4one4 Property Co. includes a team of four dedicated staff members working remotely in the Philippines. This September, we seized the chance to welcome them to our office onshore, providing them with the opportunity to meet the entire team and explore the wonders Tassie has to offer. Here’s a brief recap of their two-week journey, encompassing both their exciting adventures and occasional misadventures.

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Dear Diary,

Dorothy said it best, “there’s no place like home”. And for the longest time, I’ve always believed that quote without a single doubt. After all, what could compare to a cosy bed, homemade meals, and quality family time? But our two-week stay in Tassie proved this phrase wrong and now, I’m kind of convinced that home doesn’t always pertain to a place. At times, it talks about people. 

And I guess, Irish novelist Cecilia Ahern was right: “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling”. 

There’s always a fair share of excitement and worry when travelling. Excited about the new environment and culture, and worried about the same thing, too. But our trip to Tassie faded all our worries away and the place somewhat felt like cuddling us in a warm and comforting embrace upon our arrival. 

We felt welcomed.

Thanks to our loving 4one4 Property Co. family, what should have been a foreign place to us felt exactly like home–in an instant. We found a second home in everyone’s warmth–with their hugs and smiles and unending random stories. That should be one of the reasons why we were able to survive the cold weather–I mean, aside from our layered clothes and puffy jackets, their warmth was truly essential. 

After all the introductions, catching-ups, and putting faces to names we only see on screens and email inboxes, it’s time for all the little adventures here and there. I know I couldn’t give actual justice to Tassie’s breathtaking beauty with my words but I’ll still try anyway. Tasmania is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel list. Its landscapes are nothing short of stunning, its culinary delights are incredibly satisfying, and its people are nice and welcoming. You can have the luxury of enjoying both city conveniences and country serenity. 

We’ve explored different local attractions that made us fall in love deeper with the state. One of the most unforgettable moments took place atop the majestic Mt. Wellington (or ‘kunanyi’), standing proud at 1270 metres above sea level aka the highest (and apparently, the coldest) spot in Tassie–overlooking the stunning backdrop of Hobart. That probably was the coldest temperature I’ve ever felt in my entire life, making the chilliest air conditioning in the Philippines seem like a warm embrace.

Another fascinating destination was the historic town of Port Arthur, boasting over 30 well-preserved buildings and ruins across a sprawling 100 acres of land. Its rich history makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone eager to delve into Tasmania’s past. Fun fact: Port Arthur stands as Australia’s most intact and evocative convict site. Our exploration wasn’t limited to dry land; we also had the privilege of traversing the waters around it on a ferry, adding another layer of extraordinary to the experience.

En route to Port Arthur, we were captivated by the mesmerising rock formations and stunning water views at Eaglehawk Neck. We marvelled at the natural wonders of Blow Hole, Tasman Arch, and Devils Kitchen. It almost felt like fate was at play (and not just an excuse) when we realised we had to return to fully soak in the beauty of this place.

We also took a stroll through the artistic haven of Salamanca Market, a vibrant hub where we unearthed a treasure trove of handmade and locally sourced goods. It provided the perfect opportunity to connect with the community, immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere, and discover the soul of this imaginative island. Of course, we couldn’t resist picking up some souvenirs to take home as memories of our adventure.

Our encounter with the locals took a unique turn at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. By “locals,” I mean the native Tassie wildlife like echidnas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, various species of cockatoos, kangaroos, and many more. The highlight was undoubtedly bonding with the friendly kangaroos, feeding them, and giving them a good pat. What’s truly bizarre, though, is that shortly after enjoying their company, we found ourselves trying wallaby for lunch. Surprisingly, it was not at all strange to the palate (Darryl seemed to enjoy it the most), but the contrast of savouring the kangaroos’ company one moment and dining on them the next was, well, rather weird?!?

Well, speaking of weird, for all artsy people who adore all things weird and wonderful, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) should not miss your list. I personally love museums of any kind but especially the uniquely interesting ones, so this was definitely on my personal list. And I’m glad we were able to tick it off and mind you, it didn’t disappoint–at all! The museum houses thought-provoking artworks, a labyrinth of eccentric and unconventional concepts, and masterpieces that stir your emotions—all within one creatively distinctive space. It might be a bit overwhelming for some (like Queen), but for those who embrace vulgar and realist art exploring themes of sex and death, it’s an absolute visual and intellectual feast. And let’s not forget the magnificent architecture of the building itself and its interiors—a true masterpiece within a masterpiece.

Whilst it might appear as though we were living our best holiday life, we did have our fair share of business-as-usual days. But truth be told, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Beyond getting to know the fantastic 4one4 crew better and spending time with some truly wonderful people, we managed to inject a bit of novelty into our typical work routine.

Renz and Darryl were able to go with some of the property managers to check on some properties for routine and entry inspections–and some sightseeing in between. Queen and I were able to attend shoots with the Mediahouse team and helped operate the Matterport equipment. Not to mention, we became instant actors, too, in one of the property videos which we don’t know if we’re brave enough to watch. Nonetheless, it was a great experience. Something we can’t do while working remotely. 

And would you believe, I also had the privilege of putting a ‘SOLD’ sticker to one of Aaron Murray’s listings?!? Roaming around Lindisfarne and Sorell with him was also a lovely memory–and he even took me to this incredible spot overlooking the breathtaking Tasman Bridge! Another standout moment was our presentation to MKH Contracting along with Patrick and Aaron and I never knew until then that a sweet “yes” could even be sweeter after putting in hard work.

In addition to all these delightful escapades, we dipped our toes into Tassie’s famous sport, Pickleball, alongside the Hornes, Aaron and Janaya. It was an absolute blast, and we’re eager to give it another whirl someday. Our stay at the office also featured two memorable morning tea times, complete with delectable treats and lively chats. One of these coincided with R U OK Day, a heartwarming gesture dedicated to checking in on friends and family, something we hope exists in the Philippines as well.

Another fascinating experience was the coffee-making sessions in the morning (apologies, Mary-Jane and Amelia, for all the coffee bean crumbs). A punch of caffeine was very much needed for both work and the chilly weather. Not to mention, it goes well with The Bunker’s Beepo Bops Spotify playlist! Going to see one of the swimming sessions of Jack (Aaron’s son) was also a wonderful memory that now gives us a peek into what Aaron means when he mentions Jack’s swimming plans.

All our trips to Coles and Woolies for groceries will hold a special place in our hearts (we’ll always remember Aaron’s buffalo wings, Grace’s Dare, and Quinn and Parker’s—but mostly Quinn’s—endless recommendations). Northgate and K-Mart became staples, and we’re already planning to return, albeit this time with more luggage space (if you know what I mean). And let’s not forget the self-checkout counters—an introvert’s dream, sparing us from unnecessary small talk, and a fascinating novelty, since that’s not widely available in the Philippines. 

Good ol’ fashion always gets me, so the barbie party we had at Paul and Robyn’s place was definitely a bang! I mean, literally with the shots, yes, but also, with the fun interactions and chats with all the team members and their partners and families. We felt warmly welcomed throughout the night as if we had known everyone for ages. It was a truly beautiful evening, and we’re immensely grateful to Robyn and Paul for putting it all together!

When it comes to food, we really can’t complain, except for the occasional longing for our beloved Filipino cuisine. But it’s an “us” problem. Tassie’s food deserves big five-star ratings. Some restaurants we’ve tried were Luna Chan, Mures, Whisk & Co, The Den, Pizzarazzi, and Moonah Hotel–and you can count on your fingers the dishes we just like, because most of them, we love them! And let’s not forget the office favourite, District B; their coffee and food were simply outstanding. I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Turuu, the owner of District B, whom I had met via Zoom some time ago. He was just as lovely as Cyrus of Luna Chan, with whom I also had the chance to converse. The best part? They remembered me! It was a heartwarming realisation of how wonderful it feels to be recognised and how a single interaction can leave a lasting impression.

Going back to food, Taco Tuesday was also a highlight! We felt like locals trying Abbey and Patrick’s tacos which we all found really tasty. And one of these days, one of us would probably try to remake that in our own homes–in an effort to not miss Tassie a lot. The spanish breads that Diana brought us in the office touched our hearts, too. Those are famous breads in the Philippines and her auntie, who happens to be a Filipina (Diana is half-Filipina, too) personally made those. Mind you, they tasted yummy!

