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Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Doher Drizzle Pablo, launched in the inaugural Techbayanihan 2024 in the Philippines, an event embracing the spirit of "bayanihan", meaning community cooperation. It brought together diverse speakers and attendees to discuss and learn about the possibilities of Copilot.
Delivering events on this scale requires a collective effort. Here, we share a story by Floris Wayvell Tubale, a community leader and volunteer supporting Drizzle’s vision for Techbayanihan 2024.
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In the heart of Manila, Philippines, in early August 2024, something extraordinary happened. Techbayanihan 2024: "Copilot Para Sa Bayan" was more than just a tech conference; it was a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and community spirit. Hosted at Citadines Bay City Manila, this two-day event brought together 369 passionate individuals—tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, Microsoft clients, partners, and students—from across the Philippines. Techbayanihan 2024 showcased the incredible possibilities when local talent meets global technology with Microsoft.
The supportive team at Techbayanihan 2024.
The seeds of Techbayanihan 2024 were planted in the mind of Doher Drizzle Pablo during a transformative year in 2023. That year, she had the opportunity to travel across North America and Europe, immersing herself in the vibrant tech communities of those regions. As she engaged with these global tech events, a dream began to form: to bring that same level of engagement, innovation, and community spirit back home to the Philippines.
This dream started taking shape when Drizzle was invited by Eric Archer and Ashley Felts from the BizApps Community team to be a panelist at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023. There, she shared the success of the Philippine community, which sparked a conversation with fellow MVP Ahmed Salih. A quick chat after the session led to the first inklings of a collaboration, with Ahmed expressing his eagerness to support Drizzle's vision for the Philippines.
The momentum continued to build at the Community Summit North America 2023. On the last day of the event, Drizzle found herself in conversation with Senthamil Selvan, another MVP, about bringing a similar experience to the Philippines. As if by fate, Cecile Dinh, another MVP, introduced Drizzle to Kristoffer Ruyeras, another Filipino MVP at the event, who quickly joined in the discussion. This serendipitous meeting solidified the resolve to make Techbayanihan a reality.
With the vision clear, the real work began in January 2024. A dedicated team of organizers was formed, meeting every Saturday from January to August to meticulously plan, organize, and execute the event. The organizing team was spearheaded by Doher Drizzle Pablo with Abraham Avila Jr., and MVPs Ahmed Salih, Cecile Dinh, Kristoffer Ruyeras, and Senthamil Selvan.
Techbayanihan 2024 was not just a local event; it was a collaboration across continents. The support from the Microsoft BizApps Community Team—Eric Archer and Ashley Felts, the BizApps APAC Team—Panjaporn Vittayalerdpun, Harshita Dwivedi, Mon Lucksamon Sivapattarakumpon and Vivian Lee, and Microsoft MVPs from North America, Europe, and APAC regions, made this event a truly global effort. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when passionate individuals from around the world come together to support a shared vision.
L to R: Cecile Dinh (MVP), Ahmed Salih (MVP), Peter Maquera (CEO, Microsoft Philippines), Doher Drizzle Pablo (MVP), Abraham Avila, Senthamil Selvan (MVP)
The first morning of Techbayanihan 2024 began with a warm and heartfelt welcome from our host, Gracey. As the room filled with anticipation, the stage was set for a day of inspiration and discovery.
The keynote speaker, Peter Maquera, CEO of Microsoft Philippines, took to the stage with a message that resonated deeply with every attendee: the future of technology is here, and it is up to us to harness its power for the greater good. Peter’s address wasn’t just an update on Microsoft’s latest trends and technologies—it was a call to action. He spoke of innovation not just as a corporate strategy but as a tool for empowerment, a means to uplift communities, and a pathway to personal and professional growth. This was the perfect introduction to a day packed with expert-led sessions designed to turn these ideas into actionable insights.
The day unfolded with sessions that demonstrated the transformative potential of Microsoft’s tools across various domains:
As the sun set on the first day, the energy in the room was electric. Attendees left not just with notes and business cards but with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to make their visions a reality.
The community gathers for Techbayanihan 2024
Day 2 began with the same enthusiasm and a palpable sense of community. The morning sessions were a deep dive into the practical applications of AI and data analytics, each session designed to build on the foundation laid the previous day:
The afternoon sessions continued to build on this momentum:
Throughout both days, the spirit of bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity—was alive and well. Participants engaged with sponsors and partners, explored cutting-edge solutions at the exhibitor booths, and, most importantly, built connections that would last long after the event.
Techbayanihan 2024 was not the work of one person but the result of a community coming together with a shared vision. We owe the success of this event to the dedication and hard work of many:
As the final notes of Techbayanihan 2024 faded, the feeling in the air was one of excitement and optimism. This event wasn’t just a gathering—it was the beginning of something much larger. With AI and Microsoft’s Copilot leading the way, the Philippines is poised to be at the forefront of technological innovation. The success of Techbayanihan 2024, under the visionary leadership of Drizzle Drizzle Pablo, is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, technology, and community come together.
We leave Techbayanihan 2024 not just with knowledge but with inspiration. The journey doesn’t end here; it continues in the projects we’ll start, the innovations we’ll pioneer, and the communities we’ll build. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
Continue reading...
