Our Home Base: Phú Quốc

Many people have asked us why we chose Phú Quốc as our home base instead of other dynamic and well-developed cities like Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh, or Đà Nẵng. The shortest answer is simply: Phú Quốc is home. The longer answer, as long as this article itself, lies in the island’s blessings of nature, its growth potential, cultural diversity, and, most importantly, our love for its unique vibe.

The process of choosing Phú Quốc was not difficult, but it did take a long time of consideration. Being fans of fiction and manga, we’ll tell this story in the style of a protagonist’s adventure—using the arc structure to make it more enjoyable for both you and us. And since our theme is the island, you’ll see a few references from One Piece, with our protagonist being none other than our founder, Haneki.

Arc 1: Exploration with a Dream

As mentioned in The Origin of bàbu, he left Hồ Chí Minh City for Phú Quốc to start a tourism and hospitality company. The beginning was filled with hardship, but he achieved his goal at the time: to work in tourism and to learn about the island—because traveling is a gateway to understanding culture.

For a while, Haneki put aside his treasure box containing the bàbu plan. He threw himself into building a career, chasing after success. The company saw early achievements: Túc Cafe earned recognition, and Sava Trip became known for its unique services. As head of marketing, Haneki felt a sense of accomplishment, and his love for Phú Quốc grew alongside his career.

At this time, the Pearl Island was also changing rapidly. More investment poured in. Roads were built. Hotels opened. Restaurants multiplied. Though saddened to see concrete replace nature, Haneki knew it was the trade-off for growth. He firmly believed in the immense potential of Phú Quốc and had high hopes for his business—though little did he know what awaited him.

Arc 2: The Obstacle

Phú Quốc was still beautiful: long sandy beaches with gentle waves, forests brimming with life, streams and waterfalls singing with birds and bees, coral reefs of many colors, and trails of starfish along the shore. Every sunset painted nostalgia into the hearts of all opacarophiles. Yet, in Haneki’s eyes, dusk was falling on his company.

Many factors led to the failure of new projects and, eventually, bankruptcy. Doubt, fear, and denial stormed through him. The projects he once held with pride were now nothing but names.

He needed a break to reconcile with himself.

You might call it running away. Yes, he ran, and luckily, straight into the arms of Mother Nature. She had the wind to cool his anger, the clouds to stay by his side, the trees to lean on, and the waters to wash away his exhaustion. Slowly, gently, he calmed down, finding clarity in his mind.

Just as Phú Quốc rejuvenates during its rainy season, Haneki found his own blessing in the island’s embrace.

Arc 3: Flashback

The treasure box was always there in his mind. But he hadn’t been ready to open it. Until now.

Touching the plan he had kept so dearly, memories flooded back—memories of childhood long past.

It was the last year of the 20th century. A little boy traveled with his father to Phú Quốc on a steel ship, a ten-hour journey from Rạch Giá. No streets with signs or lights—just dirt roads of red bazan. No theme parks or museums—just sandy fields and salt pans. No restaurants or cafés—just small food stalls in front of homes. No AC cars or electric buses—just old scooters groaning along. No tourists—only farmers and fishermen. And yet, it was beautiful beyond words.

The boy was mesmerized. Even later in life, Haneki could not put any place above Phú Quốc in his list of the world’s most magnificent sceneries. Everything he experienced then was the island in its purest form: swimming in the emerald sea, squid fishing on wooden boats, watching his father work as a pearl technician, trekking through tropical forests, sliding down sand dunes, and spotting wild animals in their habitat.

And above all, it was the islanders. Even at a young age, he felt their warmth and kindness. Life was steady, full of interest, and unforgettable. The vibe of Phú Quốc lingered forever in his memory. Back then, young Haneki searched for a word to describe that feeling, but at his age, he could not yet name it.

Awakening from this flashback, Haneki smiled. The weight lifted from his shoulders. No more hesitation. He opened the treasure box and rediscovered his passion—or perhaps rediscovered himself. And the word he had been searching for all along finally came easily:

Nourishment.

Phú Quốc nourishes. And when you love it, that love is returned.

Arc 4: Power Up

The Pearl Island is growing rapidly, and so are its people—including Haneki. It has now been designated a special administrative region of Việt Nam. Infrastructure is booming in preparation for APEC 2027. Living conditions are improving quickly as technology is embraced. Critics say development harms the environment, but every change has its trade-offs. Phú Quốc is no longer in its primeval state—it is becoming a premium island city.

The new market attracts talents from everywhere. Competition is fierce, and inspiration sparks at every corner. Haneki was thrilled. He was the type who loved playing on hard mode. Meeting new people with fresh ideas gave him renewed motivation. If One Piece tells the story of the great pirate era, then Phú Quốc is living through the great era of entrepreneurs.

The island’s vibrant economy and global exposure make it a magnet for start-ups. With new settlers from across Việt Nam and the world, Phú Quốc is building a community with a strong sense of family—rooted in Vietnamese collectivism but enriched by diversity. The island’s nourishing pace softens the frenzy of big cities. Its cultural variety allows people to learn from one another, sharing both similarities and differences. Together, it is evolving into something new: a culture of those who love Phú Quốc.

Haneki realized his true desire was to work with culture itself. The next six months were spent researching, planning, and preparing. At this stage, he was alone—except for the emotional support of loved ones who believed in him. He wasn’t “HIM” yet, but he was already in his power-up phase.

Arc 5: Set Sail

Phú Quốc was chosen as the home base for both Haneki and bàbu. While big cities might offer more talent pools and greater convenience, Haneki believed in finding what is suitable rather than what seems “best.” A tree may survive in the wrong soil, but it will never bloom.

To sail the seas, you need a vessel. bàbu is Haneki’s vessel—like the Going Merry or Thousand Sunny is to Luffy. With the plans complete, he launched withbabu.com. The beginning is always rough, and now he must gather more crewmates to build a name for themselves. Challenges and opportunities lie ahead—but that’s what makes the adventure worthwhile.

The story has just begun. And you are welcome to come aboard with us—with bàbu—to raise our flag, our Jolly Roger, on the island of Phú Quốc.

Let us live life in the most wonderful way!