Author name: Angelle Marie

Not every weekend feels like this. Some are ordinary, quiet, gone before you know it. But this one – September 20 and 21, 2025 – will stay with me. It carried two faces of freedom: one inside a room full of laptops and laughter, and the other in streets heavy with memory and chants. Saturday – Standing with the community I didn’t plan to host Software Freedom Day. Life has a way of surprising you – and there I was, holding the mic, introducing speakers, feeling the energy of a community that has always been bigger than any single person. Kahit last minute, I was grateful. Because in that moment, I wasn’t carrying the room – the room was carrying me. Jhim’s words cut through everything else: “software freedom is created for people.” Simple, but true. That was the heartbeat of the day. I saw it in every talk. Robert “Bob” Reyes of Mozilla reminded us to keep the web open, not just for today but for the generations after us. Cyrus Mante of Accenture showed how open tools simplify work and bring back focus to what matters. Voj Jeturian of Pantheon Systems made a strong case for accessibility and simplicity – that software should serve everyone, not just those who can afford or understand it. Beyond the stage, small tables buzzed with life – people learning how to revive old laptops, exploring Drupal’s structured content freedom, or simply asking questions at the Happiness Bar. At the Happiness Bar, I found my own corner. I sat as an SEO expert, answering questions that on the surface were about rankings, keywords, visibility. But underneath, I heard something else: How do we make our work matter? How do we make sure what we build can be found, can be alive in the world? Those weren’t just technical questions. They were human ones. And that’s when it hit me – even visibility is a kind of freedom. FOSS isn’t just a “better option.” It’s survival for many. It’s cost-saving, because not everyone has money for endless licenses. It’s control, because people deserve tools they can shape, not cages they’re forced to rent. It’s community, because software should be built in the open, by hands that care. It’s privacy, because we deserve to choose what we share. And it’s transparency, because what we can’t see, we can’t trust. That day didn’t just teach me about open software. It reminded me that freedom in code is always about people. Sunday – Watching from the sidelines The next day, freedom shifted forms. I wasn’t in the streets, but I was watching the Trillion Peso March unfold through screens. Rizal Park, EDSA Shrine, and cities across the country – umbrellas rising in the rain, placards lifted high, chants demanding justice. It was September 21 – the anniversary of Martial Law. That date still weighs on us. It reminded me that silence has been forced before, and it can be forced again if we forget. I watched families, students, workers, faith groups – all calling out corruption, demanding transparency, refusing to stay quiet. And though I wasn’t marching with them, my heart was. Because freedom of speech, like software freedom, only lives when people defend it. Even as an observer, I knew: kaisa ako ng mga Pilipino. What I carry now Two different days, one deep truth. Saturday showed me freedom builds – in code, in communities, in tools that empower. Sunday showed me freedom resists – in voices, in courage, in the refusal to let silence win. I carry this lesson now: freedom is not handed down. It is not given to us by chance. It is something we build together, protect together, and live together. And whether it happens in a room full of laptops or a street full of voices, freedom is always the same – it is human, and it is ours.

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! 🇵🇭

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.