Most parents from the province would rather let their children work in the fields like they do. But, some others work hard to be able to pay for their children’s tuition fee. This story about Dado Banatao, “the Bill Gates of the Philippines”, coming from a poor family have inspired many to work hard and to achieve more than ever.

1984, designed the first pc chipset. He was able to make something that changed the course of our future. Who would have known that he will be able to make something for the people. That he will make something to change the course of our lives. That he will make something that will make life easier for the people of the future.  

He was a son of a farmer in the rural Philippines. Grew up in poverty, without shoes or access to electricity. Being a son of farmer should make someone proud because they are living through the hard work of their parents. And especially that it was hard earned money and not from any illegal activities.

Dado help usher in the era of the personal computer. Pioneered the pc chipset and graphics accelerated architecture that continue to be the two of the foundation technologies in every pc today. Founded three companies: S3 Graphics, Chips and Technologies and Mostron. It is really amazing how he ventured a lot of companies. Not just one but three. It sure is a talent and also the hard work and his determination that brought him to the place he is now.

Dado learned math by moving bamboo sticks. It’s amazing how someone learned to do math the most creative way. Back in his day they do things the conventional approach. If children nowadays learn things with the most modern technique, they have been learning things with the use of sticks and etc. Children these days really are lucky however they were never able to experience how hard things were before and that’s why it is hard for them to appreciate the simplest things. They were never able to experience how hard it is to be able to go to school. Kids these days have things handed to them. Most don’t even appreciate this and waste the efforts done by their parents. But to those who were not born to be able to have everything around their fingers have been working. They are working hard so that they will be able to go to school just like Dado. I hope that kids these days will be able to see the difference between now and then so that they will know how hard life was before. So that they will be able to understand that working hard is always the key to success. And that they will appreciate all the things they possess now. It might not be big but at least they have something. Kids before even find it hard to just buy slippers. Some might still be finding it hard but I hope that someday every kid will be able to have everything they needed. That they will be provided with basic needs and especially education.

"We had no notion of wealth, we didn’t even know there was such a thing as a wealthy person. We studied because our parents told us it was important." – Dado Banatao

His father never ask him to help in the fields and he said that “it is his job to place food on the table, Dado’s job was to study.” Dado’s father was very fatherly, having this principle. He have displayed a great fatherly figure that should be placed on a pedestal. Dado was lucky to have a father like him. His father was determined to make him finish his study without asking for assistance. Indeed, he was a great father. They should follow his example. Some don’t appreciate the hard work done by their fathers. They waste the money their parents give them or they don’t do well in school. Kids these days should appreciate the effort done by their parents because they are lucky enough to have them. They are lucky enough that their parents are there for them working hard to give them a great future.

 He felt inferior from other students because they’re from the city. Before, when you are from the province you get single out. Most even think that kids from the city are better than those from the province. They overestimate themselves because they grew up in the city. Or better yet they think that kids from the province can’t do better than them. However, Dado proved them wrong. Even when he felt inferior to them so he worked better than anybody else. I think that Dado having the idea that his father is also working hard for him had made him who he is. If I’m in his place I would do the same. I would not let the idea that “I am from the province” get into my head. I don’t really think someone can be better than the other just because they are from the city and the other is from the province. It’s just the random status quo implant by people. They are just making it to make themselves better. There really is no status quo. Just don’t mind what people think because one way or another people will have something to say. It is either good or bad. We are all the same, students who are studying, people who are learning, one will never be better than the other. But one can be their best when they are working harder than ever.

When others play basketball he studies. I can’t really blame Dado. When you know that someone back to where you live is working hard for you, you would rather give up the chance of playing basketball. I think he wants to repay every hard work his father has done just so he can go to school. Just so he could learn and have a bright future. And everything was not in vain because giving something up for your future is really worth it. Everything is worth it. These just also show that Dado was determined to do better and that he really wants to pursue his dreams. He has shown how children should act this days. He was a great reminder for children who have wasted the chance of going to school and instead has been wasting their lives to vices that will destroy their future. To the things that will hinder their chance of having success. I hope that the children today will be able to realize the things that they are missing. The things that they should be doing, and it is studying. They should study because they can. Some kids even work just so they can go to school. And so I hope that every kid can be able to study.

