9 cool coworking spaces in Makati

There was a time that coffee shops were the go-to work spot when freelancers feel the cabin fever, and the need to focus becomes real. But you can only have so much coffee, and all the simultaneous conversation can get distracting.

Enter the coworking space. An office where freelancers can rent a table — or if you're a startup business owner, a room — for a minimum fee. Free coffee and high speed internet are among its perks, as opportunities for networking, an office address, and printers.

Because Makati is still a busy business hotbed, we round up coworking spaces in the area where freelancers can park themselves to work and cram before making presentations. You're welcome!

1. Warehouse Eight

Because of its open floor plan, Warehouse8 is also known as an events space. It's hosted "Hubad na Katotohanan," a nude drawing session, and blindfolded dinners like "The Mad Table." 

If you don't like feeling cramped, you'll be glad for Warehouse Eight's spacious floor plan, high ceilings, and walls that are adorned with artwork and calligraphy. Tables are far apart and if you need more privacy, dedicated cubicles are also available. The location is a sweet spot: Accessible by train or jeep but far enough from Makati's heavy traffic.

Jon Dionisio, Space Man at Warehouse Eight, describes the place as a collaboration of ideas. "This is very homegrown. Actually we were a bit hesitant, because how do you go against the big guys, right? But then we were thinking, it's worth a try. Risk-taking, taking on the challenge. You never know until you just get it out there," he says. Rates start at P500/11 hours. Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. Website  

2.XState

XState is a super new coworking space that only opened on Rufino in August. It is owned by startuppers, so startup owners can be assured it has everything they'll need: high speed internet, a conducive atmosphere, coffee, and best of all: cost-effective prices. Desks are available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, but if you need something a little bit more executive, you can opt for a permanent desk in a 12 sqm or 24 sqm office space. Rates start at P400/day. 3D Cypress Garden, 112 VA Rufino Avenue, Makati. Website. +632 8696496.

3. 25D

Perhaps the best thing about 25D is that it is pet-friendly.

25D is one of three branches owned by MyOffice, which has been around since 2004. While each branch has its own personality, 25D stands out as its budget brand; monthly rates go as low as P1,000, and hourly arrangements are offered aside from daily ones.

The space isn’t as decorated as others, but it is pet-friendly. It seems to work well for 25D’s coworkers, whom Georgianna Carlos, Director for Marketing & Operations, describes as “a good mix of traditional and millennials, who are very laidback. As long as you clean up after [your pets], it's totally fine.” The park is nearby, too, so the dog owners can go for a walk there,” she adds. Occasionally, Carlos’ dog, Drogo the Bichon, is there to greet coworkers, too. Rates start at P1,000/day. 2/F Zeta Building #25D 191 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village Makati City. Website. +632 9020988

4. Foxhole

Foxhole allows you to 'focus on firing at your targets, which is your business.'

A no-frills space, Foxhole has all the basics covered plus a few extras. The rooms are bare to allow companies to personalize their spaces. “Technically, it is your office and we want you to feel at home so when you come in, you're more ganado to work and to do what you have to do,” says Franco Alvarez, president and CEO of Foxhole.

Alvarez, a history buff, explains that the name is a sort of metaphor for what they’re trying to provide their tenants. “The foxhole's purpose is to really give you the first line of defense against enemy attack…You don’t have to worry about talking to contractors and having business permits, and construction occupancy permits. We'll handle that. You just focus on firing at your targets, which is your business,” he adds.

While most of their clients are long-term, they also welcome freelancers. Low partitions ensure that each coworker has their own desk space. There is also a bar, which doubles as a standing desk for when you need to stretch. Their daily rate of P700 includes a work space, access to the pantry, coffee and water, use of the conference room, and of course, reliable internet access. “What we really want to do is just give you a very simple, very efficient office. Plug and play, very straightforward. Nothing fancy,” Alvarez says. Rates start at P700/day. Molave Building, 2231 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati Website. 

5. WeCube

A favorite among startup owners, WeCube offers members a mailing address, a secretary, meeting rooms, and for those under community membership and up, even messengerial services and events.  In case you're feeling confused with your startup, you can take refuge in mentorship offered, access to funding, back office support, and business development support, if necessary. Which doesn't mean solo freelancers are not welcome here. Of course they are. Flyby desks are available in a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Rates: P800/head/day, P2,500/company/month, P5,300/company/month, P12,800/company/month. 4F Coherco Corportate Center, 116 VA Rufino St., Legazpi Village, Makati. Website +632 7508860.

