Photo Adventures in PR - Artesanias

art vendors in El Morro

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Photo Adventures in PR - Art & Culture

seeing art in the making is amazing

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Photo Adventures in PR - Reflection

at this point, anything we say doesn't make sense.

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Photo Adventures in PR - Viejo San Juan

A nice walk around Viejo San Juan can be relaxing

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Photo Adventures in PR - Education

Making a simple statement with a shirt can go a long way.

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Photo Adventures in PR - Museo de Arte de Bayamon

Appreciating art work while not getting caught taking a photo :)

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Photo Adventures in PR - Randomness

So what happens when you have a restaurant where they give you crayons to draw on the table? See above lol

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Photo Adventures in PR - El Morro

Entrance to El Morro in Viejo San Juan.

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Photo Adventures in Puerto Rico - Discussion

Reflecting on our day somewhere in Puerto Rico lol.

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Photo Adventures in Puerto Rico

Instead of my regular posts, I'll be snapping away some memorable photos. In this first, you see a traditional Taino indian village...Yucaeca.

Loc: Centro Ceremonial Indigenas (Ponce, PR)

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That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Something Different

If there's one thing I truly enjoy doing it's exploring more and more of any city. Doing something different every day (or weekend) is what life is about. Sometimes I don't understand how people can routinely do the same thing every week. "Hey let's go to ____." Again? There are probably hundreds of activities for you to enjoy either by yourself or with friends. In fact, I'm pretty sure there's a concert at Penn's Landing every weekend...for free. So stop sitting around en tu casa and get out there.

Bomba Estereo

Because being Colombiano at a Colombian concert in Philadelphia is cool.

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Wepa Wednesdays at Octo

If you want different, if you want Latino music...then head on over to Octo Waterfront Grille and you'll be in for a splendid time. It was my first time there and I honestly had a good ol' time. Every Wednesday Octo is hosting Wepa Wednesdays which by far is the best name given to a Latin night ever. You're greeted by an nicely decorated venue which is actually outside right next to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. A great place to bring a date or just meet new people and even learn to dance salsa. Get there around 8:30 p.m. for the free salsa lessons then stay the night so you can show them off to the crowd.

If food is your thing then stop by earlier. OCTO presents the finest in casual dinner fare ranging from succulent appetizers & sandwiches to entree selections of fresh fish, lobsters, crabcakes, steaks and a variety of pasta dishes. OCTO also features refreshingly delicious signature cocktails and frozen drinks.

221 N Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.923.OCTO

UnLitter Us en español

The Philadelphia Streets Department is proud to announce UnLitter Us, the first sustained public service campaign to rid our City of litter once and for all. The same litter that blights neighborhoods, hurts business, and keeps people down. Philadelphia deserves better, and the Streets Department stands firm in its commitment to attack litter on every front.

You've probably seen those cool commercials in Philly...well that's UnLitter Us. And now the videos are in Spanish. It's def a great message and I'm glad there have some Latino messaging without being too extravagant.

Tweets to Make You Proud

When there's an independence day, promotion, new job, new baby or whatever, we seem to LOVE to post it on our Twitter and Facebook. Telling the world about our positive news is what we should always be reading, not about why we hate "this and that". Here are today's tweets of the day.

We love being 200 years old. Go us!

Go me! I do love to write

Not positive. Not negative. Just knowing where he is makes me laugh.

Twitter: A good way to do research.

This Photo Says it All for Today

Because every major city with SOME Colombian population should turn their skyline (or a building) Yellow, Blue, Red. Let's commemorate turning 200 years old mi gente.

The Outcome of My Work

Remember back in June I hosted "Orale Con Veronica" from Boston, MA? If not that's okay, I'll forgive you. Well I love seeing the outcome of 4 long days of hard work. The show aired in the New England markets on July 3rd and national on July 10th! How cool is that!? If you have 25 minutes to spare, please do watch; you may see some familiar faces.

Huey Dunbar

Born to a Puerto Rican mother and a Jamaican father, Huey Dunbar was exposed to music since his earliest years due to his parents' musical careers. Unfortunately he left DLG in 2000 but has since then gone solo. And this past Saturday, he performed at Global Fusion Festival in Philadelphia. For some odd reason, he went on to talk about how he was disappointed with where he was during the "breakup" but is happy now. Not really sure why he would bring something up from 10 years ago but I guess the message was about being happy.

In my opinion he did (and maybe even still today) have one of the best voices in Latino music. With songs like "Yo Si Me Enamore" and "Volvere", you couldn't help but sing along to the lyrics. I'm glad he's also still making music. *Goes to LimeWire* What do you think about his career?