Dado said “I fell in love with engineering.” If you love to do something there’s no doubt that you can be at your best. No one can question your work because you are doing the thing you love most. And people will really appreciate everything that you do.  When you love what you are doing you will do your best to do better. To work better than anybody and you easily get curios in things that concerns it. You would love to learn more and to explore more. When you love something you will give it time and learn everything connected to it. It was great that he love engineering because it made things easier for him to work and to make a difference especially today.

No designed jobs for engineers for the Philippines that’s why he moved to America. Back to their time, it was really hard for engineers here in the Philippines to have a spot. You would really have mixed feelings with his decision because he left Philippines over America. But, if he didn’t do so then he will be the same as other Engineers in the Philippines who are underemployed. That would have been a very hard decision leaving your family and your country behind to pursue your dreams. But if he hadn’t made that step he wouldn’t be where he is now. All I can say is he really is courageous enough to make that step.

Applied Masters in Engineering at Stanford University. He was really amazing considering that getting into a prestigious school in America is hard. Dado really is a great person. He excelled in what he pursued. He was excited but also intimidated. I can’t really blame Dado if he felt intimidated when he was going to school. Considering the school where he pursued his Master’s degree. It was incredible how one can do when he loves what he is doing. Dado studied twice as hard. Of course, you have to study more than ever if you want to get or achieve your goals. Because if you dream of something and you love it, you will do anything just to get it. Everyone who pursued their dreams and worked their hardest became successful. It just shows that you are determined to reach their goals.

He started to study computer tips and started a company but that company failed. If you want to succeed you should never stop learning. Don’t limit your horizon to the already tested because you won’t be able to move forward. It was great that Dado has ventured other technologies. Even if he was not successful with his first attempt it didn’t stop him from taking another chance. A failure shouldn’t hinder your dreams because everyone experiences failures. It just depends if you really are determined to reach your goals. Because some people easily gives up even when they haven’t given their best. And if you give up easily then your resolve is not that strong. And there are a lot of people who share the same dreams and has greater resolve than you do. So, prove to those people that you can be at their level or you can even do better. Have that resolve that you can move mountains. The resolve that you can be able to conquer a land. The resolve that you can do even much better. The resolve that it is still not the end, instead it is just the start of something new. Something that will be a lot more challenging. And a lot harder than ever.

No one told him that he could do it. He had to tell himself that he could. You can’t really expect everyone to support you all the way. Sometimes you have to be your own hero. Don’t expect that someone will help you when you fall down. That someone will always be there to support your every work. Because some will bring you down. Some will even be happy with your downfall. And you are lucky if you’ve found someone that will support you all the way. In failure and in your success. It was great that Dado has it in him to stand on his own. To support his every decision even when others don’t even give him a second look. If others won’t be there for you, be there for yourself. If you want to succeed you have to have faith in yourself. That you can do something, that you can make a change or a difference. Prove to yourself that you can do better. That you are better. Don’t let a single failure stop you from being successful because it’s just the start of something bigger, a bigger mountain to cross. So don’t stop and keep moving forward. It is when you keep on moving forward will you be able to reach that success. Because if you just stay where you are then you won’t be able to reach your goals. You won’t be able to get that medal of success. Tell yourself that you can do it. Fill yourself in your words and let it strengthen your resolve and confidence. Raise your self-esteem and face you fear.

So he tried it again this time he succeeded. This just proves that the saying, “try and try until you succeed” is indeed true. You have to try again and again until you come out victorious. If you work harder than ever then you will achieve the success you have always aimed for. If you tried again do better than before. Learn from your mistakes and think positively that you will be able to succeed this time. Because positivity brings out the confidence and with confidence you will have a positive outlook that this time the results will be better. That this time will be a lot better than the last time. When you tried again is when you show to people that “I am capable”. That you are able to stand up even when people expected that you couldn’t. Try and try all over again and again.

