While projects like research papers and coming up with the code/design for this website are fun, I do have a handful of non-academic, non-coding hobbies, including piano, lifting, and cuddling with my cat.
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In 2014, with the money that I saved up from my very first job, I purchased a DSLR camera-- the Nikon D5200 with an 18mm-55mm zoom lens-- which I still use to this day. Below are some sample shots of my photography style, but you can view the entire portfolio for my photography work at @aladeraphoto .
Of all the activities on this page, piano is probably the one I've been doing the longest (I started when I was 9! Unfortunately, I also took a very long pause that lasted for the entire duration of undergrad, which adds up to 9 solid years of actually playing the piano). I'm still hunting for the best films of my full performances, but for now, here are some clips of me fooling around on those black and white keys (aka, practicing or meme-ing).
As much as I love sitting idly at my computer to do research, I also appreciate getting active every once in a while. From left to right are snapshots of me in action: hitting a 2 plate conventional deadlift in Halloween costume (Nov. 2023), my most recent v5 (May. 2023), performing the V-split elbow lever (Nov. 2022), and my first (and only) half marathon (Nov. 2016).
Some of my athlete stats. Many of these started recently, so I'm very excited to see some progress!
As part of my curriculum for My International Baccalaureate Higher Level Music (IB Music HL) class, I composed two pieces, which helped me to score a 5 on my overall IB Music HL portfolio.
What better way to test your creativity than by experimenting with flavor combinations? Featured are some of my favorite dishes turned vegetarian, including tacos, ramen, lumpia (a Filipino favorite), and banana pancakes with homemade whipped cream.
I have an adorable round void named Portobello. Contrary to the reputation of black cats being reclusive Halloweenie mascots, this little guy is extremely cuddly, and loves to snuggle in his sleep!
In my free time, one of my other hobbies is botany. Some of my recent plants are featured below, including an unlucky visitor to my venus fly traps and a fresh pick from my bell pepper plant.
