Happy 2011 - Welcome 2012

I hope the Mayan calendar is wrong, but if it is right and the world does end on 12.21.12, I'm happy for what I lived in 2011. I say this because even my close friends agree it was my lucky year. Everything was possible. Goals were met, life was enjoyed and did some traveling too. In this brief entry, I'll try to sum up how 2011 was the best year to date!

JANUARY: It was a snowy start to the year and I had yet to find a job. I was producing Boston Latino TV full time, but funds were running low and I was ready for a new challenge. During 2010 professional relationships were strengthened and those relationships proved to be fruitful this year. Early on 2011 proved to be a fun year. I had many opportunities to enjoy my favorite bands, travel and enjoy the company of family and friends. This year was also the year of falling in love . Lucky for me, in more ways than one ... my first fall was to La Isla Margarita a dish at Casa de Pedro ;) Yum!

FEBRUARY: My birthday is on Valentine's Day and to celebrate Boston

Latino TV hosted a VDay themed party for our viewers, supporters and friends at Mojitos. I invited a special group of women: Jenny Cintrón, Madelyn Garcia and Carol Sanchez to join in the celebration with me.

They are all born near my birth date! Not everyone made it to this winged affairbut the white and black angels did and we had a heavenly time. It was a very cold night, but our die hard fans came out and looked fabulous! On my actual birth day I marked my first day of work at a new job. I accepted the Senior Production & Marketing Associate at Boston Mas TV.

MARCH: Spring is in the air! I kept busy with the new job and learned lot. At this year’s Powermeter at the Museum of Fine Arts, I performed triple duty, I covered it for BLTv and for Mas Tv and I was also named one of the 100 influential in the the Latino community! Whew! I was very proud, humbled and honored to have appeared on this list every year since it's inception! For the commemoration of the Vietnam Vet Day, I helped organize a screening of the film 'Heroes de Otra Patria' to fundraise for the Puerto Rican Monument Square Association whose mission it is to build a national monument in honor of the Puerto Rican Veteran's that served in all US armed forces. This is a cause I plan to support till the monument becomes a reality.

APRIL: Did I mention that 2011 was the fun year? But it was the Love year too! I fell in love so many times I lost count. Seeing in concert revived my fascination for live music. I always enjoy listening to the local bands, but this is Juanes ... and we got to see him up close too. Energy was great at work and lots was happening! We met Patriot player, Aaron Hernandez and went out to see "Prohibido Suicidarse en Verano," a play by Escena Latina. The plans for bringing filmmaker, Jacobo Morales to Boston solidified with a screening of "Going Bananas" at the Connolly Library. Also, my son & his wife welcomed a new member to their young famiy, Maya!

MAY: Many firsts happened to me in May, I left Puerto Rico in 1980 to come to the US and became a mother on Mother's day! My daughter had her first born this month too. Other special people in my life were born this month. So it’s no surprise that it's one of my favorites. Early in the month I received a visit from an old friend from Puerto Rico and was reminded how people leave everlasting imprints in our lives. A few of the most memorable moments of the year happened this month surrounding Vida Campesina, Baile de las Guayaberas. This event featured the unveiling of the sketch of the Veteran's monument and me meeting the filmmaker Jacobo Morales who received "El Premio de la Hamaca." I will always treasure spending time with Jacobo and his wife Blanca. I have deep admiration for their work. The event was a lot of fun too because of the musical performances by Grupo Semilla, Grupo Yagua and Rumba NaMa. It was an unforgettable night indeed!

JUNE: The Boston Latino TV IV Access Awards took place! A lot goes into the planning and execution of this event and I'm happy to say that everything went according to plan. My dear friend and co-creator of this event, Araminta came from Texas to see it through. I still remember when we began talking four years ago at the Cheese Cake Factory about celebrating BLTV's 5th anniversary. This event took shape from that conversation and in 2012 it promises to be just as spectacular. We put all our resources, energy and contacts behind this celebration of the Latino community in Boston for a night of networking, inspiration and fun. I'm ever so grateful for this opportunity and proud that I'm part of it every year. On the family front, we celebrated with my sister who graduated with a Masters in Education from BHCC. Congrats Eva!

