To once again be with kindred spirits from the open mapping and open geospatial communities was invigorating. I joked all week that the reason why I had so many talks was because it was my farewell tour to the community and that I was planning on taking a break next year—like MJ back in '94.

2/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

But seeing the passion for open mapping bloom in the eyes of newcomers and be rekindled in those of fellow old-timers (okay, experienced members of the community), how could I walk away? The community has accomplished so much in the past few years and I want to see how much more we can achieve in the years to come.

3/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

This was also a homecoming for me. I can still remember the looks on the faces of some of our amazing volunteers from the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines Inc. Bicol University Student Chapter when they find out that, like them, I'm also just a kid from Albay.

Them: "Taga Albay ka sir?"
Me: "Iyo tabi, Ligao City born and raised."

4/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

One of the missions of Pista ng Mapa is to bring the beauty and wonder of open mapping/geospatial outside of Metro Manila and I hope we were able to do just that for my fellow Albayanos. Thank you to the Bicol University College of Engineering and Department of Geodetic Engineering for graciously and generously hosting us. You set quite a bar for the next Pista ng Mapa host. 😄

5/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

To our volunteers, I may not have been able to thank you all personally but know that you were the secret sauce that kept the Pista going and I look forward to seeing you all grow in the community.

6/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

Lastly, to my co-organizers during the week—Feye, Leigh, and Mikko—you were awesome, bar none. You held up more than half the sky during the week and the Pista would not have been as festive without you. I'm happy that we were able to pull this off but I'm even happier that we were able to make the conference as diverse and inclusive as we could.

7/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

We need more women and people from marginalized and under-represented communities in the open mapping/geospatial field and having you there sends a powerful message and serves as a wonderful inspiration to others.

G p ba next year?

8/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial

Again, to everyone who helped, participated, and made Pista ng Mapa 2022 the #biggestpistaever and the #bestpistaever (or the #bestpistasofar), give yourselves a big round of applause. I hope you found something at the Pista that made you fall in love (with open mapping and open geospatial) and I wish to see you all once again next year. 'Til then, humayo kayo at magpaka-open source.

9/n

#PistaNgMapa #StateOfTheMapAsia #OpenStreetMap #FOSS4G #OSGeo #OpenMapping #Geospatial #GIS #OpenGeospatial