About Me

Hello! I'm TJ Miranda

A passionate web developer and designer who specializes in creating responsive and user-friendly websites — and who also provides airport pickup and drop-off, secret services, and special handling and shipping in the Philippines.

Professional Background & Experience

Licensed Utility Systems Operator and US Army Reserve Veteran with over 10 years of combined federal civil service, defense contracting, and military logistics experience. Skilled in operating SCADA systems, conducting water/wastewater quality laboratory testing, and automating administrative workflows through software and database solutions.

Quick Highlights

  • Current Role: Utility Systems Operator (WG-5406-10) at NAVFAC NAS Lemoore
  • Certifications: California Water Treatment T2, Water Distribution D2, Wastewater WW1-OIT
  • Education: B.S. Computer Science | A.S. Information Technology (In Progress at West Hills College Lemoore)
  • Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance

My Graduation Video as USO Apprentice

Biography

TJ Miranda

A technology and music enthusiast from Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, I have always loved tinkering with computers. Back in the 1990s, my friend Jello and I spent endless hours coding together as tech pioneers in our province. Jello was an accounting major who was fantastic with numbers, as well as a talented pianist and bass player.

After graduating with a BS in Computer Science, I moved to the United States. My career here shifted away from technology, and over time, my old programming skills in C++, Visual Basic, and COBOL faded until I forgot how to code. I tried getting back into it with PHP and MySQL, but I lost my appetite for manual coding once AI came along. Lately, I have been leaning on AI to help build my personal projects, even if I have been a bit lazy with them.

With retirement just a few years away, I recently went back to college to get familiar with coding again. I am getting a little forgetful, so studying programming helps sharpen my memory while letting me enjoy the fun of learning and relearning. When I am not at my computer, I still love playing basic guitar and drums to keep my mind active and creative.

Skills

  • Water Treatment Plant Operations
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations
  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Tool Control Program Management
  • SCADA Systems Operation
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workspace
  • Virtual Assistance
  • Technical Writing
  • Project Management
  • Database Management
  • Software Engineering
  • Web Development
  • Claude AI & Gemini Proficiency

Operating System Proficiency

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

Community & Leadership

I have a strong tradition of civic engagement and leadership within the Masonic community:

  • Lemoore Masonic Temple Association: Served as Chief Financial Officer before serving as President.
  • Welcome Lodge No. 255: Served two consecutive terms as Secretary, as well as Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, and filling in for any officer position needed. While I still remain active in the lodge, I voluntarily stepped back from officer positions to focus on my education.

Music, Hobbies, & Interests

  • Music & Performing: I play both the drums and guitar, write/perform vocals, and love singing and rapping. Back in the day, I fronted two bands—Bloody Mary and The Outcast.
  • Hobbies: Outside of music, I’m an avid gamer, love watching movies, enjoy firearms, and appreciate tattoo art.
  • Favorites: Favorite colors are red and blue; favorite foods are pizza and pasta.

Family & Roots

  • Family History: My father, a licensed Civil Engineer in the Philippines, transitioned into banking leadership as a Bank Manager for the Development Bank of the Philippines before migrating to the U.S. to join me and my wife. My mother and sister followed shortly after.
  • Family Back Home: My only family remaining in the Philippines is my brother, who is currently under U.S. petition, his wife Allen, and their son, my nephew Jax.

Future Retirement & Business Plans

Looking ahead, my wife and I plan to retire in the Philippines within the next five years. Our future ventures and dreams include:

  1. Local Businesses: Establishing and operating a self-serve and full-service laundromat, a water refilling station, and a commercial carwash.
  2. Family Dream: Owning a private family resort in the Philippines where our entire family can gather, relax, and enjoy time together at the right time.

Five Fun Facts About Me

  1. I love playing drums and guitars.

    I wouldn’t call myself a professional musician, but playing the drums and guitar serves as my ultimate reset button. Music has always been a constant presence in my life, providing an outlet where words often fall short. Picking up an instrument allows me to channel my focus entirely into rhythm and sound, creating a space where the rest of the world briefly fades away.

    Whenever I have downtime or need to shake off a long, demanding day, sitting behind a drum kit or grabbing a guitar is my go-to remedy. The physical action of keeping time or strumming chords helps release built-up tension in a way that few other hobbies can match. It is a tactile, engaging experience that grounds me in the present moment.

    For me, playing isn't about stepping onto a stage, getting technical perfection, or trying to impress an audience. It is pure noise therapy and personal recreation. Stripping away the pressure to perform turns the process into a completely judgment-free zone where making mistakes is just part of the fun.