Delivering events on this scale requires a collective effort. Here, we share a story by Floris Wayvell Tubale, a community leader and volunteer supporting Drizzle’s vision for Techbayanihan 2024.
***
In the heart of Manila, Philippines, in early August 2024, something extraordinary happened. Techbayanihan 2024: "Copilot Para Sa Bayan" was more than just a tech conference; it was a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and community spirit. Hosted at Citadines Bay City Manila, this two-day event brought together 369 passionate individuals—tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, Microsoft clients, partners, and students—from across the Philippines. Techbayanihan 2024 showcased the incredible possibilities when local talent meets global technology with Microsoft.
The supportive team at Techbayanihan 2024.A Vision Born from a Global Perspective
The seeds of Techbayanihan 2024 were planted in the mind of Doher Drizzle Pablo during a transformative year in 2023. That year, she had the opportunity to travel across North America and Europe, immersing herself in the vibrant tech communities of those regions. As she engaged with these global tech events, a dream began to form: to bring that same level of engagement, innovation, and community spirit back home to the Philippines.
This dream started taking shape when Drizzle was invited by Eric Archer and Ashley Felts from the BizApps Community team to be a panelist at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023. There, she shared the success of the Philippine community, which sparked a conversation with fellow MVP Ahmed Salih. A quick chat after the session led to the first inklings of a collaboration, with Ahmed expressing his eagerness to support Drizzle's vision for the Philippines.
The momentum continued to build at the Community Summit North America 2023. On the last day of the event, Drizzle found herself in conversation with Senthamil Selvan, another MVP, about bringing a similar experience to the Philippines. As if by fate, Cecile Dinh, another MVP, introduced Drizzle to Kristoffer Ruyeras, another Filipino MVP at the event, who quickly joined in the discussion. This serendipitous meeting solidified the resolve to make Techbayanihan a reality.
Building the Foundation: Collaboration and Teamwork
With the vision clear, the real work began in January 2024. A dedicated team of organizers was formed, meeting every Saturday from January to August to meticulously plan, organize, and execute the event. The organizing team was spearheaded by Doher Drizzle Pablo with Abraham Avila Jr., and MVPs Ahmed Salih, Cecile Dinh, Kristoffer Ruyeras, and Senthamil Selvan.
The Global Collaboration
Techbayanihan 2024 was not just a local event; it was a collaboration across continents. The support from the Microsoft BizApps Community Team—Eric Archer and Ashley Felts, the BizApps APAC Team—Panjaporn Vittayalerdpun, Harshita Dwivedi, Mon Lucksamon Sivapattarakumpon and Vivian Lee, and Microsoft MVPs from North America, Europe, and APAC regions, made this event a truly global effort. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when passionate individuals from around the world come together to support a shared vision.
L to R: Cecile Dinh (MVP), Ahmed Salih (MVP), Peter Maquera (CEO, Microsoft Philippines), Doher Drizzle Pablo (MVP), Abraham Avila, Senthamil Selvan (MVP)Day 1: The Dawn of a New Chapter
The first morning of Techbayanihan 2024 began with a warm and heartfelt welcome from our host, Gracey. As the room filled with anticipation, the stage was set for a day of inspiration and discovery.
The keynote speaker, Peter Maquera, CEO of Microsoft Philippines, took to the stage with a message that resonated deeply with every attendee: the future of technology is here, and it is up to us to harness its power for the greater good. Peter’s address wasn’t just an update on Microsoft’s latest trends and technologies—it was a call to action. He spoke of innovation not just as a corporate strategy but as a tool for empowerment, a means to uplift communities, and a pathway to personal and professional growth. This was the perfect introduction to a day packed with expert-led sessions designed to turn these ideas into actionable insights.
Empowering Through Technology: Session Highlights
The day unfolded with sessions that demonstrated the transformative potential of Microsoft’s tools across various domains:
- Empowering Customer Engagement with Dynamics 365 Copilot: Luis Santos was joined by Ian Del Caballero from Hitachi and Sandeep Walia from Unify Dots who shared strategies that put the customer at the heart of business operations, showcasing how Dynamics 365 Copilot can revolutionize customer engagement.
- Optimizing Finance and Operations with Dynamics 365 Copilot: Microsoft Business Applications Specialist, Paul Santiago joined by Gian Carlo Pacheco from Hitachi and Sandeep Walia from Unify Dots, took the stage to explore how finance and operations could be streamlined, turning complex processes into seamless workflows.
- Customer Success Sharing Session: Ahmed Salih and Microsoft Regional Director Paul Soliman, moderated by Microsoft’s Harshita Dwivedi, shared powerful stories of how customer success is achieved through practical strategies and relentless focus on delivering value.
- The Future of Low-Code Innovation: Power Platform Technical Specialist, Angelique de Castro joined by Sandeep Waghmare from PWC and MVP Paul Soliman from Hacktiv demonstrated how Power Platform Copilot is not just a tool but a catalyst for rapid innovation, enabling businesses to create solutions faster than ever before.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform Adoption: Angelique continued by delving into the governance strategies that ensure these powerful tools are integrated effectively into any organization, driving both innovation and efficiency.
