Highlighting the 20th Anniversary Of the “Festival das Bandas” in California
“THE BANDS” “THEBANDS” Showcasing the tradition of Filarmonicas in California.
A NOSSA VOZ NOVEMBER - FALL 2025
TPC Resident Storytellers
Anthony Esteves, Claudia Avila & Nezia D.
From the voices of your Portuguese Communities.
EDITOR IN CHEIF
SILVIA MANUELA COSTA
PROOFREADER/COPY EDITOR
JENNIFER RAPOSA LUEDTKE
CREATORS
RICARDO ARAUJO, AURORA VAZ
RESIDENT STORY TELLERS
NEZIA D., ANTHONY ESTEVES
CONTENT SUPPORT
AZORES BAND OF ESCALON, TOD GOMES , M PHOTOGRAPHY, ANTONIO ARAUJO
FEATURES
DAVID COSTA, ANA LEMOS, ANA PAULA RODRIGUES, FRANCISCOS BAKERY, BATTLE OF THE BIFANAS
FASHION EDITOR
CLAUDIA AVILA
My name is Silvia, and my passion has always been to celebrate and uplift our Portuguese community. As the host of The Portuguese Collective Podcast, I’ve made it my mission to create a space where Portuguese creators, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers can share their journeys. Our stories matter, and I believe in preserving our culture in a way that makes younger generations feel connected, inspired, and proud.
This Magazine is an English-language publication created “by us, for us” a safe place where the children of immigrants can shine without ever feeling like they aren’t “Portuguese enough” to celebrate their roots. This platform is about recognizing those who work tirelessly to keep our Portuguese communities alive across the United States and Canada. Every article, feature, and story is brought to you by the journalists, writers, and creators within our very own community, and we encourage you to support them in every way possible.
Whether it’s following them on social media, engaging with their work, or simply letting them know you appreciate their efforts, your support makes a difference. These creators are doing incredible work to keep our traditions alive, and together, we can ensure that our culture not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
This year, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Filarmónica Festival, we shine a spotlight on the bands, maestros, youth, and community who have kept this tradition alive and vibrant.
Originating in Portugal in the early 1800s, filarmónicas began as community wind and percussion bands, serving as village ensembles, processional music for festivals, and a social anchor for youth in small towns. When Portuguese immigrants journeyed to the United States, particularly to California, they brought more than just songs—they brought their pride, their instruments, and their stories.
In the American context, filarmónicas did more than entertain. They preserved language and bolstered community pride. They provided youth with a place to learn, perform, and belong, uniting families, neighborhoods, and generations. Today, the 20th Filarmónica Festival stands as a testament that this tradition is not merely surviving—it is thriving.
In this special anniversary issue, we honor the musicians who don their uniforms each year, the bands that travel from across California to share their sound, the sponsors and organizations that uplift culture, and the parents who support every rehearsal and festival day. Together, we celebrate a heritage that remembers where we come from and embraces where we are headed.
Welcome to the rhythm. Welcome to the legacy. Let the music carry us louder and stronger for the next 20 years!
Founded in 1980 by Portuguese immigrantsinEscalon, theAzoresBand of Escalon began as a small group rehearsinginadairybarnandhassince grown into a 75-member ensemble dedicated to preserving and sharing Portuguesemusicaltraditions. Theband hasproudlyrepresentedthecommunity athomeandabroad, touringtheAzores, performing at the Sanjoaninas festa in Terceira, andorganizingtheFestivaldas FilarmónicasdaCalifórniain 2006, 2017, and now in 2025. Over the years, they have releasedthreerecordings, establisheda scholarship program for young musicians, and celebrated milestone anniversaries with renowned guest conductorsandcomposers
Terry Silveira graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and received his teaching credential in 2000. He is currently in his 25 year as the Director of Instrumental Music at East Union High School in Manteca, CA. th Our Maestro has played for our organization for 43 years. He has spent 27 of those years as conductor of our band Born in Massachusetts and raised in Escalon. Terry has been formally participating in the Azores Band of Escalon since the age of seven At the age of eight, he began learning how to play the trumpet and at age eleven he officially began performing with the Azores band.
