A quick update from Navaja

So where have I been?

It's been months since I have written a post and years since I've regularly updated the blog. Probably not the best strategy. Since 2008 I've enjoyed accepting pitches and just regularly writing about anything of interest. Yes it is difficult maintaining a blog and finding new ideas so I welcome anything you think would be great to discuss!

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.

Hustling on Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars

Photo courtesy phillychitchat.com.

Yes after 10 long weeks the Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars is finally over. And although my hustle to "Moves Like Jagger" did not win, I was very happy to support BrownStonePR and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter. For the first time ever I wasn't nervous performing in front of hundreds of people. Dan Gross put it oh so lightly in his column, "Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco DROP-ped it like it’s hot and charmed the crowd and judges during her cha-cha to win Sunday’s Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars event at the Crystal Tea Room." Although I'm a bit disappointed my Philly Latino community did not attend, I had fun hearing cheers from a crowd who had no clue who I was. Congrats to the councilwoman and the rest of the participants.

Special shout outs to:

• Megan Smith - You sure do put on good events ;). Thanks for putting up with all our personalities. Your costume idea was a hit with everyone.
• Kate from the Society Hill Dance Academy (SHDA) - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
• Collen from the SHDA - We rehearsed for two days and in the end the routine went flawless. Smile more? I was smiling the whole time! Forget what the judges said lol.

Educating our community on touchy subjects

The more I become aware of different programs throughout the city of Philadelphia, the more I wish these things existed while I was a kid. Maybe I was unaware because certain programs weren't meant for me. Nonetheless, I'm glad to see Latino non-profits engaged with the community on a variety of levels. Whether it's health, social justice, immigration or education, it's important to inform our people about life. Sometimes these subjects can be a bit touchy as well. They aren't discusses in our homes but there are organizations that are willing to do this job.

Concilio has a variety of health programs which teaches kids and adults how to live healthier lives. It's teen pregnancy prevention team recently started three new schools last month: Stetson Middle School, Pan American Academy Charter School, and Kearny Public School, as well as Concilio's Foster Care Program to promote abstinence and healthy decision-making among 6th and 7th graders. Using the well-evidenced medically accurate PHAT curriculum by University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, children are learning how to stay on track for healthy adolescence.

For more information on El Concilio, visit elconcilio.net or call 215-627-3100.

Latinas United for the Cure a huge success

This past Saturday, March 24 I volunteered at the annual Latinas United for the Cure event. It was very empowering seeing roughly one-thousand women (and men) interested in learning more about this deadly disease. “Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in Latinas here in the United States and around the world, and requires a large-scale effort to address and overcome,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Komen for the Cure. The event featured English and Spanish sessions with a panel of experts. They discusses various ways to treat breast cancer as well as what to do and how to check yourself. The best part of the event is that it's completely free! Hope to see you all next year.

Video blog: Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars otra vez

So we are basically one month away for the 4th Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars and things are getting busier. As you may have remembered, I did my "reality TV" trash talk post a few weeks back. Well here we are again! Below you'll find a preview of the dance as well as my thoughts on who is going to win. Seriously though, purchase your tickets now. You're not only going to see me dance and win, but also raise awareness for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

Enjoy!

Video blog: Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars

And in embarrassing moment number..I've lost count. As you all know I'm participating in this year's 4th Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars.I've been practicing every Wednesday for the past month or so and from what my instructor tells me, we're doing great! Hopefully the performance comes out great. Now to think about costumes?

Anyways, because I find this whole experience fun, I told a certain someone to make video blogs of the participants. She was happy and mad at the same time: happy because it's a good idea, mad because more work for her. Since I watch reality TV shows (not a lot) I decided to go for blood and fulfill that stereotype of the talking trash contestant. Remember though, it's for a great cause! Enjoy :).

Purchase your tickets today at www.dancingwiththephiladelphiastars.com.

Gala update: Congreso's Puerto Rican fiesta

As one gala ends, the next one continues! Congreso is in full anniversary mode. Celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2012, Congreso is taking the opportunity to highlight the sights, sounds and cuisine of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Congreso was founded in 1977 by Puerto Rican activists, and today, Puerto Ricans comprise Philadelphia’s largest Latino group, and has the highest percentage of Puerto Ricans of any major city in the nation. Now that I think about it, this has been the only gala I've never attended in Philadelphia. And yes it's just a party, but these galas are the biggest fundraisers for our non-profit organizations. For those that think $300 per ticket is too much, there's a $175.00 Young Professionals option for 35 and Under. But act fast because there's limited quantity and it's a first-come, first-served deal.

