Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Thank you for being part of the PRSUN journey

Ten years ago, in the summer of 2002, I started the Puerto Rico Sun e-magazine when I lived in San Juan. I wanted it to be a publication that covered themes related to the Puerto Rican diaspora and that connected Puerto Ricans no matter where they lived. An online magazine made sense even though I first envisioned PRSUN as a newspaper since I was a print journalist.

I didn't know at the time how much newspaper journalism was going to be transformed. It is a little heartbreaking, but then again I love a free and open Internet and will continue to defend it. I have been engaged in online media for 10 years now -- making too little for all the time, work and money I have put into this media project, which has been more of a labor of love. I have mostly bootstrapped this business, which is registered in the Bronx, NY.

This summer I celebrate 10 years. I'm not sure how much more time I will dedicate to PRSUN, but I know this project has been part of my journey from my time in Puerto Rico to my move to New York. The mission has always been the same to inform, empower and build community.

Thank you for being a part of the PRSUN journey. I have been posting photos in an album dedicated to the last 10 years on my Facebook page. To view the photos.


Enhanced by Zemanta

Saturday, January 21, 2012

U.S. Commerce Secretary Bryson Appoints Executive Director of Puerto Rico Tourism Company to U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board


Tourism

San Juan, PR, January 19, 2012 – U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson appointed Mario González-Lafuente, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as part of a strategy to promote the United States. 

The announcement of González-Lafuente’s participation as one of the 32 members of the TTAB was made during visit by President Obama and Commerce Secretary Bryson to Orlando, Florida and is the latest in a series of “We Can’t Wait” actions that President Obama and his administration have undertaken to aid job creation through executive action.

“President Obama presented a robust strategy to promote the U.S. as a tourist destination,” said González-Lafuente. “My contribution will primarily focus on helping the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board develop an innovative and integrated marketing program that effectively utilizes social media, sponsorships and branded entertainment.”




Enhanced by Zemanta

Saturday, January 07, 2012

THE 2012 SALSAMAGAZINE.COM SALSA AWARDS
On September 27th, 2012 Salsa History will be made once again as MR SALSA Izzy Sanabria hosts the First Annual Salsamagazine.com Awards in New York. 
Accompanied by Sonida Criminal as the house band for the evening's gala presentation more than 40 catgories of Salsa excellence will be recognized including the induction of EL GRAN COMBO in the SALSA FALL OF FAME presented by Ana Flores of Radio Bemba. Others honored that night will be Choco Orta, Frankie Morales, Earnie Acevedo (Conjunto Imagen), La Excelencia and other surprise guests.
Nominations are scheduled to be announced June 1, 2012.
A WEPAwebTV Production
http://www.facebook.com/groups/salsamagazine/


WEPAwebTV is an independent coalition of Latino Arts Producers including: Walter Baez-Music Editor Izzy Sanabria-Multimedia Clarisel Gonzalez-News Charlie Vazquez-Literature Prof. Linda Rodriguez Ph.D.-Education Maria Hernandez-Film Luis Chaluisan-Theater- Angela Marie Rijos (Lady Ang) Niteline- Felix Rojas (NYC)-Eric Ayala (PR) Ana Flores- Radio Bemba-Tony Ortiz (Topproductions)

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Marchers wanted for Three Kings Parade in El Barrio

Featured Three Kings Day events


From El Museo del Barrio:

35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
Friday, January 6, 2012
10:30am - 12:00pm
El Barrio
Our favorite time of year is upon us! Join us as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our time-honored procession through the streets of El Barrio. Spirit and joy abound as we parade with camels, music, colorful puppets, dancing, and parrandas on this magical day. The parade route begins at 106th St. and Madison Ave. and ends at 115th St and Park Ave.

All are welcome to attend! Teachers and Talent, please note that registration is still open to march with us in the parade. School Groups, Community Organizations, and families are also encouraged to participate.
To register: go here or email threekings@elmuseo.org.

