I might be tempted to roll for initiative here to set up a national-level AT Proto user group in the Philippines (or at least in the Greater Metro Manila area to cover nearby provinces outside Metro Manila/NCR), but one of the possible roadblocks in setting one up is the networks effect of Facebook/Instagram and Twitter is still strong here (alongside Reddit and Tiktok). I am holding off this one since I do have a lot to manage on my plate at the moment (recently cooking up Better Marilao as part of Better LGU portals on the BetterGov.PH civil-tech community, alongside the usual open-source work at @recaptime.dev and college life), but feel free to chime in the replies for collaborative work.
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I think rather than skipping straight to how to organize a national level, I like to encourage people to start with one meetup.
So, a meetup in Manila to kick things off – and in part, use that as an excuse to find 1 or 2 co-organizers.
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Since I am outside the NCR region (currently resides in Marilao, Bulacan but studying in Meycauayan City [which is obviously bordering with Valenzuela City, see my Sifa.id profile for context which school], it’s a bit of challenge geographically side but I’ll try to work around those.
Just go for a casual meet-up. Nothing fancy. Nothing prepared.
It’s how these started:
- Ubuntu Philippines LoCo (Local Community)
- Anime events that turned into conventions
- Bloggers associations and conventions
- Bloggers Election watch
- New Worlds Alliance (scifi and fantasy clubs convention)
Disclosure: I was either an active or founding member in some of those.
In some, it was just a small group of friends who had an idea. While in others, it started online and a callout for the first meeting was held in some coffee shop.
In another, the first event was held in someone’s condo, or the rooftop of their unaelated work office. (So no venue cost.)
Some grew, while some eventually ended.
The important thing is we tried.
Personally, start to feel the community if there’s an interest. Ot doesn’t have to be technical in nature or topic.
If I will take a guess, the Philippine ATmosphere community is dominated by artists, with a few indie gamedevs. You can adjust this first meet-up around that. Less on the technical and more on art (drawing, stories, writing, game development).
The first meet-up can be in some coffee shop or even fastfood (although these days of they notice it’s sort of a mini convintion, they ask everyone to leave). Or, in someone’s home, towe square, or office rooftop. This way, you can cut cost on venue fees.
Keep it very casual. Don’t prepare a long list of presentations. If there will be presenters, it’s voluntary. Don’t announce any of it, it’s going to kill participation and the vibe. “Too formal.” You know how we Filipinos prefer socializing.
Of course also prepare something to keep things focused. Maybe it’s a follow session. Or maybe it’s a check-in session. Or, a verification session (since I’m running Vouch Philippines, I’ll handle the verification session, and include a little how-to see the checkmarks and which apps/clients to use).
You can also tap your uni’s clubs. Maybe there’s a club that intersects with the ATmosphere network. Like say, SNS responsibility and privacy club or advocacy group. They can help organize the meet-up, or if they are already planning an event themselves, you can ask a short session for ATmosphere talks or a booth.
I’m not saying it’s easy but start small. Keep it very casual. Match the vibe of potential attendees—if most are artists, then less on technical stuff and lingo (like data ownership and sovereignty).
You can also ask for stickers from the larger ATcommunity to send a few, it’s a good giveaway, you only have to shoulder the shipping cost or the local customs. Or, maybe someone already have a good presentation deck, you can ask for permission to use their material. Saves you time, you only have to review and adjust it a bit (again match the attendees).
