Blogamole › Hispanic Heritage Month

By Michael Lopez

In case you're wondering, it's no fluke that National Latino AIDS Awareness Day falls on October 15. Coinciding with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the movement specifically targets the Latino community and encourages everyone to get tested. It also works to educate Spanish speakers on the dangers of HIV and teaches preventative safe sex strategies.

First established in 2003, NLAAD has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. In 2010, the movement solidified support from 450 sponsors, organized over 350 nationwide events, and donated 7,000 HIV testing kits throughout the Latin community.

This year's theme is called, "Latinos Unite! Let’s Stay Healthy!" and has expanded its reach quite a bit. Now instead of just AIDS-related education, NLAAD is spreading the word about Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis, and other sexually-transmitted diseases.

For those looking for even more details about the disease, the NLAAD site has a wealth of information. There are fact and data sheets (did you know that Latinos make up 17 percent of all AIDS cases in the U.S.?), video links, and tons of resources for those living with the disease.

NLAAD Director, Melissa Faith Ramirez, recently spoke to Fox News about the importance of Awareness Day.

"AIDS is a disease that kills," she explained. "It's a problem that's in every community across the board. Our specific campaign gears to bringing the message to the Latino community."

There are tons of NLAAD events happening all across the country this weekend (including expos, workshops, and music festivals). To find out about what may be going in your neck of the woods, click over to the Awareness Day Events page and make a date to spread the word.

Has anyone in your community been impacted by AIDS? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, AIDS Awareness, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Health, Hispanic Heritage Day, Melissa Faith Ramirez, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, NLAAD

By Michael Lopez

It's hard to believe that Hispanic Heritage Month is winding down. Throughout the past several weeks, we've showcased some truly inspiring artists, musicians, and fashionistas. And before it's all over, we thought it would be fun to share one more cultural tidbit – the delicious plate, Chile en Nogada!

A perfect addition to any Latino dinner table, this traditional Mexican dish mixes elements of sweet Nogada cream, tender ground beef and just the right amount of pepper spice. L.A.'s Frida restaurants specialize in the seasonal delicacy and founder Vicente del Rio gave us some tips on how to prepare it.

"Chile en Nogada is a very special entrée," del Rio explained. "Because it has so many seasonal ingredients, we only include it on our menu in the fall. It actually made its Frida debut on Mexican independence day this year."

Truth be told, Frida's Chile en Nogada isn't just a yummy main course, it's a work of art! Blending colors that ironically match the Mexican flag (red, white, and green in case you didn't know), it contains a wide variety of ingredients, including pomegranates, pears, cream cheese, and walnuts.

As Vicente explained, the base of the dish consists of a giant green chile, cut open and stuffed with meat.

"At our restaurants, we use ground tenderloin," he said. "After carefully seasoning it, we put it in the sliced bell pepper and add in pear slices, green apples, raisins, and pine nuts."

That alone would make a pretty tasty meal, but the yumminess doesn't stop there. One of the key flavors of Chile en Nogada is the slightly sweet Nogada sauce, which is made of cream cheese, milk, and a special Mexican ingredient called nuez de castilla.

And for the final touch, del Rio makes sure each Chile en Nogada plate is decorated with bright red pomegranates.

"The pomegranates are a seasonal item and they really help make the dish," he said. "We sprinkle them over the Nogada sauce and, for the final touch, we add peach slices on the side of plate. Many of our customers love to blend it all together."

But don't think that's all that Frida is famous for. Known for taking their name from the legendary Mexican painter, they currently have four restaurants in southern California. Vicente proudly describes his menu as "authentic Mexican cuisine" and features items like Molcajete, Camarones al Tequila, and Mole.

You can follow his Twitter and Facebook pages for all kinds of recipes and more Mexican cooking tips.

What's your favorite traditional Mexican dish? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chile en Nogada, Cultura, Food, Frida, Frida Restaurants, Hispanic Heritage Month, Vicente del Rio

By Michael Lopez

Expect a lot of activity from Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy in the next few months. The popular puppets have been popping up in commercials, posters, and even talk shows to promote their upcoming movie. And proving their connection to the Latino audience, Kermie and company filmed a Hispanic Heritage Month promo too.

