Written by John Arvin Buenaagua/THE RED CHRONICLES
Layout by Joanne Dy Bunteng/THE RED CHRONICLES
In the middle of the bustling city, a few steps away from the bars and restaurants in Molito, there is a place designed to plant, nurture, and build dreams.
It was a busy day in Nook, whose website describes it as a “dynamic co-working space that balances out work with a culture of creative play.” On the table in front of us, a woman was having a Zoom meeting with what seemed to be her co-workers. At the table to our left, a couple sat in front of their respective laptops, while their child was trying his best to stay put with his tablet in hand.
Before our interview with Ms. Gab Mesina, Nook’s Operations Manager, gave The Red Chronicles (TRC) a day pass so that we could experience firsthand the service that Nook had to offer. What we found was a place where anyone can do anything worth doing, whether alone or in the company of others.
Ms. Mesina described it as a “sitcom setting come to life,” a “safe space where personalities are celebrated” in her interview with TRC where she talked about the concept of co-working, the importance of the social aspect of work, and why Nook is the perfect place for collaboration and community for people of all walks of life.
TRC: Ms. Gab. Before anything else, I would like to ask you to speak on what it means for Nook to be a “co-working and resource hub.”
Nook believes in the social aspect of work, in the potential of work to connect us with other people, not just professionally but emotionally and socially, making us more well-rounded and fulfilled with every task we complete.
Nook is perfect for people who thrive on working with or in the presence of others, for individual professionals, start-ups, and businesses who want a place to meet or work without the need for renting out a permanent office space.
We aim to be a local support arm for people, small businesses and cooperatives to thrive and reach their goals. Aside from being a convenient place where people can collaborate, Nook also offers resources to help people grow and be more productive and capable in their fields of interest.
We have spaces where people can work alone, work virtually with others, and work in groups. It is perfect for young professionals, freelancers, as well as start-ups and small businesses looking for an office-like environment that encourages social interaction and community.
We also host learning activities like Learning Over Lunch where people can develop skills that help them in their daily grind, from copywriting, to communicating in other languages, as well as crafting products that they can pursue as hobbies or possible business ventures.
TRC: From the wide tables, and comfortable chairs to the warm lighting, it’s amazing how a place built for work and productivity could seem so relaxed and home-like. How would you describe the vibe of this place? Can you tell us the inspiration behind it?
Nook: It’s great that you noticed that! Our team really tries to capture the feeling of an office atmosphere, where one can personally go to do work in the presence of, or in collaboration with other people.
If I were to describe the vibe, it is more like a sitcom setting come to life, as people are more free to express themselves as individuals than if they were in a Zoom Meeting or in a cubicle. Nook is a safe space where personalities of all kinds are celebrated.
TRC: Those really come through with how you run the place. Can you tell us what your favorite thing about Nook is and how it compares with other similar establishments?
What I like best about Nook is that it puts humans at the center of the co-working experience. At the end of the day, those who prefer to work outside their homes do so because of the people they see at work. These are their friends and loved ones, their chosen family.
Nook is a place where regulars can build and find a community that wants them to succeed and gives them help and the literal space to grow and learn.
TRC: That is beautiful. Before we end, can you tell us what people can look forward to from Nook? And what do you see this place growing into in the future?
Nook: Aside from being a reliable place to work and co-work, Nook hosts social and creative events people – especially students and young professionals – can enjoy after a long day.
We host concerts, game nights, and other activities designed for people to unwind and socialize, as well as create networks for like-minded people.
We want Nook to be embraced as a part of the community and as a place where people can be productive, meet people, accomplish milestones, and celebrate them with others. We hope that more people can find Nook as a place they can call their own, where they can express and find themselves, and build a community and culture of support, care, and meaningful productivity.
Nook is open from 7 AM to 7 PM at Molito Lifestyle Center Building 8 Unit 12, Madrigal Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa.