That Really Grinds My Gears...Rain Rain Rain

Maybe it's just me but is this weather crazy or what? This morning for some odd reason it was warm as all hell and it was raining which meant me sneezing all day long. Okay maybe it also had to do with dust in the air but sheeesh give us people a break. And of course there would be a flash flood warning on a Thursday night when everyone wants to go out and enjoy the "beginning" of their weekend. Alas, let's make the best of it...hasta pronto!

Why should you come to the HCA's?

To answer your first question, it's the Hispanic Choice Awards. Second, it's a wonderful opportunity to network, mingle, dance, applaud, etc. Third, here's why you should go...



Read my Examiner.com post for the full story.

Philadelphia's Puerto Ricans

Join Philly Latinos tomorrow as they celebrate the culture and heritage of one of Philadelphia’s largest immigrant communities. The evening will begin with a dance perfomance by Philareyto and live music by Raices Boricuas, a Puerto Rican folkloric music ensemble. The guest speaker will be Dr. Victor Vazquez Hernandez, associate professor of history at Miami Dade College and co-editor of The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Historical Perspectives. Dr. Vazquez Hernandez will present a lecture titled "Puerto Ricans and the Latinization of Philadelphia." The lecture will be followed by a display of original documents from HSP's collection and a reception with pastries from El Cafeito. Visit www.hsp.org or call 215-732-6200 ext. 214 to register for this free event. Cosponsored by Al Dia, Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, and El Cafeito.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Shakira...the 4 year-old

In "adorable and cute" old news, Britian's Got Talent got a taste of a new Colombian sensation named Shakira. Granted this video is 3 years old, it's amazing to see a little girl get on stage and show her cultural talent: cumbia y salsa. Where are all the other Colombianos at!?

Marc Anthony en concierto

Now I know a lot of you are Marc Anthony fans so that's why I'm happy to say he's performing este viernes at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. I'm pretty sure tickets are way way way out your budget, but luckily there's a chance to win tickets! Just visit holaciudad.com and enter your e-mail...it's simple as that. That's pretty much it for this post.

p.s. If you win tickets, you MIGHT see me there.

Tek Lado and the Hispanic Geek

As you all should know the Tek Lado launch fiesta is this jueves, but the first issue has hit newsstands by storm! Not the usual looking magazine, when I grabbed it I knew it was different. Oddly enough it reminded me of a Hispanic magazine from another country. So what is Tek lado? It's a technology and pop culture magazine for the new bilingual generation...us!

The magazine includes English, Spanish and (my favorite) Spaniglish stories. Everything from social networking sites like chatroulette to Philadelphia artists using technology in exhibitions. And if that wasn't enough, the magazine is using special QR codes. According to the mag, "Tek Lado will use QR Codes to provide our bilingual readership with the option to view any featured article in the language they're more comfortable with." Talk about a new approach huh? So pick up your Tek Lado Magazine around the city and see you at the launch fiesta.

You mean he isn't Latino...He just plays one?

That's right, it's been a constant struggle in the TV/movie world. We get mad when non-Latino actors play a Latino on scene yet we also get mad when a Latino portrays a Latino role (i.e. Modern Family). Like Latina.com says, " The way we see it, the role should go to the best actor for the role." They are right, it should be about the BEST actor, but we also have to respect cultural differences.

"The problem isn't that non-Latino actors are stealing the roles of Hispanic characters, it's the lack of roles for people of color in TV and film that's at the root of this issue. This isn’t the first time a non-Latin actor plays a Latino and it probably won’t be the last." How many Latinos are there that are put into a box? I remember watching John Leguizamo's show Klass Klown where he described being put into that box. Alas we can never win. Maybe I guess that's why my frat brother "Alpinista" keeps on fighting the big fight.

Comment crazy!

