Blogamole › Hope For Haiti

By Michael Lopez

Just when you thought she was a diva, Shakira turns around and displays an incredible act of generosity. Actually the Colombian singer has a long history of humanitarian work and is continuing the tradition in a major way, by donating nearly $800,000 to help rebuild a historic school in Haiti.

Recently Shakira also helped to lay the first bricks of a new school she's financing in Cartagena, Colombia, for underprivileged kids.

Though Haiti's devastating 7.0 earthquake happened over a year ago, there is still much rebuilding that needs to be done. Port-au-Prince, where the rattler was centered, received a massive amount of damage and several historic landmarks were leveled. One, in particular, was the Elie Dubois school, which has been providing vocational training to Haitian women since 1913.

Shaki’s Barefoot Foundation has partnered with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help rebuild the school and continue educating its thousands of enrolled students. And that’s only the beginning. The IDB’s goal is to reconstruct over 2,500 more Haitian learning institutions within the next five years.

“I am sure that the only thing that will change the course of Latin America and the Caribbean’s destiny is for governments to make it a priority to invest in quality education for all boys and girls,” Shakira said. “From the moment they are born and forever.”

Since the earthquake, Elie Dubois students have been transplanted to makeshift classrooms in various parts of the city. But that won’t be for long. If all goes according to plan, IDB and the Barefoot Foundation will have the original campus up and running by early September.

Have you donated to those affected by the 2010 Haiti earthquake? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Barefoot Foundation, Cultura, Elie Dubois School, Haiti, Health, Shakira

By Michael Lopez

Wow. Now we feel even more proud to have dedicated an entire day of programming to reggaeton gods Wisin y Yandel. Not only do they go out of their way to honor their fans, but they continue to contribute to charitable causes around the world. Just last week, W y Y paid a visit to needy kids in Haiti and even offered $100,000 to help rebuild their orphanage.

Photo by Rachael Coleman Thompson/Tr3s

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Port-Au-Prince was rocked by that devastating 7.0 earthquake. Though the telethons and donations helped bring some money to the struggling country, there is still plenty of work to be done.

The St. Joseph’s Home orphanage once stood seven-stories tall and housed dozens of children in need of housing. Since the earthquake, it has slowly crumbled into an unlivable pile of rubble. Wisin y Yandel visited the site and made a vow to help rebuild it via their very generous donation.

“This experience has changed my life," Wisin said. "We are more committed than ever to continue our support for the families of St. Joseph’s and to continue helping more children.”

“We pledge to always keep in touch," Yandel added, "and to come back and visit here when the reconstruction is complete.”

Maybe they'll even add a sound system when St. Joseph’s gets renovated so the children can blast hits from W y Y’s Regreso de los Vaqueros!

What causes have you volunteered for or donated to this year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cultura, Haiti, Health, Hope For Haiti, photo, Photos, St. Joseph's Home, Wisin y Yandel

By Michael Lopez

It’s amazing how fast an año can fly by. It seems like just yesterday we were breaking stories about A-Rod and Cameron’s first hookup, Pau Pau’s pregnancy, and a hot new artist by the name of Prince Royce. And trust us, there will be plenty more chisme in the coming year. But before we get into all that, we thought it would be fun to look back at the best Blogamole stories of 2010.

The year definitely started on a somber note with the 7.0 earthquake that rattled Haiti on January 12. Thankfully the entertainment community rose to the occasion, organizing the Hope For Haiti Now telethon, which raised over $58 million in relief funds. Our coverage received tons of positive feedback from Blogamole fans, who shared their stories and found the activism within the Latino community to be particularly inspiring.

March brought us another pivotal moment in Latino history (which we’re sure broke many hearts). Late that month, Ricky Martin officially came out on his website, declaring, “I am a fortunate homosexual man.” It took a lot of courage for Ricky for to make that move, but Blogamole fans embraced him every step of the way. Since his revelation, Martin has became a new role model for gay Latinos, even scoring Out Magazine’s “Entertainer Of The Year.”

