Ephraim S. Palma

BACKGROUND

WHERE I LIVE?


Valenzuela City is often called the "Vibrant City," and for good reason. It manages to balance the industrial energy of the National Capital Region (NCR) with a deep respect for its historical roots and a modern commitment to green, livable spaces.

  • The "Vibrant City" Spirit: Known for its discipline and award-winning local governance, the city feels organized and progressive, making it one of the most livable urban centers in the northern part of Metro Manila.
  • Green Havens in the Urban Jungle: The Valenzuela City People's Park and the Family Park provide stunning, sprawling green spaces where residents can breathe, exercise, and enjoy nature—a rare luxury in the dense landscape of NCR.
  • A Blend of History and Modernity: From the historic San Diego de Alcala Church to the high-tech Valenzuela City Library Hub, the city perfectly bridges its Spanish-colonial past with a future-ready, digital-first mindset.
  • The Polo Heritage: The "Polo" district preserves the old-world charm of the city, offering a glimpse into the traditional Filipino lifestyle through its ancestral houses and the famous Casa de Polo.
  • Culinary Delights: Beyond the factories, it is a food destination featuring everything from the iconic Putong Polo to the bustling food parks and hidden-gem cafes that cater to the younger, "foodie" generation.
  • Resilience and Light: During the holidays, the city transforms into a literal "City of Lights," with grand displays and a festive atmosphere that showcases the warmth and hospitality of the Valenzuelanos.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND


My technical expertise is being forged at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, an institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and public service. As a BSIT student here, I am immersed in a rigorous curriculum that challenges me to think critically and solve real-world problems through technology. Being part of the PLV community has taught me that web design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about building digital solutions that are accessible and impactful. I take great pride in representing my university, carrying its values of integrity and innovation into every line of code I write and every interface I design.

  • Tertiary Education: Currently a 2nd-year Sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV).
  • Senior High School: * Completed Grade 12 at Children of Mary Immaculate College.
    • Completed Grade 11 at Electron College - Malanday.
  • Junior High School: Attended Malanday National High School.
  • Preschool: Commenced early education at Andres Fernando Elementary School (A.F.E.S.) in Malanday, Valenzuela City.

HOBBIES

MOBILE LEGENDS (ESPORTS)


Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I am a dedicated Mobile Legends player, an interest that has significantly sharpened my strategic decision-making and team coordination skills. Engaging in high-stakes, real-time matches requires me to maintain constant situational awareness, manage complex resource allocations, and execute rapid problem-solving under pressure. I particularly value the social aspect of the game, where I collaborate with friends to synchronize different 'hero' roles—such as Tank, Core, or Support—to achieve a common objective. This experience has taught me the importance of clear communication and adaptability within a squad, qualities that are directly transferable to 'Agile' team environments and collaborative IT projects.

Personal Health & Discipline (Bodyweight Fitness)


I am a strong advocate for a consistent, self-driven fitness routine, focusing on walking, running, and bodyweight exercises. Eschewing the traditional gym environment, I prioritize outdoor activity and functional fitness as my primary methods for maintaining physical health and mental clarity. This 'no-equipment' approach requires a high level of personal discipline and consistency, as I rely on my own motivation to stay active daily. Whether it's a long-distance run to build endurance or a brisk walk to clear my mind after a long day of technical studies at PLV, these activities serve as a vital 'mental reset.' This commitment to a healthy lifestyle ensures I stay energized, focused, and ready to tackle the high-pressure demands of the Information Technology field.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

AS A TRADER


My journey into the blockchain space began during the pandemic, where I transitioned from a curious observer to an active participant in the NFT ecosystem. I gained practical experience by launching and trading digital assets across several high-profile communities, including Bored Ape Punks, Rebels, and Youtopia. Beyond the financial aspect, I leveraged Discord to build a robust network of international connections, engaging in deep technical discussions and knowledge-sharing regarding market sentiment and blockchain utility. This hands-on experience has provided me with a unique perspective on decentralized communities, project roadmap execution, and the evolving landscape of Web3—skills I now apply to my formal studies in Information Technology.

  • Community Networking: Built professional relationships in global Discord servers to share "Alpha" (insider knowledge) and market analysis.
  • Asset Management: Experience in minting, selling, and managing NFTs across different project types.
  • Technical Literacy: Familiarity with the "Blue Chip" culture and derivative projects (Bored Ape/Punks) which defined the early NFT era.
  • Collaborative Learning: Actively giving and receiving peer feedback on current crypto events and blockchain trends.

Professional Work Experience: Working Student (SHS)


While completing my Senior High School studies, I served as a Utility Staff member at Shakey's SM Marilao, where I developed a strong foundation in operational discipline and team collaboration. Tasked with maintaining the high standards of the Back-of-House (BOH), I managed kitchen sanitation and dishwashing while quickly proving my versatility across multiple stations. I was frequently tapped to provide support during peak hours—assisting at the Bar with drinks and desserts, managing the Fry Station, and serving as an Assembler to ensure quality food presentation for guests. Successfully balancing these responsibilities while maintaining my academic progress at Children of Mary Immaculate College sharpened my time management, resilience, and ability to thrive in high-pressure environments—skills that now serve as a backbone for my current studies in Information Technology.

  • Multitasking: Managing the Fryer and the Bar at the same time is like managing multiple "threads" or "processes" in a computer system.
  • Assembly & Logic: Being an "Assembler" means following a strict "Algorithm" (the recipe/procedure) to get a perfect result for the "User" (the guest).
  • Junior High School: Attended Malanday National High School.
  • Reliability: SM Marilao is a very busy mall. If you could handle the "lunch rush" there, you can handle a "deployment rush" in an IT job!

Leadership & Character: ROTC Cadet Officer


My development as a leader was deeply defined by my experience as an ROTC Cadet Officer, a role that demanded a high level of loyalty, integrity, and unwavering discipline. Through rigorous tactical training and command responsibilities, I learned that true leadership is rooted in accountability and the 'service above self' mindset. Being a Cadet Officer forged my ability to remain calm and decisive under extreme pressure, ensuring that every action I took aligned with the highest ethical standards. This military-style foundation has instilled in me a 'mission-first' objective, which I now apply to my academic journey at PLV. Whether I am collaborating on a complex IT project or navigating the volatile cryptocurrency markets, the core values of honor and duty I earned in ROTC remain the guiding principles of my professional character.

  • Integrity: In IT, "Data Integrity" is a technical term, but in ROTC, it's a lifestyle. It means I can be trusted with sensitive information.
  • Loyalty: You understand the importance of being loyal to your team (squad) and your organization (university/company).
  • Discipline: While others might procrastinate on coding projects, my ROTC background has trained me to follow a schedule and meet deadlines without excuses.