Video: HeroStreet's Todo En Ti

Remember Herostreet's last music video? Well just a few days ago they came out with another! I'm a sucker for love songs and this is obviously a nice relaxing "i want you" type of song. Want to meet the band? Well this Saturday you can see them live (if you're in NYC) at D' Antigua Bar and Restaurant in Jackson Heights. Enjoy!

One radio station down, two left

So remember that Spanish radio station Rumba 1480 owned and operated by ClearChannel. Well see what happens when you go to www.rumba1480.com...and go. Well back in October El Zol 1340AM came to town and pretty much took over the competition. These guys have a very aggressive approach and are changing the way things are done. I was listening today and to my amazement there weren't that many commercials...and the music was good. Granted I was listening online and not on the radio which is a huge difference.

Now I bet you're asking yourself this again, "Why isn't there a Spanish FM station?" I ask myself that every day. Is there a market for it? Of course there is, but it would be a lot of work and very costly. With four shows running weekly including a weekend public affairs program, I believe El Zol will be staying for a while. Sad to see Rumba1480 gone but I didn't even see them around town a lot. Egh. I guess we'll see what happens with the two that are left.

Manhattan's newest maid

Today Telemundo's newest novela, Una Main en Manhattan, premiered. And yes of course the novela is based on the hit J-lo pelicula. Una Maid en Manhattan follows the journey of Marisa Lujan and her son Lalo emigrating from Mexico to the U.S.A. in search of a better life...figures right? However, after suffering disappointment while briefly living in L.A., they move to NYC where she ends up working as a maid in one of Manhattan's most prestigious hotels. By chance, Marisa meets millionaire Cristobal Salas Parker and will eventually fall in love. All of this while Cristobal assumes she is a well-to-do guest, not one of the hotel's maids.

A story about love, it's bound to bring families together who like Marisa came to this country looking for a better life. I must say I was really interested in watching the novela because of this story. All our families (well most) came looking for that dream. Then our mothers and fathers want to fall in love. Is her love a lie or will Cristobal now care for her work? Obviously the media pays attention to this drama and I'm sure there's that evil woman lurking around attempting to ruin Marisa's life. I'm sure she'll overcome right?

Our museum needs your help

As some of you may know the National Museum of the American Latino will most likely happen soon; maybe within the next 4 years. However, the museum needs your help to make it happen as soon as possible. Senator Bob Menendez has introduced the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S. 1868, which designates a location for the future American Latino Museum. If this bill passes, the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall (in D.C. for those that don't know) will be set aside as the future home of this long overdue museum. This location is perfect because it is close to public transportation and close to other museums and landmarks, so many people will have access to the countless stories of American Latino contributions to American history.

So what exactly do you need to do? Well like any other "change" you need to call your senators and tell them to pass the act. Call: 1-877-429-0678 and ask for your Senators or Representative by name. Tell your members of Congress that you support the creation of the American Latino Museum and that they should vote to pass the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S.1868. While I support the museum, I believe the government should not run it. I'm not sure if the correct portrayal of Latinos would be represented even if we have Latino political leaders at the forefront. Sure the museum can't cater to everyone's needs and there will be angry people, but come on, this is OUR museum; the American Latinos' museum. 

Video documentary: No Solo Hay Dos Colores

About a week ago I wrote about a new documentary introducing a mural in Spain. The art project NO SOLO HAY dos COLORES introduces the role of men and women. It also goes deep into what an artist really is and how all the artists came to work together. Enjoy!

An intern reunion

A few weeks ago I attended the Department of Labor - Office of Public Affair's (DOL/OPA) intern reunion in Philadelphia. It was great seeing some familiar faces and people working in the industry and even knowing they took part in the same internship I had. According to the DOL, "Since the start of the program in 2003, the office has provide learning opportunities to nearly 40 college interns from colleges throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including The University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Drexel and Rutgers." 

I would like to thank Leni and the rest of the DOL team because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be in my Telemundo Philadelphia chair right now :). The OPA internship was my first approach at public relations and outreach. Considering my major was journalism, it was the start of my journey to the other side (or as some call it the dark side).  Some of the past interns now work in great leadership positions including city government, corporate communications and more. Moral of the story: take the internship!

Día de Acción de Gracias @ Taller PR

Earlier today I volunteered at Taller Puertorriqueno's annual Thanksgiving for the homeless event. I wasn't going to but I left work early and was able to make time. Sometimes we take for granted what we can easily obtain like food, water and shelter. There are hundreds of people who go without any of these every day.

Taller Puertorriqueño’s staff organizes this annual warm dinner and provides clothing and canned groceries to over 300 people in need. There was food was donated by Shining Star Restaurant and Cousin's Supermarket as well as plenty of water provided by Keystone Mercy. I was happy to see other volunteers as well spend at least one hour doing something very selfless.

Interested in other volunteer opportunities? I'm sure you can call their offices or any other local agency in Philadelphia for opportunities. And please don't volunteer because you have to, volunteer because you want to. There's a huge difference. I hope as you sit tomorrow while stuffing your face you remember to thank friends, family and even coworkers. The people we meet in our lives cross our lives for a reason; whether good or bad it's still for a reason. Cherish those memories. Hasta la proxima!

Corporations do care (Goya Foods)

Maybe this just bypassed me but all over South/Central America, cities are being flooded with torrential downpours. And most recently, El Salvador has been a victim of this horrible natural disaster. According to the BBC News article, "The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal to help an estimated 300,000 people in El Salvador after heavy rains caused widespread flooding across Central America." Goya Foods of course is on board with helping its people.

Earlier today, Goya Foods, Inc., announced a donation of 37,000 pounds offood to help those affected by the El Salvador floods. The donation includes evaporated milk, beans, coconut milk and other healthy Goya products. This isn't the first donation Goya has completed; back in March Goya donated 1 million pounds of food to multiple cities. This is a part of they 75th anniversary including their campaign, Goya Gives. So you see, for-profit companies can do good in the community. And GOYA has always been there and to be honest I've never heard anything negative from them. Good job Goya...so now where's my free rice & beans? lol j/k.