I would like to share with you my personal story of hardships and success. This is an anecdote that will truly inspire not just the youth but as well as every individual who aims to be successful.

I was born in Manila in 1954 but was raised in a small town of Vito, Seruma, Camarines Sur, Bicol region. I was not fortunate to be born with a silver spoon in my mouth. My parents separated when I was five and my mother took with her my older and only brother, Jaime. My father, Dy Tay Cha (a former guerilla) managed to put up a small sari-sari store to make ends meet. Suffice it to say, my father and I were not living comfortably but had a simple yet happy life. Being single-handedly raised by my loving father was more than enough to make me feel content as a young boy. Sadly, he passed away when I was 12 years old. This is when my struggle began.

I opted to live with my grandmother, Lola Wada and she took me in wholeheartedly. I wanted to return the favor and kindness that she's extended to me so I worked in her small backyard where she bred pigs. After doing that for five years I decided to move out and take my chances in Manila. I wanted to prove to myself that I am capable of doing more. Generous as she was, my grandmother gave me a piglet when she learned that I was leaving for Manila. I sold it for 1,000 pesos, just enough for.my fare and to sustain myself for a few days.

I was a complete stranger in Metro Manila. I was confused as to how and where to begin my life. I ran astray and had literally nowhere and no one to turn to. I wandered the streets of Metro Manila. There were times when I had to sleep in Rizal Park with newspapers as blanket, with the heat and glow of the sun waking me up everyday. I was a regular guest in Quiapo church as well. In the countless nights that I have slept there I resolved to be a Black Nazarene devotee. I would go to Him for any kind of
problem that arises. He has always been there for me, helping me get through my daily challenges. I take pride in saying that even if I was living my life out in the streets, I was never tempted and never took on any vices. Funny how some people turn to alcohol and drugs when they have troubles without knowing that they are only making their problems worse by indulging in these vices.

After having experienced life on the streets for some time, I told myself that life cannot be this hard. I should make a move now and start a resourceful and productive life. So I started to focus on my ambitions to realize my dreams and this is how my journey began.

I found myself a job in Rubberworld, a shoe factory, but only stayed there for a week or two. Being as young as I was, very eager, enthusiastic and energetic, I couldn't stay in one place for a long time. I always felt that I could do better or more, or that I haven't really stretched the limits of my potentials. Eventually I resigned from my second factory job called Far Eastern Textile, I worked there for three months and met a good man by the name of Rolly. He sells wines and liquors for a living. This caught my attention and was particularly interested in selling his merchandise in my own way. I would literally sell bottles door to door, from dusk till dawn. I would travel nearby provinces either by bus or train; go from one house to another to sell my merchandise. From my humble earnings I was able to buy a second hand taxi for 4,500 pesos and I used it for selling door to door too. Not only did it make my job easier, but it also gave me an opportunity to earn more so I could provide my family a comfortable life.
Ultimately, the results of my work would depend on how much effort I put into it, so I gave it my everything and wasted no time. I had a tremendous sense of fulfillment in knowing that my hard work, determination and perseverance would eventually payoff. In the year 1983, with my small profit from selling I made the brave decision of putting up a small liquor store. I named it Liqourama House of Wine. But five months later, due to economic crisis I had to close it down. But this did not stop me. Life is about challenges and in between each challenge are opportunities that we can either choose to take advantage of, or just let it pass through. I would always consider what my teacher had said, that opportunity knocks but once and you have to be always ready to grab it when it does.

In 1986, armed with nothing except my guts, the knack for taking risks and most of my savings from the liquor and taxi business, I gambled and ventured into another line of business. I put up a small lodging house. I could not believe the success of this venture, which started from one lodge that grew into 15 lodges in no time. I was able to send my children to good private schools, and fortunately enough, was able to travel with my family abroad. It was the perfect time to invest the fruits of my hard labor, so I decided to buy lots in Quezon City, which at that time were less expensive. I continued to invest to ensure that my family, most especially my children, will never have a life as difficult as mine.In 1997, Montessori Professional College was born. Brick by brick, one branch after another was built and I worked really hard to bring them into reality; promoting and launching school campaigns all day under the heat of the sun. I wanted to reach out to the less fortunate youth who could barely afford an education. To provide quality education at a very reasonable tuition fee is my battle cry. And my ultimate dream is to inspire our youth to never give up their ambitions and to finish their education. I firmly believe that I have been successful in living this dream since we've had a total of 3,000 graduates in a span of 7 years. Starting 2004, MPC has began to produce an average of 1,000 graduates per year. Our school was instrumental to the overwhelming success of these students who are now working in the corporate world happily. MPC has several educational networks, and still working hard to improve our position in the area of education competency.Often times I still feel like that eager, enthusiastic and ambitious 12 year-old boy who couldn't stop dreaming and wanting to be successful. My determination, dedication, perseverance and passion have definitely paid off and all the hard work is well worth it! You cannot rely on others to make things happen for you, you create your own success; you are the master of your own destiny! I personally do not believe in "luck" but I do believe in "perseverance" and this is what makes a person successful. Life may be tough most ofthe time but the most important thing is that you don't give up and that you do something about it, otherwise, tough times could last a lifetime. Needless to say, great achievements involve great risks. So never give up because in this world, with God's help, everything is possible!

Bro. Danilo M. Dy The President