Virtual offices and co-working spaces are growing here in the Philippines. I am happy that I discovered this new venture just inside the Commercenter in Filinvest City Alabang
Ladies and gentlemen, here is Launchpad Coworking. They are located in the 2nd floor of the said mall.
The place was only less than 2 months ago when 4 owners chose to have this particular venture as they are quite tired of going back and forth from Makati to the south and back. I talked to Sir Mark who is in charge of operations. Small world indeed (for me as a rakista) as Mel Lozano-Alcaraz who is also one of the owners was the wife of Chicosci/Sandwich guitarist Mong Alcaraz. Me and Sir Mark both agreed that the said mall was peaceful and cozy for freelance workers. Sir Mark even has another business nearby so it was a great business project.
Unlike in the previous virtual office that I visited, the ambience is quite unique and hip for me. On weekedays, they open from 9 am to 7 pm. The total area was around 180 square meters based on their website. On the co working tables from my observation, they can acccomodate for more than 3 people. For start-up companies or those with a team of 5, they also have some rooms which rates that you wil gonna see below but as of time, they were already occupied (good for them)
Like in the virtual office, coffee and WiFi access are vital needs. In fact, I wrote the Oppo F1 Plus review on this space and I had no problems in their current DSL connection (due to limitations in their current location) but they are planning to upgrade soon.
On weekends, this made them different against the others as they can accomodate events depending on the client's needs. He told me that they had an event previously with Grab.
Another factor that I told to him versus the others is the fly by rates which you can do your work in your laptop as low as Php 200 for 3 hours and no need for a membership. On competition, you need to pay a minimum of 6 months for around Php 2,000+ a month and that is their lowest rate so far. That is quite a pretty good alternative versus doing your work at a (sometimes) coffee shop and pay a Php 150 (or more) worth of coffee).
They also have promo rates right now which will be in effect until July 2 2016.
I had a pretty good experience with the overall service of Launchpad Coworking. This will be a haven for freelancers within the area or for southies who are still looking for a good one. Like Launchpad Coworking on Facebook or you can check their website at launchpadcoworkingph.com
