Born in Goa, Bernado lost his father at a very young age, which meant he couldn't complete his education and stopped after the 10th grade. He worked a few odd jobs before moving to Mumbai, in hopes of a better life. In Mumbai, he worked as a doctor's assistant while also caring for a family to make ends meet. He then worked as an ordinary seaman on Indian cargo ships before ultimately becoming an AB Seaman on an international shipping line. He then retired at 61.