I recently got a chance to catch up with my good friend Carmen M. Colon, who I found out has been a busy little bee… writing a book that addresses bullying. I asked her to reflect on why she wrote the book… this is her reply. Buen Provecho… oh yeah and buy the book! – Urban Jibaro

“There are times I would find myself dreaming about being in my old elementary school yard, once again being taunted by those kids who seemed bigger and scarier than the others. Making fun of my size, my hair, the way I spoke or the fact that my it was always only my dad that used to pick me up and drop me off all the time. They would say my mom ran away and left me because I was so strange. Kids can be so cruel.

Then one day you realize you’re all grown up, at least in age, but those dreams feel just as real as when it happened. Well I tried to shake it off but when that didn’t work I tried something else. I tried to remember the first time I didn’t feel so helpless. When did I start standing up for myself and who helped me find the strength to do it?

I met a dad who had the patience and love to hear me out, talk me through my fears and show me that the courage to stand up to fear came from me. When the time came, instead of coddling me he just left – “threw me off that tree limb”. He wouldn’t offer anymore advice until I’d gone out on my own.

So, on the mornings after those dreams I’d lie in bed and envision that the one person who showed me how to stand up those bullies, a great dad, would show up, be in the shadows but close enough for me to sense him there (well, everyone dreams of Superman don’t they) and just watch me stand up for myself.

I have sons. I love my sons and I don’t want them to ever feel pressured into doing anything just so they could fit in. I also don’t ever want them to feel helpless but what’s a mom to do? Especially if mom went through her own paces to get to where she was? So I wrote a story. My story and I found a wonderful illustrator, ‘HB’, halfway around the world, in Turkey.

I rarely get those dreams anymore but when I do I remember Meadow, my heroine’s plight and I smile. It’s okay to be different. In fact, it’s even better than anyone could ever imagine!

I dedicated this book to that dad but I also wanted to highlight dads everywhere. There are some amazing fathers and they don’t get enough credit. I hope kids enjoy the illustrations and learn from the story. I know I did.”

About “Out On A Limb”

Meadow is the same as her friends but different. She tries hard to fit in and to listen to everything she’s told. Eagles are dangerous! Aren’t they?

This story is as much about great fathers as it is about peer pressure and bullying.

Raised by my father (and a village of extended family members, fabulous teachers and amazing role models) I wanted to pay homage to the men out there that take it one day at a time and do all they can to be the wise guiding force in the lives of their children.

We never say it enough even though we should.

We love you dad and thank you!

BUY THE BOOK NOW

About Carmen M. Colon

Advocate, Author, Leadership Training Consultant, Engineer; founder of PAID Professionals (workshop agency for youth career advancement) Brooklyn, New York

A community advocate most of her adult life, Carmen M Colon organized and facilitated trainings on empowerment, advocacy and leadership during her years as a School Board President and a Brooklyn Borough President Appointee parent representative. She has written books and training manuals on self-empowerment and on how to team build, recognize skillsets, how to acquire them, use them and simply “get paid”. Branding heself in 2002 she teaches classes on social networking and getting to your goal. Ms. Colon has been a Facilitator and Public Speaker for Women and Youth in Non-Tradional Roles for over 25 years, a Trainer and Lecturer for Women and Youth in Leadership and Career Training for 18 Years, and a Community Advocate and Organizer / Parent Leader Role in Public School Educational System for 12 years. She has been an engineer since 1983 when she graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. She worked as a draftsman for conveyor belt companies and has been an assistant engineer for 20 years at the local utility in Brooklyn.

Mother of three young Black/Latino men she co-founded with them the Brooklyn Children’s Volunteers Club an afterschool program when they were six, 9 and 12 respectively. Carmen has always had her sons as partners in all of her community activities and now that they are all on their own they have continued to provided their civic duty most happily.

The post Carmen Colon Goes ‘Out On A Limb’ & Confronts The Topic Of Bullying appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

Sometimes you get a gift, and you do not know the true value of what you have received much later… When I arrived to Hispanicize 2013 and went to visit my friends from Axis at their Radio Shack Bungalow I was received with a beautiful gift bag full of tech goodies. They gave me everything I needed for my trip – an extra battery pack, some headphones, a stylus (I love a good stylus) and a really cool bluetooth speaker. There was one thing in the bag that I truthfully did not pay attention to until I unpacked and it has turned out to be my favorite gift in the bag. It was a Fitbit Zip™ Wireless Activity Tracker… that I honestly mistook for a simple pedometer (I had already gotten a few pedometers on this trip). 

