Impromptu Karaoke at Timezone Trinoma

Video clips by FOSSyFrancis and Myra. Composite by FOSSyFrancis.

It was a night of food, songs, fun and laughter. After meeting up for a pasta-filled dinner at Avenetto (loved that pesto pasta, really!) in the new Ayala Trinoma in Quezon City, we decided to explore the interiors and floors of the new mall and landed straight at Timezone, a game center/fun house at the top floor.

It was almost 11:00PM and we rushed to the karaoke booth to wind up and the rest you see here in this video. Well, not all though... this is the editor's cut. The uncut versions are still in my mobile phone.

Song after song after song, we laughed, giggled, clapped and went wild. Diane do have a great voice, tremolo and all; Myra was more on a relaxed and comical mood; and yours truly... hmmm... a one-in-a-million whatever.

We were supposed to sing more songs but it was time to go. Closing time, that is. Awww shucks! We will return and try to get the rest of the AS2-Pilipinas gang with us.

Oh, by the way, it did not end there. We did a last-minute drive to Tomas Morato to get a warm cup of green tea latte at Bang's and lazed around until around 1:00AM. It was a great evening with friends. They're really one in a million! That includes YOU! Enjoy the show!

Off-topic: There is this cool, nerdy YouTube video for those techies unrequited love complete with those techie jargon and all. Check on "LUV TWO POINT OH (the key)". Funny but real!

Birthday Wishes for a Motherly Friend

Today marks the 31st birthday of my (and of many) dearest friend Yolynne Medina!

What else can I say? Yolynne is a personification of strength, faith and resolve who truly deserves the best of everything in life. No matter what, her unwavering faith and selflessness will surely be rewarded in God's will.

Let me share this:

"Happiness is a very subjective factor in one's life. Being happy doesn't depend on achieving what you want, but rather making the best out of what is given. Life isn't fair, it never is. The only thing that can make you completely happy is CONTENTMENT. Be contented with what you have, but be sure to aim high and never stop believing you can do better anytime, everytime. But if all else fails, always remember you are not alone."

Again, my motherly friend Yolynne, here's wishing you all the good health and to your family, a strong togetherness. We miss you back here in Manila. But as what I always say to the rest, you will be in spirit, wherever... whenever.

A CONTENTED BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

See you soon here in Manila. With love and care always.

AsiaSource 2 in Malaysia

Photos courtesy of Sam Hui and Al Rodriguez. Collage by FOSSyFrancis.

AsiaSource 2 people have been going places and popping out and meeting up around the world since Sukabumi, Indonesia. After meeting some of them in the Philippines, now we find ourselves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The OSHCA 2007 Conference held last 8 to11 May 2007 brought in over 100 delegates from different parts of the world to discuss on healthcare FOSS interoperability. It was here that UNDP-IOSN ASEAN+3 together with InWEnt of Germany have sponsored 20 talented FOSS developers from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam to participate in the conference and to attend a developers' training workshop.

It was another chance in everyone's lifetime as AS2 veterans aka "FOSSerans"(just thought of that word instantaneously) had a brief yet wonderful reunion with generous hosts Sam Hui, Jaya Kumar, and Gayathry (she begged off due to chicken pox).

There to share a gastronomic fiesta at the Nan/Tanduri place near TMC Bangsar, a quick stroll through the expat pubs and foot reflexology spas of Bangsar Village, and at the Nirwana Mamak Shop's masala and ginger tea were Foaud Bajwa, Ravindra da Silva, Nelia Victolero and yours truly. Olivia Dwi Ayu, Truong Anh Tuan was not able to join us, though. Also, Marvin Pascual was still coming in the following day. But we had them with us in pure FOSS spirit.

It was a night to remember for all as the group trooped to the famed Petronas Twin Towers at the KLCC and did not waste precious time capturing those moments of awe, friendship and togetherness. It was almost midnight when we reached the towers to marvel at its nocturnally-illuminated splendor. The golden reflection of the Public Bank at its front was also as captivating. Oohs, ahhs, hey and wows were all we can say!

Indeed, the AS2 spirit and pulse will continue to grow, glow and go (places)!

More of this in Sam's blog at http://smoothriver.net/blog/2007/05/10/kl-night-out/#more-500

AsiaSource2 Track 4 Final Presentation

Finally, it's here!

Thanks so much to Elanto for sending this long-awaited video clip of Track 4's final presentantion. And to Olivia for bringing it to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the OSHCA 2007 Conference. Terima kasih!