"If you like to do something, at some point in time, you will be good at it, that's what happened to me in the tech field. While I don't do designs anymore, I still meddle in engineers designs, ask questions..." – Dado Banatao

Will and determination every Filipinos possesses. It is true that we Filipinos possesses will and determination. The achievements that we received over time goes to show that we are determined. Filipinos are determined to be known and recognized by our talents. Not only that but also when we are facing tragedy and downfall we stand firm. Our country is one of the fastest growing economy in Asia. Yes, our country really is growing fast even when we are experiencing setbacks. We were once considered to be the sleeping dragon of Asia and we will prove to them that we really are. 30% of the people are living like he did, growing up. We can’t really deny that most people are still suffering poverty. However, we can make a difference and we will show difference. Just like how Dado’s life turned out.  But his life shows a different path is possible. That just shows that anything is possible if you just believe. That if you choose to make a difference then you would be able to make it.

It is why he started PhilDev. They imagine where Philippines’ each schools have internet. Where deserving students are given scholarships, so they never have to stop learning. Where thousands of young Filipinos start companies that hire millions more. He really has a great vision, mission and goal. Dado really is a very inspiring person. Showing that he will help his own people. Repaying the country where he was born. It was a very noble act. People should follow his footsteps. Let us help each other and bring out the person we are expected to become. Let’s be the future of our country.

We know hardship, it’s time we learn success. It really is true. When we know hardship we will be able to learn success just like Dado. He was poor but he became successful. Poverty shouldn’t hinder your success. Anyone can become just like Dado. We have the same will and determination seeing as we grow the same roots. Just like Dado let’s make a difference. Let’s be better and grab success.

“I am not special but I am determined”. Every person is special but we get differentiated through our determination. When we are determined that’s when we are considered special. Because having that determination will easily identify you as someone who is capable and goal-oriented.

"Let’s not use the word invention, for me, innovation is more important than invention." – Dado Banatao

From a technical background, introduced technologies that transferred the computer industry, and built large successful companies from the ground up. He wasn’t really from the technology industry but anyone can transfer from one industry to another. If you don’t stop learning then you will really be able to expand your knowledge just like Dado. He didn’t stop learning, from Engineering to Information Technology field. That’s why continue to explore and learn because life has a lot to offer.

Pursuing his dreams and knowing his roots. Even when Dado was pursuing his dreams in another country he didn’t forget to comeback and help. Even though he didn’t come back sooner he was still able to help his people. That was a great plus to his career. Helping others especially your people is something that others should set as a sample. Never ever forget where you came from. Never ever let success eat up that goodness in you. Never ever let it cloud your kindness.

They were poor, walking barefoot to school along the dirt roads. Life can give you a lot of reasons to give up. To make you think that there isn’t a great future ahead of you. But, even if life has already feed that idea to your head don’t let it get to you. Let it be the reason to do better. Let it be the reason to aim for success. Let it be your strength and reminder not to stop. Let that hardship push you into moving forward. Accept that fact so that you will be able to move on to success. Let it help you.

Went to Ateneo de Tuguegarao and at 15 pursued college education at Mapua Institute of Technology where he graduated cum laude with an Electrical Engineering degree. Wherever school one came from it doesn’t really matter. You just have the will to carry on. And also the determination to face challenges head on.  

"Filipinos can compete in Silicon Valley in a big way." – Dado Banatao

Veteran entrepreneur and venture capitalist of Silicon Valley. Anyone can really be able to achieve what Dado has achieved. Anyone can become someone like him. Someone who is resolute in achieving his goals. And, anyone can be in Silicon Valley and the next Dado Banatao.

"I’m not into gadgets, the closest thing I guess, it’s more of what I drive and what I fly." – Dado Banatao

Here's what Banatao has to share to future entrepreneurs who want to be successful in their own fields.