In 2006, we recorded our first cd under his direction and in 2008, took our very first trip the Azores where we performed in Terceira, São Jorge, and Pico
In 2010, we recorded our second cd and in 2013, he spearheaded our second trip to the Azores where we became the first Filarmónica from California to perform for Sanjoaninas in Terceira
In 2019, we recorded our third cd and are truly so blessed that Terry has such a love and passion for music and our organization He has led us to our greatest accomplishments as a Filarmónica and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.
Now celebrating 45 years, the Azores Band of Escalon continues its mission of honoring tradition, inspiring the next generation, and uniting communities through music. This year, they are honored to host the 20th Festival das Filarmónicas da Califórnia under the theme: “Rooted in Tradition. United in Music.”
Maestro: Henry Ramos Sociedade Filarmonica Uniao Popular of San Jose was founded in 1978 by Eleuterio Borba and Manuel Goulart who immigrated from the Azores Islands. The band has had the privilege of traveling and showcasing their talents in the Azores, Canada and Boston. Their repertoire is composed of various artists from traditional Portuguese works to prominent melodies from all over the world of various types from Mozart to Led Zeplen. These pieces have been chosen and conducted by various music conductors which the band has had the privilege to work with; Eduardo Borba, Manuel Monteiro, Melvin Matos, Abel Martins and Henry Ramos.
Foundedin1980byagroupofPortuguese immigrants and amateur musicians, FilarmónicaArtistaAmadorawasbuilton a belief in something greater, that music has the power to strengthen community bonds, preserve cultural identity, and inspirefuturegenerations.
Withlimitedresourcesbutanabundanceofpassion,ourfoundersshared instruments,taughtoneanother,andbroughtmusictocommunityhalls, churchgatherings,andlocalfestivals,placesthatremainattheheartof ourcommunityandperformances,andwherewe’rehonoredtocontinue playingmorethanfourdecadeslater.
For over 40 years, we’ve been a proud, all-volunteer organization performing across California at Portuguese festas, parades, and cultural events.Wearemusiciansofeveryage,skilllevel,andbackgroundunited by a passion for music and a deep commitment to mentorship,
Atourcore,webelievemusic is more than entertainment, it’satoolforgrowth,abridge between generations, and a living expression of who we are. We don’t just perform. Weteach,weinspire,andwe carry forward the legacy of thosewhocamebeforeus.
Maestro: Joe Amaral Founded in 1971 by Mr. Eleutério Borba. The band's nickname is Banda Velha, which means "Old Band" Since its inception, the Portuguese Band of San José proudly represents the Portuguese culture within the local community and throughout California.
Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrant Portugues was founded in 1978 in Newark, California. Our musicians range in age from 11 to 72 years old and are primarily of Azorean and Lusitanian heritage. We are also proud to include members from diverse backgrounds, including the Philippines and Greece. We are more than just a band, we are a family that celebrates music, culture, and community. Our band takes great pride in being part of this vibrant and beautiful Portuguese community here in the United States and we warmly invite new members, friends, and supporters to join us in keeping this beautiful tradition alive.
Underthedirectionofconductor ManuelDuarteVeiga,rehearsals beganattheLivingston PentecostHall wheretheband proudlycalledhomeforover twodecades.Namedinhonorof theAzores(“Acoriana”)and inspiredbySaintCecilia,the patronsaintofmusicians,Lira Acorianamadeitsdebuton May9,1982 Mother’sDay markingthestartofalasting traditionofmusic,community, andculturalpride.Namedin honoroftheAzores(“Acoriana”) andinspiredby SaintCecilia,thepatronsaintof musicians,LiraAcorianamade itsdebuton community, andculturalpride.
