We are #MoreThanALabel

Hispanic Heritage Month may be officially over, but that doesn't mean we can't keep celebrating accomplishments across the United States (or fighting the fight). Then again...why are we still fighting this fight?

2015’s States Where Hispanics Are Most Assimilated

According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates as of July 1, 2013, there are roughly 54 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing approximately 17% of the U.S. total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority.

During every political season, Latinos seem to become more and more important. In fact, marketing to Latinos seems to be ore and more on everyone's mind. But then again some people have trouble marketing to Latinos because there are sub-groups. Is it the English dominant Latinos...or is it the parents that immigrated here?

The Latin Quarter arrives at Revel Casino Hotel

Today Revel Casino Hotel launched opening of their newest stage production The Latin Quarter Show. The Latin-themed variety show includes Flamenco dancers, dramatic Gauchos, a heart-stopping crossbow act, award winning ballroom dancers, mind blowing quick change artists, gorgeous production show dancers, and a hilarious host comedian, all framed with stunning multimedia.

I must say my favorites including the crossbow act, something I've never seen, and the comedian. Although the crowd was not getting his jokes and they were a bit vulgar, it was hilarious to me. In between the show there are a variety of dancing acts as well. Everything from flamenco to the inevitable Elvis Crespo's Suavemente.

Performances will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.Tickets are only $25 and are on sale now! They can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

My continued journey through life

A colleague of mine in Philadelphia, +Jessica Lawlor, recently published a blog post about her reflections from the real world. It had me thinking as well about how far we've come from college. I graduated from Temple University in January 2007 and have since accomplished many things; but there's still a lot to do. I have been blessed to have great family and friends that support me and vice versa.

So what has happened in the past six years:

• Honored as one of the "Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley" from Impacto Latin Newspaper and the Multicultural Affairs Congress.
• Awarded the "Hispanic Professional of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Accepted into the Writing Studies Program at Saint Joseph's University. I'll be done with my master's program May 2014!
• Maintained four amazing jobs in communications/marketing/social media. 
• Moved back to the state of New Jersey...never thought I would but I'm here to #DOAC!
• Because of the move, I had to purchase a brand new car (my first one). 

And this is just the beginning. I've done a few speaking engagements to high school students and other groups and if there's one thing I always say, it's to just keep on doing their thing. Never take no for an answer because there's nothing you can't do. 

I did also however think about how many students are going straight into a Master's program as soon as they graduate from undergrad. The job market is super competitive but keep your heads high...it's important. With more resources, networking and a support group, you are bound to find what you're looking for. It may take a while, but just keep trying. 

Event: Explosion Salsera in Atlantic City

Need something to do Mother's Day weekend? Then bring your mom to Atlantic City for what might possibly be one of the biggest Latino concerts of the season. Explosion Salsera will take place on Saturday, May 12 at the Trump Taj Mahal. Musical performances will include Tito Nieves, Charlie Cruz, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Ismael Miranda, Paquito Guzman and more! Talk about an old school salsa line-up. For those interested in scoring tickets you can visit holaciudad.com and enter to win!

Think your chances of winning are bad? Well then visit  ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-736-1420.

Explosion Salsera
Trump Taj Mahal - Venue: Mark G. Etess Arena
Showtime: 8pm, Doors Open: 7pm
Ticket Prices: $98, $78 & $58
Note: $2.00 facility fee on all tickets.

Hispanic Summit 2011

Talk about a wonderful opportunity. The Hispanic Impacting Public Policy (HIPP) is proud to present the First Annual Hispanic Leadership Summit to be held on September 9 and 10, 2011 at the Aloft Hotel in Mount Laurel, NJ. Join HIPP as they celebrate the kick off of the Hispanic Heritage month. Speakers such as Assemblyman Angel Fuentes, Senator Robert Ménendez, Author Rosaura Torres, Immigration Attorney Laura Roman Esquire, Community Organizer, Carmen Ubarry and David Leopold. There will be workshops conducted by banking experts, medical experts, immigration attorneys, health professionals, government and other financial development information will be provided at the Summit.

Workshops include business development, civic engagement, social media and more. In addition to the various musical performances and workshops, they are also provided scholarships for students whom are unable to afford the summit. This is a great opportunity for leaders in the Delaware Valley (not just NJ) to come together and discuss future opportunities and leadership development to everyone young and old. To register or to receive more information visit http://hipponline.org.