Here's another Three Kings event:



THE THREE KINGS/ I
LOS TRES REYES MAGOS 
arrive at TEATRO SEA 

On January 6, 2012, the light from a star will lead the Three Kings to Teatro SEA, New York’s Only Latino Children’s Theatre, to celebrate one of the most important Latin American Holidays for children, El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos/Three Kings Day. On this day, the first 1,000 kids to arrive at TEATRO SEA will personally meet the Three Kings as well as receive a FREE gift. 
Where: Teatro SEA 107 Suffolk Street, NYC (bet. Delancey and Rivington Streets) 
F Train to Delancey St. or J/M/Z trains to Essex St. 
When: Friday, January 6th, 2012 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm 
Admission: FREE 
For children of all ages and family audiences! 
For More Information Call TEATRO SEA at (212) 529.1545 Iill.
www.teatrosea.org 

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Please vote PRSUN for chance to win $10K

Update: Thank you to everyone who voted for PRSUN. Your suppport was not enough to win this one, but PRSUN is moving forward. Continuing to inform, empower and build community.


Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Cotto gets his revenge at the right place

Sports

By Ismael Nuñez


In their first bout in Las Vegas, boxer Antonio Margarito had his hands padded enough to do serious harm to Miguel Cotto. It was not a clean fight. That's for sure.
In their second fight last weekend at Madison Square Garden, Cotto got his revenge, winning almost every round and scoring a Technical Knockout.
Two reasons why Cotto won:
1. He fought toe to toe with his opponent hardly staying away from the ropes.
2. Margarito was in the wrong place. Cotto was in the right place he’s fought at the garden in the past and has not lost a fight at the garden.
While Margarito claimed that Cotto "hits like a girl," Margarito's face was red and his eye was completely shut. He was hurt so badly that ringside physician had no choice but to stop the fight in the beginning of the tenth round with Cotto retaining his WBA Super Welterweight and proving he was the real champion.

Ismael Nuñez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem.
(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Puerto Ricans in New York Face Persistent Struggles - WNYC

Puerto Ricans in New York Face Persistent Struggles - WNYC

It's not a pretty picture for Puerto Ricans in New York. This is not a new story, but many of the same problems persist. That's for sure. Something must be done, but what?

Friday, November 18, 2011

'I Am...We Are Muevete'

By Ismael Nuñez

After several years on hiatus, Muevete is back.
Earlier this month, the Muevete youth conference was held in the South Bronx. Activists, student organizations, and community based organizations bonded at the BronxWorks Cornerstone Betances Community Center on St. Ann’s Avenue for the 13th annual Muevete conference.
Muevete is the Spanish word for “move yourself,” and the young and older people in the conference were definitely doing moving. They were moving in the memory of one of their own who died too soon. They were moving to help make the quality of lives of today's young people better.

The previous Muevete conferences were hosted at bigger named venues such as Columbia University, Hunter College, and City College. But they stopped.
Lissette Nieves said she believed it was important to reactivate the youth conference.
She spoke about her old Muevete friend Daniel Mejia who died earlier this year at the age of 32 from complications of pancreatitis. She met Mejia when he was a high school senior who wanted to help Latino youth with education, community and civil rights issues. After his days at Muevete, he went on to work for several nonprofit groups and became an advocate for health and gay rights issues.
His death helped bring new life to Muevete and the need for it.
"The need for Muevete is there and needed," Nieves said.
Right after Mejia's death, Nieves and others realized that the conference had to resurface to move a new youth generation of movers.

What better place than in the South Bronx?
Ben Ramos, a Bronx activist said, "A lot of the issues affecting Latino youth back in the 1990’s when this organization was created are still in effect. We wanted young people to know and learn that there are organizations, history, that is always available for them, and where they can always go for help when needed."
At the conference, young people were exposed to several community based organizations such as El Puente Academy located in Brooklyn and the Justice Committee of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights. Both groups hosted workshops.
Ramos said: “It’s the perfect location for the Latino youth to learn/organize/ and be united! Right here in the boogie down Bronx."
Dance choreographer Anthony “Omen” Barner who works at the center and is the creator of the dance group “Swagged Out Kids,” said, “We promote positivity and the growth of the participants of this center to engage in their minds and spirit."
Two other main highlights included the serving of basic Latino soul food: rice with beans, chicken, and salad; and cultural performancesbomba, plena, hip-hop dancing, and salsa and mambo classes. There were even free dance classes for everyone. I must admit I got into the dance groove, dancing gracefully with a good friend Denise from the YAI chapter in the Bronx.
As we danced, Denise said, “Enjoy, Learn, Educate, Organize, Friendship."
It was the right place at the right time.
I am today and tomorrow moving forward. Muevete.

