Angelle Marie, Author at Angelle Marie

Beyond the Badge

First day of March, and I finally had time to sit down, take a deep breath, and let it all sink in. The past few weeks have been nothing short of a rollercoaster—stressful, exciting, exhausting, and incredibly fulfilling all at once. WordCamp Asia 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a journey, an experience that I’ll forever hold close to my heart. From Volunteer to Organizer – A First-Time Journey Last year, I was just a volunteer, wide-eyed and eager to help in any way I could. This year, I found myself in the thick of it, part of the organizing team, specifically in Operations. If you told me a year ago that I’d be helping run one of the biggest WordPress events in Asia, I wouldn’t have believed you! But here I am, looking back at nine months of meticulous planning, problem-solving, and sleepless nights, all leading up to one unforgettable weekend. Mahirap pero sobrang worth it. To my Manila team—salamat nang sobra. You trusted me with responsibilities I never imagined I could handle, and that trust pushed me to be better. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to be part of something this big, this meaningful. The WordCamp Asia 2025 Experience From the moment the doors opened at the Philippine International Convention Center, the energy was electrifying. Attendees from all over the world, from different walks of life, gathered to celebrate the love for WordPress. The speakers brought invaluable insights, and the workshops were packed with eager learners. Regret ko lang? I was so busy, I barely had time to attend the sessions! Sayang, kasi ang daming magagandang topics. But that’s what makes WordCamp so special—kahit hindi mo mapanood lahat ng talks, the connections you build, the knowledge you pick up from conversations in the hallway, over coffee, or even during after-parties, make up for it. Overcoming Hurdles & Finding My Tribe The months leading up to the event weren’t easy. November and December were particularly tough—I had to step away from work during one of the most critical months for organizing. It was a struggle balancing personal challenges and my commitments to WordCamp. Pero sobrang blessed ako to have amazing people around me. Eric our Operations Team Lead, thank you for stepping up, guiding me, and ensuring our team stayed on track. I couldn’t have done this without your support. A huge shoutout as well to my incredible teammates – Chih Fun, Daniel, Junko, Hiroki, and Rumejan your hard work and dedication truly made this experience one to remember. Working alongside you all was an honor, and I’m grateful for the camaraderie and teamwork that carried us through. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the leadership of our Global Leads, Shusei Toda and Yuli Yang. Your dedication, patience, and vision made this event truly special. And to our local leads, Andrew Garcia and JC Palmes—grabe, solid kayo. You made sure everything ran smoothly and that the Manila spirit was felt throughout the event. Thank you for making this WordCamp one for the history books! And then there’s my new family – WPMU DEV. December gave me the chance to join them as part of their Accounts & Billing Trial, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpected yet rewarding experiences. I met some of the most incredible people, and thanks to WordCamp, I got to connect with them on a deeper level. Tim, Aniss, Jag, Dixie, Aditya, Eva, Mukul and the rest of the team – our bond felt so natural, like we had known each other for years. Our night out at Xylo was definitely one for the books! You all welcomed me with open arms, and I’ll always be grateful for the warmth and camaraderie you showed me. Looking Back, Looking Forward Now that the dust has settled, I look back with so much gratitude. WordCamp Asia 2025 was more than just an event—it was a testament to what passion, collaboration, and community can achieve. The challenges we faced were tough, but they only made the experience more meaningful. To anyone reading this who has ever considered attending or organizing a WordCamp—go for it. Hindi mo lang mararamdaman ang WordPress community, mararamdaman mo rin ang pagmamahal ng mga taong handang tumulong, magturo, at sumuporta sa’yo. Hanggang sa susunod, WordCamp Asia! Mabuhay tayong lahat! 🇵🇭

Twenty twenty four.

If I could wrap 2024 into a single theme, it would be “firsts.” This was the year of stepping outside my comfort zone, hopping on flights (both international and local), meeting incredible people, and experiencing new places—some planned, some spontaneous, but all unforgettable. The year kicked off with a major milestone—my first international flight to Taiwan to attend WordCamp Asia 2024. It was more than just a trip; it was a turning point. There’s something about boarding an international flight for the first time that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked a new level in life. Meeting fellow WordPress enthusiasts, learning from industry experts, and simply soaking in the experience—it all felt surreal. This year, I also got my first car—a moment that felt both liberating and slightly intimidating. The freedom of the open road? Amazing. The responsibilities that come with it? A whole new level of adulting. But I embraced it fully, hitting the road for countless trips and road adventures. One of the most special ones? April—my anniversary trip with my boyfriend to Cebu. Our first local flight together made it even more memorable. There’s something about traveling with someone you love—it’s like discovering a new side of them in every new place. For my birthday, I celebrated with Katya and Micko, with my plus one, Nanay, making it extra special. We went to Calatagan, Batangas, and later, I shared a meaningful trip to Monte Maria with Ate Chi, Nanay, and Francine. These weren’t just trips; they were moments filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a reminder of how grateful I am for the people in my life. Then came Baguio in May, another adventure that added to the list of beautiful places I got to experience. In July, I celebrated milestones for others, too—attending the wedding of my good friend Diana and my baby’s birthday. It was a heartwarming reminder that time moves fast, and every celebration is a moment worth cherishing. August brought WordCamp Cebu, an event that had me excited to connect with the community again. But soon after, typhoid fever hit me hard, forcing me to miss the Davao WordPress meetup, where I was supposed to speak. It was frustrating—when you’re used to always being on the go, slowing down isn’t easy. But the moment I recovered, I jumped back into adventure mode. Cagayan de Oro Meetup? Check. Camiguin Island with Ate Jevi, Harcy, Dan, and Harcy’s friend? Check. We explored, laughed, and made memories that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Then came Bukidnon with Jevi and Harcy, another beautiful trip that reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, these breaks—these escapes into new places—are what keep us grounded. After all the travels, work took over again. But it wasn’t all just deadlines and responsibilities. There were meetups, moments of connection, and the excitement of planning for the future—including WordCamp Asia 2025. December wrapped up with a well-deserved Christmas break and a Tagaytay trip with the Manila team. The perfect way to close out a year that was filled with firsts, lessons, unexpected detours, and beautiful memories.

