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Hi! I’m Kazel James Lopez, but my friends call me “Aki.” I’m that friendly, easygoing guy who you can vibe with pretty quickly. People sometimes think I’m “maldito” or snobbish at first glance—but once you get to know me, I’m super outgoing and always down for spontaneous plans or random adventures.

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I grew up in Toledo City, Cebu. My parents are originally from Pardo, Basak Cebu, but they moved to Toledo and that’s where we’ve settled ever since. We live near the shore, and if you walk a bit, you’ll reach a small hill—so it’s a mix of beach and mountain life. Our place feels like a family compound since my parents’ siblings live just around us. Growing up, it was so easy to hang out with cousins, which made childhood really warm and memorable.

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I’ve been a consistent honor student since Day Care (yep, started young!). I’ve always been active in school—joining quiz bees, math challenges, spelling contests, scouting camps—you name it. Back in grade school, I used to be pretty good at spelling. One cool experience was when our group joined a film fest and won, and then we even competed at the regional level. That was a fun ride!

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Photography is my thing. I mainly shoot portraits and editorials, and my camera is basically my travel buddy. Whether it’s a beach trip, a hike, or just chilling in the city—I’m taking pictures. I also love watching indie films, both local and international. There’s something raw and real about them that sticks with me. Oh—and I thrift a lot! I just enjoy finding random, unique stuff. It’s like treasure hunting but cooler.

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What are some of my proudest accomplishments?

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What are some of my proudest accomplishments?

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Honestly, making it this far in my Civil Engineering program is something I’m super proud of. I’m heading into my third year now, and it’s been tough. There were so many moments I felt like giving up, but I kept pushing. I’m really thankful for my family, my friends, and most importantly, to God. If not for them, I wouldn’t be here. Engineering isn’t easy, but the support and love from people around me make it worth fighting for.

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What are some challenges I’ve faced in life?

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What are some challenges I’ve faced in life?

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One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is dealing with pressure—academically and personally. There were times I felt burnt out, especially juggling studies with expectations and trying to keep myself together. Another challenge is being misunderstood. I’ve been judged based on how I appear or act, even if that’s not really who I am inside.

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These experiences made me more grounded. I’ve learned not to take everything personally and to just be true to myself. I’ve learned to rest, reflect, and keep going even when things get rough. They helped me build resilience, be more patient with myself, and become someone who can empathize better with others.

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I want to travel the world—explore places, meet people, take photos, and just experience life outside the usual routine. I also dream of being financially stable so I can give back to my family, share my success with friends, and eventually live a peaceful, happy life—one that’s full of contentment and love.

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Fun facts about me that not everyone knows

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Fun facts about me that not everyone knows

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I collect receipts. Seriously. Whether it’s a bus ticket, a grocery receipt, a concert stub, or a movie ticket—I keep them all and stick them on my wall. It’s my weird little way of remembering moments, even the small ones.

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I believe life isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about appreciating the now, learning from what goes wrong, and being kind to yourself and others along the way. I’m not in a rush. I just want to grow at my own pace and make the most out of each moment, no matter how small.

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Honestly, no specific person. I’m more of an observer. I pick up traits and habits from people I admire, then apply them in my own way. I like to think I’m a mix of all the good things I’ve seen in others.