Our encounter with Mary-Jane and Greg one night we visited them for dinner was also a memory to hold. From the majestic night view from their balcony and dining area plus the salmon with rice they prepared, to the fun stories we shared whilst a Filipino hit playlist was playing in the background, everything was definitely one for the books! We had heaps of trading stories and good laughs, too!

After all the excitement and exploration, we’d make our way back to our Airbnb, our home sweet home in Tassie. Considering it was where we began and ended each day, it’s only fitting to give it a special mention here. There’s no denying we grew quite attached to that place. From the morning breakfast preparations to our valiant attempts at recreating Filipino dishes for dinner (Darryl handled most of the cooking, with the rest of us assisting with peeling, washing, and taste-testing), our bond as the offshore team grew stronger. Singing our hearts out to Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” and “Cruel Summer” became a cherished moment—a memory that will always bring us joy.

We made countless memories during our time in Tassie and for a diary, this might look like a novel already. But seriously, this isn’t even half of what I want to say. From all the experiences we’ve had, the people we’ve encountered, all the places we’ve been to, and the food we’ve tried, a single diary entry won’t suffice. But I guess it’s a good avenue to tickle our memory lane one day when we want to reflect on what happened in our 2 incredibly amazing weeks in Tassie.

But of course, I think it’s just fair enough to ask my other teammates their thoughts on all our experiences just so everyone knows we’re on the same page.

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What was your favourite memory/highlight of the trip?

DARRYL
I really can’t think of a highlight because in general, the Tassie trip is “The Highlight”. Meeting everyone in the office who all are very welcoming, experiencing Aussie hospitality, the Tassie weather, food, driving around (letting us use GPS even for a 98.4 km-drive back to the City and thinking we are going in the wrong direction–which we’re glad we didn’t), and doing some field works (Routine and Entry Inspections).

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RENZ
Honestly, I treasure all the memories and experiences that I had with them during our stay. But, if there is really one thing that I will always remember, it was the day I set foot in the office. Who would have imagined that before, I was just looking at it in the picture, but I finally had the chance to see it & to actually work there physically. Not to mention all the lovely 4one4 staff that I’ve been working with for a couple of years already. It’s just so amazing to meet them with no awkwardness & really felt that we are more than just work colleagues and like a real family.

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QUEEN
It’s hard to choose a favourite because everything was really memorable. But going to Mt. Wellington was really one of the best, if not the best, of the trip. When I remember Tasmania, going up to that mountain is the first thing that comes to mind. The temperature, which was so freezing cold by the way, and the scenery on the mountaintop were really spectacular and magnificent. Everything looks so beautiful from that point. My first time setting foot in Australia (Sydney) will also be ingrained in me. That was like a ‘warm greeting’ but with the coldest air that I’ve felt in my entire life!

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Which food/drinks did you enjoy the most? Any favourite restaurant/s?

DARRYL
I’m a foodie. I loved all the restaurants and food we ate. But to choose one, I will go for Mures Lower Deck. I love Australia’s seafood. And Pat’s beer recos. Not to mention the shots we had during the Aussie Barbie Night!

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RENZ
I really am not a fussy eater and am always up to trying everything (especially exotic/unusual food). I would say my favourite resto was Mures. I love seafood, so I enjoyed their Fisherman’s Basket! It was also our first meal in Hobart so that’s memorable.

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QUEEN
I love Luna Chan! It might be because they have tastes from Asia, but I do love eating their food and the ambience of the restaurant. Their place is so hip, too. Another favourite is the salmon dish that Mary-Jane, our receptionist, cooked for us when she and Greg invited us for dinner. I can still almost taste the flavour of the dish. That’s how I love it!

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What did you find distinct in Tassie (that doesn’t or barely exist in the PH)?

DARRYL
I think the weather. We experienced rainy, sunny, and windy weather all on the same day for an hour or two duration. Plus, no traffic! It was almost like a ghost town once nighttime hit. And the self-checkout counters, of course! We barely have those in the Philippines!

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RENZ
I would say the traffic! I was amazed that there was actually no long traffic. If there is, that’s only during rush hour and I don’t think you can even call that ‘traffic’ because it only lasts for a couple of minutes. Another thing is the self-checkout at the supermarket. For someone who doesn’t like others to know what they are buying or what is on their trolley, that gave me peace lol. But seriously, yes, I like that setup!

