Luminox: Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
Filipe: I’m a cowboy at heart, born in Brazil, and raised in Canada with a love for the land and animals. My name Filipe means a friend and horses and my story began with a deep sense of adventure, inspired by the great Long Riders of the past. I’ve always believed in pushing myself to the limit, and when I heard about Aimé Tschiffely’s legendary ride from Buenos Aires to New York, I knew that I had to follow in his footsteps. I studied Journalism and before I graduated I had shot two international documentaries. One in Peru about Voluntourism and another in Kenya about a group of women using education to fight the spread of HIV in their village.
I graduated in 2011 and in 2012, after a lifetime dreaming and two years of planning, I set out on my first journey from Canada to Brazil. Once I arrived I embarked on my second Long Ride from Brazil to Ushuaia, Argentina. I undertook the final leg, from Alaska to Calgary, from 2019 t0 2020. In total I rode 27,000 kilometers, through 12 countries over the course of 8 years.
Luminox: What do you do for a living and where are you from?
Filipe: I’m a Long Rider, international speaker, an award-winning filmmaker, and best selling author. I was born in Espírito Santo do Pinhal, Brazil but moved to Canada at the age of 9. I now reside in Calgary, Alberta.
Luminox: Can you talk us through your work in the community?
Filipe: Through my Long Rides, I’ve been fortunate to connect with many communities, but one cause close to my heart is the Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital. I’ve worked to raise awareness and funds for the Hospital in Brazil, advocating for early cancer diagnosis. During my travels, I spoke with locals in towns and villages across the Americas about the importance of early detection and shared the message that we can all contribute to saving lives. It’s been an incredible privilege to play a role, however small, in making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Luminox: What motivated you to take these actions?
Filipe: It’s simple, really. I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to use my platform for good. As I rode across the Americas, at 3 kilometres and hour and 30 kilometres a day, I saw firsthand the power of community and the challenges faced by many. I realized that I had the opportunity not just to pursue my dream of riding across these continents but also to inspire others and make a tangible impact. My hope is that my ride, books, documentary and motivational talks, will inspire others to put fear aside and take that first step towards living their true purpose.
Luminox: What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Filipe: There were many challenges—both physical and mental. From navigating harsh weather in the Yukon to the rugged terrain in Patagonia, to Grizzly Bears in Alaska and cartels in Central America, the road was long and tough. But the biggest challenge was always the mental struggle—the moments when doubt crept in, when exhaustion threatened to take over. I overcame these challenges by reminding myself of my purpose. I knew I wasn’t just riding for myself; I was riding for something bigger. The simple act of waking up each day, setting a goal, and putting one foot in front of the other kept me moving forward. Discipline is about keeping your focus, even when the road ahead feels insurmountable. It won’t be one giant step, but millions of small hoof prints.
Luminox: How do you stay resilient in the face of adversity?
Filipe: Resilience, for me, isn’t about never feeling doubt or fear—it’s about accepting those emotions and moving forward regardless. When I’m facing adversity, I think about the bigger picture. I focus on my purpose, and I draw strength from the people I’m doing this for. Whether it’s the children at the hospital or the community I’m trying to inspire, I remind myself that their stories are what drive me. And of course, my horses—they’ve been by my side through thick and thin. Horses have an incredible ability to adapt and keep going, and I take a lot of inspiration from them.
Luminox: How has your community responded to your actions?
Filipe: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Communities along my route opened their arms and hearts to me. In each town, I met people who believed in the mission we were sharing, and together, we raised awareness and funds for important causes. In one Mexican town, 1000 horsemen and women, saddled their horses and rode all day with me! In Brazil, they’ve erected two statues of my horses and I. The Canadians have my first pair of boots on display at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. It’s been humbling to see how people from different walks of life can come together for something greater than themselves.
Luminox: What positive changes have you seen as a result of your efforts?
Filipe: Through my ride and the awareness campaigns for Barretos, we’ve been able to contribute to life-saving initiatives. We’ve helped raise funds, sure, but more importantly, we’ve ignited conversations about early cancer detection. People are now more informed and more proactive when it comes to their health. Seeing that change, seeing how the message was received and acted upon—that’s what makes it all worth it. In every community I visited, there was a renewed sense of hope, a sense that we can make a difference if we come together. Here’s a page from my book, Long Ride to the End of the world, that says it all:
In the northern part of Paraná, Brazil, a family stopped me on the side of the road and asked to take some photos. They had been following me on social media since my first journey from Canada to Brazil.
“My kids love horses, and they are big fans of yours,” smiled the blonde matriarch of three boys. The family, all blond with light eyes and skin, looked more Swiss than Brazilian. While I took photos of her youngest in my saddle, we talked about my motivation for this journey. I spoke about the cancer hospital.
I told them about some of the early signs of childhood cancer, information I shared throughout my ride. “To tell if a child has a life-threatening eye cancer called retinoblastoma, take a close-up photo of their face using a phone with the flash on. If one of the pupils reflects back as a white circle, that child must see a doctor.”
It was my usual spiel. Thinking nothing of it, I said goodbye to the family and continued on.
Weeks later, while eating lunch in the city of Cascavel, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was surprised to see the same gorgeous blonde woman with heavy tears running down her pale face. She was heading to the hospital with her youngest because he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma after she noticed a white circle in a cell phone photo. She was determined to save his vision and his life. She thanked me while we hugged tight.
In my heart, I thanked everything and everyone who put me on this journey. This was what would keep me trekking, no matter how difficult the journey got. On my first Long Ride, I was helped by hundreds of people every single day. Now, it was my turn to give back.
Luminox: How has this experience changed you personally?
Filipe: This experience has changed me in profound ways. I’ve learned that the path to your dreams isn’t always clear, and that’s okay. It’s about embracing the uncertainty and learning as you go. I’ve also learned that resilience isn’t something that you’re born with—it’s something you cultivate over time. And perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of community. No one achieves greatness alone, and through this journey, I’ve seen just how much we can accomplish when we work together.
Luminox: What advice would you give to others who want to make a positive impact in their communities?
Filipe: My advice is simple: start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need to have all the answers or wait for the perfect moment. If you have a passion, a cause, or something that speaks to you, act on it. Small actions, when done with purpose, can create ripple effects that lead to something much bigger. Don’t be afraid to face challenges or take risks—those are part of the process. But always stay true to your purpose and know that even the smallest steps can make a big difference.
Luminox: How do you feel about being recognized by Luminox for your contributions?
Filipe: It's an honor to be recognized by Luminox, especially considering the values that their watches represent-adventure, resilience, and precision. To be acknowledged by a brand that stands for those same qualities is humbling. But ultimately, the recognition isn't about me-it's about the cause and the message we've shared along the way. If this recognition helps raise more awareness and inspires others to take action, then I'm proud to be part of that.
Luminox: What do you think of Luminox watches, and how would they fit into your daily life?
Filipe: Luminox watches are built for adventure, and that resonates with me deeply. Their durability, precision, and design are qualities I look for in everything I carry on my rides. Whether I'm crossing the Andes, navigating through tough conditions, or giving a motivational talk in Miami, I need equipment that can withstand the elements and looks good. A Luminox watch is the kind of tool you rely on-it's not just about telling time; it's about ensuring you're ready for whatever lies ahead, whether that's a ride or the next chapter in life.
Filipe received a Atacama Field, 43 mm, Urban Adventure - 1970.SET