2010 also brought us quite a bit of Exclusive Entrevistas. Everybody from Selena Gomez to Justin Timberlake shared their thoughts with the Tr3s microphone. But one icon we found particularly fascinating was horror director George A. Romero. In a very revealing interview that went on to span five blogs, he shared his thoughts on comics, zombies, and his Latino heritage.

When it comes to politics, no topic stirred up as much heat as Arizona’s SB 1070 law. Team Blogamole followed this controversial anti-immigrant bill from its earliest stages, to its sweeping protests, to the federal ruling that finally shot it down. We highly recommend checking out the 2010 documentary, 9500 Liberty, to learn more about what went into this extremely divisive issue.

On a lighter note, what fun would 2010 have been without a few awesome live events?! Tr3s hit all kinds of carpets for high-profile happenings like the Video Music Awards and the Scott Pilgrim premiere. But, we also made sure you got a taste of some of the more unique scenes like New York’s Latin Alternative Music Conference and the Afro-Punk Festival! Our cameras captured a ton of candid moments from the summer jam and even scored some interviews with a few names you may recognize.

What were your favorite Blogamole stories from 2010? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, 9500 Liberty, Award Shows, Blogamole, Celebrities, Chisme, Cultura, Hope For Haiti, Música, Movies, Politics

Ricky Martin has a heart of gold.  Whoever said his career is no longer relevant clearly doesn't realize the extent of his reach.  The latest accomplishment under Ricky's belt?

El cantante has recently launched a PSA on his website to promote the Ricky Martin Foundation and their efforts to help victims of el terremoto de Chile y Haiti.  Joining Ricky on this star-studded PSA are fellow artistas Gustavo Cerati (de Soda Stereo), Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio, Gloria Estefan, Ruben Blades, Tego Calderon, Miguel Bose, Cristian de la Fuente, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Calle 13, Enrique Iglesias, Amaury Nolasco, Ednita Nazario, Pitbull, Julieta Venegas y más!

Watch the full PSA below, and make sure to check out Ricky Martin's website for more info and the Ricky Martin Foundation site to make a donation.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Alejandro Sanz, Amaury Nolasco, Calle 13, chile, earthquake, Ednita Nazario, Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Gustavo Cerati, Habitat for Humanity, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Julieta Venegas, Miguel Bose, Paulina Rubio, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, ricky martin foundation, Ruben Blades, Tego Calderon

We're excited about the premiere of 'Somos El Mundo' (i.e. 'We Are The World' en Español) esta noche!  The music video, produced by Emilio Estefan, Quincy Jones and Univision, features an all-star roster of performers, including newly confirmed Ricky Martin, Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Luis Miguel, Gloria Trevi, and Belinda.  Previously announced talent include Aventura, Pitbull, Chayanne, Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Thalia, Paulina Rubio, Tito "El Bambino," Juan Luis Guerra, Taboo of Black Eyed Peas, Jenni Rivera, Gloria Estefan, Alacranes Musical, Pee Wee, y muchos, muchos más!  Can you say Latin Music dream come true?!

The video was produced as a companion to the new (English-version) 'We Are The World' video that was created to support Haiti following the massive earthquake that shook the nation.  Y ahora, con el terremoto en Chile este fin de semana, a Spanish version of the song couldn't be more fitting.  Following the 10pm premiere of the video, you can find more info on the epic collaboration at www.somoselmundo.org, so make sure to check that out after 10pm!  Info on the premiere can be found at Univision.com.

Tell us -- will you watch the video?  Y estás tan emocionado como nosotros? [PR NewsWire]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Alacranes Musical, Aventura, Belinda, Black Eyed Peas, Chayanne, Daddy Yankee, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Gloria Trevi, Haiti, Jenni Rivera, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Latin Music, Luis Fonsi, Luis Miguel, Paulina Rubio, Pee Wee, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Somos El Mundo, Taboo, Thalía, Tito El Bambino, We Are The World

We reported yesterday that Ricky Martin was on his way to Port-au-Prince to help Habitat for Humanity with the relief efforts in Haiti. You can read abou that HERE. We're happy to report that the popular humanitarian has landed safely, and is sharing his experience with his fans via Twitter.