My HS reunion...in NJ (and social media)

I don't normally write about my own personal past experiences but every since Facebook created these new semi-hidden groups, I've just been a little annoyed at one in particular. I know my 10-year high school reunion is coming up in 2012 and I'm actually happy about it. However, there's no need to have 200+ opinionated people comment on about what we should do. You have your committee and they should easily be able to make the decisions for us. Not everyone is going to be able to make it, it's that simple. And those that make it will be able to make it. I'll most likely attend just because it'll be fun...and it's something to do.

I could just be thinking way too hard about this. Or maybe I should just turn off all notifications off, but I just thought I'd give my two cents...not on Facebook. Let's turn things up a notch, I've been added to the "You know you're from Plainfield if..." <-- Annoying much? I'm sure this group will only stay active a few weeks and like any other group die out in a few. Social media...some people love it, some hate it and some just use it because it's free.

Anyways, I've actually found a lot of old friends on Facebook. Some whom I have never talked to, some who were friends and some that just because we both graduated the same year decided to friend me. -_-. Oh well, it's just Facebook. The chances of us meeting again are slim; it's possible, but slim. Well that's pretty much it. See you in 2012!

What is it about being Latino in Philly?

Look at the Latino population in Philadelphia in the year 2000. Centralized, somewhat small and stable I guess. Now that the numbers have obviously increasesd last year, what is going to happen? Today I spoke at a Temple University class about being Latino in Philadelphia and my role in the community. It was enlightening not just to the students, but to me as well.

I talked about my experiences growing up in New Jersey but finding my true identity in Philadelphia. It wasn't until I came to Philly where I finally realized who I was and will always be. What is that? A 26 year-old New Jersey born Colombiano doing his thing in Philly (Yes the age will change). My experiences in Philly have been great and I appreciate everything that has happened. Thank you to J. Irizarry for inviting me and supporting this young professional Latino.

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New Jersey...home of the Latinos

“Nearly one in five New Jerseyans is Latino. In order to ensure the state’s future prosperity and well-being, New Jersey’s policies must promote the economic, social and civic progress of the Latino community,” said NALEO Educational Fund Executive Director Arturo Vargas. I wish this was true when I lived in New Jersey. Growing up in Plainfield, NJ was different from my experiences here in Philadelphia. All my friends were African-American and I had no idea what it really meant to be Latino.

“New Jersey’s Latinos will continue to make vital contributions to the state’s economic and civic life. The newly released numbers from the Census suggest that the New Jersey Latino community placed a high priority on being counted in the 2010 Census and of being full participants in the American political process." Newark, Elizabeth, Trenton and Jersey City were among the cities with the most Latinos in New Jersey. Plainfield has actually changed over the last 5 years. Ever since I left more and more Latinos are populating the area and Front Street has more Latino-owned stores than ever.

I want my TropiTenders

If there's one thing I love to do it's EAT! This weekend I needed to go to Jersey for family matters and to my amazement I noticed (on Twitter) that Pollo Tropical was now in New Jersey. I was first introduced to Pollo Tropical on my amazing trip to Puerto Rico last year. Although it just didn't seem the same, I was glad to see the expansion to New Jersey. Unlike most fast-food restaurants, the food here is:

1. Amazing
2. Reasonably priced ($5 minimum for a combo meal)
3. Latino food!

Three reasons you would get me there all the time. What do I usually get? The bowls which are so elegantly named: TropiChops. So the next time you're in Puerto Rico, Florida, New Jersey, New York or Connecticut, be sure to stop by and get some TropiTenders :). You won't be disappointed.

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

Tito in Concert

So I'm on a role with concerts as of lately. For Mother's Day, I attended a concert with Leo Dan, Charlie Zaa and more "bolero" artists. And now for Memorial Day weekend, I'm going to a Tito El Bambino concert in Atlantic City, NJ! People always seem to complain about never winning things but I won these tickets thanks to a contest on holaciudad.com.

Since 2006, Tito El Bambino has had four successful albums. Tito is one of those reggaeton artists you can listen to on the regular. His blend of merengue and salsa make the music different from everyone else. Definitely looking forward to this concert and from what the venue looks like, it's going to be a great night. And there's still time to purchase tickets; they are around $50 which is good!

Again, the concert is this Sunday, May 30th at 8 p.m.

Thinking About Mother's Day?

In my 26 years of living, I have only been to one concert and that was a Shakira concert in 2003 in Philadelphia. Fast forward 7 years later and it looks like we (me and my brother) will be taking mom to a concert at the Ritz Theater in Elizabeth, NJ. Watch out though, because of seating, tickets range from $35 to $150! Maybe even more. I guess it is worth it, I mean it is Charlie Zaa and Leo Dan.

