If it wasn't for the power outage announcement yesterday, I won't be able to go out and work away from home. Aside from the freedom of time, working in a freelance set up has given me so much democracy and it allows me to also explore the different corners of my city, Cebu.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
One of which I had recently explored was The Workplace Cafe in Banawa. As mentioned in my previous C-Blogging entry, C-Blogging Features: The Workplace Cafe Banawa, this is a co-working space which is one of the industries or businesses which is already making a name in the city, its popularity has spiked over just a few months span due also to the increasing number of freelancers in this part of the province.
One issue that each freelancer would encounter is the internet speed in the city or generally in the Philippines. It is quite hard to find the best internet provider to ensure that each household would get the best internet connection they could possibly get out of one subscription. So, having such a business which ensures stable internet access is a huge advantage plus, its great ambiance is a plus.
So, without further ado, allow me to share my own personal review of The Workplace Cafe Banawa Branch.
The Workplace Cafe Banawa Branch
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Last year, I shared a review as well of their main branch which is in Ramos Street. I am going to place a link below at the end of this blog. Today, as they had opened a new branch along Banawa, a closer area to our place, I finally was able to visit it, explore what it offers and each and every corner of the establishment.
The Workplace Cafe as stated in my previous blog aims to provide a place for work and study. It merges the fast internet speed provided by internet cafes and the vibe or the ambiance of coffee shops into one place. This is what is referred to as a co-working space nowadays.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
The Workplace Cafe in Banawa opened its doors to freelancers, students, and even just normal individuals last ninth of January and it is located in a very good spot, next to a 7/11 convenience store and a school which is yet to open. I am pretty sure that once the school opens up, more and more customers will be knocking on its doors.
Amenities at The Workplace Banawa
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Standard requirements for such businesses are high-speed internet WIFI access, comfortable chairs, power outlets, and food! It is indeed very helpful to be able to get food right then and there most especially if you are in a tough task which requires focus and thorough investigation.
Fast Internet Connection
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
As usual, just like the main branch, the Banawa branch offers the same as this is a franchise of the previous one. Internet speed is not an issue as it provided me almost 50mbps of download speed and a 29mbps upload speed, pretty good! I also had no issue with connecting to the internet with the provided slip which contained my 20 hours worth of access code which is good for two devices.
Power Outlets and Ergonomic Seats
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
If you had tried working in a coffee shop like me, I had this issue of having a hard time looking for an available power outlet. This is not a problem in The Workplace Cafe because every corner and every table has its own wall outlet available.
Aside from that, the chairs and tables are provided, there are office chairs which equips the customer to a comfortable stay. But there are as well areas with chairs that of coffee shops, it would depend on the individual to choose on those options.
However, I noticed that in The Workplace Cafe Banawa branch, the seats and tables are a little smaller compared to that in their main branch. The upper room has a tight setting but its good that the chairs are movable.
Complimentary Beverages
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Every customer who comes in get a free complimentary drink, may he or she be working for hourly, daily or monthly use, they are entitled to a free iced tea or brewed coffee. Their coffees, however, are of less quality compared to those which you can buy in coffee shops.
But, they got handcrafted beverages too aside from the complimentary one which you can order separately. Aside from that, those who want to avail of their unlimited drinks will just pay an additional of Php 70.
Napping Stations and Meeting Rooms
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Those customers who'd like to have a power nap can do so in their provided areas. This, however, is just bean bags just like that of the main branch. Most of the visitors who'd be making use of this are those who are staying overnight because during the day, the sunlight gets through the glass doors and it is not very nice to sleep in a wide bright day.
Conference rooms are also there for those who are meeting up with their teams. They are soundproof so others who are outside the room can't hear what has been discussed. Also, those who are just happy to be overheard can stay in their open tables.
Lockers
The lockers provided are available to those who'd like to make use of them regardless if he or she is only in for an hourly or monthly subscription. But the latter's monthly fee already includes the use of lockers which is very handy.
The Workplace Cafe Banawa Review
Video credits: Wellbein B via YouTube
I was the very first customer to arrive at 9:15 in the morning, I was already outside, waiting for them to open. Their business hours are between 10:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
The staff who was cleaning the door was kind enough to let me in even if it was still 9:55 AM. They entertained me and had me sign up, made me decide if I should do hourly or daily. As calculated, it was better for me to avail their daily rate of Php 280 which will give me 20 hours of internet access plus the ability to get out and return within the 20 hours period.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
As for the seats, I preferred to be located on their second floor. I choose one which was near to the airconditioning. It was cold but it was just tolerable. Soon after, a few more were coming in but there were still a lot of seats available to use. During the day, I didn't have an issue with the speed or so even if there were more users than during the morning.
However, there was a power outage in the afternoon around three and I learned they didn't have any electric generator, good thing the electricity came back in five minutes time. The room became hot immediately though but it was not a problem at all.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
The staffs were also polite and courteous, they had attended to all my requests during the stay including the request to fill up the water on the second floor. They have a sense of urgency in all the requests, my coffee and pasta orders came in just right in time.
As for the pasta order for lunch, the serving was not that generous but the taste was good. It was worth Php 148 with two garlic bread slices on the side. It didn't come with a drink though.
Overall
Video credits: Maite Pearl Yap via YouTube
I highly recommend The Workplace Cafe for those Cebu City-based freelancers or even students who have projects that require long hours with internet connection needs.
Just today, I learned some other coworking spaces in the city which offers a lesser hourly rate with better complimentary addition. I will check on the others too in the next few weeks and see how the experience go.
But, as for today, I don't have complaints with The Workplace Cafe and recommends it to anyone who is nearby Banawa.
Read also: Love Working at Workplace Cebu!
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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.