 It turns out that this Fitbit thingy really is amazing… here is the official explanation of what it is.

Fitbit Zip™ Wireless Activity Tracker

Get a kick out of fitness with the Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker. It tracks your steps, distance and calories burned and syncs those stats to your computer and select smartphones. In doing so, it celebrates how much more you do each day. Zip encourages you to set goals, challenge friends and go farther, one step at time. That’s how you turn everyday life into a social, achievable, awesome path to fitness.

- Powered by Fitbit’s leading-edge accelerometer, Zip accurately captures your activity all day

- Discreet silicone clip lets you wear it almost anywhere

- Rain, splash and sweatproof so you can take it on any workout

- Automatically syncs your information to PCs, Macs and select iOS and Android™ devices

- Fitbit’s free mobile App and free online dashboard gives you a snapshot of your progress

- Stay motivated by earning Fitbit badges for daily, weekly, even lifetime achievements

- Link with friends on Fitbit.com to compare stats, share progress and cheer each other on

- Export your Fitbit data to popular fitness Apps such as SparkPeople, Lose It!, MyFitnessPal and more

 So with all of that said… it has become my sidekick in my pursuit of healthier living. I have synced it up to my Smartphone (Nexus 4 if you wanted to know) and so far it has been a great experience. I really love the app that accompanies the device and the analytics. I now have a great idea of how active I am on a daily basis and I am able to identify trends that will help me fill in the gaps and get more active. So far, on a day that I do not go to the gym… I take about 5k steps a day (approximately 2 miles)… I never knew that. 

I say all this to say…

THANK YOU Radio Shack for thinking of me and giving me something I would have never thought of buying but will probably be an important tool in getting healthier and hitting my fitness goals.

Here is a peek at all of the other tech candy they gave me…

AUVIO® High-Performance In-Ear Metal Earbuds 

Enjoy crisp sound and strong bass from these metal (machined-aluminum housing) earbuds from AUVIO. Use them with earclip or without – the earclips are flexible for maximum comfort. The cable tends to lay flat and stay out of your way, making these earbuds ideal to use with your smartphone and for listening to music. Their frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz.

-   Metal buds for durability and great sound, S,M and L eartips included so you get a great fit

-   One-button microphone

-   Soft, flat 4.5-ft. cable lets you easily tuck the earbuds into your pocket or backpack

-   Mic. sensitivity -44+/-4dB, frequency response 50-16000Hz

AUVIO® Expandable Bluetooth® Speaker 

Listen to your music anywhere with AUVIO’s Expandable Bluetooth Speaker. Enjoy great sound and its compact size makes it easy to take along with you anywhere. Sold individually.

-   Rechargeable Li-ion battery

-   Frequency response: 150Hz-15kHz

-   Includes USB to mini USB cable 

Enercell® 1350mAh Portable Power Bank

When you have no access to power and your battery is running low, use this Enercell1350mAh Portable Power Bank to keep you talking for up to four hours. It charges quickly from any USB power port and it’s everything you need to stay connected. A USB-to-micro USB cable and a USB-to-Apple cable come with the power bank.

-   Output voltage 5.0 +/- 0.25V, output current 5V/1A

-   Up to 4 hours extra talk time (allows for at least 50% charge for iPhone 4S) 

PointMobl™ Universal Stylus 

This universal stylus is compatible with most capacitive touch devices like an iPad®, iPod touch® and iPhone®. Take notes, draw or turn pages easily. It features a durable rubber tip and pen clip.

-   Capacitive touch pen, soft rubber tip and pen clip included

-   Compatible with most capacitive touch panels

-   Stainless tube with rubberized finish

AUVIO® 3-Ft. 1/8″ Retractable Audio Cable

Connect your media player to another device quickly and easily with AUVIO’s 3-Ft. 1/8″ Retractable Audio Cable. It features a nickel-plated tip and retractable cord.

-   1/8″ to 1/8″ retractable cable and nickel-plated tip

-   Play music off your smartphone through the car stereo

-   Connect your portable music player (iPod, MP3 player, smartphone) to your car stereo

-   Retractable so it’s easy to take with you in your backpack, purse or pocket

Disclaimer: I do not think I really need one… I am a big Radio Shack fan and the post speaks for itself… I got a bag full of gifts that I love and this is my special way of saying thank you.

The post Radio Shack Helps Me Get Healthier [Thank You!] appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

- Urban Jibaro

———————————————-

Hola mi gente!