Saturday, March 17, 2012
Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia
6:30 p.m. Dance Lessons
7 p.m. Gala Latina

Go GOYA or go home

In support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, Goya Foods, the largest, Hispanic-owned U.S. food company, is committing resources to promote the USDA's MyPlate, or MiPlato, a new food group symbol to remind families about making healthy meal choices with easy “how-tos” about proper portions. The partnership includes cookbook distributions, education programs throughout cities across the U.S., coupons and more.

Eating unhealthy in the Latino community unfortunately isn't unusual. We eat so much fried food, especially in poor communities. With a high case of diabetes and obesity, why not start eating healthier! Maybe it's because fried chicken and french fries are extremely delicious lol. My taste buds aren't used to healthier foods unfortunately. So let's try to go against the grain and start eating those salads, soups and absolutely nothing fried.

Event: Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars (and me)

So what happens when you mix the nine (9) Philadelphians above on one floor? No you don't get America's Next Favorite Philadelphia Star, you get Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars! This year's fourth annual celebration (Sunday, April 22) will be bigger than ever...that's because yours truly is participating. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a great cause and also just perform. It's been years since I performed due to my injury but I'm looking forward to it. It's not like I'll be flipping around and jumping over people...right?


Former participant Dan Gross stated, "It's hard to follow in the footsteps of Your Humble Narrator, especially when it comes to dance steps, but nine brave souls will be doing just that when they participate in the 4th Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars event April 22 at the Crystal Tea Room atop the Wanamaker Building" All nine of us will be partnered with a professional from Society Hill Dance Academy and will perform a two-minute routine before a panel of judges.Do you want to know what dance I'll be doing? NO it will not be the salsa, merengue, bachata or anything remotely Latino. -_-

The fundraiser raises money for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting the red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that become hard and pointed instead of soft and round. Please come and support so we can make this year's fundraiser more successful. According to the SCDAA website, sickle cell disease is a global disease affecting approximately 80,000 people in the United States with those of African descent being affected in the greatest numbers. In addition people of Mediterranean, Hispanic, Asian, Sicilian, Greek, Italian, Indian and Turkish ancestry are also affected, but in smaller percentages.

Tickets are $100, and will include a cocktail hour and silent auction. For tickets or info, visit dancingwiththephiladelphiastars.com.

Event: Latinas United for the Cure 2012

Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Latinas United for the Cure event. The annual Susan G. Komen event brings together Latina women in the Philadelphia area to discuss ways to beat breast cancer. This year's theme "The Power, the Passion and the Promise to Beat Breast Cancer" sounds like a good one and will feature keynote speaker the Honorable Maria Quiñones-Sanchez, Councilwoman, City of Philadelphia.  The event will also feature other prominent speakers and workshops including free mammogram checkups. 

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

1201 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA  19107

Saturday, March 24, 2011 • 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

A free event. Click to register now.

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.

A movement against domestic violence

Congreso’s Latina Domestic Violence Program, along with Verizon will be hosting a family-focused event on Friday, October 7th, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Norris Square Park, to raise awareness about domestic violence in the family and community, and to promote healthy, healing relationships. Although I have never seen or experienced domestic violence, I know it's a big issue not just in Philadelphia...but in all communities.

“Uniendo La Familia en la Lucha Contra Violencia”/ “Uniting the Family in the Fight against Violence,” will offer exciting activities for the whole family, including a children’s musical show and face painting, a teen art competition, salsa dance lessons and a domino competition for adults. Some of the guest speakers include State Senator Leanna Washington, District Attorney Bureau Chief Angel Flores, Pastor Emma Gonzalez and Edwin Desamour of Men in Motion in the Community (MIMIC). A very family oriented neighborhood, Norris Square Park is a perfect location to bring together the community.

Go Red Por Tu Corazón

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Heart Association’s Go Red Por Tu Corazón movement and its national sponsor, Macy’s, are launching the Go Red™ Multicultural Scholarship Fund nationally. The scholarship directly addresses important gaps in treatment that can lead to heart health disparities among Hispanic women. Cue huge corporation reaching out to the Latino community. Unlike other businesses, this is actually a good opportunity.

The scholarship program places medical and nursing school within the reach of deserving racial and ethnic female candidates and increases cultural competence in the healthcare workforce. This year, the Go Red™ Multicultural Scholarship Fund will award 16 scholarships of $2,500 each ($40,000 total) to qualifying applicants. Opportunity alert! Well I already said it but hey $2,500 for one person is a lot money...especially in medical or nursing school. It can most likely purchase one or two books -_-.

