
I was born in Lisbon in 1966, in a city where history is not something distant—it lives in the streets, the architecture, and the rhythm of everyday life. Growing up surrounded by such cultural richness naturally sparked my curiosity about people: how they think, what they believe, and how their experiences shape their actions. That early fascination eventually led me to study Human Resources Management and Labour Psychology at Universidade Europeia, where I deepened my understanding of human behavior, motivation, and the dynamics that connect individuals within organizations.
Life later brought me to Belgium, a country that became much more than a place of residence—it became home. Building a life in a new cultural environment required openness and adaptability, but it also brought tremendous personal growth. Over time, I proudly became a Belgian citizen, carrying both my Portuguese roots and my Belgian identity with equal appreciation.
Languages have always played an important role in my journey. Portuguese is my mother tongue, but I am also fluent in English, French, and Dutch. Each language opens a different window into the world. For me, speaking multiple languages is not only practical; it is a way of understanding cultures from the inside, of listening more carefully, and of connecting more naturally with people from different backgrounds.
At the center of my life is my family. I am a husband, father of five, and grandfather of two. Our family roots stretch across Portugal, Belgium, Latvia, Brazil, the United States, Germany, Italy, and France. Living within such a multicultural family has taught me that diversity is not an abstract concept—it is something lived daily, around the dinner table, in traditions, in stories, and in shared experiences. It has strengthened my belief that understanding grows when we remain curious about one another.
History is another lifelong passion. I have a particular interest in the Abrahamic religions and the major political, social, and cultural transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries. These periods continue to influence the world we live in today. Alongside studying broader history, I dedicate time to researching my own family’s past. Preserving memories, tracing genealogical roots, and building our family tree is, for me, a way of honoring those who came before us and offering continuity to those who will follow.
Travel has further enriched my perspective. My visits to Central and Eastern Europe, Morocco, and Türkiye have shown me how deeply history and faith continue to shape everyday life. Experiencing different regions firsthand has reinforced my belief that culture is best understood not only through books, but through personal encounters and lived experience.
Professionally, I work with Windows systems, focusing on reliability and practical solutions. At home, however, I enjoy working with Linux—an environment that reflects my appreciation for flexibility, openness, and thoughtful design. In many ways, this balance between structure and innovation mirrors how I approach life more broadly.
When I look back, I see my life as a network of connections—between countries, languages, generations, and ideas. These connections have shaped me into someone who values dialogue, respects tradition, and remains open to learning. I believe that understanding—whether in families, communities, or professional environments—begins with listening and grows through shared experience.
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