A real show stopper: STOMP

I had the wonderful opportunity (thanks to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts) to attend Stomp at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. This was a part of their "Tweet Seats" program to get social buzz going for the show.

Although I've heard great things about the show and have seen the ads, I didn't know what to expect. But I can honestly say I enjoyed myself a lot. The idea behind making sounds and music (and a story) from everyday household items, to me, was not only interesting but entertaining. It wasn't just the performers making music, they brought the audience into the story as well.

Art matters in the Latino community

I'm not an artist...that's pretty obvious. But I can appreciate what the arts and culture world does for people and communities. Whether on a local or national scale, it's been proven that all forms of art can enrich and change a persons life. It's important to also grasp how important it is in the Latino community.

I've met some incredible Latino artists in the last 9 years in Philadelphia. Those including Tony Rocco, Julia Lopez, Michelle Ortiz, Luz Salas to name a few. I was also fortunate enough to serve on the host committee for the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures conference when it was held in Philadelphia in 2012. An amazing opportunity to meet people in the industry and even catch some awesome performances throughout the city.

Sigma Lambda Beta's Penn State president victim of racism

pic.twitter.com/XSgKX9p2jp

— PennStateBetas (@PennStateBetas) December 10, 2014

It's known that I'm in a predominately Latino fraternity that was founded at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I pledged  Spring 2004 and have even written about it during my graduate studies at Saint Joseph's University. Since then I've pushed to be a better Latino male in the world we live in since in fact it's a crazy world.

Then this happened to Penn State's chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Yep, the organization's President was approached by a group of white male student's who proceeded to pour water on him and tell him to, and I quote, "go back to your country." It's one thing to pour water but to follow up with "go back to your country" is terrible.

Coca-Cola and #HazAlguienFeliz

Instead of creating something new, it's always important to integrate new campaigns with your traditional campaigns. Of course this isn't for every corporation but Coca-Cola is doing it right. 

FuelersTV: Online video content for Honda

Videos. We love them. We share them. We click on them. And that's pretty much what I've been seeing in my Facebook feed for a good month now. Anything longer than 1 minute and I am not interested.

So how do you keep people engaged with video? Do they have to be 30 seconds like a TV ad? Less? Social video like Vine and Instagram have been paving the way for more video content. I'm sure there are plenty of amazing examples but I recently came across one (old but I like them)  that combined a car retailer and tourism. Makes sense.

Dave and Busters celebrates Taco Tuesday...seriously

This week I'll be in Nashville, TN for the Social Media Tourism Symposium. During the conference attendees learn best practices in the travel and tourism industry in regards to...well social media. Case studies, content management, selling hotel rooms, e-newsletters, and brand marketing are just some of the topics we'll be discussing.

This leads me to the following: Tweets gone wrong.

The State of Hispanic Business

The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) has released "The State of Hispanic Business" for the Greater Philadelphia region. "The report provides business and consumer insights about Latinos, the region's fastest growing and increasingly influential market segment," said Varsovia Fernandez, President and CEO of the GPHCC.

The report highlights various business factors around the region including advertising the the Latino consumer, buying power, increase of Latino-owned businesses, and social media.

So why the report?

Shakira's YouTube Mini-Series with Fisher-Price

Remember when we told you about Shakira's partnership with Fisher-Price? Well it also included a YouTube mini series.

Some of the video subjects include:

• Talking to Baby. 
• How Motherhood has Changed Her. 
• Working with Fisher-Price. 
• Milestones. 

Watch them all after the jump.

Sharing your moment with Coca-Cola

Maybe it's just me but have you noticed all the Hispanic Heritage (Month) posts have ended? Actually...now I'm seeing a lot more Dia de los Muertos posts from corporations still taking advantage of a culture they do not understand.

Anyways. I recently came across the following tweet:

American Hispanics by the Numbers

As of 2013 Latino buying power stands at an impressive $1.2 trillion, with women driving the purchases. Right now, with 53 million Latinos in the U.S., one in six Americans is Latino. In three short decades, it will be closer to one in three. These are all facts.

But where else do we get our facts? The media? Television shows? These are all biased mediums that don't really showcase the passion and statistics. This is where a forthcoming book comes into play...Latino Stats: American Hispanics by the Numbers.

Shakira to team up with Fisher-Price

As if Shakira can't become even more inspiring, she's now officially teamed up with Fisher-Price.

