Everywhere in the world, the office place has changed in the past decade or two. The Philippines is no different. I have seen dramatic changes in the Philippines in the years that I have lived here.
I originally moved to Davao City in 2002, after having lived in GenSan for a couple of years. When I first moved to Davao, you would rarely see people out around town with a laptop computer. Yes, from time to time you would see one, but it was rare. I can recall times when I would see somebody in a Coffee Shop with a laptop, and others in the shop would even mention to them something like “oh, you have a laptop! How nice!” A laptop was a real luxury item, which was quite rare, and somewhat of a status symbol.
Oh, my, how times have changed in just 6 or 7 years.
Davao is, I have often said, sort of the Seattle of the Philippines. Coffee is big in the Philippines these days, but much of that coffee trend got started in Davao City. Davao is Ground Zero (or should I say Grounds Zero?) in the Coffee Culture of the Philippines. Another thing that is tied in with all of this, and is also something that was pioneered in Davao City is WiFi in the Coffee Shops. WiFi? For the uninitiated, it is Wireless Internet, which can be used by pretty much any laptop on the market today to connect to the Internet. No, WiFi was not invented in Davao, but Davao City was the first place in the Philippines where free WiFi was available in virtually every coffee shop in the City. In many parts of the Philippines, you still have to pay for WiFi use, but in Davao it has been free for years. It’s a thing that is used to attract people into your business.
A few weeks ago, I was in a coffee shop in Davao one morning. I glanced around the shop and noticed that nearly a dozen people had laptops open and in use, surfing the net. The thought came to me about how things have changed since the day when I moved to Davao, and a laptop was a real luxury item. These days, a LOT of people have laptops.
On my last few trips to Blugre, in the Landco Building in Bajada, Davao City, I have noticed that there is a group of people who seem to have basically set up an office there. The same people are there every time that I visit the place, sitting at the same table. They have several laptops and are obviously engaged in business over the Internet while also holding meetings there and enjoying Blugre Coffee. This would have been unheard of just 5 years ago, but these days, nobody gives it a second thought. The coffee shops have virtually turned into the new Philippine Office!
One of the reasons I really feel good seeing this kind of development is because so many people back in the States always tell me how far behind the Philippines is, how it is such a poor country and the ways of business and life are so “way behind” the rest of the world. My friends, it just isn’t so. The Philippines is not moving into the 21st Century, it is already there! Cellular phone use is huge here. Laptop use as I describe is huge now too. At least some of the people here in the Philippines are taking full advantage of technology and using it to improve their lives, improve the amount of money they earn, etc.
It’s a good thing to see.
Let me be the first one to comment on this positive article about the Philippines. I am glad to hear that Davao is in the 21th century when it comes to telecommunication. Pretty soon you will probably see iphones besides laptop every where. I know that cell phone usage in the Philippines is wider in scope, because it is cheap to text there. Here in Northern California, it is expensive to text and land phone is cheaper(in my case I have unlimited calls within the US for $49 bucks a month). It is however cheaper to use the cell phone or phone card to call the Philippines compared to the land line. VIVA Philippines!
Hi Bob – The technology advances in Davao is probably what's attracted me most to the city (besides my girlfriend). I knew of the many internet cafes in town, now to see WIFI all over the place just thrills me. The condotel I stayed at [in Davao] had free WIFI (cool). The hotel I stayed at in Makati only had it available in the lobby (not cool)! I wonder what else is in store for aspiring entrepreneurs in Davao? Sounds like the coffee shop has become a type of small business incubator space.
Hi Bob – Yes you are so right. Whilst in Lipa City earlier this month I noticed that there are so many WIFI areas now especially in the malls, Robinsons etc… It is so good to see that you can be connected nearly anywhere you go in the larger cities.
