Bacolod's Freelancers Hub: Dojo 8 Coliving Space

Coworking spaces are very important to freelancers like me. If you are not so sure what I am talking about, a coworking space is a place with a shared working environment like an office or something like a study area at home. The only difference is that the people using it are usually not employed by the same company or organization. 

Though there are a lot of variations in terms of the ambiance or atmosphere, a strong and fast internet connection, as well as a reliable generator (in case of power outages), are constant in coworking spaces.

I was still in Manila when I started using coworking spaces. There is no doubt that the availability of these work areas has saved me every time there are power outages or internet failure and I cannot afford to miss work. Thus, when we moved to Bacolod, it was one of the things I looked for ASAP. 

Luckily, we were able to find Dojo 8 Coworking Spaces. It is located at Lacson Street, Bacolod near Starbucks Lacson. The place is very accessible and rates are really cheap. Not to mention they offer unlimited coffee. Then earlier this year, they opened their second branch at the back of Bar 21 named Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces.  By the way, this is not a sponsored post.

Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is not your typical coworking space. So, let me share with you the top 5 things why it is so popular among freelancers and students. 

1. Overnight Accommodation - Dojo 8 have rooms available in case you need to stay overnight. They are very spacious, clean and affordable. It is also very ideal for travelers who still need to work and can't really rely on their hotel's wifi service. My friends from Dumaguete stayed at Dojo 8 for quite a number of times and they love it. 

2. Location - They are located in the heart of Bacolod City. As mentioned, they are at the back of Bar 21, a restaurant that provides a fusion of Filipino delicacies combined with Italian and American favorites (You can read about our Bar 21 Review here) and Bob's Cafe just across the street. There is also a Japanese restaurant a few steps away. 

3. Recreational  Facilities and Fun Environment - Dojo 8 provides ping pong tables and other outdoor games. They also have the garden area and some chairs outside which means that you have options on where you want to stay. You're not just limited to an air-conditioned room sitting on a chair. 

4. Pet-Friendly - As a fur parent, this meant a lot to me. At Dojo 8, you can work while your dogs play on the lawn. No need to leave our furbabies alone at home. Thus, I am looking forward to bring Crumpy, Cheesecake, and Cinderella soon. (I am thinking if we would be allowed to visit together or there is a limit on the number of dogs one can bring.) 

5. Events - Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is now central to freelancer events here in Bacolod. They hold both free and paid seminars and workshops. Last January 2016, they had the HOW TO START A HOME-BASED CAREER SEMINAR organized by The Purple Secretary and last May 12, the Freelancer Meet-up organized by the Digital Career Advocates of the Philippines. 

And aside from all of these, I love working at Dojo 8 because you get to be surrounded by like-minded people who want to be productive.

So, don't forget to follow Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces on Facebook for event updates and promotions. How about you? Do you have your own favorite freelancer spot? 

Why Do We Need to Take a Break and Recharge?

This is one of my favorite quotes from Anne Lamott. Whether we are living a fast-paced life or a routinary and boring one, it is very important that we get out of the circle and take a break. Everyone is believed to function and perform better after getting a recharge. 

Thus, here are some simple tips on how we can recharge our energy and improve our personal well-being: 

1. Be Active and Exercise

When you exercise, happy chemicals called Dopamine are released into our brain. It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that's necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness making one feel good. It is also known to help one feel less stressed. So, sweat all your worries out of your system. 

2. Be with Nature

Whether you opt for the mountains and lush greenery or the beach, spending time in nature is an effective way to de-stress. Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings, enjoy the fresh air and listen to the calming sound of the waves or the chirping of the birds. 

3. Go Offline

This is actually a bit of a challenge for online workers like me. It is hard since most of us are so used to checking our mobile devices out of a habit. However, according to studies, one can find himself more productive after taking an offline break. It is suggested to set our phone on airplane mode so that we can still use its other functions like the camera. 

4. Get Pampered 

A simple manicure, foot massage or a trip to the spa can make a huge difference. This is the main reason why Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa celebrates the National Pampering Day annually where customers were treated to a FREE manicure, foot spa or foot massage. 

According to Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, “Filipinos are very hardworking in any given aspect of our lives and a nation of energetic and industrious people best deserves real pampering once in a while. This year, as Nailaholics celebrates the 2nd National Pampering Day, we go deeper and dedicate this to everyone and remind them to take it slow, take it easy, zone out and relax for a while."

Luckily, Val and I were able to join this year's celebration since there was no work due to the transport strike. Val opted to get a foot massage while I opted for a manicure. It was indeed a good way to recharge under the care of Nailaholic's friendly nail technicians.

In case you are wondering, Nailaholics is located at the 3rd Floor, SM City Bacolod Northwing. For the complete list of their branches, click here.

How about you? Were you able to join the National Pampering Day celebration?

Trying to Conceive? A Woman's Overall Well-Being is the Key.

If you are following our story, you would know that Val and I have been trying to conceive for the past four years. With various treatments, medications and different doctors consulted, we have learned this lesson the hard way -- a woman's overall well-being is a key to a successful pregnancy. 

Women have the tendency to shrug off minor health problems and just see a medical practitioner when things go bad. We should stop doing this and instead we make sure that we are taken cared of. Keep in mind that prevention will always be better than cure. It is very important that our health should be a top priority and that women need superior medical service. 

Thus, we are happy to share that ManilaMed's Center for Women’s Health champions this advocacy where every women’s health issues are not left behind. As one of the institution’s Center of Excellence, it provides top medical offerings from experienced medical professionals to cater women in all their life stages---from child-bearing age, pregnancy, and to adulthood possessing any health-related concerns.

The center has five major units to make patients feel better about being a woman; the OB-GYN Ultrasound and Maternal and Fetal Medicine units are aimed to care for pregnant women and their newborns while the Breast Diagnostic Center and Colposcopy and Cryotherapy Center are for patients to safeguard their health from common illnesses among women.

Staying true to the commitment of holistic care, the center also offers other innovative surgeries and procedures such as Routine Pap Smear, Acupuncture for Infertility, Reproductive Urology, Pediatric Cardiology, Breast Surgery, and even Cosmetic Surgery.

In addition, the center knows the true essence of motherhood with its Fertility Enhancement unit that gives medical attention for women who would like to have higher chances of conception. 

Thus, if you are trying to conceive, visit the Center for Women’s Health every Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. For more details, you may contact (02) 523 8131 loc 3100 /3101 or (+63)917 831 4892 or visit the website for more details.

ManilaMed is located at ​850 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Click here to view map.