Video: HeroStreet's Todo En Ti

Remember Herostreet's last music video? Well just a few days ago they came out with another! I'm a sucker for love songs and this is obviously a nice relaxing "i want you" type of song. Want to meet the band? Well this Saturday you can see them live (if you're in NYC) at D' Antigua Bar and Restaurant in Jackson Heights. Enjoy!

One radio station down, two left

So remember that Spanish radio station Rumba 1480 owned and operated by ClearChannel. Well see what happens when you go to www.rumba1480.com...and go. Well back in October El Zol 1340AM came to town and pretty much took over the competition. These guys have a very aggressive approach and are changing the way things are done. I was listening today and to my amazement there weren't that many commercials...and the music was good. Granted I was listening online and not on the radio which is a huge difference.

Now I bet you're asking yourself this again, "Why isn't there a Spanish FM station?" I ask myself that every day. Is there a market for it? Of course there is, but it would be a lot of work and very costly. With four shows running weekly including a weekend public affairs program, I believe El Zol will be staying for a while. Sad to see Rumba1480 gone but I didn't even see them around town a lot. Egh. I guess we'll see what happens with the two that are left.

Manhattan's newest maid

Today Telemundo's newest novela, Una Main en Manhattan, premiered. And yes of course the novela is based on the hit J-lo pelicula. Una Maid en Manhattan follows the journey of Marisa Lujan and her son Lalo emigrating from Mexico to the U.S.A. in search of a better life...figures right? However, after suffering disappointment while briefly living in L.A., they move to NYC where she ends up working as a maid in one of Manhattan's most prestigious hotels. By chance, Marisa meets millionaire Cristobal Salas Parker and will eventually fall in love. All of this while Cristobal assumes she is a well-to-do guest, not one of the hotel's maids.

A story about love, it's bound to bring families together who like Marisa came to this country looking for a better life. I must say I was really interested in watching the novela because of this story. All our families (well most) came looking for that dream. Then our mothers and fathers want to fall in love. Is her love a lie or will Cristobal now care for her work? Obviously the media pays attention to this drama and I'm sure there's that evil woman lurking around attempting to ruin Marisa's life. I'm sure she'll overcome right?

Our museum needs your help

As some of you may know the National Museum of the American Latino will most likely happen soon; maybe within the next 4 years. However, the museum needs your help to make it happen as soon as possible. Senator Bob Menendez has introduced the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S. 1868, which designates a location for the future American Latino Museum. If this bill passes, the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall (in D.C. for those that don't know) will be set aside as the future home of this long overdue museum. This location is perfect because it is close to public transportation and close to other museums and landmarks, so many people will have access to the countless stories of American Latino contributions to American history.

So what exactly do you need to do? Well like any other "change" you need to call your senators and tell them to pass the act. Call: 1-877-429-0678 and ask for your Senators or Representative by name. Tell your members of Congress that you support the creation of the American Latino Museum and that they should vote to pass the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S.1868. While I support the museum, I believe the government should not run it. I'm not sure if the correct portrayal of Latinos would be represented even if we have Latino political leaders at the forefront. Sure the museum can't cater to everyone's needs and there will be angry people, but come on, this is OUR museum; the American Latinos' museum. 

Video documentary: No Solo Hay Dos Colores

About a week ago I wrote about a new documentary introducing a mural in Spain. The art project NO SOLO HAY dos COLORES introduces the role of men and women. It also goes deep into what an artist really is and how all the artists came to work together. Enjoy!

An intern reunion

A few weeks ago I attended the Department of Labor - Office of Public Affair's (DOL/OPA) intern reunion in Philadelphia. It was great seeing some familiar faces and people working in the industry and even knowing they took part in the same internship I had. According to the DOL, "Since the start of the program in 2003, the office has provide learning opportunities to nearly 40 college interns from colleges throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including The University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Drexel and Rutgers." 

