by Ferry Bayu | Jul 9, 2025 | Business
Coliving isn’t a trend—it’s infrastructure. After relocating to Finland with my family, I’ve continued to live part-time in an 18 sqm unit in the Philippines—immersed not just as a founder of Woke Coliving, but as a full-time community member. And what I’ve seen inside our walls is extraordinary.
We run together. We puzzle together. We laugh, share meals, and sometimes even fall in love. All while the outside world grows more digitally connected—and more emotionally distant.
The real challenge? Scaling this kind of community without losing its soul. And convincing cities to treat coliving not as a novelty, but as essential social infrastructure for the future.
Here’s how we’re building not just rooms, but rhythms of belonging.
#Coliving #UrbanDesign #CommunityBuilding #FutureCities #WokeColiving #RealEstateInnovation #SocialInfrastructure
In a post-pandemic world shaped by isolation, remote work, and housing scarcity, the question is no longer whether people want to live together—it’s how we intentionally build environments where they can thrive.
About one year ago, my family relocated from the Philippines to Finland so my wife could take on an exciting new role. Since then, I’ve become even more immersed in Woke Coliving—not only as its founder, but as a full-time community member. I had to leave behind my “expat life” in Rockwell, arguably one of the best neighbourhoods in the world (and believe me, I’ve had the privilege of living and working in diverse cities around the world). Yet even after trading that lifestyle for an 18-square-meter room, I found myself surprisingly at ease.
Adaptability is part of who I am. And after a year of living the coliving experience firsthand, I can proudly say: we’ve built a strong, resilient community. What was once a professional venture has become something much more personal—an experiment in proximity, shared rhythms, and purpose-driven living.
At Woke, we don’t just manage the space—we live and breathe it. Most of the Woke team, myself included, live and work within the very walls we operate. And that proximity has allowed me to witness something remarkable.
Every week, I see groups forming organically around shared interests—fitness, wellness, hobbies, even romance. We have a running group and a gym crew that train together and join marathon and fitness challenges. Just last night, I walked through the lobby of our Mandaluyong property and was caught off guard—in the best way possible. A group of sporty residents were gearing up for a night run, another few were laughing around a table, fully engaged—with no phones, no laptops, just presence. Two more were deep into a jigsaw puzzle, heads bent in focus. This wasn’t some curated brand experience. It was a real community, unfolding in real time.
And yet, outside these walls, the digital world is doing the opposite—fragmenting our attention and pushing people further into isolation. The irony is hard to ignore: we’re more connected than ever, but lonelier than we’ve ever been. That’s why we’ve made a deliberate decision at Woke to design for connection. From the layout of common spaces to the temperature of the lighting, the height of the counters, and the softness of the couches—every detail is considered. Because the right atmosphere encourages people to linger, to engage, to open up.
But physical design is only half the equation. Community needs culture—and culture needs boundaries. We’ve implemented a clear, firm set of rules that uphold the health of our community. Racism, discrimination, or any kind of hostility is simply not tolerated. We’re Woke not just by name, but in spirit. That means inclusion, respect, and shared responsibility. Most of our team lives in the properties, and we lead by example—keeping the spaces clean, showing up for others, and creating the kind of environment we’re proud to call home.
A Dual Challenge—Operator and Architect
As both coliving operator and active resident, I’ve seen firsthand how well-designed spaces and strong community frameworks can combat urban isolation. But with that insight comes responsibility—and complexity. The challenge for us at Woke is twofold.
From an operator’s perspective, the next frontier is scaling without losing soul. Growth brings investors, metrics, expansion targets. But how do we preserve intimacy and human connection when managing 1,000+ residents across multiple cities? How do we replicate a culture—not just a floor plan? The operational playbook must evolve to include not just SOPs and legal compliance, but deep rituals of community building, staff integration, and long-term resident engagement.
From the architect’s perspective, coliving must be recognized as an essential component of future cities. We’re no longer talking about an alternative housing model—we’re talking about critical social infrastructure. One that addresses density, affordability, and the need for intentional connection in urban environments. Yet most city plans and zoning regulations still lag behind these realities. The question now is: how do we embed coliving into the architectural and policy fabric of modern cities? How do we design neighbourhoods that are not just liveable, but shared, inclusive, and vibrant?
At Woke, we’re still writing the blueprint. But we know this much: coliving isn’t a temporary fix—it’s a long-term solution to urban loneliness and fragmentation. It calls on us to build not just better rooms, but better rhythms. Not just amenities, but belonging.
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 13, 2025 | Business
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This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
by Ferry Bayu | Apr 9, 2025 | Business
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. sponsors two pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and will host various events during the exhibition period. The Glico Group upholds its Purpose of contributing to people’s “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” continuously creating value in “Great Taste and Good Health.” Glico supports Expo 2025, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The company resonates with the Expo’s vision of promoting the exchange of diverse values worldwide, fostering new connections and creations, and showcasing hope for the future to the world. Through support and participation in pavilions, and various activities, Glico aims to propose unique value from the perspective of food and health to realize “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life” for people around the world.
Overview
Glico is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”. In addition to supporting both pavilions, the company will host various related events during the exhibition period. At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Glico will present an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care,” a research theme centered on removing senescent cells. At the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, Glico will showcase its original product,”Rice soft candy,” co-created with the pavilion to highlight the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.
