Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a time when global tech conferences often chase prestige and spectacle, Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) dares to dive deeper—into the grassroots, into the communities, into the people who are quietly transforming the future of Philippine tech.
On August 1, 2025, GOAB officially launched its most ambitious community initiative yet: The GOAB Community Ambassador Program. And while its impact may not yet make waves in stock markets or disrupt billion-dollar industries overnight, it’s creating something arguably more powerful—a sustainable ecosystem rooted in inclusion, purpose, and people.
Not Just a Role, But a Movement
The 2025 GOAB Ambassadors aren’t merely figureheads or names on promotional materials. They are the beating heart of a movement that believes in tech as a transformative force—not just for industry, but for lives and livelihoods. They are startup founders, educators, designers, technologists, and students—from cities like Davao, Cebu, Pampanga, Manila, and Bohol—who believe that a rising tide lifts all boats.
At the helm is Ashley Uy, GOAB Community Director and founder of Sprout Up Bohol, whose own story echoes the very DNA of this movement. A former volunteer for TechTalks.ph, Ashley co-organized the first Startup Weekend Bohol in 2014 and attended her first GOAB the same year. What began as a spark in a local initiative is now a roaring flame lighting up communities across the archipelago.
Ashley’s vision was clear: “If we’re going to design the future, it must be built on shared purpose and authentic local insight.” The 2025 Ambassador Program, launched after a successful pilot, is the answer to that call.
Meet the Trailblazers: GOAB’s 2025 Ambassadors
Each ambassador is a community anchor, with a distinct mission:
Ashley Uy (Bohol) – The visionary lead, igniting Bohol’s digital workforce through Sprout Up Bohol
Aldrich Tan (Manila) – User experience champion, pushing human-centered design via UX PH
Christian Geonzon (Davao) – Youth empowerment engine at Davao Young Executives
Grahssel Dungca (Pampanga) – Developer community dynamo with DEVCON.PH
Karl Dela Cruz (Cebu) – User design thought leader through CebuUXD
Liam Mendoza (Davao) – The youngest in the cohort, rallying students with Davao Interschool Computer Enthusiasts
Melissa Lagat (Cebu) – Island innovator and community builder at Startup Island
Shannen Sapar (Davao) – Multi-platform creative force leading UX Davao and Sidlak Creatives
Steven Asoy (Bohol) – Tech advocate and dual-pillar support for both Sprout Up Bohol and DEVCON.PH
These aren’t just digital movers—they are ecosystem multipliers. Each brings not only skills but also an unwavering commitment to amplify opportunities in their cities and beyond.
More Than A Conference—A Platform for Impact
While GOAB remains one of the most anticipated beachside tech conferences in the region, its new direction signals a shift: from annual event to year-round enabler. Through the Ambassador Program, GOAB is building bridges between international stakeholders and grassroots leaders—creating a two-way street where insights, opportunities, and resources freely flow.
Throughout the year, Ambassadors will:
Host local meetups, talks, and knowledge exchanges
Act as connectors for startups needing support
Provide real-time, on-the-ground feedback to shape GOAB’s programs
Spark collaboration between regions and communities
Promote the values of #givefirst and #giveback
Why It Matters—Especially Now
Let’s face it—ecosystem building isn’t sexy. It’s the invisible, thankless work that doesn’t trend on social media or make headlines. But without it, startups collapse, talent drains, and innovation stays locked in silos.
GOAB knows this. That’s why it refuses to stay within the boundaries of a once-a-year event. Instead, it is stepping into the trenches of community development, investing in real leaders doing real work—every day, even when no one is watching.
In the words of one ambassador:
“Being part of GOAB isn’t just a title—it’s a torch we carry for our communities.”
What’s Next: Expanding the Shorelines
GOAB promises that this is just the beginning. In the months to come, each of the ambassadors will be spotlighted in a series of feature stories, sharing their local challenges, breakthroughs, and the unique flavor of innovation in their cities. Expect regional crossovers, grassroots initiatives, and fresh collaborations that blur the line between local and global.
Meanwhile, GOAB continues to invite more partners, mentors, and advocates to support the movement. If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the Philippine startup scene, now is the time.
Want In? Here’s How
Join GOAB 2025 – Be part of the most meaningful tech conference in the Philippines. Don’t just attend—build.
Become a Beach Club member – Get exclusive deals, event access, and early opportunities to connect with the GOAB community.
Partner with GOAB – Whether you’re a global company, local nonprofit, or angel investor, there’s a place for you here.
To partner, email hello@geeksonabeach.com
From beachfront to backstreets, GOAB’s reach is growing—and so is its impact. Because innovation doesn’t always wear suits or sit in skyscrapers. Sometimes, it shows up in flip-flops, armed with a laptop, a dream, and a whole community behind them.
The next wave of builders is here. And they’re not waiting for the tide.
They are the tide.
#GOAB2025 #BuildBeyondTheBeach #GiveFirstGiveBack
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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