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QUEEN
The temperature! Haha! Very distinct from PH! It felt like Tassie has ‘centralised air conditioning’ and you have to stay indoors just to keep yourself warm. In the PH, it’s the other way around, if not hot… It’s the hottest outside, and we have to be inside our houses to keep away from the high temperature. Another is eating kangaroo meat. It’s surprising that their meat is edible.

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Which tourist spot did you enjoy the most?

DARRYL
I love nature, so Mt. Wellington will definitely be one. Driving to Tasmania Peninsula to see rock formations, beaches, and country scenery is great, too. Plus Port Arthur and MONA, love to learn something about Australia and Tassie history.

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RENZ
I have two favourites: The first one is Mount Wellington! When I was there at the top of the mountain, it was so cold & peaceful. I love the amazing view, overlooking the whole of Hobart & other neighbouring cities. I hope that when I come back there, the mountain will already be covered by snow. Secondly, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. I love visiting a zoo to see different animals especially those I have never seen before. Which is why, I enjoyed feeding the Kangaroos!

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QUEEN

I must say I have the same answer to the first question. Without a doubt, my favourite was Mt Wellington!!! Everything looks so beautiful from that point and that breathtaking view will forever be engraved in my heart and memory. Definitely one for the books!

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Would you like to go back and visit Tassie again, had there been an opportunity?

DARRYL
That’s a no-brainer. Of course, I’d love to go back! As of the moment, I have only travelled to Australia and I’ve been to Sydney multiple times, but Tassie will definitely be always on my list from now on. If I had the opportunity, I would definitely grab it because I love Tassie! Special mention to the Berry family, without you, guys, this would not be possible and I will forever be grateful for this lovely opportunity. And to the whole 4one4 family who are very welcoming and showed us love, I love you, guys. Can’t wait to come back!

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RENZ
Of course, 100%! I am glad that Tassie is the first state I visited in Australia. I was so amazed by its beauty and just really loved the serene vibe. I think that there are still many more to explore and that’s a reason to definitely come back!

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QUEEN
Yes! Definitely! Tassie has a special place in my heart. Every day that I spent there will never be forgotten. The places where we went, the people that we finally met, meeting the whole onshore team. Everything is beyond words. I miss all of them. If given a chance, I’d like to see and hug each one of them again. Being in Tassie felt like ‘HOME’.

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I remember when the property management team asked us about the highlights of our team during our last dinner in Tassie. We’ve mentioned different things like meeting the whole team in person and mentioning various tourist spots we’ve been to. But when they asked about the worst part of our trip, without hesitations, we all agreed that leaving Tassie the next day was the worst. There’s so much more to explore in Tassie and if I’m being honest, two weeks isn’t enough. We loved what we experienced and we especially loved the people we interacted with–and we’d love to experience more of that–with them–soon. But I’m glad we took many photos here and there to remind us of this extraordinary, beautiful memory.

This is probably the cue to finally conclude this blog. So, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the entire 4one4 offshore team, I wanna say thank you to the 4one4’s Admin team, Sales team, Property Management team, and MediaHouse team! Thank you for being part of probably our best 2 weeks of 2023 and for welcoming us with open arms and open hearts! 

Huge shout out to Patrick and Abbey for making all of these possible. Words may fall short, but our gratitude knows no bounds, and we will forever treasure this extraordinary opportunity you’ve given us. Thank you for being our main (and coolest) tour guides along with Grace and her partner, Aaron, and the other PM members. Special shout out to Aaron Horne for making us feel like family. We’ve enjoyed every single moment of those 2 weeks with you in the Bunker (and in the car when we’re out and about) alongside Bassie. Whilst we continue to function on different sides of the globe, let’s still play the Beepo Bops playlist and catch up through Zoom and Workplace chats. 

We hope this isn’t the last time we’ll see each other again in person, but until that happens again, please always take care and know that we’ll forever remember our little adventures in Tassie with big smiles on our faces. We look forward to the day when we can reunite—hopefully sooner rather than later!

Missing Tassie and its people,
Niño