Joe Palala

Full Stack Developer | React, Java, NodeJS, PHP

About

My journey in software development began with a strong foundation in backend architecture. I started by building robust server-side applications with Java, using frameworks like Spring and Hibernate to create efficient and scalable RESTful APIs. This experience taught me the importance of clean architecture and system performance.

I've also broadened my skillset to include frontend development, using frameworks such as Vue and React to build dynamic and responsive user interfaces. This full-stack experience allows me to approach projects holistically, understanding the complete lifecycle from the database to the user's browser. I have also leveraged other backend technologies, including **PHP** and the **Laravel** framework, on past projects to deliver a wide range of web solutions.

My career has evolved to focus on the power of the cloud. I have a proven track record of designing and implementing tools on AWS, where I've utilized services like S3 for storage, SES for scalable email solutions, and API Gateway for managing microservices. A notable project involved developing a microservice that significantly optimized email delivery speed by orchestrating these AWS services.

Currently, I'm expanding my knowledge in the areas of Agentic AI and Machine Learning to add to my portfolio, with a focus on building and integrating intelligent systems using **AWS**.

Contact me by following me on my Linkedin, thanks!

Professional Experience

PHP + React Developer

EnablesGroup

Feb 2025 - August 2025

Ortigas

  • Used NextJS, PHP, and Symfony in building out an e-commerce solution for a loyalty and discounts Shopify app.
  • Talked to Stakeholders in deciding features and iteratively developed prototypes and into production new features in an Agile development system

Skills: Javascript, React, PHP, GraphQL, Shopify, Wordpress

Software Engineer

Gappify

Feb 2023 - Feb 2025

Makati, Philippines

  • Used React with Zod and Jotai library as well as TanStack Query, to update logic for the view for our Ul for our grid UI.
  • Built Public API documentation and Integration API's using Fern, a documentation generator tool.
  • Utilized Java, Laravel and PHP for our open API, which allowed customers to manage their data
  • Used Java with Quarkus runtime to power our Amazon SES-powered email microservice

Skills: AWS, Javascript, React, PHP, Markdown, Java, OpenAPI, Microservices, Celigo, Snowflake

Mid Frontend Engineer

HeroTeams

Feb 2022 - Oct 2022

Remote

  • Worked on the frontend React v16, with TanStack Query library, for our project for onboarding experiences and leaves
  • Built with NestJS (a NodeJS framework) on the backend

Skills: Node.JS, React, HTML, CSS, NestJS, AWS SQS

UI Developer

Willis Towers Watson

May 2017 - Jan 2022

Taguig, Philippines

  • Worked on the frontend using Angular for the Compensation Software team, ensuring our app is aligned with UX standards.
  • Helped push for accessibility and standard style guides for our UX system.

Skills: Angular, HTML, CSS, jQuery, Javascript, Typescript

Download CV

My full resume is available upon request

Personal Projects

Pomodoro CLI

Created a Node-based cli for recording my pomodoros

Technologies: NodeJS, Bash, NPM, Markdown, Git

WarpCF

(Beta) Landing page for a WP plugin idea

Technologies: NextJS, Vercel, Laravel, MySQL

Skills

Programming Languages

  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • Python
  • PHP

Frontend

  • Vue.js
  • Nuxt.js
  • React
  • Angular
  • HTML5
  • CSS3
  • Sass
  • Tailwind CSS

Backend

  • Quarkus
  • Express.js
  • Nest.js
  • Spring Framework
  • PHP
  • Laravel

Databases

  • MongoDB
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Redis

Cloud & DevOps

  • AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda)
  • Docker
  • CI/CD
  • Git
  • Netlify
  • Vercel

Tools & Methodologies

  • VS Code
  • RESTful APIs
  • Agile
  • Scrum

Education & Certifications

BS in Management Information Systems

Ateneo | Loyola Heights

  • Project (MIS-131): IPC Inventory project
  • Thesis (MIS-141): Wowenkho Schoools