I would like to thank Leni and the rest of the DOL team because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be in my Telemundo Philadelphia chair right now :). The OPA internship was my first approach at public relations and outreach. Considering my major was journalism, it was the start of my journey to the other side (or as some call it the dark side).  Some of the past interns now work in great leadership positions including city government, corporate communications and more. Moral of the story: take the internship!

Día de Acción de Gracias @ Taller PR

Earlier today I volunteered at Taller Puertorriqueno's annual Thanksgiving for the homeless event. I wasn't going to but I left work early and was able to make time. Sometimes we take for granted what we can easily obtain like food, water and shelter. There are hundreds of people who go without any of these every day.

Taller Puertorriqueño’s staff organizes this annual warm dinner and provides clothing and canned groceries to over 300 people in need. There was food was donated by Shining Star Restaurant and Cousin's Supermarket as well as plenty of water provided by Keystone Mercy. I was happy to see other volunteers as well spend at least one hour doing something very selfless.

Interested in other volunteer opportunities? I'm sure you can call their offices or any other local agency in Philadelphia for opportunities. And please don't volunteer because you have to, volunteer because you want to. There's a huge difference. I hope as you sit tomorrow while stuffing your face you remember to thank friends, family and even coworkers. The people we meet in our lives cross our lives for a reason; whether good or bad it's still for a reason. Cherish those memories. Hasta la proxima!

Corporations do care (Goya Foods)

Maybe this just bypassed me but all over South/Central America, cities are being flooded with torrential downpours. And most recently, El Salvador has been a victim of this horrible natural disaster. According to the BBC News article, "The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal to help an estimated 300,000 people in El Salvador after heavy rains caused widespread flooding across Central America." Goya Foods of course is on board with helping its people.

Earlier today, Goya Foods, Inc., announced a donation of 37,000 pounds offood to help those affected by the El Salvador floods. The donation includes evaporated milk, beans, coconut milk and other healthy Goya products. This isn't the first donation Goya has completed; back in March Goya donated 1 million pounds of food to multiple cities. This is a part of they 75th anniversary including their campaign, Goya Gives. So you see, for-profit companies can do good in the community. And GOYA has always been there and to be honest I've never heard anything negative from them. Good job Goya...so now where's my free rice & beans? lol j/k.

Holidays with Comcast

The holiday season is here...sort of and everyone is looking to decorate their casa. But no casa isn't complete without a 2,000 square-foot LED screen right? Well “The Comcast Holiday Spectacular” has turned into a must-see attraction in Philadelphia during the holidays and with newly shot scenes of The Nutcracker featuring the renown Pennsylvania Ballet, a Winter Wonderland, and the majestic sounds of a 64-piece orchestra; it’s sure to delight visitors from around the world.  Since its debut in 2008, almost a half million people have experienced this incredible show of holiday imagery, music, and more.

The show can be seen at the top of each hour at Comcast Center from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 15-minute shows at the top of each hour. (Shows are not presented on weekdays at 5:00 p.m.). And yes it's free for all you people who love to ask, "How much?" It's a good "stop by" type of attraction on your way to a museum or something similar. 

Take a look at last year's video highlights:

Philadelphia wants your ideas

So how do you engage an entire community without causing havoc in a meeting room? Easily...you launch a social media website where users can basically either give you an idea or vent on why they hate the city. Change by US Philly is an online marketplace for community projects that allows you to share ideas for making your city better, and to turn those ideas into projects that have real impact. From tools to network and manage events to helping you connect with local resources, the site supports a number of ways to get involved.

Then again, I've seen a lot of people give ideas and complain yet when they are given the opportunity: NOTHING. Change by US Philly isn't just about posting ideas, it's about actually getting involved. You can search projects by neighborhoods and tap into that network. One of my favorite features is just the design itself. The post-it idea posts are "cute" (hate using that word) but it's real easy to use and searchable. So Philadelphia, instead of complaining about small things, change your neighborhood and your city and then we'll talk about why you dislike _______. Tweet away!

