By Nichole Quintos, Creative Strategy Specialist

Every frame tells a story, but some of the most meaningful stories unfold behind the camera.

For Albert Dela Cruz, often known as Al, what started as simple cuts and trims as an intern turned into a full-circle journey through every layer of production, a journey that shaped his craft and the way he leads today.

Where It Started: Curiosity, Culture, and Opportunity

Al with the team at the 38th Agora Awards (2017)

Al's story at VCS began with the basics of video production: editing clips, trimming footage, and supporting shoots as an intern. These early tasks grounded him in the fundamentals of production while giving him a firsthand look at how projects come together.

“I remember starting as an intern assigned to video production, handling basic edits like cutting and trimming footage, and joining shoots,” he shares. “Even with those simple tasks, I quickly realized that VCS had everything I was looking for in the video industry.”

As he spent more time on projects, his understanding expanded beyond his immediate role. “I was also learning the full production process, from pre-production to post.”

*Al with the team at a Townhall Meeting at B Hotel, Quezon City (2026)*

That exposure made it easier to see long-term possibilities within the company. “What really made me stay was seeing the growth I could achieve here, especially because of the team. There’s a strong culture of support and collaboration, and that really helped me grow.”

This combination of hands-on experience and a supportive environment set the foundation for his next steps within the team.

Growing Through Every Role

Al participating in a painting session with the teammates.

Al’s progression across roles reflects a continuous build-up of skills and perspective, with each stage shaping how he approached the next.

“As an intern, I learned the value of curiosity and hands-on experience,” he says. “Even basic tasks showed me the importance of being eager to learn.”

Al with the team during a production shoot at Cebu City

Moving into an editor role sharpened his attention to detail. “I honed my technical skills and attention to detail. I realized how critical patience and precision are, and that small improvements in every cut can make a big difference.”

During the pandemic, shifting circumstances required him to adapt quickly. “That’s when I explored 2D motion graphics, even though it was completely new to me,” he recalls. “It pushed me to grow in a different direction, combining creativity with storytelling, thinking about the audience, pacing, and emotion behind every animation.”

Al posing for a photo with the production team, Multimedia Specialists Nuñag and RJ Garcia, alongside Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon at VIP Golf PH, Pasay City

This period expanded both his creative range and his ability to respond to change. As he transitioned into a supervisory role, his focus turned toward managing both work and people: “I learned how to guide a team and balance deadlines, quality, and collaboration. It showed me the importance of communication, empathy, and building trust.”

Now in a managerial role, his perspective continues to widen: “I’m learning to see the bigger picture, how every project fits into the company’s goals, and how to inspire growth in others as I continue to grow myself.”

Each role added a new layer to his experience, preparing him for the shift from execution to leadership.

Al after a production shoot, and working alongside the team

From Execution to Leadership

Working across every stage of production has shaped how Al approaches leadership today, grounding his decisions in practical experience.

“Since I’ve experienced every part of production, I understand how each step affects the final output,” he explains

Al focused during a Team Building Activity at Los Baños, Laguna

That perspective guides his priorities across different areas of work. “For quality, I pay attention to small details because I know they matter. For workflow, I try to keep things simple and smooth to avoid delays. And when it comes to the team, I make sure to support them because I understand the challenges they go through.”

As his role evolved, so did the way he approached decision-making: “As I moved from doing the work myself to leading the team, the biggest change has been how I think about the bigger picture,” he says. "My focus shifted from completing tasks to thinking about how each decision affects the team, the workflow, and the final output."

Al with past and present #TeamVCS members across different stages of his journey

Handling pressure became a key part of that shift. “When deadlines are short, the pressure can feel intense. So I focus on staying calm and keeping a clear mind. I break down the tasks, prioritize what needs to be done first, and tackle each step carefully.”

This approach allows him to stay consistent even in high-pressure situations. “Handling these pressures has helped me become more resilient and confident in managing both my work and supporting the team.”

With this mindset in place, his focus naturally extends toward strengthening the team as a whole.

*Al leading direction on a client shoot in Pampanga*

Leading Forward: Building Stronger Systems and Teams

In his current role as Multimedia Production Manager, Al is focused on creating a more efficient and supportive production environment, both in structure and in team dynamics.

For him, a strong production team depends on alignment and collaboration: “I think our teamwork has grown a lot over time. We’re always aligned on what we want to achieve for each project, and we regularly share suggestions and ideas for improvement. We also understand each other’s strengths and skills, which makes it easier to work together and support one another.”

Al presenting the production team during a Townhall Meeting

Looking ahead, he is focused on improving how the team works day-to-day. “My main focus is on strengthening our workflow and supporting the team,” he says. “I want to make sure processes are clear and efficient, so everyone can work smoothly and meet deadlines without unnecessary stress.”

Supporting growth remains a key priority: “I also want to help the team grow by giving guidance, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to improve their skills.”

Al focused on production work during active shoot sessions

This direction reflects how he views his role moving forward: guiding both systems and people toward better outcomes. “This promotion means a lot to me both personally and professionally,” he reflects. “Personally, it’s a recognition of the hard work and growth I’ve put in over the years. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to take on more responsibility, guide the team, and help drive better results, while continuing to grow myself.”

Al with #TeamVCS during a Monthly Huddle Report

Al's journey at VCS is a story of what happens when curiosity meets commitment. From his first edit to leading a full production team, every step was built on the one before it. That kind of growth doesn't happen overnight, it happens frame by frame.