Web Developer · Builder · Philippines · UTC+8
i build web products that actually ship — and keep working after they do.
from saas tools and custom web apps to wordpress and shopify — i design, build, and deploy products that solve real problems for real businesses.
/services
/saas & web app development
Full-stack web applications built for scale. I handle everything — architecture, APIs, databases, authentication, dashboards, and deployment. Built to grow with your business, not just launch once and be forgotten.
/custom website development
Custom-coded websites with no page builders, no bloated templates. Fast, accessible, and responsive — built exactly to your brief. Whether a landing page or a full marketing site, I build it right the first time.
/wordpress & shopify
WordPress and Shopify builds that are actually a pleasure to manage. Custom themes, plugin development, headless CMS setups, and e-commerce configs that give you full control without the headaches.
/automation & integrations
Connecting your tools, automating your workflows, and eliminating manual work. If two systems should talk to each other, I make it happen — reliably, and in a way that won't break at 2am.
/product strategy & consulting
Beyond writing code. I help founders figure out what to build, how to prioritise, and how to avoid the expensive mistakes that slow early products down. Practical, opinionated, grounded in real build experience.
/work
Some client engagements are confidential. Public work here focuses on products I own and projects I'm permitted to share.
Actual interface/nerdvine — freelance marketplace
A platform connecting Filipino freelancers with clients across industries. Talent discovery, project listings, and a streamlined hiring flow built specifically for the Philippine market.
Actual interface/saas operations dashboard
A working product demonstration for account health, usage signals, customer activity, and operational follow-through.
Actual interface/lead management automation
A working lead pipeline that creates follow-ups as opportunities move forward, keeping every enquiry tied to a clear next step.
Actual interface/booking and scheduling system
A working appointment calendar for availability, confirmed bookings, daily operations, and service-business performance.
Actual interface/conversion-focused storefront
A configurable product experience with clear buying choices, reassurance, quantity controls, and a direct path to cart.
Actual interface/client project portal
A focused workspace for milestones, project progress, file delivery, downloads, and client communication.
/how i work
Brief & Discovery
We start with a clear conversation — what you're building, who it's for, and what success actually looks like. No templates, no generic questionnaires. Just a focused discussion that sets the direction.
Plan & Design
Before a single line of code gets written, we agree on the architecture, user flows, and visual direction. I think through edge cases upfront so you're not paying to fix them later.
Build & Iterate
I build in short cycles with regular check-ins. You see real progress throughout — not a big reveal at the end. Feedback loops are tight, and the direction stays aligned.
Launch & Support
Deployment is handled, tested, and documented. After launch, I'm still around — whether that's fixing unexpected issues, training your team, or scoping what comes next.
/what people say
Michael has a rare ability to understand both the technical and business sides of a problem. He delivered a full web application in a fraction of the time I expected — and it actually worked the way we planned.
Working with Michael was seamless. He set up our entire Shopify store with custom features our previous developer said couldn't be done. Clear communication throughout.
If you need someone who can see a project through from idea to launch — Michael is that person. Reliable, technically sharp, and great at communicating throughout the whole process.
/frequently asked
/writing
2026-07-30 · 10 min
AI search visibility is an information supply chain, not a separate optimization layer
A fact-checked framework for making website content accessible, understandable, attributable, and eligible for search and AI-assisted discovery.
Read the guide →2026-07-30 · 7 min
Next.js July 2026 security update: what production teams should do now
Next.js 16.2.11 and 15.5.21 address nine high- and medium-severity vulnerabilities. Here is a controlled production upgrade plan.
Read the guide →2026-07-30 · 8 min
Website migration SEO checklist: protect rankings, leads, and analytics
A practical pre-launch and post-launch checklist for changing domains, platforms, or URL structures without losing search visibility.
Read the guide →/about
the person
behind the work.
i'm michael abella — a web developer and builder based in the philippines. i've spent years turning ideas into working software, from freelance projects to full-scale platforms.
i started nerdvine because i believe filipino talent is world-class and deserves a platform built for it. everything i build starts from that conviction: software should actually serve the people using it.
when i'm not shipping code, i'm probably planning the next thing to build.
Let's build something
Got a project
in mind?
Whether you have a fully-scoped brief or just a rough idea — I'm happy to talk through it. Most good projects start with a simple conversation.