One thing I was rather dissapointed in though is the price of these mobile devices. For example Cell phones which are virtually extinct here in Aus are getting extrodinary prices still in Phil. Also laptops which are un branded are the same price if not more expensive that the branded (HP, DELL) here in Aus. I made a point of bringing some old Cell phones and a new laptop for the family when I came over which were really throw aways here but in Phil are regarded as still expensive…
Morning Bob,
I have not owned a desktop for around 8 – 9 years now. Laptops are handy because they are transportable, every bit as powerful as a desktop and can be used in wireless areas. My "office" nowadays is a transportable unit next to my house with satellite high-speed broadband. (I live in a remote area so no high-speed broadband by cable or mobile phone network). It's a pity the rest of business in the Philippines is not so advanced – e.g. paying bills in person, no snail-mail, land ownership, etc.
I like the wi-fi locations also and the use of texting on the cell phones. You can buy a cell phone for $30 usd here and it does everything but dance. Since arriving here I don't know how I lived without a cell phone. The choice of cable or Satelite TV has really boomed too. Now if they would just give you a good battery for all of these toys for example: "Sir, would you like an original or this alternate brand?", which both are usually copied anyways. Oh well, its all good. Thanks Bob
Hey Bob,
I remember a few years ago sitting in a Starbucks in San Diego with my laptop appreciating the convenience, the coffee, the aroma, the WIFI, and a plush 2nd floor loft while working after hours on a project.
It was easy to lose track of time. But, man was I productive! Starbucks rocked!
After the company issued Sprint cards, everything changed including the way I enjoy coffee. Now, it's Nescafe Classic at home or Starbucks from a drive-thru window (until the move).
Phone companies are causing sheer cultural destruction (LOL) because the coffee bar is the perfect office. It's also a networking goldmine and information bank for the price of a single cup.
Great article.
Junior
Hi David – Indeed, Viva Philippines! There are a lot of good things happening here! A few things not-so-good, but often the good stuff is overlooked.
Hi Henry – Yes, it's true, a lot of hotels in Davao have WiFi available right in the room too! Can you imagine, even a relatively low priced room has an amenity like that? Amazing!
Hi Nicolas – To some extent, you are correct on the cell phones and laptops. While prices are dropping, they are still high on many such units. Laptops in particular.
Hi AussieLee – Haven't heard from you in a while, my friend! Nice to see you again.
Yes, I am like you. I don't even own a desktop. I have a laptop which I can take anywhere I go. When I am home and want to use my office, I have a setup there where I can plug in a bunch of peripherals, and you wouldn't know that I didn't have a desktop there!
Hi Keith – Yeah, even the originals are copies! No doubt there. Yes, living in the Philippines without a cellphone would not be easy. Things like that are an important part of life here.
Hi Junior – That is all very true. The traditional office is fading away, and new places like Starbucks are becoming the new offices and also places to network with other business people too. The world is not the same place as it was 20 years ago.
I think you need maybe to update your equiptment Bob ! a desktop these days is every bit as portable as a laptop now ! not that i'd ever dream of taking my desktop to a coffeeshop and do as seattle does but the ability to "set up office" anywhere is now a reality. Look at some of the all in one units (just a monitor and keyboard) where the Philippins excels in cell phone technology and use other parts of the world excell in computor technology (Japan, US) Just my opinion but i do have a insight to upcoming computor technology and like everything else smaller is better ;)look at the keyboard that displays a 3D image to reveal a screen in thin air wow !
Have one up on you Bob! no need to plug anything in *Bluetooth* all wireless and all machines can access all peripherals anywhere in the house or network !
where there is advancement in wifi hotspots in the Philippines there is also the ability for "wardriving" as well Henry. Be careful when using your equiptment in public! encryption and covering sensitive information should be observed. you may be enjoying a wifi hotspot and some hack is stealing your banking information 200 feet away in an alley ! just a friendly FYI !
Hi Tommy – Uh… I think that is what I said, that the ability to "set up an office" is not a reality here in the Philippines. I think we do agree with each other.
