CASE STUDY
COWORKING SPACE
SHARED WORKSPACES IN METRO MANILA
Coworking Spaces
The very objective of the blooming coworking spaces in Metro Manila is to conduce
collaboration, conversation, and a community among its common users. The usual
users of these spaces are mostly freelance entrepreneurs, independent start-ups,
small teams, and even students, who are in need of convenient yet affordable
spaces to unleash productivity and creativity.
Common Features of Coworking Spaces
A. Reception Area
KMC Spaces
2
B. Hot desks (open workspace in a common area, where one gets to pick a spot)
47 East
C. Dedicated desks (a
desk of your own in a
shared office)
vWork
3
D. Private offices (to accommodate
teams of various sizes; private and
secured)
Work Folk
E. Conference rooms (to hold meetings)
GreatWork
4
F. Event spaces (good for workshops
and talks)
Work Folk
G. Pantry / Bar / Kitchen (where free coffee and tea are available; for more intimate
setting to hold meetings over coffee or lunch).
Agor’s Co-working
5
H. Printing Area
Bonus Areas
a. Napping Stations
b. Shower Rooms
c. Exercise Area
d. Locker Area
Shared Work Spaces in Metro Manila
1. Agor’s Coworking
12 June Street, Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City
10am to 11pm (Monday-Friday) ; 1pm to 11pm (Saturday)
“Aside from the retro look, the owner wants to brand the space as a center where
people can do their work productively and collaborate with others in a cozy set-up.”
6
“Aside from the aforementioned hotdesking (meaning you are free to sit anywhere)
and sockets all around, you can enjoy 20mbps Wi-Fi. The owner understands the
need for this, so you could work seamlessly without the frustration of slow Internet
speeds.”
(Source: When in Manila)
Rates:
Individual passes: 300 php (weekdays) / 250 php (weekends)
Group passes (3 to 4 people): 600 php (for a day) / 3,500 php (for a month)
Team pass (5 to 6 people): 5,500 php (for a month)
Meeting Room (up to 6 people): 500 php per hour / 3,000 php per day
(up to 10 people): 1,200 php per hour / 5,000 php per day
Workshop Venue: 8,000 php (first 4 hours, +1000 php for succeeding hours)
2. Launchpad Coworking
Unit 214-215, 2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner East Asia Drive, Filinvest
Corporate City, Muntinlupa City
9am to 7pm (Monday-Friday) ; 10am to 5pm (Saturday)
7
A 180 sqm. space, with 5 private office space, one meeting room, a kitchen,
reception area, and open coworking spaces. Launchpad is also available as a virtual
office, which allows new business owners to use its address for registration
purposes.
Rates:
Hourly pass: 200 php, valid for 3 hours
Daily pass: 500 php
Monthly pass: 4,000 php
Permanent workspace, fixed desks (for 4 people): starts at 22,500 php per month
Private office rooms (for 4 people): 40,000 php per month
Meeting room: 4,000 php, valid for 8 hours
Event Space: 6,000 php, valid for 8 hours
*Ingress/Egress fees, sound system, and projector fees, are of separate
charge.
3. Warehouse Eight
Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
8am to 8pm (Monday-Friday) ; 24/7 for Event space
8
A creative vibe could be perceived in the space, despite its no frills interior, all which
aims to conduce creativity, collaboration, and the rise of new ideas among the
users.
Rates:
Hourly pass: 300 php per seat, valid for 6 hours
Daily pass: 500 php
20 consecutive work day package: 6,500 php
20 work day package (consumable for 3 mos.): 8,500 php
Event space (for up to 50 people): valid for 8 hours, + 1 hour for ingress/egress
Weekends rate: starts at 20,000 php
Weekdays rate: starts at 16,000 php
*Inclusive of pantry use, reception area, projector/screens
Pantry / Bar area (for up to 20 people): 1,500 php per hour
4. WeWork
Uptown Bonifacio Tower Three, 36th Street corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
9
Rates:
Dedicated desk: begins at 17,000 php per month
Private office: begins at 28,500 php per month
5. Work.able
Cyberscape Gamma, Topaz and Ruby Roads, Ortigas Center
Rates:
Hot desk: 250 php per day
Dedicated desk: 550 php per day
10
6. GreatWork
Ben-Lor IT Center, 1184 Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Rates:
50php per hour
550 php for 12 hours
11
Starting the Business
Sole Proprietorship - DTI
“Essentially, your business in a sole proprietorship is an extension of yourself, so
the assets and liabilities of your business are also your own assets and liabilities.”
(Source: imoney.ph)
“As the simplest form of business in the Philippines, the business registration
process is relatively easy. Sole proprietorships are also the easiest to run since they
do not have the same formalities and regulations that corporations and
partnerships have.” (Source: Philippines Business Registration)
Registration of a Single Proprietorship Business
(Government Agencies involved)
1. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
● Make sure to search the DTI website to see if there are any businesses in
existence that have a name similar to yours. If the business name that you
want is available, fill out a business name application form, and submit it to
DTI’s office. You must wait for your DTI certificate of registration before you
move onto the next step of opening your own sole proprietor business.
