Randy Berdaje’s introduction to VMware marked a pivotal moment in his career—not merely as a technical discovery, but as a gateway to deeper insights into infrastructure, scalability, and innovation. What began as a spark of curiosity quickly evolved into a passion, and ultimately, a mission to foster a community where Filipino IT professionals could learn, connect, and grow together.
Early Foundations: Learning, Listening, and Lifting Others
Like many in the tech industry, Berdaje’s journey was shaped by late nights, hands-on experimentation, and a relentless drive to understand complex systems. He initially joined the VMware User Group (VMUG) as a participant, eager to absorb knowledge from seasoned professionals. What stood out most was not only the technical depth of the discussions, but the generosity of the community—members openly shared real-world challenges, offered mentorship, and celebrated each other’s achievements.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Contributor to Community Builder
As Berdaje became more involved with VMUG, he began organizing meetups, leading discussions, and mentoring newcomers navigating the VMware ecosystem. Through collaboration with experts and a growing understanding of community leadership, he gradually earned the trust of the local VMUG chapter.
His commitment and leadership were recognized when he was invited to lead VMUG Philippines—a role he embraced with pride and purpose. For Berdaje, the position was not simply about representing a brand; it was about championing the values of Filipino tech professionals: resilience, collaboration, and a deep thirst for knowledge.
The chapter’s growth was further propelled by strategic partnerships with VMware by Broadcom resource persons and VST-ECS, the official VMware distributor in the Philippines. Their support enabled VMUG Philippines to expand its reach and amplify its impact.
Professional Expertise: A Foundation of Technical Excellence
Beyond his community leadership, Randy Berdaje serves as an Amazon Web Services Engineer at Diverse System Solutions Inc. (DSSI). With over 23 years of solid experience in the Information Technology industry, he brings deep expertise across a wide range of infrastructure systems, including:
– System and network administration
– Windows and Linux server administration
– Virtualization and cloud management
– Administration of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure
– Management of M365, Exchange, and SharePoint
– VMware and Hyper-V virtualization platforms
His technical acumen and hands-on experience continue to inform his leadership style, enabling him to guide VMUG Philippines with both strategic vision and practical insight.
Leading with Purpose: Education, Connection, and Recognition
Under Berdaje’s leadership, VMUG Philippines has focused on three core pillars:
– Education: Delivering hands-on labs, webinars, and certification preparation tailored to local needs
– Connection: Fostering inclusive spaces for open dialogue on topics such as career transitions, cloud migration, and mental health in tech
– Recognition: Highlighting Filipino talent and encouraging members to share their journeys, speak at events, and mentor others
From modest beginnings, the group has grown into a vibrant network of engineers, architects, and students. Each gathering reinforces Berdaje’s belief that true leadership lies not in commanding attention, but in amplifying the voices of others.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Impact
As VMUG Philippines continues to evolve, Berdaje envisions a future rich with hybrid events, collaborative initiatives with VMware by Broadcom, VST-ECS, partners, and customers, and the creation of accessible content that demystifies VMware technologies for a broader audience.
His journey stands as a testament to the power of passion-driven leadership—and to the enduring strength of community in shaping the future of technology in the Philippines.
