WordCamp Philippines 2008 was a success!!

Thanks to our sponsors, Manila-based coordinators and volunteers, the conduct of this international event has left everyone with a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie. Based on post-event write-ups (see an aggregate of WCP2008-related posts on this blog), the first WordCamp in Southeast Asia was a truly momentous undertaking.





The College of St. Benilde was a very gracious host, and has definitely contributed to the success of WordCamp Philippines last 6 September 2008. We’d like to specially thank the student volunteers, who came from the Computer Business Association and the Association of Information Management. Their enthusiasm, energy and eagerness were certainly contributing factors to the smooth flow of the day-long event.

Contrary to expectation, out of the nearly 400 that registered, only around 200 actually participated. Close to a hundred registered campers did not show up for various reasons. But, there were around 50 people who walked in and attended the morning breakaway sessions. Still, this was the first WordCamp in Asia that Matt Mullenweg has attended.

We had 11 speakers (excluding Matt and Blogie), whose talks were all well-attended. The scheduling of the talks, however, caused many to miss other sessions. In fact, we should’ve done a 2-day WordCamp, so that the talks could’ve been spread out. We will consider this for next year.

The event was a learning experience not only for the campers, but for the organizers as well. Future WordCamps and other bloggers events will certainly benefit from lessons that we’ve gleaned from this major undertaking.

Aside from the previously-mentioned distinctions, this WordCamp is also the proud host of an awesome logo design, which the t-shirts, mugs and conference kits sported. Matt was visibly and audibly impressed by the logo, designed by Andrew.

In Davao, the pre-WordCamp bloggers get-together on 4 September 2008 was attended by more than 60 bloggers and developers. The core organizers, who all hail from Davao City, are certainly very pleased that Matt graced this occasion with his presence. He said that he got to like the city right away, and would love to be back.

Matt’s coming to Davao City has brought focus to Mindanao, and has contributed to the efforts of the Mindanao Bloggers group.

Well, hopefully, we’ll see Matt Mullenweg again, and all of you, for WordCamp Philippines 2009!!