Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Vida RIca Bar Hot Dog Pop Up with Drink from Above
    Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More
    Macau Weekend
    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao
    Giveaways
    A Unique Taste of Baijiu at St Regis Macao
    Weekender: Dining, Cocktails, Exhibitions & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
    100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life
    Bars
    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom
    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste
    Cafes
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
    Portuguese Consulate that was a Hospital Right Angle Macao Archives
    Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution
    Culture
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene
    Arts
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Chen tianzhuo
    Chen Tianzhuo: Meshing Visual & Performance Art
    Artist Spotlight
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Culture
21 April, 2020
by Leonor Sá Machado

Macau People: Relevant Figures in Macau History

viscount januario correia de almeida macau history figures

Macau’s history is just as colorful as its architecture and culture. There have been interesting events, incidents, and relevant figures who made historically notable decisions across Macau’s history. Some of them were architects and writers, others were governors and other influential personalities. Let’s take a look into the lives and achievements of notable figures in Macau’s varied history!

Viscount Januário Correia de Almeida, 1829–1901

(See featured image above)

With Macau’s most important and oldest public hospital named after him, Viscount S. Januário Correia de Almeida remains an important figure in the region’s history. Born in Portugal in 1829, one can say he was worldly: the diplomat lived in Cape Verde before returning to Portugal, then moving to India. He was then nominated the 60th Governor of Macau (and the 51st of Timor). He was in charge from March 23, 1872 until December 7, 1874.

He was awarded for his ability to defend Macau from the Chinese pirates. S. Januário was also a diplomat for Japan, Siam, China, and South America. It’s also relevant to emphasize that he was one of the founders of the Lisbon Society of Geography. Macau’s public hospital, São Januário, was named after him and the viscount was present at the inauguration ceremony of the first version of the structure. It was demolished during the mid-20th century and a new building was erected, opening to the public in 1952. It kept the viscount’s name and it’s still operating to this day.

Governor Ferreira do Amaral Black and White Portrait

Ferreira do Amaral, 1803–1849

João Maria Ferreira do Amaral was one of Macau’s most prominent governors during the Portuguese ruling. He had a great impact on the establishment of Macau as part of Portugal. Truthfully, until 1845, the territory was dependent on India. It was Ferreira do Amaral who changed this situation, declaring Macau a free-port. Macau used to have two distinct customs borders–a Portuguese one and a Chinese.

As governor, he abolished the latter and did the same with the taxes collected by the Chinese Empire. Other achievements include the construction of roads where there were fields run by the Chinese, and the occupation of the then island, Taipa. Unfortunately, the Chinese were not fond of him, thus murdering him on an 1849 August afternoon, when he was passing through Portas do Cerco (Gongbei border) on a horse with a helper of his.

Antonio Alexandrino de Melo Cercal Baron Source Macao Archives

António Alexandrino de Melo, Baron of Cercal, 1837–1885

Born in Macau, he is one of the region’s most prominent figures. A well-known Macanese merchant, his family owned the Praia Grande Palace (also known as Governor’s Palace or Government Headquarters). The construction was ordered by the baron’s father, Alexandrino António de Melo. He then rented it out to the then Portuguese governor, in 1875, for MOP $24,000 a year.

In 1840, he founded A. A. de Mello & C.º (1840), a Portuguese commercial agency from Macau that represented a Hong Kong travel company specializing in long steamboat trips. The baron of Cercal sold boat tickets departing from Hong Kong going to China, Japan, Lisbon, London, Paris, Marseille, and Vancouver, among other international destinations. He appears in a Portuguese book from 1942 titled “Gallery of the Most Distinguished Macanese from the 20th Century”, by Priest Manuel Teixeira, another important figure in Macau.

Ho Yin Talking Vertical Black and White Source Macao Archives

Ho Yin, 1908–1983

Ho Yin is the father of former Macau Chief Executive (from 1999 until 2009), Edmund Ho. Born in 1908 China, Ho Yin was one of the most important leaders of the Macau Chinese community during the 20th century. His experience as a businessman started early in his life–by the age of 16, he was managing a shop in a region of the Pearl River Delta. After living in Guangdong and Hong Kong, he found a home in Macau, during the Japanese invasion.

