JL

  1. Get to Know Me

    My Programming Journey

    My journey into software engineering began in 2022 when early mentorship introduced me to the fundamentals of web development. What started as exploring HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript quickly evolved into a deeper passion right before I entered university. While tutorials taught me how to write code, my time at the University of the Cordilleras taught me how to architect actual systems. I chose to look beyond surface-level syntax to focus on the underlying philosophies of software engineering. My academic background solidified my foundations in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA), System Analysis & Design, and Project Management while sharpening the workplace communication skills necessary for high-performing tech teams.

    Problems I Encountered

    My early years in tech were defined by a search for direction. Navigating fragmented programming tutorials and abstract computer science theories felt disconnected from real-world application, making it difficult to retain passive knowledge. Everything changed when I shifted to a deep-dive, project-based learning model. I discovered that my mind thrives on immersion and genuine interest rather than surface-level memorization. By applying abstract principles like Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Data Structures to tangible, complex architectures, the theory suddenly became invaluable. Today, I leverage this interest-driven focus to fully submerge myself in building scalable, well-designed systems.

    Introduction to Backend Development

    During my final year of university, my engineering perspective matured when I adopted the Laravel framework for my capstone project. While my comfort zone at the time leaned heavily toward JavaScript, I quickly realized that core software principles are universal. Leveraging my frontend foundation allowed me to rapidly adapt to PHP and fluent backend paradigms. This project became the ultimate bridge between theory and execution. In Laravel, I finally witnessed how Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and robust design patterns move off the textbook page and into a living, enterprise-grade system. It transformed how I view code, shifting my focus entirely toward clean architecture and scalable design.

    Enhancing my Skills

    If you take a look at my GitHub, you’ll see I’m usually building, refactoring, or experimenting with something new. For me, development isn't a skill you just finish learning. I genuinely enjoy diving into framework updates, testing out new tools, and finding cleaner ways to write code. I stay active because I love the craft of making things work better.

  2. Achievements and Progress

    1. 2022-2023

      Academic Foundations

      Started my IT degree at the University of the Cordilleras. Built core programming fundamentals, covering Data Structures & Algorithms in Java, Object-Oriented Programming in Python, and System Analysis & Design.

    2. 2023-2024

      Transition to Web Dev

      Shifted focus to web fundamentals. Spent the year mastering CSS layouts, vanilla JavaScript DOM manipulation, and building basic backend CRUD functionality using PHP and SQL.

    3. 2024-2025

      The Backend Pivot

      Introduced to Laravel in a major subject while kicking off my first capstone project. Since the framework was brand new to me, I built the capstone without it. The project ultimately failed—a tough setback, but one that clearly demonstrated the risks of building complex applications without a structured framework foundation.

    4. 2025-2026

      Present: Capstone & Industry Experience

      Applied the lessons from the previous year to my final capstone project, this time building with a solid framework foundation and clean architecture. Concurrently stepped into a real-world development, working as a Project Manager and Quality Assurance intern at IOL Inc.

  3. Tech Tools

    Backend & Core Architecture

    Building structured server-side logic, ensuring data integrity, and applying clean architectural patterns to keep systems maintainable.

    LaravelNextJSPostgreSQLSupabase
    Frontend & Reactive UI

    Developing responsive, component-driven user interfaces and managing application state across single-page architectures.

    VueReactInertiaJSTypeScriptTailwind CSSLeafletTanstack TableChart JSFigma
    Tooling & Workflow

    Optimizing the local development environment for quick iterations using lightweight tools, version control, and testing frameworks.

    GitBunComposerPostmanLaravel HerdDBnginPest