Hey there, fellow WordPress enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share the highlights from the very first Iligan WordPress Meetup. Can you believe it’s been 11 years since I started my journey as a web developer and graphic designer? Time flies! This meetup was a nostalgic throwback, bringing together local talent and a community that’s passionate about WordPress. Seeing my friends take the stage still made the experience even more special.
The energy in the room was electric, and you could tell the organisers were pleasantly surprised by the large turnout.
Whether you’re a student looking to dive into the world of web development or a seasoned pro seeking fresh insights, there is something for everyone. Let’s dive into the memorable moments and invaluable lessons from this amazing event!
The Excitement of a First Meetup
As I walked into the venue, a wave of nostalgia hit me. It was surreal to see familiar faces from my freelancing days, friends I hadn’t connected with in years. I remembered those early days when we were all just starting out, sharing tips, struggling through projects, and dreaming big. Now, here we were, reunited at the first Iligan WordPress Meetup, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
The organizers from Adroit did an incredible job bringing this event to life. It was like a mini-reunion (although I’m not that close to them but yeah haha), and I felt grateful to be part of this vibrant community. We were lucky enough to snag front-row seats, which made it even more special. Being so close to the action, I could feel the energy radiating from the speakers, amplifying my eagerness to learn and reconnect.
Amazing Speakers and Workshops
Introduction to WordPress by Louie Sonugan
Kicking off the event was Louie Sonugan’s talk, “Introduction to WordPress,” and let me tell you, he nailed it! Louie took us through all the fundamentals, making it a fantastic session for the students in the room. He broke down the basics of WordPress in a way that was engaging and easy to understand, which I appreciated as someone who’s been around the block a few times.
As he talked about setting up a site, choosing themes, and managing content, I found myself nodding along and reminiscing about my own journey. It reminded me that sometimes we overlook the basics, and it’s crucial to revisit them. I realized I might have missed some gems when I first started using WordPress.
Essential Plugins for Your Website by Julius Kenneth Castillo
Next up was Julius Kenneth Castillo, who delivered an insightful workshop on “Essential Plugins for Your Website.” This session was a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their WordPress experience. As he rattled off his must-have plugins, I found myself smiling because I had used about 90% of them in the past.
From security to performance optimization, One that caught my attention was Rank Math SEO; I’m eager to give it a shot! I’ve primarily relied on Yoast SEO and Zynith SEO plugins, but Julius made a compelling case for trying something new. This workshop was not just informative; it was a perfect reminder of how plugins can transform a website!
Basic SEO Best Practices for WordPress by Fervil Von Tripoli
Fervil Von Tripoli took the stage next with his workshop on “Basic SEO Best Practices for WordPress,”. His talks were concise yet packed with essential information, making them easy to follow. As someone who has been working with SEO for over 10 years, it felt refreshing to revisit the basics and see them presented in a clear, engaging way.
One standout moment for me was when he introduced the concept of “Reverse Silo.” I was familiar with the strategy but had no idea it had an official name! Fervil’s ability to break down complex ideas into digestible bits made this session a highlight of the meetup, reminding us all of the importance of solid SEO foundations!
WordPress Themes and Page Builders Best Combo by Samuel John Orias
Last but not least, Samuel John Orias took the stage with his workshop on “WordPress Themes and Page Builders Best Combo.” His session was a great dive into the world of themes and page builders, where he explained the key differences between the two. Understanding how they work together to create stunning websites.
He shared some of his recommended themes that can be applied across various niches, which was super helpful for everyone in the room. I particularly loved how he highlighted the flexibility of using page builders to customize themes and by the end of the session, I felt inspired to experiment with new themes and take my WordPress projects to the next level!
Networking and Community Vibes
One of the best parts of the meetup wasn’t just the workshops—it was the chance to connect with other web developers who’ve been through the same ups and downs. It was refreshing to meet people who shared similar stories of success and challenges. It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in the struggle when working on projects or battling website issues, but hearing others talk about their own experiences reminded me that we’re all in this together.
Talking with fellow developers was like a breath of fresh air. We shared tips, had a few laughs about our past mistakes, and even bonded over those long nights trying to fix bugs or optimize speed. It was a great reminder that no matter where you are in your WordPress journey, there’s always a community that understands your challenges and is ready to support you. That sense of connection made the event even more meaningful!
Fun Moments and Takeaways
It’s been a few years since Iligan City had an event like this, and honestly, freelancers here were longing for something like this. The energy in the room made it clear that everyone had been craving more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. Huge props to Louie, a good friend of mine, for hosting this event and bringing us all together. It’s not easy to pull off something like this, but he made it look effortless.
One of the most fun moments was just seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces—whether they were learning something new or catching up with fellow freelancers. It was a reminder of how important community is, especially in a field that can sometimes feel isolating.
Join us at WordCamp Asia 2025 in Manila
If you missed this one, don’t worry, because there’s an even bigger event coming up! The WordCamp Asia 2025, happening from February 20th to 22nd at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. WordCamp Asia is an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and explore business opportunities with fellow WordPress enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to WordPress or a seasoned pro, you’ll have the chance to dive into exciting sessions, discover new technologies, and build meaningful connections with the global WordPress community.
I’m excited to see more meetups, more opportunities to grow, and more chances to hang out with fellow WordPress enthusiasts. So, stay tuned for the next event, and who knows, maybe we’ll be sharing even more success stories (and challenges) together soon! Thanks for reading, and feel free to drop a comment with your own WordPress journey. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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