The Best Coworking Spaces in the Philippines

Last Updated on – Aug 8, 2023 @ 3:21 pm

As a full-time freelancer, I like working in coffee shops every once in a while.

Sometimes, you just have to break the monotonous routine of working at home.

And if you have kids at home (we have a toddler and a newborn), getting a break from all the chaos of playing with and taking care of the little rascals is a godsend.

More importantly, working in a conducive environment helps bring out our best work and boost our productivity to the roof.

Coffee shops used to be the remote worker’s (think freelancers, homebased peeps, etc.,) go-to-spot when working outside—however—it can be a hit or miss.

Sometimes you find a true gem of a place complete with all the creature comforts and faster-than-lightning internet.

But these places tend to get packed quickly and you’re back to Google typing “best coffee shops near me” in no time.

So what’s the best place for people like me who wish to work outside and get topnotch working experience?

Answer: Co-working spaces.

What is a co-working space?

The web defines “coworking” as, “The use of an office or other working environments by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically so as to share equipment, ideas, and knowledge”

In other words: A place you share with others to get your work done.

How does it work?

If you ever tried renting a desktop computer in your friendly neighborhood computer shop, it’s essentially the same concept.

But instead of hurling projectiles at each other in DOTA 2 (or whichever online game is hot these days) or casually surfing the web, you go to a coworking space to work.

You treat it as your own little corner space to get things done.

And most shared workspaces I’ve seen (and read about) are packed with all the stuff that people like me absolutely want.

What kinds of stuff, you ask?

How about unlimited coffee, for starters?

Add in uber-fast wifi, comfy seats and desks, superb overall ambiance, and better-than-average amenities and you get the perfect working setup that beats regular office cubicles by a long shot.

Some high-end shared office spaces feature beer taps, recreational and multimedia rooms, and even a gym!

It’s like everything you can dream of in a perfect coffee shop and more—minus all its cons (seats aren’t guaranteed, potential excessive noise, the staff sometimes gives you awkward looks if you’ve been hanging out for some time).

Aside from that, the networking potential you’ll have (since you’ll be in a social setting with other people) opens up a ton of possibilities for your work. Perhaps you can snag a new client, get referred by others, meet other freelancers, etc.,

How Coworking spaces started

Its roots go back to the 90’s (the term for it then was “hackerspace”) and essentially operated under the same principles.

Fast-forward to 2005, the first official “co-working space” was launched in San Francisco by a programmer named Brad Neuberg. He found business centers “unsocial” and thought that home offices fell into the trap of negative productivity (perhaps he too found that there were too many distractions at home).

The Hat Factory is considered to be the first dedicated co-working space (co-founded by Neuberg along with 2 others) and the next few years saw the tech industry adopt coworking spaces both in the US and European countries.

Today, WeWork is the largest coworking company based in the US that provides shared workspaces across the globe.

In fact, they recently opened a 4000-sqm facility in Taguig, opening its doors to freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, small and large businesses. A second Philippine branch will open in Makati.

In the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of coworking spaces popping up all across the Philippines.

State of Coworking Spaces in the Philippines

In 2017, Colliers International projected a 10% growth in the coworking space market in the Philippines. Their report, “Mining Millennials: Finding Gold in Co-working Spaces”, found the increasing number of freelancers and online professionals as the main reason for the rise of coworking spaces.

The report identified coworking spaces as the third type of “flexible offices”, along with Serviced Offices and Hosted Service Providers (BPO). While it takes the smallest share, there has been a rapid increase in the number of coworking spaces being opened every year (61% annually per this report).

Why should you work in a coworking space?

Drawing from personal experience, I’d say the number one reason is that it provides freelancers and other professionals a conducive place to concentrate and really focus on their work.

While some might say that working at home is better since it requires zero costs and no time is wasted commuting, they’re being oblivious to the fact that there are more distractions at home. And more distractions almost always guarantees a dip in productivity.

Startups and companies which can run most of their processes remotely will also find great benefit in the “per-use” nature of coworking spaces. They can opt to use it occasionally only and save a ton in operating expenses.

People also use coworking spaces to conduct business meetings, do presentations, client meet-ups, and all sorts of activities that benefit from a more professional setting.

Who works in coworking spaces?

Everyone can visit a coworking space. But the people you’ll find hanging out here most often are:

• Freelancers

Full-time, part-time, work-from-home, remote worker—basically all types of freelancers from various fields and niches work here.

• Startups

Up and coming companies who need a place to run and bootstrap their operations.