Directed by the creative genius Sam Hui, camera by Elanto and starring the dynamic actors/actresses of Track 4.

The video says it all.

Ladies and gentlemen, Track 4 in its finest moments!

More production details on the video clip at Mifan's blog at http://techmania.wordpress.com/ - Track 4 glory at AsiaSource II

Sure it's getting more fun here!

AS2-Pilipinas Welcomes SAHANA in Manila

Photos courtesy of Pretchie Obja-an. Collage by FOSSyFrancis.

Headed by Track 4 Facilitator Bobby Soriano, AS2-Pilipinas hosted a dinner for SAHANA's Mifan Careem and Ravindra da Silva with lovely wife Mathisha. It was an eat-all-you-can evening last 25 April 2007 in all-Filipino Cabalen Restaurant in Metro Manila's central business district of Makati City.

The group includes Trixie, Cheekay, Joanna, Pretchie, Dianne, Myra, Magie, Jerome and yours truly. Not present were Joyce, Bangge, and Evelyn. Dr. Alvin, however, have met with the SAHANA guys earlier that day. Nelia, Ela and Yolynne are in southern Philippines but have extended their regards as well.

As our token of recognition and appreciation for all of SAHANA's efforts, we presented Mifan and Ravindra with the famous Philippine jeepney die-cast models and a bouquet of flowers for Mathisha.

After the dinner, the rest proceeded to the popular Baywalk area of Manila where the group enjoyed outdoor bands, mime performers, and late night coffee near the sea. Track 5 stories again re-surfaced and brought back memories and laughs among us all.

The following day, Bobby and I brought Mifan, Ravindra and Mathisha for a Jolibee breakfast with Joanna, Dianne and Magie then later did last-minute bargain shopping and a refreshing stop at the Promenade both in the Greenhills Shopping Center.

It was indeed fun to meet again and welcome fellow AS2 participants in our country and extend the warm Filipino hospitality.

To the SAHANA guys, MABUHAY and see you again soon! Thank you for visiting our country.

Circles of SAHANA

As usual, I was up till the wee hours of the morning in preparation for an IOSN booth display for a local Rotary District Convention on March 23 to 24, 2007. In addition to an IOSN showcase, Bobby and I have planned for a SAHANA multimedia display and an Ubuntu demonstration.

Part of the preparation is for me to make ID pins that we will wear during the event. As shown above, the pin at the left uppermost corner is the one I had made to be worn. Then, an idea struck me!

As we all know, the sunflower is used in the SAHANA website, which I find, on my opinion, a fitting symbol of the SAHANA FOSS Disaster Management System, because for me the sunflower symbolizes hope and a new beginning. According to the FTD website, a sunflower's meaning differs from culture to culture. To some, the sunflower promises power, warmth, and nourishment — all the attributes of the sun itself. The Chinese hold the sunflower as a symbol of longevity. The sunflower is also often used as a symbol of green ideology.

Then as if a stroke of pure inspiration, I ended up doing several pin designs. What I thought of was combining the sunflower and different calamities as a background. It was actually a creative contrast of disaster and hope. I came up with several pin series: tsunami, typhoon, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Ooops! My mind skipped earthquakes. Well, I still have time to make some.

It sure is cool to wear them all and show that amidst calamities - natural or man-made - hope brought by SAHANA leads to new beginnings. By the way, the word "sahana" means relief.

Asia Source II in the Fourth Estate

Scanned magazine article courtesy of Oni Budipramono.
Collage and additional details by FOSSyFrancis.

The press have been always a critical component in the information dissemination about events, places, and people.

A handful of the Asia Source II participants have written in our mailing list that articles about the event have been published in magazines and newspapers in their respective countries. I have a few online links here from CIO India and KOMPAS Cybermedia and a lot of blog entries from the participants.

I wish to thank Oni Budipramono for this article. I may not understand the contents, which is in Indonesian, but I know for sure that Asia Source II have been once again, in this form, have been immortalized.

Note: For those others who have submitted articles for local publication, please send scanned files of the articles and send them to my personal e-mail.

Hut of Palms

Photos courtesy of Cheekay Cinco

Asia Source II has unpacked itself with so many interesting surprises. One of these is the Bazaar on the 3rd day of the camp. Each of the huts have their own unique "services". One hut have country souvenirs and free massages while another have teas and cigarettes. One hut that attracted a horde of onlookers and seekers was the one with palm reading sessions.

