Concert Alert: JLO, Enrique, Wisin y Yandel

As if the Delaware Valley wasn't already getting a major concert in August, now we have one earlier! Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and Wisin y Yandel have teamed up to perform in Atlantic City on Sunday, July 29th.  A Washington Post article stated, “We are going to give you everything we got,” Lopez said. “I think it’s going to be one of the most historic tours ever. Because I don’t know that there has ever been something ... where these Latinos have come together like this as family.”

Atlantic City is going to be busy with all these Latinos this summer. To be honest, I think it's the only market with both the GIGANT3S tour and this new addition. Cost? Tickets and VIP packages for the July 29 Atlantic City concert at Boardwalk Hall go on sale Friday at noon via www.ticketmaster.com. Or you can wait a few days and attempt to win tickets on holaciudad.com.

Telemundo's new look

It's UPFRONT season and all the television cable networks are launching new and exciting programs. Some are adding, changing, reorganizing and/or relaunching. Since I work at Telemundo Philadelphia, I just received word of some new and exciting things. According to a HispanicAd.com article, "Telemundo Media announced its 2012-2013 programming lineup, with more than 800 hours of original content, increasing the network's original programming slate by nearly 40 percent."

Two of the most exciting news includes the launch of a reality TV show about singing. Go figure right? The other tidbit of news includes the return of La Reina del Sur! “La Reina del Sur 2” (Queen of the South 2) Telemundo also announced today it has acquired the rights to the sequel of “La Reina del Sur,” the blockbuster hit that captivated viewers night after night, making it the highest-rated novela in the company's history. Production and air dates to be announced.

The article continues to state, "Telemundo also announced the launch of its new branding campaign for the fall and unveiled a new logo capturing the essence of the Hispanic experience in the U.S." At first glance I think it's a very "youthful" logo. The red obviously helps a lot but I'm sure there will be different variations. Let's see what other networks decide to launch.

An addition to Philadelphia's Latino media

As if the Latino media already didn't have enough competition in Philadelphia, something new has emerged. A recent Philly.com article has announced the launch of Azteca TV. The article continues to state, "The station has been available as Comcast cable channels 268 and 568 for the past year, but Aztec will add 'local commercials and eventually programming,' El Zol manager Uriel Rendon told me. 'We're going to run local videos, weekly news shows, and entertainment programs focusing on the Mexican market,' he added."

A few months ago El Zol 1340AM launched in competition of Mega 1310AM. Both El Sol Latino Newspaper and Impacto Latin Newspaper relaunched their websites. Now with the addition of Azteca TV, both Univision65 and Telemundo Philadelphia will be on full throttle.  The only difference between the three is that Azteca TV is geared to ONLY the Mexican community.

The Hispanic/Latino identity

For the last few months (maybe even year) I've been having a real issue with "self-identifying." I read articles about "Did you know (insert name) is Latino" and others about "Latino first to (insert achievement)." Labels have always been a touchy subject because although some might say they are Colombian, Puerto Rican, Dominican (or other), but those from the respective countries might call you a gringo/a. Why? Because you weren't born in that country.

I recently learned that one of the founder's of gilt.com is indeed Latina. Gilt Groupe provides instant insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. They are the masterminds behind jetsetter.com which I'm sure everyone is aware of. If you look at Alexandra Wilkis Wilson bio it doesn't mention anything about her Cuban descent. Does she really need to? I say no. However, some would say if you or anyone else don't embrace your Latinoness, then you're not Latino. Today that's a bunch of bullcrap. The census asked us if we were Hispanic but then asked if we were Black or white. What came out of this questions? A whole bunch of confusion but at the same time, we don't like Hispanic nor Latino.

I usually comment on this topic on my blog and it always raises questions. I'm not really a fan of any labels for anything considering we are all human. All identities would be questioned once extraterrestrial life arrives...just my opinion.

Ronald McDonald House Charities HACER winners

When I was in high school I wish I had a better understanding of scholarships. Sure I was awarded some through the school and little book scholarships, but a $5000 award would have been better. Just received word that the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of the Philadelphia Region is proud to announce the 15 local Latino high school seniors who will each receive a 2012 RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) college scholarship. I had the pleasure serving on the selection committee a few weeks ago.


The students will be recognized at a special awards celebration on Wednesday, May 30th from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Down Town Club in Philadelphia. Winners includes students from the Philadelphia region, New Jersey and Delaware. The evening will feature live music and dance performances. In addition, Kenneth Trujillo, Owner, El Zol Philly and Azteca Philly, will deliver a keynote address to the students. More than $20,000 will be awarded during the reception.

Congreso continues to improve communities

The Citizens Bank Foundation will present a $10,000 grant to Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. tomorrow Wednesday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. The donation will support the organization’s Learn and Work Program, which focuses on financial literacy, leadership development and technology skills to connect students with career opportunities. Approximately 25 students will be in attendance to learn about the importance of staying in school and developing the skills needed to connect to jobs.

Congreso takes a real interesting approach working with the community. Not only do they have several charter schools and after-school programs, but they also include Harcum College, a community-based associate’s degree program. The new grant will help support all of these programs and bring our community closer to our career goals. Today I heard someone say Latinos are growing in numbers in prisons and we have to change this.

A Latino Greek family united

About a week ago I first read about the horrible tragedy that struck Jonel Gonzalez, a brother of La Unidad Latina/Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. On Sunday, April 29th  Gonzalez suffered a devastating loss when his mother, sister, aunt, two young cousins and both grandparents (7 in total) were involved in a fatal car accident in Bronx, New York. Anytime someone looses a family member in an accident can be tragic and hard to handle. The costs were going to be unbearable for anyone to handle. However, thanks to Gonzalez's LUL network, he wasn't going to be left standing alone.

According to an article in the Huffinton Post, they raised over $85,000 in less than one week! These are the times I am glad to be a part of the Latino Greek community. When we forget about the competition, the numbers, the stigma, everything and come together to support someone that really needs it. Thanks to Keith Garcia and other brothers of LUL, news of the tragedy spread via social media throughout the week. And in the next few days, the #SupportJoelGonzalez and #ForTheLove campaign the fraternity was able to raise approximately $125,000 surpassing their initial goal of $100,000. These funds will help support funeral costs among other things.

"I will never be able to express how grateful my family and I are," Gonzalez said. "Throughout all the sorrow and darkness, this support is the only light I see." For more information visit www.SupportJonel.com.

Precious Moments #8 - Back seat driving

What better way to end an awesome Hawaii trip than by sitting in the back of a truck!? Okay I know it's strange but that's all we saw during out stay.
See you all in Hawaii!