• Entrepreneurs

Solopreneurs, internet business owners, and the like.

• Consultants

Coworking spaces make a great place to meet and discuss business with clients.

• Remote teams

Coworking spaces provide a venue for teams to huddle and set goals and have meetings to ensure

• Professionals

Perfect for making presentations or pitches, conduct meetings, etc.,

• Students

Review, write your thesis, do your homework—this place can be perfect for school work.

What to look for in a coworking space?

Not all coworking spaces were created equal. Some will be fancier. Others, too basic. However, there are a couple of essentials that you should always look out for when checking out a new place. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Safety and security – Check if it’s around a safe area and if the premises look secured and have proper security personnel.
• Maintenance – Refers to both technical support (for the wifi and other similar connections) and janitorial duties (for keeping the area clean and well-maintained)
• Wifi speed – Most will have faster-than-average speeds. Connections should at the very least be 50 Mbps if not higher.
• Rooms and desks – How do the conference rooms fare in terms of space and comfort? What about the quality of desks and chairs? You’d want to work somewhere really comfy for long hours of work.
• Overall ambiance – A vital component of a winning coworking space. It’s actually one of the first few things that will draw customers towards the place.
• Printer and stationery services – Nice to have especially if you need to print hard copies of documents and other paperwork
• Cafeteria and Pantry – A well-stocked cafeteria complete with a wide selection of beverages and snacks (and meals) is ideal.
• Parking – It would be nice to have plenty of spaces for customer vehicles. In fact, it could be a deal-breaker for some.
• Accessibility – Is the place easy to reach? Is it near your location?
• Back-up power – A guaranteed source of power is ideal and ensures your work won’t get interrupted by power failures
• Ventilation systems and heating – Is the AC too cold or weak? How’s the overall airflow and temperature of the place?
• Network signal and strength – It would be sad to turn away from an otherwise great coworking space simply because your mobile phone’s signal is weak. Still, one thing that you should check out.
• Storage facilities – Do they have lockers or other storage facilities for keeping your valuables? If you’ll be staying for long hours, you’ll probably bring more than the usual amount of stuff so this one’s good to have.
• Restrooms – Are they clean and well maintained? Are they stocked with the essentials?
• Overall service – Are the personnel working at the place pleasant and warm to its customers?

Benefits of working in a Coworking space

• Boosts productivity and creativity
• Saves on operational costs
• Great ambiance that is primed for working
• Flexible
• Great for building new connections and networks
• Great for finding new talent
• Perfect for impromptu meetings and other corporate events
• Awesome study place for students too

Things to consider when looking for a coworking space

Each of us has our own preferences when it comes to our working environment. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when checking out a new coworking space.

• Community

Does the place provide some kind of “community vibe”? If it does, then that can be a great sign. Unless of course you’re a soloist type and don’t really care for that type of stuff. Still, it’s one thing to consider as having a solid community of like-minded individuals can help in boosting your creativity and opens up a lot of opportunities.

• Pricing

Be mindful of costs. Check out their plans and packages and see if it fits your budget. Aim for a nice balance between price and features. Look for your “must-haves” and try to look for a place that gives you those features without breaking the bank.

• Atmosphere

How does the place feel overall? When you first saw it, did you get the feeling of excitement of wanting to work there ASAP? Ultimately, the place’s working atmosphere determines if it’s an ideal place to consider or not.

Coworking space pros and cons

Advantages of coworking spaces	Disadvantages of coworking spaces
Great for productivity	Can be pricey
Excellent for networking potential	You’ll have strangers working around you (lack of privacy)
Saves on operational costs (for business owners and companies)	Some in-house events might be distracting
Community support	Can get crowded and feel too busy

Types of Desks in Coworking Spaces

The actual spot you’ll occupy and work on in coworking spaces are called “desks”. There are 3 types:

• Hot Desk

Refers to stations or spaces that are available currently (for walk-in customers, for example)

• Fixed Desk

A desk that you exclusively “own” per your designated time slot.

• Cabin or Private Office

A dedicated room or space for teams, like a typical office suite

Coworking space pricing

How much should I expect to pay?

Expect to pay anywhere from Php 5,000 and up monthly for a “hot desk”. Fixed or dedicated desks cost more due to exclusivity, adding a few thousand pesos on top of the hot desk price. Private offices rates will vary widely depending on the place, so best to call the place directly for a quote.

Typical one-day pricing for hot desks starts at around Php 350-550 and more, depending on how premium the coworking space is.