As a business on Facebook, you always have to be ready for negative comments. We all have enemies and people who think they can do our job better, but that's life. However, sometimes commenters can take things a little too far defending each argument. Like the example above, National Geographic Traveler's blog Intelligent Travel uploaded a Hispanic Heritage Month post to their Facebook account. Although 30 people loved the post, the first commenter decided to take actions into their own hand.

Sometimes these organizations decide not to respond and let other people question the response. Samantha decided to respond but then Sandra dished out some more. Unfortunately there are some negative people out there ready to find the best opportunity to comment. How would you respond? Is your answer personal or professional?

O - M - G: Shakira performs on Letterman

El Orgullo de Nuestra Herencia - Mural Contest

I am a huge fan of murals. Luckily I live in a city which boasts 3000 murals making it the mural capital of el mundo. And now with Hispanic Heritage Month in full blast, corporations are doing what they can to reach out to the Latino consumer. I have to give it up to Verizon for coming up with this pretty cool and noteworthy contest. "El Orgullo de Nuestra Herencia" is an online contest putting 3 muralists to the test and spreading their love for their culture. Cities across the U.S. are participating including Philadelphia. Voting ends October 2nd.

"The Grass Is Greener"

"Family and tradition are of utmost importance to Hispanic culture..."

"Identity is more than your great grandparents’ birthplace."

That Really Grinds My Gears...No TV

So as much as I want to say, "I can live without cable," I really can't. I've been in my new apartment for a little over 2 weeks and with absolute no access to TV it's starting to get a really weird. Yes I do have a television but I have no channels. Not even any of the regular channels. Therefore I'm missing Modern Family, the Office and yes even the news. Do I feel like I'm missing important information? To be honest I think I am. This proves the internet cannot solve all your problems.

Suggestions?!

See you at the parade

The Philadelphia Puerto Rican Day Parade is this domingo. Many people have their own opinion about the parade but I'm glad it's still on. There were debates on the value of festivals/parades a few months ago and how to pay for them to happen. For more info on what to do this weekend click here.

The Salsa Jackpot

Times like these make me wish I had a vehicle to travel. It's not everyday you run across a "Latin" night in the city; it's always the usual suspects. Well that's why I'm happy a place like Parx Casino - Club 360 is offering a Latino night every Thursday! Only one problem (for me that is), it's in Bensalem, PA. Hence why I would like a car.

The party starts at 8:30 p.m. with a Zumba Show! Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind dance. One hour late get your free salsa lessons on with Philly finest and world famous salsa instructors. Stay a little later because at 10:30 p.m. La Luna and Estilio students will be performing.

p.s. I wish they stopped calling it "Latin" night. Just sayin.

The DEVIL gets a review

If you believe in GOD then there must be a Devil correct? Most people tend not to want to believe in him or whatever their version of the Devil is. Well M. Night Shyamalan's "Devil" is not about chance encounters nor whether or not you believe in him, it's about reason. Everything happens for a reason and you run into everyone because it was meant to be.

Overall I appreciated M. Night's film because to be honest he has not been winning me over for the past few years. Devil, like other horror flicks, makes you want to be a better person. It makes you realize bad you've done in the past and wish you hadn't. Should it make you believe in God or the Devil? Not really, it just makes you think about your past, present and future. And of course throughout the movie who is the man believing in the Devil...the Latino. 'Nuff Said

Support our Dream Act

In America, we all have dreams. However, due to a lot of small yet powerful laws, sometimes it's hard to manage around this country. The purpose of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also called the DREAM Act, is to help those individuals who meet certain requirements, have an opportunity to enlist in the military or go to college and have a path to citizenship which they otherwise would not have without this legislation. So what seems to be the problem with passing the law?

Rewind to 2007 when the NY Times published an editorial story on passing the act. Fast forward to today and we get a similar article. Three plus years of fighting to help our youth and soldiers fighting in other countries. So what can you do? Push for it to be passed! Call your Senator...hurry because you have until 2 p.m. today.