Video: NO SOLO HAY dos COLORES

I love art...hence why I am not an artist lol. But I do appreciate good things with positive messages. Michelle Ortiz is one of many artists who worked on the No Solo Hay Dos Colores art project in Spain. The teaser below is just a small taste of what the final documentary, to be release November 21, will be focused on.

Puerto Rico is not foreign

As much as people assume Puerto Rico is foreign, it still is a U.S. territory. Although I can't get into politics discussing whether or not PR should be a state or independent, let's discuss something else. Apparently Puerto Rico is ineligible to be nominated for Best Foreign Film in the Academy Awards. According to an article in the NY Daily News, "The controversy arose when the movie, based on the novel “America’s Dream” by Esmeralda Santiago, was not allowed to be considered as a possible nominee for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2012 Oscars."

So why can't they be nominated? I mean if Puerto Rico can compete independently in the Olympics and for the Miss Universe pageant, why can't they win Best Foreign Film?  The online petition at change.org currently has over 1500 signatures but clearly needs more. I wonder what would happen if Puerto Rico did become an independent nation; would things remain the same or would it get better? Either way I believe Puerto Rico should be allowed to win the Academy Award.

Video: Dramatic battle of a lifetime

I absolutely love this video for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Call me a nerd but this is probably one of the most dramatic cinematic opening sequences I have seen. The combination battles and still frames really make this into something completely different. I wonder if they made this into an actual movie what would be the plot and even ending? Galactus is not really a villain nor a hero, he just wants to survive and it just so happens that he needs to eat planets to survive. Awkward. Enjoy!

What does it mean to "look" like something

For the last few weeks the new cleaning lady in my building would always talk to me in English and my coworker in Spanish. I would say hello to her in Spanish but her replies were always in English. Then one day as I was watching the Spanish news, she asked, "Can you understand that?" Really? I work at Telemundo; one would assume I speak Spanish. Then again you should never assume because there are MANY people who work in Spanish media who probably don't speak a word of it.

Her next comment after finding out I was a Jersey-born Colombian was, "Wow I thought you were white." Really though? Granted I did not give her a stank face nor judged her but really? What does it mean to look white or Latino or Asian? How many generalizations and stereotypes are we going to give our gente? I honestly didn't mind it at all but then I thought way too deep in it...just because she's an older Puerto Rican woman as well. Then I thought to myself, "A lot of people in this community think I'm Puerto Rican." Is it because I live in Philly and like to help out? I don't know.

Back in college some people thought I was mixed with some Asian...more Chinese than anything. Not really sure where that comes from but people have said it's either because of my hair and/or my eyes. Racism alert! lol. Again I have no clue why we like to judge people based on their skin, hair, eyes, dress and everything in between. Here I am judging people when I know I have done it in the past. America...the land of opportunity based on what you look like. That's my rant for the day :).

People still send money?

In a study conducted by Xoom.com, the company revealed that Hispanics use their mobile phones to send money more frequently than any other immigrant group.  Mexicans and Central Americans are leading this trend with 13% of remittance transactions being sent from a mobile phone.  Other immigrant groups send 7% of remittances from a mobile phone. This probably explains why people work so hard here, then just move back to Mexico. The U.S. dollar is more valuable in their own country. I wonder if the study shows who's bank account.

Anyways, consumers can now use Xoom.com to send money to Mexico or any other country. Founded in 2001, the website is probably making the smartest business decision ever. I faked attempted to send money to Colombia but was deterred by the sign-up feature. Either way, for a small convenience fee of $5, I say go for it. Sure money transfers via the web seem shady but if PayPal did it why can't Xoom? So please send me some money so I can begin my next journey to Colombia :). J/k.

Video: Shooting a Venezuelan Candidate

So what happens when you run for president outside of the United States? Well apparently you get shot lol. FoxNewsLatino has the whole story but the video is below.

Me Encanta

McDonald's USA is expanding its social media strategy with the launch of @MeEncanta, McDonald's official Twitter handle focused on its growing number of Spanish-tweeting fans living in the U.S. The new social media channel offers followers the latest news about McDonald's menu, exclusive promotions, as well as information on the company's different initiatives to support the community in the areas of education, music and sports.

