auto_awesomeHello, I'm Dawn Lemuel Bugay

Building Joyful Software with Technical Precision.

Senior Software Engineer working at the intersection of engineering and marketing. I build and help grow software products used by over 700,000 monthly active users, contributing to both product development and marketing efforts focused on scalability, performance, and user growth.

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The Engineer Behind the Code

I build enjoyable software at the intersection of engineering and marketing, helping grow products used by hundreds of thousands. I care about stable, scalable systems that still feel simple and trusted.

psychology

Mindset

Practical, maintainable code that scales without over-engineering, always based on real-world use.

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Aesthetics

Calm, minimal UI, clean layouts that feel effortless and comfortable.

Technical Arsenal

A comprehensive collection of tools I use to bring cozy digital dreams to life.

JavaScript

TypeScript

React

Next.js

Vue.js

Node.js

Express

Python

AWS

Docker

PostgreSQL

Payload CMS

grid_viewWork

Featured Projects

Selected builds, each one its own little bento box.

CloudGate UNO marketing website homepage
2022-2026starFeatured

CloudGate UNO Website

Marketing site for CloudGate UNO with 700k+ product users. Lead senior dev on the renewal: landing pages, SEO and GEO upkeep, A/B testing, and Payload CMS integration.

Next.jsVercelTypeScriptReactPayload CMSMeiliSearchSemrushCrazy EggSatori FormAnalyticsSEOGEOXD
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More Than A Chair website screenshot
2026

More Than A Chair

Freelance design and development for an artisanal furniture brand: product catalog, quotation requests, and showroom content. Next.js, Payload CMS, and Resend.

Next.jsPayload CMSResend
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Custom Wise website screenshot
2026

Custom Wise

Freelance design and development for a Philippines promo merch brand: product catalog, quote requests, and collections. Next.js, Payload CMS, Vercel, and Resend.

Next.jsPayload CMSVercelResend
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The Aircon Experts website screenshot
2025

The Aircon Experts

Freelance marketing site for a Philippines HVAC company: services, inquiries, and contact. Developed with Next.js on Vercel; Resend handles lead email.

Next.jsVercelResend
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Rose Marketing website screenshot
2025

Rose Marketing

Solo design and development for a social media agency in Ieper, Belgium: services, client proof, and booking. Dutch-first marketing site for local businesses.

Next.jsTypeScriptAdobe XD
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GirlfriendGPT website screenshot
2025

GirlfriendGPT

Two-month freelance frontend contract on the GirlfriendGPT AI chat platform: marketing UI, character flows, and responsive product pages.

React.jsTypeScriptNext.js
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ISR PH time management system screenshot
2023-2026

ISR PH TMS

Live time management app for ISR's Philippines office. Staff handle attendance, daily time logs, leave requests for every company leave type, and a shared calendar. I built and maintain it as a full-stack Next.js app with PostgreSQL.

Next.jsPostgreSQLAdobe XD
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ISR Web Portal screenshot
2022-2026

ISR Web Portal

Internal web portal for ISR staff: payroll updates, news and events, careers, and company information in one logged-in site. Built to make corporate processes easier to find and follow.

Next.jsPostgreSQLAdobe XD
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GrubMarket B2B website screenshot
2021-2022

GrubMarket B2B

B2B site for GrubMarket, making fresh and healthy food easier to access through wholesale and supply-chain products. React.js frontend work while at Hooli Software (2021-2022).

React.jsJavaScriptCSS
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CGAK-ars rental website screenshot
2025-2026

CGAK-ars Website

Freelance rental platform for stays, car hire, and yacht bookings. Developed with full-stack Next.js on Vercel, PostgreSQL, and Xendit for payments.

Next.jsPostgreSQLVercelXendit
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auto_awesomeCareer timeline

Professional Journey

How my career has unfolded, one role at a time.

International Systems Research (Senior)
pets2024 - 2026

Senior Web Marketing / Software Engineer • International Systems Research

Led renewal of the CloudGate UNO marketing website and ISR's corporate site. UNO has 700k+ product users; I own the marketing site with landing pages, design, maintenance, and SEO and GEO improvements. Built internal tools like a time management system and company portal, and currently lead the Payload CMS integration.

Cat mascot cheering on the journey
International Systems Research (Mid-level)
pets2022 - 2024

Mid Web Marketing / Software Engineer • International Systems Research

Worked across engineering and web marketing on the CloudGate UNO marketing site and ISR's corporate site. Shipped landing pages and site updates, improved structure, and supported SEO, GEO, and performance work with steady, maintainable delivery.

Cat mascot building projects
Hooli Software (GrubMarket frontend)
pets2021 - 2022

Software Engineer (Frontend, React.js) • Hooli Software (GrubMarket)

Built and maintained React interfaces for GrubMarket, a B2B fresh food platform. Focused on reliable UI components, day-to-day feature work, and performance-minded frontend implementation.

Cat mascot waving from the early days
TwistResources trainee program
pets2021

Trainee Agile Software Engineer • TwistResources

Joined an agile delivery environment and worked with a team to design, build, and test web features. Learned practical development workflows like version control, code reviews, and sprint-based planning and delivery.

Cat mascot learning sprint flow
Freelance work
pets2021 - 2026

Freelance Software Engineer • Independent

Took on small-to-large sized client projects and maintenance work, typically focused on shipping practical improvements, keeping systems stable, and communicating clearly with stakeholders.

Cat mascot cheering for freelance builds
emoji_eventsShiny moments

Awards & Recognitions

Awards and recognitions from work and school that I am proud of.

emoji_eventsTrophy shelf
Award cat mascot (main highlight)
Cat mascot cheering
Cat mascot with trophy
Cat mascot celebrating
Cat mascot reading certificate
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pets2025

Employee of the Year

International Systems Research Corp.

Company-wide recognition at ISR for consistent delivery, teamwork, and impact across engineering and web marketing work.

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Most Improved Employee Award

International Systems Research Corp.

Recognized for strong growth, reliability, and stepping up on ISR product and internal projects.

2021emoji_events

Best Capstone Project

Bulacan State University

Top capstone project award for final-year work at Bulacan State University.

2019emoji_events

Web Development Champion

9th IT Congress "REVOTECH - Elevating Generation"

Champion in web development at the 9th IT Congress REVOTECH student competition.

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Hackathon 1st Runner-Up

Regional Assembly on Information Technology (RAITE) 2019

First runner-up in the RAITE 2019 hackathon among competing student teams.

petsBeyond the Code

My Favorite Coworker: Sven

Sven is my cat and my daily work companion. Whether I'm debugging a stubborn issue or pushing a late-night deployment, he's usually nearby supervising the process. He's been a constant source of comfort, motivation, and the occasional keyboard interruption.

verifiedQA Inspector
Sven (Dawn's cat and daily work companion)
Cartoon cat typing on keyboard
Cartoon cat confused during debugging
Cartoon cat supervising deployment
Cartoon cat keeping morale high
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Official role

Quality Assurance Inspector

Responsibilities

  • keyboardSitting on my keyboard during meetings
  • cookieDemanding treats at critical moments
  • self_improvementEnsuring I take breaks
  • favoriteMaintaining office morale

A portfolio isn't only about what you've built. It's also about who you are. Sven definitely counts.

Let's build something
beautiful together

I'm always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your vision. Reach out and let's make magic happen.