Manoel da Silva
1. About You
Tell us a little about yourself and your career and what led you to create the portal.
My name is Manoel da Silva. I was born in Fortaleza, but left the country almost thirty years ago in search of getting to know the world and, in a way, myself. I’m married, a father with a family, a trained historian and translator and, for some years now, I’ve been working in software development, an area that fascinates me.
Have you lived in other countries? How has this experience influenced your view of Fortaleza and Brazil?
Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to live in some European countries and get to know other parts of South America. I’ve also traveled around Brazil and made friends in various states, which makes me very happy. In fact, traveling and getting to know other cultures is something I recommend to anyone who has the chance. It enriches life and broadens our horizons.
What attracted you most to Fortaleza and Praia de Iracema to choose this location as the focus of the project?
My answer has two aspects. The first is personal: my roots are here. As the song says, “Those who leave their homeland, don’t stop anywhere else…”. The second aspect is Fortaleza’s continued growth, which has attracted many foreigners and investors. Despite the challenges, the city has been consolidating itself as a center of development, and I believe this trend will continue.
2. The Idea of the Portal
How did the idea of creating Praia de Iracema come about? What motivated you?
The idea for the portal came to us like a bolt of lightning: unexpected, intense and illuminating. We came here with other plans, but when we saw the beauty of the place, the friendliness of the people and the infrastructure, we decided to invest in this project. My wife and I had always wanted to create something like the Praia de Iracema Portal, and here we found the perfect opportunity.
What is the main objective of the portal? Just to inform or also to create a community of expats and investors?
The main objective of the Praia de Iracema Portal is to inform. Our mission is to gather and make available information for those who want to get to know, live or invest in Fortaleza and Praia de Iracema. We don’t want to sell illusions, but rather show the reality, trends and opportunities for those who want to settle here. The portal will soon be available in languages other than Portuguese and English.
What kind of audience do you want to reach with this project?
We want to reach everyone with an interest in Praia de Iracema: locals, tourists, expats and investors. Our focus is to provide up-to-date information about Fortaleza, a vibrant metropolis, and Praia de Iracema, a modern and constantly growing neighborhood.
3. Life and Opportunities in Brazil
What would you say to foreigners thinking of living or investing in Brazil? What are the main challenges and advantages?
Come and bring your dreams! Brazil is a country where it is possible to build a prosperous life, as long as you are willing to face challenges and work hard. We are one of the founding countries of the BRICS, a bloc with enormous economic potential for the coming decades. In addition, Fortaleza has a strategic location, port infrastructure and potential for clean energy generation, making it an attractive destination for investment.
How does Fortaleza compare to other cities in Brazil in terms of opportunities for digital nomads, expats and investors?
Fortaleza has unique advantages. In addition to its strategic position, it has ports, modern airports and one of the main internet cables in the Americas. The climate is stable, there are many leisure options and the quality of life is an important attraction. It’s a young, dynamic and receptive city that always faces its challenges with a smile on its face.
Do you think Brazil is increasingly attractive to foreigners? Why is that?
Yes. While countries like the United States and the European Union have increasingly restrictive immigration policies, Brazil welcomes foreigners with open arms. In addition, the current global scenario, with conflicts and instability in various parts of the world, makes Brazil a safe haven for those seeking quality of life and opportunities. Our immigration laws are much more accessible than those of many European countries, for example.
4. Tips for those who want to come
If someone wants to move to Brazil, what first step would you recommend?
The first step is to understand the place and the culture. My main recommendation: learn Portuguese. This will open many doors and show that you are trying to fit in. Also, make contact with the locals. Many foreigners end up closing themselves off in communities in their home countries, which can limit the experience.
For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, which sectors in Brazil currently look the most promising?
The services and technology sectors are highly promising. In addition, foreign gastronomy has great growth potential, especially in tourist cities like Fortaleza.
How can the Praia de Iracema portal help those who want to move to Fortaleza or invest in Brazil?
We offer support in many areas. As my wife and I are translators, we can help with language issues for several languages, including Russian, German, Spanish, English and Arabic. We also offer relocation services, helping to find housing and making it easier to adapt to the city. We are here to make this transition easier and safer.
5. The Future of the Project
How do you see the portal evolving over the next few years?
Our aim is to expand, offering more and more information and exclusive services to our users.
Do you have any plans to expand the content to other cities in Brazil or to other formats, such as videos and events?
Brazil is a country of opportunities, and expansion to other cities can be a natural path. We are at the beginning of this journey and we plan our growth carefully, always focusing on sustainable development.
Is there any final invitation or message you’d like to leave readers?
Yes, I invite everyone who is following this project to take part. Send in your ideas, criticisms and questions. We are also open to partnerships with companies and influencers who share our vision. Finally, for those of you who dream of living in Fortaleza and Praia de Iracema, know that our portal could be the key to turning that dream into reality. Welcome!