According to the Associated Press, Shakira and Fisher-Price will release six products that were co-developed by Shakira in November. The singer reached out to the company about the team up and proceeds from sales will go to her Barefoot Foundation. Some of the toys include a bouncer that plays music, alphabet blocks and a musical soccer ball, an ode to her soccer-playing boyfriend Gerard Pique.

Horrible news from Univision and Google

In a world of ever changing technology and landscapes, you start to wonder what business moves will be made in the next few years. Here are a few that were mistakes.

Okay so the first news from Google isn't horrible but it's ridiculous if you ask me. Google recently told the world they are launching a new web domain ".soy" that is intended for members of the Hispanic community. Really...(dot) soy.

Side note: I'd like to point out that I'm allergic to soy.

Anyways. I'm a firm believer that we should not have anything separate. By "we" I mean Latinos. By constantly segregating ourselves and not being inclusive, there are no steps moving forward. However, there are exceptions. Ad campaigns geared towards Latino audiences, Latino museums, and even foods (duh) are just some of the things that make Latinos unique. But with Latinos over-indexing online, why do we need a separate website? Sad to say, there already some partners on board with the (dot) soy.

Only time will tell if it's successful. Again this is a huge business move in order to improve profits. Egh.

Where is the National Museum of the American Latino?

It's been almost three years since the national campaign for the National Museum of the American Latino was launched. Since then countless other campaigns, contests, supporters, and donations have been made in order to bring this idea to fruition.

According to an article in the Orange County Register, "It literally takes an act of Congress to establish another museum on the Mall, alongside famous sites like the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery, National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History. Organizers say the museum would show the impact of Latino culture on American life throughout U.S. history, with exhibitions of fine art, artifacts, documents and oral histories."

Out and Proud: The Gran Varones Project

Labels. These are meant to categorize anything from foods to people. As humans, we like to label ourselves Latino, Black, African American, Transgender, Gay, Straight, Blond, etc. Some come with baggage but others would argue they don't come with baggage but with opportunities.

But what is it like to live and work in a community that isn't what we thought it would be? Launched in April 2014, Louis "Louie" Ortiz created "The Gran Varònes" project which "shines a light on what being “out” and “proud” means to us, our families, and our communities." The photos have been highlighted using social media platforms like Facebook, Instgram and videos. You can watch the video interviews on Vimeo.

Some quotes from the participants include the following:

• "I would love to be more in touch with the Latino gay community as much as I am with the black community because I feel that's where the strongest connection is."
• "People need to believe in themselves. A lot of gay Latinos hold themselves back from pursuing a dream or becoming something because they don't want to be judged. And I am not about that."
• "To some degree, i feel a disconnect as gay latino amongst other gay latinos. i don't always feel I have a place amongst them."

After reading most of the comments made by the participants, it really does make me angry but happy. Identity is something we all struggle. Just because we're Latino (or anything else) doesn't necessarily mean we have to have all Latino friends. It also doesn't mean we have to eat rice and beans...although I do love rice and beans. We let society attempt to stick us in a box on one path but when we go off track, somethings wrong with us. That's why I'm glad to see The Gran Varònes project highlight these Philly leaders. And no a leader doesn't mean they have to be a CEO of a company; just being highlighted and telling their own story makes them a leader in their own right. 

News You Can Use: #RespectTheÑ, Social Innovators, and more!

As Latinos, we come in all shapes and sizes. But if it's one thing we have in common, it's social media. Read more about social media innovators and the unfortunate misspelling of someone who has passed away.

• Time to #RespectTheÑ Again: English-Language Media Can’t Handle Ñ in Peña’s Death -- How did I miss this? 
• 6 Brands That Succeed At Understanding Hispanic Marketing - I completely agree with this list. 
• Elianne Ramos named recipient of Social Media Innovator Award by Maryland governor - So honored to have met Elianne a few years ago. She is an asset to our community. 
• Hispanicize New York-Tri State Group Launches as Unique Platform to Unite Latino Influencers in Blogging, Marketing, Journalism, Tech and Entertainment - Guess I know where I'll be at real soon :)

Videos: Wilmer Valderrama wants us to "wave one flag"

This passed Sunday, Wilmer Valderrama attended the Hispanic Choice Awards and was presented with one of the Living Legends Awards. Although I did not attend he captured a moment of his speech on Instagram (naturally).

