Dado Banatao

Oil Pastel

Dado Banatao (born May 23, 1946) is a pioneering Filipino entrepreneur and engineer whose innovations have significantly impacted the tech world. He is credited with developing the first 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS with silicon coupler data-link control and transceiver chip, the first system logic chipset for IBM's PC-XT and PC-AT, and the local bus concept along with the first Windows graphics accelerator chip for personal computers. A veteran of Silicon Valley, Dado co-founded several influential companies, including Chips & Technologies, S3 Inc., SiRF (the 1st commercial GPS chipmaker), Marvell, Inphi and many more.

After moving to Silicon Valley, the artist first heard of Dado, where their mother sought to network with influential figures like him. Though they never met then, the artist’s brother idolized Dado during his studies in computer science, as Dado was one of the few Filipinos to achieve such success in the tech industry. Later, through Sonia Delen, the artist finally met Dado and his wife Maria.

Known for his sharp intellect, focus, and joyful spirit, Dado’s portrait reflects his dual identity—on the right, mechanical motifs symbolize his groundbreaking contributions to technology, while on the left, floral elements represent his Filipino heritage and family. The Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philippines, is prominently featured alongside silhouettes of his family members. This Sampaguita motif in Dado's portrait is mirrored in his wife Maria's portrait, symbolizing their deep connection and shared heritage, intertwining both of their stories.

The portrait captures the balance Dado maintained between his work and personal life, represented through contrasting organic and mechanical visuals. It conveys both the sacrifices he made to achieve success and his enduring love for his family.