In March 2007, PC World declared Matt Mullenweg as 16th out of the 50 most important people on the Web. And a few days ago, BusinessWeek released their own list of the most influential people on the Web: Matt is one of the top 25. This prestigious magazine has dubbed him “The Publisher” for creating WordPress, “the blogging service that most serious bloggers turn to.” But apart from such accolades, Matt’s importance and influence are already certain truths in the eyes of bloggers and Web developers across the globe.

(For my readers who aren’t yet familiar with Matt and why he is hailed in this manner, here’s a little background info. Matt developed WordPress, the world’s #1 blogging platform and CMS. With tens of millions using WordPress, a free and open-source piece of awesome software, it should not be hard to imagine why he is this famous. He also founded Automattic, a software development virtual company.)

It was therefore a privilege to have met and interacted with Matt last September, however briefly, when I spearheaded the 1st WordCamp in the Philippines. For me, it was like being an avid Microsoft user hanging out with Bill Gates. Or an Ubuntu enthusiast playing billiards with Linus Torvalds.

We did, in fact, hang out, have dinner with my friends, go to touristy places in Davao, have a few beers (and Tanduay!), and shared lots of laughs. Too bad we didn’t get to play billiards… And I regret it a bit that I held off blurting out all the questions I’d wanted to ask. Back of my mind, I thought I’d leave it to other people to cover all those concerns about WordPress, bbPress and Matt’s other gems.

One unexpected but delightfully political question that came from one of the bloggers in Manila was about Matt’s choice for president. His unfaltering reply: He said he believes in change, so he’s voting for Obama.

What’s even more admirable is that his popularity and people’s admiration of him haven’t gone to his head. As many will attest, Matt is quite down to earth and very easy-going. I suppose this is partly attributable to a broadened world view, thanks to his frequent globetrotting. But I think it’s really his strength of character that keeps him grounded in spite of all the fame and fortune.

Matt’s mind is so enviable. While he has his feet firmly planted on solid earth, his mind can obviously soar into the skies. WordPress and Akismet are prime examples of his creativity and, I daresay, genius. I think, beneath his calm exterior, this 24-year-old is always mentally active, constantly churning out ideas and solutions to problems.

Speaking of which, there was one hint of his hyperactive mind when we were stuck in traffic in Manila. In the vehicle were Matt, some of the WordCamp coordinators and myself. I was chatting with Attorney Jomi, whom I had assigned to take care of Matt, who was dozing. Or maybe half asleep, because when I asked Jomi if he knew my friend Jason (who’s also a lawyer), Matt abruptly answered: “Yeah, that’s JavaScript Object Notation…”.

(Good thing I’d recently read up on JSON, otherwise I would’ve thought he was just talking gibberish in his sleep!)

Before Matt left the Philippines, he urged me to forge on with WordCamp here. No further encouragement necessary. WordCamp Philippines 2009 is a sure ball!

Possibly Related Posts:

• 11 September 2008 -- The WordCamp that was
• 1 August 2008 -- WordCamp in Davao!!
• 3 September 2008 -- Touchdown!
• 13 November 2008 -- WordCamp Phils. T-shirt: it’s officially famous
• 12 November 2008 -- WordCamp Philippines blog: a winner!
• 27 August 2008 -- Can’t wait for 6 September!
• 12 August 2008 -- Cebu Pacific sponsors WordCamp