The new Twitter account will provide contests, inside scoops on workshops, and continue conversations with the Latino community. The handle is managed by McDonald's national Hispanic PR agency of record, VPE Public Relations, and overseen by McDonald's communication and social media teams. Although this account actually existed for a while now, it's starting to gain momentum. One essential part of the account is interaction with the community and thankfully they are! It's one thing to have hundreds, thousands and millions of followers, but if you're not interacting with them, what's the point? So...I wonder if they're going to promote the McRib? lol

The working class man

 During my current visit to Virginia I started to notice something very interesting. There seems to be a large number of Latinos standing on the streets asking for work. Strategically located near shopping centers, they seem to jump at every opportunity that looks like work.

While I cannot judge nor assume, they might be undocmuented. It's very unfortunate this is most likely how they make a living and are too afraid to find better jobs. So why the Uhaul photo? Only because while helping my brother move they would jump to us with assumptions that we were going to hire them.

An open letter to Santana from Glee

Dear Santana from Glee,

I'm not even sure what to think of you. Sure you think "keeping it" real is an okay thing, but you have to remember you're Latina...at least that's what the show says you are. If you are, stop being a "bitch," and if you aren't, stop being a "bitch." It took a while for me to get accustomed to you and I liked you a lot. You know how to sing and pretty much get things done your way. However, the negative attitude does not give you the best fan base...especially because it seems as though you're the typical cheerleader and typical Puerto Rican. Again I don't know if you're even Puerto Rican, but just stop it.

Let's take things a step further. You're a closeted lesbian. Ummm now that makes things a little more complicated because you now represent two minorities. Maybe three if you count cheerleading. I'm a big fan of the show and you actually make things hilarious with your jokes and "realness." The fact that you attempt to hide things makes your character more interesting. In fact, don't change. Wait until you get to college lol. Hasta pronto.

Sincerely,

A gleek :)

Video: Philadelphia's Puerto Rican History

Let's just get this out the way and avoid further awkwardness, I'm not Puerto Rican. I've lived in Philadelphia 8 years and there have been some instances where the community has confused me. Anyways, I do however appreciate Philadelphia's Latino culture; Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican and everything else that surrounds this city. I appreciate even more the hidden stories that no one really knows about.

I recently saw the documentary below posted by Gilberto G. and thought this is what people need to see. The history of not just Latinos but Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia. This project is funded by several Latino leaders in the area and will be released in 2012. Enjoy the clip below!

Pennsylvania's First Puerto Rican Mayor

Okay we all know there were elections all over the state of Pennsylvania, but did you know the FIRST Latino Mayor was elected in Pennsylvania history! Jose Rosado was just elected Mayor of Fountain Hill, PA...it's in the Lehigh Valley near Bethlehem. I may not know a lot about him, but it's happy to hear (and sad) about a Latino becoming mayor in our own state. Mayor Rosado was actually appointed to be Fountail Hill's Mayor in the beginning of the year but I'm sure he had to actually run for election thereafter.

Mayor Rosado is a 12-year resident of Fountain Hill Borough and a life long resident of the Lehigh Valley area. He was formerly Director of Community and Student Services with the Allentown School District, and was formerly the Assistant Principal of the East Hills Middle School (2004 – 2010) and Assistant Principal of the Broughal Middle School (1996 – 2004) in the Bethlehem Area School District. Mayor Rosado holds a B.A. in Sociology / Criminal Justice Administration from East Stroudsburg University, an M. Ed. In Education from Lehigh University, and received his Principal Certification for Secondary Schools from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1995. As both a Guidance Counselor at Liberty High School and later as the Assistant Principal of Broughal Middle School, Mayor Rosado has served the students and families of Fountain Hill and will continue to do so in his new role as Mayor.