- Ask the Experts Session: In a dynamic panel, Doher Drizzle Pablo, Elaiza Benitez, Paul Soliman, and Yong Caballero answered pressing questions, offering their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tech world.
- Microsoft Learn - Skilling Challenge: To close the day, Ahmed Salih and Cecile Dinh provided a roadmap for continuous learning, encouraging participants to unlock their potential through ongoing education and skill development.
As the sun set on the first day, the energy in the room was electric. Attendees left not just with notes and business cards but with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to make their visions a reality.
The community gathers for Techbayanihan 2024Day 2: A Deep Dive into AI and Data Analytics
Day 2 began with the same enthusiasm and a palpable sense of community. The morning sessions were a deep dive into the practical applications of AI and data analytics, each session designed to build on the foundation laid the previous day:
- Copilot for Microsoft 365: Establishing a Robust Data Foundation: Mariel Sabandal led the way with a session on how to leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot to build strong, reliable data foundations—a critical component for any organization aiming to thrive in the digital age.
- Microsoft Fabric for Dataverse Analytics and Reporting: Scott Sewell’s remote session was a masterclass in transforming data into actionable insights, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of analytics with Microsoft Fabric.
- Dashboard in an Hour: MVP Anthony Cua captivated the audience with a hands-on session that empowered even beginners to create impactful dashboards within an hour, demystifying data visualization.
- A Beginner's Journey Through Microsoft Power Platform: Ahmed Salih provided a comprehensive introduction to the Power Platform, making complex technologies accessible and exciting for newcomers.
The afternoon sessions continued to build on this momentum:
- Integrating Azure OpenAI with Power Apps and Power Automate: Charven Ligan showcased the cutting-edge ways AI can be integrated into everyday applications, taking automation and efficiency to new heights.
- Mastering Power Platform App Development with Azure DevOps: Asif Waqar’s session was a deep dive into the technicalities of application lifecycle management, demonstrating how Copilot can be leveraged with Azure DevOps.
- Grounding Prompts with Dynamics 365 Sales Data: Microsoft Cloud Advocate, Elaiza Benitez’s practical session on integrating Dynamics 365 Sales data with Microsoft Copilot was a hit, offering valuable techniques for maximizing the tool’s potential.
- GitHub Copilot in Azure Data Studio and Building RAG Solutions: MVPs Pio Balistoy and Ziggy Zulueta’s sessions explored the integration of GitHub Copilot within Azure Data Studio and building robust solutions using Azure AI Studio.
- The Fusion of Azure AI with Microsoft's Ecosystem: MVP Senthamil Selvan wrapped up the technical sessions with an exploration of how Azure AI converges with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem, providing attendees with a holistic view of what’s possible.
- Career Talk with Joel Garcia: The day concluded with Joel Garcia offering invaluable career advice, inspiring participants to not only navigate their career paths but to lead with purpose and passion.
The Power of Community: Networking and Recognition
Throughout both days, the spirit of bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity—was alive and well. Participants engaged with sponsors and partners, explored cutting-edge solutions at the exhibitor booths, and, most importantly, built connections that would last long after the event.
Community gather at the booth of the Power BI Community
Appreciation and Acknowledgments: A Collective Effort
Techbayanihan 2024 was not the work of one person but the result of a community coming together with a shared vision. We owe the success of this event to the dedication and hard work of many:
- Organizers: Your meticulous planning and commitment ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly. Your vision and execution made Techbayanihan 2024 a reality.
- Volunteers and Staff: Your tireless efforts behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. From setting up sessions to ensuring that every attendee felt welcomed, your contributions were invaluable.
- Sponsors and Partners: A special thank you to our sponsors—Acumant, AvePoint, Creative Dynamix Solutions Inc., Hacktiv, Hitachi Solutions, PWC, Unify Dots—and our partners—Data Sense Analytics, Power BI Pilipinas, Project KKK, Rotaract Club of Naga, JCI Naga. Your support was critical in bringing this event to life and providing our attendees with a rich and engaging experience.
- Speakers: Your expertise and willingness to share knowledge enriched the event. You inspired us with your insights, and we are grateful for your contribution to the learning and growth of the community.
- Attendees and Participants: Your enthusiasm and active participation were the heart of Techbayanihan 2024. Your eagerness to learn, connect, and innovate embodies the spirit of bayanihan, and we are honored to have had you join us.
A Future Bright with Possibilities
As the final notes of Techbayanihan 2024 faded, the feeling in the air was one of excitement and optimism. This event wasn’t just a gathering—it was the beginning of something much larger. With AI and Microsoft’s Copilot leading the way, the Philippines is poised to be at the forefront of technological innovation. The success of Techbayanihan 2024, under the visionary leadership of Drizzle Drizzle Pablo, is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, technology, and community come together.
We leave Techbayanihan 2024 not just with knowledge but with inspiration. The journey doesn’t end here; it continues in the projects we’ll start, the innovations we’ll pioneer, and the communities we’ll build. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
Continue reading...