Global Grooves with Colombianos

Having trouble finding ways to celebrate Colombia's bicentennial in Philly? I know I am. Not sure about anything happening on the day (July 20th, 2010) but there is a cool celebration Thursday, July 22nd at the Kimmel Center. For a reasonable $20, you can listen to the electronic cumbia sounds of Bomba Estéreo.

Bomba Estéreo makes psychedelic cumbia, layering electronic rhythms over the beats of Bogotá, Colombia. The resulting sound is a fusion of Caribbean folk music like cumbia, bullerengue and champeta with electronica, reggae and hip-hop. Bomba Estéreo infuses global rhythms into surf guitar, keyboards, dancehall vocals and hip-hop—producing an explosive live dance sound.

That's not all though! Stay after the concert for the after-party. Head upstairs to Cadence Restaurant where AfroTaino Productions' own DJ Rahsaan will be resident selector of the Official After Parties, showcasing his 21st Century global dance sounds for all until the wee hours of the night.

For tickets visit kimmelcenter.org.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Being Latino. Really

I know yesterday my "Grinds My Gears" post was about being Latino, but here's the other side of the story. As I stated in the end of the post, it's about who you are, not what everyone else makes you out to be. Thankfully there's Facebook's Being Latino where 35k+ people are engaging in conversation about all things positive. Sure there are those few with different opinions, but we all usually come together. Hell I see more "LIKES" on there than any other group.

Ayways, stay classy and never forget who you are! Hasta el lunes.

Are You A Predator?

Remember the original Predator movie with our dear Governor Arnold? Well now Robert Rodriguez's Predators pays homage to the classic 1980s film. In this film, a group of killers, some trained and some who are not, must endeavour the alien race of predators that have set out to target them as prey. If you seen the first one, then you'll notice a lot of similarities including the music, dialogue and a whole bunch of other stuff I won't mention. Overall, this was a typical Predator flick...but that's a good thing!

Señor Rodriguez does a great job of keeping the movie simple like the original yet adding his own flavor to it. You may remember some of his work including El mariachi which made him the legend of independent, ultra-low budget filmmaking. I bet you're wondering, if they are on an alien planet, how will they get off? If only it were that easy to hop on the Predator space ship and call it a day. Nope.

Moral of the story: Don't become one of the world's deadliest...predators.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Being Latino

Okay I know this doesn't sound right but sometimes I think being Latino is a little more difficult than it seems. Some will never be Latino enough because they don't speak Spanish or they don't know how to dance, some will never be Latino enough because they weren't born in their respective countries, some will never be Latino enough because they aren't helping out their community. Essentially we can never win. It also sucks that all this SB 1070 bull crap is happening. In the end I think you should be yourself and listen to your heart (and your brain). Your decisions are your decisions and no one can ever take your LATINOHOOD away from you. Hasta pronto mi gente.

Tweets on a Missed Day

So I missed yesterday's Tweets of the Day but that doesn't mean I can't have it today. Have you noticed the new sponsored Tweets? I guess you can say it's advertising but it's a little different. You sort of want to click on the highlighted tweet because it grabs your attention. Either way, here are my tweets of the day.

Who doesn't love a contest!?

Yep. random.

Let's play what else is wrong with the iphone.

Really? For the first time? That deserves an FML

PhilaLatino Lifestyle Examiner

As some of you may have read on my Facebook I've been approved to be the PhiLatino Lifestyle Examiner! What exactly are Examiners? Examiners are local insiders who are passionate about their topic and prolific in sharing information about it. Their credibility is real and varied, based on education, experience and insider enthusiasm. Each Examiner has a page on Examiner.com dedicated to one specific topic in their local edition. Examiners are independent contractors, not employees, of Examiner.com.

What's the difference between this blog and my Examiner posts? Well on here I can express my opinion to whatever topic and talk about my experiences and post general topics. As the PhiLatino Lifestyle Examiner I am locally focused on Philadelphia Latino issues. So feel free to shoot me ideas and I'll see where it would work best.

Here are my first two posts:

• Philadelphia: the northeast's second largest Hispanic market
• Celebrating 35 years with Taller Puertorriqueño
  

La buena noticia del día

Because this finally needs to be over!



The map below shows the amount of oil on the coastline as reported each day by the federal government based on information from air and ground surveys.

A Global Event

Now in its third year, the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress has produced Global Fusion Festival which has brought 20k+ people to the Philadelphia area. Past headliners and performers have included Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Eric Benet, Oro Solido and more.

