Our First NearMe Kids Discovery Day: What Matters Coworking + Playlab
Published September 21, 2026. 5 min read
Our First NearMe Kids Discovery Day: What Matters Coworking + Playlab
It’s been a month since our very first NearMe Kids Discovery Day, and honestly, it still feels a little surreal that we actually made it happen.
August had been a particularly rainy month, and with the rain seemingly refusing to stop, we were already considering moving the event to another date. But thankfully, the weather gave us a much-needed break. For two whole days, the rain stopped, and one of those days became the perfect opportunity for our first Discovery Day!
For our first event, we chose What Matters Coworking + Playlab in Greenhills, a family-friendly space that brings together coworking, play, and learning in one place. From the moment we arrived, we already felt welcomed. The receptionist greeted us warmly, and we even spotted a little welcome message waiting for us on their TV screen. It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately made the space feel more personal.
While we were preparing for the event, our daughter got the chance to explore the PlayLab. Not long after, she was joined by the other kids, including Camille’s little ones, whose family owns and runs What Matters. Before we knew it, the PlayLab was already filled with curious little explorers.
By around 1:30 PM, the rest of the parents and kids had arrived, and we officially started our first NearMe Kids Discovery Day.
A Day of Play and Learning for the Kids
While the kids spent the afternoon playing and learning with Teacher Marj and Teacher Glory, the parents had a chance to slow down and explore the different spaces around What Matters.
For parents looking for kid-friendly places in Manila, one of the things we appreciated about What Matters is that it considers both sides of family life. The coworking space has meeting rooms, dedicated work areas, a kitchen, and private rooms where parents can take calls or attend meetings without having to worry about finding a quiet corner. And, of course, there’s coffee, because what parent doesn’t appreciate a good cup of coffee while trying to get some work done?
It’s an interesting setup for families who are looking for a place where children can play while parents can also work, connect, or simply have some time to themselves.
Creating Family Traditions
We also had a short session inside one of the meeting rooms where we got to know the parents who joined us.
We talked about the realities of parenting, our routines, the little struggles we encounter, and even some of the funny and unexpected experiences that come with raising kids. It was a simple conversation, but one that reminded us how much parents can learn from one another.
One of the highlights was a short activity about creating family traditions. It gave us a chance to reflect on the small things we can intentionally do as families: little rituals and moments that our children might eventually remember and carry with them as they grow.
The session eventually turned into one of those spontaneous parent chika sessions that we probably could have continued for another hour! We shared stories, exchanged experiences, and discovered little things we had in common.
While we did wish that some of the parents who were invited could have joined us, having a smaller group also gave the conversation a more intimate and meaningful feel. There was more room to listen, share, and genuinely connect with one another.
And really, that was one of the things we loved most about the day.
Finding Places That Bring Families Together
NearMe Kids has always been about discovering places that families can enjoy together. We’re not only looking for places where kids can play. We also want to find spaces where parents can feel comfortable, connected, and present with their families.
That’s why What Matters felt like such a natural fit for our first Discovery Day.
It reminded us that a family-friendly space doesn’t have to be designed only around children. Sometimes, the best places for family bonding in Manila are the ones that consider the whole family, where the kids get to play and explore, and the parents get the chance to work, rest, connect, or simply breathe.
We spent the rest of the afternoon taking photos, enjoying some refreshments, and, of course, letting the kids have more playtime before the day came to an end.
A Big Thank You to Our Partners
A huge thank you to What Matters Coworking + Playlab for helping us make our first Discovery Day possible.
Camille, her family, and the entire What Matters team made us feel at ease from the very beginning. The warm welcome, relaxing atmosphere, and thoughtful setup made the experience extra special.
For parents searching for a family-friendly coworking space in Manila or a place where they can balance work and time with their kids, What Matters is definitely a space worth discovering. Its combination of coworking facilities and a teacher-guided PlayLab reflects something we value at NearMe Kids: making it easier for families to spend quality time together.
We’d also like to thank Age.3 for providing the filling food and drinks that kept everyone happy throughout the event. If you’re looking for a quick food stop after exploring Greenhills with kids, Age.3 is another place to add to your list. Their Japanese-style fried sandwiches, made with soft milk bread and creative fillings, gave our parents and kids a much-needed boost during the afternoon.
Age.3 has a location in Greenhills Mall and another branch at The Block, SM North EDSA, making it easier to enjoy their sandwiches in different parts of Metro Manila.
More Family Adventures to Come
Our first Discovery Day may have been simple and intimate, but it gave us something we hope to bring into every event moving forward: the joy of discovering new kid-friendly places in Manila while meeting parents who are also looking for meaningful ways to spend time with their families.
And this is just the beginning.
Stay tuned for our next NearMe Kids Discovery Days! We hope to meet even more parents, bring more families together, and discover more family-friendly places and activities in Manila that are worth visiting, not just for the kids, but for the memories, conversations, and family bonding that happen along the way.