A rush of outstretched palms yearning for interpretation were everywhere. It was emphasized that it will be personalities not the future that will be read.

Humans have an inherent nature of wanting to know their future. The mystique of palm reading spans many cultures as what was manifested. While several schools of thought have their opinions on the practice of palm reading, it has not lost its mysticism through the ages.

Isn't it interesting that in this age of modern technology, humans still rely on the age-old methods of knowing what lies ahead? What's more amusing is that it takes another person to tell someone of who they are. And yes, most of the time, this has become a point of realization.

Do you know who you really are?

The e-Rider Comes to Manila!

Among the notable personalities in the FOSS community who have visited the country recently was Bulgarian e-Rider, Vladimir Ognyanov Petkov aka Kaladan. He is the FOSS projects manager of InterSpace Media Art Center in Bulgaria.

He was invited to Manila to speak on "Using FOSS on Governance: Experiences Abroad" during the 1st Philippine Conference on Free and Open Source Software in eGovernance held last 7-8 March 2007 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Pasig City, Philippines. The event was organized by the Institute of Popular Democracy.

The highlight of Kaladan's visit was the presentation of the 2006 Dirk Award. I remember Bobby bringing the Oscar-like trophy all the way from AS2 when its inaugural recipient, Dirk Slater handed it to him for the awarding ceremonies. And it's a heavy piece of solid metal. Bobby, did it trigger the airport security alarms?

The Dirk Award is given annually to Circuit Riders or eRiders who have shown extraordinary contributions to the nonprofit and international NGO technology communities while paying tribute to the principles of social justice and the role technology can play in empowering other communities and individuals.

The site also states that "in person, Kaladan is warm, friendly and always has a smile. He is also entirely humble and always ready to help where he can." In fact, it was more of an understatement about Kaladan. He is more than that! You should hear him make his voice squeak when he emphasizes a point. Really funny!

I may have spent a brief time with his company during his booth visits, our group beer drinking sessions and during his Ubuntu+FOSS migration lecture, yet I do find Kaladan a person of passion and a lover of freedom - like a true FOSS advocate he is.

Congratulations Kaladan for all your tireless and selfless contributions! I wish you all the best! See you again in the future. Thank you for visiting our country.

AS2-Pilipinas Celebrates in FOSS Fiesta

Photos courtesy of Yolynne Medina and Dom Cimafranca

Shown above are AS2-Pilipinas Francis, Bobby, Yolynne, Myra, Joanna, Jerome, Dianne, and Alvin with Ubuntu-PH, IPD, Joomla and a lot more of FOSS people! Ela, Magie, Bangge, Nelia, Latreia, Pretchie, Joyce, Cheekay, Trixie and Marvin were with us in spirit. Thanks to Dom Cimafranca and Yolynne for the pics. You saved the day, my Friends!

Last March 7 and 8 was FOSS Fiesta during the 1st Philippine Conference on Free and Open Source Software in eGovernance organized by the Institute of Popular Democracy (IPD). Yolynne flew in from hometown Zamboanga City as an invited speaker on FOSS 101 and IOSN ASEAN+3 Regional Manager Alvin who spoke on "Building Sustainable Constituencies for using FOSS in e-Governance."

It was a fun-filled event wherein one of the highlights was the FOSS Fiesta, which included a number of FOSS groups - IOSN ASEAN+3, UP Manila-National Telehealth Center, AsiaSource II-Pilipinas, Joomla, Google, Sahana and of course, Ubuntu-PH and UbuntuWomen among others. We also met AS1 Philippine participants. The organizers through the courtesy of AS2 Track 4 facilitator Bobby Soriano and IPD's Pi Villanueva, provided the group a booth to showcase our stuff.

Yolynne, Joanna, Dianne and Jerome manned the Ubuntu booth with the active members of Ubuntu-PH and UbuntuWomen. We had T-shirts, pens, watches, mugs, water jugs, and stickers with Ubuntu logos on them. Ubuntu 6.10 CDs brought in from abroad were also a big hit!The group prepared a simple multimedia AS2 booth, which featured Camp "Muse" Myra's video production of the event's memorable faces and moments. Indeed, it was a labor of pure love and it did bring back smiles and laughs. We displayed some of the camp souvenirs we got and also my BumBum "The Volcanic Penguin."

