Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Wynn Macau Croiffle and Cruffin afternoon tea outdoors2
    Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada
    Giveaways
    Macau Lifestyle Media - The St. Regis Macao - The St. Regis Bar - Jack's Club poster
    The Macallan Jack’s Club Jazz Experience at The St. Regis Bar
    Events & Promotions
    MGM Food Chinese New Year 2022
    Weekender: Welcome the Year of the Tiger, Visit Exhibitions & Much More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
    Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss
    Dining
    cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
    The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau
    Dining
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau Lifestyle Macallan 12 MAC_2018_DC12_NEAT_Lifestyle_Photo_RGB
    Whisky Review: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
    steve-mccurry
    The Best of Two Worlds: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
    Old Postcard circa 1900 from Macau Antique Postcards by Joao Loureiro
    Bela Vista Hotel: From Lavish Hotel to Wartime Refuge
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
    Longines Master Collection Now Shines in Macau
    Longines Master Moonphase Now Shines in Macau
    Jewelry & Watches
    Clara Brito on a Fashion Shoot
    Clara Brito: Taking Action Through Fashion
    Fashion
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau city
    A Stopover Guide: 24 Hours in Macau
    Travel
    Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
    One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary
    Arts
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
People
by Apple Salangsang

My Macau: Filipe Senna Fernandes

IMG_9717

Beginning a journey with quite a distinguished lineage, one does not simply follow the same road as our forefathers. We do however carry their wisdom in our ways and carve our own mark into the world and into the lives of other people. More than just the son of famed Macanese author and lawyer Henrique de Senna Fernandes, Filipe de Senna Fernandes has emerged as a man of his own path and principle.

In the midst of a rainy day in Macau, Filipe’s jubilant hello was a refreshing welcome to a start of a seemingly dull day. His effortless enthusiasm was instantly shared as he answered all of our thought provoking questions unfiltered and unabashed. The hardworking family man leads a busy life. Filipe explains, “I work in different areas on different days. All I can say is I’ve been very busy with MISE this year. I am a co-founder of MISE while I am also president of Macau Hockey Association among other ventures.” Although he has been across various fields of the industry from media, music, marketing, entertainment, hospitality, telecommunications and more, the facet of his life where he identifies himself the strongest is one that’s meaningful and profound – a father of two. We gained insight into his life as an optimistic figure in Macau.

IMG_3953

What do you love most about Macau?

The size of Macau is one that always stands out. I always call it a small big city. It’s small in size but enormous in many ways. It has a little bit of everything and it is a convenient place to live in.

Do you have any fond memory during your childhood years that you could share with us about Macau? Do you remember places that you were particularly fond of?

The simplicity of Macau is one I will always fondly remember. We had a pretty simple life in Macau back then and I quite miss those days. I truly love the Nam Van area because that’s my neighborhood. It’s a place I grew up and I loved walking in the area.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Macau? Why?

I have countless choices but one that stands out would probably be the Macau Military Club. The neo-classical architecture, rich history and topping it off is the fantastic Portuguese cuisine. The food and service are truly good and incomparable. The restaurant setting is beautiful and it’s not very pricey.

Can you tell me a bit more about your current hobbies ? Are you doing anything new?

To be honest, music is quite seasonal these days for me. I actually played for 33 years and then I stopped for a few years. I’ve been idle after getting married and now with two kids, responsibility shifts.

What’s on your playlist right now? 

I’m into retro these days. This year I played a few times and it was all retro (he laughs nonchalantly). It’s probably because of my age and experience. People don’t think of me as the new guy. There’s a big competition out there. I’ve been there and done that. I truly enjoyed and liked it. I have a wide range of music that I play but as of now, I’m mostly into retro mode.

How did you start with your musical interest as a DJ? 

I think there were a few revealing moments in my life. It was 1989 and a time when I was a DJ at the legendary Green Parrot disco. I usually played for friends and small crowds. I had a stroke of luck working consistently for a continuous period of time. That was the old times.