Colorful as ever, the Muppet couple proudly saluted HHM and even dropped a few Spanish lines.

"Viva Latinos!" Miss Piggy exclaims towards the end of the spot.

Of course if you're in the mood for Fozzie Bear or The Great Gonzo, you can watch their videos as well. Clips on the Kermit homepage feature a tribute to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," blooper reels, and tons of exciting trailers for the new film (including a great Girl With The Dragon Tattoo spoof).

Be sure to catch their big screen adventure when it hits screens on November 23. Not only does it star all of your favorite fuzzy friends, it's got Rico Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, and Eddie "Piolín" Sotelo (just to name a few!).

Are planning on watching the new Muppet movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Danny Trejo, Hispanic Heritage Month, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Movies & CineMás, Muppets, Piolin, Rico Rodriguez, The Muppets

By Michael Lopez

Ever since she first burst on the scene, teen star Victoria Justice has proudly proclaimed her Puerto Rican heritage. Her mother and grandmother come from a long line of strong Latinas and she was proud to show them off via Twitter for Hispanic Heritage Month.

"Just finished a hispanic heritage month promo for @NickelodeonTV w/ my great g-ma & my mom. It's going 2 be cute, look!" she posted.

Looking at the three generations of Justice, it’s easy to see where Victoria gets her striking good looks! But the HHM festivities are just part of how she's been spending her very busy week.

Justice is also in the middle of filming her Nick show Victorious, posing for pictures on Girl’s Life magazine, and recording hit singles. Her latest release, "Almost Paradise," is a remake of a 1980's classic and will be featured on the new Footloose soundtrack.

We're sure she's making mom and grandma very proud!

Do you ever post abuelita pix on your Facebook and Twitter accounts? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, footloose, Hispanic Heritage Month, Hot Stuff, victoria justice, Victorious

By Michael Lopez

It's hard to believe that Hispanic Heritage Month is just a few weeks away. This year, you can expect quite a few famous faces honoring everything Español, including your favorite characters from Sesame Street. Yup, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and more are ready to get in touch with their inner Latino.

September 26th marks the kickoff of Sesame’s 42nd season and its creators have plenty of fun episodes planned. The one that we're most excited about is entitled, "The Latinization of Marco."

Based around the character of Gina, the episode will follow her as she learns about the culture of her adopted Guatemalan hijo. Marco, Gina's son, arrived four seasons ago and has been very popular with Latino viewers. He also happens to have a few famous fans as well.

In the "Latinization" episode, Marco will get to meet both Juanes and Sofía Vergara. Vergara will teach him (and the home audience) several important Spanish words and Juanes will discuss South America and perhaps whip out his trademark guitar.

The Sesame staff seems to be very excited about the special episode, especially since it encourages viewers to learn new languages.

"Sesame Street’s curriculum fosters children's natural inclinations to ask questions and encourages investigation and experimentation in order to make new discoveries,"Sesame Workshop Vice President Dr. Rosemarie Truglio explained.

And though they won't be appearing in the "Marco" episode, plenty of other high-profile Latinos have lined up appearances for season 42. Expect to see Rico Rodriguez, George Lopez, Bruno Mars, and even Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, Sesame has booked Nicole Kidman for her first-ever appearance and locked in Robin Williams, Conan O'Brien, and Carmelo Anthony for drop ins. But we have a feeling that it won't be the celebrities getting the littlest viewers excited. They can look forward to brand new "Super Grover" segments.

Do you still watch Sesame Street from time to time? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Cultura, Hispanic Heritage Month, Juanes, Sesame Street, sofia vergara, Television

By Michael Lopez

Ok, we’re officially freaked out! The pix that hit the web today of Eva Longoria Parker standing next to her figure from Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum are making us think she’s got a twin no one’s ever heard about.

Sporting the same dress Eva wore to the Alma Awards, a glistening smile, and flowing brown hair, Longoria 2.0 got tons of media attention when it was unveiled in Vegas this past week. Even hubby Tony Parker got snapped with a confused look on his face when posing next to the doppelganger.