Ismael Nuñez is a freelance writer based in East Harlem. He is a contributing writer to PRSUN.

(Photos by Ismael Nuñez)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

El musical sobre el pelotero Roberto Clemente obtiene un jonrón

Teatro

Por Antonio Bones





En su empeño por llevar al público lo más selecto de su repertorio, la Sociedad Educativa de las Artes (SEA por sus siglas en inglés), continúa presentando el éxitoso musical “DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente” en su sala teatral, ubicada en el centro cultural Clemente Soto Vélez del bajo Manhattan, Nueva York.
Adicionando el Festival Puertorriqueño Borimix a su temporada 2011-2012, la compañía de histriones emprende una nueva jornada teatral que conforma a un equipo, por igual, selecto de artistas y técnicos. Todos comprometidos a encumbrar la escena local con una historia cargada de valijas, ritmos trepidantes, memorias, y sucesos que plantaron huellas en la historia del continente americano, El Caribe y otras latitudes.
Concebida por el ingenio del teatrero, educador y cineasta puertorriqueño, Luis Caballero, la pieza teatral exalta la unificación familiar, la disciplina atlética, el choque cultural de los inmigrantes, la barrera idiomática, el menosprecio del negror epidérmico, la disparidad racial, el exceso de brutalidad policiaca, el perseguimiento de metas, la incondicionalidad del amor pero, sobre todo, el menester humanitario.
Inmediatamente que ingresamos a la sala teatral se nos revela un campo de béisbol con su zona cuadrangular, que servirá de soporte a los juegos de pelota base, a las equilibradas coreografías y a las situaciones que durante dos horas mantienen a la audiencia en expectación. Pienso que es un perspicaz elemento que establece el objetivo honroso de rememoración. Al fondo una enorme pantalla que sirve de mediadora entre el pasado y el presente, entre lo infausto de la vida y lo afortunado de la misma. Una pantalla que se convierte en fiel testigo de la podredumbre y la lucha que libramos en este “valle de lágrimas”.
Durante el velatorio del pelotero carolinense, Vera Clemente (su viuda), Matino (el hermano y Ramiro Martínez (camarada de la familia), departen. La temporalidad los arrastra junto a los espectadores hacia el ayer que habitó la niñez y adolescencia del astro. Ajadas fotografías y recortes de publicaciones recorren el blanquecino fondo escénico. Es allí en donde nos percatamos de las hazañas que el pelotero realizó y que quedaron grabadas en los anales deportivos de la isla de Puerto Rico.
Modesto Lacén encarnó el personaje de Roberto Clemente con marcada sobriedad. Su personaje se representó con elevación histriónica y no recayó en el vicio habitual de la imitación. La mesurada dicción y movimientos enérgicos lo catapultaron a la sublimidad de los aplausos. Arrojo y buena onda lo acompañaron durante el trayecto escénico y puedo testificar que anotó una carrera con todas las de la ley.
Josean Ortiz como el hermano mayor de Clemente, Matino, nos acercó a la sobreprotección que, a veces, es necesaria para orientar el destino de los seres amados. La presencia escénica del actor es vigorosa y su recia voz mantiene una narración fluída. Una de las escenas que más nos impactó fue cuando su personaje y el de Lacén se confundieron en una consagración hasta sacra. La simbología de la escultura renacentista “La Pietá” de Michelangelo Buonarroti, se recreó en el diamante; mientras simultáneamente, muere el sueño de los afroamericanos, Martin Luther King, Jr. Morir es entregar con sacrificio su preciado legado a las generaciones. Lacen muestra un estilizado cuerpo de ébano que es la idealización de la belleza y la juventud del mártir, características propias de “La Pietá”. Ambos actores ofrecieron un contundente batazo interpretativo.


Por su parte, la actriz y cantora Lorraine Vélez en su encarnación de Vera Clemente, nos ofreció una tesitura sin parámetros. La artista sabe utilizar con gracilidad y potestad sus atributos vocales. Nos envuelve, nos arrebata, nos consume y eso nos dejó sedientos de su elixir. ¡Otra carrera anotada!
El productor de la obra teatral, Manuel Morán, también nos sedujo con su capacidad vocal y en las repetidas incursiones que tuvo durante la acción nos obligó a creer en las interpretaciones que de Ramiro Martínez y Don Oscar realizó.
Deseo rescatar las participaciones de María del Mar González, Anthony Cotto y Shawn Beck-Gifford. González impacta con sus rollizas piernas y marcados pasos coreográficos sobre el cuadrangular dispuesto sobre el plano central del escenario. Su elegancia y belleza exótica añaden femeneidad y lozanía a la escena. Cotto hace buena utilización de su maestría en Bellas Artes y Actuación de la Universidad Pace, además se adueñó de la coreografía poseyendo indiscutible dominio. Resulta un banquete visual experimentar diversos desdoblamientos con potestad: José, judador de pelota, oficial del órden público y dependiente en una tienda por departamentos. Le auguro una digna carrera actoral a Cotto. Beck-Gifford se lució en el personaje del policía; recreó el abuso de poder con eficacia. De otro lado, Johanna Rodríguez convence a la audiencia en la utilización de lenguajes que aborda durante el desarrollo de la obra. Es buena actriz, cantante y no baila mal. ¡Este equipo se anota otra carrera! Xiomara Rodríguez y Fidel Vicioso también añadieron ingredientes precisos para el realce de la obra. Rodríguez pudo conmovernos con una maternal naturaleza que no pudo reprimir el lagrimeo de los espectadores.
Mención aparte, amerita la banda que tiene a su cargo la díficil tarea de hilvanar melodías a las diversas escenas que se suceden. Once melodías en total fueron magistralmente interpretadas por los maestros: Harold Gutiérrez, Larry Nissman, Jaime Mancera, Juan Gerena y la corista Ana Campos. “Los jugadores” y “La maleta” son números musicales que levantan el ánimo a cualquier alicaído. La acertada coreografía de Luis Salgado, los recursos luminotécnicos por Morán y Shuhei Sei, vestuario a cargo de Harry Nadal y la asistencia de dirección en la persona de Yaremis Félix crearon una burbuja encantada en donde el público se transportó al pasado. Finalmente, felicito al director Caballero por una arrolladora, armónica y acertada dirección teatral. El éxito de la producción se debe a la persistencia y ardua tarea con la que movilizó cada aspecto del espectáculo. DC-7 es un ejemplo de dignidad y constancia a la búsqueda de un sueño. Es una lección que se otorga al que ambiciona fortuna en suelo ajeno. Es testimonio de los encontronazos vivenciales y del estoicismo que todo ser humano debe emplear. Es una producción que sobrepasa los límites de la teatralidad y el buen gusto. ¡DC-7: La historia de Roberto Clemente metió un jonrón!
El astro puertorriqueño, Roberto Clemente, fungió como jardinero derecho en el equipo de béisbol Piratas de Pittsburg. Durante la década de los años 60´s el pelotero sumó a su carrera 3,000 bateos y fue receptor de doce premios Guante de oro -que se otorgan a los jardineros más destacados dentro de las Grandes Ligas-. En el año 1966 se le honró con el premio de Jugador más valioso y en el 1971 con el galardón MVP de la Serie Mundial. Su ascenso al Salón de la Fama fue realizado postrimero a su deceso en el 1972. El atleta pereció a causa de un accidente aéreo que realizaba para socorrer a las víctimas de un terremoto en la República de Nicaragua.
La pieza se mantendrá en cartelera hasta el día 4 de diciembre del 2011 en el Teatro SEA, sito en el 107 de la calle Suffolk en el este del bajo Manhattan. Para reservar e informarse sobre cómo llegar a la sala teatral puede ingresar a la página www.teatrosea.org o llamando al 212-529-1545.


Antonio Bones es un periodista independiente y miembro de la comunidad PRSUN.

(foto de Modesto Lacén como Roberto Clemente por Abey Charron/cortesía de Teatro Sea)
(foto de la producción/cortesía de Teatro Sea)