Blogamole › Tego Calderon

By Michael Lopez

Ok, maybe we got ahead of ourselves with the title of this post. "Pre-production" is more like it. But regardless, Vin Diesel has now officially confirmed that the Fast & Furious franchise is getting two more sequels.

Diesel (who's also a Fast producer) thrilled fans with his announcement this week, particularly because he confirmed the participation of the last movie's stellar cast.

"We have to pay off this story, we have to service all of these character relationships, and when we started mapping all that out it just went beyond 110 pages," Vin explained. "The studio said, 'You can't fit all that story in one damn movie!"

Obviously that's great news for Tr3s fans. Several of our favorite peeps have been a part of the franchise and if they're really "all coming back," you can expect appearances from Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Michelle Rodriguez, and Eva Mendes!

We're hoping we can expect the first of the two movies by summer 2013.

Who's your favorite Fast Five character? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, Eva Mendes, Fast Five, Fast Seven, Fast Six, Hot Stuff, Michelle Rodriguez, Movies & CineMás, Tego Calderon, Vin Diesel

By Michael Lopez

With over $600 million in worldwide box office revenue, you can bet that the folks at Universal are ready to juice the Fast Five franchise for everything it's worth. And though we may have to wait a year or two for the sequel, fans can get early treat with the fully-loaded DVD that drops today.

Fast Five dvd

Featuring crisp HD visuals, blaring stereo sound, and a sharp letterbox aspect ratio, the Fast Five DVD recreates everything you loved about car-racing crime drama. But for those looking for a little more, Vin Diesel and company are delivering the goods.

The new Blu-Ray disc features two deleted scenes, a Rock-heavy gag reel, and a feature commentary from director Justin Lin. There are also a ton of behind-the-scenes goodies, like a breakdown of that epic train sequence and interviews with the entire cast.

Perhaps the most interesting bonus from the Fast Five DVD is the "Virtual Garage." Here you can highlight each vehicle used in the film, complete with 360 degree views and under-the-hood exposes. Tyrese makes a special appearance too, with his own Tyrese TV segment that features his home movies from the set.

And c'mon, who couldn't use a little bit more Don Omar and Tego Calderon on their big screen TV? They'll be around too for the special "Reuniting The Team" section. Trust us, Fast Five is an awesome showcase for any living room and it's a great way to keep fans entertained until Michelle Rodriguez hits theaters for Fast Six!

What's your favorite DVD to watch over and over? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, DVDs, Fast Five, Hot Stuff, Justin Lin, Movies & CineMás, Tego Calderon, The Rock, Tyrese, Vin Diesel

By Michael Lopez

What's the easiest way to promote a cause to 700 million people? Facebook and Twitter of course! Several of the social networking world's biggest names directed their posts to East Africa yesterday in the hopes of raising awareness about the region's growing food crisis.

Dubbed "Save The Children," the campaign was organized by the family of reggae legend Bob Marley. Marley's classic song "High Tide Or Low Tide" was used in a video to help promote the cause and you won't believe the amount of A-listers who sent out tweets about it.

Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and more, all spoke out to their millions of followers. And plenty of Tr3s faves made sure to include themselves in the project too. Shakira, Taio Cruz, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars, Tego Calderon, and were all involved in the movement.

In total, 150 celebs participated in the campaign and, judging by the trending topics yesterday, it turned into a huge success. The media provided quite a bit of coverage of the movement and Bob Marley's "Save The Children" video was broadcast across millions of websites.

Bob's widow, Rita, felt a special connection to the 1973 song and spoke out about why the Marley family wanted to get involved.

"Not one child should be denied food nor water," she said. "Not one child should suffer. Along with 'Save the Children,' we must stand up together as friends to put a stop to this, to feed our children and to save their lives."

The "Save The Children" video is especially heartbreaking. Available as a download via iTunes, it shows dozens of East African kids famished and in pain. Tough as it is to watch, it offers a powerful message about the struggles happening in that part of the world (and how lucky we are to have food on our table).

Though the official social networking day for "Save The Children" has passed, there is still plenty you can do to lend your support. We highly recommend visiting the organization's website to find out how you can help make a difference.

Have you seen the emotional "Save The Children" video yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bob Marley, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Celebrities, East Africa, Facebook, High Tide Low Tide, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Rita Marley, Save the Children, Shakira, Taio Cruz, Tego Calderon, twitter

By Michael Lopez

How much would you expect to pay to see Tego Calderón live? He's sold millions of albums, played Madison Square Garden, and happens to be in one of the hottest movies of the summer. But believe it or not, the reggaeton superstar recently put on a whole show at no cost.