Today, under the direction of Elisa Flores, Lira Acoriana continues to honor its founders while inspiring a new generation of musicians.Thebandiscomposedof60members,withnearlyhalf under the age of 18 a true testament to the enduring strength of youth involvement and cultural preservation. Lira Acoriana has proudly represented the Portuguese-American community beyond California, performing at major cultural celebrations includingtheSanjoaninasfestivalsintheAzoresin2016and2025. Through music, heritage, and unity, the band continues to bring generationstogetherandkeepPortuguesetraditionalive.
Maestro: Joseph Rocha
Founded in 1981, the Filarmonica Portuguesa de Tulare proudly supports Portuguese festas and events up and down the state of California. We have had the honor of performing in Terceira two times for the São Joaninas (in 2014 and 2024) and have had the privilege to host the Annual Band Festival in 2009, 2019 and next year 2026.
HowitallbeganTheArtesiaDESFilarmonicawas foundedin1972 WearethesecondoldestPortuguese bandinCalifornia.InJanuary1972,thefirststepswere takenthatresultedintheoriginoftheband,whena groupofmen,lookedforthepossibilityofforminga musicalgrouptoplayina“DançadeEspada” (typicalCarnavaldance) Thesemenwereso successfulincarryingoutthisprojectthatafew monthslater–inAugust1972–theywereaskedto playat“DiadosPortuguêses”–promotedbyErcilio Cardosoandthefootballgroup“EagleSoccerClub”–atParqueDoArtesia Thefirstpieceofmusicthey playedwasaPassoDobradocalled“OTeu Trompete”.Themainorganizerofthisfilarmónicawas AntonioDinizCoelhowhoplayedthetuba,copied musicanddidthetranspositions,invitedmusicians, rentedinstrumentsandboughtuniforms Hewasa tirelessmanfortheArtesiaDESFilarmónica From thenon,theideaoffoundingaPortuguesemusic bandtooklife.Onthe27thofJuly1973theband playedforthefirsttimeatthe“EspíritoSanto”festival inArtesia,underthenameofBandaPortuguesade Artesia
Ourbandnowthisyearwehaveatotalof40 musicians.Werehearseanaverageofonedaya weekformostoftheyear.Ourrehearsalroomisin thePortugueseHallofArtesiaDES,adjacenttothe footballclubroom.Theroomhasbeenenlarged andimprovedforbettersoundqualityandworking conditions.Everyyear,twodirectorsrepresentthe filarmónicaintheCommissionofthePortuguese HallofArtesiaDES.There,wegetapprovalformany ofourplansthatrequirefinance.Inordertoprovide agoodqualitymusiclevel,ourmusicians voluntarilysacrificemanyhoursaweekawayfrom theirfamilies.Ingeneral,ourplayerisapersonwith apassionformusicandakeeninterestinkeeping traditionalcelebrationslively.Wehavealready representedourcityofArtesiainseverallocations, includingtheAzores(1986,2002,2017)theEast CoastoftheUnitedStates(FallRiver,MA1997)and Canada(Toronto2007).Wealsohavebeento variouscitiesacrossCalifornia.Wewerethefirst organizersoftheFestivaldasFilarmónicas PortuguesasdaCalifórniain2004andwe organizedthefestivalforthesecondtimein2016 andathirdtimein2024.
Maestro: Nicholas Picanço Founded in 1973 in San Jose, Sociedade Filarmónica Nova Aliança was established to provide the community with a second musical home. For over 50 years, the band has proudly shared Portuguese music, culture, and tradition across California, the East Coast, and even Portugal. In 2019, Nova Aliança had the distinguished honor of performing at the Sanjoaninas festival in Terceira, Azores—a milestone that reflects their enduring passion for uniting communities through music.