MindanaoBob, the WIFI makes it possible for me to be cooking in the kitchen and reading what's new here! Jeff and I are bad now, though because we 'set up our office' even in the bathroom.
But, we can make a commercial about PC (Jeffrey) versus Mac (me 8) )
Hi Bob,
What sort of speeds are offered with the wifi in coffee shops there?
Do many people use the little atom powered 9" or 10" screen net computers there? I have been thinking of buying one – they look so convenient for that sort of situation.
Bob,
It is true, there are s many coffee shops and restaurants with wifi here in Davao.
The only problem is when the shop gets busy the speed slows down.
Hi Bob,
Any coverage on Samal Island?
One of the things that attracted my attention to The Philippines and has made my visits most enjoyable to me is what I consider to be a mix of the past and the present and for that matter maybe even a bit of the future, all co-existing. Another way of putting it is that the past is not trashed as easy as it might be here in the USA. For example, while in a municipal building I toured I saw PC's, electronic typewriters and Manual Typewriters ( remember those ? ). I happen to like those kind of things and that is why they got my attention. Additionally a manual ( all mechanical ) typewriter will still work in a blackout / brownout situation.
There are still what I call " real " repair shops for all kinds of things, even some of the latest hi-tech stuff that here just gets tossed out and replaced with new because of the high cost of labor here. Once again, a mix of the past and the present.
Personally I don't care for cell phones. I don't have one and I dont want one. I am not self employed so I don't have to rely on phone calls when I am out of reach of my hard wired land line telephone. I just don't want to be bothered with phone calls. Additionally I dont want another monthly bill comming in. I know cell phones are the way in many places of the world today and a necessity in many businesses. With the younger people today I guess one might be considered a social outcast if they don't have a cell phone LOL and I can understand that ( in my day it was a portable and later a transistor radio LOL ). I thought cell phone Mania was something here in the USA ? I never saw as many cell phones per person as I did in The Philippines. At times I even felt annoyed while being in a restaurant or night spot with my friends there, enjoying conversation and all of a sudden they start texting, I mean like everyone's doing it. Finally I could not help myself I just broke out in laughter as it seemed everyone in the place is texting on the cell phones LOL. I think that is a lot better than having to hear people " shouting " into cell phones as I experience here many times.
In one of the shopping malls in CDO, I counted I think 5 cell phone shops right next to each other ! Somebody has to be buying a lot of phones to keep all of those stores going wouldn't you think ?
In contrast to Cell Phone Mania, I noticed a lot of antennas used for communication ( not tv antennas ) on the rooftops of many buildings, particularly what appeared to be VHF communication antennas including vertical omnidirectional types and directional yagi antennas even stacked arrays. Maybe most of these antennas were from before todays cell phone craze and I wondered just how many of them are still actively used. This once again meant to me a mix of past and present day technology.
I also visited a few commercial and educational IT installations and from what I could tell this was some of the latest state of the art equipment. I was quite impressed !
What may sometimes give the " impression " of a place or country not being part of present day technology is that it just may not be as commonplace with a high percentage of the population as it may be here in the USA but that does not mean it is not there.
One thing for sure though, I think Philippines has us beat on cell phones. I might not have believed it if I had not seen it myself and I get a good chuckle everytime I think of it, to me it was like txt mania…………Everybodys doint it !
Anyone that remembers all those dance crazes of the early 60's like " The Twist" The Frug " " The Hully Gully " etc. etc. etc. as seen on American Bandstand ? I guess today it would be " Do The TEXT "
Hi Michelle – Office in the bathroom? well, on second thought I shouldn't say anything! I've done the same… 😆
Hi Michael – I find the speeds to be acceptable. To be honest, I have never done a speed test in any of the coffee shops, but I would estimate maybe 400 or 500 Kbps, which is not bad for here. Yes, the Netbooks are widely used here.