6. Workhaus Manila

Workhaus in Poblacion caters to teams. Solo freelancers are encouraged to drop by their space in Salcedo.

Right next to trendy Poblacion is Workhaus Manila. The 7th and 8th floor spaces are nicely sunlit, thanks to an abundance of windows. Companies get their own rooms, but the open, collaborative spirit of coworking remains: instead of thick walls, rooms are separated with glass. "We found a certain niche where it's not all about the beauty — I mean, it's nice, but it's not maarte," says Mike Yu, head honcho of Workhaus. Indeed the minimalist design is not a standout; their internet connection is. Workhaus offers up to 200 mbps internet, thanks to their partner Coreon Gate.

A word to the wise: The Poblacion branch isn’t open for individuals; solo freelancers instead are more than welcome at their newer space in Salcedo. Rates: P5,000/month. 48 Polaris Center Polaris St. Bel Air Makati City. 14/F Sagittarius Building 111 H.V. Dela Costa St. Salcedo Village, Makati City Website 

7. 59C

From the makers of Good Earth Roasts comes 59C a space with decidedly anti-office vibes

For a decidedly anti-office vibe, go to 59c. Run by folks behind Good Earth Roasts, the homey space of 59C is quiet coworking by day, merry drinking by night, though you could also start early – their cocktails are so good no one will judge you if you have a whiskey sour as you meet your lunch deadline.  They also have an extensive menu, and Good Earth fans will be happy to see familiar favorites such as the Duckquitoes. 

Desk space is free as long as you order and for every P100 you spend, you can stay for an hour. If, for some reason, you are immune to the charms of food and drink, just cough out P100 for an hour's worth of desk space. Bikers are rewarded here: 59C's bathroom has a shower you can use – just let them know.

Since they  opened a year ago, they've attracted quite a few regulars. What keeps people coming back, according to Patricia Locsin Cheung, who owns the space with her husband Jean Paul, is value for money. "For me at the end of the day that's how I and my husband think. If you were going to go out, how much are you willing to spend? Because you don't want to pay for something that you can't do every day. Here, they can do it every day. Sulit," she says. 59c is open until 1am, but if you need a few more hours, quiet spots are also available until 4 am at Wok By, their other cowork and chow spot in Poblacion. Rates start: P100/hour. 59–C Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta Village, Makati City. 4900 Durban Street, Poblacion, Makati City. Facebook. +632 5019732.

8. ASpace Greenbelt

ASpace is a coworking pioneer in the country. At their Greenbelt location, about 2000 sqm of amazing office space awaits the freelancer or startup owner. Choose to work either at its Cowork Club, which has one, three, or  five month passes and is perfect for small teams. Its Cowork Lounge meanwhile is great for solo freelancers and has one, five, and 20-day pass options. Either way, working at ASpace includes access to meeting rooms, cute nooks to shake ideas out of you, a cool pantry, and an art gallery. Coffee, wifi, aircon are included of course. Apart from Greenbelt, ASpace is also location on Pasong Tamo. Starts at P1000/day. 110 Legaspi St, Legazpi Village, Makati; Website +63 2 8460856.

9. The Office Project

The Office Project has pretty down pat.

If you're looking for a pretty space, The Office Project has more than enough eye candy. Every corner of this cozy ground floor space is carefully designed, from the comfy furniture to the well-equipped pantry. It's not as large as other coworking spaces, so expect to share a table – and maybe make some new connections as well. Connections are, after all, what fuel TOP, and is perhaps what makes the place special.

"TOP was built with the desire to give opportunities for those who are starting their business. Our mantra: Grow, Connect, Lead, Repeat will always resonate in everything we are doing," shares Shumate Royo, who in 2015, after years of research and dreaming, co-founded the space with interior designer Doreen Adriano. The two met serendipitously when Royo joined a group of climbers.

Sadly, shortly after TOP opened, Adriano passed away in an accident during an outreach climb. "She saved a fellow climber. This is and will always be a story that I would like the readers to know...To follow our passion is one tough decision, there's no regret even up to this moment, the only sad part is that I can't do things with her anymore," says Royo. 

With its homey yet productive vibe, TOP attracts a diverse set of clients, but all share the same passion, optimism, and collaborative mindset. "It takes grit and tons of courage to follow your heart. Along the way, we are learning  a lot and along the way, we are meeting people that is inspiring us to continue the journey," she shared. Rates: P100/hour. P500/day. P1500/20 hours within the month. Unit 1C Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Bautista Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Facebook. +632 6255968.