I woke one morning after a horrible nightmare that one of my favourite photographers in the world; Eduardo Martins was, in fact, a dirty Cornish surfer by the name of Max. My mind was troubled, but thankfully I rolled over and felt grounded at the sight of my colleague and new best friend Chad, along with Gaz (a lifelong friend of 5 years) who had decided to pass out next to me. Relief filled my soul. Thankfully it was all a horrible dream, like Heisenberg appearing in How I met your Mother. Reality set back in. I’d woken up in the office, which also doubled up as my bedroom and editing studio. Nestled amongst the coconut leaves and salty air, I remembered my first job of the day. Surf.
‘Think outside the box’ as the metaphor goes. To be told this whilst sitting in an office cubicle aka box is just ironic. This may be why many creative companies have ditched the old-fashioned cow shed set up, and exchanged it for an open office plan design. Maybe you get to play ping pong, have free quadruple Chai Frappucinos with breast milk, but to me, that’s not freedom.
So what makes the TTR Philippines Office different
Tough commute down Cloud 9’s pier.
Morning Grind.
The day breaks in Siargao Island at 5:30 am. Sometimes you wake up to the crow of a Rooster, the pitter patter of rain, or the sound of waves breaking on the nearby reef. Sometimes all 3. Regardless of the wake-up call, starting the day in this tropical office of ours was always a positive one. That’s until I realize that Chad has put the Aircon down to -2000*C, my lungs feel like I’ve been sucking on a fire extinguisher, and all my camera gear’s on the brink of liquid damage due to the condensation inside them.
View from our bedroom office, hazy due to Chad & his Air-con.
Commute.
Domestic over, it’s time for the daily commute. Opening the door and walking out to the view above is sublime. A long commute means less productivity, but thankfully in this wonderful world of technology, we are all able to work from anywhere. Our Commute becomes an Insta story, giving the world a glimpse of paradise. It may be a dabble of sun cream and sprint down the stairs to the surfboard rack, we’re amped. Wax up and in a brisk 30 seconds, we’re at the water’s edge. Another time it’s a boat ride to get to the Cemetery surf break. Overall though it never feels like a commute, for its simply a journey to the next fun adventure.
The mezmerising architecture of Harana
Productivity.
It’s only 7:30 am and we’ve returned from a 2-hour surf, stoked and ready to devour some brekkie. With Harana Surf Resorts awesome restaurant layout and menu selection, whether it’s Mango Pancakes or an Eggplant Omelette and Banana Shake, it’s always a treat. We don’t work regular hours, instead, we are governed by the sun and the tides. It’s like working flexible hours I guess. Why input all your energy during a choppy onshore sea for a very poor output. Better conserve your inputs & have a lie in, maybe a pinoy massage, then when the swell’s on you can put in a 110%, and in return have one of the best surf session of your life.
The daily routine.
A 2-week Surf and Explore has an agenda…a checklist as such. Fun surfs, epic adventures and embracing all the magic that this slice of heaven and its awesome people have to offer. I don’t believe in planning a routine too meticulously for it leaves no chance for spontaneous adventures and distractions. Any surfer knows that mother nature doesn’t always deliver as promised, we go with the flow (Island Time!)
The checklist goes a little something like this –
Connect and communicate.
Whether it’s group breakfast, sharing a high five after a sick wave, eating fresh BBQ fish on a paradise island, or watching the sunset over a few beers…we connect with our team on all levels. We unite such a wide demographic of people far and wide, all with a shared passion for surf and its lifestyle. But Siargao’s more than this. It’s unlike any place I’ve ever been to. It’s not how we connect within “the” group, more so how we connect with the community surrounding us. The locals are so loving and giving, it’s a sweet reminder how we all as humans share the same emotions regardless of our home, upbringing or beliefs. You have to experience it to understand, but this connection is one of the biggest highlights of our work.
Results.
Every office strives for results, and this remote working environment is no different. Whilst in the Siargao Office, the main result we strive for is stoke. Everyone wants something different, some may be super excited to go see attractions like Sohoton, but couldn’t care less about the Surf Survival. For some, it’s all about the surf but we’re not talking perfect barrels and air reverse as a result. It’s about personal goals and realistic metrics – delivering results for each individual’s needs. It’s about what they want from their experience in paradise? Surfing isn’t an easy sport, holding your breath for 2 minutes and diving to 10 meters isn’t either, nor is getting up and singing karaoke at 2 am in front of a crowd. Each to their own. But if the goal is to simply give it all you got and have fun, then we’re all about that.
Take Pride & Enjoy your work.
It’s false for me to paint a picture of having ultimate freedom, governed by the sun and the tides. I run trips for people who are after an experience they can’t get as a solo traveller, surfing or snowboarding and sharing everything from meals to mountain hikes with like-minded souls. I don’t do I want when I want, that’s like a taxi driver deciding what house to drop you off at when you’re trying to get home.
But my office is what I make it be. I’m not a one-trick pony that’s ready to circumnavigate the dull 9-5 racecourse. I don’t belong in a cage or a cubical. I’d much rather be a unicorn. My office is where there are pow days, pumping swell and good photo opportunities. Input all your passion & stoke and output some mind-blowing adrenaline and good laughs.
I’m now sat here 2 months after embarking on the first TTR Philippines trip, and almost exactly 2 years since I left Siargao Island for the first time. I guess I feel a lot of satisfaction and proud accomplishment.
Find your flow and go with it. Ask me if I’m in a box or outside writing this now or not? Who cares. It’s a state of mind!