Starbucks: Limitless Connection

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Our City have been known as the gateway of Mindanao, about several hundred thousand people everyday come through this City to do business and trade. I have had the privilege of delving into the vast world of coffee. In September 2024, I received a phone call stating one of the largest if not the largest coffee shop in Cagayan de Oro was in need of a videographer for their internal contest to launch in the Asia Pacific. As a young creator, I have always wondered what it was like behind the scenes as opposed to just being a diner, enjoying a cup of coffee on my downtime while waiting for my class schedule or casual meeting with friends and my event clients.


Our day started with free flowing coffee on a very early call time, the mall was still closed and the the reality of opening the store, cleaning and all their standard preparations, I noticed that they were very meticulous in their practice. Which for me is a good thing considering there are food and somehow assured me that I am eating in a clean and disinfected environment.

It was a 2 day intensive shoot and we had to do it fast while the store was still empty to capture the essence of the an empty cafe as it was about to open. We were met with difficulties as soon as the store became operational but we managed somehow to get everything on the first day. Amidst the many retakes, I was able to enjoy various offerings that the store had to offer that I did not try before like their pastas and sandwiches. I realized that like any other coffee shops I have been to, the stores in the specific City would adhere to the taste and preference of their customers or clients. Young as I am, I enjoy sweet and iced coffee while my father who have been in the Military for several years would only drink black coffee with no sugar. Some of my questions were answered as we went about our day.

On day 2 of our shoot, there were changes in the plot and we had to retake these scenes. We got through the day and by the time we were done, it was closing time. Everyone else is as tired as I was. Again, they had to go through another set of practices and protocols before they can close. Donating food was one of them and I am amazed that they do try to give back to the community, it may not be much I know but the thought of giving back is important.

My team and I were given five  (5) days to shoot and edit and after a tiring shoot, it was time to get the creative juices going. I was excited and nervous at the same time. The pay was decent since I didn’t want to set it too high and have them expect so much of me. I finished it in time with barely any sleep. When we finally presented it to them they seemed to like it.


Towards the middle of November, about two (2) months after not hearing any result, at about 10 in the evening while I was out with friends, the team’s manager approached me and showed me the result of the contest where it was joined by 16 countries with about 49 entries. Cagayan de Oro placed 2nd place just behind Thailand and who placed first runner up and Taiwan won the overall contest. The experience was surreal for which I am and will always be grateful that a rising creative videographer and editor became a part of



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