SPARTA as Third Space: How Metro Manila's Office Workers Are Reclaiming an Active Lifestyle

Like most elder millennials suddenly hyper-aware of their joint health, I've recently gotten into an active lifestyle. It's a—hopefully not futile—attempt to undo years of office desk strain after a post-college period that wasn't exactly the healthiest chapter of our lives. (I'm referring, of course, to paper-cramming all-nighters fueled entirely by energy drinks, or weekend benders fueled entirely by bad choices.)

And I found that beginner-friendly, no-judgment spot along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong: SPARTA—short for Sports and Recreational Training Arena. Founded over a decade ago by athlete, host, and entrepreneur Amanda Fernandez, the indoor venue features a FIFA 1-Star, seven-a-side football pitch and an indoor calisthenics academy.

Over the years, SPARTA has quietly grown into a third space, breaking that monotony between office desks and home routines. Amanda, in an exchange with Esquire Philippines, believes that it's their "culture of inclusivity, safety, and fun" that especially makes first-timers walk through their second-floor glass doors. Come 6 p.m., corporate workers shed their leather shoes and button-downs for workout gear, then spill over the lobby couches while waiting to hit the pitch for open-play football or lock in for a one-hour calisthenics session.

"Ton and I do this because we've always been passionate about introducing wellness and active living to everyone. We believe it's a great alternative to other, maybe even more destructive forms of stress relief. I think our own past experiences are part of why we feel so strongly—and honestly—about what we do," Amanda tells us.

She started playing football at 13, competing across Europe and Asia before founding the semi-professional club Sikat FC in Manila. Amanda turned that deep passion for an active lifestyle into a mission—first as a host on Gameplan, and ultimately as the founder of SPARTA. It's her partner, Ton Vergel de Dios—a fellow former Gameplan host—who got her into calisthenics, starting with something as basic as practicing dead hangs at a sampayan.

Calisthenics is a form of strength training that uses an individual's body weight as resistance. Its most common movements are push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups—improving fundamental abilities like pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, twisting, and balancing. As one progresses, these basic exercises are made more complex by shifting positions and variations or adding weights like plates, weighted vests, kettlebells, or dumbbells. For example, one can start by pushing off the wall while almost standing up, eventually doing inclined push-ups from boxes, until a full push-up is achieved months or years later.

SPARTA's calisthenics program is divided into two: "Kalos" and "Sthenos," Greek words that loosely translate to "beauty" and "strength." The first focuses on cardio, conditioning, and weight loss, and the second leans more into muscle building and strength training. One-hour slots for both are available all day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. A 10-session package, valid for a month, starts at P2,500. The program is both affordable and accessible, even for the busiest professional.

"It’s our progression-based system, a come-as-you-are culture, and a sincere focus on longevity — students see real results and stay because the program grows with them," Amanda explains what makes calisthenics students stay. She also noticed that a lot of familiar faces came back, and even elite athletes signed up after the freestyle demonstrations they had during the 10th anniversary celebration late last year. "Hari ng Baras," as it is called, assembled some of the best calisthenics athletes in the Metro.

SPARTA's football program, on the other hand, caters to both adults and kids. The Football Academy for Adults runs Monday to Friday, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at P3,250 for 10 sessions. Football Academy for Kids is divided into Toddlers, Under-6 or Under-9, and Under-11 or Under-15, mostly in the morning and early afternoon.

"A lot more adults are trying football—so much so that we created a new football product mid-year just to make the sport more accessible for adults. Sparta Beginner Football for Adults is for individuals who want to try the sport without committing to a full package. It's a one-hour group class with an easy, follow-along format and a pay-per-session format," Amanda shares.

She's talking about the beginner football lessons for adults from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday and Friday, for P500/session. Open play sessions are available for P350/session and are scheduled as late as 8:30 p.m.—perfect for after-hours de-stressing.

Amanda thinks "it's the fast-growing community, the increasing number of events for all skill levels, and our dynamic coaching staff and practice sessions" that make people sign up day after day, or rather, night after night.

What makes SPARTA so welcoming is that it isn't trying to turn you into a pro athlete—it simply helps you become someone who embraces a lifestyle of wellness. After a year or so in their program, I've trained alongside employees squeezing in a session before a night shift, freelancers taking a break from their projects, and even older adults (white hair and all) discovering that movement doesn't have an expiration date.

"We encourage our coaches and staff to respect all students and walks of life. We implement specific forms of training for our team to better recognize and celebrate diversity, so no one ever feels out of place," Amanda says.

Again referencing their three values: inclusivity, safety, and fun, the founder stresses the third one when asked about their major events, such as SPARTA's 10th anniversary celebration in November 2025 and the Momma Cup—a football league for mothers—in May 2026.

"Finding ways to celebrate is always fun. In a world so full of bad events, it's important for us, and maybe to an extent, even a responsibility, to find ways to celebrate the positives in our lives and our community's lives. This is because our members pour so much of themselves into SPARTA. In the same way, it has become easy to get caught up in the news and government issues—and having events to look forward to gives people an alternative source of energy to draw from."

For Amanda, "it's always a pleasure bringing the community together to laugh, sometimes compete, and celebrate."

Perhaps that’s what a truly holistic approach to fitness looks like—one built with and for a community.

SPARTA is at 126 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City. The 10-session calisthenics program is P2,500 (valid for one month). The pay-per-session beginner football lesson for adults is P500/session. Message them on Facebook or Instagram to inquire and/or register.

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