We wore our official AS2 shirts on the 1st day. Too bad no pictures to show the first day activities were recovered from my digicam that got lost in the midst of the frenzy. Nonetheless, the show must go on. By the way, the video will undergo fine-tuning and Myra promised to post it soon for everybody to download. Yipee!!!

The event did bring people together. Eventhough I lost my camera, I did find a lot of new friends and more FOSS knowledge. Oh yes, I do love my job! Time to get a new camera. :) Hmmm... an SLR digicam is still out of reach, though.

Note: We have named our group "AS2-Pilipinas" referring to the Philippine participants in Asia Source II. And yes, we had new Ubuntu shirts made. Really a must have!

The Camp "Presence"

Asia Source II has brought in a lot of people from different countries and it seemed it has brought in with it some other else. Hmmm....

A picture of one of Track 4's presentation taken by me was included in the Camp CD and was left unnoticed with some "artifact" until Muno took note of it on the last day of the camp. It did quite made a stir.

"A ghost!", the participants exclaimed. The idea of a "camp ghost" sent shivers to some and yet did not escape the scrutiny of some photography enthusiasts to bring some sense into it. The raw image was enlarged, subjected to image inversion and more.

The human mind can really create images - some say that the image was that of a pregnant woman wearing a veil. There was even an attempt to make a story out of it to complete the "supernatural" touch.

Some even joked me that I intentionally created the image in my photo to add some spice to the camp. Oh, I'm sure people had their ample share of spicy food already!

Suddenly, I came to realize that the concept of ghosts spans different cultures and I'm in the middle of it. Very enlightening. Just imagine if the image was discovered in the early part of the camp. I don't know if Track 5 sessions would have extended till the wee hours of the morning.

Trying to downplay the flurry of speculations, I maintained my position that it is an overexposed image of a woman strolling under strong direct sunlight. In simpler terms, the camera was positioned inside an indirectly illuminated hall and pointed towards a bright background. In automatic mode, the camera has compensated to capture the intended indoor target and in the process, admitted more light into the lens and ended up overexposing a brightly illuminated person. This was further enhanced by light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight more intensely. Without a fill-in flash, it may create the ghostly effect. Others may offer other explanations.

Nevertheless, the "ghost" gave the camp an another dimension - in the twilight zone.

Whether or not it is a real ghost, I'm sure it was a friendly camp presence - a FOSSt, that is.

Any other ideas?

The Rainbow Ninjas of the Volcano

A hiking trip to the Tangkubanparahu Volcano was one of the 4 outings yearned for by Asia Source II participants. More than half of the camp population joined the group and made its more than 4-hour trip to Bandung, Indonesia aboard two buses

Our bus was noise-filled with the usual pranks that each of us played on the others. Marvin and I were funny victims and so was a sleeping Fouad who got a "political" kiss from butty Jagadeesh. No one dared to sleep after this. Myra was targeted as the virgin to be sacrificed in a volcanic ritual.

Hours later, rows of pine trees, a sloping terrain, a sudden drop in surrounding temperature, a drizzle, and thick fog welcomed us. The sulfuric stench told us that we were at the crater lip of an active volcano, which last erupted in 1983.

A horde of vendors greeted us and repeatedly tried selling their wares to us tourists - rabbit skin bags and hats, local handicrafts, and these multi-colored flexible ala-Barbie ninja toys. I have a penchant to collect novelties and I have stopped myself otherwise I end up buying all of them. I just took a good photo of it.

I knew ninjas are of Japanese origin but are there Indonesian ones? Checking Wikipedia.org or a wild Google search did not turn up a convincing link. Anyway, I found this ninja "criteria" in an Asian cinema website that states that "in sum, to be considered a ninja, as we understand it through popular entertainment and modern ninjutsu masters, a ninja must: practice the art of concealment, engage in covert military operations, belong to a secret fraternity of ninja, wear black, and lots of it."

Hmmm... are my FOSSy friends resemble ninjas? I don't think so. Firstly, they don't conceal anything (it's open source); they don't engage in covert operations (it's a community for everybody, but some of them can be from the "friendly forces", too; there's never a secret fraternity (Track 5 members are no secret at all); and oh, they do wear black but it's more of a fashion statement. And lots of it? Yes, lots of fun and sharing. So there can't be no FOSS ninjas among my friends in Asia Source II.

How about being rainbow-colored ninjas? Rainbow-colored my friends are! True-blooded ninjas, I rather not. A teenage mutant turtle, perhaps. Miss you all, my AS2 Friends!

