Latinas United for the Cure 2011

Unfortunately it took a few diagnoses and even deaths to realize how important cancer awareness is to not just me, but to Latinos. That's why I'm making it an effort to get more involved and bring awareness to all Latinos. Whether it's sending a Tweet, fundraising or volunteering at events, it's so important to stay involved.

On Saturday, March 12th, 2011, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure presents its annual Latinas United for the Cure. This year, the event will offer two general assembly seminars (breakfast & lunch) plus specialized group sessions in English and Spanish. The 2011 Latinas United for the Cure has been designed to meet the growing diversity of needs in the Latina community--whether you are a survivor, taking the breast cancer journey with a loved one or being proactive in your own breast health. The event will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on 12th & Market.

For volunteer opportunities or to register for the event, please click here.

It's possible with PapaPosible

Talk about good timing. Last month, BeingLatino posted an article about how Groupon can go gold with Latinos and now PapaPosible launches this week!? Just like Groupon and LivingSocial, PapaPosible works with city-wide vendors, you sign up for the deal in your city and boom, instant savings. The first five markets to be including in the deals should be of no surprise: New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami.

According to an article on Portada, Ron Rimkus, one of the site cofounders told Portada that his company just hired seven sales employees to work on the five local markets. He cites needs (groceries, dentist, auto maintenance), luxuries (restaurants, spas) and activities (soccer, boat cruises) as the main categories of advertisers. Looks like LivingSocial and Groupon have their next big competitor. That's of course only if they don't want our money. Just sayin.

The awesome side of Greek life - Strolling

Okay so as much as I didn't want to write about strolling I had to. I mean think about it. If there's one thing we all love doing (for those that know how) it's strolling/party walking. We not only feel good about ourselves, but we feel good for our organization. It's one of the first things we want to do as soon as we cross. And yes not all of us are good at it but even as neos you tend to just go with the flow.

Let's take the next step and move on to performing at competitions. A completely different vibe, when you're on stage with hundreds of people watching, your heart races like nothing else. Then if you win, you start to realize you were a part of something bigger. Strolling is a feel good sport. I say it's a sport because you have to train and be devoted. It also takes a lot of your time. So if you're a neo and want to stroll professionally, be sure to put in 115%.

Goodbye C. Medina - American Idol

A few days ago our dear friend Chris Medina was not selected to move on in American Idol. There was some controversy over at BeingLatino on whether or not we should support him just because he's Latino. Either way, you have to give it up to him; his story was very inspirational.

And to make things more interesting, here's J-Lo saying, "no" to Medina and turn into a waterfall of tears.

Left or right brain?

Talk about wow factor. Not sure where Mercedez-Benz was going with this but it sure has me thinking. What exactly they want to convey who knows. I believe it's saying that no matter what kind of thinker you are (left or right), you choose the right car...and apparently that's a Benz. Does this honestly make me want to purchase a car? Nope.

The ad, however, does have me thinking what type of person am I? I at time do think strategically and plan out my things but at the same time I love being a free spirit. Creating something randomly is probably the most fun I have ever had. Maybe Benz just wants us to post their ads all over our blogs and have us thinking. Either way. Great art work.

Video: Penelope Menchaca (12 Corazones)

And we're back with the next Philly Te Ama video series. And today we interview Penelope Menchaca from Telemundo's 12 Corazones. Check out what our new Philly fan had to say about our city.

Save the date: Prince Royce in Philadelphia

On March 18, for the first time in Philadelphia, the #1 Bachata singer in the US, Prince Royce, will sing his heart out at the Trocadero Theatre. I was surprised at the location since most Latino artists perform at the Felton. Thankfully someone got him to perform in Center City.

Tickets just $30 for limited time! So go online now: www.TicketMaster.com or if you can to avoid the service charge you can stop by the Trocadero box office and buy your tickets there. Tickets will also be available at Centro Musical in Philly, 215.425.7050. And in case you want to party a little more, the after party will be at THE TROCADERO on the 2nd level. See you then.

So what does it really mean to be AfroLatino?

My last two BeingLatino articles have been about the AfroLatino person. It's very interesting to see the different perspectives people have about the topic. What we must first understand is that Latino is a composition of three different cultures. Remember, a Colombian in Colombia is not Latino; a Mexican in Mexico is not Latino; however, a Colombian, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican in the United States is indeed Latino (or Hispanic). Whatever you prefer. Latinos are a composition of Spanish, Indigenous and African cultures. The AfroLatino goes even deeper because a dark-skinned Colombiano might have more African roots than a light-skinned Puerto Rican.

I'm not saying we should divide ourselves into different sub-groups. That's the last thing I want. What I do want to point out is that this is a real thing. It's real because there are those which deny their roots. My aunt once said, "I'm glad I don't have black blood in me." Of course everyone around her gave her the "stank" face and someone corrected her. What I'm afraid of is that one day our youth will forget their history. Knowing where you come from is as important as knowing who you are.