Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m Sam Galope, a seasoned Full Stack LAMP developer and Python automation expert with a tech journey spanning over two decades. While this website has quietly existed in the background, it’s time to bring it into the spotlight. I’ve committed to transforming it into a resource where I can share my knowledge, insights, and discoveries.
Over the years, I’ve built robust enterprise solutions and led digital transformation projects that drive efficiency and user engagement, all while championing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). My experience spans every stage of the software development lifecycle, and I’ve always prioritized accessible, open-source tools to empower others. Alongside development, my work in artificial intelligence and machine learning lets me create innovative solutions for complex problems, drawing on emerging technologies to keep my projects cutting-edge and effective.
This site will capture all of this and more—my productivity hacks, coding tips, self-care routines, and the lessons I’ve learned from countless coding adventures. I hope to foster a community where developers and tech enthusiasts can connect, share, and grow together. So buckle up; we’re about to dive headfirst into the world of tech, open-source collaboration, and everything in between!
Table of Contents
Why this blog exists
DevDigest began as a personal project to organize and codify everything I had learned in technology. Initially, this space was for my own growth, a way to track my progress and document insights that I found valuable. But as I continued, I realized that the information I was collecting could benefit others, especially those with limited resources. Inspired by the principles of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), I decided to make DevDigest an open resource—laying everything out transparently so others could access, learn, and decide if these tools and concepts could be useful in their journeys. Today, DevDigest has evolved into a tech web magazine focused on community, knowledge sharing, and empowerment, reaching everyone from IT students and tech enthusiasts to professionals seeking deeper insights and connection.
Read more about what DevDigest is: Understanding DevDigest
A Journey Through Tech
My tech adventure started back in 1996 when computers were still a luxury. Armed with BASIC and Turbo-Pascal, I embarked on a coding journey at the tender age of 16. Imagine a world with no widespread internet, just the quaint BBS system and dial-up modems.
My first computer, an IBM 386, was a second-hand gift from my grandmother. To fund my college education, I took up a job as a graphic designer for a rather unconventional newspaper. It was there that I discovered the existence of GUIs and the magic of downloading drivers from the internet. In just a month, I went from zero to Adobe Photoshop and PageMaker pro, earning myself a promotion to lead graphic artist in just three months.
For the next six years, I lent my artistic touch to designing magazines and newspapers for international and local media agencies as an art director. However, in 2005, my country came calling, and I transitioned to serve it. That’s when my tech journey took an exciting turn. The government provided me with all the tools I needed – servers, software, laptops, USBs (novelties back then), and more. It was a goldmine for a tech enthusiast like me.
Immersed in servers and network management, I learned the ropes to support my web-based projects. In 2007, I achieved a significant milestone by single-handedly coding and deploying Asia’s first-ever digital legal library for laws and legal documents. It started with ASP and MS Access, but I soon revamped it in PHP core for better performance.
A Career Unveiled
My journey in the tech world has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From 2005 to 2017, I found myself deeply entrenched in the realm of National Government agencies (The Supreme Court of the Philippines, Senate Electoral Tribunal, and the Commission on Human Rights), where I wore various hats. I started as a software developer, gradually moving up the ladder to become a division head and eventually, the Chief Information Officer (CIO). These years were a crucible of learning and growth, where I had the privilege of working with dedicated teams and the latest technologies.
In 2010, I took a daring leap into entrepreneurship by launching my own startup (Flux). The venture took off like a rocket, growing at a pace that left me pleasantly surprised. However, as they say, “too much of a good thing can be bad,” and this rapid growth proved challenging to manage. Eventually, I had to make the tough decision to close it down. It was a valuable lesson in the world of startups, where success can sometimes present its own set of challenges.
But my story doesn’t stop there. I’ve also served as a responsible partner (Consultant) for the United Nations Development Programme, focusing on the intersection of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Human Rights. This role allowed me to work on projects with a global impact, leveraging technology to advance human rights causes.
Furthermore, my journey has taken me to the global stage, as I’ve worked as an IT Consultant for a diverse array of international organizations and funding agencies. From the European Union (EU) to USAID, ABA-ROLI, AECID, GoJust for Human Rights, and numerous others, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with these esteemed entities, contributing my expertise to projects of global significance.
Life on the Move
To add a dash of adventure to my tech-centric life, I’ve embraced the lifestyle of a digital nomad. This means that I’m not tethered to a single location. Instead, I live a life on the move, constantly exploring new places, cultures, and opportunities. This nomadic existence has enriched my perspective and allowed me to draw inspiration from a myriad of experiences.
So, whether it’s navigating the intricacies of government agencies, embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, collaborating with international organizations, or embracing the freedom of a digital nomad, my journey has been an exhilarating adventure in the world of technology and beyond.