Leaping Forward: The Frog Treats of Indonesia

Frog lunch photos courtesy of Y.B. Agusnugroho.

Do you know that the largest supplier of frog legs to Europe is Indonesia? And I have eaten some of them. In Indonesia, where else?

That fateful day was during one rainy lunch when Agus with wife Ticky and daughter Karen brought me to Mangga Dua for shopping. Agus promised me a surprise and a surprise I did get! I had my very first taste of frog legs. "Swike" is how they call the dish in Indonesia. More details in Agus' blog.

The other frogs you see here are the ones who will join my growing frog collectibles. The one below I bought during our Bandung outing while we were hiking down the volcano hot springs and the one above, I got from the Duty Free store in Hatta-Soekarno International Airport before I boarded my flight on my way home. I really thought I won't be able to bring home a frog from Indonesia because I can't find one since I arrived there. Well, it's not only these frogs I'll be bringing home with me but also the experience of having some of the real ones inside me. Hmmm...

What an interesting way my frog interest has leapt forward! A gastronomic treat it was. Thanks Agus for the treat! So friends, let's move on, or rather, let's leap forward from here.

One Moment in Time... (soon!)

Life is Like One Chicken's Balancing Wire Act

It has been quite some time when I last saw a chicken perched atop a tree to roost. That's why when I saw this chicken balanced precariously on a wire like a bird, I cannot stop myself taking its picture.

I would say the same with life in the camp. I went to Asia Source II with not much expectations, that is, thinking it would be another of those training seminars I have attended in the past. Oh, how very wrong I was. Asia Source II is one experience to remember. Forever...

Life in the Asia Source II was a balance of sorts. Achieving this was primarily through RESPECT - a must in the camp. In fact, there was a conscious effort on my part to strike a balance between me and the new friends that I made. Observing them across different languages, gestures, and behaviors was a challenge I was willing to take. There was no space for indifference nor any reason to offend. But again, a balance must exist on everything that was being said and done. Doing so was very rewarding indeed. It gave me more than 100 wonderful new friends in two weeks.

To "chicken out" means to withdraw or to back out or plainly being scared. But that chicken on the wire did not "chicken out." Instead, it bravely viewed life below while balancing itself. Otherwise, it may never see it at all.

So my dear new friends, let's balance our lives and live long.

Objects of Affection

Asia Source II brought with it so many memories. People and places, sounds and sights, and a lot more.

I am very happy to have received from some AS2 participants an assortment of souvenirs from their countries - a batik shirt, a wooden jewelry box, a rubber wristband, a bamboo flute, coins, green maps and stamps. Of course, the rose.

Each one has its own unique story behind it.

Though they came in squares and circles, plains and prints, and in distinct sounds and scents, they remind me of only one important thing - friendships that were made and friendships to be remembered and nurtured.

Maraming salamat! (Many thanks!)

Feeding Our Friendships and Common Interests

Events bring people together... familiar... closer. But events end and we say goodbye and go home. Nope, we rather say, "see you again soon."

Going back to events, they come in myriad forms - conferences and fora, musicals and dances, trainings and yes, camps. I can and will never forget one camp - Asia Source II.

Asia Source II is a camp of love and freedom. People came from different nations - of different cultures, of different beliefs and yet, people are united with one common interest - Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) - and a multitude of plans for a more progressive world.

"Veni, vidi, vici", exclaimed by Julius Ceasar in 47 BC for his victory. I came, I saw, I conquered was what I felt exactly. I was given this great opportunity to attend and I came. I saw for myself the individuals who now are my tutors and my friends. I was able to conquer my own fears and apprehensions to be part of a greater truth and make a big difference in the lives of everyone within my reach. Geographical borders will not put a stop to my reaching out to others. My involvement has narrowed my personal digital divide and has become a growing crusade to do it for others, too. Empowerment at its best!

I have gone home but not alone. I now have a world of friends. And what does food have to do with this? Well, good food nourishes our bodies. We meet our friends in food places. We enjoy each other's company with food around.

So, what's my point then? Yes, food like knowledge can be enjoyed at its fullest only if it is shared among friends. Then, it totally nourishes not only the body but also the spirit.

Have food, anyone?

If the Shoe Fits Not - My "Dream Mischief"

The Imelda Marcos* Shoe Collection:

Asia Source II Style

*Historical trivia: Imelda Marcos is the former Philippine First Lady who is well-known for her extensive and extravagant shoe collection, which were discovered in the presidential palace when the family was forced into exile duirng the 1986 People Power (EDSA) Revolution. This "bloodless" revolution installed the country's first woman president, Corazon "Cory" C. Aquino.