The Best Co-working Spaces in the Philippines

And now for the most important section of this article: Our picks for the best and most popular co-working spaces in the Philippines.

We’ve listed them down per area and included key details like location, rate, and operating hours.

Note that the following is listed in no particular order or ranking.

Prices were obtained and online and may not be 100% accurate so please check with the place if you need more info.

Best Coworking Spaces in Quezon City

Where to find the best coworking spots in QC, you ask? Looking at our list, Katips is the place to be thanks to the growing number of coworking spaces within the area.

47 East

Providing top-notch coworking experience since 2012, 47 East is one of the pioneers in the local scene.

Address: #47 Esteban Abada St., Brgy. Loyola Heights Quezon City
Operating Hours: 8AM-8PM
Rate:

• Daily = Php350
• Weekly = Php1,500
• Monthly = Php5,000

Quad Study and Coworking Space

Anyone looking for a quiet and cozy place to work, study, create, or collaborate will find this place right at home.

Address:: 56 Holy Spirit Dr, Quezon City, 1127 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 12PM-6AM
Rate:

• Hot desk = Php60/hr, Php400/day, Php6,000/month

Agor’s Co-Working

A serene and relaxing place in Proj. 8 QC for the digital nomad and other folks looking to get work done.

Address: 12 June St, Project 8, Quezon City, 1106 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9AM-9PM (Mon-Fri), 10AM-7PM (Sat)
Rate:

• Lite plan = Php500/month
• Come-n-Go = Php1500/month
• Lite = Php2,500/month

The Owlery Workhub

The place boasts of quality coworking and private spaces at prices that won’t break the bank.

Address: 3rd Flr SMRC Bldg, 331 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9AM-12AM (M-Thu), 9AM-6PM (Fri & Sat)
Rate:

• Hourly rates start @Php100 (P50/succeeding hr)
• Daily = Php350 (8 hours)
• Weekly = Php1,200
• Monthly = Php3,360

Roots Katipunan

The place provides students, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers a friendly and lively spot for work and study.

Address: Unit 106, FBR Building, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 am (M-Fri), 9AM-2AM (Sat), 10AM-7PM (Sun),
Rate:

• Hourly rates start Php70
• Daily = Php350 (8 hours)
• Monthly = Php3,500

The Other Room

This nice little place located in Malingap St. is a perfect venue for intimate gatherings and coworking needs.

Address: 17 Malingap, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, 1101 Kalakhang Maynila
Operating Hours: 2PM-12AM
Phone: 0927-8413596
Rate:

• Hourly = Php50
• Daily = Php350

Racket Room Collective (Sgt. Esguerra branch)

This coworking space near GMA Kamuning MRT offers patrons a nice and accessible place to get stuff done.

Address: Unit 3G, The Symphony Towers, Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Operating Hours: 8AM-8PM
Phone: 02-3585735
Rate:

• Daily = Php600
• Weekly = Php2,400
• Monthly = Php6,000

Paperwork Coworking QC

Modern-looking and spacious, this shared space in E.Rod boasts lovely interiors and artful vibe.

Address: E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9AM-6PM (M-F)
Phone: (02) 356 7773
Rate: Please contact Paperwork Coworking via their FB page or phone number provided above

CoCa Collab

Anyone looking for a nice little quiet coworking space near V. Luna will surely love this place’s homey atmosphere and affordable rates.

Address: 73 V. Luna Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Please contact them via their official FB page for details
Rate: Hot desk – Php350/day ; Php3,500/month

Diligence Cafe

This place is popular among students and freelancers for its roomy spaces and lively ambiance.

Address: 2F Elizabeth Hall, Katipunan Avenue, Brgy Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines
Operating Hours: 12PM-7AM (M-Sun)
Phone: 0927 775 0502
Rate: Please contact them via their official FB page for details

CoSpace Katipunan

Another coworking space located in Katipunan, this place looks very modern and fresh, perfect to get those creative juices flowing.

Address: 2nd Floor, 299 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights Quezon City, Philippines 1108
Operating Hours: 12PM-12AM (M-Thu, Sat); 10AM-8PM (Fri);
Phone: (02) 745 5250
Rate: Hot desk @Php400/day

Swing Space

The place’s wooden-centric design gives that “nature-loving” vibe. A quiet and cozy place for students and freelancers alike.

