iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 09/10/2026

I've been getting more active on this IaC thing on my #homelab, and this time it's my MikroTik devices, with the help of Ansible. Short writeup of my experience here: jj.macalinao.org/putting-my-mikroti…

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 08/10/2026

I'm getting increasily tempted by selling my entire #homelab because of these ridiculous prices. They're probably worth at least 3x what I paid for with the amount of RAM and storage on it. Buy low, sell high, right? lol

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 04/10/2026

Well that's one way to fill up your server rack. (Not fully off-grid yet, but hopefully soon.) #homelab

A server rack with two LFP battery packs installed.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 02/10/2026

Finally stopped YOLO-ing my AI coding agents. 😆 Moved them into agent-sandbox pods under gVisor, and built a Headlamp plugin so I can poke at them from my phone. Wrote up the setup and the quirks that bit me: jj.macalinao.org/moving-my-coding-a… #Kubernetes #Homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 23/09/2026

I moved all of my agentic AI stuff to k8s via kubernetes-sigs/agent-sandbox, but I needed a web UI to manage them from anywhere, so I created a Headlamp plugin. Hopefully someone finds it useful. git.macalinao.org/jj/headlamp-agent…

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 18/09/2026

Facebook Marketplace is saving my ass right now. I thought because of RAMageddon it's impossible but apparently you can still build perfectly-capable office computers for 30 bucks.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 06/09/2026

I'm too much of a cheapskate to spend X API credits to be able to post via OpenPost. I'll think about it when I don't have to worry about my [rising] electricity bills, but for now, I'll post manually. So far it seems good. I'll check if I can connect more.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 06/09/2026

This is a test post from OpenPost. I'm also testing out a fix to the Bluesky provider to support self-hosted PDSes, hopefully this works...

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 24/08/2026

I'm not into conspiracies, but this theory about the GTAVI/CyberLeek thing being a marketing stunt is very interesting. Like it's something right out of a GTA mission.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 09/08/2026

Here's the repo: git.macalinao.org/jj/snd-usb-a... I know people with this issue are few and far between, but I'm just glad this mixer's working on Linux now and I don't have to replace it.

git.macalinao.org

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 07/08/2026

WTAF. Had a niche hardware issue in Linux, and an AI helped me debug, and provided me an actual working kernel patch. Genuinely astounded. Hardware in question is a DLZ Creator XS. I need some rest, it's 5AM 🤪

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 28/07/2026

Hey guys and gals. I'm back alive just to say that Niri is sooo good.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 27/04/2026

PSA: S0ix in Linux (aka Windows' Modern Standby) absolutely hates the Kingston NV3 NVMe SSD. Been splitting my hairs trying to fix sleep on my laptop. Replaced it with a spare NVMe SSD I have lying around, and we can finally (literally) sleep soundly now.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 19/03/2026

I need to resist the urge of hypermiling my #homelab. My Kubernetes clusters are working so well I don't want to ruin their stability.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 14/03/2026

Get yourself a partner who listens to Bill Wurtz while in the shower.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 03/03/2026

I finally did the switch from Windows to Linux on my laptop. Took a while to setup, but I'm actually surprised how well everything works. (Asus Zephyrus G16 2025 docked to Dell WD19TB with Samsung Odyssey G9, CachyOS, DankMaterialShell)

Desktop screenshot from the external monitor connected to the laptop.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 21/02/2026

I just spent a few days migrating from ingress-nginx to envoy for my two #k8s clusters. What a massive pain in the ass. 😂 If I didn't already have a template to vaguely follow I'd take maybe a week more. #homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 17/02/2026

I can no longer look at a Yaris and not imagine it bouncing.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 17/01/2026

Did multiple all-nighters to get a bunch of computers working perfectly -- from scratch -- and get all networking done before Friday, only to cancel their exams mid-day because their servers keep crashing. Yup, that was my week as a school IT guy. Pretty fun though.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 25/12/2025

I've been very busy lately so no updates on my homelab. But hey, at least it's been stable. Stable boring, stable good. Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone 😊

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Reposted by JJ Macalinao

Bringus Studios @batarong.com · 22/12/2025

I love proxmox it's like downloading more computers

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 17/10/2025

Either the 80% charging limit works, or maybe I should try the lottery if I’m this lucky. #iphone

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 12/08/2025

Spotify increased their prices in our region again. I am so close to ditching it. Maybe when I have the time...