JULY: Aquí sí que confieso, I fell head over heels this month! Maná came to Boston and though I was a fan, nothing compared to experiencing them live - maybe it's childish, and it may pass, but who cares ;) I was most fortunate that I was able to share this experience with my close friends too. Summer in Boston is the best time to spend with family, got to out door festivals and for me it was special because I was able to establish a relationship with a new friend who I'm hoping will see more of in 2012.

AUGUST: Summer Fun! August was filled with days spent with family and friends! A memorable moment that come to mind,

was sharing an evening with my friend at the Improper Bostonian's event where Angela's Café was named best neighborhood restaurant held at the Liberty Hotel. Many summer outings and activities followed: Basketball Hall of Fame, Fenway Park for the Comcast Latino Family Festival, St. Augustine Feast, Eastie Pride Day, Foxboro for a Revs game and my favorite, the Water Fire in RI. Boston Latino TV and MasTV were recognized by the best of El Planeta! The PSA for PRVMSA was created and came out great! Life is GOOD !!!

SEPTEMBER: The fun continues in Sept. rocking with Clandestino to benefit Children's Hospital. I was fortunate to get an invite from Liberty Mutual to lunch with the First ladies (no, Michelle, nor Diane, but great non the less). Hispanic Heritage Month began and nobody does it better than Villa Victoria Center for the Arts. BLTv was at the launch of DH new line, Anamoly. Discovered los Three @ Masa and congratulated Red Sox player, David Ortiz for his 2011 Roberto Clemente sportsman of the year award. Also in September I escaped for a rendezvous with Maná in Spain! Crazy, I know. Always wanted to visit Spain and their concert in Madrid was the perfect opportunity for it! I got a taste of the 'mother country,' made new friends and I plan to return to check Barcelona out this summer!

OCTOBER: Still clinging to the unseasonably warm days and nights, I took a second trip to the Water Fires. The beautiful evening was spent in the company of friends, live music by Santa Mamba and a special mention on Con Salsa on our way home! Enjoying the last leg of Hispanic Heritage Month thanks to Veronica Robles and special presentation at the JFK Museum and El Mundo Newspaper's Hispanic Heritage Breakfast featuring humor at expense of our public officials. At MasTV we made waves by bringing programing live to our viewers! During this month we said farewell to Felix D. Arroyo, former City Councilor and long time friend who is relocating to Uruguay. Giving us all hope for love and new beginnings!

NOVEMBER: When I said this was a special year, I was not exaggerating. Keeping with the philosophy of the Law of Attraction, early this year I put in a wish to travel to Israel, all expenses paid, of course. And as expected, my wish was the universes' command. I spent seven intense days learning about the country, culture and religion, also eating, meeting new friends and taking it all in! The rest of the month was spent putting the final touches on El Jolgorio Navideño, preparing for the holiday season and spending time with loved ones. This Thanksgiving I had a lot to be grateful for, my health, my family's wellbeing, the friends I cherish and a job I truly enjoy.

DECEMBER: How quick this year came to an end! December was intense! Brisas Navideñas was the first official event of the holiday season, another fundraising opportunity for PRVMSA. At this event, several community leaders received an award,a replica of what the monument would look like. My boss, Javier Marin received one for his willingness to lend resources and manpower (Tony and I) to the fundraising efforts.

Jolgorio finally arrived and all the hard work, planning and implementation came through.

At this event my Princessas friends gather every year to share in the fun.This year, though I had more responsibilities as an executive board member of El Jolgorio, I was able to enjoy it more. Mostly because we had help with the coverage for BLTV. To keep with the tradition, after Jolgorio we went to Nivia's and Hector's after party in their hotel room and the next day, Princessas came together for the post Jolgorio brunch.

The Holidays are special because I get to share it with family and friends. It's great to see the kids growing up, relationships solidifying and new ones getting started. While we reflect on what's ahead I can't stop thinking how great this year was.

I'm grateful for the life I live and it's all because of the relationships I've been able to cultivate. I'm also fortunate for the good health and a little luck that goes my way while taking some risks. We can't forsee what's in store for us in 2012. We will face more challenges, surprises, wins and losses. It will all depend on how we adapt to changes to make the best of it.

I'll try to be more consistent in my writings on this blog, but in the mean time, I hope you have enjoyed my 2011 year in review. I would love to hear what made 2011 special for you. Make 2012 a Happy YEAR !!!