But of course, it’s all in good fun and obvious that Eva brought along her trademark sense of humor when she posed for side-by-side pictures. With the finale of Hispanic Heritage Month on the horizon, the wax figure unveiling was done as a gesture to honor Longoria Parker and her charitable contributions within the past few weeks.

So now we’re wondering, where in the Museum will the new Eva go? We think she’d look great next to Snoop Dogg and Madonna in the Icons Room. But shouldn't there be a 'waxified' Tony P. in there to keep her company?

Source: [Perez Hilton]

What other Latina celebs would like to see get ‘waxified’? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Celebrities, Eva Longoria Parker, Hispanic Heritage Month, Madame Tussauds, Tony Parker

By Michael Lopez

It looks like Hispanic Heritage Month is really rubbing off on Pirates shortstop Ronny Cedeño. At last Sunday’s game against the Florida Marlins, he accidentally wore a Spanish-language jersey for the first three innings.

Image: Getty Images

To be honest, the “Piratas” look may have actually worked for Ronny. While wearing the jersey, he scored a much-needed home run for the struggling team. Unfortunately it’s been a rough year for Pittsburgh, they’ve lost over 100 games and closed the season with a loss against the Marlins.

So who knows? Perhaps Cedeño thought sporting an Español jersey could bring the team some luck. Other theories are that it was a locker room prank or simply an error. Either way, by inning four, Ronny was back in his official Pirates gear and maintaining “uniformity” with the rest of the players.

And if you’re wondering how the Spanish jerseys even came into existence, they were originally used as part of the team’s Hispanic Night back in July. It seems to us that an autographed Cedeño “Piratas” jersey would be quite the collector’s item now. Any chance that Ronny will auction it off to his favorite charity?

Source: [Yahoo]

Whose Spanish jersey would you want the most? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Baseball, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ronny Cedeño, Sports

By Sharmaine Jones

Last night (October 5) on the 36th floor conference room of New York's Mandarin Oriental Luxury Hotel, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) held their Alumni Hall of Fame Gala and we were in attendance.

The Hall of Fame Gala celebrated and acknowledged the achievements of outstanding HSF alumni recipients who personify the power of higher education. Keeping the program moving along was this years master of ceremonies: CNBC's personal finance expert Carmen Wong Ulrich. Ulrich did an excellent job using witty, lighthearted humor to keep the audience engaged. And boy did we need a few laughs throughout the ceremony because there was a short video shown for each inductee giving a brief description of their family's struggles and explaining the impact HSF had on their ability to go to college. These videos – what we like to describe as – “Messages of Hope” showed touching stories of survival, perseverance, sacrifice and strong family values. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. This years alumni inductees – all the first in their family to go to college – include:

Altruista, Yesmi Rios, English Language Learner Coordinator, Clark County School District, NV
Brillante, Lisa Pino, Deputy Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Food
and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Inspirador, Roger Cepeda, Associate General Counsel, CT, GE Healthcare
Optimista, Edgar Martinez, D.O., F.A.C.P.S., Medical Director, Dr. Edgar Martinez Medical Center

CNN's Anderson Cooper was in attendance to present the Corporate Honoree award to Time Warner. Chairman and CEO Jeff L. Bewkes accepted the award on the company's behalf.

Giving one of the most touching speeches of the night was Honorary Inductee: “Triunfador” Cesar Conde, President, Univision Networks. He spoke about how HSF afforded him the opportunity to compete with tools of education and emphasized that in the Latino community “High School dropout rate is too high and college matriculation is too low.” He also shared his motivational mantra: “Dream big, work hard and stay humble”.

During the event we had the pleasure of dining with HSF scholarship recipient Sergio F. Serratto. Mr. Serratto spoke with us about how he volunteered to help out with the event as his way of “giving back”. He now attends NYU Stern and will be a part of the Finance and International Business class of 2011.

Serratto is another example of HSF's importance and success. Celebrating 35 years of excellence, HSF is the nation's leading Hispanic scholarship organization, providing the Hispanic community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. Designed to be a relief valve for students ready to enter college, as well as their families, HSF has successfully created a national movement awarding over $300 million, resulting in close to 100,000 scholarships to students in need.