Racial and Ethnic Divides

Look at the picture above and tell me what can you conclude from the map? I'm pretty sure it's obvious...first it's a map of Philadelphia. Second...it's our racial divide. Broken down: Red is White, Blue is Black, Green is Asian, Orange is Hispanic, Gray is Other, and each dot is 25 people. Data from Census 2000. There's an obvious divide and if you know your Philly history, this didn't happen on purpose. One can only imagine what these maps could be used for. Let's see what happens when council districts change in the next few years.

And it's not just Philadelphia. Look at the divide in other cities like Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Chicago etc. The creator, Bill Rankin, created the first map of Chicago stating, "My alternative is to use dot mapping to show three kinds of urban transitions." To view other cities, visit Eric Fischer's flickr page.

Tomabilidad?

Okay so sure a lot of Latinos love to throw around Spanglish and yes there are some disagreements about it, but when businesses try to use it all hell will break lose. Apparently Budweiser, Corona and Coors Light have decided to make up whole new words. An article in the NY Post further explains the new words:

• Tomabilidad: Bud ad speak for drinkability. No such word in Spanish.
• Más una fría que beer: Corona’s ad line, which translates into: “More one cold what beer” Huh?
• Emborícuate: Native speakers are at a loss of what this Coors Light phrase means.

Seriously...what were they thinking? Who did the research and who exactly are they reaching? It's one thing to reach to the Latino consumer, but there are different types of Latinos. By that I mean the Latino who was born in the U.S. and doesn't watch Telemundo or Univision and then you have the Puerto Rican, Colombian, Dominican, etc. who immigrated to the U.S. and watches Telemundo, Galavision, etc. The latter will probably have the slightest clue what "emboricuate" means.

Seriously. What do you think of the ads and made up words?

Celebrate Taller's 35th Anniversary

Photo by D. Cruz

When you think of Latino Philadelphia, one of the most prominent answer would be Taller Puertorriqueño. Well this year you'll be hearing more because they are celebrated 35 years as the "Corazon Cultural del Barrio". Special guests include Ana Ortiz, cast-member of the ABC comedy-drama series "Ugly Betty" and Dra. Ana Maria Polo, lawyer and judge of the Emmy nominated Telemundo show "Caso Cerrado".

Get your tickets now at tallerpr35thanniversarygala.eventbrite.com. Throughout the gala you'll be able to purchase arts and crafts and there will alsoo be a silent auction. Don't worry dance animals because at 8 p.m. you'll be able to dance to the rhythm of "Jibaro con Tumbao".

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...HHM

Hispanic Heritage Month began a few days ago. However, like most Latinos, we want to celebrate all year long. Sure corporations are doing their thing to reach out to the Latino consumer, but do we really feel like that's good enough? Was this month really created for "them"? Either way, I'm glad I decided to partake in this venture myself by working on "our" Hispanic Heritage Month outreach. Check it out here. Enjoy!

Who Remembers...

...this awesome game!? Some how my mom plays this game so perfectly that she doesn't need to count the spaces :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Tweets of the Week

So how do we feel about the new Twitter change? Seems as though the entire social media world is changing...which is a given. So let's start spreading more positive news than just complaining about what we can't do with ourselves. Here are today's tweets of the day

Today Hispanic Heritage Month launched in the United States. Everyone is doing their part to spread the message.

A new baby is always good news to spread via Twitter.

Shakira. You'll never grow old :)

Who doesn't love chatting over Twitter!?

Joaquin Rivera Scholarship Fund

Join the Philadelphia community to honor the legacy of Joaquin Rivera, a community leader, musician, school counselor and friend to all. The money raised at this event will go directly to the new Joaquin Rivera Scholarship Fund, which has already granted its first awards to five students on June 23, 2010. The committee invites the entire community to participate in this event by raising a glass of wine for our good friend.