The Tech Stack I Love
I’ve developed a deep passion for the LAMP stack, with a special place in my heart for Linux and Open Source. I work exclusively with Mac and Linux machines, believing deeply in the spirit of “FREE” as it’s embodied in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The transparency, collaboration, and accessibility of FOSS resonate with me, and I’m committed to using and promoting these tools in everything I create.
Python has become a particularly valued part of my toolkit, especially when it comes to automating workflows and improving personal productivity. My love affair with Python has led me to develop a renewed appreciation for building Command Line Interface (CLI) and Text User Interface (TUI) applications. CLI and TUI tools offer a streamlined, no-nonsense approach that lets users work directly with the underlying system. They’re lightweight, efficient, and, with the right design, can be powerful productivity enhancers. Developing in this space has allowed me to merge simplicity with functionality, a combination that can often feel like a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by complex GUIs.
I’ve also deepened my exploration of information security through ethical hacking, which has expanded my understanding of how to build, test, and secure systems from the ground up. This knowledge has reignited my passion for server setup and configuration, with the added benefit of hindsight and experience to optimize deployments and reinforce security practices. This hands-on experience enables me to set up servers that are not only efficient but also resilient and adaptable, catering to evolving security requirements.
Finally, artificial intelligence has become a fascinating realm for me to explore. From automation and data analysis to innovative problem-solving, AI has opened doors to create applications that are smarter and more responsive than ever. Combining AI with open-source principles allows me to bring advanced, accessible tools to a wider audience, aligning with my commitment to transparency and innovation in software development.
Beyond Tech
Life isn’t just about lines of code. I’m a voracious reader, dedicating an hour a day to delve into non-fiction books on Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, Learning, and History. On average, I go through at least two books a month.
In the real world, I wear various hats – from robotics and mechatronics enthusiast to 3D printing aficionado. You’ll also find me experimenting with laser CNC, tinkering with Raspberry Pi, playing pieces with my classical guitar, capturing moments through photography, whipping up culinary delights, embarking on motorcycle adventures, splashing colors on canvases, nurturing hydroponics, and crafting leather creations.
The Academic Stint
My academic journey has been diverse—I’ve studied Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Law (though I didn’t take the Bar exams), IT Project Management, and many other courses. While I certainly value formal education, most of what I know has come from diving headfirst into projects, learning through trial and error. I picked up skills gradually, holding onto the knowledge that proved useful and discarding what wasn’t. Originally, I hadn’t planned to complete my bachelor’s degree, inspired by trailblazers like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, but my government role eventually “forced me” to get my credentials in order.
So, that’s a glimpse of who I am. I invite you to explore my blog, where I share insights, experiences, and reflections on the ever-evolving tech landscape and the vibrant tapestry of life itself. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Notable Systems Built So Far
Judicial and Legal Sector
- Supreme Court E-Library: An online library resource providing access to legal documents and research materials.
- CEDAW Benchbook Website (Ateneo Human Rights Center): A resource platform supporting the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
- iHumanRights Project: A project aimed at enhancing human rights advocacy through technology.
Government and Regulatory Sector
- DTI Leads Monitoring Dashboard: A dashboard for monitoring Board of Investments leads and activities.
- DTI Appointment System: A system for managing and scheduling appointments within the Department of Trade and Industry.
Human Rights and Advocacy Sector
- TARAPH.org: A platform dedicated to combating trafficking in women and promoting awareness.
- Right to Life Project: An initiative focusing on the promotion and protection of the right to life.
- Asian Consortium for Human Rights-Based Access to Justice: A collaborative effort to improve access to justice based on human rights principles.
Community and Social Services Sector
- Bangsamoro Youth Commission Accreditation Program System: A system designed to support the accreditation process for youth organizations.
- Monitoring and Evaluation System: A framework for assessing the effectiveness of social programs.
- Victim Support System Prototype: A prototype designed to provide support services to victims of crimes.
Gender-Based Violence Sector
- GBV Online Reporting and Data Management System: A system for reporting and managing data related to gender-based violence incidents.
- Gender-Based Violence eReporting Portal: An online portal for victims to report gender-based violence safely and securely.
- Bawal Bastos: Safe Spaces Act Reporting Page: A reporting tool related to the Safe Spaces Act, aimed at creating safe environments free from harassment.
Collaborative Initiatives
- CSO Collaboratory (GoJust Human Rights Project): A collaborative project that enhances the capabilities of civil society organizations in promoting human rights.
- Indigenous People’s Rights Monitor (IPRM): A monitoring initiative focused on the rights of indigenous peoples.