One of the sights that fascinated me during the camp is this parade of shoes, sandals, slippers, flip-flops, and what-have-yous at the footsteps of the camp hall where we had our daily morning circles, track presentations, speed-geeking, and all those dynamic social activities.

I once asked myself, "what would happen if I mix these all up while everybody's inside?" It was a "dream mischief" that haunted me - almost to the point of compulsion - everytime I see this footwear line-up.

What could have been the reactions if confronted with the situation of not able to locate his/her footwear because of the crazy mix-up? An how I would have enjoyed looking at them from afar. Well, it remained as a dream, as I have said. If not, I could have been labelled as the "camp footwear GILA", if not worse. Note: GILA is the Indonesian word for crazy.

Let's play a game: Count the number of footwear pairs that you see in the picture and post your answers in the blog. So, how many can you see and count? The winner gets... a pair.

Names Before, Faces Later... Friends Forever

The FOSS-Empowered PINOY Group

Shown in this wacky shot are (from left, front row); Cheekay Cinco, Nelia Victolero, Bangge Lopez, Dianne Gonzales, Ela Bona, Joanna Mariazeta, Latreia Estabillo, Evelyn Villaflor, Yolynne Medina, Magie Antonio. Second row, from left: Pretchie Obja-an, Myra Siazon, Dr. Francis Sarmiento II, Bobby Soriano, Marvin Pascual, Joyce Sulit, Dirk Slater??? Hey, Fabulous!!!, Jerome Gotangco, Trixie Concepcion and Dr. Alvin Marcelo.

When the call for applications for Asia Source II was posted in the IOSN website last November 2006, I was confronted with a lingering question on what a source camp is all about. I didn't even recall encountering the combined words "source camp" in my past readings. Little did I know when I e-mailed my application on November 25, I was set for a journey of colorful discoveries.

The month-long wait for an invitation to attend the event was never without suspense each time I opened my mailbox - only to be interrupted by the rush of the Christmas holidays made worse by the internet disruption brought about by that strong earthquake off the coast of Taiwan towards the end of 2006. And then it finally came... I'M DEFINITELY IN AND GOING!

Of the more than 230 applications received by the organizers, 120 plus got accepted - 18 of whom are from the Philippines. I learned later that we are the 2nd largest group next to Indonesia, the host country. A name or two were familiar to me, either I've met them in recent FOSS events or I've heard or read about them. But the rest of the people in the Filipino list was totally unknown to me. I started to send them e-mails off the asiasource2 participants mailing list. I told myself that I need to know them and organize something for us all even before leaving for Asia Source II. And I felt this would be a strong group.

I flew to Indonesia a week before Asia Source II opened as I needed to attend to tasks for the camp at the ICTWatch office in Jakarta and proceeded to Sukabumi on a bus at the stroke of midnight of 20 February together with the first batch of delegates. Bobby was my bus seatmate and Cheekay, seated with Fran Boon on the opposite side. It was "getting-to-know-you" time. Days later, the rest rolled into the camp. The names have become faces and we have been a FOSS-Empowered Pinoy Group since then.

Oh yes, we have prepared for this photo-op complete with a custom-made banner, Philippine flags and loads of souvenirs the Bazaar crazed over. It was really fun!

You, what can you say about it?

The Gift of Freedom, The Keys of Change

Photo courtesy of ICTWatch.

My ASIA SOURCE II Family
Yawitra Asri, Sukabumi, Indonesia
22 to 30 January 2007

It's almost a month now that ASIA SOURCE II has opened its doors to more than a hundred eager participants. ASIA SOURCE II truly changed my life. The event was the Gift. The participants, facilitators, organizers, and the volunteers - the Keys who have opened the doors of learning, sharing, empowerment, and opportunities for me. We all are the agents of change... for the better.

It was 9 wonderful days of camaraderie and friendship that have fueled the flames of unity. The aftermath then, heralded the spread of freedom - Free/Open Source Software (FOSS).

FOSS was purely an abstraction for me years before this but the event has made it tangible, practical and comprehensible.

How I miss you all. But the digital divide between us have substantially narrowed by the universality of our common advocacy. It is indeed the Software of Love!

One month after and still kicking. One event, many changes.

Let us continue to connect, connect, and connect!