Global Fusion Festival returns with RHAPSODY

Global Fusion Festival & Week presents RHAPSODY. For its 6th year, Philly brings the world together again this summer with an electrifying week of non-stop entertainment that draws diverse communities to celebrate the “cultural fusion” of the world. Fusion-inspired restaurant discounts, drink specials and performances take place across Philadelphia all week, wrapping-up on Saturday, July 21st with the LARGEST, one-day festival in the City at Penn’s Landing, Great Plaza. I mean who else doesn't enjoy a free concert at Penn's Landing; I know I do.

This year's theme "Rhapsody," represents the ecstatic expression GFF creates as Philadelphia's unique cultures unite for one week, in the spirit of love and unity. During Global Fusion Week, locals and visitors take advantage of fusion-themed drink specials and restaurant discounts at numerous participating restaurants and bars throughout the city. "Fusion-inspired" performances showcasing the diversity of our region are also held at select Center City venues. Previous Latino performers have included Grupo Oro Solido, Huey Dunbar, J-King and Maximan and Brenda K. Starr. I wonder who will represent the Latinos this year?

NY Daily News prints wrong Puerto Rican flag

How do you piss off thousands and even millions of Puerto Ricans? Easy...you print the wrong flag on an ad for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC. I found the above photo on Facebook but it's clear that the New York Daily News has printed the wrong flag in one of their ads. Media companies are supposed to be a factual service for consumers yet when something like this slips the cracks, be prepared for an outrage. I work in marketing and communications so I know there are a good number of people looking at stuff before the final approval. Of course this wouldn't happen if a Latino was working at the NY Daily News (in the advertising/sales department). Now everyone's favorite NY Giant Victor Cruz is plastered on an ad waving the Cuban flag. Maybe the NY Daily News thought, "We'll use this version." Maybe not.

Do you think Victor Cruz should still "salsa" his way on the parade? Expecting an apology?

Update: The guys at LatinoRebels have posted the apology via the NY Daily News.

•  "As the presenting media sponsor, the Daily News apologizes to the Puerto Rican, Cuban and other Latino communities as well as parade sponsors who were offended by our honest mistake. It will be rectified in tomorrow's paper."

New weekly post: Articles of interest

Since things have been a little slow on this end, I'm going to start a new post every Wednesday. sharing articles from other interesting sources. They will most certainly either have a Latino twist or come from a Latino news outlet. I'll also add a line or two on my take on the subject. Enjoy today's POSTS of the week!

• Three proven ways to improve your health without leaving home - I always wish I could cook...well. It seems as though every time I try to eat healthier, it doesn't work out. However, I'm glad to say I haven't had red meat in quite some time. BeingLatino gives you some steps on how to improve your healthy intake without leaving the casa.
• Lucas Rivera inicia nueva etapa musical en CA - That's right. Our longtime community leader, Lucas Rivera, is taking a leap. He found a calling in Los Angeles, CA and is taking the whole family. 
• Video: Ricky Martin Teaches Wendy Williams how to say “How You Doin’” in Spanish - I would have preferred to hear him actually say it; but hilarious nonetheless. 
• This week's EN PORTADA - Did you know I help produce a local public affairs program? Well I do. Sometimes I even get the opportunity to interview cool guests (on the field). This time I got to ask a few questions to Carli Lloyd who plays for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. 

AL DIA to publish Latino Philly book

Writing a book can take years. It's actually one of my goals right now; not too sure what it's going to be about but I want to. It's also great to see organizations and even individuals attempt to track our own history. I recently became aware that David Cruz and Al Dia are doing just that...recapping Philadelphia's Latino history. According to the story in pontealdia.com, "The '200 Years of Latino History of Philadelphia,' which will be unveiled at our 20th anniversary gala in the fall, is our own modest attempt, this time in 'coffee table' book format, to articulate the mostly misunderstood story of our local community here in Latino Philadelphia." And what a misunderstood story it will be.

I have lived in Philadelphia for approximately nine years now and although I can't quite say a lot, it's been interesting. Al Dia has been one of the leading Latino papers here in Philadelphia and has been published for the past 20 years. And yes this 200 Years of Latino History of Philadelphia might be a coffee table book, but it will still be very interesting to read. Philadelphia's Latino history is strong and I hope they get capture the best (and the worst).