This electrifying week of non-stop entertainment themed PANGEA, draws diverse communities together to celebrate the “cultural fusion” of the world. Fusion-inspired events take place across Philadelphia all week, wrapping-up Saturday, July 17th with a FREE festival featuring big-name performers, ethnic dancers & vendors, and kid's activities! Bring your heritage along with your appetite and experience Philadelphia’s hottest summer event.

Saturday's festival at Penn's Landing starts at 12 p .m. and ends at 8 p.m. with performances by Peedi, Huey Dunbar, Toby Love, Lyfe Jennings and headliner En Vouge.

Celebrate Your Colombian Independence

It was on July 20, 1810 when Colombia had declared their independence over Spain. 200 years we still celebrate today no matter where we currently residing. Live in the east coast? Then I would suggest heading on over to Flushing Meadows Park in NYC on Saturday, July 18, 2010 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.. There'll be music, food, dance, beauty pageant queens, and plenty of yellow, blue, and red Colombian flags, especially at the festival site just south of the Unisphere.

I have only been to the festival in NYC once but it was amazing. Although I don't like crowds, it was good to see a different audience running around NYC celebrating their cultura. Even if you aren't able to make it to Flushing Meadows Park, change your profile picture on Facebook, write a status update or have a party in your house and let the world know we are here. And of course you don't have to be Colombian to celebrate this independence....let's embrace all Latino cultures and everyone else as well.

Pro-Arizona Immigration Law Rally?

I've heard of Rally's against certain issues like immigration but apparently there's a pro-Arizona immigration law rally this Wednesday. Where you ask? Why of course at Geno's Steaks in South Philadelphia. If you haven't noticed, this guy has been in the media for quite a while now. It was in 2007 where the "This is America, Speak English" sign went up and the US saw what kind of person he really is.

According to The BigTalker 120AM's web site, scheduled to participate include:

• Arizona Governor Jan Brewer
• Arizona State Sen. Russell Pearce, writer of the AZ immigration bill
• Pennsylvania State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, supporter of a similar law for PA
• Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
• Hazelton, PA Mayor Lou Barletta
• Music by Rivoli Review

I'm wondering if other rally's will pop up across the country; there was already one in Arizona this year. I also don't understand how anyone would even want to support this law. If you have the federal government suing a state, don't you think something should be re-evaluated?

What will you do about the rally? Attend? Protest a protest?

España Takes the World Cup

This sentence sums up Spain's victory at the 2010 World Up:

• Champions of Europe and now champions of the world, Spain captured football's Holy Grail for the first time with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Andres Iniesta's 116th-minute strike at Soccer City. via FIFA
  

Ask a Latino in the USA if they are happy with the victory you might not get the answer you expected. Although "we" would have preferred a Central/South American team, I'm sure this is the closest we'll be getting until 2014 in Brazil. Nonetheless, congrats to Spain. They were ranked #1 in Europe and in the world so it was just appropriate for them to win. Would a Latino admit Spain to being the "motherland"? I guess it depends on who you ask.

Did anyone guess Spain taking it this year? And what about in 2014?

Congrats Sofia Vergara!

So our favorite Colombian actress, Sofia Vergara, has been nominated for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy at the Emmys. Her fellow nominees include comediennes like Jane Lynch (Glee), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Holland Taylor (Two and A Half Men) and her Modern Family costar Julie Bowen.

Seriously Modern Family is one of the funniest comedies on primetime TV. Sofia plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the show and as we all know she plays a Colombian. She told Latina Magazine, "I was so excited to announce that my show was nominated, but to hear that I was nominated was a huge shock!” Vergara told Latina.com, “I am so honored to be in the company of all these amazing women. I feel like I've already won!"

Will she win?

That Really Grinds My Gears...Heat Wave

I know I've said this from time and time again but let's be serious, why has it been 90 degrees at 9 a.m.? Why has it been 90 degrees at 9 p .m.? Yes the heatwave is over but there's seriously something happening. First several horrible snow storms, then earthquakes galore, and now an oppressive heatwave (for 2nd time). And it's not just high temperatures, it's the humidity. The heat has already killed one person. To think "someone" wanted to close down our pools as well; not like I would go to a pool here anyways.

Stay cool mi gente.

Because Laughing is the Cure

I'm a huge fan of laughing and cultural t-shirts. I recently recently an e-mail about TCHIRTS.COM and found the most hilarious clothing line ever. Their goal is to create unique, whimsical, nostalgic t-shirts for Latinos and Latinas all over the world, with a strong focus on first generation Latinos living outside their home country.

