MrValdez's Blog

Reviving my personal website

Posted on April 16, 2026

It's been 8 years since I last posted.

This blog took so long to return that when I first made it, Django 2.0 just came out. I've now upgraded to Django 6.0.4... but I'm hoping to get this blog recreated in Air.

I've been busy. Also, that pandemic basically demotivated me to write. Opening the admin, I can see 10 draft posts including Part 2 of my PyGame series. Maybe I can get back to writing again.

Things that happened over the years:

  1. Boardgames
  2. More Python Conferences including outside the country
  3. Top 8 at a fighting game

  4. Reunite with old friends and meet new friends

  5. I'm more into boardgames over video games now. I have been a big fan of boardgames before the pandemic. But moving back to the province during the pandemic, and having no more access to my boardgame cafe made me collect more games than I had.

Luckily, I found Ginto Cafe here in Baguio. And I've somehow helped built up a regular gaming group that meet almost every day.

I have a lot of things to write about boardgames. From my favorite, to interesting game mechanics that I've experience, as well as the new friends I've met.

  • Attended a lot of Python Conferences with the biggest ones: PyCon US 2023 and PythonAsia 2026.

PyCon US was my first time to visit US and experience snow. I was able to give a lightning talk to around ~5k audience member (iirc from the opening remarks). I am very comfortable giving talks and even with a large audience, I didn't expected to be intimidated.... but I still felt vindicated with my confidence on stage. Also, having random people say they enjoyed my talk is such a confidence boost!

Oh, and one of the organizers (I have to censor their name. They had their twitter profile on private) took a picture of me with a flattering caption.

I was wondering why they called me a "super volunteer", but earlier this year, I was told by a fellow organizer that Python Philippines' volunteer system is different. I need to write this in more detail in the future.

Same with PythonAsia 2026, I need to sit down and write in better detail.

  • I got top 8 in DragonBall FighterZ. This is the farthest I ever got in my fighting game career.

  • I've reunited with friends after the pandemic including people I haven't seen for a long time.

  • and more. Here's to hoping I find the time to continue writing.
Categories: Personal