Memorial Day is right around the corner. For many of us this is considered the “grand unveiling” of all the work you put into your body since January. Everything comes down to this one moment of glory when you get to show off how well you ate or how hard you trained. Whether you will be wearing a tight dress at a cousin’s barbecue or sporting a fresh tank top at a house party this is your moment. I have noticed many Latinos in the gym that stick to doing the same forms of cardio day in and day out, whether it is spending 60 minutes on the elliptical or taking a Zumba class three days a week.  There are only a few weeks left and in this post I will cover what are the 5 cardio exercises you as Latinos need to be doing today to change your routine get the fat melted off of your body asap!

1)      Jump Rope

This is one of those tools that people used as kids and forgot about it as they got older. Jumping rope is one of the simplest and most effective cardio conditioning tools out there. Start working with about 60 seconds of jumping rope followed by a 60 second rest, the work and rest together count as one round. Repeat this for 5 rounds. Progress this workout by adding 2 rounds each time you perform this routine. Simple, sweet, and highly effective. This can be performed anywhere from the gym to your backyard, take advantage!

2)      Outdoor Sprinting

Sprinting for fat loss is a favorite secret weapon of mine.  This can be a game changer in your “get lean” program. The intensity during sprinting is so high that (like weight training) only short bursts are needed.

Most people go too hard too fast when sprinting. The key is to start light and progress slowly each time you perform them.

Start with marking off 40m at a local track or football field. Then run 4 medium tempo (think like a fast paced jog) 40m sprints, you can build up speed gradually. Once you complete the 4 medium tempo sprints, the keep increasing your speed for another 4 sprints for a total of 8 sprints in this workout. Add 1 more round each week after.  Perform this routine 2-3x a week.

3)      Bike Sprints

Different from Spin Class because you make your own time and you push yourself. Bike sprints are perfect to make the shapely defined legs that all Latinas adore. Many people underestimate the power of the stationary bike and just go for long leisurely rides while reading a magazine. There is more to it than that!

Here is the secret formula to bike ride for fat burning –

Choose a bike and find a moderate to high intensity that you are comfortable with but will challenge you. Once you choose an intensity level, then complete a total of 5 miles as fast as you can. The next time you come back, try and beat your previous time.

This is the simplest program you could ever do to get the legs everybody wants. Get started today!

4)      Running Stairs

Staircases are everywhere. There is no excuse to avoid a cardio session just because you don’t have a treadmill in the house. Stairs are a very safe and effective way to get a huge calorie burn in a minimal amount of time. One of the best ways to run the staircase is to start with a 10 minute window of time. Run the stairs as fast as you safely can for ten minutes. Use varying speeds, for example try to jog up at a moderate speed for a few rounds, run up as fast as you can for a few rounds and even walk a few rounds. Add up how many rounds you completed in 10 minutes. The next time you do the stairs, try and add another round in the same time period. This is a readily available tool that is available for anyone, anywhere.

5)      Brisk Walking

Though not the most exciting option on the list, walking helps burn fat and has a host of other benefits. Get outside, and go for a walk around the neighborhood. Give yourself 30 minutes and walk at a brisk enjoyable pace. Keep it as a stress free, non-goal oriented workout. This will elevate the heart rate to an aerobic state that is perfect for a basic cardio routine. Walking will help burn any extra calories and is a safe, easy, and effective way to get some activity and fresh air. Go out and enjoy!

The post 5 Fat Torching Cardio Exercises To Help You Lose Your Chichos! appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

Our friends at D’Exposito & Partners extended an invitation to our community leaders, bloggers and influencers in the Houston area to share a night of cultural exchange with AARP. A delegation of our Houston readers and radio show listeners attended the event.

Robert Rodriguez decided to share his experience with you in his own words… Gracias Robert.

—

On Wednesday May 1^st, 2013 I had the privilege of attending a special screening of The Latino List Volume 2, ‘An HBO Documentary on the vibrant culture and history of Hispanic America.’  The event was a 5 Star Feature at Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Museum District.  On arrival we were greeted with a Cocktail Reception which provided an extensive and tasty selection of Hors’ D Oeuvres, desserts, a Gourmet Chef stirring up special requests to your liking and live Mariachi entertainment…A nice reminder that Cinco de Mayo was on our heels.

