Guest writer Regina Abola shares her thoughts on a few choice locations in Metro Manila for working outside the office.
I like working from home. I have my own place; it’s quiet, bright, and most times, breezy. If it gets hot, I just turn on the air conditioning. I have a dedicated workspace, which I can adjust and decorate to my liking. I don’t have that swanky ergonomic chair, but a cushion to sit on, and a pillow for my back, do the job.
When a person is satisfied and comfy with their workspace, focus goes up, and so does productivity.
Sometimes, though, it can get boring being in the same place day in and day out. I don’t know about you but being stuck at home for most of the pandemic, converted my introverted self into an extraverted being craving for that social energy. So I go out to cafes and restaurants to satiate this desire to both work and thrive.
Cafes can serve as a respite from the usual home or office environment. They can be places of creativity, inspiration, and you guessed it, productivity.
Don’t know where to go? Fret not. Below are four places of productivity I frequent that have wifi, sockets, and good food.
2/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St, Ayala Center, Makati
G/F UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
G/F 9th Avenue cor. 27th Street, BGC, Taguig
Situated in the Makati CBD, this hip and groovy restaurant is open from 11 AM to 9 PM on most days. My favorite spot is the orange couch by the door. You can also opt to dine al fresco to the view of the trees. For those chilly days, order their soothing beef pares served in a silver lunch box for that nice, nostalgic touch. Finish your meal with a tempting brownie ala mode and maybe even a fresh mojito. Remember, happy hour, is any hour. *Wink, wink*
[Coach Alexis Torres loves the flat white here.]
Sheridan St cor. Pines St, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong
This hidden gem is just behind EDSA. Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, this eclectic restaurant gives off a homey vibe. A nice spot is the bright bay window area. They serve different drinks, ranging from the usual coffee options, sinful milk quakes, comforting teas, and refreshing juices. You can also choose from a plethora of local and international food for solo or sharing. Come visit The Giving Café for that neighborhood café feel.
Ground Floor, Serendra, Taguig
For a more tita vibe, head over to this tastefully designed brunch place in BGC. Open from 7 AM to 9 PM on most days, this resto is the go-to for remote workers as almost each table has its own socket. Be ready to splurge on delectable food choices like the salmon gravlax avocado toastie and Hainanese chicken rice. For dessert, try the J&M ice cream with a kick of alcohol. Brown Russian for teatime anyone?
R2 Level, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati
Last, but certainly not the least, is this massive fancy food court nestled in a posh Powerplant. Open from 11 AM to 9 PM on most days, The Grid boasts of different cuisines like Asian, Mexican, European, and American, to name a few. The most conducive workspace for me is the booths by the window—not much of a view but definitely brighter and cozier than the other tables at the center. The Grid is a must-visit for the nomadic worker.
Stay in or go out, the choice is up to you!
Photos by Regina Abola
Resources:
Awada M, et al. Work. 2021;69:1171-1189.
Henriksen IM, Tjora A. Sociology. 2016;1-16. DOI: 10.1177/0038038516674663.
About the Author
Regina Abola was born in Manila, the bustling capital of the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines. Interested in the interplay between health, psychology, and places, she is a medical writer on most days, and a travel writer on weekends. Regina loves exploring, whether it’s just in the neighborhood, or to faraway locations.
Ikigai Philippines 
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