Address: Unit 2 Mezzanine, Burgundy Place Condominium, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 10AM-3AM(M-Sat)
Phone:  0915 881 0717
Rate: Hot desk @Php400/day

Best Coworking Spaces in Ortigas

WeRemote Coworking

WeRemote Coworking’s community is comprised of startups, agencies, BPOs, and Freelancers.

Address: 2nd floor, Building C, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, Philippines 1604
Operating hours:
Open 24 hours on Weekdays
Mondays: 7:00 AM to Saturdays: 7:00AM
Closed on Sundays
Members have 24/7 access. They accept Events, Training, and Meeting Room reservations on Weekends
Phone: (02) 216 3429
Email: hello@weremote.com

Rate:

Day Pass  (9 hours per day)
Hourly: Php 100
Daily: Php 450
7 day Pass: Php 2,500
20 day Pass: Php 6,000
Monthly: Php 7,000

Night Owl (24 hours)
Hourly: Php 100
Daily: Php 540
7 day Pass: Php 3,000
20 day Pass: Php 7,200
Monthly: Php 8,500

Best Coworking spaces in Makati

The financial center of the country caters to some of the finest coworking spaces digital nomads, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups will love.

ASpace Philippines

This popular coworking space in Makati is home to a diverse crowd of folks. The place is huge and accommodates up to 250 workers every day.

Address: 110 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Kalakhang Maynila
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (M-F)
Phone: (02) 542 7842
Rate: Please contact them via their official website or FB page for details

Servcorp

This place provides plenty of coworking options for both individuals and companies. This is their Philippine branch, they also have locations scattered across the globe.

Address: 4th Floor, LAV Building, 2119 C.M. Recto Avenue, Barangay 404, Zone 41,, Sampaloc, Manila, 1015 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (M-F)
Phone: (02) 405 9379
Rate: Php10,000/month (hotdesk)

Warehouse Eight Coworking & Events Space

This place draws plenty of events and workshops thanks to its huge space.

Address: Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza 2241 Don Chino Roces, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (M-F); Open 24 hours (Sat-Sun)
Phone: (02) 812 8643
Rate: Hot desk @Php500/day

Acceler8 by UnionSPACE

Accessible and spacious with a nice working ambiance. The place is also great for holding events, seminars, and workshops.

Address: LG, 111 Paseo de Roxas, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila 1231 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-F)
Phone: (02) 917 8118
Rate: Hot desk @Php550/day

Bitspace Makati (Brainsparks)

Their glass-walled offices provide the perfect balance of privacy and connectedness. The place is huge and home to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups.

Address:  6/F PDCP Bank Centre, Rufino cor. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:00  AM – 8:00 PM (M-F); 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat-Sun)
Phone: (02) 892 5464
Rate: Hot desk @Php400/day

Penbrothers

They claim to be the “Leading Staffing and Office Space Solutions Provider” in the country. They aim to help startups and SMEs through staff augmentation and providing office space solutions.

Address: OPL Building, 100 C. Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (M-Sun)
Phone: (02) 541 5840

Pondr: A Coworking Space

If you dig Scandinavian interiors and looks then you’ll feel right at home in Pondr. The best part? They offer top-notch coworking seats at very competitive rates.

Address: Adamson Centre, 121 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (M-F)
Phone: 0917 630 1269
Rate:  Hotdesk @Php3,699/month

Cerebro Labs

The place operates as a coworking space and a tech business incubator. Its colorful interiors are both relaxing and fun to look at.

Address: 3rd floor, Universal Re Building, Street, 106 Paseo de Roxas, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (M-F)
Phone:  (02) 837 0481
Rate: Hotdesk @Php550/day

Best Coworking spaces in BGC

BGC is home to the first country branch of WeWork, the world’s largest coworking space company. Let’s check out the others that made it in the list.

WeWork Uptown

The first branch in the country opens its doors to anyone looking for a taste of that WeWork experience that made it so popular across the globe.

Address: 36th Street Corner &, 11th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (M-F)
Phone:  0956 356 4828
Rate:  Dedicated desks – Php 17,000/mo ; Private offices – Php 28,000/mo

Clock In BGC (Bonifacio High Street)

Formerly known as Square One BGC, it’s popular among Taguig-based freelancers and startups looking to get things done.

Address: 36th Street Corner &, 11th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-F)
Phone:  0917 846 9516
Rate:  Dedicated desks – Php 17,500/mo ; Hot desk – Php620/day

The Office – Cowork + Life

Sitting on the 8th floor of HSC plaza, the place looks modern and well-designed. They also have their own gym and premium third wave coffee shop to boot.

