A Startup Huddle Over Waffles: Where Ideas Rise in Butuan

A Huddle Before the Next Big Move

Every strong team starts with a huddle – a moment to pause, lean in, share what’s working, and realign before moving forward.

That’s exactly what this gathering was.

Before the pitches, before the products, before the scaling plans, founders, creatives, and tech builders gathered at Dodo Coworking Space for what we call Pandesal Talks:  an honest startup huddle rooted in conversation, community, and clarity.

And yes, while the name says pandesal, what sat on the table that morning were waffles and coffee.

Because Pandesal Talks isn’t about what you eat… it’s about how you talk.

Inspired by the Filipino tradition of pandesal mornings where ideas are simple, conversations are real, and no one pretends to have it all figured out,  this session created a space where startups could be discussed without pressure, ego, or performative success stories.

This time, the pandesal took the form of waffles.
Same warmth. Same openness. Same intent.

What unfolded was more than a meetup.
It was a mindset reset for the growing startup ecosystem in Butuan City with insights that resonated well beyond local borders.

“Startups don’t begin with funding. They begin with conversations.”

The Power of a Table, Not a Stage

Pandesal Talks was never meant to be a panel behind microphones or a room filled with buzzwords and pitch decks.

It’s designed as a table conversation whether the table holds pandesal, waffles, or coffee cups that keep getting refilled.

The goal is simple:

• Remove formality
• Invite honesty
• Make technology feel accessible, not intimidating

When you strip away titles and slides, people speak more freely.
And when people speak honestly, real innovation begins.

“When you remove formality, you invite honesty – and that’s where real innovation starts.”

Voices That Shaped the Conversation

The strength of the session came from the people who showed up not just as professionals, but as builders who’ve lived the startup journey.

Jhon Paul Quiñal

Former Founder, AgriKultura

Jhon Paul shared grounded insights on building impact-driven startups, especially in sectors rooted in real-world problems. His experience reminded everyone that technology must serve people first, not the other way around.

Hanthony Tagam

Tarbajo-AI

Hanthony reframed the way we see artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human work, but as a partner that enhances productivity and opens new possibilities for modern businesses.

Arcee Cervantes

Startup Freelancer, TechUp Caraga

Arcee highlighted a growing truth in today’s ecosystem: careers don’t have to follow a straight line. Freelancing, startups, and tech communities now offer alternative paths that are just as impactful and often more flexible.

Dave Franco

TechUp Caraga | CEO, Franco Studios

Dave spoke about the intersection of creativity and technology, emphasizing that strong branding, design, and storytelling are no longer optional, they are essential to building sustainable businesses.

A Shift in Mindset: Local Roots, Global Reach

One of the most powerful takeaways from the session was this realization:

Startups in Butuan don’t need to stay small.

With the right mindset, tools, and community support, local founders can build solutions that scale globally. Technology has flattened the playing field and cities outside major hubs now have a real chance to lead.

Why Pandesal Talks Matter

At its core, Pandesal Talks is about community.

It’s about creating spaces where:

• Ideas are challenged respectfully
• Failures are shared openly
• Collaboration beats competition
• And technology becomes accessible, not overwhelming

This session proved that meaningful progress doesn’t always come from big events but often starts with small, intentional gatherings.

What’s Next for Dodo Academy

At Dodo Academy, we believe startups are built on three things:

1. Conversation – ideas grow when shared
2. Collaboration – communities build faster together
3. Courage – execution always beats fear

Pandesal Talks (with waffles, of course) is just one of the many ways we’re nurturing the startup ecosystem in Caraga – one honest conversation at a time.

Want more conversations like this?

Join us as founders, creatives, and tech builders continue the conversation sharing real stories, practical insights, and bold ideas shaping the local and global startup ecosystem.

Same energy. New voices. Bigger conversations.