EAST WILLYB hitting the web soon

Imagine a Latino-based hipster invasion gentrification comedy. Can't think of what it is? Well you get EAST WILLYB, an original, mult-iplatform Latino web series. The web series intends to be a mainstay in its viewers’ daily schedule. Providing multiple episodes a week, and delivered via a dedicated website with interactive content, EAST WILLYB is the web series that you can count on to be there. In a nutshell, a group of aspiring Latinos couldn't stand to see how Latinos were portrayed on TV, so they made these web series. And of course, there was no support from the "suits" so they produced it on their own. The series is centered around Willy Jr.’s Sports Bar where gentrification hits. Willy Jr. and his best friend and bartender, Ceci Rivera, hit the streets and everyone in between in order to keep the bar alive...and away from hipsters.

Although they have already reached their fundraising goal via Twitter, it doesn't mean you still can't help support. What’s the release date? The release dates are TBD but you can possibly expect to see the first episode September 2012, but that all depends on what happens next. Remember, any little help will support this wonderful independent web series.

To watch the first 6 pilot episodes, visit eastwillyb.com.

Poetry: In my country

A week ago I shared with you a poem I wrote in my graduate school class. We're learning a lot about place, voice and travel in general so I wanted to share another poem. This piece compliments the En Mi Pais poem so enjoy!

___________________________

In my country

In my country...wait a minute, I don't even know where that is.
Jersey born to Colombian padres, people already pigeon hold me


In my country, tourists turn to citizens, undocumented turn away
and I'm left with a sense of not knowing where I came from.


In my country, the schools are biased depending on the color of
your skin. White or black, unfortunately it's all what people see.


In my country, I have to yell because people are so
inconsiderate. Why can't you be more like them? Wait...who's them?


In my country, the West Coast has a hidden war with
the East Coast. Laid back vs. hustle and bustle.


In my country, fighting to survive in corporate America
seems more important than family. Weird...I don't like family.


In my country I get called Latino.
In their country I get called Gringo.

National Museum of the American Latino design contest

 

UNO Branding (Luis Fitch, Salome Castro) Minneapolis, MN 

When I think about what the National Museum of American Latino might look like inside, I see everything. From our indigenous roots to our present state, it's a combination of old and new. I recently received an e-mail about voting for the campaign design contest. How did I not know this was happening!? The contest currently has six finalists from all over the nation, all very different. What does the winner get you ask? A trip to Las Vegas, NV, a national media campaign, and a chance to be a part of history is on the line! The exposure alone is enough.

I chose the one above because it's not only simple, but it embodies exactly where we are. Although at first glance it seems like a voting campaign, I like it. In today's advertising world, the simpler the better. The designer said it best, "Many nations. Many cultures. Many colors. Welcome to the new America. The concept of our poster design was the meshing of the Latino culture with the United States of America." The designer also probably realized, this is a launch campaign; not a concert, event, etc. Most of the other posters were a little too busy and some even stuck to "one" culture. The American Latino embodies all Latino cultures.

The deadline to submit your vote is tonight at 11:59pm EST, June 1, 2012. The winner will be announced this Monday, June 4, 2012.

The White House staff is in town

So I can't tell you how many times I've received an e-mail about the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit. Apparently Temple University is hosting a White House Hispanic Community Action Summit this Saturday, June 2, when senior administration officials will engage members of the Hispanic community on a wide range of issues.What exactly does this mean to any of us? It means our so called Latino leaders will gather in a room and discuss issues important to our community. It means they'll be there "requesting funds" to help support their event, organization, internal ventures, and so forth.

I actually attended something similar in D.C. over a month ago and I was a little disappointed. Sure I networked and all that fancy stuff but what was supposed to be non-partisan turned into a praise on how wonderful everyone is doing. You all know I am not into politics and government issues at all. But unfortunately as you get older, you must get involved with these arguments. Attending these events is pretty much about showing face. Do I have an obligation to go? I honestly don't think so. I can do so much more by writing a letter, organizing an event, etc. Showing face does not mean anything.