I am now one of the organizers of WordCamp Philippines 2026, which will be held in Iloilo City on August 28–29, 2026.
Honestly, I never expected to become part of the organizing team.
When my friend, one of the co-leads, asked if I wanted to join, my first response was no. I did not know what I could contribute, and I was unsure whether I had the right experience for such a big responsibility.
She explained that my work in link building would align with the Sponsors Team, where I would help communicate with and build relationships with organizations supporting the event. That made the role feel more familiar, but accepting it was still a step outside my comfort zone.
Looking back at how my WordCamp journey began, I am grateful that she saw something I could offer, even when I could not see it myself.
Discovering WordCamp in Manila
My first WordCamp experience was WordCamp Manila 2023.
Before then, I had never heard of WordCamp. I learned about it after meeting organizers from Cebu at an SEO conference in Manila. They mentioned that WordCamp Manila would also be happening, so my friend and I decided to attend.
We returned to our home city after the SEO conference and then flew back to Manila for WordCamp. At the time, I thought we were simply attending another event where we could learn and meet people. I did not know that it would be the beginning of something much bigger for me.
At WordCamp Manila, I met many people who eventually became my fellow organizers for WordCamp Philippines 2026.
Of course, I had no idea where those connections would lead. They were simply people I met at an event. Years later, many of them have become friends, fellow volunteers, and people I now work with to support the WordPress community.
Becoming a WordCamp Volunteer
When applications opened for volunteers for WordCamp Cebu 2024, I decided to sign up.
I did not expect to be selected. I told myself that if my application were unsuccessful, I would simply attend the event. Either way, I still wanted to be there.
Fortunately, I was chosen as one of the volunteers.
Volunteering gave me a different perspective on WordCamp. As an attendee, you see the sessions, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and activities. As a volunteer, you begin to understand how much work happens behind the scenes to create that experience.
Around the same time, I also started attending WordPress meetups. These smaller gatherings allowed me to learn more about the community and connect with people beyond the larger annual events.
I was not a WordPress developer or someone with deep technical knowledge. Still, I discovered that the community had space for people with different skills and backgrounds. You do not need to know everything about WordPress to participate or contribute.
Sometimes, being willing to show up and help is enough to get started.
Stepping Into WordCamp Asia 2025
Then came WordCamp Asia 2025.
When the call for volunteers opened, I decided to apply again. Once again, I was fortunate to be selected.
WordCamp Asia was much bigger than the previous events I had attended. Imagine being surrounded by such a huge crowd and knowing that you are part of the team helping make the event happen.
The introverted side of me was nervous, but you probably could not tell. 🙂
Despite the nerves, I enjoyed the experience. It gave me another opportunity to serve the community, meet people from different places, and build friendships that continued even after the event ended.
Through the WordPress community, I have met people who are now part of my life, not only as professional connections but also as genuine friends. Some have offered advice, shared opportunities, introduced me to others, and encouraged me to take on roles I might not have considered on my own.
Joining the WordCamp Philippines 2026 Organizing Team
Now, I am part of the organizing team for WordCamp Philippines 2026.
This role feels different from attending or volunteering. Being an organizer comes with more responsibility, coordination, and commitment. It also requires trust.
I am grateful to my friend for trusting me enough to invite me, especially when my first instinct was to doubt whether I had anything valuable to contribute.
My experience in link building has taught me how to reach out to people, establish relationships, communicate value, and maintain professional connections. Those skills are now helping me contribute to the Sponsors Team.
This experience has reminded me that our professional skills can sometimes be useful in places we never expected. We may think we need to fit a particular mold before we can contribute, but communities need many kinds of people, not only speakers, developers, or designers.
There is room for marketers, writers, organizers, communicators, relationship builders, and people who are simply willing to lend a hand.
Hoping Others Find Their Community Too
When I attended my first WordCamp in 2023, I did not know it would lead me here.
I went from being a first-time attendee who had barely heard of WordCamp to becoming a volunteer, joining local meetups, volunteering at WordCamp Asia, and now helping organize WordCamp Philippines.
It did not happen because I had everything figured out. It happened because I kept saying yes to opportunities, even when I felt nervous or uncertain.
As we prepare for WordCamp Philippines 2026, I hope attendees will experience more than two days of talks and activities. I hope they learn something they can apply to their work, discover new opportunities, and meet people who may eventually become friends, collaborators, mentors, or even an important part of their lives.
You may arrive knowing only one or two people, or no one at all. That is perfectly fine. Many of the people I now consider friends were once strangers I met at a WordCamp.
You never know where one event, one introduction, or one conversation may lead.
I am grateful for every opportunity, every connection, and every person who trusted me along the way. Most of all, I am grateful to be part of a community that continues to welcome me, challenge me, and give me opportunities to grow.
See you at WordCamp Philippines 2026 in Iloilo City.