Hello Fearandloathing, welcome to EVC.
fearandloathing writes:
...did it all just pop into existence as a lot of virtual particles that interacted to make our universe?? if so then why and where did they come from???
As of now there is no definite answer to your questions. There are particle theorist doing experiments in the LHC trying to rewind the clock back to T=0. But just "poping" into existence is one theory. What some scientist call a quantum fluctuation. It is not easy trying to wrap ones mind around the conditions prior to the big bang. It is almost counter intuitive to us humans to fathom anything prior the emergence of space/time.
F&L writes:
....if so then why and where did they come from???
The why suggest there is a reason. There very well may not be a why. The why in other words is more of a religious/philosophical question. The "where" would indicate a co ordinance, and since there was no space prior to T=0, there is no where.
Keep reading and investigating!