He is best known as the founder of the still operating Tai Fung Bank, which at first just did monetary transactions, but soon started getting involved in the community and social issues. His profound knowledge of economics and finance took him to high places. During the Second World War, Ho Yin became rich with his gold and money transaction businesses, but also famous and appreciated amongst the Macau community and companies. He frequently advised institutions such as the government and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), thus helping to balance the value of the pataca. Ho Yin was also key for the relations between China and Portugal during the country’s dictatorship government of António de Oliveira Salazar. He was also a lawmaker in the local legislative assembly. Ho Yin died in December, 1983 and several streets, parks, and other monuments were named after him. There was even an asteroid as well!

Priest Manuel Teixeira Close to Books Black and White Portrait

Priest Manuel Teixeira, 1912–2003

Manuel Teixeira was an important Portuguese priest and historian that lived in Macau from an early age. After concluding primary school in his hometown (north of Portugal), he traveled to the region, joining the Saint Joseph Seminar to become a priest. From 1934 to 1946, he was the priest of St. Lawrence parish. Over the years, he collected a huge amount of information on the history of Macau, which can now be referred to in several places, such as local public libraries and the Macao Archives. Besides directing the internationally known Boletim Eclesiástico da Diocese de Macau (a religious magazine published by the Macau Diocese), in 1942 he co-founded daily Portuguese language newspaper, O Clarim.

Manuel Teixeira was also the director of Macao Archives and Luís de Camões Institute’s Gazette. He taught at several local schools, such as Infante D. Henrique High School, Commercial School Pedro Nolasco, St. Joseph College and Seminar, among others. The priest published 123 historical research books, and was awarded the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s History prize (in 1981 and 1983) for his works, “Os Militares” and “Toponímia de Macau”. The latter is frequently cited and used for present investigative works on Macau. In 1982, he was proclaimed “Person of the Year” in Macau, having established a foundation with his name, in order to help the region’s less fortunate students.

Fu Tak Yam, 1894–1983

The local businessman is known for being the first gaming tycoon in Macau. Also known as the “Chinese capitalist”, he grew up poor in Foshan. Fu Tak Yam was responsible for a series of happenings, including the construction of Inner Harbour’s Pier 16, but more importantly, for bringing to Macau one of the city’s most popular games: baccarat. At the time, Fu owned Central Hotel, which had a busy casino. He then co-founded Tai Heng Company with Kou Ho-ning, which would hold the gambling monopoly from 1937 until 1961. Afterward, Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM)–the company Ip Hon, Terry Ip Tak Lei, Stanley Ho, and Henry Fok co-created–won the monopoly. Central Hotel and its casino were prosperous during the Second World War, providing Fu with large incomes.

In February 1945, Fu Tak Yam was kidnapped and a ransom demand. The then governor Ho Yin intervened in this situation by serving as an intermediary of the Portuguese government. However, Macau’s first gaming typhoon was still to live a prosperous life. He invested in the company Tak Kee Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd. With the money earned from this investment, he built the yellow building where you can see “Cais nº16”, right beside Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16, a hotel by STDM. This pier was of great importance at the time because the most prestigious boat connecting Macau to Hong Kong, Tai Loy, was docked there. Fu Tak Yam also contributed greatly to local social and health institutions such as Kiang Wu Hospital.

José Inocêncio dos Santos Ferreira aka “Adé”, 1919–1993

Known amongst the Macanese community as “Adé”, José dos Santos Ferreira is one of the region’s most celebrated poets and writers of all time. He is best remembered as a sociable citizen involved in charity work and the affairs of the community, but also as a music composer and theater producer. Patuá–Macanese creole–was one of his passions, having dedicated most of his free time to writing poems in this dialect. He was also the first person to try giving patuá its own orthography and a well-defined grammar.

His first book, “Escandinávia, terra de encantos mil” was published in 1960. In the decades preceding his death, Adé wrote several books in patuá (a mix of Portuguese and Cantonese), including “Macau Sã Assi” (1968), “Qui-nova, Chencho” and (1974), “Poema di Macau” (1983), among others.

His original combination of irony, comedy, and patuá to express ideals and ideas earned him a spot amongst the most important local artists. In 1992, “Poema na Lingu Maquista”, literally translated into “Poem in Macau language”, was published by Livros do Oriente. Dóci Papiaçám di Macau is a local theater group dedicated to the promotion and proliferation of patuá as a language. Their performances usually include the recital of poems by Adé and are done in the Macanese creole.

Ma Man Kei Talking on the Phone in his Office Source Macao Archives

Ma Man Kei, 1919–2014

Born in 1919, Chinese entrepreneur Ma Man Kei moved to Macau in the 40s, where he established several businesses after doing so in Hong Kong. More than a businessman, he was crucial for the relations between the Portuguese government in Macau and China. He presided over several local associations, including sports such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis, swimming, and Chinese chess.