Complete Car Care Center

Designed a user-friendly website, optimized speed, and assisted with SEO to enhance local visibility for Complete Car Care Center’s auto services.

Journey Advisors

Developed a user-friendly website, improving speed, and implementing SEO strategies to boost visibility for Journey Advisors’ consulting services.

H&M Landcape and Sprinkler Website in Laptop View

HM Landscape & Sprinkler

Designed a responsive website, assisted with local SEO, and optimized site speed for HM Landscape & Sprinkler to enhance user experience and local visibility.

Hunters Creek Lorena

Hunters Creek Lorena – A premier wedding and event venue website that emphasizes elegance, local SEO, and seamless user experience.

6Branch

6Branch – A modern event venue website that highlights elegant spaces, designed with user experience and local SEO optimization in mind.

Karem Venues

Elegant venue showcase for events, from weddings to corporate parties. I contributed to design, speed enhancements, and SEO strategies for better client engagement.

Waco Home Parade

Event website designed to promote Waco’s home parade. Focused on visual appeal, speed optimization, and SEO to help attract attendees and increase registrations.

Julia Becker Coaching

Personal coaching website designed to reflect growth and transformation. Worked on design, speed optimization, and SEO to increase visibility for potential clients.

Hunter Harrell

Hunter Harrell is a personal brand and coaching site dedicated to helping clients improve their lives through coaching and transformative services.

Connecting Through Code.

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about the WordPress community, it’s that it never feels like work—it feels like an adventure with friends. Sure, we talk about plugins, SEO tricks, and website magic, but let’s be real—half the fun is in the memories we make along the way. And nothing, I mean nothing, compares to our Baguio meetup in May 2024. It was an experience filled with laughter, slight chaos, and a whole lot of heart. Of course, it wasn’t a WordPress adventure without a little bit of unexpected chaos. Enter Kuya Drew, our self-proclaimed hiking guide, who confidently tricked us into taking the “easier, shorter” way—except it was neither easy nor short. We thought we were saving time, but nope—we ended up on an extended walk. I’d like to say we were all super fit and energized, but honestly? There were moments when we just stood there, catching our breath, wondering if we’d been fooled into a boot camp session. But between the struggle and the extra steps, we had some of the best conversations—deep talks, hilarious stories, and bonding moments that no Zoom meeting could ever replace. The next day, we had our WordPress meetup, filled with excited conversations, warm introductions, and a deep dive into all things WordPress. We brainstormed, swapped tips, and geeked out over the latest updates. After the meetup, the fun didn’t stop! We sat down for a playing card game session, led by Andrew. What started as a chill, friendly game quickly escalated into a full-blown competition. Strategies were formed, alliances were broken, and there may or may not have been some lighthearted betrayal. Some people played it cool, while others (not naming names, but you know who you are) got way too competitive. The next morning, we decided to go hiking in Camp John Hay, and I had one thought: Am I really built for this? I mean, I love nature, I love a good challenge, but let’s just say I’m not in my peak hiking shape. Plus, I have asthma, and oh, let’s not forget—I also have vertigo. Seeing cliffs makes me feel like I’m about to plummet into the abyss (even when I’m standing far away, safe and sound). But with the group hyping me up and the sheer FOMO kicking in, I said, “Bahala na!” and went for it. And you know what? I am so glad I did! This trip reminded me why I love the WordPress community. It’s not just about the websites we build—it’s about the relationships we create. The best ideas don’t always come from staring at a screen; sometimes, they come when you’re out of breath on a mountain trail, sitting around a bonfire, or getting way too invested in a card game. Thinking about this meetup makes me so excited for the next one. Another hike? A beach trip? A food crawl? Whatever it is, I know it’s going to be another unforgettable adventure.