Address: Tower 1, 8th Floor, Highstreet South Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue, corner 26th St, BGC, Taguig
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-F)
Phone:  (02) 8780747
Rate:  Dedicated desks – Php 17,500/mo ; Hot desk – Php620/day

Ignition Venture Studio

Featuring wide and well-lit interiors, the place offers private suites and modular offices along the usual coworking desks.

Address: North Penthouse, Marajo Tower 312 26th St. Ave., 1634, 4th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-F)
Phone:  +63 (02) 7944 6200
Rate:  Dedicated desks – Php 14,000/mo

Best Coworking Spaces in Cebu

Aside from their fabulous beaches and tourist spots, Cebu is also home to some of the best coworking spaces in the country.

OpenMind CoWorking Space

The black and white interiors and modern furnishings give this place that high-end office vibe.

Address: Jose Maria del Mar Street, IT Park Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (M-Sun)
Phone:  0917 638 7640
Rate:  Shared desks – Php 10,000/month

ASpace Cebu

ASpace’s Cebu branch carries on the same superb coworking experience thanks to its great location and excellent amenities.

Address: Crossroads, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Lungsod ng Cebu, 6000 Lalawigan ng Cebu
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (M-Sun)
Phone:  (032) 888 7656
Rate: Lounge @Php500/day

The Company Cebu

Customers rave about the place’s conducive working environment and nice interiors. Also great for training and workshop events.

Address: Ground Floor, Building 4, JDN Square, P.Remedio St, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
Operating Hours: 8AM-8PM (M-F)
Phone:  02-3842040
Rate: Hot desk @Php400/day

Squared Sums Lounge

The space looks very homey and gives a nice friendly vibe. An excellent coworking hub for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Address: Z Plaza, Dionisio Jakosalem Street, Cebu City, Philippines
Operating Hours: 8:30-6PM (M-F); 1PM-6PM (Sat)
Phone:  02-3842040
Rate: Hot desk @Php270/day

iiOffice Cebu

The vibrant and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for creative freelancers looking for some inspiration. It’s got an affordable daily rate too.

Address: ARLINDA V. PARAS BLDG, Don Gil Garcia St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Operating Hours: 9AM-7M (M-F)
Phone:  +63-32-256-6608
Rate: Hot desk @Php300/day ; Php4,000/month

Best Coworking Spaces in Davao

Where to work in good ole’ Durian Capital of the Philippines? Check out our top picks.

Spacelab Coworking Space

Their official website states, “We provide productive workspace, flexible membership, dedicated seats, free-flowing drinks, and a collaborative atmosphere.

Address: 1029B E.Jacinto Extension, 3rd Floor, Davao City, Philippines
Operating Hours: 24/7 (M-F)
Phone:  +63-82-3217407
Rate: Hot desk @Php250/day ; Php5,000/month

Rainmaker’s Coworking Space Davao

Simple and functional, this place provides a no-nonsense take on coworking.

Address: Sazon Building inside Sazon Motors Compound,, McArthur Highway, Talomo, 2nd Floor, Davao City, Philippines
Operating Hours: 6AM-12AM (M-F); 8AM-5PM (Sat)
Phone: +63-(82) 287 5330
Rate: Hot desk @Php250/day ; Php4,515/month

Dev Hub Davao

The place is spacious, clean, simple and provides everything you’ll need to get stuff done.

Address: B401, ACI Tower, J.P. Laurel Avenue cor. Iñigo St., Bajada Davao City
Operating Hours: 24/7 (M-F);
Phone:  +63-82 224 7793
Rate: Hot desk @Php700/day

Spacebook Coworking

Their interiors and desks reflect a more proper office feel than others on this list. Overall, a great choice for students, freelancers, and teams to work and collaborate.

Address: Mezzanine Floor, Karpentrade Building, Km 2 Gen MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Operating Hours: 9AM-6PM (M-Sat);
Phone:  082) 298 1790
Rate: Hot desk @Php300/day

Dreamwork Coworking Space

“Work, Play, and Create”. Dreamwork prides itself as a community-driven coworking space for people from various niches and industries.

Address: 2/F Door 1 Aala Bldg Camia St. Brgy Matina Crossing Juna Subd (in front of NCCC Mall & S&R) Davao City, Philippines 8000
Operating Hours: 9AM-6PM (Mon-Sat);
Phone:  08 296 0913

Rate: Hot desk @Php250/day

---

Did we miss your favorite coworking space? Email us!