Angelle Marie Garcia

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 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.

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