Ricky writes:

"Landed in port au prince #haiti "

"Guys just like in thailand (tsunami), people from all over the world in one place working with love, focused on giving #haiti"

"Tengo que pensar  'solución a largo plazo' #ayudaHaiti. Día muy intenso"

"I'm here working like crazy! Pumped! A lot needs to be done! Peace every1!-Sigo trabajando como loco. Hay mucho por hacer, paz mi gente.#RMFHAITI " (Twitter)

So much work still needs to be done! To find out how you can help, head over to Think.MTV.com.

Photo via Twitter

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Habitat for Humanity, Haiti, Ricky Martin

The strongest aftershock to date hit Haiti early this morning (January 20), rattling nerves and sparking fears of renewed damage and casualties one week after the island was devastated by a 7.0 temblor. According to CNN, the 6.1-magnitude aftershock, which struck just after 6 a.m. ET.  It was the latest in a series of dozens of aftershocks that have hit since the January 12 quake that destroyed much of the capital and took at least 72,000 lives.

In addition to causing panic and distress among the more than 3 million survivors who have been battling to stay alive in dire conditions amid the rubble of the original earthquake, such a strong aftershock can pose serious danger in an area where damaged buildings are already teetering precariously, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

CNN described a scene in which patients at a hospital near the airport in Port-au-Prince began immediately praying for forgiveness and protection as the ground rocked back and forth.

At least one injury was reported in the moments following the aftershock, which came as desperately needed medical reinforcements approached offshore in the form the USNS Comfort, a state-of-the-art hospital aboard a U.S. naval ship. U.S. helicopters will fly patients to the Comfort for treatment to relieve some of the pressure on overburdened hospitals and clinics. The ship carries nearly 550 doctors, nurse, technicians and support staff, who will be joined by 350 other medical personnel once the ship reaches Haiti.

As of Wednesday, 3 million Haitians were still in need of food, water, shelter and medical assistance, according to a United Nations estimate. More than $220 million has been contributed to major U.S. relief groups to date.

Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Wyclef Jean, Bono, and Jay-Z will lead the all-star lineup of performers for Friday night's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon, sponsored by MTV Networks. More than 100 stars have signed on to help raise funds for the show, which will air commercial-free across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT and dozens of other networks on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. (MTVNews)

Tags Alicia Keys, bruce springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Haiti, Hope For Haiti, Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Shakira, wyclef jean

Relief has been pouring in for the impoverished island of Haiti in wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the nation's capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. And while we've heard dozens of stories on the 2 million and counting that Wyclef, one of the country's most famous exports, has raised through his organization Yele Haiti, we've heard very little on what some of our favorite artistas Latinos are doing to help.  Here's the scoop!

Wisin y Yandel have reached deep in their pockets to donate to the victims of Haiti. The duo have given $100,000 to a Haitian orphanage, and another $100K towards the purchase of generators to help restore electricity to the devastated nation.

The boys of Aventura are also donating big bills! A whopping $25, 000 to their relief organization of choice, the American Red Cross. The Bachata quartet will also have Red Cross volunteers accepting donations on-site at their 4 Madison Square Garden concerts over the next two weeks.

Ricky Martin isn’t just writing a check; he's heading to Haiti! Our favorite humanitarian boarded a plane to Port-au-Prince today, and plans on providing as much on the ground assistance as possible.

Belinda is doing her part as well, and has taped a special PSA for the Red Cross. The segment is meant to motivate and inspire the Mexican public and others to donate and give to the relief fund in Haiti. (LatinGossip)

Are you doing your part? To find out how you can do more, head on over to Think.MTV.com. And make sure you watch Hope For Haiti, an MTV Telethon broadcast LIVE and hosted by George Clooney, Wyclef, and CNN's Anderson Cooper, on MTV Tr3s Friday, January 22nd at 8pm EST/PST.  All donations will directly benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation.

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Agentes De Cambio, American Red Cross, Aventura, Belinda, George Clooney, Hope For Haiti, Ricky Martin, UNICEF, Wisin y Yandel, Wyclef, Yele Haiti