I want to share that I received the “State of the Map Asia 2023 Community Champion Awards” on November 17 as recognition for advocating the use of OpenStreetMap and community-building across different groups and regions in the Asia-Pacific region and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the community.

As a student leader passionate about exploring not just maps, but also the diverse tapestry of communities in the Asia-Pacific, I recognize that my efforts are a work in progress. I aim to continue advocating for OpenStreetMap’s advancement and I am deeply grateful to the State of the Map Asia team, my colleagues, mentors, family, friends, and everyone who has contributed to this remarkable journey.

Another year, another Pista ng Mapa 2023 in Tacloban City!

Hosted by UP Visayas Tacloban YouthMappers, it’s a gathering celebrating open mapping, data, and an unforgettable journey. I am grateful to the organizing team for the scholarship grant and the chance to present. Thank you, UP Tacloban Youthmappers, for the warm welcome and for keeping our surroundings pristine.

The conference was a three-day journey packed with eye-opening lightning talks. From Leanne Caye D. Obispo’s “Data: A Story to Tell” to Sir Denrazir Atara’s spatial analysis of tree species, each session was a revelation. Erika Del Rosario Pauline Jen Madrona’s drone training and Oriel Jay Ibañez’s insights on community development through drone imaging were inspiring. Sir Ben Hur Pintor’s discourse on data management and Ms. Dinnah Feye Andal’s introduction to Mapillary were eye-openers. And oh, the endless field trip—such a blast! where I can say I shall return to Tacloban

Meeting old friends, making new ones on social nights, connecting with mentors again like Sir Mikko Tamura, Ms. Feye Andal, Leigh Lunas, Sir Ben Hur, and Sir Aimon, and connecting with the local YouthMappers chapters were a highlight! This was my 2nd Pista ng Mapa 2023, a great adventure with a small team with Dora (Me), yet the knowledge gained, networks built, and friendships forged were beyond measure. Here’s to hoping next year brings even more from our chapter.

I look forward to creating new memories and deepening my mapping passion at the next Pista ng Mapa (also SotM, manifesting!). Huge thanks to everyone who made this event an unforgettable experience!

The SotMAxPnM2022 International Conference emphasized the value of employing open source, open data, and open mapping in the current state of technological growth. - November 21–25, 2022, Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines. Events were held by several groups in addition to the conference sessions and workshops. Also hosting their social event were Youthmappers, Mapbeks, and GeoladiesPH. My memories of the Pista ng Mapa Conference and the State of the Map Asia Conference are still fresh, but they will always be remembered.

Let me express my gratitude to the State of the Map Asia x Pista ng Mapa Organizing Team for the opportunity to be one of the local travel grantees. Also, attending the conference does not have enough money, but big thanks to Sir Aimon Pangan and to COLLADEV for adopting our YouthMappers chapter for the whole week (we miss the breakfast, Ka sama ka Sir). We do not have any funds, but I/we are forever grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

To the Bicol University College of Engineering, thank you very much for the kind welcome. We really enjoyed our time at your prestigious university. We appreciate that you keep our surroundings pristine and secure. A special thanks to Christine and the two guys who were with us that day for showing us around their big campus.

Fast-forward to the “State of the Map Asia x Pista ng Mapa” occasion. The work of Mr. John Louie Fabila in producing 3D animated maps to encourage greater interactions captivated me. Sir Aimon Pangan for sharing his work on Data-Driven Development for Policymaking with Kobocollect; I was blown away by how Sir Aimon works with the community in other places. Also, to the UP Tacloban Youthmappers, Kuya Michael Joshua Orais, although I didn’t attend the workshop because it was already full, I was fascinated by your presentation, “Ang Unang Paglipad,” because the first YouthMappers chapter has drone training.

The highlight was being given the opportunity to share a talk about “Collaborative Mapping for the Community: Project Mapadayon,” my first-ever project this year in which I volunteered. In this talk, we present Project Mapadayon, which created data for student housing near my university during the pandemic. My team was very nervous at that time because it was our first time attending a big international conference, but indeed we have successfully done and we can sleep tightly after the cramming we did.

It was a lot of fun going to workshops. Meeting friends and mentors who shared their knowledge and skills in mapping, not only from the Philippines but also from other countries in Asia, was exciting! The five-day conference feels like one month, and all the speakers and mentors who shared their expertise, passion, and love for mapping taught me a lot. I also have the opportunity to meet Sir Can Unen, Sir Mikko Tamura, Ms. Feye Andal, Ms. Leigh, Ms. Arnalie, and the local YouthMappers chapters. It was a pleasure to meet you all! I can’t wait to see you again next year.

I’m excited to make new memories once more and am looking forward to going to the next Pista ng Mapa and SoTM. Again, I would want to express my appreciation to the organizers, speakers, volunteers, scholars, and other participants for making my experience at Pista ng Mapa 2022 and SOTM2022 a memorable and special one!