Coworking spaces have been enjoying a huge popularity surge, thanks to the flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness they offer to freelancers and SME owners. In fact, a number have sprouted up all over Metro Manila's main urban areas, namely Makati, BGC, Ortigas, and Quezon City. Finally, the coworking concept is hitting the south of Manila with the opening of Launchpad Coworking.
First Coworking Space In The South
Located on the 2nd floor of Commercenter Alabang, Launchpad Coworking is the very first coworking space in the area. "Launchpad's founders are from the South, and we all grew up loving the tight-knit community spirit here in Alabang," explains Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, co-founder of Launchpad. "We knew that there were so many freelancers, small business owners, and work-from-homers in the area and realized that there was no venue that offered a great, casual work atmosphere without the noise and distractions. The South only has noisy coffee shops, really. We then realized that the shared workspace thing had yet to happen in Alabang. So, Launchpad was born."
At 180 square meters and with several private offices, work desks, and a communal lounge and kitchen area, Launchpad Coworking offers freelancers, creatives, SME owners and venturers, students, and even work-at-home parents the space, the infrastructure, and the facilities to get work done. Apart from being a workspace, Launchpad also has business registration, communication, accounting, secretarial, graphic design, and event ideation and organization services on offer.
"But more than being just a `serviced office,' Launchpad is also about community. Because that's what makes coworking spaces special. They connect people and help build an engaged, involved community," explains Mel. And with founders and partners hailing from various industries like banking, finance, operations, media, marketing, fitness, art, and real estate, no doubt that Launchpad Coworking will have a number of buzz-worthy meetups, workshops, talks, and events that will get people together without having to leave the confines of the South. Jokes Mel – "You know Southerners. We hate leaving the South! And now, they really won't have to."
Coworking Is The New Norm
With lower overhead, reliable infrastructure, and flexible occupancy terms, coworking has spread its reach globally. Going against traditional corporate offices and instead giving SMEs, startups, freelancers, and creatives a more casual, open space reminiscent of hip coffee shops without the crowds or the noise, coworking has become a more cost-effective, more flexible, and more exciting way to work.
In fact, many analysts predict that by 2020, coworking will be the "new norm" when it comes to the global workplace.
"Coworking is here to stay. And we are so psyched to open our doors down South."
Launchpad Coworking is supported by Commercenter Alabang, Karada, Empresario Events, Cupcake Lab, Gran Trail Cycles, Evolve Yoga Alabang, Hi-Fi Lounge, Popjunklove, JWC Resources Inc., The Plantation, Modern East, Pedro Brewcrafters, and Home Chef Lica.
Check out Launchpad Coworkingor @LaunchpadCoworkingPH on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email Launchpad at launchpadcoworkingph@gmail.com.
Launchpad Coworking is located at Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner
East Asia Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa.