1. Know the ins and outs of the industry you want to be in.

Banatao said "a very high percentage of entrepreneurs went into industry before they started their startups. The experience gathered by being in an industry is a source of confidence. That produces other traits- you don't give up easily if there are a lot of obstacles. You learn the overall and the other aspects of business. If you go into the industry first, inherently you are exposed to the learning knowledge on how companies are built, and you bring that to your startup."

                When we know everything or a lot of things with regards to the industry that we want to be in then it will help especially if you want to start up a business. The things that you will learn will exploring the industry that you want to be in will be able to help you in the future. It’s like studying all over again however you are studying how things work in this field. You have to study the competition and how things are run in that industry. Then, you decide whether you will be going under the same status quo or you will start something that others will follow. You have to be smart and wise when you are starting up. Because there are a lot of competition when it comes to business. You should know what are the do’s and don’ts when you are trying to start up especially the industry you want to be in. You can’t just randomly start up without having a single idea with regards to the industry you want to be in. That is really a wrong move when you don’t know the ins and outs of the industry you want to be in. It’s like going to a war without weapons. You will just be killed in the process. So, if you want to start up, you have to study that industry. You need to know the most essential information that will help you to achieve your goals and especially success.

2. Expand your network.

"In industry, naturally you get exposed to seminars, conferences, you go to presentations or your industry events and you meet a lot of people. You meet your competition. You get an understanding of the players in the market. You begin to know the key people in the industry who are going to help you."

                Someone once told me that when you are going to college you should also start building networks. That the people who you will meet in the University will be able to help you in the future so expand your networks. Meet a lot of people. Create lots of circles and gain a lot of acquaintance. Through this you will be able to know the people that will be able to help you in the future. It really is true, if you know a lot of people then you can contact them if you need anything. But also bear in mind that you can’t always count in these people to help you all the time. Remind yourself that either way you can only count in yourself. You just need to have an idea as to which to go if you need a little help. They can also be partners for the start up or they can be able to help you advertise your products or idea. Know the people that will be able to help you and know the competition. Either way build a connection even if it’s a competition or not.

3. Find the right mentor.

"Mentorship becomes very personal in nature. There has to be trust. The best ones are those who already have that personal connections, trust in each other. It's about the respect that he gives you so that he can give you the best advice. When there is respect, the connection is the best."

                Someone also told me to have a mentor. Someone that will be your guide. Someone that can help you learn. Someone that will be able to give you an idea about things. Ask someone you look up to become your mentor. Someone that you trust dearly so that he/she will be able to give you the best advice. Have a mentor that will see your full potential and will bring it out. A person that will be able to tell you the chances and whether you are doing the right thing. Someone that will be able to tell you, straight to your face frankly. A person that will remind you that there are things that you are capable of doing. That someone who you trust most especially when you are down. Consider it a student-teacher relationship or a strong bond of friendship. You can have any mentor but you need to be sure that that someone is a person you trust and you respect so much. And, that person trust and respect you the way you do with him/her which just shows how strong your bond is.

"When scientists or engineers invent things, there must be millions of those around the world but we never know of them because it deals only with one little thing. Unless you mix other things to it, it is not useful." – Dado Banatao

4. Understand the market needs.

"Whatever interest you have, you have to dissect the market. A product should be designed for that need. An evidence that you hit the right requirement could be exemplified by a customer saying, 'This is exactly what I have been looking for.'"

                You have to have the idea how the market works. Or what the people needs. If you knew what they need then you will have an idea what step to make. But bear in mind that you will also have to keep in mind what you love to do. So that you will be able to do your 100% and that you won’t second guess you decisions. If you don’t like what you are doing and you are forced because people need it you won’t be able to be at your best. So study everything. If you love something and it is close to the market needs then create something that would make a connection between the two. Creativity makes a difference. You can always have both if you just knew how to make a connection in between the two. Do something you love ate the same time, make a connection for both.

