, as I've heard that they also do coffee, and they do partner up with other startups and entrepreneurs for all sorts of projects and events, so you can expect to hear more about this place in the near future.

I first encountered A Space during a pechakucha event. Just across Greenbelt, this place at first…read moredoesn't look like much, with a building façade that is more or less common in the area's surrounding the mall. A quick trip up the elevators, however (say hi to the guard first), will show you that what the brown building hides is a fun, quirky concept more than anything else. As narrated by the founder, A Space is supposed to be less office, more haven where ideas and innovation are given ample room to grow. Everything is thematic, and each theme is conducive to developing a different aspect of your abstract concept. Hell, there's even a space called "Frank", for frank and straight talk, complete with a larger-than-life image of everyone's favorite straight-shooting badass, Jason Statham. A veritable first for me, my visit to A Space had me, honestly, wrestling with the concept after years of being hammered in a traditional corporate set-up. But I guess A Space is effective at its intended use, as the more I ruminate, the more the concept makes sense to me. As an added bonus, go ask "Paeng" to tell you his best Filipino joke.

I live very near the Ortigas area and I usually do my work in various cafes. Well, as you may know…read morethe reliability of the internet/WiFi here, there ar time when it just doesn't work out for me for a myriad of reasons. My problems range from the spotty wi-fi, no printer/scanners, loud noises while trying to make a phone call, no noise while trying to make a phone call, fear of getting my stuff stolen when I need to have a restroom break. The list goes on and on! Enter A Clean and Well-Lighted Place, all those reasons went out the door. I literally dropped by their space one day after the cafe I was working in lost their WiFi connection. Annoyed and frustrated, I used my last bit of 3G to search for a co-working space near me. Their site popped up and I started walking. I arrive on the 27th floor and saw the clearly lit signage! The place is, yes, very well-lit and it's quite spacious. Since I was a walk-in, I didn't need my own private space and there is more than enough space here to get my work done. They have conference rooms and a pantry with a very good coffee machine. I loved that it was quiet but not "library quiet". What impressed me the most is the WiFi connection! Holy Moly! It was so fast! I felt so efficient and productive. Too bad I already arrived pretty late in the afternoon. Seriously, having steady, fast WiFi does wonders with getting work done. Loved it! Right now, the rate is Php100 per hour even though you plan to stay the whole day. But, with their WiFi and location in Ortigas, it's reasonable especially if I really really need to get work done!

When the WiFi sucks and I just need to get work done, instead of heading to a coffee shop, I now…read morehead straight to Regus. It's my go-to shared office/co-working space when I just need WiFi + unlimited coffee (and I don't usually drink coffee!). Do you need an office for a few months? a day? an hour? They have plans to fit any budget. What I like most about Regus is that they have 21 locations in Metro Manila. What does this mean? With my monthly membership, I can go to any of these locations and use the common area or ThinkPods. That is very convenient for me (especially with all the traffic nowadays!). Whenever I take a break, I walk around the center for a bit. There are members who have individual offices, small room arrangements, and some very nice semi-permanent arrangements. Of course, the semi-permanent offices are closed for privacy and the front desk takes calls for them. Regus 8Rockwell, so far, is my favorite because of the location and flow of the office. Plus, there are many food options in the area. Oh, their coffee machine is amazing! :D

As a digital freelance writer living in a residence that's not yet reached by any fiber network,…read morerelying on my cellular data provider is both frustrating (the connection comes and goes) and painful (on my wallet). That is why finding Cofficina was such a Godsend to me. With multiple reliable internet connections, I can work without worrying about lost connections. Day passes and memberships afford coffee addicts such as myself free-flowing coffee, and the varied food choices in their menu are very affordable and delightfully scrumptious (the Salted Egg Fried Chicken, Sliders, and Amnesia Brownies are must-tries). What's neat about Cofficina is I also get to mingle with other people as enterprising as myself. I'd sometimes catch a glimpse of my neighbors' laptop screens and ask them what they're up to. Since I always ask nicely and out of genuine curiosity, they proudly share what their projects are all about. I've gotten quite a number of new friends and connections this way. People are serious about their work there, though every now and then there would be groups who'd take breaks by playing silly card games like Sushi Go or Joking Hazard. Then there's the occasional fun seminar or workshop - some of my friends have attended fun jewelry-making classes, while I myself have attended a Kickstart My Freelance Career seminar there. I was even lucky enough to have enjoyed a mini-concert there! Though I don't plan on holding my own event there yet, I've asked around and found that it's easy enough to schedule and inexpensive to boot. In short, Cofficina is a splendid space where one can take a laptop, work one's heart out, build a professional network, and learn new things. If you're an enterprising individual or a small team in Marikina who's looking to conquer the world one project at a time, then Cofficina is the perfect place for you.

I was looking for a working space and came across One Global Place. The building is very modern and…read moreis the base for a lot of small/medium businesses but some floors are dedicated to working spaces (8th and 20th if I am not mistaken). Very clean, great WiFi and unlimited tea and coffee! Only bad side is that you have to pay extra to print things (quite pricey actually) but they often have meet up events tot network with the other offices, which is nice and the IT guy is always around to help!

As I have been going to the Regus offices at the fort, I thought I'd try the one in Makati too as I…read morewas in the area for a meeting. Unexpectedly, this is not as spacious as the one at the fort, although the staff is extremely friendly and the ambience professional. I would suggest getting there by 8 am latest if you want to find a desk space so, definitely not the right place if you're not an early bird! I think I'll stick to the Regus in the fort myself :D

The first thing I like about Co.lab is how open it is. The second thing I like is the consistent…read moreinternet. I've been to too many co-working offices that have unreliable internet that goes in and out. I appreciate how simple it is to login to the WiFi and that I can work without any disturbances. The space has a few conference rooms which are have conference tables and plenty of outlets. The location is conveniently located in Kapitolyo area. So, if you are wondering about where to grab food, you have many options! Also, you will have access to coffee and tea all day. Just remember to clean up as you go! I think the only downside of me is their working hours and also the rate per hour. But, all in all, it is a good place for me to go to when I do not feel like working from home. :P

Need a venue to host a quick meeting? Perhaps a space just to work on a contractual project? Or…read moremaybe you just need a nice, upbeat venue for a small event? Whatever your need may be, Co.Lab is there for you. A bit tricky to find, being within the inner streets ipof Kapitolyo, stumbling on this gem beside ACE Waterspa, however, is a true blessing. Armed with a blazing net connection, mini conference rooms for private meetings or small events and a wide open floor to just work alongside other people with similar dilemmas; Co.Lab is versatile enough to answer whatever it would be that you'd need. So, next time you're just going to need a space for probably an event or a meeting? Try giving Co.Lab a visit and see how this upbeat space is up to par with your needs.