Look Back WordCamp Asia 2025

The AV Crew consisted of about 10 members, including organizers and day-of volunteers (which was my role). Before the event, we had a zoom meeting and orientation, where we reviewed details using the AV Crew Handbook.
When I checked my shift schedule,
I noticed that although I had signed up as a half-day volunteer, I was assigned to almost a full day. But of course—I expected this, as the same thing happened last year!

It was reassuring to see that many of the AV crew were Japanese.

The main attraction of WordCamp is the speaker sessions.
While focusing on capturing speakers from various angles and focal lengths, I also took photos of the audience and other staff members. I paid special attention to timing the shots with impactful slides and capturing dynamic gestures, like when speakers raised their hands or made expressive movements.
After each session, there was a gift presentation for the speaker, which was one of the most important moments to photograph!

Coincidentally, I was tasked with photographing the same speakers I shot at WordCamp Asia 2024 in Taipei. It was a my little progress for me to be able to tell him, “I also photographed you at last WordCamp Asia!”

Every sponsor booth was vibrant and eye-catching, making the area exciting just to walk through.
Amazingly, our company, Vektor, Inc. also had a booth in the sponsor area. It was so crowded that it was difficult to get close. Even though I went there, I couldn’t even stand at the booth for a second!

This sponsor area was so far from the session room, I was a bit worried about whether it would attract enough people.
However, event was well planned, with lunches held in the sponsor area, group photos taken in a nearby hallway, and a steady stream of attendees, so my worries were unnecessary!

The family photo was a group shot of all Attendees　at the yard.
Four photographers were assigned from Japan.We split into two teams, with two shooting from the rooftop and the remaining two shooting from the ground.While everyone looked up and shouted “Wow!”, I was shooting the moment from the ground!

The group photos are team shots for organizers and volunteers.
We shot of some teams, and of course, we also had a group photo for our AV Crew. However, AV Crew members were scattered all over the venue, it was quite a challenge to gather everyone in one place.

Lunch time is also a great chance to shooting. We photographers eat lunch as quickly as possible.
The buffet also had vegetarian and halal options. I didn’t know what Filipino food was like before I went to the Philippines, but it was familiar with a lot of stewed dishes. Of course, dessert is also a must.

On the evening of the contributors’ night, a Social Night was held, where staff, speakers, and sponsors gathered.
The venue was the old stone fortress, Baluarte de San Diego, and it was buffet style.

For me, the main event was the After Party on the final day, held in a separate building at the PICC.The venue featured food stalls, a photo spot with a Wapuu, and people swaying under the soft glow of neon lights.
That was the perfect moment for photography—whether I knew them or not, everyone was smiling and striking their best poses. Honestly, this moment alone made the trip to Manila worth it!