A P O R T U G U E S A
B Y : R I C A R D O A R A U J O
This project didn’t begin with a concept. It began with reflection a quiet return to where I come from, to the women who shaped me, and to the cultural thread I’ve never let go of
A Portuguesa was never meant to be just a fashion story It became a visual journey, a way to bring past and present into the same frame, where tradition meets the rhythm of contemporary life Toronto gave me the landscape. Its streets, its movement, its everyday beauty became the canvas where I layered memory with identity.
In this contrast between urban life and ancestral heritage, something real took form. What you see here was created with intention and heart.
I had the privilege of collaborating with two remarkable Portuguese designers whose vision brought even more depth to the work. Together, we created something that speaks beyond visuals something that remembers and reinvents at once
A Portuguesa is not just about fashion or style. It’s about belonging
It’s about honouring where we come from while boldly expressing who we are today
Launched on June 10th, in honour of Portugal Day, the project includes a fashion film and a complete editorial.
It’s a celebration of connection, identity, and the stories we carry
Because in the end, our heritage isn’t behind us. It lives in the way we choose to tell it
Photographer | Creative Director | DOP: Ricardo Araújo
Model: Kelly Santos
Fashion Designers: Andreia Araújo & Joseane Oliveira
Stylist | BTS | Operations Manager: Célia Gomes
Creative Consultant: Carina Neto
Hair Stylist: Darlene Simões
Makeup Artist: Célia Melo
Operations Assistant: Valter Quintas
LMyintentionisto bringPortuguese designersandother artistsintothe industryandgive themthesame opportunities.
uso American Claudia Avila is a fashion guru! As a stylist to the stars she continues to use her rich Portuguese culture to inspire her everyday. Claudia grew up heavily involved in the Portuguese community with the influence from her parents, with her dad from Terceira, Açores and mom from mainland, Portugal. They made their roots in California, and Claudia soon had her first on stage performance at 1 years old at the Luso American fraternal federation annual convention. Claudia then became an active member on the state youth board for Luso American. Carnaval was a huge part of Claudia’s life, dedicating 15 years to her beloved “ Terceirense” traditions Her love for music led her to 10 years in a Filarmónica (marching band) and her love for dance led her to 5 years in a rancho florclorico Lastly Claudia served as “senior” queen, and graduated highschool It was time to make her dreams a reality! She decided to take the leap into fashion!
Jersey City University (summa cum laude) and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Graphic Design and Political Science (summa cum laude) from Rutgers University. Her academic achievements were recognized with induction into Kappa Pi and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies.
As founder of Helium Creative Services, Rodrigues has led transformative design and communications strategies for political candidates, advocacy groups, labor unions, and nonprofits. Her creative work has been published in The New Big Book of Layouts, Logolicious (HarperCollins), and Logo: An Exploration of Marvelous Marks. She has received top industry honors from the New Jersey Advertising Club, Graphic Design USA, and the Pollie Awards, the highest distinction in political advertising.
She authored Voices and Voyages, chronicling the migration stories of eighteen Portuguese immigrants who journeyed to the United States beginning in the 1950s. These powerful true stories preserve the cultural legacy of the Portuguese diaspora for future generations and highlight their contributions to communities across the country.
Rodrigues has worked extensively in politics, managing campaigns, shaping communications, and serving twice as a District Leader in Newark. She completed fellowships with Leadership Newark, Emerge New Jersey, and the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership Program at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics. Her work in politics earned recognition in City & State magazine’s Political Consultants Power 75.
She has taught typography, design history, portfolio development, and the Adobe Creative Suite at the University of New Haven, The Art Institute of New York, Montclair State University, and New Jersey City University. Currently, she serves as a design educator at Newark Vocational High School, where she mentors the next generation of creative talent. In addition, Rodrigues has judged national competitions for the American Association of Political Consultants, Campaign & Elections magazine, and the Art Directors Club of New Jersey.
Her contributions include articles in Folio: magazine and other design outlets, as well as exhibitions of her artwork and curatorial projects that spotlight emerging artists. Through her creative practice, scholarship, and civic engagement, Rodrigues continues to shape the future of design, politics, and cultural identity while empowering the next generation.