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 09/08/2025

TIL you can corrupt your ZFS pool even with healthy drives if you just poke around too much. Thankfully you can still import it even though it's read-only. #homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 16/07/2025

Note to self: Moving your TrueNAS to a different network? Refresh the network interface right after. Turns out it doesn't automatically detect the default gateway and DNS despite using DHCP. #homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 14/07/2025

One of my off-site backup servers broke down recently and I didn’t have an exact replacement, so instead, I scrounged up a couple of old PC parts and put them into a small 2U case. 4th gen Intel and a couple of 8TB drives, 20W idle. Not bad for a NAS. #homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 09/07/2025

Liquid Glass in iOS 26 beta 3 is still Liquid Glass... but with extra dye. 😁

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 09/07/2025

Z Fold7, basically an Honor Magic V5 with worse hardware but better software. And why is Samsung still not using silicon-carbon batteries? #GalaxyUnpacked

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 07/07/2025

And while I'm on the nostalgia train... I remember grabbing this from a cereal box, then ripping it on the family PC so I can put it on a Winamp playlist. www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHU3...

youtube.com

Bionicle CD 2000 (Barcode Brothers Megamix)

YouTube video by Fransik

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 06/07/2025

Brainrot reminds me of YTMND for some reason.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 01/07/2025

Quick update: They kept declining the bill adjustment because it was “valid”, without justifying. Filed a complaint at the NTC, and they refunded me the next day.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 26/06/2025

Damn. PewDiePie is on his homelab/self-hosting arc, and I'm here for it. 🚀 www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Lx...

youtube.com

I'm DONE with Google

YouTube video by PewDiePie

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 21/06/2025

Decided to move my stuff from MinIO to Garage (for now at least), because apparently one of my pet peeves is having features suddenly removed without warning. The migration went rather well. Here's some steps for anyone looking to do the same: jj.macalinao.org/reversing-th...

jj.macalinao.org

Reversing the rug pull: Migrating from MinIO to Garage

I don't really want to get too deep into all the drama surrounding the sudden removal of management and admin features from the MinIO console UI, but the fact that it was done without any warning left...

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 19/06/2025

Is Globe Telecom trying to scam me? 🤪 SurfAlert is permanently enabled for postpaid plans so I can’t even use mobile data without a promo, but lo and behold, got hit with “time-based” browsing charges.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 14/06/2025

Time to live life on the edge. #iPadOS

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 10/06/2025

I feel like this new Liquid Glass overhaul is like iOS 7 on steroids. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be rough around the edges at first and will evolve over time. Feels like Windows 11 all over again. 😂 #WWDC25

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 11/05/2025

I used to dislike belt and crossbody bags, but now that I've used them for around six months, they're actually not that bad. Now it's my essential light everyday carry.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 08/05/2025

Be honest, who brushed up on their Roman numerals recently?

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 02/05/2025

Note to self: The "get a power supply with the proper wattage" tip typical of PC desktops is also very applicable to mini PCs.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 24/04/2025

It was my first time driving modern hybrid cars recently (thanks to renting cars in Europe), and I honestly find them pretty cool. Not in the market for one though.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 07/03/2025

I saw the Huawei Mate XT at the mall earlier since they just launched the global version, and I swear, I almost pulled out my wallet. But then wifey brought me back to my senses. Phew.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 28/02/2025

I dunno why, but nail clippers in Japan are S-tier.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 06/01/2025

Got one just so I could try it (I’ve tried AR and VR; this is on the complete opposite end). I already got prescription lenses on it, so this better be good.

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, Shiny Transparent frame with Transitions Gen 8 prescription lenses

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 22/12/2024

Don't mind me, just doing my periodic maintenance on this mini PC cluster. #homelab

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 20/12/2024

Gotta commend the folks over at Globe Business for being quick on resolving a recent technical issue. Reported the issue at 2:30AM via email, replied within 5 minutes. Field work started at dawn, fixed soon after. Why can't the other ISP have these kinds of turnaround times?

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 19/12/2024

I've been pondering about ordering these pair of refurb 16TB drives for my NAS; they've been in my online shopping cart for days now. They're about US$170 each. Should I do it? #homelab #datahoarder

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 18/12/2024

PLDT: You're not an authorized signatory Also PLDT: *in the same email, shows a screenshot where I'm an authorized signatory* Me:

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 18/12/2024

I recently replaced my Galaxy Z Fold 6 with an Honor Magic V3. To anyone looking to do the same, just know this: The latter's hardware is significantly better, but you need to assess whether you are fine with its software quirks. I'd say a gen or two gap in refinement.

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 17/12/2024

My #homelab rack needed more airflow, and I had some PC fans lying around. Some fiddling with the old 3D printer, a DC barrel jack, and a 12V adapter from an AP later...

Two 3U fan rack mounts, with three 120mm PC fans each, installed in a server rack as exhaust

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JJ Macalinao @jmac.ph · 17/12/2024

It looks like the migration to my self-hosted BlueSky #PDS went well...? Hello? 😁

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