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 

 
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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 

 
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D.  Private  offices  (to  accommodate 

teams  of  various  sizes;  private  and 
secured) 

Work Folk 

E. Conference rooms (to hold meetings) 

GreatWork 

 
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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 

 
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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.” 

 
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“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) 
 

 
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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 
 

 
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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 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 

 
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6. GreatWork 
Ben-Lor IT Center, 1184 Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 
 

Rates: 

50php per hour 

550 php for 12 hours 

 

 
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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 

 
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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 

 
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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: 

 
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  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 

 
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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. 

 
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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. 

 
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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. 

 
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● 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) 

 
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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.

 
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○ 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?

 
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● 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/ 

 
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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/ 

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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 

 
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