Oh how we grow old

I recently wrote an article in Enterate Hispanic Magazine about ageism and giving thanks to those who have helped us (me) in this crazy thing called life. Sometimes we take things for granted and expect things handed to us, other times we don't reach out too often to other. However, there's a point in time where we decide what we want. Young people should reach out to older people for advice, consejos, everything. And for the older generation, we should reach out to them. Well I'm not that old but I do give people 20 and under a chance at things.

I think honestly speaking there are a lot of people out there who don't give young professional Latinos a chance. It's a hateful world out there and in this economy why should they help us right? No. Supporting young Latinos ensures many things including the survival and continuous growth of our gente. Rule of thumb: Latinos need to support other Latinos in all aspects (spiritually, professionally, economically, etc.). As much as I wish I could mentor someone, I find other opportunities for the younger generation.

A hero in us all

Today I had the liberty of meeting two members of Herostreet, a (sort of) new alternative Latino rock band formed here in Philadelphia. A different sound to what most people are used to, I appreciated listening to Jose and Marian's story about coming to the U.S. to pursue their dreams of music. Music and any other form of art is a difficult business to get in but with persistence, it can happen. Formed in 2006, the band consists of three Colombian brothers and two additional bandmates of Puerto Rican descent. They've performed two years in a row at the Hispanic Choice Awards in Philadelphia and their music is heard in various places including here in Philadelphia, New York, Colombia and Mexico. I smell history in the making :).

Herostreet also recently produced their first video for El Sol. Enjoy!

Enjoy the LATISM conference this week

The LATISM conference is this week and I am unfortunately not going ::sad face::. The national event –to be held at the beautiful Navy Pier, one of the city’s world class landmarks –will consolidate LATISM’s mission and audience of health providers, government officials, educators, community and thought leaders with three tracks focusing on empowering Latinos: Public Service, Business & Leadership and Personal Influence & Community. And a conference can't be a conference without some awesome awards right? This year LATISM will honor the best bloggers, agencies and organizations which have set the trend and just did an awesome job with using social media.

Some of the awards to be distributed are:

1. Best Lifestyle Blogger
2. Best Latin@ Tech Blogger 
3. Best Latino(a) Social Network Leader
4. Best Latino(a) Social Network Leader
5. Best Politician using Social Media to reach Latino(a)s   
   

With a whopping 26 awards, the night will be filled with many winners and unfortunately some losers. But again they are not losers...I mean they were nominated right? Nonetheless, I hope everyone has a great time time in Chicago (during the cold) and remember to keep on fighting the good fight. I hope to see a conference or something in Philadelphia soon. Hasta pronto!

Shut down ex-gay clinics in Ecuador

Original story

Change.org. It's a simple site where you start a cause and get people to sign your petition. If it worked for those silly ATM fees then why can't it work for everyone else? Today I received an e-mail from change.org about patients in an Ecuadorian clinic basically being tortured for being gay. Anyone want to tell me why this is okay and it's still happening?

According to the petition,  "Paula Ziritti, 24, spent two years in one such facility and for three months was shackled in handcuffs while guards threw water and urine on her.  She describes numerous accounts of physical and sexual abuse."  Ziritti goes on to say, “The closure of the first clinics by the government is good, but not good enough. Why is the clinic where I suffered still open?” I couldn't believe something like this is happening in our world. Torture? Curing homosexuality? Riiiiiiiiiight.

These type of incidents have to make you realize protests in the U.S. are probably the least of our problems. Could clinics like the ones in Ecuador exist in the U.S.? For more information about the petition to stop these clinics visit change.org.

The importance of the letter ñ

Oh the letter ñ. Most people don't even know how to even say it. I've heard people say, "You know the letter n with the symbol above it." -_-. Did you know that little symbol is actually called a tilde? True story. Anyways, Mexican American actor Michael Peña walks us through why "ñ" is important. With a little bit of humor, we can only imagine what our other letters will bring. Enjoy!



P.S. Did you know to get ñ while typing you should hit ALT + 164?

Video: Dia de los Muertos

Unlike most cultures, death can have a positive outlook. The Mexican tradition, Dia de los Muertos, celebrates the dead by remembering their life and designing an altar.  Below you'll find a video from Telemundo Philadelphia on the Mexican Cultural Center's Day of the Dead celebration. Enjoy!