There seems to be two battles Latinos face in the U.S. One against those who oppose immigration and call us "illegals" and the other against ourselves. I won't dive into it but below Valderrama mentions "wave one flag" to the audience. Self-explanatory right? See the two Instagram videos below.

Although born in Miami, FL he lived in Venezuela for a good portion of his childhood.

Video: Let's check out gringos attempt to roll their "Rs"

So why speak Spanish? Well according to the Pew Research Center, "Spanish is, by far, the most spoken non-English language in the U.S." Yep...that's very important.

I also think it's strange how we take a language up in high school (and sometimes college) for 4 years yet at soon as we graduate it goes down the drain. I'm at fault as well, I took French. Ask me to say my name is Eric in French...that's all I know. But the comedy, entertainment, and music website, Flama, took it upon themselves to create a video with "gringos" attempting to pronounce some of the most difficult words they could find. What you'll watch is pretty much hilarious.

Shakira spotlighting smiles with Crest

So it's not news that Shakira has been endorsing Crest 3D White Strips for a little over a year now, but what I do find interesting is facts/figures on Latinos and oral health.

According to a re-fielded national survey led by the Hispanic Dental Association Foundation (HDAF) and sponsored by Procter & Gamble (P&G) brand Crest, Latino's knowledge about oral health has improved since 2011. Take a look at some key findings below.

Social Media Conferences for Latinos

Photo via the Hispanicize Facebook Page

Back when I worked in Philadelphia, I would attend local and national conferences that pretty much brought a lot of insight to many industries. I've recently taken a step back (for no reason), but as I search more and more conferences, I tell myself, "Sign me up!" Although I am attending the Social Media Tourism Symposium in Nashville next month, I need something that speaks to me at another level.

So naturally I did some more research and came up with this nifty list below.

News You Can use: Lists, first birthdays, Puerto Rico, and more!

From Al Dia: Alex Guevara (l) with his older sister, Dolly.

It's about that time! Here's your weekly "news you can use" where I highlight local and national stories of interest. Do you have an interesting story? Pass it along!

• Mis Primeras Mañanitas - Being Latino and Fisher Price give us the rundown about how to celebrate your baby's first birthday. Oh...there's also a contest as well :).
• 40 Under 40: Latinos in American Politics - Honestly who doesn't love a good list...especially on Latinos. Fact: There are only three Latino Senators, all Cuban-American men.
• ‘Isla del Encanto’ Public Art Mural Finally Finds a Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts - What's Hispanic Heritage Month without a good ol' fight about arts and culture in the community?
• When a Young Latino does in our city, there is only silence - And it's true. The media was all over the gay couple that was brutally attacked by a group of twenty-somethings. But what about this story?

Brands and their Hispanic Heritage Month promotions

Well it seems as though Hispanic Heritage Month is in full bloom and I'm seeing more and more promotions from major corporations and brands.

Just recently I received and email from iTunes which is owned by Apple. The email stated:

For a limited time, chart-topping albums from great Latin artists like Romeo Santos, Selena, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, and Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga are available for just $5.99.

And I must say I was really tempted to purchase the Enrique Iglesias album; especially after attending his concert with Pitbull at Boardwalk Hall. Alas, I did not purchase. I recently started listening to iTunes' variety of playlists. I even put on a Charlie Zaa playlist for my mom (during a road trip) and she asked, "How the hell do you have this music?!"

I did some quick Hispanic Heritage Month Twitter research and found a good number of brands/corporations capitalizing on Twitter. Are there any brands you'd like to recognize for their HHM outreach?

See the tweets after the jump.

The Hispanic Choice Awards honors PA, NJ and Delaware Latino professionals

Although Hispanic Heritage Month runs year round, in Philadelphia, there's no better way to close out the month with an awards show.

The Hispanic Choice Awards (HCA) honors Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware’s Latino professionals, organizations and businesses across all sectors via a three-part event: a red carpet entrance via media row, the televised awards ceremony featuring live performances from today’s top Latin music performers and appearances by local & national leaders and a VIP After Party. I've had the opportunity to attend a few of these award ceremonies and it's great to see local leaders honored.

This year's HCA's will take place on Sunday, October 11 at the Merriam Theater. Click here to purchase your tickets.

In 2013, Eddie Palmieri was honored with the Living Legend Award which is presented to a Latino icon who has touched, moved and inspired the world through an unrelenting commitment to their passions and dreams.