Everyone in attendance was dressed for the occasion and it proved to be a Great Opportunity to mix, mingle and network with professionals involved in Houston’s Latino Community.  As perfect as the Opening to this Reception sounds the REAL treat, we all found, was the actual screening of The Latino List.  The Documentary featured interviews with 14 successful Latinos such as George Lopez, Christy Turlington, Victor Cruz, Soledad O’Brien, Henry Cisneros and Nelly Galan to name a few.  It is a very touching and intimate view of each their lives.  They each share stories of their humble beginnings from what it was like growing up Latino in America to what it was like being Latino in their respective industries.  The manner in which each individual shares their story, defining moments and successes in a sometimes Spanglish lingo creates a real sense of “That’s me! And I CAN do anything I set my mind to…”  The silence was often broken by claps and whether you relate to their individual stories through age, gender or ethnic demographics you feel PROUD, making it difficult to hold back tears of joy and pride through some of the stories.

The Screening was followed by a Q&A session with The Latino List Producers Ingrid Duran, Catherine Pino and Tommy Walker moderated by Sandra Guzman author of “The Latina’s Bible.”  They did an excellent job of answering questions that we were all thinking…Questions like “How did you make the interviews feel so intimate?” “How did you decide who would be on The Latino List?” and “Will there be a Volume 3?”  The panel shared their desire for making the Documentary, their challenges within Corporate America and their need to raise more funding to continue the project…

I truly commend everyone that has worked on this project and from a small business perspective I know what it takes to get a Corporate Giant or Elephant to turn around.  I believe that everyone in our Community needs to see this Documentary and I especially feel that every child needs to see this film. I ask that you all make the time to see this film and that we each make a concerted effort to Regionally tap in to the organizations, programs, constituencies and circles we are involved in to help keep The Latino List Project going…  For the more inspired we are as a Community the Louder OUR Voice is when we come together… We will all be amazed at what we can do as a Community.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

- Robert Rodriguez

Sofrito For Your Soul Reader

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U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas presents McDonald’s^® new Egg White Delight McMuffin^®

Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas hosted a preview event introducing McDonald’s new Egg White Delight McMuffin to the NY Tri-State area. The event took place at the Times Square McDonald’s^® restaurant located at 220 W 42^nd Street.  Gabby Douglas was joined by Chef and Registered Dietitian Jessica Foust who demonstrated how this new wholesome breakfast menu item is prepared. Stay tuned, more surprises and exciting events to come as McDonald’s celebrates the launch of its new Egg White Delight McMuffin^®

Stay tuned, as we will keep bringing you more surprises and exciting events courtesy of our friends at McDonald’s

ABOUT McDonald’s NEW YORK TRI-STATE RESTAURANTS:  

McDonald’s is one of the world’s best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York Tri-State area, New Jersey, and Fairfield County in Connecticut.  Visit www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald’s area program.

(Photo Credit: Peter Ou)

The post U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas presents McDonald’s® new Egg White Delight McMuffin® appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

Also in the house was the beloved Peggy Robles Alvarado. The poet, author and powerhouse was recently featured on another HBO Latino program entitled,“Habla Women”. She shares her personal story of beating the odds in this extraordinary documentary. She is accompanied in this photo by our photographer of the evening, Albert Areizaga of Taino Image.

Mover and shaker Ulysses Terrero was happy to support his friend, Romeo Santos. When talking about producing and sharing creative projects he says, “You have to put it all out there. Don’t sit on your projects, share them.” Great words from a man who knows.

Make sure you catch Romeo Santos in concert Friday May 3rd, only on HBO Latino and join the conversation on twitter with the hashtag #HBOLATINO

-Rebecca Gitana Torres

Interior and Lifestyle Designer Rebecca Gitana Torres is a creation of urban New York, who grew up “having nothing, yet having it all.” It is this same appreciation and fervor for life that makes her design house, LifeStyle Remix, so unique. She will soon be a household name… connect with her on twitter  @LifeStyle_Remix and at her blog http://lifestyleremix.com/. We are proud to have her collaborate with #TeamCapicu on behalf of Sofrito For Your Soul.

Check Out The Trailer!

Rated TVPG: ADULT CONTENT
Running Time: 99 minutes
Genre: Concert-Music
Romeo Santos, the self-proclaimed King of Bachata, performs live at a sold-out show in Madison Square Garden. Capturing the artist’s spectacular act, the program offers never-before-seen exclusive footage of Romeo during the days leading up to the concert, which features appearances from Wisin y Yandel, P. Diddy, Usher, and more. (TVPG) (AC)
Actors: ROMEO SANTOS

The post HBO Latino Premieres Romeo Santos: The King Stays King appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

What will be my next car? A decision I am taking very seriously.

