So why are local festivals needed?

So I like festivals...I'm not going to lie. Growing up my parents took my brother and I (forced) to so many festivals in Elizabeth, NJ. You know these were the free festivals where mom wanted to wait in every line just to get a key chain. While my brother and I waited with her, dad just stood there with the food -_-. Anyways, Philadelphia has clearly hosted many festivals. Whether they are cultural, entertainment, sports related or just free, they are awesome filled with musical acts, free food and other activities. Which is why I want to say...Philadelphia, you deserve more.

I know, I know some people are tired and complain about the 4th of July concert/festival and even bring up the way cultural festivals are supported. These organizations raise an enormous amount of money to bring these festivals to life. And hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of people come out and bring in more money to the city. Festivals like the Hispanic Fiesta, Global Fusion and Feria del Barrio bring a sense of pride. However, something we are not used to (in Philadelphia) is an indoor festival.

My job actually hosts the Feria de la Familia in the fall. Although for the past two years approximately 2000 people have attended each, it can be much better. Last year I received calls asking, "How much?" And of course the, "Um if it rains is it still happening?" Our Latino community in Philadelphia is not used to an indoor festival being free. The other interesting fact is that there is no indoor venue in our community that can hold 2K+ people. Don't tell me a high school because it's not going to happen. Philadelphia...an outdoor festival town needs to embrace other type of festivals. And that's what I have to say on that subject :).

Events: Pennsylvania's Latino Film Festival

Awesome news alert: There's a Pennsylvania Latino Film Festival? How come I didn't hear about this before? The Latino Film Series will be held in Millersville University in Lancaster, PA starting March 9 - March 12. Films include The Borinqueneers, Seed, The Maid and Almost a Woman.

Here's information on a couple of the films:

• The Borinqueneers - The documentary chronicles the never-before-told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the U.S. Army.
• Seed - A Puerto Rican boy, who watches his mother be abused, finds hope, dreams, and aspirations outside the harsh city in the countryside of Lancaster County.

Sounds like these are not-to-be missed flicks huh? Anyone want to make a trip to one of the films? To purchase tickets visit Millersville University's Ware Center website. Most of the screenings are free but are still ticketed.

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.

Event: Remo Inc. Step/Stroll Championship

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone right? Unless you're Latino #toosoon? Anyways. Just a few days after Greekster announced their competition in L.A., Remo Inc. has announced their summer show. Although the shows are in two different weeks of July, it puts a lot of pressure on Greek-lettered organizations. Will all organizations perform at both competitions? The difference is that the Remo Inc. competition is both step and stroll. They will also provide step classes for those interested which is pretty awesome if you ask me. I wonder what Greekster will announce in the next few weeks; they usually throw out a curve ball to make you want to attend :).

Continuing our education

As I apply for graduate school at St. Joseph's University I couldn't help but notice the lack of scholarships. I know they are out there but it's very difficult. Luckily I found La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF). The LULF was established in 1999 to serve as an independent, non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to educational achievement and civic empowerment in the Latino community.

The scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Educational scholarships are awarded to Hispanic students on a competitive basis and range from $250 to $1000. I certainly plan on applying but have to wait and complete one full semester. Luckily they also have two deadlines; one in the Spring and in the Fall. So if you're in need of financial aid, apply now!

P.S. For those interested in other funding opportunities mi amiga is blogging about some at emmania-travels.blogspot.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

No Justice - No Grammy

So what is going on with the Grammys? Insiders at the Recording Academy quietly eliminated 31 categories of awards from the Grammys this year, at least 15 of them which are received predominantly by people of color. Awards for Latin Jazz, Regional Mexican, Banda, Tejano, and Norteño music, all central to Latino culture, were eliminated or consolidated. Awards for Native American, Hawaiian, and Cajun music were eliminated too. But is it really harsh? Sure the shady quietness of this move isn't too cool at all, but aren't there Latin Grammy Awards? Some might argue having a separate awards ceremony seems like we're not good enough but some might think the opposite

There's even a petition to reinstate the awards at presente.org. And for those looking to take this to the grassroots level can actually go protest the day of the Grammy awards on 2/12/12. I wonder if the Grammy awards are being presented in Arizona? Too soon? Either way, the quiet deletion of these categories to me is disrespectful. Music is music...it's the one form of expression people have the most freedom and creativity. According to a Reuters article, "Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Bobby Sanabria are among the dozens of artists who have spoken out against the decision. Musicians say the Grammy cuts will harm their careers financially and diminish the profile of music enjoyed by minority communities." So what are your thoughts? Did the Recording Academy perform the right move? They claim 100+ categories diminish music credibility.

Speak English in Arizona

So if a city is 98.7% Latino, I would hope that a Latino would represent the city in council. Not the case in San Luis, Arizona though. An NBC Latino article stated, "Alejandrina Cabrera had her appeal rejected by the Arizona Supreme Court and will not appear on the San Luis city council ballot. Cabrera appealed an earlier ruling that she did not speak, read or write English well enough to run for office." Crazy right? Sure politics are politics but when most of the city's population speaks Spanish why can't a mostly Spanish-speaking resident run for office? She's not running for president for goodness sake. Although most of us reading about this incident assume she most likely speaks well English, we probably can't judge until we hear her. The American climate is changing and unfortunately politics is the only industry not moving forward with changes. -_-