Performing his most famous hits at New York's Highbridge Park, Calderón got hundreds of fans jumping and singing along. His mission? To give back to the community with a free concert series called "Sábados de Verano."

"This event was a perfect fit for me, because I have many fans who won’t go to a club to see me," Tego told Fox News Latino. "Events like this allow for them to come see me perform, the mothers and the grandparents. It really satisfies me to see the kids enjoying this too."

But don't think New Yorkers will be the only ones able to bask in the live music freebies. "Sábados de Verano" (which is sponsored by Pepsi) will be traveling to L.A., Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Miami and feature tons of high-profile performers.

Which music artist would you most like to see live this summer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Música, Pepsi, Sábados de Verano, Tego Calderon

By Michael Lopez

According to the major movie studios, summer has officially arrived. This weekend marked the kickoff of the most lucrative season in the film business and, thanks to Fast Five, things are off to an incredible start! The Diesel-powered action flick scored $83 million in just three days, blowing away its closest box office competitor.

Believe it or not, movie theaters across the country raked in a total of $145 million over the past three days. According to Deadline.com, that is a 52% increase from the cash generated this time a year ago. It’s also a very encouraging sign that the box office recession may be on its way out.

Unfortunately for Disney, the weekend receipts weren’t as kind. Their highly-touted new release, Prom, failed to connect with audiences and wound up taking in a mere $5 million since its opening on Friday.

But for Vin Diesel and company, Fast Five’s success is a major boost. This fifth installment of the Fast & Furious series proved to be the franchise’s biggest opening yet and will most certainly lead to another sequel. Or perhaps, a possible spinoff with the colorful characters played by Don Omar and Tego Calderón!

Did you watch Fast Five over the weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Box Office, Don Omar, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Hot Stuff, Movies & CineMás, Prom, Tego Calderon, Vin Diesel

By Michael Lopez

What can you really say about a movie like Fast Five? It’s obvious if you’re buying a ticket to see it, you’re not expecting any Academy Award worthy performances. But you’ve got to wonder if actors like The Rock could at least “try” to put some heart into their characters. Though sharp dialogue and a cohesive plot are sorely missing from this movie, it definitely delivers in the action department.

And, to be honest, isn’t that what we ultimately expect from a Fast & Furious sequel? It’s obvious that the last four installments are not going to be considered for any Smithsonian motion picture exhibits, but that’s not to say they weren’t entertaining.

Launched back in 2001, the Fast & Furious franchise has gone to gross nearly $500 million in the U.S. alone and has built a massive following overseas. Plus, no one can deny that each installment has given us some very memorable characters.

And that’s ultimately one of Fast Five’s biggest assets. For this movie, director Justin Lin has assembled virtually every major star that appeared in the series. Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson are back from 2 Fast 2 Furious, Sung Kang’s Han character returns from Tokyo Drift, and Tr3s faves Don Omar and Tego Calderón are lighting up the screen again after their memorable stint in part four.

Interestingly, it’s the franchise’s newest character that seems to bring the movie down. Though we’ve definitely loved Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in other flicks, something about his performance in Fast Five just doesn’t click. With his combination of cheesy one-liners, extra tight t-shirts, and implausible detective skills, Johnson’s Luke Hobbs character is laughably bad.

But outside of The Rock, Fast Five does have a lot of things working in its favor. The car racing sequences are amazing (especially the final chase), there is a fun Mission Impossible type subplot, and Vin Diesel gets to throw down in a pretty gnarly fight scene. Plus, its Brazilian setting gives the movie plenty of Latin flava and you can hear our favorite Don Omar track during the credits.

Bottom Line: If you hate plot holes, bad acting, and nonsensical storylines you may want to avoid Fast Five. But, if you can withstand all of that and love seeing sweet rides tear up the roadway, this movie’s for you. Plus, there's a great surprise cameo at the very end!

Are you planning on catching Fast Five this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Don Omar, Dwayne Johnson, Fast Five, Hot Stuff, Ludacris, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Tego Calderon, The Fast & The Furious, The Rock, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel

By Michael Lopez

Within his 30-year career, it’s clear Draco Rosa’s music has touched millions. And now several famous fans are tweeting messages of love for the Puerto Rican rocker as he prepares to battle the cancerous tumor discovered near his abdomen.