Experiencing club life changed my views and perspective. I lived in Canada for 13 years and it helped me with my DJ career. I could remember countless numbers of events that I truly found memorable. The turning point is in Canada and they truly had respect for you as a DJ back then. It was truly very rewarding.

Macau is a small place and Hong Hong was a bit better but they still did not have the big grasp of the DJ world. In Canada, I was a member of a DJ pool and exchanged ideas and worked with record labels. It changed my whole outlook. I used to have that flame burning, a yearning that you wanted to go and explore and risk everything but I agonized over many things. I eventually chose to pursue my MBA. It was a hard decision to make but it was also monumental. Nowadays it’s very different. The technology, access to music, sound system, it’s all very competitive.

I’ve read from one of your accounts that you also worked in Macau Tourism. What did you enjoy most about that stage in your career and life?

I enjoyed meeting different people and promoting Macau in a general perspective. On a more professional side, I loved promoting Macau as a MICE destination. A lot of people think of Macau as a gaming and leisure destination more of a gaming mecca. I was out there talking to people to come to Macau and do business here. It was a different perspective and I enjoyed and loved doing it. I feel great in that part of the industry. I am a co-founder of MISE and I am actively involved. I may not be a part of the government but I am truly passionate about contributing to the society. To make it more accessible to organizers and to conduct their events in Macau is a motivating drive.

I understand you have a very busy lifestyle. What defines a perfect weekend in your routine?

We don’t have a particular routine. Every weekend is different but the most important thing is to spend it with family. Sometimes we go to the pool and hang out. My kids love Hard Rock Cafe (laughs). It’s a great place for a chilled-out weekend. We also go to China because my in-laws are there and we drive away from Macau. It’s the perfect getaway. My wife and I are pretty busy, we shift the schedule around but we stick to simple plans when it comes to the kids.

Who had the most influence in your life whilst growing up?

My dad.

What was the best advice your father ever gave you?

Be humble! Be humble with everyone you meet in this lifetime. Don’t classify or categorize the people you meet. Extend the same respect and courtesy to everybody. I believe in it and I try to follow.

How do you keep a balanced lifestyle?

With a deep breath and chuckle, Filipe answers with all honesty, “It’s something I am still learning. I think I’m still in the process of learning how to do it. Striking the right balance between family and work is a struggle but you learn as you go on.”

What’s your personal motivation in life?

I believe that whatever you do in life, make a difference. Even if you do things differently than what people perceived to be normal or stereotypical, that’s okay. I always have a different view than the usual and that’s fine. What truly matters is that you have focus and that you continue to inspire other people and that keeps me going.

What’s the first place you would recommend to a visitor in Macau? And what advice would you give to a newcomer to Macau?

If I had a friend over for a visit, I’d take them for a ride around the city. You could roam around the city fast and be acquainted immediately. You’d see everything all at once. Many people can’t imagine how Macau is. It is often portrayed and accentuated by casinos and yes the occasional culture orientation. You have to be here to feel everything in between. Macau is somewhere between everything Asia and Europe. You have the new and old in here where catholic churches are intertwined with Buddhist temples. You have to take it one step at a time and then explore from there.

Find out more about Macau Meetings, Incentives and Special Events Association (MISE). Learn about the non-profit organization with the objective of supporting MICE professionals working in the Meetings, Incentives and Special Events industry.

My Macau by Filipe Senna Fernandes:

Macau Military Club 975 Av. Da Praia Grande, Macau

Hard Rock Cafe Level 2, The Shops at The Boulevard, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau

 

Live and Love Macau features a glimpse into the world of Macau’s most respected figures and inspirational characters while revealing all about their thoughts and version of MY MACAU.

