Philly's Puerto Rican Day Parade

Here in Philly there are hundreds of festivals that go on throughout the year. However, 2009 brought difficulties to these event planners...the Puerto Rican Day parade was no different. In fact, councilwoman Quiñones is trying to lower to the costs to produce the parade. According to an article in Al Dia, "La concejal María Quiñones Sánchez está en negociaciones con la ciudad de Filadelfia para bajar la cuenta municipal de la Parada Puertorriqueña de $30 mil."

It's very difficult to produce these events. Every year I've noticed attendee percentages go way down. What could it be? I mean the festival is free and in the city. Are Latinos afraid to come this way? I don't think they should. I work in the city and live in Northern Liberties, I also like going to El Centro de Oro every now and then. FYI - It's not that difficult to get around!

P.S. The 47th Regional Puerto Rican Day Parade is on Sunday, September 27th and begins at 12:00 noon at 16^th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, marches north along 16^th Street to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and winds up at Eakins Oval near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Today

TODAY JUST ISN'T MY DAY

*SIGH*

Where will you be December 2012?

Although I already knew about the upcoming movie 2012, I couldn't help get more excited/nervous after seeing this ad. I mean just look at it, "We were warned." According to the Mayan calendar, everything ends in the year 2012. They say it's supposed to be one of the most catastrophic events period.

And just as an FYI, according to this Cafe Magazine article, it's not just the Mayans predicting the end of the world:

But almost all cultures have an apocalyptic streak, some that eerily coincide with Mayan visions: Lord Krishna spoke of a golden age following world-wide destruction in the Kali Yuga time cycle

What do you think? Where will you be December 2012?

Fun Facts of the Day

During my business trip to Puerto Rico in June someone said to me, "There are Latinos in Philadelphia?" It was a sarcastic remark and to be honest I didn't get mad, I just chuckled. What's the reason why we don't get recognized? I'm not really sure. But just in case you ever need information, here are some fun facts about Latino Philadelphia.

1. Second largest Hispanic Market in the northeast, following NYC
2. 16th largest Hispanic Market in the country (larger than Denver, Boston, Orlando, Washington DC and Austin)
3. Similar to the overall national stat, Latinos are the fastest growing minority in Philadelphia with a pop. of (about) 428,000

Source: 2002 US Census Bureau

Also, although you can find Latinos all over the region, Philly's Hispanic neighborhood (El Centro de Oro) runs for about 2 blocks from 5th and Lehigh to 5th & Cambria. It was formed around the 1970s/80s when gentrification hit (again). El Centro de Oro is also home to over 140 businesses including cultural attractions like Taller PR, Centro Musical and many restaurants.

There is actually a lot more including health organizations, media and cultural institutions. You should come explore yourself!

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?

Wal-Mart taking the extra step

First off, I saw this comment on the USA Today story last Friday, "No thanks. I get enough "Latino Heritage" when I go to Wal-Mart." Okay so it may be true but oh well. Wal-mart is taking the extra step to help Latinos across the U.S.A. Instead of just translating their web-site they've even created an education section called "Ahorra mas. Vive Mejor." It offers everything from products (of course) to advice and financial aid.

Kudos to you guys.

Nightlife - P.Y.T.

One would think all Latinos want to do is Latino stuff right? Wrong, we like to go out to "regular" restaurants and bars as well (whatever that means). The other night I was at the Piazza when I read a Tweet which definitely caught my attention...$1 drinks from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. Maybe it's just me but with a friend out of town I think he would like that deal.

So we all headed to P.Y.T. to check out their "back room". As scary as that sounds it really was a back room. I tell you maybe it was the liquor or maybe I'm naturally paranoid but I was hesitant to enter because we sort of had to go through the bathroom. Then when we walked through the other door, it hit us...someone called it the TrueBlood room. The room was dark, the windows covered and a painted black deer was staring at us. I really thought a whole bunch of vampires were going to jump (or turn) around midnight, luckily they didn't. Good music, good people, good food.

1050 N. Hancock St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 268-7825

Celebrate your heritage in Philly

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

A while back I gave you an intro to why Hispanic Heritage Month exists here in the United States; well get ready because tomorrow we get to start celebrating. So what are you doing to celebrate? Attending Restaurant week at a Latino themed restaurant? Hitting up Taller Puertorriqueño over the weekend for the 26th annual Feria del Barrio?

Either way, be sure to celebrate your heritage the way your ancestors would and remember who you are.

Below you'll find events in the upcoming weeks in Philly.

• In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sesame Place presents a special show starring Maria—played by Sonia Manzano since 1973—and her pal Rosita, September 19-20. For kids, it’s a chance to learn the Spanish words of the day and to interact with two of Sesame Street’s most beloved characters. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (866) GO-4-ELMO, sesameplace.com
• Taller Puertorriqueño hosts its 26^th annual Feria del Barrio on September 20. One of Philadelphia’s largest celebrations of Latino music and culture, the event brings together thousands of residents to celebrate arts, education and community. Salsa sensation Foto Rodriguez y La Orquesta La Unica and reggaeton’s Zion y Lennox are among the musical acts scheduled to perform. 2721 N. 5^th Street, (215) 426-3311, tallerpr.org
• Philadelphia’s 47^th Annual Regional Puerto Rican Day Parade, held on September 27, is the oldest and largest outdoor event celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino heritage in the city. Complete with music, dancing and floats, the parade begins at 12:00 noon at 16^th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, marches north along 16^th Street to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and winds up at Eakins Oval near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (215) 627-3100, elconcilio.net
• The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts presents two Saturdays of musical acts, including flamenco artist Paco Peña (October 3) and the Panamanian jazz group Danilo Perez Trio with Lizz Wright (October 10). Concert goers are also encouraged to take the guided English-language building and theater tour while following along with a written translation in Spanish. Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org

Museum Happenings:

• Visitors to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology can view a world-renowned collection of ancient Maya pottery excavated nearly 100 years ago from Chama, Guatemala. Painted Metaphors: Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya, on display now through January 31, 2010, includes about two dozen recently conserved painted vessels and focuses on the ordinary Maya people who lived more than a thousand years ago. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, museum.upenn.edu
• From September 15 to October 15, visitors to the National Liberty Museum can take a self-guided tour through exhibitions that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heroes and history. Featured heroes on display include Roberto Clemente, Rigoberta Menchu, Cesar Chavez and Sandra Cisneros. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800, libertymuseum.org
• Hispanic Heritage Month is extended at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where visitors can experience dance, art, and music from Central and South America and Mexico on October 30 and November 1. Those who head to the museum during Friday’s Art After 5 event can get down during the Day of the Dead Dance Party with Brooklyn-based band Cumbiagra, and on Sunday visitors can enjoy musical performances by the Johnny Cruz Latin Jazz Ensemble, a Make-and-Take Workshop and dance lessons for the whole family. 26^th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org

A New Restaurant:

• September marks the opening of Avenida, the first restaurant by husband-and-wife chef team Edgar and Kim Alvarez. The family-friendly spot will serve up Latin food inspired by chef and owner Edgar’s Guatemalan heritage. With all items priced under $20, diners can feast on quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas, fresh salsas and more. 7402 Germantown Avenue, (267) 385-6857, avenidarestaurant.com