WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff
Warning: I’m terrible with names. You should hear the heavily made-up names I tend to blurt out during the most serious of times.
One word to describe the event is “awesome.” Another is “wow.” A more enthusiastic one can be, “Holipakshit!” Of course, since I rarely curse anyway other than the occasional poo and all, everyone has to be satisfied with my reserved choice of words.
Awesome! Wow!
My brother Robby had to tag along with me at 5am, so no one should be surprised that he was one of the early birds who won one of the most coveted WordCamp mugs. Honestly speaking, I didn’t know nor expect that he would receive something, much less a WordCamp mug, so I was as surprised as everyone else when his name was called in front. My blood literally ran cold because my protective and defensive side kicked in (you’d know that my brother suffers from a mental disorder), but you didn’t really need to know that, did you?
I also cooked up some scheme with Ruther, a volunteer from AIM in CSB, to magically get my number picked from the bag for one of those yummy Google goodies. I loved the paper bag more than the notebook inside (actually, I could do without the shirt, mug, and other stuff; the paper bag was really just the coolest), but you also probably didn’t need to know that.
Call time for volunteers was 6am, and I came in fashionably late at 6:30am. I helped out with about 5 badges, then proceeded to do some double-checking for the t-shirts that were reserved by some campers. I must give my heartfelt thanks and apologies to my so-called assistant Kit (I hope I got the spelling of your name right…hell, I hope I got your name right) for manning the shirts table while I was gone — which was, like, almost the entire time. I got sidetracked a couple of times (per 5 minutes, heh) from my assigned job, and I was just relieved that nothing disastrous turned up lest Ria and/or Blogie loomed over me, donning their scary faces, for my incompetence.
I wasn’t able to attend even one of the talks during the breakaway sessions, so I tried my hardest to at least be there for the plenary sessions. On the flip side, I was there when the people I’ve been dying to meet for the longest time made their entrance. Lexie got there early with Dre and Rex, while Aja showed his face a little before 9am. It was just incredible getting to see them personally after the thousand instant messages and conferences we shared.
I would have attended these talks:
- Creating WordPress Themes & CSS Power by Gail
Aja and Lexie said they were hoping for a more advanced discussion, and judging from what I little I saw during this session, I must agree. However, I’m with Lexie that perhaps it’s for the benefit of the beginners. Maybe this is the effect of making the Codex a bible.
- Developing WordPress Plugins by Markku
I was looking forward to getting some tips on WordPress plugins, since I was PHP-fluent enough to build my own during my geek days. I had hoped to bring the mojo back. - Blogging & Journalism by Sir Danny Arao
Exactly what you would expect from a former Journalism major, eh? Blogging and Journalism have sometimes made out to be oxymoron and ironies, if not complete opposites in the eyes of some. There have been much discussions about the mainstream media and this so-called new media, and I wanted to hear about Sir Arao’s take on this debate.
Nope, contrary to what some might be thinking, I didn’t rape Matt Mullenweg (though I did explicitly express my intention to do just that). I was too star-struck, too overwhelmed by his bright presence to say more than a mumbled greeting. Coming face to face with the founding developer of WordPress does that, and I am but a mere mortal who gets swept off her gigantic feet by a charming guy (and I’m making this comment in Filipino so Matt doesn’t understand without the help of a translator: Ang sipsip ko, no? Biro lang yun, haha!). So anyway, thanks to Ria — who, by the way, did a number on Matt when she gave him his certificate of appreciation — I got introduced to Matt as someone from my past self (read: post-Philippine Blog Awards 2007 era), and he smiled that perfect smile of his and shook my hand. All the while I was thinking, “Oh, shoot! I look like a frigging mess, and I’m standing right in front of a hot guy!” Or was it, “This is my chance! Pounce! Pounce!”?
Oh, well. Whatever it was, it sure was powerful enough to render me speechless. I flashed Matt a shy smile, trying to make my eyes look a little less puffy and my right hand a little less clammy. Aja, Lexie, and Dre were waiting outside the room to ambush Matt and to do the following:
- make Matt sign the excuse letter made by Aja for missing his classes that day
- make Matt sign Lexie’s and Dre’s shirts
- make Matt smile for the camera
- make Matt as clearly engraved in their memory as possible
Matt never lost his smile and put up with our antics for the rest of the day. I didn’t even want to think of how many cameras he smiled for, and how many people he pulled close to him for a picture, but he was still as gracious under the circumstances as anyone could possibly be.
