It all started when a friend sent me a message informing about the WordCamp event that is going to happen here in the Philippines. Since, I am a Wordpress fan, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. So, I registered, and in exchange for a free event I have been required to spread the word that I will be joining the WordCamp.

My post was approved and I was able to get my WordCamp pass.

Since, I was so excited I didn’t notice the typo error at first. I just found the error the day before the event. But it was just a minor error. No Biggy.

The morning of September 6, 2008 my father woke me up at 3:30 AM to be ready to go to the airport. I didn’t complain (wow it’s a miracle) even if I set my alarm at 4:30 AM.

I was having this fear that the flight might be delayed and I will be late for the event. Luckily, my flight arrived Manila 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. Thanks to Cebu Pacific, who was also one of the sponsors of the event.

It took me 3 tries to actually find the right gate to enter for the WordCamp venue. I am from Iloilo and I am not familiar of places in Manila, so that is excusable. Anyway, I am not late. So, when I finally arrived at the right gate, I was relieved. I am not lost – Yahoo!

Then while I was registering my equipment for security, my team mate arrived at the entrance. I was happy to see her, finally I have someone to talk to.

There was only a few people falling in line for the WordCamp, but security was slow in processing some things, but since everyone is so excited, they didn’t seem to mind.

Upon entering we were given our badges and some freebies. It was really cool and I was so happy.

Since, we are one of the first to arrive, we get to choose where to sit. We were able to find a good location.

I was situated on the mid part, so I could see the stage clearly.

The first lesson I attended was Creating WordPress Themes & CSS Power by Gail Villanueva. I have learned a lot from Gail;

• Ang hirap maging speaker pag walang laser pointer na may projector na gamit.
• Ang hirap pag hindi na testing yung projector, kasi yung ibang info ay hindi nakikita. Importante pa naman sana.
• Kapag naguguluhan ang speaker, nagugulo ang speech, nagugulo din yung listeners.
• And most importantly, http://browsershots.org/ to check your work on all the browsers available.

Peace tayo Gail ha! Nagulo kasi ako lagi kang nagsasabing naguguluhan ka

Then Building A Blogging Community by Blogie Robillo. I asked Blogie for some tips on how to get sponsors for the event of a Blog community but he said, it is all in the skill and it would take a whole new seminar for it.

and WordPress & SEO by Hans Koch. He taught us some great plugins to be used.

Thanks to another sponsor Chowking that made our tummy full.

Well, it was a small world indeed because I have seen a relative on the venue. He was in charge of the security during the event.

Finally, after lunch. The most awaited event is to hear the father of Wordpress – Matt Mullenweg. For The Future of WordPress by Matt Mullenweg.

Matt has given us some previews of the great features of the Wordpress 2.7 to be released this November. (NOTE: I like the drag and drop feature … THE BEST!)

And Demystifying Google Analytics by Aileen Apolo.

Of course, I wouldn’t leave the event venue if I didn’t get to have a pic with the Man of the event Matt Mullenweg.

I wasn’t able to finish the whole event because I was scared to be caught on traffic and not able to make it on my flight going home.

My cousin was so happy to fetch me because I bought a shirt for her.

After all that has been said and done. It was a day that really made every hour meaningful!

Thanks to Mindanao Bloggers who organized the WordCamp Philippines. It was the greatest experience of my life so far, and I get to see the STARS of my world. Plus, the souvenirs.

Great thanks to my client Promet Host for financing my travel expenses. It has made me very happy to be a part of Promet Source – A great company to be with!

If you are looking for a hosting – dedicated hosting that would have the best customer service or support, check Promet Host. Our main priority is our customer’s satisfaction!