Amá Conversa

Francesca Pro is a 1st generation born Italian-American, who is the only American born of her family of 5 who imigrated to the United States in the late 1980's. She is a dedicated community leader, in Watsonville California and is passionate about uplifting others! She loves to travel and learn new languages! She is currently learning (European) Portuguese. Francesca is not only a super momma, but she is the #1 bestie of host, Marisa Silva Rocha, 18 years & counting ~ Don't miss this sweet and fun interview!

"Sippin' the tea with the Bestie" PART 2

This episode will be about Hildebrando Rocha, a 2nd generation "Capinha", from Angra do Heroísmo Terçeira Açores. His father, Norberto Rocha, was also a well-known capinha in Terçeira! How cool is that?! Hildebrando has been involved with "Touradas a corda" since he was a young teen, and has maintained the tradition in Northern California, for the past 6 years. Don't miss this "SPECIAL BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT"!

Alison DaSilva, a 16 year old, Portuguese-American, Fadista , from Lowell Massachusetts! Born in America, but her heart is in the Açores (in a little island, called Terçeira). She is an extraordinary talent that we adore! Fado is what expresses her heart & soul! Don't miss this beautiful interview!

Joseph Arruda, Portuguese-American artist, from Santa Clara California. He is the artist behind the magnificinet mural of our beloved Five Wounds Portuguese Catholic Church, at the new Portuguese restaurant in downtown San Jose, Petiscos (by Adega). It was AMAzing meeting the man behind the mural and we look forward to chatting again soon! Don't miss this interview!

Diane is the youngest and the only American born of 10 siblings! Her family immigrated from the island of Faial Azores to Massachusetts. Diane’s Paternal ancestors came to the United States, specifically California, in the late 1800’s. Both Maternal Great Grand-Mother and Grand-Mother were both born in Massachusetts (whose parents were also immigrants of Faial, Azores). Diane and her spouse have 2 adult daughters, Stephanie & Christina, and are grandparents to both Mateo & Mila. Diane is a successful administrator for Boston area hospitals. In her spare time, she enjoys being a DJ for special events, weddings, festas, and more ~ as well as being a “House DJ" for Radio.universo20 and specializes in Portuguese music!

L & F Market was established in 1976, as the local fish market and a Portuguese specialty market in the heart of "Little Portugal" San Jose, California. Manuel Oliveira, Bruno's father, started working at the fish market in 1981 and ever since then, the DaSilva family have been involved. Bruno & Karla DaSilva are an AMAzing power-couple who strive for impeccable customer service, and have a great selection of fresh products! They are open Tues.-Sat. until 3PM and DO curb-side pick-up if needed!

Francesca Pro is a 1st generation born Italian-American, who is the only American born of her family of 5 who imigrated to the United States in the late 1980's. She is a dedicated community leader, in Watsonville California and is passionate about uplifting others! She loves to travel and learn new languages! She is currently learning (European) Portuguese. Francesca is not only a super momma, but she is the #1 bestie of host, Marisa Silva Rocha, 18 years & counting ~ Don't miss this sweet and fun interview!

"Sippin' the tea with the Bestie" PART 1

Ana Rosa Matos is a Portuguese-American from Terceira, Azores. Daughter of self-taught seamstress and maquinista da "TerraAlta". She has lived most of her life in the heart of Silicon Valley and has been involved in the Portuguese community since the age of 6. Her interests span everything from music to fashion, photography and all things Portuguese. You can usually find her on Facebook; administering several groups that she is passionate about (pertaining to Portuguese culture, events and businesses). A couple of her favorite quotes are ~ “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice”, “jack of all trades, master of none” and “o amor é que é tudo”.

Rúben Gonçalves, is a unique and extraordinary artist born in Faro, Portugal, in 1997. Rúben develops his artwork in the areas of drawing and painting, occasionally adventuring himself in the fields of sculpture and installations. In his production, he explores various themes that go from psychoanalysis, to brief existential reflections, with a particular focus on the subjects of death and finality, while utilizing contemporary artistic practices, specifically blurring the boundaries between drawing and painting.

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Rúben Gonçalves, é um artista único e extraordinário nascido em Faro, Portugal, em 1997. Rúben desenvolve a sua arte nas áreas do desenho e da pintura, aventurando-se ocasionalmente nos campos da escultura e das instalações. Em sua produção, ele explora diversos temas que vão desde a psicanálise, até breves reflexões existenciais, com foco particular nos temas da morte e da finalidade. Procura, deste modo, implantar questões e problemáticas relativas às práticas artísticas contemporâneas, mais especificamente, esbater a fronteira entre o desenho e a pintura e à própria efemeridade do objeto artístico.

Joey Peixoto is a Portuguese-American Cultural Leader, who has been involved in various Portuguese-American societies and organizations, for many years. He's been involved in multiple Portuguese folklore and Luso groups, teaching the youth of our community how to dance, playing in both a conjunto as well as a filarmonica, as well as being King and President twice for his local Espírito Santo hall. He is also a Graphic-Designer, who worked closely with our host, Marisa Silva Rocha, to create the program's unique logo. This interview dives into just a small glimpse into his life and his impact on the Portuguese-American community.