What's so amazing about this program is that it's not only designed to send Latinos to college, they also educate their families about the important role parents play in the process. To accomplish this, “Your Words Today” – launched April 27, 2010 – is a multi-media, bilingual PSA campaign aimed to reinforce among Hispanic parents that their involvement is crucial and their encouragement is vital.

Attending the event was such an honor and being in the presence of such prominent successful Latinos gave us an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. Kudos to HSF for not only addressing a Hispanic issue, but an American issue.

For more information about how to apply for scholarships or donate to the cause, visit www.HSF.net.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Anderson Cooper, Carmen Wong Ulrich, CNBC, CNN, Edgar Martinez, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Lisa Pino, Roger Cepeda, Time Warner, Yesmi Rios

By Michael Lopez

If you think all that’s cracking on SIRIUS Satellite Radio is Howard Stern, think again. With over 130 different channels devoted to comedy, news, sports, and music, they’ve pretty much got every aspect of the audio world covered. And in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, their Caliente station (channel 83 for subscribers) is ready to blast a 30-day celebration!

Just last week, they announced a lineup of exclusive interviews, performances, and playlists from Latin America’s hottest music stars. There will be Q & A’s with Shakira and producer Emilio Estefan, Latin Jazz every Friday night, and something we KNOW you’ll get excited about, a Daddy Yankee special!

Recently nominated for three Latin Grammys, Yankee’s flying high right now. He’s pulled off a massive tour, debuted a hot 3D video, and scored right at the top of our La Super Copa! So hearing him dish about his new Mundial album, sing live in the studio, and play his “Top 10 Favorite Songs” will be an unforgettable experience.

And don’t worry old school fans, there’s going to be plenty of history for you too. Legendary artist Ruben Blades will sit down in October and share stories about the groundbreaking salsa label, Fania Records. Going back 40 years, you’ll hear snippets and stories illustrating how the genre has evolved into the music we all love today.

Other audio treats on the schedule include concert performances by Pitbull, Juanes, and Christian Castro. Plus they’ll even be throwing in some classical music, conducted by the up-and-coming Mexican prodigy, Alondra de la Parra.

Even if all of these styles aren’t quite your cup of tea, they’re still worth a listen. Latin music stretches way beyond bachata and Enrique ballads (though we love all that stuff too). Learning about emerging artists, songwriting, and musica stars of yesteryear helps to enhance any playlist. And even if you don’t subscribe to SIRIUS, download a few of these artists on your own. You won’t regret it!

Source: [PR Newswire]

Who are your all-time favorite Latin artists? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Christian Castro, Cultura, Daddy Yankee, Emilio Estefan, Fania Records, Hispanic Heritage Month, Juanes, Música, Pitbull, Ruben Blades, Shakira, SIRIUS

Para este 16 de Septiembre, nos vestimos de verde, blanco, y rojo, y nos unimos al Grito de México lindo y querido en celebración de su bicentenario! And we're not the only ones sending the love to the 200 year cumpleañero, some familiar faces joined us to send congrats to México too! Check out this clip of K-Paz de la Sierra, Jessica Alba, Horoscopos de Durango, Wilmer Valderrama, y Diana Reyes sending their felicitaciones.

You're right Wilmer, 200 years is a lot of tequila! We know there are some who think Cinco de Mayo is México's birthday, but really that's just the date of la Batalla de Puebla (not to mention a great excuse para los norteamericanos to kick back some adult beverages). The real break from the rule of Spain happened on September 16, 1810.

Aunque los Latinos de todos los países estemos celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, we encourage all to be a bit Mexican on this special day and shout out un grito bien fuerte! ¡Órale, que viva México!

How will you celebrate México's big 2-0-0? Let us know in the comments or shout your Grito @MTV3!

Tags Bicentennial, Diana Reyes, El Grito, Hispanic Heritage Month, Horoscopos de Durango, Jessica Alba, K-Paz de la Sierra, Mexican Independence Day, Mexico, Wilmer Valderrama