Hi, I’m Rolly Bueno – a WordPress developer, open-source contributor, community organizer, and someone who never stops tinkering, whether it’s with PHP code or a motorcycle engine.

I started writing code back in college, long before I knew what “open-source” even meant. My thesis project, a restaurant booking system using PHP and MySQL—sparked something in me. Not just the thrill of building something functional, but the satisfaction of solving problems in real-time. I stumbled upon WordPress in 2009 during my freelance days, and what began as a practical tool quickly evolved into a long-term passion.

Building with Purpose

Fast forward to today: I’m a Senior WordPress Developer at DevriX, where I design back-end solutions and build custom plugins for enterprise clients across industries – SaaS, e-commerce, and more. Whether it’s a custom API integration, plugin architecture, or a scalable multisite setup, I enjoy turning complex needs into clean, extensible solutions.

My stack is centered around PHP and WordPress, but I also work with frameworks like CakePHP and templating systems like Smarty. I’m especially drawn to performance optimization, clean code principles, and contributing to tools that help others build better.

Stepping into the WordPress Community

I’ve been contributing to the WordPress.org ecosystem since 2022. Over the years, I’ve participated in the Core, Support, Documentation, Training, Test and Polyglots teams, and I’ve recently become a Pattern Author. I spend around 5 hours each week contributing to the project, testing patches, reporting bugs, writing documentation, and helping others in forums.

In 2025, I took a big step forward: I joined the organizing team for WordCamp Asia, specifically leading Contributor Day. What made it special wasn’t just the title, it was the chance to onboard hundreds of first-time contributors and work alongside passionate folks from around the world. Truthfully, I was nervous. But I quickly realized that this wasn’t about being perfect; it was about showing up, sharing what you know, and learning together.

Outside the Code

When I’m not deep in PHP or debugging a tricky query, I like to unplug. You’ll find me riding my motorcycle around Panay Island, diving into MMORPGs like RF Online and Cabal, or lifting weights at the gym. I’m also a fan of good beer, big hikes, and quiet time with a book.

Why I Keep Contributing

People often ask why I spend time contributing to open source “for free.” My answer is simple: because someone else did it for me.

I learned WordPress because others documented, translated, and built things they shared with the world. Contributing back feels like the most natural way to say thank you—and to keep the ecosystem strong for the next generation of developers.

Thanks for reading, and if you’re thinking about contributing to WordPress, my advice is: just start. You don’t need permission. You’re already welcome.