El Jolgorio 2007

El Jolgorio Navideño! Que buena tradición!!! El Jolgorio has been going on for over sixteen years and even though it is now in a larger venue, it still feels like a family reunion to me. All my extended families gathered there, my work and friends, colleagues, business associates, everyone!


It's great to see the ladies at their best and the gentlemen ... very nice indeed!

I enjoy this event because it is the only one of this nature in Boston. In my current position, I attend galas all the time, but this one is closest to my heart. It is the only Puerto Rican party that brings together Latinos from other countries.

I worry about the music. You see, the musical performances are traditional music from the island. And yes, there are people that wish there was some Salsa or Merengue playing, but when you look at the dance floor, nobody is complaining. So let the music be what it is, traditional.

The food is traditional too - we have to have our arroz con gandules & lechon!

If I was wearing my Diversity Diva hat, I would recommend chicken for our Jewish and Muslim friends, however pork is what our people have been eating for centuries. In the name of tradition, let's keep the menu traditional too. Won't hurt to add pasteles to the menu - just saying.

You know how it goes ... A comer pasteles, a comer lechón, arroz con gandules y a beber ron ...




What I most enjoyed is mingling with people. I love to catch up with friends in this relaxed atmosphere. It's a party, not some "let's try to impress the boss, or represent the company party." So I congratulate the organizers, especially those that have brought El Jolgorio to the next level.

I look forward to continuing the tradition of going to El Jolgorio every year!

Who's your Governor?

Recently, I met the Governor of Puerto Rico Mr. Aníbal S. Acevedo Vilá. During his visit to Boston, he saw his daughter, a freshman at Harvard; performed some official duties and went to a Red Sox game. Yes! Mr. Acevedo is a RedSox fan! A Harvard grad, he is very familiar with our city. This picture was taken at the inauguration of the office for Puerto Rican Veterans in Boston where I was taping.

My mother may get a kick out of knowing I met the Puerto Rican governor. My father, not so much. You see, Puerto Rico has always struggled with its identity. Since I can remember, we had to identify with a particular political party. It was a big deal when my father decided to switch parties to vote "republicano." All it really means is to be pro statehood. My mother has always supported the party of Luis Muñoz Marin, pro commonwealth. I was most intrigued by the college students that returned home with 'ideologias independentistas' - pro independence.

Frankly, it has been a while since I've thought about this. I go back and forth on the status issue. I've always like to see all the options, all points of view. While I was living in the island, I paid close attention to politics - there was no escaping it. Families were torn between political idealism. During election year, flags were placed on top of homes representing what party they were voting for. Little by little, this has subsided. I imagine people have become disenchanted, as I have, with the issue. Meeting the governor brought back these memories.

At the inauguration, I also came to a surprising realization. During the ceremony, Aníbal Acevedo Vila was introduced as our governor, "nuestro gobernador." I've been in Boston for more years than I've lived in PR now. So hearing "nuestro gobernador," made me think. Is he my governor? He may be the governor of my 'homeland', but I had nothing to do with him being elected. So when I think of my governor, I think of Deval Patrick. Maybe it's because I voted for him. Maybe it's because I've set roots here too. Somewhere down the line something in me has shifted. Maybe I like knowing that I am part of a different struggle. I like being part of the Latino community, many nationalities and ethnic groups, striving for an America for all.

I've seen Governor Deval Patrick several times now - I attend many events that he has been invited to speak. This picture was taken at the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. I had to experience it at least once. Though I enjoyed the political banter, I'm still a bit idealistic. This, despite growing up in a land where it's political destiny depends on a decision by the US Congress. With it all, maybe being exposed to politics all my life will pay off - hopefully to finally see some real changes.

Hiding your head in the sand ...

What do you do when you've made a mistake? Do you immediately apologize or you hide your head in the sand and wait for the problem to go away? Apparently this is the position some choose to take when facing difficult situations.

OK, so you sent an email that was meant to your 'compinche' and everyone saw it because you regrettably replied to all - Ouch! Ouch, because the person insulted was also included in the email.