Celebs like Roselyn Sanchez, Daddy Yankee, Carlos Ponce, and more have started a massive chain of online well wishes. And even though Draco is currently confined to a bed in a Houston hospital, we’re sure he’s aware of the ongoing support.

Ricky Martin, a former Menudo bandmate and Draco collaborator for over 25 years, posted,

"Usted es un guerrero hermano!

Adamari López, who herself is a cancer survivor, sent out blessings as well,

“Ten fe, mucha fortaleza, luz, bendiciones... Estás en mis oraciones".

"Mis mejores energías para mi amigo Draco. Sé que te vas a mejorar hermano," came from Calle 13’s Twitter account.

And El Big Boss made sure all of his fans were aware of his love for Draco,

“Fortaleza mental, espiritual y el corazón optimista. Adelante varón que para Dios no hay nada imposible!!!".

Other celebrities who posted shout outs include Tego Calderón and Tommy Torres. And that’s not even including the everyday tweeters who have been sending an onslaught of virtual “get wells”. We’re certain that this massive outpouring of love will help keep Draco upbeat during this very difficult time.

Have you sent out get well tweets to Draco? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adamari Lopez, Calle 13, Cancer, Carlos Ponce, Celebrities, Daddy Yankee, Draco, Ricky Martin, Robi Rosa, Roselyn Sanchez, Tego Calderon, twitter, Well Wishes

By Sugey Palomares

From ruling the underground hip-hop scene in France to winning two Grammy Awards, the Cuban group Orishas have always been a musical force to be reckoned with. Yotuel Romero, Orishas' frontman, is running solo and joining forces with the notorious Tego Calderón for his first single "Rock and Roll Con Chancleta."

The new track was inspired by a poem Yotuel wrote for his son explaining the origins of his race and creates a magical hybrid between hip hop, electric guitar, and conga-driven beats.

According to Yotuel, the creative fusion symbolizes his Caribbean identity:

"I am pure taíno mezclado mixed with wine, olive oil, tobacco smoke, honey and rum...My inheritance was born out of love between white and black...My culture was born from these impurities..."

Embracing our cultura is what it's all about! We are in love with this track! "Rock & Roll Con Chancleta" is available on iTunes ahora.

Tags Latin Music, Musica Latina, Orishas, Rock & Roll Con Chancleta, Tego Calderon, Yotuel Romero

By Erika Ramirez

Over the weekend (May 1), Latinos and allies across the country marched to protest our immigration system, striking back against Arizona’s new controversial immigration bill, SB 1070. Our favorite Latino celebrities also took a stand, tweeting their thoughts on the importance of May Day marches.

Tego Calderón (@tegocalderon) tweeted, "Lo de Arizona nos ensena a ser solidarios contra la INJUSTICIA aunque no nos afecte directamente."

Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) took time from her dinner with President Obama to show some hashtag love:

Juanes (@juanes) addressed every Latino’s current fear in 15 characters:

George Lopez (@georgelopez) vented his frustration:

"Arizona is so messed it .. The best thing to do is to return it to the original owners .. Mexicans!!"

Some celebs went beyond tweets, documenting the activism they saw around them. Chingo Bling (@chingobling) shared twit pics of those protesting straight from Arizona.

René Pérez (Residente) of @Calle13Oficial linked to this video, tweeting "me acaban de mandar esto ..esta bueno.no a la Ley 1070 en Arizona."

Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) felt so strongly that she tweeted an extended link to her Facebook, where she posted this statement:

"What is happening? i feel like i am in a time warp! An aspect of the anti-Mexican hysteria that is getting lost: The Arizona Legislature just passed HB 2281. The previously bill signed by the governor targeted Mexican and Latino immigrants. This bill (passed two days later) goes after Chicana/o Studies, books and stu...dent organizations.

HB 2281 (bill attacking ethnic/raza studies) states that any course, class, instruction, or material may not be primarily designed for pupils of a particular ethnic group as determined by the State Superintendent of Instruction. State aid will be withheld from any school district or charter school that does not comply."

Tr3s Comunidad, what do you think about these tweets? What's your take on the current state of immigration? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Chingo Bling, Eva Longoria, GeorgeLopez, Juanes, Rosario Dawson, SB 1070, Tego Calderon, Twitt3r, twitter

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