Ana Paula Rodrigues Author, Voices and Voyages
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C O M M U N I T Y L E A D E R S P O T L I G H T
David Costa serves as the mestre of the Filarmónica do Artesia DES, a role he has proudly held for 25 years. With over 40 years of dedication to the ensemble, David's journey began at the young age of nine when he started playing the E-flat horn. Under the mentorship of Gualter Silveira, he learned to read music and honed his skills, developing a lifelong passion for playing in thefilarmónica.
Throughout his musical career, David has played various instruments, including the bass drum and baritone, ultimately mastering all brass instruments. A pivotal moment in his early career occurred in 1982 when Gualter Silveira entrusted the nine-year-old David with conducting the band during a festa. Unbeknownst to them both, this opportunity marked the beginning of David's path toward becoming the band director he is today.
He has achieved remarkable success with the band, with one of his most cherished experiences occurring in 1986 during their trip to Portugal, marking his inaugural journey with them. Since that time, he has performed across various locations, including Massachusetts, Canada, the Azores, and throughout California. In 2004, he played a pivotal role in organizing the inaugural Festival das Filarmónicas Portuguesas in California, an event that remains an annual tradition. His compositions, such as the paso doble "Vitor Ribeiro," have been performed globally. David is a proud father of four, with three of his children currently pursuing music education. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Elizabeth, and their children for their unwavering support.
AURORAVAZ, BORN IN LISBON, PORTUGAL, CHERISHESTHE BEAUTYOFPORTUGUESE CULTURE, EVIDENTIN HER HANDMADE JEWELRYBUSINESS,AVJEWELRIES. EACH PIECE REFLECTS PORTUGAL'S RICH HISTORY ANDARTISTRY, CELEBRATING HERITAGE THROUGH DESIGNS INSPIRED BYTRADITIONS LIKETHE HEARTOFVIANAAND FILIGREE PENDANTS.AURORAAIMSTO CONNECT PEOPLETO PORTUGAL'S BEAUTY, EMPHASIZINGTHATJEWELRYREPRESENTS STORIESAND MEMORIES ASAPROUD PORTUGUESEWOMANAND SMALLBUSINESS OWNER, SHE FINDSJOYIN SHARING HER CULTUREAND IDENTITYWITHTHEWORLD.
As we approach the holiday season, or época Natalícia, I am reminded of the remarkable stories my parents would recount. In my early teens, I often assisted my younger brothers in crafting their wish lists for Santa. They would present these lists to our parents, and my father, listening intently, would exclaim, “E era no meu tempo estas coisas todas!” This would mark the beginning of lengthy tales about how things were so different in his day—a time characterized by fewer material possessions yet, paradoxically, a greater sense of abundance.
My parents nostalgically would reminisce of the long wait for the “figinho da festa” the special Christmas dried fig, and only one, if you were fortunate. My mother would tearily recall the rush back from midnight mass to see if baby Jesus had left them a small chocolate, trinket or toy in their shoe, carefully placed by the hearth before mass How they waited so long to eat some Massa Sovada (Portuguese Sweet Bread) and be treated to the adult privilege of some Vinho Abafado (fortified wine) or Licor de Tangerina (tangerine liquor) that had been steeping under the stairs in the dark little closet
The long wait for the metal tins revealing lemony biscoitos (Portuguese style biscuits), to be enjoyed with tea, cafezinho com leite (coffee with milk) or even some leite com cocoa (hot chocolate) to warm up their little bodies before the long winter night ahead
Onestorywasafavoritetotell Myfatherwastheyoungestoffourchildrenandcarried a core memory of his maternal grandfather, Avô Fortuoso He resided with my father’s maternal aunt and lived on the same street Every Christmas he would order a large wicker basket full of dried figs, to be divided amongst his children and in turn grandchildren ThechildrenwouldwaitpatientlyknowingthatasChristmasapproached, Vavô would at some point gather to divide the figs His Vavô, bedridden, would enjoy sippingsomevinhoAbafadoandwouldoftenbefoundsingingsongstothevintageBaby Jesus image on the dresser. My father would fondly remember how he could be heard singing through the house as they visited, always reminding them that Christmas was near. ThegrandchildrenwouldgatheraroundVavôinhopesofsharinganextrafigwith him. Some children would eat the fig quickly, but my father would lick the powdered sugar off and savor each bite. This special memory resonated with my father until he passed, infact, hisloveofthismomentwassoprofoundthathewasgiftedtheBabyJesus thathisgrandfatherwouldsingto, nowgracingmymom’sdresser.
