Hey there! My name is RJ.

I write creative nonfiction and essays about technology, creativity, and the quieter costs of progress.

My work is grounded in lived experience — building businesses, working with systems, and navigating change — rather than prescriptions or hype. I’m interested in how modern tools shape how we think, feel, and create, especially in an age where speed often replaces reflection.

Alongside writing, I run a small business and work across technology, operations, and creative projects. I also release music under the name HeyRJ, which extends the same questions I write about into sound.

Based in Manila, Philippines.

I've single-handedly bootstrapped several business projects from scratch, namely WhateverBuys COM in 2015 (online retail shop), COgent Beauty PH in 2017 (skin care product line), The Woke Way ORG in 2018 (personal coaching) and WhateverBuys PH in 2020 (independent hyperlocal on-demand grocery delivery service turned-foodpanda-B2B partner) and now own and operate a small brick-and-mortar hyperlocal micro-grocery and convenience store (https://www.whateverbuys.com.ph) catering to condo residents in Pasay City, Philippines.

My passions and interests lie in the heart and intersection of writing, technology, ecommerce, and the relentless pursuit for consistent customer satisfaction.

The first ecommerce passion project I coded in 1998 was WhateverBuys COM, which eventually migrated to AgoraCart>Shopify>WooCommerce. I was also the technical writer of the user's manual for our videoconferencing software thesis in college.

I know what you're thinking: “That sounds like a lot! That must be exhausting!” – and it can be for some, but I am an obsessive autodidact who's always eager to learn new things, so I happily thrive in it.

I am an intentional generalist which means I bring an interestingly diverse mix of skills to the table – a much-needed distinguishing asset in a sea of otherwise homogenous specialists usually burnt out from unfulfilling, repetitive busywork that makes them unemphatic to customers and stakeholders.

Never underestimate the power of outside perspective and a pair of fresh eyes.

MY BACKSTORY

After graduating in Computer Engineering Technology in university, I immediately worked extensively in semiconductor manufacturing at Amkor Technology Philippines as Equipment Test Technician for 7 years repairing and maintaining various handlers and testers of integrated circuits (ICs).

I've also worked briefly as:

• Customer Service Representative for various BPO companies in the banking (HSBC), health insurance (BlueCross/BlueCross CA), telecoms (Telstra), mobile technical/hardware support (BlackBerry) and directory assistance industry (US 411).
• Executive Assistant in an NGO helping former migrant workers reintegrate after coming home
• ESL (English as a Second Language) online teacher at 51 Talk.

Connect with me on any or all of my social media links below. I would love to talk shop with you!