5. Have a burning desire to make it big.

"Challenges lie everywhere- from starting the product to raising the money. The problem is big and you can divide it to chunks but those chunks contribute to everything. It's a massive amount of problem. It has to be a burning desire because you will really be put to the test. If a person quits, he was really not meant for that. You will have to continue despite worse conditions. Everybody will be successful if it's not easy."

                If you have a start-up you should really aim to make it big. You have to aim to make it large not only in the industry but also everywhere. You have to make a goal. Don’t settle for less, do more. You have to work harder if you want to succeed. What Dado have said is really true. Everybody will be successful if it’s not easy. If you quit that easily then you are not meant for that. You are meant for something but not it. That’s why you have to know what you want to do. What you want people to recognize you. You have to know what will make you be ate your best. You need to be at your best so that you will be able to give everything. You have to have that desire to make something known or to make it big. If you are in the midst of your race there are a lot of struggles but if you are determined then anything is possible. Don’t give up easily especially if you really want it. Don’t let anything hinder you. Stand strong and firm even when you think there is no chance. Because it will show itself one way or another. Always think positively and be courageous.

The things listed above are indeed helpful for young entrepreneurs. If you want to start up a business then list the aforementioned list. Keep yourself noted. Start young so that you won’t regret not doing it later. Start now and learn now so that you will come prepared when you face this challenges. Most of the time experiences are the best teachers. By gaining experience you will have an idea. You will know what to do or How to do it. By taking up the challenge will make you see the things that you are capable of doing. Don’t limit yourself. Reach your limit or even surpass it. If you have that fire inside of you who is trying his hardest to be known by people. That fire inside you that will push you into starting up something. Something that will make a big difference. That would help make things easier for people. But at the same time making people understand that sometimes life can be hard. That sometimes life can give you a lot of reasons to give up but you should never.

Graduates from the Philippines should also follow the example of Dado. They should do something for their country. Even the simplest things. They should give back something to the land where they came from. It was very awe-inspiring knowing that Dado didn’t forget his roots. He helped the children from where he went to elementary. He made their school one of the most highly advanced in technology elementary school in the Philippines. And he also give scholarships to those kids who are working hard and has the potential. He helped them in finishing their studies where they major in engineering and computer science. And his kindness doesn’t end there. He also helps those children with Filipino Heritage in North California finish their studies who are pursuing a college of engineering. It’s really great that there are still Filipinos like him. Helping his own countrymen by providing scholarships so that they could finish their studies. I hope that in the future there will be a lot of Filipinos like Dado Banatao who will help others. Like Dado who will not forget his countrymen and who will support kids so that they will have a bright future.

If you have a Dream pursue it take a really big step towards it even if you face a lot of challenges. Believe that you will be able to conquer anything that will hinder you from achieving it. Act now because there won’t be another chance if you wait for the chances to come. Achieve what you always dreamed of. You should always have a positive outlook in life. Life doesn’t stop for anybody. If you fall then you fall but stand up and begin retracing your steps and learn from it. Don’t take the same path of downfall however, take a different path. You will never know what tomorrow will bring. Always come prepared. Always think of the possibilities. Poverty don’t define who you are. It is just a standing in the society. Even if you are poor there are a lot of opportunities out there. Grab the right one, fitting for the thing you like to do. Work hard and be the person you want to be. You can be successful. You can do it here in the Philippines. Life really has a lot to give. There are a lot of opportunities for everyone. You need to have an idea. An idea that you will work on to achieve your goals. An idea to help you in achieving your success. Don’t give up easily. There will be a lot of rejection and failures along the way but never ever give up. But also keep in mind what are the battles you can win. Knowledge is power.

Source:

http://www.philstar.com/business-features/2015/02/28/1428644/five-business-lessons-dado-banatao-pinoy-bill-gates

http://www.pinoyinspirations.com/2013/10/best-inspirational-quotes-dado-banatao.html#.VZlE1vmqqko

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dado_Banatao