Ma Man Kei was also the board chairman of the East Asia University of Macao, six primary and secondary local schools. Another important position he had was as the president of the Macao Chinese Chamber of Commerce and vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The Chinese tycoon was also crucial in the negotiations that took place before Macau’s handover. He was vice-president of the Committee for Drafting of the Basic Law for the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Leonel Zilhao Ayres da Silva Barros Portrait macau history figures

Source: Macau Antigo Blog

Leonel Zilhão Ayres da Silva Barros aka “Neco”, 1924–2011

Another essential figure of the Macau cultural universe is Leonel da Silva Barros, a Macanese man of a dozen traits. Neco–how he used to be called–was a veterinarian and a public worker, but also a writer, painter, musician, storyteller, and dedicated to historical research. Silva Barros was of Portuguese descent, born into one of Macau’s most important families. Besides having contributed immensely to developments with regards to animal welfare in the territory, Neco was as passionate for drawing as his father.

One can still find several of his art pieces here, including posters, oil paintings, watercolors, and stamp collections edited by the Macau Post Office (CTT), with Bela Vista Hotel still holding one of his most famous pieces: a panel highlighting Lisbon’s Belém Tower. Music was also one of his interests, having played with groups in Macau throughout the years. The guitar, flute and drums were his preferred instruments.

And because it’s never too late to express talent, Leonel da Silva Barros started writing around the age of 80, with several published books on Macau’s history and language. “Ilustrações da Fauna e Flora de Macau”, “Guia Ilustrado das Cobras Venenosas de Macau”, “Macau – Coisas da Terra e do Céu” and “Templos, Lendas e Rituais – Macau” are just some of the titles under his name.

Young Stanley Ho Source Macao Archives macau history figures

Stanley Ho, 1921–present

Stanley Ho has a strong influence and place in the history of Macau, mainly related to the territory’s economy. He was born in 1921 and descends from the influential Chinese family, Hotung. A Hong Kong and Macau tycoon, Ho was bestowed local gaming monopoly from 1962 until 2002, when the government liberalized the industry, allowing other companies to enter the competition.

He is the co-founder of STDM (now known as SJM) that includes properties such as Lisboa Hotel, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16, Pacapio restaurant and many other structures in Macau, such as the airport and the ferry company, Shun Tak. What you might have no idea about is that he is also Bruce Lee’s cousin! Worth around HKD $50 billion, Stanley Ho is said to have made his first fortune when he was 24 years old, known for his business skills from a tender age. Ho too made a lot of money during the Second World War, by selling luxury goods in China and later, by establishing a kerosene company.

Tags

  • Heritage
  • Important People
  • Macau history
  • Relevant Personalities

Related Posts

Isquare Electronic Shopping Outdoor Entrance Macau Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Macau’s Electronics & Gadgets Hubs

Portuguese Consulate that was a Hospital Right Angle Macao Archives
Culture

Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution

taipa village art gallery ksenia kuzmina
Heritage

The Best Things to Do in Taipa Village

Filipe Brito DeBritzz Tattoo
Arts

DeBritzz Tattoo Macau: Feeding the Soul Through the Art of Tattoo

Trending Posts

Macau Weekend, What's On

Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More

100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
Giveaways

Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

Portuguese pastries Macau pao lo ovar
Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Pastries in Macau

Artist Spotlight, Culture

Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives

  • Editor's Picks

    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway Giveaways

    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

    Macau Lifestyle has partnered with The St. Regis Macao for a fabulous giveaway where the winners can have an extravagant afternoon tea!

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    chef sebastien bernie holding pink bloom cake mandarin oriental macau Chef Spotlight

    Of Cakes & Fitness: Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Pastry Chef Sebastien Bernis

    We asked Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s pastry chef Sebastien Bernis to share which cakes sell the best, how he leads his team and more!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    taipa village stairs ksenia kuzmina Macau good news 2020 Culture

    Macau Recap: Good Things That Happened in 2020

    This 2020 has not been all grim and dark.Here’s some of the happy and optimistic news and events that happened in Macau this year!

    Chef Daniel brooker sofitel macau at ponte 16 portrait meat Chef Spotlight

    Around the World in 14 Years: Sofitel Macau’s Executive Chef Daniel Brooker

    We talked with executive chef Daniel Brooker of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 about his achievements and Sofitel’s role on the gastronomy map.

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok