How I Got Here

The Spark

I started with HTML and CSS because I wanted to build my own website. I spent countless nights breaking things and fixing them again. That cycle of frustration and breakthrough became addictive. By the time I graduated, I knew building software was what I wanted to do with my life.

College & First Clients

College taught me the fundamentals—data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. But the real learning happened while building client projects on weekends (Freelance Gigs). I started with CodeIgniter web applications before moving on to more customized PHP projects. Every project taught me something new about solving real-world problems and delivering value to clients.

First Real Job: Building Systems

I joined Eurolink International Corporation as a Programmer, where I built a back-office system that digitized paper-based workflows and handled more than 10,000 transactions daily. The system was built with PHP and MySQL. This is where I learned database optimization the hard way—when your queries are slow, everyone notices. More importantly, I realized that great software isn't just about writing clean code; it's about solving business problems with efficient and practical solutions.

WordPress Development & Angular

Xceed CCS challenged me to build high-performance WordPress and Angular XO applications. I consistently achieved Google Lighthouse scores above 90, which taught me that performance isn't optional when you're serving thousands of users. I learned how to optimize load times, implement code splitting, and build applications that feel fast and responsive.

Senior Web Developer (WordPress, Shopify, Laravel)

FlexiSource IT / IvyStreet — I managed and developed multiple WordPress websites while expanding my skills with Shopify and Liquid. Later, I joined IvyStreet directly, where I worked with a talented team in a fast-paced digital agency. During my time there, I led the Dockerization of the development workflow using the Roots.io stack (Bedrock, Sage, and Acorn), making development and deployments more efficient.

Senior Role: Scaling Teams & Systems

As a Senior Developer at LegalMatch.com, I experienced what it means to work in a strong engineering culture. I developed enterprise applications used by both internal teams and external customers while working with technologies such as Java, Python, Salesforce Apex, PHP, and JavaScript. Whenever a project required a new technology, I learned it and adapted quickly. I also collaborated with departments like Marketing and Sales Operations, building automation tools with Python to improve internal processes.

The role taught me an important lesson:

Don't fall in love with a programming language. Languages are just tools. What matters is building software that solves real problems.

Founder

I've always wanted to build my own products. Even as a kid, I loved creating things.

Today, with AI changing the software industry faster than ever, I constantly ask myself one question:

Will what I'm building today still matter five years from now?

That question shapes every decision I make.

Together with a former colleague, I founded TrabahongPinoy.com and HireKasambahay.com to improve hiring in the Philippines.

These are small bets, but they're the most important projects I'm working on today. Instead of chasing perfection, I'm focused on shipping products, gathering feedback, and continuously improving them.

Today, TrabahongPinoy is already being used by small businesses and recruitment agencies, and every piece of feedback helps shape a better solution for the Philippine hiring market.

My Vision and Goal in Life

Whether I succeed or fail, my vision remains the same.

I want to build software that helps people through secure, honest, and transparent solutions.

I believe every great product starts with understanding the problem before building the solution.

Time is our most valuable resource. I'd rather spend mine creating products that make people's lives a little better than yesterday.