Orly Darnayla of Baybayin Hub on Reinventing the Future of Work Amidst Nature

In a time where travel seems to be a distant dream, people itching for that much-needed change of scene, and working in the confines of the four walls of your home is the new normal  – one question can’t help but come to mind – when will this uncertainty end?

Restrictions and social distancing aside, there was a silver lining that came through. Enter the term work-life balance. What seemingly used to be a myth is something we now experience in our current day-to-day lives. Not only do we get to spend time with our family the minute we virtually clock out from work, but we also get to do chores or anything else in between breaks—if we’re lucky. Gone are the days for the dreadful commute to and from the office, and not to mention the long queues we had to wait out on.

But with the rising COVID-19 cases in the city, we might find ourselves daydreaming on when we can travel freely again without feeling the sudden pangs of anxiety. Fortunately, entrepreneurs in the hospitality and travel industry have adapted to the new normal to answer the prayers of the discerning traveler. Fast travel has been swapped with slow, more meaningful travel, and leisure tourism has been traded in with intentional living far from the maddening crowds.

We sat down with Orly Darnalya, Founder of Baybayin Hub to talk about reinventing the future of work far from the chaos of the city.

What do you think is the best aspect of Baybayin Hub and what sets it apart among other co-living and co-working spaces?

It’s difficult for me to claim that we are the first in conceptualizing co-working spaces amidst nature in the country, but we can claim that we are the pioneer in converting resorts and hotels in the country into co-working and co-living spaces. We teach and guide resort and hotel owners on how to make their properties a “remote worker-friendly” sanctuary. This concept is still very new to the Philippines, so it takes a lot of patience and determination to convince people in embracing this kind of lifestyle. We partner with resort and hotel owners to turn their properties into a nomad accommodation. Communal kitchens are installed where guests can cook their meals while common working spaces are also opened up to accommodate their working corners. Think of us as an intermediary agent between guests and hotels or resorts. With this, resorts and hotels that were once only for tourists can rent out their rooms and make profit for medium and long-term stays. I would like to believe that I know what remote workers want because I’m also one. In addition to that, our members and guests still keep in touch with us so we were able to form this growing community. We also have the flexibility. If you want cheaper or rustic accommodations, we have that. If you want more high-end accommodations, we have that as well.

Is it just Filipinos or do foreigners stay at one of your hubs, too?

Most of our guests are Filipinos but there are a few expats as well, those who are working and living here.

How does Baybayin Hub promote the quality of life and oneness with nature?

You can enjoy the quality of life with a beachfront view rather than being cooped up inside your condo or home. When you wake up, you smell the fresh air, hear the soft chirping of the birds and the gentle sound of the waves which I find therapeutic. There are a lot of medical benefits from walking barefoot in the sand and from basking in the sun. When staying at a Baybayin hub, you get to eat fresh food all day. If you feel lonely, you can always chat with a fellow guest.

What is work-life balance for you?

Work-life balance for me is meaning you have time for yourself, you get to take care of your health, you have time to unplug, and spend time with family and loved ones.

With Baybayin Hub, how are you affecting the local communities?

As we help resorts bounce back from acquiring guests, restaurants, grocery stores, transportation and the locals thrive as well.

How does one avail of a Baybayin Hub?

First, guests have to decide on which kind of hub they would like to stay at. An important question they need to figure out, “Is it the more affordable accommodation or the higher-end  types?” Next, they choose their preferred destination. Once all of these are settled, they can reach us via our website. Once we get their details, we do a background check to know more about them, their wants, and needs, and then brief them on what they can expect. We then proceed with securing their bookings.

Can you tell us what a typical day is like at Baybayin Hub for a working nomad?

Personally, I start my day with a cup of coffee. I take my time in the morning. After that, I switch on my laptop and start working. If I don’t have time to cook my meal, I will just go to the local cafe and order. After work, I go to the beach, wait for the sunset, and just soak in the calming therapy it provides me with.