As part of the produced events, Glico will host health education events at the “Reborn stage” at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. These events will focus on topics including ” Antioxidants” and “gut bacteria.” Additionally, at the EXPO Arena, we Glico will present “Matsuri”, a music event designed to inspire hope for the future.
Glico will also install “Seventeen Ice” vending machines at the Expo site. Coinciding with the opening, two new Japan-inspired ice cream products will debut, available both at the Expo and at major tourist destinations and train stations nationwide.
Exhibition at the OSAKA Healthcare Pavilion: Nest for Reborn
The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is themed “REBORN,” representing people taking positive steps towards becoming their new selves. Glico shares this vision and will exhibit in the “Future Healthcare” zone with a display on “Cellular-care.”
“Cellular-care” – Research Focused on the Removal of Senescent Cells
“Cellular-care” is a new approach aimed at preventing aging by directly targeting cells. Glico is investigating the potential of targeting senescent cells, which play an important role in human health.
Cells continuously cycle through division, growth, aging, and eventual death. Normal cells gradually lose their ability to divide due to various factors such as aging, ultraviolet rays, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. As a result, they become senescent cells that accumulate in the body, contributing to health issues and aging.
Glico is investigating ways to target and remove senescent cells and exploring the active compounds involved in this process.
At the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth, the negative impacts of senescent cells on surrounding cells will be displayed, along with the approach of “Cellular-care” in an easy-to-understand manner. Visitors will also be able to experience approach to senescent cell removal through touch panels.
The uniform worn by the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth staff has been designed by the renowned Japanese designer Ms. Junko Koshino. It is a gender-neutral uniform, suitable for all genders, embracing the principle of diversity.
The design, inspired by lab coats, features a white base matching the color of Glico’s booth, and expresses the theme of “Future Healthcare.”
Note: The “Cellular-care Lab.” is located in the “Future Healthcare 1 Zone” of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. A reservation for the “Reborn Experience Route” is required to enter this zone. For more details: https://2025osaka-pavilion.jp/reborn-route/
Exhibition at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”
EARTH MART – “Thinking about the lives through eating.”
Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”(Theme Producer: KOYAMA Kundo) is a conceptual supermarket where visitors can explore the interconnected cycle of food and life, discovering new perspectives for a more sustainable and nourishing future. It offers various experiences that encourage visitors to reset their thinking about food and discover new ways of eating. The pavilion invites visitors to reflect on the current state of food, technology, culture, and societal issues, as well as to find joy in eating and explore future clues for sustaining life in the next era of sustainable living.
“Rice soft candy”Made by Weaving Together Rice-derived Ingredients
In collaboration with “EARTH MART,” Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” to raise awareness of the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.
“Rice (rice flour),” one of the “EARTH FOODS 25” (a list created by “EARTH MART” to share Japanese food with the world in order to improve the future of food globally),is not only Japan’s staple food but also a symbol of Japanese culture, nurtured alongside nature.
Glico has a long history of research and development, which began when the company’s founder, wishing to enhance people’s health through food, succeeded in kneading “glycogen” into caramel and launched the Glico nutritious caramel. Recognizing the vast potential of rice, Glico applied the technology it has cultivated since its founding to create an entirely new type of caramel by using rice as a key ingredient.
“Rice soft candy” is particular about the ingredients it uses. All ingredients, except sugar, are derived from rice, including rice syrup, rice flour, rice protein, and rice oil. It is crafted by weaving together rice-derived ingredients, resulting in a simple yet delicately unfolding flavor.
During the Expo, visitors can enjoy both the panel exhibition with actual samples of “Rice soft candy”, which will encourage visitors to reflect on the pavilion’s concept, the potential of food culture, and the future of food.
Glico Previously Served as a Judge in the Selection of “The ideas on Future sweets & snacks that make everyone on the Earth happy.”
At the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, selected ideas submitted by the general public will be showcased. The first round of submissions was held from January 31 to May 20, 2024, targeting elementary school students in grades 4 through 6 worldwide. Glico participated as one of the judges, helping select ideas to be exhibited at the pavilion. A second round of submissions, this time open to all ages, began on March 18, 2025.
＜For Reference＞EARTH MART: https://expo2025earthmart.jp/en
Glico-Produced Events During the Expo 2025
The main events produced by Glico during the Expo 2025 are as follows:
Music Event
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Venue: EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
Overview: An event to express expectations for the future through music.
Health Awareness Event
Date: Sunday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Venue: Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Reborn Stage
Overview: Events focused on “Short-chain Fatty Acids” (Sep 21) and “Antioxidants” (Sep 22-24).
Expo-Related Initiatives
In addition to the events mentioned above, Glico will continue to develop new initiatives in collaboration with partners.
Installation of “Seventeen Ice” Vending Machines at the Expo 2025 Site
Release of Two New “Seventeen Ice” Products with unique Japanese Flavors
Installation Period: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025
Installation Locations: Four “Seventeen Ice” vending machines will be installed at EXPO Arena “Matsuri.”
New Products: Two new products with unique Japanese flavors, “Hokkaido Milk” and “Uji Matcha”– will be sold at the Expo site as well as at major tourist spots and stations nationwide, starting from the opening of the Expo.
“MYAKU-MYAKU” Special Design of “Selection the Glico”（Gift Box Assorted Glico Treats）
Release Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Overview: A special design package of Glico’s popular products, featuring the Expo 2025’s official character “MYAKU-MYAKU,” will be sold.
Note: This will be a limited release in the Kinki region and will not be available at the Expo 2025 site.
[Notes of caution]
This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.
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