Inaworldfullofprivilege, thegreatestprivilegetrulyisthesimplestofthings: aheartfelt memory, rememberingwherewecamefrom, andcontinuingourstoriesandtraditions
Isharewithyouoneofmymostspecialholidayrecipes, myBiscoitos
ThesearereminiscentoftheBiscoitosCaseiros (homestyle) thatwouldbekept inthespecialtinstobeenjoyedforspecialmomentswithacupofteaoraholidayguest
Ihopeyouenjoytheseasmuchaswedo! - NeziaD.
7cupsofallpurposeflour
6eggs,roomtemperature
2cupsofsugar
250gramsofsaltedbutter,melted
2tablespoonsofvegetable shortening,melted
1tablespoonvegetableoil
Zestof1lemon
3teaspoonsofbakingpowder
½teaspoonofbakingsoda
Warmmilk,asneeded
Mixtogethereggs,sugarand lemonzestuntilthesugarhas dissolved,andthebatteris lightandpale.
Addinthemeltedbutter, vegetableshorteningand vegetableoil,mixwell.
Addinflour,bakingpowder andbakingsoda.Kneadthe flourintothewetingredients andaddenoughwarmmilk untilitbecomesasmooth, softdough.
Taketeaspoonsizeportionsand roll into a rope and cross over endstomakeacircle.
Traditionally, the biscuits are shaped into circles, however you can create twists, hearts, etc.
Place your formed shapes on parchment paper lined baking trays and bake at 350F until goldenbrown.
Usually about 15 minutes bake time, depending on your oven. Allow these to cool to room temperature and store in airtightcontainers.
Discovermorestoriesandrecipes fromNeziaonFacebook,Instagram, andTikTok!
For Ana, the band is more than just music; it’s family. That’s especially true since her two children share the stage with her.HerdaughterMyla,whois16 years old, plays the clarinet, soprano,andglockenspiel,while her son Mason, at 11 years old, brings his energy on trumpet and snare drum. Together, they represent three generations of passion,dedication,andlovefor their Portuguese heritage and the musical traditions that bring thecommunitytogether.
Music has always been a part of Ana’s life. She began her journey in the Portuguese community at just 11yearsoldandhasbeenanactive musician ever since. Today, she proudly plays the tenor saxophone with the Filarmónica União Portuguesa de Santa Clara, where shealsoservesastheMestre.
THEFINALSHIPMENTOF PORTUGUESEHERITAGE SCARVESISHERE!!!
ORDERYOURSTODAY. OURLAST100SCARVES!
BY: ANTHONY ESTEVES
Movie nerd. Film buff. Cinema connoisseur.
Okay, maybe connoisseur is a little no, you know what? The cinema connoisseur feels right.
From the second I first saw Christopher Reeve adorn in his red and blue suit fly off into the sky, I have been infatuated with motion pictures. E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future, The Goonies, and the list goes on. As early as age five, I adored these moving pictures of charismatic characters placed in intriguing tales. Whether it was a Disney Classic on VHS or a movie my dad recorded off television, I became very familiar with the operation of a VHS player. However, one thing that would make my love for cinema grow stronger was the experience of being in a movie theater.