Oh, by the way, thanks to the witty question of Marck, we found out that he would be voting for Barack Obama. 
I also should be glad that WordPress & Web Standards was included in the roster of topics. I was ecstatic when I saw that it was to be discussed by Regnard Raquedan, especially after I hinted that said topic should be considered. WordPress in itself adheres to Web Standards, and I couldn’t help being passionate about web standards (although my own code looks like shit; I have to cut this all talk, no practice crap I’ve been on for the past couple of months) since it should be basic practice. At the very least, some people ought to make their websites accessible enough for all internet users. I was glad Regnard mentioned the Philippine Web Accessibility Group during his talk; that should make a handful of people pay more attention to the group.
I would love to have a copy of Regnard’s presentation. 
And while I’m at it, I can’t stop grinning like crazy. Web Standards Philippines is taking shape again, and hopefully, with the help of Regnard’s talk, more people will join the movement.
Ia, Mae, Aja, Lexie, and myself got to talk after the WordCamp program proper and we agreed upon some things regarding the group. I sincerely hope this would fly, because Mae graciously offered the .ph domain she won to the group. While the fact that we already had something tangible to start with would leave us more pressured to get going, there were still several factors that should be taken in consideration. We had difficulties in finding more members and sponsors because not many people understood the importance and perks of web standards. Some people deemed it unimportant unless it contributed to their money-making goals, and I admitted a few times that I resented that way of thinking. I felt that these people didn’t take time to stop and listen for a while, and if they did, they didn’t want to understand. (Photo credit: Aja)
Both Aja and Lexie have mentioned that Blogie’s Building a Blogging Community could be helpful, and I’m counting on them to recount what was talked about during that session (since I only have what’s in the kit that was given away).
I hate to be making this entry longer than it already is, so I guess I should end the babbling already. Before that, I want to thank the organizers, sponsors, speakers, and my fellow volunteer bloggers. This also goes to the CSB student volunteers from the Computer Business Association and Association of Information Management. You guys are the best! And, of course, would I even forget the most kicking-ass WordCamp attendees ever? Thank you, campers!
More WordCamp Philippines 2008 photos in my Multiply account.
This list is stolen from Jehzeel. I’ll add mine.
- I Got Wordcamped! by Tess Termulo
- The First WordCamp in Southeast Asia by Adrian Jeric Peña
- My WordCamp Experience by Master Betong
- WordCamp Philippines by Hannah Rika Villasis
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Nina Fuentes
- Matt at WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Binary Silver
- Matt Mullenweg Highlights from WordCamp Phils by The Bachelor Girl
- WordCamp Philippines Report by Fear the Spork
- WordCamp Philippines Shirt Please by Evelyn Piece
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Alrenz Cabasa
- WordCamp Philippines 2008: A Success!
- WordCamp Phils, 1st Southeast Asia WordCamp by Ana Katharina Pena
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 Aftermath by Zero Blade
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Mae Paulino
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Green Bucks
- Matt Mullenweg by Charmed Mom
- WordCamp PH 2008 and Afterparty by Carlo Reid
- WordCamp Philippines After-Party by The WordCamp Philippines Blog
- WordCamp Philippines 08 by Project 365 Days
- WordCamp 2008 Philippines by Karla Redor
- Live Blogging from WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Spilled Lustre
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Aja Lapus
- Experiencing WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Here’s to Life!
- WordCamp Manila Blow-by-blow by Jonel Uy
- Just got home from WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Jayvee Fernandez
- Bloggers’ Event: WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Ada Lajara
- WordCamp Philippines 2008 Winners and Bloopers by Funny Sexy
- WordCamping 2008 by Billycoy
- Ernie Meets Matt Mullenweg by AJ Matela
- Matt Mullenweg, Volunteers, and WordCamp Phils by Misteryosa
- The WordCamp in Philippines by Mark Aethen Agana
- Matt Mullenweg by Animo Hosting
- WordCamp Manila 2008, I was there! by Sha Ang
- On WordCamp 2008 and Meeting Mr. Wordpress by Diventare.org
- My WordCamp Philippines 2008 Experience by Regnard Raquedan
- WordCamp Philippines Status Report by AWB Holdings
- Live from De La Salle CSB, Marocharim is at WordCamp! by Marocharim
- For the Love of Wordpress by Kristina Ana Matanguihan
- WordCamp Pilipinas Success by Ikabon
- WordCamp 2008: For Healthy and Wealthy Blogging by Hitokiri Hoshi
- WordCamp 2008 Philippines Success by Arvin’s Thoughts
- WordCamp, Meeting Matt Mullenweg by Miss Wicked
- Meeting Matt at WordCamp 2008 by Urriza.net
- Finally, WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Estan
- Toothache Vs. WordCamp Philippines by George Putong
- Notes and Photos, WordCamp Philippines a Success by Tonyo Cruz
- Some WordCamp Philippines Afterthoughts by Undercover
- Live Blogging in WordCamp by Pageman
- My WordCamp Experience by Junele Malaga Caravana
- WordCamp Philippines A Success! by Sophia Lucero
- Bakla Goes to WordCamp Philippines by Bakla Ako
- My WordCamp 2008 Experience by Micaela Rodriguez
- WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff by Shari Cruz
[...] WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff [...]