The $10 admission fee includes two complimentary glasses of house wine, live music, and access to the silent art auction. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at Centro Musical (464 W. Lehigh Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19133) or at the door during the event. The event will feature music and dance performances by local artists. AMLA's founder, Jesse Bermudez, will serve as the special Master of Ceremonies.

For more information about this event or the Joaquin Rivera Scholarship Fund, contact Veronica Castillo-Perez at 215-425-1390 or via email at vperez@raicesculturales.org

Shakira in concert

Our favorite Colombian philanthropic singer will be in concert este sabado in Atlantic City, NJ! Get your tickets now because I'm pretty sure the good ones are gone. She'll be all over the U.S. until the end of October and then headed to Europe to finish it off. But of course we can't have a concert without reason. According to Shakira's website, the new album will hit stores on October 19. The album will feature Shakira's record-breaking global hit "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)", as well as a new single "Loca". Recorded in the Dominican Republic, “Loca” is Shakira’s interpretation of Dominican artist El Cata’s song “Loca Con Su Tiguere".

Shakira...you did it again.

Shakira in Concert
Trump Taj Mahal
Atlantic City, NJ
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 08:00 PM

The M.A.C.H.O hombre

Last weekend I attended a one-man show party of the Philly fringe. I must say it really made me think a lot about life as a Latino in the U.S. It sure was different though. Armando Batista portrayed different characters either in himself or someone else throughout the show. What exactly was the moral of the story? From what I took from the show, it essentially meant no matter what happens in life, you should be happy with what you have.

The show called "M.A.C.H.O" was meant for audience interaction and what you thought M.A.C.H.O meant. What does the "M" mean? What does the "C" mean? Armando took you through a journey of dreams, love, religion and then some. Throughout your entire life you wear different masks for different people. But to be honest, in the end you have to be yourself and what you believe in. If you didn't get a chance to see his show there will be other chances. Stay tuned for more details.

Salsa Night at the F.O.P.

Have you been looking for salsa nights in Philly? Need something a little different than the usual. Well thankfully the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (S.A.L.E.A.) hold a monthly salsa night at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5. I know it sounds weird I kno... dancing con la policia?

Trust me. It's a great experience! Especially if you go with a group of friends. As Latinos we love to dance with whoever...especially if you're good. But this place isn't about showing off your skills and twirling your partner, it's about having fun. The salsa nights are held every second saturday of the month and are free before 11 p.m. After 11 p.m. you only pay a $5 entrance fee. Did I mention affordable drinks? Hope to see you there October 8.

p.s. Did I mention you might get to meet celebrities like Frankie Negron? Yes. random.

Tek Lado Launch Fiesta

I'm going to be honest, I love technology. I'm not saying I know HTML, Cisco, Mobile Apps, etc...but I do love using it. That's why I'm excited about the upcoming launch of Tek Lado. Tek Lado is a technology and pop culture magazine for the new bilingual generation. The premiere issue of this Philadelphia-based publication hits the stands on Sept. 22, 2010, in paper form, and they are in the process of modifying the website.

These days one would think launching a full-color magazine would be outrageous. But nope, they are doing it! According to a post on TechincallyPhilly.com, "20,000 32-page inaugural issues will land in honor boxes, cafes, bars, restaurants and waiting rooms throughout the region on Sept. 22, with plans to move to every other month in 2011. Funded by advertising and supported strictly by freelance contributions, the magazine will be free and pick-up only." And to be honest, just because it's Hispanic based does not mean it's strictly Hispanic! You'll see artist bio's, culture, events, devices, etc.

The Hispanic Market, I believe, is one of those areas people are still not attempting to tap into. Believe me the research is out there! Also, if you're interested in the launch party, visit tek-lado.com for more information and how to get involved. I think the gente of Latism would appreciate this magazine.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Moving

A little over a week ago I moved into a new apartment in the Norris Square area of Philadelphia. This has probably been the sixth time I've moved in 6 years. And over these years I've come to acquire more and more items. When I moved here I realized this is definitely top 3 things I hate to do. As I started packing I realized I had a lot of stuff to throw away, even then so, there was a lot to take with me. And because I'm in a bigger space, now I have to get more stuff (i.e. furniture). Alas, you can never win when moving.