My first trip to the multiplex came during the holiday season of 1986. I was four years old, and my parents had taken me to see An American Tail. I sat between them in those old-school theater seats, clutching my plush, nearly three-foot-tall Fievel Mousekewitz doll. What I remember from that experience was how in awe I was when the images first appeared, the sounds echoing in my ears. Those feelings stuck with me as I grew up and began to frequent the theaters more often.
Growing up in Lodi, CA, there were two movie theaters in town: Valley Cinema and Sunset Theater. Sunset was a one-screen-only theater, with its name towering over Lodi Avenue on its large structure and marquee. At age eleven, my parents and I caught the double feature of Mrs. Doubtfire and Jurassic Park. Walking through the front doors, the half-circle concession stand took up the entire center focus of the room. With a tub of popcorn and soda, we made our way down the long, descending aisle to our desired seats. There, I witnessed two films that would become favorites of mine. I also remembered the excitement I felt four years after that, on the opening day of The Lost World: Jurassic Park. With Sunset just across the street from Lodi High School, I spent that entire day counting down the seconds. Not only would I be seeing the much-anticipated sequel to my favorite film, but on its release date in my favorite setting: a movie theater.
The theaters I attended would become just as memorable as the films I viewed in them Watching Armageddon with my cousins at the beautiful Edwards Cinemas in Cerritos Catching Mission: Impossible II at the Cinelândia in Braga, Portugal My dad and I reveling in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King at snow-covered Village Theaters in Big Bear Marathoning The Dark Knight Trilogy with my wife at the then brand new downtown Lodi Stadium 12, capped off with the opening night midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises I even collected movie ticket stubs for years back when movie ticket stubs were rectangle-sized and on strong paper, not the receipts they are today
(Yes You may feel free to read that last sentence in a stereotypical “back in my day” old man’s voice I did to myself as I typed it )
As time went on, so did the evolution of technology We jumped from Blockbuster Video to Netflix After Netflix, Disney arrived with their app Then came Warner Bros Then Universal Numerous streaming services with newly released films only days after their theatrical release During the pandemic, some even had “same day release” in both theaters and streaming services While it was understandable, it opened the door to a new development: staying home to watch a film Technological evolution also made home entertainment systems more advanced Large, high-definition televisions and crisp audio systems opened the door to creating a media consumer’s dream at-home theater Or did it?
To many, this created the perfect alternative to going out to the movie theater Why go out and watch it when I can watch it while on my couch? As a parent with a busy schedule, it can be much easier to stay home and catch whatever is streaming with our boys On those nights when a babysitter is not available, knowing we can watch a new movie at home does have its advantages Trust me, I get it
However, and this is my opinion the cinema connoisseur’s opinion no home entertainment setup will ever match the movie theater experience Ever
No big-screen television or home surround sound system will ever equal the silver screen and Dolby Digital of the multiplex At home, you can start the journey and enjoy the film, but you are not as immersed in it as you could be You can pause and walk to the kitchen or change into your pajamas When you are not in the story, distractions take you out of it Distractions like the biggest blasphemy one could ever commit while watching a new movie: scrolling through your phone
(That last sentence hurt my heart while typing It’s one thing to scroll through your phone when you’ve seen the movie numerous times However, when it’s a first-time viewing paired with doom-scrolling through your Instagram or TikTok? That’s the equivalent of flipping off the filmmaker and shitting on someone’s grave Yeah I took it there, and I will not apologize because I’M RIGHT!)
