MANILA, Philippines — September 26, 2026 — The Dado Banatao Story: A Tale of Two Valleys, the first full biography of Filipino technology pioneer and philanthropist Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, was officially launched on Saturday, September 26, at Fully Booked in Bonifacio Global City.
The launch brought together family, friends, colleagues, and supporters who came to celebrate the life and legacy of a Filipino whose achievements in technology and education reached far beyond the Philippines.
Maria Banatao, Dado Banatao’s wife and longtime partner in philanthropy, was present at the launch for a special book-signing session.
Written as a comprehensive account of Banatao’s remarkable journey, The Dado Banatao Story: A Tale of Two Valleys traces his life from his beginnings in Cagayan Valley to his extraordinary career in Silicon Valley.
Born in Cagayan Valley and educated at Mapúa Institute of Technology and Stanford University, Banatao went on to become one of Silicon Valley’s pioneering Filipino engineers and entrepreneurs. His work in semiconductor and computer technologies contributed to innovations that helped shape the development of the modern personal computer and graphics technologies used around the world.
But the book goes beyond his achievements in technology.
It also chronicles Banatao’s enduring commitment to education, innovation, and nation-building. Together with Maria, he devoted much of his later life to creating opportunities for Filipino students, particularly through scholarships and programs supporting science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and entrepreneurship.
Maria and Dado co-founded the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), which continues to support programs designed to develop Filipino talent and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The title A Tale of Two Valleys reflects the two defining landscapes of Banatao’s life—the Cagayan Valley where his journey began and the Silicon Valley where his vision, engineering expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit found a global stage.
Richly researched and deeply personal, the biography tells a story of perseverance, excellence, and service. More than an account of technological achievement, it is a story of a Filipino who never lost sight of his roots and who believed that education could give the next generation the opportunity to build a better future.
The book also offers readers an intimate look at the man behind the technology pioneer—the son of Cagayan Valley, engineer, entrepreneur, husband, mentor, philanthropist, and advocate for Filipino education.
Following its Manila launch, The Dado Banatao Story: A Tale of Two Valleys is now available at Fully Booked branches nationwide and through the PhilDev office.
For readers interested in Filipino innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the stories of Filipinos who have made a lasting mark on the world, the biography offers an inspiring account of one man’s extraordinary journey from Cagayan Valley to Silicon Valley—and the legacy he left behind.
About The Dado Banatao Story: A Tale of Two Valleys
The Dado Banatao Story: A Tale of Two Valleys is the first full biography of Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings in Cagayan Valley to becoming a pioneering Filipino engineer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. The book explores his contributions to technology, his entrepreneurial career, and his lifelong commitment to education and giving back to the Philippines through philanthropy.
Available at: Fully Booked branches nationwide and the PhilDev office.