To purchase your tickets visit sonyticket.com.

Wildwood Wants Latinos!

As if we already DON'T go there! Wildwood is any New Jersey Latino family's dream. Growing up we used to go every year and for some reason we'd wake up at 3 a.m. Earlier today, the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority’s unveiled a newly Spanish language website greeting Spanish speaking Americans with the message: “Bienvenido al Wildwoods!” The site is pretty much just a translated version of the English site. However, I am happy to see there is some outreach. Although a younger audience might not use this site, people who came from other countries will use it to plan their trip.

The site can be accessed by clicking on the “En Español” navigation button on the primary site’s home page, www.WildwoodsNJ.com, or by going directly to www.wildwoodsnj.com/bienvenidos-a-Wildwood.cfm.

More to do in AC: Believe It or Not

Not what you would expect when thinking of going on vacation huh? My brother wanted to go to Atlantic City to celebrate his birthday and he put me in charge of the itinerary which meant whatever I chose we would have to go. Sure enough I put the strange Ripley's Believe It or Not museum on the list.

I have been to one other Ripley museum but I had forgotten how strange it was and still is. Although a little pricey, the walkway at the end of the museum makes it worth the money. Exhibits include weird animals, crazy survivor stories and a walkway that will make you wish you were never drunk when you got there. There are also a lot of fun facts and quizzes throughout the walls of the exhibits which make you ponder about random facts.

Oscar Nuñez on The Office

I've started watching The Office more and more (old episodes) and I must say it's Top 5 in my book. I mean the documentary style TV show works for me and the jokes are really really hilarious...no really. And although I didn't really care whether or not there was a Latino on the show, to my amazement there was!

Oscar Nuñez plays well who else but Oscar Martinez, an accountant for the oh so popular Dunder Mifflin paper supply company. Weird enough his character wasn't originally gay. In an interview with Star Pulse.com Oscar says, "I was just playing a character then in the middle of the first season or the second season they made him gay. Greg Daniels comes up to me and is like, "Hey, do you mind if we make your character gay?""

Shocking moment #2...he grew up in Union City, New Jersey which is almost 30 minutes from where I grew up!

p.s. That's what she said.

Don't you wanna Fanta!?

So I really had no clue the Fanta girls were gone until a few weeks ago. I was watching TV and a dramatic commercial came on notifying us common folk about a future Fanta girl...imagine that? But you have to admit, the song was catchy and for some reason we would sing it at random times. Well I must admit after reading about the Fanta girls I sort of want to try the apple flavor...yes there are more than 4 flavors.

Anyways, they finally chosen the 4th Fanta girl and her name is Shakira Barrerra. Check out this behind-the-scenes video of her final audition, photo shoot and her reaction to hearing the big news.



Pro: She's from New Jersey!
Con: I believe I am allergic to Pineapple lol

Pro: Her name is Shakira
Con: Isn't soda bad for you?

Coincidence? El Toro at Six Flags

So I think it's funny that one of my favorite rides at Six Flags Great Adventure is El Toro. I mean not only does it have a Spanish language name, but it also has the name of my frat's mascot. Why is it my favorite? I mean just look at it.

El Toro has a max speed of 70 mph, lasts almost 2.5 minutes and "features the steepest drop of any wooden roller coaster in the country at a record-breaking 76 degrees." As you can see above that's a steep drop! For those thrill seekers, please sit in the complete back of the ride. You may think the front seat is the best, it's really not. Oh an p.s., if you want to get the most of your trip, go on a Sunday :).

Six Flags Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ‎
(732) 928-1821‎

6 Flags Great Adventure - BATMAN!

As you know I went to Six Flags yesterday. Maybe, maybe not? I took a chance and recorded the Batman Ride with my camera. However, I urge you NOT to do this because I think it's illegal (on some rides) and the chances of you dropping the camera are high.

Enjoy!

That Really Grinds My Gears...Line Cutters

So today I went to Six Flags Great Adventure with some friends. I was a bit surprised they changed up a few features. First off I noticed some rides were missing leaving just MAJOR roller coasters. Also, apparently now you are NOT allowed to leave ANYTHING on the side of the ride. Everything has to go in a $1 locker and it only lasts 2 hours!!

However, there's nothing worse than a LINE CUTTER! Yeah I understand when people are holding a spot so you move up with your friends, but when you purposely just cut in front of people...no no! What's worst is that it was hot! You may all remember my past GRINDS MY GEARS. I hope one day I actually see people get kicked out due to their line cutting...I call them out any day of the week.