first blog
my first blog
November 21, 2025less than one doom scroll session
BUT WHO IS HARLEY?
Hi! I'm Harley Van Acabal. A part-time developer and tech nerd. I'm
interested in new and bleeding-edge technology and hope that one
day, I'll be at the forefront of developing the future.
I also play online games like Mobile Legends; at the same time, I appreciate and enjoy the analog nature of tabletop games.
I also play online games like Mobile Legends; at the same time, I appreciate and enjoy the analog nature of tabletop games.
PROJECTS?
Iskolab
2026 - Present
Next.js · Convex · Three.js · BetterAuth · PostHog · Docker Compose · Traefik · OCI VPS
FabLab booking platform for UP Cebu, awarded Project of the Year in the client-based track at Project Expo 2026.
- Built the booking flow and real-time reservation experience for equipment and lab time.
- Integrated Three.js previews so students can inspect 3D equipment models before booking.
- Self-hosted Convex on an OCI VPS with Docker Compose and Traefik, then layered in PostHog analytics.
Suroy Swipes
2025
Next.js · Convex · BetterAuth · TypeScript · Google Maps · Vercel · GitHub Actions
AI tourism recommender that combines vector search, collaborative filtering, and interactive mapping.
- Used Convex to manage app state and vector embeddings for AI-powered destination matching.
- Added semantic search over natural-language prompts and collaborative filtering for swipeable queues.
- Built saved itineraries on top of custom Google Maps flows and shipped with BetterAuth plus CI/CD.
DodoList
2025
Vite · Yjs · CRDTs · TypeScript · IndexedDB · PocketBase · Docker Compose · Nginx
Local-first task app built around offline persistence and CRDT-based conflict resolution.
- Backed local state with Yjs and IndexedDB so the app stays usable and syncable offline.
- Resolved competing offline edits through CRDT-based reconciliation instead of manual conflict handling.
- Ran a lightweight backend stack with PocketBase, Docker Compose, and Nginx.
Komsai Cup
2026
Next.js · Convex · BetterAuth · TypeScript · Cloudflare · Docker Compose · Traefik · OCI VPS
Real-time event leaderboard delivered on a self-hosted Convex stack with edge deployment.
- Delivered live score updates across connected clients using Convex reactive queries.
- Self-hosted the backend on an OCI VPS behind Docker Compose and Traefik.
- Deployed the Next.js frontend to Cloudflare via OpenNext for edge-optimized delivery.
HobbiesNerd StuffHobbiesNerd StuffHobbiesNerd Stuff
HobbiesNerd StuffHobbiesNerd StuffHobbiesNerd Stuff
HOBBIES
LET'S GRAB A COFFEE
Want to get in touch? I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a
question, a project idea, or just want to chat, feel free to reach
out. The best way to connect is through email or social media.
And hey, if you're in the neighborhood, let's grab a coffee!
Email: developer@harleyvan.com
And hey, if you're in the neighborhood, let's grab a coffee!
Email: developer@harleyvan.com
designed by harley van acabal on astro