You may think you were just voicing your opinion and leave it at that - but if it is a matter of opinion and everyone is entitled to it, why the silence? You should be embarrassed, but I wonder, are you really? What if you have not issued an apology because of arrogance? Arrogance is just as damaging as calling people names. Unfortunately for you, it's all in the open and we just can't look the other way.

I'm accused "sometimes" of being too nice, but I'm not afraid to point out when something is not quite right. Some may feel they are under a microscope because my high expectations. It may be because I care. I care about my community and how it's represented.

Recently, I was a third party recipient of an infamous email. I don't bother naming anyone here - the person responsible for the mess - his mess, will get a copy of this. Let this be an opportunity to air out this negative energy a rotten apple has created. It isn't like me to ignore a situation when someone insults a friend or degrades us in the public eye. Unlike the ostrich, we should direct our attention to the problem instead of hiding our head in the sand.

The Three Ring Circus that is My Life...

Summer has finally set, leaving in it's path memories of this sought-out season. When I began this blog, I thought summer would be the ideal time to write - the perfect time to slow things down and reflect. Wishful thinking on my part. So for those friends who are wondering why have I not written in a while, I'll give you a glimpse of the three ring circus that is my life...


I'm not complaining. I'm blessed with a good job, great family and circle of friends and a "hobby" that defines my identity. When family ties are challenging, I lean on my trusted friends for support. When my job pulls me in every direction possible, I trust that every new experience offers professional growth. And when I feel most accomplished is when I'm able show my community in a positive light.


A great example of how work has become a juggling act is my involvement in one of the several comities I participate in. This last was the Latino Heritage Month event which was a total success due to a famous sports figure we were able to land as our kenote speaker.

But the most significant personal event happen at the end of spring. In May, there was a new addition to our family. My daughter had a baby. Oh yeah! I know what you're thinking. You are so young... Good genes, I say. So in July we all traveled to Puerto Rico for his baptism. This little someone will revive the meaning of holidays and will give us a second chance to rediscover life's many wonders.

During this summer I also moved. Not far from my old home, but was a welcome change. Now you can add "landlord" to the many labels you may want to refer to me. To celebrate that my house was finally rented, I joined my friends in our quarterly trip to New York city.


In August, my sister visited from Orlando. I took her to The Water Fires in Rhode Island and to Martha's Vineyard - my favorite place in New England. Her favorite place? Fenway Park. On her last nigh here, we went to Tasca for dinner and flamenco. It's amazing all that Boston has to offer.



Even though I wanted to take a break from the program I produce - everyone else runs repeats during the summer. Not a chance, there were too many great stories in Boston not to miss and my summer nights weren't spent sipping lemonade on my deck but in front of my computer editing.


So when you ask, where were you? Try looking for me in one of the rinks that comprise my life: work, family/friends and producing, taping and editing BostonLatino.Tv. I'm constantly moving between them, but when I have a chance to slow down, I try to enjoy a quiet evening at home, sitting with my dog to watch a movie or a previously recorded TV show. Because of my hectic schedule, I have a new appreciation for the normal and my DVR.

Fall is in full swing now. It's always this season, the one that makes the leafs disappear, that I feel is the beginning of a new cycle. I'm looking forward to the new experiences it may bring, new friendships, new opportunities and new challenges. I'll try to find time to share in this blog - not much of a "diary" but the intention to write is there.

If when reading this you feel the urge to write about your summer... Please post! I would love to hear what you've been up to too.

The numbers are in - El Cantante was #12 in the box-office on opening weekend.

We can debate it all we want, but numbers don't lie. America wants to see Latino movies!!! On opening weekend, El Cantante ranked #12 regardless of mixed reviews. Not bad for a film that was in only 542 theatres opening night, in comparison to The Bourne Ultimatum which was in 3660 theatres.

The film had shortcomings, but still touched the core of Latino audiences, yet left us wanting more. I wanted more from Jennifer's performance, more music from Hector Lavoe and most definitively more films that tell our stories. What's most important to note is that we need films developed by Latino producers, directors and writes.

Some I spoke with had great expectations for this film, but all I was expecting to see was a low budget film about a seventies icon. I was curious about what producer, Jennifer Lopez and director Leon Ichaso would come up with. Ichaso was the director of Piñero and did a similar job with El Cantante by playing with time and different points of view. I will admit that I was impressed by Marc Anthony's performance. His interpretation of Lavoe allowed me to believe that I was going on this chaotic journey with him.

Critics talk about the many lost opportunities in this film. One being that the story didn't dig deep enough into the 'Latin Motown' record label, Fania Records, but El Cantante was not about that. From the very beginning, the film is set from the point of view of Puchi, Lavoe's ex-wife. Maybe the title is misleading, but what other title would you suggest when speaking about Hector "La Voz?"

The film accomplished several things and for those who remember the seventies; it made us nostalgic for the music that we grew up with. Lavoe helped launch the Salsa movement and though on hiatus in the last decade, Salsa is making its coming back to reclaim its rightful place in music history.

Salsa music also brought native Puerto Ricans and Newyoricans closer. There is a clear distinction between Puerto Ricans living on the island and Newyoricans. This is a topic rarely discussed in films but it is a subject very real to our migrating culture. I was happy to see that addressed, though briefly, in the relationship between Puchi and her sister in law.

I applaud Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony and anyone else who brings Latino stories to the silver screen. People like Moctesuma Esparza who gave Jennifer her major break and immortalized Selena, Josefina Lopez made a star of America Ferrera in Real Women Have Curves and Salma Hayek brought to life Frida.

There are a few great Latino movies out there and though Latinos may have been in this country from its inception we are "new" at using this medium. Our filmmakers are becoming more experienced as more and more movies are made. But it is up to the public to support these films - mostly during opening week, when the numbers matter. So by helping our films make the top ten in the box-office; studios will consider more Latino projects and we’ll enjoy more Latino movies in the theaters.

- Digna

READ the following review for more about the fim by Bill White ... "El Cantante" is a special film, one that refuses to package a person's life into a comfortably familiar genre. Instead, the viewer is thrown into the chaos of Lavoe's world with as little preparation as Lavoe had when, at age of 17, a week after arriving in New York from Puerto Rico, he began a singing career that would alter the course of American music.

* Read the full article at: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/movies/326152_whelcantante03.html

Alone? You mean Single ...

My hairdresser, trying to make conversation, asked me something that struck me. We're talking in Spanish, so it may not translate well, but the message is the same. He asked, “estas sola” (are you alone)? Alone? I thought... I knew what he was trying to say, but I asked him to tell me what he meant. “Well, are you with anyone?” he said. Oh, you mean single, I said.

Isn’t it funny how people use these two words interchangeably? Being single and alone is not the same thing. Alone implies that you are missing a partner. Don't get me wrong, I’m not against couple-hood. But what's wrong with enjoying single-hood?

It’s a concept some can't comprehend. How can she enjoy being “alone”? Being single is not a misfortune or a tragedy. A tragedy is to be part of a relationship that does not allow me to grow as an individual. It is not in me to stay in a marriage only to maintain appearances. In this day an age the best reason to get married is to receive income credits and health benefits. For those of you who are asking, what about love? Read the article at the link at the end of this blog.

Both sides have their pros and cons. There are happy marriages out there - I’m sure there are. There are also happy, single people like myself and we don't feel the need to explain why we are happy and for that matter....why we are single.

Last Sunday at church an old friend whom I have not seen for several years asked me, “You look great, why haven’t you remarried?” I tried to decipher the expression that accompanied the question. I can only imagine what is behind that look - trying to figure out what it's wrong with me. Nothing really!

I find men desirable. Maybe it is just a numbers game. Not enough men my age are eager to date someone their own age. I may be too busy or simply not interested in the drama at the moment. Maybe it's because I don't have a biological clock ticking or I need to be married by certain age - been there, done that. It’s the state I’m in at the moment where I don’t obsess about meeting “the one.” And Soul mates are a mind trick – a topic for another blog.

