New co-working hub models emerge in Cebu

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The pandemic and the onslaught of typhoon Odette changed the business landscape in Cebu with new models of co-working spaces, places and hubs emerge and an unnamed co-working space slowly built a community that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

“From Here” is one of these, launched by Josan Farms Inc. on March 19 at the Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City.  Work. Create. Play.  Do It all From Here! Jeaun Tolsa, Coworking Lead and Head of Marketing at Crossroads Mall aptly described the place. 

“From Here” is a new model, not just a co-working space but it encourages people to do something, that anything starts from here, a space that one can do anything: events, talk, do your thing, collab with other groups, create, draw, paint, storytelling and more, Tolsa explained.

 “The name itself suggests that we don't want to box ourselves as a workspace. We want everyone to consider this a place where they can be courageous enough to do what they want, start something, meet other people, collaborate, try something different. We want to provide that type of support,” Tolsa said.

He bared that the Joson Farms, a real estate development and management company that also operates Crossroads Mall was motivated to open a creative hub at the height of the pandemic in November 2020, but super typhoon Odette that badly hit Cebu in December 2021 sped up the full operations of From Here.

The intent is not just building a place to work but an innovative space that caters to digital creators, startup founders, and anyone who wants to design, build, work, focus, and play.  After one-and-a-half years, the dynamic and progressive From Here Co-working Hub was finally launched.

“From Here” redefines what it means to co-work, Tolsa said and more than a tangible space, it is a platform that encourages people to take the leap and do the things they want to do.  To achieve its vision, From Here emphasizes flexible spaces that foster creativity and satisfy the varied requirements of its members, he added.

Its premier spaces are equipped with facilities and services suited to the different needs of individuals and groups.  These include fast and reliable internet with redundancy; secure co-working environment, al fresco areas, use of meeting rooms, free parking, TV for presentations; 12-hour walk-in access, 24/7 biometric access, projector, screen, and sound system; use of business address, and mail receiving service.”

“From Here” has workstations designed for freelancers and digital nomads which can be availed for as low as P400 a day.   Small teams may opt for a coworking setup for P8,500 a month.

There are meeting room options for 2-15 persons for brainstorming to get the best ideas and formulate solutions; rooms for 4-6 and 8-10 persons that cost P550 and P750 per hour, respectively.

Sometimes, teams also need a space to gather and create impact.  From Here’s Playground is a content studio for photo and video production, which can be used as an event space to perform, teach, inspire and turn passion into play for P1,500 per hour.

For only P1,400 a month, From Here also has a Virtual Office for those without a physical space but require a business address. 

“The capacity to succeed is limitless as long as we have a space to extend our roots. We want our members to focus on what they do. Let us help with the rest,” Tolsa said

Future plans, according to Tolsa include more collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with its startup programs and events. From Here wants to encourage pops up and small events to come here and finally, “we want to have a creative-lifestyle festival at the Crossroads this year,” Tolsa said.