NCLR ALMA Awards want you to #ShowOffYourALMA

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@mayorgadc is ready for #ALMA14! #ShowOffYourALMA

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Since 1995, the NCLR ALMA Awards (American Latino Media Arts) has honored outstanding Latino artistic achievements in television, film, and music. The show is an integral part of NCLR’s mission to create greater opportunities for Hispanic families in the United States. As a national prime-time television special with a cause, the NCLR ALMA Awards demonstrates how inclusion strengthens the entertainment industry and diversity strengthens our country by promoting fair, accurate, and representative portrayals of Latinos. Past ALMA awardees have included Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson, Antonio Banderas, George Lopez, and other astounding Latinos in media.

This is taking Latinos in media in a strong direction but at the same time why should we create our own awards ceremony? The United People for Latinos in Film & Theater Facebook page always produces thought provoking post on this very topic. But I digress.

JC Penny partners with Monica Gonzalez

So it's Hispanic Heritage Month and all across the United States, brands are teaming up with Latino influencers to support various causes. Some brands try harder than others, some are just starting, and others have been doing it for years.

I will say JC Penny has a strong Latino presence online and in the market place. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, JC Penny partnered with soccer commentator and Olympian, Monica Gonzalez, to host a free soccer clinic for Houston-Area girls. Girls between the ages of 8-16 with an interest in soccer gathered to learn about the Gonzo Soccer Academy, the importance of physical condition as well as her decision-making tips to help them become future leaders in their communities.

Living a healthy lifestyle is imperative within Latino communities. In 2010, 28.2 percent of Latino children between the ages of 2-19 are overweight or obese (compared with 31.7 percent of all children those ages). These programs along with Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign are important and we should all be aware and get involved with teaching our children about living healthy lifestyles.

theHispanic is back with "News You Can Use"

So I've been neglecting this blog for quite some time now. It's been about 4 months since my last post and even before that, I sporadically posted. I have no excuses. The Latino community in the United States is very important to me and I must continue sharing these stories. So...let's make this happen!

With that being said, let's start out with a weekly "news you can use" where I highlight local and national stories of interest.

• Sanchez wants language access in all city agencies (Philadelphia)
• Jessica Alba talks Latina identity, complexities of race in new generation
• Latino Partnership Leadership Institute Class 2015 (Philadelphia)
• Ken Trujillo entering race for Mayor of Philadelphia
• Latin run food trucks

So do you have a story to tell? Feel free to send me an email or tweet me! 

Video: Shakira's Dare (La La La)

Can I just tell you all that I absolutely love this song?! It's very similar to her Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) song for the 2010 World Cup. "When we shot this video I was actually a month and a half pregnant with my son Milan so it was a really happy moment in my life," Shakira said. "It sort of matches the mood of the song and it was a very celebratory time."



Check out the official Dare (La La La) remixes, only on Beatport - Link: http://smarturl.it/DareRemixesBP.

Taller Puertorriqueño is ever growing and needs your help!

I'm a huge of Taller Puertorriqueño (Taller), also known as El Corazón Cultural del Barrio, The Cultural Heart of Latino Philadelphia. Taller was actually my first employer from 2007-2008 and have stayed in touch with most of the group since then. They produce amazing exhibitions, youth programs, author series, the ever-growing Feria del Barrio and much more.

Since 2008 I've seen Taller grow and still struggle to find the final funding for their capital campaign for the new Taller building on 5th Street. Through new construction, Taller will create a gathering and meeting place, a crossroads, and a focal point for community pride while successfully addressing handicap accessibility and other operating issues and growing to meet community demand. New studios, gallery space, and a café will make Taller the community’s gathering space, while expanded programs, an expanded gift shop, rentable function rooms and incubator space for new businesses will provide new revenue streams.

Netflix announces Spanish-language programming

Netflix. You're on the right track! The world’s leading Internet television network, announced today its first Spanish-language original series, a comedy from director Gaz Alazraki that reunites the team that made Nosotros los Nobles, one of the most successful Mexican box office hits of all time.

According to the press release, the 13-episode series from Alazraki Entertainment is set to premiere in 2015 and centers on a family feud among heirs of a soccer club after the owner’s death. Shooting entirely in Mexico and featuring a cast from all over Latin America, including Nobles star Luis Gerardo Mendez, the series offers a satirical, highly entertaining look into the world of professional futbol.