So if there is any one out there who looks at singles with pity, don’t! If you are single and you pity yourself, don't! And if you are in a relationship that is just not working out and you believe the grass is greener on the other side, IT IS!!!

The statistics speaks volumes about the institution. So in reality, I'm not the exception, but the rule for a new era. Single vs. alone, is like saying Love and Marriage go together. If you see it that way, I invite you to read an interesting article about love and marriage – Don’t be turned off by the source. This article will amuse you and will probably generate as many topics for discussion as mine has, http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/goldman/aando/marriageandlove.html.

Back from going "home" for vacation...

Somehow going "home for vacation" sounds like an oxymoron, but when "home" is Puerto Rico you would agree it can be a vacation. When I say I went home, I don't really mean my old house – that’s rented now. It is my hometown that feels like home to me. I took a few days off and enjoyed the company of family, friends and the sights and sounds of the island.

I can tell you, La Sonora Ponceña sounds best at a "Fiesta Patronal" (http://welcome.topuertorico.org/culture/festi.shtml). If you've been to a Puerto Rican festival in the US, you’ve only experienced an attempt to recreate what Puerto Rican's have celebrated every year in every town for decades. Oddly enough, missing from the festivities were the Puerto Rican flags, predominant at US Puerto Rican Festivals (a topic for another entry, but feel free to comment if you have an opinion or observation on this).

There is something to be said about taste too. Why is it that "home" has a taste of its own and it’s rarely recreated successfully abroad? Those that have visited recently can attest that Puerto Rico is infested with fast-food restaurants. So homesick visitors like me find comfort in the small "cafetines" along "la plaza de recreo."

It was a different kind of sight seeing for me, more like a reflection of my past. On this trip, I was also able to ride by my old elementary school and visit the candy store we walked to when I was a child. The old neighborhood was modernized; big concrete homes replaced the zinc-roofed, wooden ones.

It's funny how relatives still see me as the same person I was when I left over twenty years ago. No one cares where I've traveled, what I've accomplished or who I've met during all this time in Boston. I'm still, "la hija de Ernesto y Pascuala." But my life seems light years away from where I left. I'm grateful to have lived in both worlds. One is full of traditions and the other full of opportunities.

Although nostalgic, I don’t see myself moving back to the small town I grew up in. Don't get me wrong, the question “why am I here” comes up every winter. I've settled here. Home has two meanings for me now. One home has roots in the warm breeze of a Caribbean country and the other has a window to a multi-ethnic world, full with new experiences every day.

So when I wrote about "losing interest in myself" in my previous blog, it didn’t mean that my calendar was missing activity. Maybe it is time for the person I’ve become to connect with the person I once was with sand under my feet and salt in my hair.

I like to hear from the readers of this blog about your home. Where is home and how do you know you're there?

Have I lost interest in myself?

I wanted to start my own blog for quite some time now and every time I sat in front of my computer couldn’t think of what to write about. I’ve been writing journals all my life, but I have not “found the time” to write for a while, even though great things have happened to me in the past few years. Perhaps it's because I have nothing to complain about? I think it is more than that. So as I was asking myself why I was not inspired to write, a thought came to me, have I lost interest in myself?

This doesn't say I’m not interesting ... Just that I don’t find myself interesting enough to write about? I like to think I’m too busy with work, events, developing business relationships and connecting people. Yawn! Wow, it does sound like it’s all about work and no play for me, but why? I should be enjoying the best time in my life... NOW. I’m finally alone (sort of, I have a dog and a cat), my kids are out of the house and making their own lives. I'm not tied to anything or anyone. I can come and go as I please. I don't need to compromise with anyone about my spending, schedule, etc. So why don't I have more interesting things to write about?

Maybe blogging will help me "find myself." I’ve heard many people refer to “finding themselves” and it makes sense to me now. It’s probably a mid-life thing. In my twenties, I couldn’t get enough of myself. My thirties were about everyone one else and now, it's time to return to myself.

I’d like to pose the question to you, the readers of this blog, are you still interested in yourself?