About

Updated 1 week, 6 days ago.

Someday this will be all that is left of me.

My Time on earth:

1997
Born in Manila, Philippines.

1999
Lived in the municipality of Cainta, Rizal Province. Finished preschool there.

2003
Parents decided to build a business in Manila. We moved there as well. And for the next decade, I would attend a Catholic school for my primary education, and then a public high school for my secondary education.

2014
I started college for the degree, Doctor of Optometry, a six-year program.

2020
COVID hit nearing graduation, and we shifted everything online. Review classes and licensure exams had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

2021
Out of boredom, I got intro'd to programming. I was in and out of learning. I realized I was already in Tutorial Hell.

I set code aside to focus on my board exam in January.

2022
We finished the practical portion of the exam in February. The following month, I got my first job.

I learned how to ride a motorcycle before I purchased one. I used it most of the time for work. Months later, I took a sabbatical from that job for what I thought would be a "part-time" one.

2024
I had proposed to my girlfriend of almost 10 years. She said yes.

Now
I'm currently practicing optometry in an optical retail in Antipolo, Rizal.

On the side, I continue to build projects, savor moments brewing coffee at home, nerding on films, riding bikes, seeing sunrises, and spending time with AK.

Other things...

I write

I have always been a fan of pen and paper. But recently, I have decided to immortalize some of those writings in the open web. I write mainly for past and future selves.

Publishing my writings is a step outside my comfort zone. If encourages me to think clearly. And writing well can be difficult.

I am a slow thinker (and no-thinker)

When somebody tells a witty joke, it takes some time for me to process the terms used. I would chuckle and then laugh when everybody else has moved on from the said subject. The same applies for deep conversations, I'd just agree or say 'Ah. Interesting point,' and then ponder about it when I get home, provided that I remember it--otherwise there's nothing to think about.

I play the guitar

I still have my guitar that my parents bought me 12 years ago. However, I don't play much these days. Only when I come across a song that I think I can play it by ear.

I had it repaired and cleaned last Dec 2024. I was told that the brand (Fernando) was phased out and it's now a collector's item. I got it a stand, giving the instrument's right to breathe (it used to be just in the bag for a couple of years until recently.)

I'm into motorcycling

When I started work. Commute in the metro was so bad and I would mostly book motorcycle taxis. I would spend ($70-100) PHP 4,000 - 6,000 per month just for the public commute. And waiting time would take up to two hours!

So why not learn how to ride and get a motorcycle? I loaned a small bike (155cc). The monthly amortization was just as costly as my commute, and I had more control on my travel time.

I occasionally take it for long rides in the provinces, just to see more greenery.

I journal

I started journaling in December 2024. I couldn't recommend it enough. It declutters the mind and it forces you to think clearly. I use notebooks, email, and Simplenote.

I'm a very private person

I don't take (and post) many pictures. And I'm not very active in social media.

I prefer enjoying the moment.

I'd rather write about the experience rather than keeping it on a photo. But that doesn't mean I won't take photos (just a few). It's always nice to look at something in the past in anticipation to the future.