I grew up as a child without a father. My mother was always a strong, warrior-like woman, perhaps a reflection of the strength she wanted to instill in me.

I discovered MANOWAR when I was around 10 years old, and very quickly, it became more than music. It became a life philosophy. Their songs spoke of strength, struggle, unity, never giving up, never surrendering, and never kneeling. All of this resonated deeply with the way I was being raised. It became clear to me that this was the path I would follow for the rest of my life.

We all have our battles and hardships. I can only thank MANOWAR for helping shape me into a man with an unbreakable spirit. Without the messages, teachings, and philosophy behind MANOWAR, I might not be here today.

Throughout my life, I have faced things that were almost too heavy to carry. Some may call it weakness, but I have faced the death of my mother from cancer. I lost my wife in a car accident. And my father, who over time became somewhat present in my life, also passed away from cancer. Among many other struggles, these were perhaps the heaviest battles I have faced.

Yet I have always, always carried in my chest the strength I learned from MANOWAR.

Today, I proudly carry the tattoo on my back for the rest of my life, like a banner. It is a symbol of perseverance and power.

I can only be grateful for everything.

You made me the man I am today.

Felipe