From this film lover’s perspective, a movie theater is a special place Its grand lobby entrance with concession stands filled with a variety of treats for you to savor The walk to your designated screen, anticipation building as every step brings you closer You walk down the dark aisle way that eventually leads you to the large theater with rows of seats before an enormous white screen You sit in your assigned reclining seats and take in the trailers for upcoming films Then, finally, the lights slowly go out, and your cinematic journey has begun The characters appear on screen, the sounds echo off the walls, and you and your fellow moviegoers are experiencing this tale together Movie magic is on display for you all as the Hollywood storytellers take you on an adventure and not a single cellphone around to ruin it
(And if someone dares to bring one out, it is your cinema-viewing duty to give them the dirtiest look possible We’re here for cinema, not a trending Reel )
I am never one to admonish the advancements within a society I’m not one of those who thinks my generation is better than the current and future ones Change is inevitable; one must adapt or be left behind Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy having access to numerous stories through multiple subscription apps It’s wonderful However, those will always be secondary to what I consider the Mecha for cinema, the movie theater To me, it will always be my primary choice in viewing a new film I may not make it out as often as I did in my younger years, but it remains my top choice for experiencing cinematic adventures
To put it dogmatically, cinematic storytelling is my scripture, and the movie theater is my church Blessed be the filmmaker; may their temple forever reign
Honoring Portuguese Tradition, One Pastry at a Time
In a quiet Tulare neighborhood, the aroma of freshly baked pastries carries the spirit of Portugal across generations. Francisco’s Bakery is more than a name it’s a legacy. Founded by Dustin Dos Santos, the bakery honors three Franciscos: his late father, his grandfather, and himself. The name embodies the love, history, and cultural pride that run through Dustin’s family a lineage rooted in the Azores and enriched by the flavors of mainland Portugal
What began as a deeply personal journey to reconnect with his family’s roots has grown into a heartfelt mission to share the beauty of Portuguese desserts with his community From the lush green island of Terceira in the Azores, where his family’s story began, to the heart of California’s Central Valley, Francisco’s Bakery bridges old-world traditions with a new generation of appreciation for authentic Portuguese pastries.
Each item on the menu tells part of that story The silky custard and crisp layers of Pastéis de Nata, the almond richness of Pastéis de Feijão, the coconut sweetness of Queijadas de Coco, and the comforting warmth of Malassadas and Filhos every pastry is handcrafted by Dustin with care, patience, and reverence for the recipes that connect him to his roots. These sweets are more than confections; they are edible tributes to family, memory, and culture
But Francisco’s Bakery is not a solo endeavor. A vital part of the bakery’s growth and spirit comes from Michal Rose, Dustin’s girlfriend and creative partner. Michal rebranded the business, giving it a refreshed visual identity that honors tradition while appealing to modern audiences. She also manages the bakery’s social media presence, helping to share their story and reach new customers, and often joins Dustin in the kitchen to prepare orders. “Without Michal,” Dustin says, “Francisco’s Bakery would not be what it is today. She’s been there through every late night, every market, and every batch of pastries — always believing in the vision and helping it grow.”
Operating as a licensed cottage food business, Francisco’s Bakery continues to expand its presence across Tulare County through local events, community markets, and collaborations with other small businesses. Each pastry sold represents more than a sale — it’s a connection to heritage, a piece of history shared, and a reminder that tradition can evolve while still holding true to its roots.
Though neither his father nor grandfather were bakers, their love for food and their pride in their Portuguese identity deeply influenced Dustin’s path. “The name Francisco represents more than just my family,” he says. “It represents gratitude for where we come from, for the people who came before us, and for the opportunity to share that heritage with others.”
At its heart, Francisco’s Bakery is a story of love — for family, for culture, and for the community that embraces it. It is a living tribute to the three Franciscos who inspired it, and to the partnership between Dustin and Michal, whose passion and dedication keep that legacy alive with every bake. Through their work, they continue to prove that the sweetest traditions are those built together one pastry, one story, and one generation at a time.
“Being part of the Portuguese Collective Magazine means so much to me not just as a baker, but as someone who’s proud to carry on the traditions of our community. My goal has always been to honor where I come from while sharing the flavors that shaped my family’s story. To everyone who continues to support, encourage, and celebrate small Portuguese businesses like ours thank you. You’re helping us keep our heritage alive, one pastry at a time.”
Dustin Dos Santos Owner | Francisco’s Bakery
@franciscosbakery | Francisco's Bakery