2. Local Government Units
A. Barangay
● Register to the barangay where the business would be located; fill out
an application--you will need to submit your DTI Certificate of
Business Registration, two valid IDs, and proof of residence. Wait and
claim your Barangay Certificate of Business Registration.
B. Mayor’s office
● Register your business at the municipal office in the city where your
business is located. You will need to fill out an application, as well as
submit your Certificate of Business Registration from the DTI, your
12
Barangay Clearance Certificate, two valid forms of ID, and proof of
residency.
3. BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)
● Visit your regional district office in the city where your business is located.
You will be required to fill out a BIR form 1901, which is an application to
register your sole proprietorship. In addition to your completed BIR form
1901, you will need to submit your Certificate of Registration from DTI, your
Barangay Clearance Certificate, your Mayor’s Business Permit, proof of
residency, and valid ID. You will also have to pay for registration, (BIR Form
0605), and register your book of accounts and provide any receipts or
invoices you have for the business. After all of this has been completed, you
will be able to claim your certificate of registration, (BIR form 2303).
If you have employees, the following are also needed to be registered:
4. SSS (Social Security System)
5. PHIC (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation)
6. Home Development Mutual Fund
13
Partnership - SEC
“A partnership requires two or more people who agree to contribute assets, with
the intent of dividing profits among all parties involved.” (Source: imoney.ph)
Business registration is at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Registration of a Partnership Business
(SOURCE A)
● Verify the availability of your business name on the SEC website, and once verified,
you may already reserve the company name online. Confirmation of your company
name should be done at any SEC office within four (4) days, or it will be forfeited.
● Fill out the online application forms via SEC i-Register, and print it for submission to
the SEC office.
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS for PARTNERSHIP
http://www.sec.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Doc_Reqts_Partnership.pdf
Basic Requirements
1. Name Verification Slip
2. Articles of Partnership
3. Joint affidavit of two partners to change partnership name. (not required if already
stated in AP)
Additional requirements
1. Endorsement/clearance from other government agencies, if applicable
2. For partnership with foreign national as partner
a. FIA Form - 105 Note: For limited partnership, the word “Limited” or “Ltd”
should form part of the partnership name.
For Business activities requiring clearances from other SEC departments and
endorsements from other government agencies:
14
http://www.sec.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Endorsement-Clearance.pdf
(SOURCE B)
Requirements:
● Registration with DTI or SEC (depending on partnership’s capital)
● Submission of duly notarized Articles of Partnership
● Submission of SEC form F-105 (for partnerships with foreign members)
● Procurement of licenses and clearances from necessary government offices
● Registration with BIR
● Registration with government offices (if employing individuals)
● Acquisition of business permit and mayor’s license
15
Corporation - SEC
“A corporation is comprised of many individuals who act as a single entity to
advance the interests of the corporation as a whole. Corporations are given the
same rights that individuals by the Philippine government, and are as an individual
person.” (Source: imoney.ph)
“A corporation is considered a separate entity; an artificial person created by law and,
like partnerships, is registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission. It takes at
least five persons to form a corporation in the Philippines.” (Source: Business Coach
Phil.)
Registration of a Corporation Business
SOURCE A
https://fitzvillafuerte.com/a-simple-guide-to-registering-a-corporation-in-the-philippines.ht
ml
1. Verify the availability of the company name
Done with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Takes 1 day to complete.
Once verified and approved, you will pay P40 to have the name reserved for a month.
You must then file the application for incorporation to the SEC within one month or pay
another P40 to extend the deadline for another month.
2. Obtain a bank certificate of deposit for the paid-in capital
Done at the bank. Takes 1 day to complete. Fees vary from bank to bank.
3. Prepare and register incorporation papers
Done with the SEC. Takes at least 3 days to complete. Fees will add up to around
P3,000. You need to submit the verification slip (from Step 1), bank certificate of deposit
(from Step 2), articles of incorporation and by-laws, treasurer’s affidavit and many other
documents. Forms and check list available at the SEC.
16
4. Obtain a company Community Tax Certificate (CTC)
Obtained at the barangay office or city hall. Takes only 1 day. Fee will be P500
minimum.
5. Apply for a Barangay or District clearance
Done with the barangay office. Takes 2 days. Fees will be around P1,000.
6. Obtain a mayor’s business permit
Done at the City Hall Business Licensing Office. Takes around 2 weeks to complete.
Your biggest expense in terms of fees as it will depend on your declared capital. Prepare
at least P10,000. Aside from documents obtained in the previous step, you will be
required to file other forms and requirements. Ask the licensing office for the check list.
7. Register for taxes
Done at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office. Takes around 4 days. Registration
fees may add up to around P750 plus additional fees for documentary stamp taxes
which depends on your declared capital. You will obtain your company Tax Identification
Number (TIN), authority to print receipt/invoices and other documents.
8. Buy accounting books
Buy from any bookstore. Takes 1 day. You’ll be spending around P500 for a cash
receipts account, a disbursements account, a ledger and the general journal. Consult
your local BIR office for specific requirements on the books.