The Open-Source Powerhouse

If you’ve ever Googled anything about building a website, chances are you’ve come across WordPress. Not just once, but maybe a dozen times. And if you haven’t heard of it yet—well, I’m about to introduce you to the backbone of 43% of the web. That’s right. Almost half of the internet is powered by WordPress, from small blogs (like mine) to enterprise-level giants. So, what makes WordPress the go-to choice for website creation? Let’s dive in. 1. Open-Source Freedom (a.k.a. Walang Bayad, Gagamitin Mo Lang) One of the biggest reasons I love WordPress is that it’s open-source. Meaning? It’s free to use, customize, and tweak to your heart’s content. Unlike website builders that lock you into their ecosystem (looking at you, Wix and Squarespace), WordPress gives you complete control. Gusto mong baguhin ang buong site? Go for it! There are no hidden fees or restrictions. Want to check out some essential WordPress plugins? See this list from WPBeginner. 2. Flexibility for Every Kind of Website Whether you’re a: WordPress can handle it all. With over 60,000 free plugins, you can extend its functionality without needing to code. Need an online store? WooCommerce has you covered. Want better SEO? Yoast SEO is your best friend. Speaking of SEO, check out this guide on WordPress SEO optimization by Moz. 3. SEO-Friendly Right Out of the Box SEO (search engine optimization) is non-negotiable when it comes to getting found online. And WordPress? It’s naturally built with clean code, fast performance, and structured content—all things Google loves. But beyond the basics, the real SEO magic comes from plugins like: Want to learn how to boost your WordPress SEO? Read this guide from Search Engine Journal. 4. A Thriving, Supportive Community (May Barkada Ka Dito!) One of my favorite things about WordPress is its massive community. With millions of users worldwide, you’ll never feel alone if you hit a roadblock. There are forums, Facebook groups, YouTube tutorials, and even local WordCamps (WordPress conferences) where people gather to share knowledge. Pro Tip: If you’re just starting, check out WordPress’ official support forums for beginner-friendly advice! 5. Ownership & Scalability (Hindi Ka Nakakulong sa Isang Platform) A lot of website builders claim to make things easy, but there’s always a catch. Most of them keep your website within their ecosystem, making it hard to migrate if you ever want to leave. But with WordPress, your data is yours. You can switch hosting providers, redesign your site, or scale from a simple blog to a full-fledged e-commerce business without starting from scratch. If you’re wondering what the best WordPress hosting providers are, check out this comparison by Kinsta. Final Thoughts. For me, WordPress isn’t just a platform—it’s a game-changer. It’s given me the freedom to build and grow my online presence without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an aspiring blogger, a business owner, or just someone curious about web development, WordPress is hands-down one of the best tools out there. If you’re ready to get started, don’t forget to check out WordPress’ official step-by-step setup guide so you can launch your site like a pro! Salamat sa pagbabasa! (Thanks for reading!) If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or message me directly. Let’s build something awesome together!

5 Common WordPress Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Look, I get it. WordPress is like a fancy new kitchen gadget—you start out excited, pressing all the buttons, only to realize you accidentally deleted your entire homepage instead of formatting a blog post. Been there. Whether you’re a WordPress newbie or a seasoned user, these mistakes can trip up anyone. But don’t worry, I’ve learned from experience (sometimes the hard way), and I’m here to help you avoid these common pitfalls. 1. Ignoring Regular Updates (AKA Playing Russian Roulette with Your Site) The Mistake: You see that little notification in your dashboard: Update Available. And instead of clicking it, you think, “Eh, I’ll do it later.” Next thing you know, your site is moving slower than a toddler getting dressed for daycare, or worse—it gets hacked. The Fix: 2. Using Too Many Plugins (Because More is Not Always Merrier) The Mistake: Installing plugins is like collecting kitchen gadgets. Do you really need a banana slicer when a knife does the job? Too many plugins can slow your site, create conflicts, and even open security vulnerabilities. The Fix: 3. Not Optimizing Images (Or Uploading Files Like It’s 2005 Dial-Up) The Mistake: Uploading a 5MB image and wondering why your site loads slower than your grandma typing a text. Large images eat up bandwidth, frustrate visitors, and make Google side-eye your site rankings. The Fix: 4. Ignoring Backups (Because Murphy’s Law is Real) The Mistake: Not backing up your site is like going on a road trip without a spare tire. You might be fine… until you’re not. Hosting failures, hacking, or accidental deletions happen, and if you don’t have a backup, you’re looking at a world of pain. The Fix: 5. Overlooking SEO Best Practices (AKA Hiding Your Site in the Dark Corners of the Internet) The Mistake: Writing blog posts without optimizing for SEO is like opening a bakery in the middle of the woods and forgetting to tell anyone about it. If Google can’t find you, neither can your audience. The Fix: Final Thoughts WordPress can be a dream or a nightmare—it all depends on how you handle it. Avoid these common mistakes, and your site will run smoother, rank higher, and keep your visitors happy. And if you ever find yourself in a WordPress pickle, just remember: there’s always a way to fix it (or at least a support forum full of people who’ve made the same mistake).

Author name: Angelle Marie