Before diving into cellphone repairs, Ernesto spent over a decade, from 1996 to 2007, working for a cooperative for persons with disabilities. His expertise involved crafting school chairs for public schools nationwide.

Ernesto’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t born out of luxury but out of necessity. Devastated by the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy, which left his previous workplace in ruins in Baltao, Taytay, Rizal, Ernesto found solace in the kindness of Tatay Marcial, the PWD president from KAUNLAD. Tatay Marcial offered him a rent-free space, prompting Ernesto to delve into electronics and cellphone repairs.

The path to success was riddled with challenges. Initially, Ernesto struggled due to a lack of knowledge, tools, capital, and advertising. However, he sought solutions diligently. He enrolled in a cellphone repair course at TESDA Voctech, gradually accumulated tools through his earnings, borrowed a computer from a friend, convinced his mother to invest her SSS pension as capital, and promoted his business through banners outside his shop.

Ernesto’s attitude towards challenges reflects his resilience and determination. He recognized that borrowing money at high interest rates wasn’t conducive to business growth. Instead, he prioritized customer service, maintaining a friendly demeanor, offering discounts, and ensuring transparency in his dealings. Reflecting on his journey, Ernesto emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility, meticulous planning, customer-centricity, and continuous learning. To aspiring entrepreneurs, he advises building meaningful ventures aligned with their capabilities, embracing positivity, diligence, and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.