The energy was electric as WordCamp Asia 2025 officially kicked off at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila! The day was a testament to the power of the WordPress community coming together, from thought-provoking sessions to hands-on workshops and meaningful panel discussions.
Like any large-scale event, there were a few unexpected moments—but nothing the incredible organizing team, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic attendees couldn’t handle! The excitement, passion, and collaboration made Day 1 a fantastic start to an unforgettable event.
Kicking off with a bang
The morning kicked off with an incredible turnout—1,375 attendees registered over the past two days, and the Rizal Room was packed to the brim! Walking into the venue, you could feel the electricity in the air as excitement buzzed through the crowd.
As everyone settled in for the opening remarks and keynote session, the Global and Local Leads took to the stage to welcome the community. They set the tone for the day with a powerful reflection on how far WordCamp in Asia has come—tracing its roots back to the very first Southeast Asian WordCamp in Manila in 2008, an event brought to life entirely by passionate volunteers from Davao. It was a full-circle moment, reminding everyone of the true spirit of open-source collaboration and community-driven growth.
Crowd-inspiring Keynote
Then came the keynote that had everyone on the edge of their seats! Matías Ventura, the mastermind behind Gutenberg, took us on a thrilling ride through the future of WordPress. From cutting-edge improvements in the block editor to what’s next for WordPress, his insights left the audience inspired and ready to embrace the next wave of innovation.
Walking the sponsor halls
One of the day’s biggest highlights was the vibrant sponsor hall, where companies from all over the WordPress ecosystem showcased their products and services. Attendees got the chance to engage with sponsors, discover new tools, and, of course, grab some awesome swag! From hosting providers to theme and plugin developers, the booths were buzzing with discussions, live demos, and exciting giveaways.
Spectacular lunch buffet
After a morning packed with learning and inspiration, attendees refueled with a diverse lunch spread. With local Filipino favorites on the menu, there was something for everyone to enjoy. More than just a meal, lunchtime became a prime networking opportunity—new friendships were formed, ideas were exchanged, and the WordPress community spirit shined through.
Family Photo
No WordCamp is complete without a family photo, and this year’s was particularly special. The entire crowd came together for a massive group picture, capturing the joy and enthusiasm of the community.
Deep Dives & Future Visions
After a refreshing lunch, the momentum continued with hands-on workshops and interactive panels. From mastering plugin development to navigating seamless site migrations, the afternoon sessions were packed with actionable insights for both newcomers and experienced professionals.
A Glimpse into the Future: WordPress in 2030
The day culminated with an electrifying keynote panel, WordPress in 2030, sparking conversations about the platform’s next decade. Hong Phuc Dang shed light on the ever-growing open-source community, while Jon Ang explored emerging technologies shaping the ecosystem. Courtney Robertson highlighted the importance of education and mentorship in driving innovation, and Noel Tock examined WordPress’s evolving role in the digital landscape. With Raquel Manriquez expertly moderating, the discussion left attendees inspired and eager for the road ahead.
With engaging sessions, powerful insights, and endless networking opportunities, Day 1 wrapped up on a high note—setting the stage for an even more action-packed Day 2!
To be continued…