I mean seriously, look at the above images and tell me you won't laugh. Some people obviously won't get the punchline but if you're a first-born generation here in the USA then I'm sure you'll get it. Chanclas, piñata, Cinco de Mayo, etc. are all part of our culture put are of course sometimes misrepresented. Reasonably priced, I think these are well worth it. I'm glad they also come in an assortment of colors instead of regular white t-shirts.

Tweets of the Oppressive Day

Today's weather has been completely crazy! It was 90 degrees at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Somewhere in between the temperature peaked 100. I honestly do believe something is happening to the atmosphere, 2012? Either way, I've decided to change up Tweets of the Day by highlighting one out of the 4 I choose. Why? Because some people like being bigger than others. Enjoy!

No AC? Why not tweet!

I guess the weather will make you dress however you want.

When FourSquare's "Mayor" feature becomes more than just a badge.

Didn't know we could downgrade natural disasters.

Our Last Hope

One by one the Central/South American World Cup teams were eliminated. However, they did do a great job of representing. Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, Argentina and Paraguay all showed the world that Latinos love and are good at el futbol. Now the only related team to represent "el español" is...well España.

Yes the Spanish are European but you must remember we have Spanish roots. Sure a European team is going to take the World Cup again but hey at least it might be a team that speaks español! Let's also be glad a team like Uruguay made it to the semi-finals, even with the "hand of god" by their side.

Who do you hope wins the 2010 World Cup?

We Have A Problem

I honestly don't even have to explain what this picture represents. A little over 2 months ago Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into law. Since then, at least 17 cities across the country have passed official boycotts of the state of Arizona, helping to galvanize a renewed national immigrants rights movement. The state is facing multiple lawsuits and the Justice Department is expected to file its own suit next week. But as you can tell that must not be enough because 21 states have introduced similar laws.

If any of this continues, how are we going to justify major events coming to this country like say...the World Cup! Even today there's a movement to banning the MLB All Star Game in Arizona. What are your opinions about this movement? How are you taking a stand? Would you want to visit any of these states?

My Obsession With...

una Colombiana o manzana. Seriously this is probably the one soda I love to drink. Postobon, the drink's creators, are located in Colombia and have a little over 5 plants all making different drinks (from waters to teas and sodas. The Colombiana is a kola champagne that thanks to its flavor and color, it is unique around the world. It was on October 11, 1904, when Gabriel Posada and Valerio Tobón (whose names combine to form the name the Postobón) started to produce soft drinks in Medellin, Colombia; their first product, called "Cola-Champaña," became very famous in bars, stores, social clubs and even homes.

Back in good ol' Jersey I used to find them almost everywhere, but in Philly it's a little more difficult. Although every time I eat at Tierra Colombiana, I must have my Colombiana! So have you tried the Colombiana?

Movie Review: The Last Airbender

I'm not really sure what M. Night Shyamalan was thinking when he directed the Last Airbender but it surely was a disappointment. Everyone and I mean everyone was excited about this movie but in the end it was a big ol' failure. What could quite possibly save this movie? The effects maybe? Sure "bending" water, fire, earth and air is awesome, but when you have horrible actors mixed with awkward messaging, you can't win.

I never really watched the show but did pay attention so the storyline and some episodes. Luckily my fraternity brother is a huge fan and told me the story line and even some name pronunciation was completely changed. It also doesn't help when you have "Caucasian" actors acting as Chinese characters. And why is the fire nation all "dark-skinned"? Either way, I don't see Mr. Shyamalan directing the next two flicks. Big fat fail.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Insider

There comes a time when you just had enough. You set goals for yourself and a timeline but sometimes things get in the way. I know I'm sounding very vague but I had to write something. I always tell myself things can be worse though. There are people out there in prison, homeless, jobless, etc. We seem to take life for granted and complain a lot...maybe it's God's way of testing us.

However, there will always be tomorrow! It's always a brand new day and we can only hope it gets better. Hasta pronto mi gente!

My Name Isn't Carlos...Wait It Is.

When Latino's are in the forefront of the media or reality TV shows, mainstream media turns us into stereotypical Latinos. America's Got Talent did just that...smh. Here we have Carlos Aponte, 24, from Puerto Rico. For some strange reason, the producers but the Macarena as his "intro" music and what's worst is host Nick Cannon butchering his apellido.

Señor Aponte had trouble speaking English and you could tell the audience was talking trash. Little did they know he would pull a Susan Boyle on the world. So kudos Carlos and show the world how different we can be.

P.S. Thanks to V. Ramos for Tweeting about this.