Hi Bruce – personally, I've never had much complaint about speed issues at the coffee shops here. It's pretty much always been OK for me.
Hi Michael – I am not aware of any establishments having WiFi on Samal. However, there is SmartBro available on Samal, so you could get WiFi that way, but would have to pay for it.
Hi Bob NY – Cellphone use here is huge. Much more common than in the US, IMHO. Of course, it's been nearly a decade since I've been in the USA, so you guys may have caught up by now.
There might be a better " pay as you go " system there than here ? The way people are always buying " load " for their phones, is there any kind of monthly charge on top of that, or, does the amount of load expire if not used after a certain period of time ?
If I could find a " true " pay as you go system here in the USA it might tempt me to have a cell phone but so far I have not been able to find that. I just try to keep my monthly bills to a minimum where possible so a landline phone is " bill enough " for me. To make better use of my cable broadband cable internet csot I have used SKYPE most of the time for my long distance calls, and yes many times I can even txt to The Philippines with SKYPE, outgoing txt only for now.
Hi Bob NY – No, there is no monthly charge on top of the load that you purchase. That pays the whole way.
There are cell phones everywhere here in the us. Im on my second one in the last two years and now even my local calls go out overthe broadband. Everywhere you look people are talking on cell phones.
Hi don – I believe you. Many Filipinos now carry 2 to 4 different cellphones at a time, having lines with each provider. I personally have two cell lines myself. Feyma has two lines. Even my kids all have their own cellphone lines. My youngest had a cellphone at age 7. We wanted him to have it so that we could always be in communications with him. And, my kids are not unusual having phones, all of their classmates have phones too.
hi bob,
that's a good business oppurtunity, I am a wireless provider here for both hotspot and pay-as-you-go fixed wireless similar to smartbro.
Hi Bob! One other thing about people making an office out of restaurants or coffee shops is the wireless landline. Businesspeople don't have to be near a wired landline they can bring it anywhere! It's so convenient. I have a SIM card of a wireless landline but i'm not really using it now although I think I will reactivate it soon.
kamusta bob
i have to say i enjoyed the convience of buying a load everywhere on philippines,and even in places you thought you would ever get loads.i like that system better than the system here to be truethful.we do have prepaid cells here but its somewhat more complicated.
salamat bob
Hi dans – I have to wonder if the market is not getting a little saturated, though. What do you think?
Hi Cathy – Are the wireless landlines really that useful? I kind of figured that everybody these days use cellular phones anyway. I had never really thought much about those wireless landlines, although I do see them advertised a lot.
Hi Ron – Kumusta, akong amigo? I do like the way the prepaid phones work here. It's virtually seamless, no fuss.
hi bob,
market is not that saturated, although smartbro is already there, the problem is with their business model, there are many ways to offer the service which is a lot more cheaper than smartbro. as a matter of fact i have many ideas on how to generate profit and the customer don't even have to pay the service upfront.
Hi dans – Interesting. I wish you the best of luck with your enterprise!
Hi Bob
The coffee shop is my second office but my first office is home. Sometimes the coffee shop is too loud and I can't concentrate whereas my apartment is quiet with less intrusions. I'm just hoping that I can find a great coffee shop in Laguna when I move there.
Hi Dan – Up north in Luzon, a lot of the coffee shops still charge a fee for using their WiFi, although that is beginning to dissipate a bit. You'll find a place, I'm pretty sure of that!
Hi Bob
The wireless landlines are really just mobile phones limited to a geographical area, ie. If the line is bought in Davao, you can't receive phone calls when in Gensan. The advantage is that there's no toll for callers from landline phones in that area.
Hi Milper – Yeah, that's kind of what I thought it was. I just don't see so much advantage to it, though!
what a shame in Manila you have to pay 100 pesos and the connection is very slow , this is was november last year .. I don't know now i hope they improved it .
Hi reden – I believe that in most places in Manila you still have to pay for wireless, but I don't know how good the service is these days.