    The contrast between the two instruments also offers different forms of mental relief. Drums provide a raw, energetic dynamic that lets me physically burn off stress through tempo and power. On the other hand, the guitar offers a more contemplative, melodic avenue when I simply want to sit back and vibe out.

    Ultimately, having these musical outlets keeps me balanced and energized. Whether I am spending ten minutes jamming to a favorite track or spending an hour casually experimenting with new rhythms, it remains one of the most effective tools I have for clearing my head and recharging my spirit.

  2. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

    I love to travel and explore new places, constantly seeking out opportunities to step beyond my familiar surroundings. The initial excitement of setting out on a journey—whether planning routes or packing a bag—always brings a distinct sense of anticipation. Every trip feels like a fresh chapter waiting to be written.

    Traveling allows me to experience different cultures, taste authentic local food, and step into environments completely different from my day-to-day routine. Seeing how people live, work, and connect across various regions offers a powerful reminder of how vast and diverse the world really is.

    Along the way, meeting new people is often the highlight of any trip. Sharing stories with locals and fellow travelers provides unique insights that you can never get from a travel guide or a website. These spontaneous human connections frequently turn into the most memorable parts of the entire journey.

    Gaining a fresh perspective on life is another invaluable benefit of hitting the road. Leaving my comfort zone helps me reframe daily challenges, broadens my mindset, and instills a deeper sense of adaptability and gratitude for every experience—both good and challenging.

    Whether it is a quick weekend getaway to a nearby town or an extended adventure across the globe, I am always up for discovering something new. The world is full of hidden gems, breathtaking sights, and compelling stories, and I intend to keep exploring them whenever the opportunity arises.

  3. I'm a big fan of Metallica.

    I am a massive fan of Metallica, and their music has been a constant soundtrack through many different chapters of my life. From the moment I first heard their iconic heavy riffs and fast rhythms, I was hooked on the intense energy and technical skill they bring to the metal genre.

    Their albums have a distinct way of matching almost any mood, offering motivation when I need a drive boost or catharsis when dealing with frustration. Tracks like "Master of Puppets," "Enter Sandman," and "Fade to Black" demonstrate a depth of composition and lyrical power that continues to stand the test of time.

    Beyond their studio releases, I especially love their live performances. The incredible stamina, raw sound, and sheer presence Metallica delivers on stage make their concerts an unforgettable spectacle. The way they command massive stadium crowds while staying intensely connected to their audience is unmatched.

    As someone who plays instruments casually, listening to their music gives me a deep appreciation for the craft. James Hetfield’s tight rhythm guitar work and Lars Ulrich’s driving drum beats provide endless inspiration whenever I pick up a guitar or sit down behind a drum kit.

    Metallica is more than just a band I listen to; they represent a legacy of resilience, evolution, and dedication to music. Decades into their career, they continue to set the benchmark for heavy metal, keeping fans like me fully invested in their journey.

  4. My favorite colors are red and blue.

    Red and blue are my absolute favorite colors, each bringing a unique visual weight and meaning to my personal aesthetic. I find that these two colors sit at fascinating opposite ends of the spectrum, offering a compelling balance when brought together.

    Red brings an unyielding energy, boldness, and passion. It draws immediate attention, symbolizing strength, action, and excitement. Incorporating red into design or daily choices adds a vibrant spark that feels dynamic and confident.

    In contrast, blue provides a sense of calmness, depth, and serenity. Reminiscent of the open ocean and vast sky, it carries a tranquil quality that brings stability, focus, and peace to any visual space it occupies.

    What impresses me most is how well they complement each other when paired. The intensity of red contrasts beautifully with the cooling nature of blue, creating a vibrant visual harmony that can evoke a vast range of emotions, from high energy to settled composure.

    Together, red and blue represent the balance between power and peace—an equilibrium I appreciate in both art and everyday life. Whether in fashion, design, or simple personal preferences, these two timeless colors always stand out to me.

  5. I'm a US Army Veteran and a proud US Navy Spouse.

    Serving as a U.S. Army Veteran while standing alongside my partner as a proud U.S. Navy Spouse has given me a deep, firsthand appreciation for the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience required by military life. Wearing the uniform taught me accountability, leadership, and unwavering commitment, while supporting my spouse through the unique demands of naval service has reinforced the vital importance of family, flexibility, and community. This dual perspective keeps me grounded in shared military values, instilling a lifelong passion for service, mutual support, and honoring the selfless contributions of both service members and the families who stand firmly behind them.