Tags

  • Business in Macau
  • Events in Macau
  • Filipe Senna Fernandes
  • Inspiration in Macau
  • inspiring macau residents
  • lifestyle blogger macau
  • macau interview
  • Macau Residents
  • My Macau

Related Posts

Victor Kumar
Artist Spotlight

Victor Kumar: Founder of V Studio on How to Find Peace in Busy Macau

Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo
Artist Spotlight

Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

Minchi Marmitas Come Macau
Culture

Marmitas.Come: Home to Authentic Portuguese Takeaway in Macau

Pedro Esteves Black and White Portrait
Dining

Pedro Esteves: Food Truck Company, Pregos & A Good Time

Trending Posts

Dining, Local Knowledge

Best Places to Get Mooncakes in Macau

Longines Master Collection Now Shines in Macau
Jewelry & Watches, Style

Longines Master Moonphase Now Shines in Macau

Kris Kaminsky, General Manager of Four Seasons
People

Macau Special: Kris Kaminsky of Four Seasons

Dining, Restaurants

Best Private Dining Rooms in Macau

  • Editor's Picks

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    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!

    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.

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    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!

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    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.

    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. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    sw-steakhouse-barcounter-cocktails-macau-wynn-palace Bars

    SW Steakhouse Bar at Wynn Palace: Home of Barrel-Aged Cocktails

    Known as one of the best restaurants for juicy prime cuts, SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace also features a bar with must-try cocktails.

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    elysee bakery croissants macau Cafes

    Where to Find the Best Croissants in Macau

    Is there a more popular and beloved French pastry than the almighty croissant? We doubled our fitness hours and tried dozens of pastries to come up with the list of the best croissants in Macau!

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion Dining

    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau

    If you’re craving for Italian-style pasta, here’re the ones that have tickled our taste buds and discover the varieties in Macau!

    Santa Rosa de Lima Culture

    Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

    Santa Rosa de Lima is a well-known school in Macau, but did you know what it was in the 19th century? Discover more about this place here!

    Signature cocktail - Patuá mgm cotai macau Bars

    Bar Patuá at MGM Macau: Language of Mixology

    Whether it is cool cocktails, stunning design, or engaging conversations with a bartender, Bar Patuá has a lot to offer. Learn more in our review!

    girl with dog and cocktail cafe Cafes

    Best Pet Friendly Cafes in Macau

    Unwilling to leave your fur child behind while you stroll the streets of Macau? Here are pet-friendly cafes in Macau for you to bring your furry friend to!

    hac sa beach coloane Picnic spot Macau Family

    Great Picnic Spots in Macau

    Picnics are the best way to enjoy nature, good company and food. Here’re the best picnic spots in Macau for your friends and family to enjoy!

    Jetfoil TurboJET Urzela Culture

    Macau Ferries: Travelling To & From Hong Kong Since the 1950s

    Did you know that Jetfoils were originally for the military? Find out more about these Macau ferries that travel between Hong Kong and Macau!

    Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo Artist Spotlight

    Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

    Korlouyeah is a local web editor who photographs Macau and its people. We sat down with the artist to know more about his creative eye.

    Tsung I Macau Culture

    Jao Tsung-I: Prominent Sinologist & Literature Researcher in Macau

    Jao Tsung-I was a key figure in the study of ancient literature and history, as well as a prolific Chinese calligraphy artist.

    LP World Sketches Luisa People

    Sketching the World Around Her: Luísa Petiz of LP World Sketches

    Find out how Macau charmed Luísa Petiz and inspired her to sketch its beauty along with updates on exhibitions of her works!

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Minchi Marmitas Come Macau Culture

    Marmitas.Come: Home to Authentic Portuguese Takeaway in Macau

    Marmitas.Come is a local shop specializing in authentic Portuguese food for takeaway. Read on and find out their story and future plans!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    macau tourist guide Local Knowledge

    A Quick Guide for First Timers to Macau

    Is it your first time in Macau? Check out our guide for the essential things to know, planning tips, directions, and places to visit!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    fit in the box healthy meals macau Dining

    Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau

    Eating smart is the best way to achieve a healthier outlook. These healthy food spots in Macau would make any meatless Monday much easier!

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

COPYRIGHT © 2022 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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