Goodbye to 2010

New Year's Eve always seems magical to me. It’s a time for reflection that is full of hopes for a better tomorrow , it’s a time when we wish for health, love and prosperity. It's also time to take stock of what we've learned. The lessons that impact us most come from the people we interact with. These people are in our lives to enrich our soul, sometimes challenging our values and beliefs. In the process, our relationships strengthen and we grow.

We also learn from the people we lost along the way. Keeping their memory alive allows them to continue being a part of our life history. Their legacy lives through us and the wisdom they shared with us.

Saying goodbye to 2010 came with mixed emotion - great year, but looking forward to what 2011 may bring. The beginning of 2010, came with tough choices to be made, but making them freed me to focus on a lot more meaningful work. I was available to dedicate more time to be creative, available for my family and friends. Establishing and maintaining relationships was a priority and volunteering on what I was always too busy for in the past was on the agenda too.

I made sure to keep fun on the table though this year too. As a tradition, celebrating my birthday in February at Mojitos. I enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean on board the Navigator of the Sea, a weekend trip organized by the Kings of Tours which allowed me to escape the winter. My mom visited from Puerto Rico in May. She was able to spend quality time with her children and grand kids, and her great grand children on Mother's day. I even had the good fortune to accompany her for a few days to relax in NH. Later in the summer, I was treated to a few days in Dallas to visit Ara, went sightseeing and ate a lot. The rest of the year I stayed local only to do day trips to Worcester, Sturbridge, Rhode Island and Salem.

Famous faces were a constant theme this year. I met Benjamin Bratt at the NALIP Conference in Santa Monica CA, went with my sisters to a live taping of the Oprah show in NYC, enjoyed a series of concerts by Chayanne, Jerry Rivera and Ismael Miranda; there was paparazzi mania at Fenway Park for the premiere of The Town where we interviewed Ben Affleck and was inspired by Rosie Perez’s speech at BHCC. What gave me the most satisfaction was for my son Brian to meet Zombie legend & filmmaker, George Romero and my daughter Danielle being serenaded by Jerry Rivera - coincidentally, they both happen on or near their birthdays.

It was also a very successful year for Boston Latino TV and the Access Award, both named the Best of El Planeta in 2010. It's through this project - now entering it's eight year - that doors opened the help me expose the vibrant Latino community in Boston. I'm grateful for everyone that allow us to be at their events, grants us interviews and allows our team to tell their stories.

The year continued to be filled with surprises and wonderful experiences that I shared with family and friends. I am thankful for the friendships I've made along the way. They have become my extended family in Boston. Though the weather will betray us and the economy may challenge us, I love this city and the people in it.

Happy 2011 !!!

Facebook may have killed my Blog!

As I look at the date of the last entry on this blog, I wonder what happened to it? It was intended to give me an outlet to express views and observations, possibly exchange ideas with other bloggers. So was it that I was too busy that I couldn't write? Not the case. Ironically, I started this blog with an entry about how I may have "lost interest in myself." Well, that was proven wrong as soon as I discovered Facebook. Yep! Facebook is now the platform of choice that this blog won’t match.

It was not only easy to use, brief and to the point, but I was able to share pictures with anyone without the limitations of emails. It’s also the ‘place’ where all my 'friends' are.

You can say anything you like about Facebook and how it may be creating inadequate, self-centered individuals with voyeuristic tendencies, but since the FB discovery, I've reconnected with many, even made peace with some and maybe, maybe got into a little trouble. I can safely say that my social life is still alive and well. In many ways, FB is where all your lives collide, for better and for worse. Unlike real life, the good thing is that you can let in whomever you feel comfortable sharing this cyber world with.

The way I see it FB is a virtual playground that reflects the "best of you" in cyberspace. Many of us don't get the chance to tell our stories. Everyone seems one-dimensional when we meet at work, church, and school or periodically at social events. On FB you open a window to your personality, what's important to you, who you choose to spend your free time with and what you enjoy doing.

I'm not saying that I will never return to the blog scene, but before Facebook I was probably writing on this blog every four months anyway. Blogging may still serve as another dimension for this over sharing stage of my life, but for now, Facebook is still more fun.

Looking Back, Wishing for a Promising 2010

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to pause for a moment of reflection. 2009 brought so wonderful memories and its balance of life lessons. The best part of it all, I always had great people to share the good times with as well as the challenging times. They came through with time to listen, sound advice, and a shoulder to lean on.

When a year begins there is no telling where it would take us. 2009 took me to Puerto Rico for a short "Three Kings" vacation early in the year, Washington, DC for the inauguration of a new president and California for the NALIP conference. A new job opportunity presented a full summer of festivals, boat cruises and galas. The series of events culminated with the 20th anniversary of El Jolgorio Navideño.

With Boston Latino Tv, I celebrated a Valentine birthday with my fellow Aquarians, followed by a St. Patrick's day event and topped it all off with our banner event, the 2nd annual Access Awards where the Latino Media Day was instituted. The 2010 Colondar was launched with a special presentation of Miss October and to seal off a wonderful year, a big Xmas bow held a great holiday bash to honor our supporters and friends.

As the year progressed, the many responsibilities piled up and family, friends and even special projects took a back seat. In all of this activity and excitement, I lost myself in the shuffle. With so much to do, there were few quiet moments to enjoy. So for this coming year I want to slow things down. I will continue to count my blessings every day: good health, fabulous friends and a beautiful family. I'll keep the memory of loved ones that have passed alive.

When looking at the many possibilities 2010 may bring, I am hopeful for more time with my family and friends; for more meaningful relationships and new experiences that will enrich my life. I'm looking forward to a vacation in February, returning to the NALIP conference in the spring and a successful 2010 Access Awards in May. Should I dare to dream for a lazy summer season to spend time with my Mom when she visits? Fall for me is always full of new projects. Every winter, I look forward to the many gatherings with family and friends.

Change will be inevitable, but yet I'm know that 2010 will not only be memorable, but gratifying.

What are your plans from 2010?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Telemundo Boston, here I come !!!

Digna Gerena, Telemundo-Boston Marketing Director.
By Karen Rodriguez
El Mundo Newspaper, Boston Mass


Many have seen Digna at community events holding a camera trying to capture the essence of Latinos in every positive way. Founder and Executive Producer of Boston Latino TV, an English language independent production about Latinos in the Boston area, Gerena, turned her childhood passion for television and film into a reality and has taken it to the next level.

What was only once a simple hobby has now become a fulfilling career. Recently Digna was appointed Marketing Director for Boston’s, Telemundo affiliate television station, which broadcasts to thousands of Latino households and is part of a nationally recognized network. The Boston station is operated by ZGS Communications.

For nearly two decades ZGS has been proud to be a community broadcaster with a special commitment to service, local programming, community outreach, and the celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. It is a Hispanic-owned broadcasting company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia that currently owns and operates the largest group of Telemundo affiliate television stations, including the one Latinos in the Boston area tune into every night.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this since I graduated,” said Gerena, a 2001 recipient of a B.S. in Film & Television from Boston University (BU).

Gerena who worked for BU full-time while completing her undergraduate degree never had the official chance to work in the media industry.
Although she founded Boston Latino TV, it was a volunteer effort that gave Digna the opportunity to showcase Latinos in an optimistic light.
“I wanted to create a show that I, and similar Latinos, would actually watch,” said Gerena. She also wanted to stay current and be ready when the opportunity presented itself.

Six years later, Digna is a familiar face among the community covering events for Boston Latino TV, and being a proud and active board member for The Latino Professional Network (LPN).

Digna acknowledges that all her previous efforts complement well the work she will be expected to do at Telemundo-Boston.

“I know my work at Boston Latino will help,” she said, “because of the contacts and relationships I have established throughout the years.”
Pumped and energetic, Gerena said she is focused on collaborating with a team of national marketing director colleagues to reach out to businesses, strengthen ties and come up with innovative ways in which to engage the station in all areas.

Gerena looks forward to working directly with the other stations’ Marketing Departments in order to coordinate company-wide promotions, as well as to share ideas, strategies, and any other valuable information relevant to the company’s overall marketing strategy.

As Marketing Director of the Boston affiliate, she will oversee all aspects of the station’s marketing and promotions operations, as well as the station’s public image and interaction with the community on a local level. Digna will now be responsible for planning and implementing the promotional, advertising, and public relations operations of the station in order to increase audience, revenue and community awareness.

“I want business and organizations to see Telemundo-Boston as their first choice to inform, entertain and educate the Latino community.”

