COLAB a community-based lounge that inspires creativity, connections, and collaboration

“When we conceptualized COLAB, we thought of all the struggles and pains of working beyond the office and home. We knew we needed to capture an environment that boosts productivity without limiting creativity. We are happy to share that the COLAB community will kick-off with the Coffee Meet series. The very essence of COLAB must start with the sharing of knowledge, skills and network – all crucial in creating a symbiotic community between the creative community, the business community, the amateurs, the newbies and the experts. We are very humbled that we share the same principle with renowned professionals in the field such as Ar. Royal Pineda, Engr. Slater Young, Ar. Dax Augustus Tapay, and all our partners in the Coffee Meet Series.” ~Karen Tui, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of COLAB

When COLAB Café first opened to the public, it provided a reimagined workspace that defies the conventions of co-working spaces while embracing café culture.  Every element of the COLAB space meets the needs of a contemporary professional, from the Interactive Material Library that generates ideas and inspiration to the Quiet Booths for solitary work.

Working from home or an office is no longer the only choice for a modern professional.  And it only makes sense to establish a space that facilitates work-life balance, as more people strive for it, Tui said.

The Material Library, the space's focal point, is a carefully curated collection of material samples, swatches, and even books and publications about architecture and design.  Additionally, it has a working pod known as the Quiet Booth where visitors can concentrate on their own work or answer online calls with the least amount of interruption.  There are also round tables accessible for brainstorming and team meetings for large and small groups.  For more private conversations, there is also a meeting room that can be rented and is foldable.

However, COLAB's actual business strategy is what sets it apart from other co-working spaces.  Instead of charging by the seat, it offers its patrons a free seating area.

“We wanted a space built by community. If we charge by the seat, it gives a restrictive environment and guests will just be limited to the seat they paid for. What we wanted to create is a community and we believe a sound community is built by shared resources, collaboration and open mindset. Most of our tables are for sharing, the community who enjoys the space will make the space sustainable by patronizing food and drinks offered at the bar, and occasionally, they would also use and rent the space to conduct talks, workshops and seminars that aims to share their knowledge. This is the COLAB community that we aim to build, and that is why we designed the space and the business this way.” ~Koko Tamura, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer

From June to August 2025, the recently opened COLAB Café in Kapitolyo, Pasig, will host a series of seminars and presentations for architects and designers.  The seminar series will cover a variety of subjects, including updates on the newest trends in architecture and interior design as well as new software and technology.  Prominent figures and organizations in the design field, including Ar, will be featured at the event.  Pineda Royal, Engr.  Among them are Lumion Pro, Slater Young, and the United Architects of the Philippines' Rizal East Chapter.

The Coffee Meet Series will start off with Ar. Royal Pineda on “The Culture of Betterment” (June 3), Builk 360 + Jubili Philippines on “Reimagining Construction Site Visits: Builk360 Virtual Reality Capture” (June 10), Hooman Design Corporation on “Designing and Building Digital Transformation for Designers and Builders” (June 26), Ar. Dax Augustus Tapay on “Architecture and Content Creation: Marketing for Architects” (July 3), Engr. Slater Young on “Finding Meaning in What We Do” (July 17), Pino Studio on “Reviving Metabolism Architecture for the Philippines” (July 24), United Architects of the Philippines – Rizal East Chapter on “Green, Smart, and Resilient Architecture” (August 7), and Trendcom IT & Software Solutions, Inc. on “Lumion View: The Next Evolution in Design Visualization” (August 28). 

COLAB Café is located at the 2/F, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, 50 West Capitol Drive corner United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more information about COLAB, visit their website at www.colabph.com and follow @colabcafeph on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

COLAB Cafe is located at the 2/F, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, 50 West Capitol Drive cor. United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.