Top 4 for 2024

Here are the top 4 highlights of this year for me, in no particular order.

New App: MP2 Calculator

I released a new app called MP2 Calculator on Android and on the web (https://mp2calc.sweldongpinoy.com). MP2 Calculator is an app for computing how much your MP2 (Modified Pag-IBIG 2) savings may grow based on actual dividend rates. I have built the MP2 Calculator Android app using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose and the app is now my first to be developed using 100% Jetpack Compose.

Fastest Half Marathon, First 8k

I ran my best (so far) half marathon at the Vancouver Half Marathon 2024 with a record of 2:10:52. It was a few minutes faster than the previous record I had, which was at the same race last year.

I also ran my first 8k at BMO Vancouver Marathon 2024.

Play Store Listing Certificate

After the previous certificate expired this year, I took again Google Play Academy’s Play Store Listing Certificate.

Work in Progress

I have been working on an app with a startup based in France which we have released publicly this year. My co-authors and I am also working on the third edition of our book How to Build Android Apps with Kotlin, which should be available soon on Packt and on Amazon.

I also released updates to my apps and projects, including the 2025 changes for Sweldong Pinoy and Budget Pinoy and toll fee increases for Toll Pinas.

Vancouver Half Marathon 2024

After deciding to try the 8k at the BMO Vancouver Marathon this year, I registered for the half marathon at the Vancouver Half Marathon 2024.

I have tried it last year and it was my fastest half marathon. I was heavier this time and was unable to run more before the race so my only goal is to finish the 21.1 km without injuries. When I finished it, I was surprised to see my results at 2:10:52, which is now my fastest half marathon.

The record for the run according to the Strava app was 21.44 km in 02:10:54. It also said I got new best records, including 15k, 10 mile, 20k, and half-marathon.

The run was great and my over-all experience was still good. It was sad though that Asics didn't have a booth that give out posters with your finish time. I'm hoping I can run another half marathon next year.

Austin Adventure

I was invited again to the PE Summit Connect for North America in Austin, Texas. The summit was held in the Google Austin office on May 22-23, 2024. It was a smaller than the global one but it was a great experience to meet fellow Product Experts and learn more about relevant topics.

Celine and I extended a few days after the summit. Our first goal was to watch the bat colony fly after sunset but we were only able to see around 2-4 bats. We visited the Texas Capitol and Bullock Museum. The weather was hotter and more humid so we only did a few walks, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Rainey Street. And of course, we tried different barbecue spots and the hamburger from Whataburger.

I'd love to go back soon, especially when the weather is better.