Let's see. Soccer and Mexicanos. That is probably going to draw a lot of attention within the U.S. Just think about Telemundo and Univision's programming strategy. Mexicans make up 33 million of the U.S. Hispanic population with Puerto Ricans coming in second at approximately 5 million.

Watch a preview to Nosotros los Nobles after the jump:

National Museum of the American Latino Campaign Contest - Part 3!

The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino are up to their annual campaign design contest again. Vote for your favorite! Only one vote per person is allowed, so be sure to tell your friends to go vote for your favorite design. A trip to Washington, D.C. for a premier Cinco de Mayo celebration, a national media campaign, and a chance to be a part of history is on the line! To be honest I'm not sure what they plan on doing with these posters considering it's the third year. Maybe when the museum finally opens we can get the ball rolling right?

I chose the piece above because it stood out the most. It clearly defined what my family has gone through and what we all aspire to become/do. Alejandro Martinez from Santa Rosa, CA says, "This piece of art work is inspired by the struggles of all Latinos, and the hope they have for a brighter future. I tried to capture the moment where one generation passes down the torch to the next generation."

Budweiser plugs into "César Chávez" film

I absolutely loved this idea from Budweiser! Sure there are some discussions about what sponsorships should go with which events...it's a fine line. For example, Concilio not too long ago stopped accepting beer sponsorships for their annual Hispanic Fiesta on Penn's Landing. Why? Well for one thing the oldest Latino non-profit provides social, educational, health and cultural services to the Latino population...this of course includes substance abuse. 

Rumba with Las Gallas in Philadelphia

I am a huge fan of Las Gallas. Julia Lopez, Michelle Angela Ortiz, Magda Martinez, gather to share stories, inspire dialogue and create collaborative work together around ideas of family, traditions, religion, politics, education and gender roles. I've been to several of their events and have had the pleasure to work with them through different capacities. Each bring unique works of art and perspective. They have performed locally in Philadelphia at the Barnes Foundation, Taller Puertorriqueno, the First Person Arts Festival and across the globe.

Now they have the opportunity to perform at the 14th Annual International Festival of Poetry in Havana, Cuba! But they need our help. Join Las Gallas on Saturday, March 22 for a Rumba like no other. This is a perfect chance to support art in your community.

For a small donation of $10 you'll be able to:

• Listen to dancing beats from DJ Rahsaan 
• Taste delicious Colombian food from La Costeña Catering 
• Get your hands on new GALLAS t-shirts for men and women

Infographic: 2014 World Cup Fun Facts

Sure it's been a while since I've last posted...but hey things have been busy on my end. Anyway.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is fast approaching and I've been seeing lots of fun facts. And who doesn't love an infographic? Notice that it's been 16 years since Colombia last appeared in a World Cup. Sheeesh.To view the entire schedule and to place your bets, click on FIFA's official match schedule here.

Who will you be rooting for this year?

Shakira. Rihanna. January 13.

Looks like artists are finding new ways to drop hints at songs and albums. Of course nothing will ever compare to Beyonce's self-titled album launched via iTunes with no promotional effort behind it. But according to an article on the Hollywood Reporter, "Rihanna posted a promotional photo on Instagram with the caption 'One. Week. Countdown.' Shakira took to Twitter with the graphic and announced the song's release date in two languages."

"Can't Remember to Forget You" will be available on January 13 as the first single off of Shakira's inaugural album with Sony label RCA, which is also her first since 2010’s Sale el Sol. This is probably the biggest collaboration to date since Shakira sang "Beautiful Liar" with Beyonce. Oh and Shakira is set to return to The Voice on February 24. Winning!

Univision 65 partners with 6ABC in Philadelphia

In an age where television stations are attempting to reach more "eyeballs," these stations are now creating more and more partnerships among each other. Just a few days ago, WPVI-TV will team up with Spanish-language station WUVP-TV  to start an 11 p.m. newscast on Thursday, December 26.

“Our partnership with 6 ABC in Philadelphia is a local progression of our national partnership with ABC,” said Ramon Pineda, senior vice president at WUVP-TV Univision 65. “The addition of Philadelphia to the roster of existing partnerships reaffirms our commitment to informing, educating, and empowering the Hispanic community in the region.”

So will this threaten the newly launched Telemundo62 newscast via Comcast Universal and NBC10? Time will tell.

Click here to watch the promo announcement.