The Early Years: A Love Affair with Technology
As a child growing up in Bulacan and Pampanga, my curiosity about the world was insatiable, especially when it came to technology. My dad fueled this passion by enrolling me in computer tutorials at the age of 12. My eyes widened as I delved into the world of software and how computers functioned. The fascination continued through high school with the advent of LAN games, which ignited my interest in networking and the Internet.
However, this passion led to some hiccups along the way. I was suspended in high school, engrossed in the world of Ragnarok Online. During college, I created a vacuum robot using a PIC controller for my thesis, only to drop out because traditional education wasn’t meeting my learning needs and my family struggled to finance my studies.
The School of Hard Knocks
After leaving school, I explored various paths. I performed in a band, waited tables, and even dabbled in real estate. Although I tried applying to call centers, I couldn’t secure a position. Then the game-changer arrived—an internship at Starbucks Philippines, my unlikely entrance into the world of tech.
Starting as a report encoder, I was soon captivated by the ERP and POS systems at Starbucks. The real turning point was when I participated in implementing the first Starbucks loyalty program in the Philippines, which transitioned from an older system to Microsoft Dynamics NAV-driven LS Retail. I knew then I was meant to do more and subsequently moved to CATS Motors, furthering my skills in ERP databases and open-source systems.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 2015, I joined Sagesoft Solutions, diving into the world of software development business and enterprise applications. Promoted to Business Unit Head just four months after my stint as a Project Manager, I led impactful projects such as ERP systems for the Philippine Red Cross and the Department of Finance. Eventually, the company restructured, and I became the Chief Innovation Officer at Xceler8. During this time, I developed Cloud X—a cloud backup solution in 2016.
Hacktiv Colab and My Vision for the Philippines
My real calling, however, was entrepreneurship. In 2019, I co-founded Raven and Hacktiv Colab, and also became the first Microsoft Valuable Professional for Business Applications in the Philippines. My mission was straightforward: to address the acute shortage of skilled Microsoft Business Apps consultants and developers in the country. In less than three years, we grew from 2 to over 40 employees.
What I realized is that the Philippines has immense potential to be a technology hub. What’s missing is an education system that teaches current tech stacks and enterprise architecture. This lack is stymieing growth and causing brain drain, as experienced tech talents leave for better opportunities abroad.
Unplugging from the Matrix: Books as Guiding Stars
Books like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Einstein: His Life and Universe,” “Mindset,” “Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future,” “Zero to One,” and “The Habit” have been influential in shaping my worldview and philosophy.
Engaging with Microsoft Leadership: A Seat at the Table
In a significant turning point not just for myself but for the tech industry in the Philippines, I recently became the first Filipino in the Philippines to receive the Microsoft Regional Director Award. This honor isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a symbol of what is possible for aspiring technopreneurs and leaders in my homeland.
One of the standout moments that came with this recognition was the unparalleled opportunity to engage in dialogues with Microsoft’s product and leadership teams, including a possible discussion with Satya Nadella (one of my heroes), the CEO of Microsoft. These conversations were more than just exchanges of pleasantries; they were deep dives into technology, innovation, and the future—topics that resonate with my long-standing goals and visions.
My Guiding Principles: The Laws of Life
Along the way, I’ve established my own set of laws to guide me:
- Life will not give you what you want, it will give you what you deserve.
- We were meant to live for so much more; don’t waste your time.
- Short-term sacrifices dictate your long-term gains.
- Help others in the short term; they will help you in the long term.
- Master one thing then move to another.
- Focus on output rather than time spent.
- Your brain almost controls everything.
- Empathy is key to understanding people’s uniqueness.
- Daily learning toughens your mental fortitude.
- Act with a bigger purpose and honor God.
- Don’t sweat what you can’t control.
- You create your world and define your own limits.
- If you can’t win, change the rules.
- If it were easy, it would’ve been done already.
- You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.
- Your network is your net worth.
Looking to the Future
Inspired by Peter Diamandis’s book “The Future is Faster Than You Think,” I operate on the principles of Democratization, Dematerialization, and Demonetization. At 33, I am on a mission to create 10 companies before turning 40. So far, I have founded Hacktiv, Bayanichain, RethinkSafety, and Raven—all tech startups.
In conclusion, the journey has been filled with ups and downs, lessons and inspirations. What remains constant is my quest for learning, a passion for technology, and a deep-seated desire to make a lasting impact on the world.