Anyways, for more information and to request an application, visit GoRedCorazon.org/GoRedScholarship.  Deadline for entry is November 30, 2011.

Rebranding, Restructuring...Why not!?

I love it when organizations rebrand themselves. It's an exciting opportunity to present what's new and fresh. I was a part of Taller PR's new logo/website process back in 2007 and it was an amazing experience. In the past month or so two great Philadelphia Latino organizations decided to go with a fresh (younger) look. And why not right? A lot of the Latino organizations in Philadelphia have kept the same logo since when they were founded. And with the age of technology and reaching "youger audiences," I think it's about time change happens.

Yesterday El Concilio launched their new look. When I first look at the new logo (pictured above), I honestly think of health. It just has that essence which the original logo did not have. Founded in 1962, the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, Inc. (Concilio) is the oldest Latino organization in Philadelphia and has a well-established reputation as a leader for Latino family services. Our mission is to ensure that equitable social, educational, cultural, prevention/intervention services and programs are made available to the Philadelphia community.

Another organization which launched a new logo is AMLA. Pictured right, AMLA's new logo sure does emphasize a younger taste in music. Talk about attracting new and younger audiences :). Since 1982, AMLA has promoted the development, dissemination, and understanding of Latin music and culture in the Philadelphia area.

Sustainable living and caring

I love sustainable living...even though I sometimes don't practice the idea. However, I'm glad when big corporations take effort in educating communities about sustainable living. Earlier today Aramark, in conjunction with the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement and the Federation of Neighborhood Centers teamed up with local children from the Lighthouse Community Center to refurbish buildings, construct a community garden and more.

Did someone say community gardens? Yep, the new community garden at the Lighthouse Field will serve the ballpark food! How cool is that?! What's the bigger picture? This is all part of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" obesity campaign. It's so important to educate our community and children about the idea of living healthy. Start early. If they aren't eating healthy and exercising then what will our children look like in future years?

The 141 mile journey begins

Just a few hours ago Eric Stephenson started his journey to Philadelphia, PA from Norfolk, CT. In the past two weeks, Eric has raised a little over $4k from his fundraising goal of $27K. Although it's a goal of his, any help towards the American Cancer Society is good help. What's more is that our other fraternity brother "Yunque" will be joining him along for the incredible journey. Their 141 mile journey will end on Friday, March 25 at Temple University's Relay for Life. There they will be joining by hundreds of students, supporters, survivors and other community members as they help raise awareness to this cause. See you there everyone.

Volunteering to prevent cancer

This past weekend i volunteered at the annual Latinas Unidas Para La Cura. Although I wish I could have played a bigger role, I was happy I offered ny services. It was great to see hundreds of women interested in how to prevent breast cancer. It was more impressive seeing men and younger women. Hopefully we see an increase in participation next year.

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Gamma Phi Sigma - Stroll for the Cure

One year ago the brothers at Gamma Phi Sigma ted their 6th annual stroll show at Temple University. In an effort to raise money and awareness to the American Cancer Society, we (Gamma Phi Sigma) moved all our efforts to this cause. This year the brothers at Zeta Chapter (University of Maryland - College Park) are hosting their own show to increase awareness. From my understanding this has not happened before.

The stroll show is in collaboration with Kappa Phi Gamma and will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2011. Unlike most stroll shows where the fraternities and sororities compete separately, this show does not judge based on gender so there will be one winner! And as a member of Greek life, bragging rights to a huge show is always a plus. See you then. Wait, am I judging? lol

141 miles for cancer awareness

The other day I read about an amazing venture my fraternity brother Eric Stephenson is planning on achieving this month. Stephenson plans on walking an estimated 40 hours From Connecticut to Philadelphia, PA. Leaving from his job in the early morning of Thursday, March 24, and arriving in Philadelphia late Friday evening to join the Temple University crew at Relay for Life. Talk about devotion and raising awareness for cancer.

Here's an excerpt from Eric's story about our hermano Ramon:

• Ramon was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in the summer of 2009, right before my last year at Temple. Each month following, his body seemed to be deteriorating to the point that he was almost unrecognizable. I try to think that I did my best to always be there for him and his family with anything they needed, but I find myself always doubting and telling myself I should have done more.
  
  It only took 1 year for the cancer to consume him. In August of 2010, Ramon passed away at the age of 23 in Springfield, MA from a rare form of cancer known as esthesioneuroblastoma. For the last few days of his life, I was by his bedside.