Colombia vs. USA

You ever have so much pride in your country that you would kill for it? Well that's how futbol enthusiasts feel. Even though your team is probably NEVER going to win the world cup, you still fight for them to win at least one (or two) games. Excitingly enough, a HUGE game is coming up in Chester, PA. The U.S. Men’s National Team will host South American rivals Colombia on Oct. 12 at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. Kickoff for the USA’s first match on the Chester waterfront is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Galavision.

Although it's an exhibition, it's clearly one of those games you don't want to miss. Why? Well because sometimes these two teams don't like each other. To purchase your tickets visit philadelphiaunion.com. Who will you root for?

Today's song of the day

This song stole my heart in Vegas. Whoever plays this song...may god bless them as I do the "danny" dance lol.

What does it mean to be Latino in the USA?

Do you ever ask yourself the following questions? Are you MAN enough? Are you WOMAN enough? What does it mean to be a Latin man in America? There is this huge perception about Latinos in the U.S. and what we are meant to be and/or become. The man is the money-maker and the woman takes care of the household. But what happens when these roles are switched? Should they be?

My frat brother, Armando Batista, has taken this concept and turned it into a one-man show in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Come see The Fool as he discovers the many faces of machismo. This is a show where audience is as much a subject as the performer—like a mirror. Come enjoy the show and stay for drinks. You may learn something about our cultura and yourself.

Norris Square Presbyterian Church
2140 North Hancock Street (Susquehanna Ave & Hanckock St)
September 11th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Going on right now: @BeingLatino Twitter Fiesta

That's right. Tonight going on right now is @BeingLatino's first ever Twitter fiesta. The topic of the evening will be Entrepreneurship and thanks to our fabulous sponsor, Sidral Mundet, we will be giving away the following prizes throughout the evening:

• 1 iPod touch 8GB
• 1 iPod Shuffle 2GB
• 10 Sidral gift packs

To be entered to win make sure you RSVP here and follow @BeingLatino @SidralMundet @ChicasChatting. Being Latino is a communication platform designed to educate and connect all peoples across the global Latino spectrum and it's growing everyday. To follow the fiesta be sure to use hashtag #sidralmundet or click here. This is a wonderful opportunity to network across the globe with like-minded individuals looking to start their own business.

The joys of working in Latino Philadelphia

Most people don't get to see the fruits of your labor because it's a completely different industry. I was one of the few people in the communications school at Temple University in my group of friends. This is why I always get the "so what do you do at work" question. Nonetheless, I shouldn't have to prove what I do but because I'm in public relations, it's hard to stamp things.

More reason why I should blog about my success stories! In this months Where Traveler (Philadelphia) magazine, they list Latino information. This is probably the first time the magazine lists information from El Centro de Oro (Philly's Latino neighborhood). I took the writer, Karen Gross, out for lunch at El Bohio and showed her around the neighborhood. Like everyone, she loved the change and how different it feels.

My conclusion from working 2.5 years "here": Latinos love mainstream activities and Americans (non-Latino) love the Latino activities. There you have it haha.

Sorry guys but...

I'll be out the office until Monday. I need some relaxation with the family....I hope :)

Hispanic Public Relations Tonight

Are you in public relations? Hispanic PR? Well tonight is the night to get on Twitter and starting chatting away. #hprchat is hosting a Twitter fiesta with Hispanic PR Jobs as the theme; learn about networking, tips and opportunities. You can also submit questions to @andycheco without the hashtag.

This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking for new careers. Twitter has given thousands of people the opportunity to network with future business partners, and even friends. So remember to keep track of the above hashtag and get ready to learn all about Hispanic PR and then some. Have you found Twitter parties useful? Have you found career leads?