Name: Daniel Pácido Arruda

Where you were born: Fall River, Massachusetts

Where do you reside: Boston, Massachusetts

Where were your parents from? São Miguel Island Azores.

What do you do for a living or for our Portuguese community? I am a Regional Project Manager. In the Portuguese community, I’m involved in several events throughout the year to help raise funds for those in need, whether medical, financial, or health. 

Do you have any hobbies or “side-hustles”?

One of my favorite hobbies is training in Brazilian Jujitsu & Boxing

What is your favorite song? Show? Movie?: Favorite song – My Way, Frank Sinatra

What is your favorite quote or saying?  “He who wants friends must show himself friendly.”

What is one of your dreams? For complete unity within my family.

What is one of your fears? To not have resolved all issues with loved ones at death.

What is an interesting fact about you? I have a BA in Theology And Religious Studies, lol.

What is your favorite Portuguese dish and or dessert? Octopus Stew (polvo guisado).

What is your favorite Portuguese saying or word? Saudade

What is the best part of being Portuguese to you? Our rich history and culture.

Three of your favorite places you have visited? Lisbon,  Bermuda, Mexico

Is there anywhere you’d like to travel to?  Jerusalem

Name something off of your bucket list: Visiting the Knights Templar city of Tomar

What advice do you give someone going through a hard time?:

I would say.  Don’t give up; that joy comes in the morning… Although they may not see any light at the end of the road, a new day is coming with new opportunities, and no matter how low they feel, some people love them and support them… to block out the harmful noise and lean on those they know that honestly care…

AMÁ CONVERSA IS A WEEKLY SEGMENT ON NOVIDADES-PBBI, FRESNO STATE, BY PORTUGUESE-AMERICAN FADISTA AND COMMUNITY CULTURAL ACTIVIST MARISA SILVA ROCA.