As far as she can remember, Digna was always intrigued by the power of television. With an interest in advertising and television, Gerena recognized early on that Latinos are a growing population and that it would be a matter of time before everyone else caught up to it.
“I knew it was coming, and I wanted to be prepared and ready to be in a position where I could contribute.”

While Gerena knows Telemundo-Boston has placed her on the path to where she wants to be, she doesn’t forget that many of her professional skills were developed and nurtured by her previous employer, The Massachusetts General Hospital.

“I learned a lot at MGH,” said Gerena, “and the support I received from my former boss, Carlyene Prince-Erickson allowed me to grow to this point that made me ready to take on a different opportunity. I am very grateful to her.”

Q&A with Digna
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m on shoots and editing late into the night and on weekends producing Boston Latino Tv, an English language independent production that showcases the Latino presence in Boston. It began as a hobby to increase positive portrayals of Latinos in the local media and now we are celebrating our sixth year with the second annual Access Awards.

Favorite musical band/artist:
I enjoy listening to local bands; Rubanama, Mango Blue and my old time favorite La Clave Secreta. My favorite local singer is Manolo Mairena.

The last movie you saw?
I saw Slumdog Millionairein the movie theatre, but the most recent movie I rented was Marley & Me.

The last book you read?
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

Proudest personal achievement:
As a parent, to see my children as young adults discovering their place in life.

Proudest Career Achievement:
My proudest career achievement so far has to be landing the marketing director position at Telemundo Boston.

Who would you most want to meet in person?
I know great people in my community and they constantly amaze me! I run into celebrities from time to time, but if given the chance, I would like to meet Oprah Winfrey.

Latino whose work you admire:
Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican entertainer whom was the first Latina to win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

Who has influenced your life the most?
My mother had a great influence on me. She had the patience and perseverance I inherited. Also, my father shaped my views on politics and sense of community participation. He believed in his daughters abilities to accomplish anything – he was a true feminist.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
I enjoy working directly with the community I belong in and also connecting them with anyone who wants to be part of this ever evolving diverse group.

What is the most challenging part of your career?
A challenge is always seen as an opportunity, so I think helping those that do not understand the Latino market and its value to their business is an ever going opportunity.

What is your favorite saying?
“Ay Bendito” – I say it, even when it doesn’t even apply.

Name someone who has helped you in your career:
Araminta Romero, Evelyn Reyes and my former boss, Carlyene Prince-Erickson. They’ve been instrumental in my professional growth. Also, I couldn’t have gotten through college as an adult without Digna Mejia’s friendship and constant guidance.

What is the best part of being “You” right now?
I count my blessings every day. It’s an exciting time for me because I’m finally working in the television industry. I’m in a place in my life where I’m seeing the fruits of my hard work and dedication. I enjoy the company of great friends, strong family ties and good health. I can’t ask for anything more.

What personal goal would you like to accomplish before the end of 2009?
My goal for 2009 is to continue to grow and learn about the television industry. Execute upcoming projects and give them 150% of my effort to make them successful.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 May 2009 )

Feliz Cumpleaños !!!

I am bless to have such great friends. Some gathered at Mojitos on a Friday the 13th to celebrate with three other Acuarianas! Many came from near and far! Magaly, my sister came from Puerto Rico and Ara came from Texas! Truly shows, they know good company ;-)

Inaugural celebrations - two in a month ...

Who would have thought! Two inaugural events, but one without a doubt more meaningful than the other. I was vacationing in Puerto Rico when the change of command took place and though this was a significant moment, it did not compare to the global magnitude the Obama swearing-in ceremony on January, 20th 2009.

Much has been said about this historical event in American history. The images, sounds and silence of the day will live with us as long as we keep this memory alive. We all knew we were experiencing something unique. Something we were all responsible for with just one vote! We stood in the cold, exchanged stories on how we got there. Some drove for days, some flew and some where fortunate (like us) to know someone that lives in DC.

The next day Obama was elected, I knew I had to be there. I wanted to be surrounded by the many sharing the same urge to live the moment at the location it was actually happening. There is something to be said about looking at a complete stranger and smiling, knowing we are crossing paths during this important moment in time.

We joined in the festivities surrounding the Inauguration, but no matter how much we partied or whom we met, we knew the real reason we gathered in DC.

Some moments will become more meaningful personally, but collectively, it was a true experience that needed to be shared with the masses.

If you have impressions of this moment, please share ...