Confess your love for Mexico

What happens if you mix Taxi Cab Confessions plus Mexico? Well, you get Mexico's new tourism campaign "Mexico Taxi Project." Not the best name but it sure is sneaky and real. According to a recent NY Times article, "In the commercials, tourists returning from Mexico chat about their trips with drivers from car services who are taking them home. The drivers were, of course, part of the campaign, as were the town cars equipped with hidden cameras that filmed the rides from airports in markets like Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia." The microsite already includes a few videos with taxi passengers talking about their trip to Mexico.

What I'm wondering is what about those who didn't leave good reviews? What was the ratio between good and bad? I'm hoping the other videos are a little more diverse but I'm sure I know what they're going for. According to the NY times article, "The Mexico commercials required considerable logistical set-ups. Tourists were approached at airports in Mexico, Mr. Llanes said, and again after they landed at their home airports." Passengers were asked for their opinion for a "new brand of tequila" and in return would get a free ride home. Sweet deal right? Have you been to Mexico...thoughts?

Why Shakira is a global phenomenon

For various reasons, Shakira will be one of the biggest entertainers in the world. She's conquered philanthropic charities, education, the World Cup, music and more. A few days ago it was also reported that, on November 8 at 11.30 a.m., she would be honored with the 2,354th star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording.Um awesome? And just as an honorable mention, Shakira was the 2011 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year! But I'm happy she is more than just awards...she tackles very important issues like education and is buddy buddy with President Obama. Imagine that. Shakira...keep doing your thing :).

Video: Sentimientos

A little Charlie Zaa never hurt anyone right? He was awesome back in the day...and now he's back. Enjoy!

Event: Delaware Valley's Influential Latinos

It's that time of the year again where Impacto Latin Newspaper and the Multicultural Affairs Congress awards the Delaware Valley's Most Influential Latinos. What started in 2006 as a magazine supplement and dinner has turned into one of the most talked about events of the year. Sure I was awarded last year but it really is a nice event; they also change the format of the event every year which is always great. This year's event will feature a commemorative book with all past awardees! How cool is that? I wonder if they'll ever use those videos we recorded last year?

To purchase your ticket click here or call 215.922.5465. See you there!

Update 11/18/11:

Just received the press release with some of this years award winners! And while some are obvious and past recipients, there are some new entries as well. This year’s honorees include: Ruben Amaro, Jr., Philles General Manager; Maria Quiñones-Sanchez, Philadelphia City Council; Kenneth Trujillo, founding member of Trujillo Rodriguez and Richards LLC; Sara Manzano Diaz, Director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau; Romulo Diaz, Vice President Governmental and External Affairs at PECO; and Rudolph Garcia, Chancellor at the Philadelphia Bar Association; among others. The awards dinner and ceremony will be emceed by 6 ABC’s Action News reporter, Walter Perez.

Educating the Latinos to exceed

DECIDE.PLAN.ACT. That should sum up everyone's goals in life. Decide where you want to be and what you want to be. Plan ahead...there's nothing worse than jumping into things and acting like you know everything. After planning then you act. Your educational goals should be short and long term. And what better way to get national attention than a tweetchat right!? That's why in maybe (NOW) less than 10 minutes, The @newfuturo & @beinglatino DECIDE.PLAN.ACT. tweetchat will commence. Follow the education conversation at #LatinoEdu. 

Education should be extremely important to Latinos in the EE.UU. Sure you keep reading all these numbers about Latinos in this state and that state, but what good is that without an education. An education is needed to fulfill a lot of American lifestyles. I understand it's not SUPER DUPER necessary but it's an essential part of life. Why do you think our parents came to this pais? A bachelor's in today's age is easy to get (maybe), but let's move forward with master's degrees and even Ph.Ds.

Join us at the Tweetchat today (3 p.m. EST) and tomorrow, November 2 at 8 p.m. EST.