9. Print your receipts
Done with any print shop accredited by the BIR. Takes around 1 week. Fees vary but it’s
usually around P5,000 for 25 booklets.
10. Have your receipts and books stamped
Done at the BIR office. Takes 1 day at no cost. At this point, you can now legally operate
your business.
17
11. Register your employees
Done at various offices. Takes around 2 weeks to process everything. As required by
law, you will need to enroll your employees (which may include yourself) with the Social
Security System (SSS), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Home
Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
(SOURCE B)
https://fitzvillafuerte.com/how-to-register-your-business-in-the-philippines.html
Get a certificate of registration for your business name in Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC).
After getting your certificate of registration, you will need to visit the following offices:
● Homeowners Association – for businesses inside villages and subdivisions, you need
to get a homeowner’s clearance
● Barangay Hall – secure a barangay clearance to operate your business
● Local Government Unit (LGU) – visit the municipality or city hall office and process
your business permit
● Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – apply for a business taxpayer identification
number (TIN), register your books of accounts, point-of-sales (POS) machines and
receipts
At this point, you may now legally start your business operations, but you’ll need to then
register your employees (which may include yourself) to the following agencies:
● Social Security System (SSS) – secure an SSS number for yourself and your
employees
● Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – for businesses with five workers or
more, register your business with DOLE
● Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) – as required by RA 7742, SSS members
earning at least P4,000 a month must be registered with HDMF. This agency
administers the Pag-Ibig Fund.
18
● Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) – all employers are required to
register their employees to this agency as stated in the New National Health
Insurance Act (RA 7875 / RA 9241). PhilHealth manages and administers the
government health care system.
If your business falls under any of the categories below and note the document that
you need to secure and where to get it.
● Real estate projects: register with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
(HLRUB)
19
Coworking Space as a Business
Setting Up Costs
● Rent, desks, and chairs, an insurance policy, wireless routers
● Operating costs for utilities—water, electricity, and a reliable and strong internet
connection
● Basic pantry and cleaning supplies—water cooler, coffee, toilet necessities
● Various small operating costs—trash cans, light bulbs, and a coat rack, to name
a few.
Depending on how far you go with revamping your space, make sure that your basic
refurbishment costs include fees for:
● Interior design
● Painting
● Carpentry
● Plumbing
● Electrician’s work
● Various health and safety requirements for different office sizes
○ For instance, you may need to replace or enhance the current air
conditioning system if you intend to host more people at once.
○ Some spaces need to be redesigned security-wise.
20
○ Check if you need to build additional exits, install new fire alarms or buy
extra fire extinguishers.
General Operating Costs
● Telephone line or one of the multiple communication options—a coworking
software that can help you manage your bookings and appointments.
● Customer relationship management software that can help you connect with
potential customers
● Marketing software can help you reach out to a new customer base.
● Conference room equipment, workstation furniture, additional chairs and desks,
projectors, as well as whiteboards and markers.
● Any extra kitchen supplies
● Various small furniture, such as lockers, portable small chairs, cabling, extra
routers, audio and video equipment, such as speakers and headphones
● Office supplies
Overheads and Miscellaneous
● Costs for staffing
○ How many people will be enough to run the place?
○ Will you be open 24/7?
○ Do you need to think of hiring a security staff?
○ Can you make a self-serviced coworking space and save on front desk
staff?
21
● Costs for various extra perks, special services and design improvements (which
don’t require immediate attention)—partitions and noise-blocking devices for
adding another layer of privacy and increased productivity.
● If the place comes with a garage or a basement, consider how much you need to
invest to remodel the spaces into something that can bring additional income,
such as a fitness center or a small movie theater. If you plan to host large events,
you need to include costs for extra chairs or tables and any additional equipment
you may need if you are the main event organizer, such as food and beverage
storage, decorations, and sponsorship equipment.
Costs of starting the business (based on one’s personal experience):
https://dangerouslyawesome.com/2012/01/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-coworking-space/
22
RESOURCES
https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/75493/10-coworking-sp
aces-roundup-manila-a1864-20181106-lfrm4
https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/coworking-space-philippines-a00288-20
190313-lfrm3
https://www.wheninmanila.com/agors-co-working-cafe-community-within-communi
ty/?fbclid=IwAR2gx8Er1Pw16OUgA7pu4LUh_sAIzuUnPdWt76BfhOSq9d1YWfmaiHP3PN
w
https://www.wework.com/workspace
https://workable.ph/
https://www.greatworkglobal.com/
https://www.workfolk.ph/
-----------------------------------------------------
https://www.myoffice.com.ph/2019/01/09/starting-a-sole-proprietorship-business-in-
the-philippines/
https://mpm.ph/register-a-sole-proprietor-business/
https://philippinesbusinessregistration.com/company-registration/sole-proprietorshi
p/
https://www.imoney.ph/articles/guide-how-to-start-small-business/
https://www.ecomparemo.com/info/how-to-register-a-business-in-the-philippines-a-
guide-to-bir-dti-and-sec-application/
https://www.tripleiconsulting.com/partnership/
https://www.coworkingresources.org/blog/coworking-plan-estimate-costs
23