My blog post! *happy dance*
And the list goes on and on and on…
[...] WorCamp Philippines 2008 [...]
[...] WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff by Shari Cruz Bookmark this entry: [...]
url of matt’s personal website (blog) really caught my attention.
http://ma.tt
this is what you call personalized. i wonder how many people has .tt extension names on their sites.
how about http://bara.tt
lol.
It was such a fun event, and it was great to finally be able to see the faces behind several URLs.
…You should have pounced, Shari.
Haha humaba ang link list ni Doc Tess ah? Haha! Shari di ka pumuntang Mag:net waaaaah…haha pero nice experience pa din ang WordCamp sa susunod ulet
[...] WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff by Shari Cruz Tags: Matt Mullenweg, WordCamp 2008, WordPress [...]
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
[...] WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff by Shari Cruz [...]
That’s awesome… I signed up for WordCamp Toronto (first ever WordCamp in the city of Toronto) and I’m looking forward to meeting Matt Mullenweg too . Apparently, Mr. WordPress will be there to discuss exciting (well, in the world of WordCamp fanboys/girls, LOL) undisclosed stuff. I’m guessing probably new WordPress version sneak peaks.
I had to pay $25.00 Canadian… but it’s worth it as $25 covers 2 days of awesome presentations, 2 lunches and a WordPress t-shirt. So if you factor in the cost of lunches and the T-SHIRT… then WordCamp Toronto is “sort of” free? Yay. Plus the location is really cool… it’s been recently a hot-spot for several Hollywood movie shooting locations. I’m so pumped for this event… GEEK!
Great Job Shari! As always
See yah on the next WordCamp 
i added your new links na rin pati photo gallery
yay! thanks for sharing! 
[...] attended Wordcamp Philippines 2008. She was happy to meet the founding developer of wordpress. Posted by [...]
Great seeing you there. And I can’t wait for Web Standards Philippines to be completely formalized! ^__^
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by [...]
wow! the group pic! can i have a copy of the picture?
[...] 2008 Experience * Postscript to a Camp and a world premiere: WordCamp Philippines 2008 * WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff Bookmark to: Hide Sites $$(’div.d245′).each( function(e) { [...]
Nice to see you and Robby again! Sayang di kayo nakapunta sa mag:net hehe next time ulit!
[...] WordCamp Philippines 2008: On Meeting Mr. WordPress, Web Standards, and Other Stuff by Shari Cruz [...]
tha
thank you for sharing your story and photos… more power!
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] wordcamp philippines 2008: on meeting mr. wordpress, web standards and other stuff by Shari Cruz (Note: She did not attend my session but she had something to say about it.) [...]
[...] On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari [...]
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
Hi Shari!
Nice post!
Web Standards got a shot in the arm at WordCamp. 
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. WordPress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by [...]
Gaaah… I’m so sad I wasn’t able to go.
[...] On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari [...]
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] On Meeting with Mr. WordPress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by [...]
Response to :
Usual question with visiting Americans, lol
More questions I should have asked (now that I realized I was standing right behind Mike Abundo):
1. How many stickers do you have on your laptop?
2. What color is your shirt?
3. Did I just see you kiss Ria?
4. Mind if I called you “Wordpress God?”
5. So, have you ever been to Uranus?
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] 59. Philippine WordCampers 2008 by Sabrina Lajara 60. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by Roanna Roro 61. On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by Shari 62. WordCamp Philippines 2008 Highlights by Sophia Lucero 63. WordCamp Philippines 2008 by [...]
[...] On Meeting with Mr. Wordpress, Web Standards and Other Stuff by [...]
Hi ate.. shari ryt? :d lique here from DLS-CSB CBA…