Author
Randy Ataide
Randy Ataíde is a Portuguese-American with a deep passion for Portugal, especially Alcácer do Sal. Inspired by the city's beauty and authenticity, he decided to create this book as a way to pay homage to it and introduce it to locals and visitors alike.
He is an investor and board member of several real estate projects in the US and Portugal. He co-founded the Friends of Portugal organization, which he chaired until 2024, and regularly collaborates with entrepreneurs, organizations, and social entities. He is also a guest author on the Link to Leaders platform, within the European Business Angels Network.
Writer
Filipa M. Amaro
Filipa M. Amaro was responsible for writing and editing Alcácer do Sal - Yesterday and Today, having led the project with dedication and respect for the cultural identity of the city that is her home.
With a degree in Journalism and a special interest in the areas of communication, proofreading and editorial projects, she took on the mission of giving shape and coherence to a narrative that unites memory, territory and tradition.
Throughout the process, he collected, organized, and refined the content to ensure that each text reflected the rich history and humanity of Alcácer do Sal. More than just writing, he translated the spirit of this coastal Alentejo region into words.
Marked by a contemporary and affectionate perspective, after several months of work, a work was born that seeks to show Alcácer do Sal as it is: full of history, but also full of life.
Photographer
José Fura
A native of Alcácer do Sal, he is a true "discreet paparazzi," always attentive to the right moment, without the need for grandiose staging. From a young age, he revealed a curious and passionate outlook on the world. He would spend hours with an analog camera (often without film), such was his enthusiasm for capturing what he saw. This is how he began to romanticize even the simplest moments. Over time, his passion became his profession. He has over a decade of experience, producing photographs that immortalize memories, move clients, and strengthen the visual identity of several brands. His unique perspective reflects a deep connection to his homeland and the stories that inhabit it.
What began as an unlikely hobby ended up becoming a rewarding journey, made of dedication, sensitivity and images that speak for themselves.
His authentic and sensitive perspective helped to visually shape this book with truth, respect, and local soul.
Graphic Designer
Joana Guedes
A native of Alcácer do Sal, she holds a degree in Arts and Multimedia, with a career that spanned several geographies, but with her heart always connected to her homeland. After several years as an emigrant, it was her love for the colors, shapes, and unique light of Alcácer that brought her back.
The return wasn't just physical, it was also creative. Seeing the beauty of this land with new eyes inspired her to apply her artistic eye and graphic sensibility to projects that reflect the local soul. The cover of this book is one such reflection: a fusion of design, feeling, and identity.
As a graphic designer, she believes that each image communicates more than aesthetics; it tells stories, evokes emotions, and immortalizes places. And there could be no greater privilege than to contribute visually to a book that celebrates the land where it all began.