Now it is no secret…. if you have followed me long enough you know that we already made a decision on what she is driving… and you already know that I have been test driving some vehicles lately.  I am very confused about what I want, but I feel confident that when the right vehicle comes along, I will know it.  I recently was invited by my friends at Latina Mom Bloggers to share some news about Nissan’s exciting Facebook Fan Promotion to help people discover the new 1013 Sentra. I will get to that amazing promotion but not without first letting you know some of the things that caught my eyes as I browsed the Nissan USA website.

SAFETY FIRST 

2013 SENTRA® RECEIVED HIGHEST GOVERNMENT SIDE-IMPACT SAFETY RATING

THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER

The post Discover The New 2013 Sentra & Enter To Win Great Prizes On Facebook! appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

• A few extra days before and after the conference
• A car (my plans involve a lot of driving)
• Fully charged Galaxy 3, Blackberry and a new Looxcie Camera
• The willingness to just explore and connect.

I left JFK via JetBlue on April 4th (after long delays due to a mechanical issue…) and arrived at 2am in Orlando, Florida and was greeted by my cousin Andy and my Mom. They took me to Mama’s house and believe it or not, she offered me a full plate of food in the middle of the night (que linda) but due to my new dietary habits, I could not indulge even though I really wanted to.  My plan was to spend a few days with family and start making my way down to Miami for Hispanicize.

On Friday morning the folks of GM Diversity had delivered a brand new Chevy Volt to my doorstep to help me get around. The Chevy Volt, whom my readers named Ruby Candela is an electric car, equipped with GPS, ONStar and SiriusXM Radio (I LOVE SIRIUS) and so it began. In the days prior to my departure, I started to get invites from FB friends I have never met in real life, a few from people I have met but never really hung out with and last but not least some really good friends from college.

Colombian Chef Wilson Camilo (@Wilo37)

I will be honest but when they told me that I would be getting a Chevy Volt, I was concerned about comfort. It is no secret that I am a big guy and with that said… I have been in other cars (Hybrids) that are not too comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised that not only was car bigger than I thought, it was very comfortable. The dashboard was a geek’s dream come true… car alerts, computer diagrams and the main screen that manages the GPS and Entertainment Hub was pretty cool (I felt like Michael Knight). I actually wanted to get the full experience of an electric car so I decided to charge it for the first night to see…. and just like the manual said, it took me about 38 miles without a single drop of gasoline. That made me think, my commute to work is only 14 miles. I can use this car daily and almost never have to refill (at least until my day off). The biggest surprise of all was how many people during my entire trip complimented the car and asked me questions about the logistics of the charging. People are starting to get curious, I know I am.

If you a curious about this vehicle, check out their website that will give you the full scoop.

Saturday was filled with family fun that included my baby cousins Anicia and Giselly making videos that ranged from Ani playing soccer to both the girls reviewing Ruby Candela and finally a family only version of the Harlem Shake.

So on Sunday, I leave Mama’s house to have Brunch with Wilson Camilo, one of my social media buddies doing amazing work in the state of Florida. He invited me to his beautiful Orlando home for a Colombian themed breakfast that included tortilla, pan de bono y arepas. While Wilson cooked breakfast for me… we had an incredible conversation about the Latino market and shared ideas about future projects. I even had the opportunity to meet his lovely wife who joined the conversation and shed some insight about her favorite social networks and parenting in this new social era.I then headed out to Lakeland, it turned out that one of my long time readers, Michelle Acevedo who had relocated to Florida from the Bronx, knowing I would be in Florida and invited me to the Florida 500 celebration in Lakeland. The Latino themed block party was to feature Tito Puente Jr later that evening so I made my way to Lakeland from Orlando for some face time with my reader Michelle and her husband Otto for some Bacalaitos and Alcapurrias.

Hanging with Otto and Michelle in Lakeland Fl for Viva Florida 500

After lunch and a sugar free Tiki Cone, it was time to make my way down to Port St. Lucie for a traditional Dominican dinner with my old college buddies (and Fraternity brothers) Felipe Lopez and Peter Morales. Dinner was full of dialogue about my trip to Hispanicize. Felipe and Peter both were curious about the theme of the conference but even more so about what Social engagement can do for the projects they already work on. Before you knew it we had a full blown workshop going as Felipe’s wife Rachel and sister in law joined the conversation about their entrepreneurial dreams. I venture that it is safe to say… that I need to follow up with them and give them access to some tools. Peter who had been driving down from Niagra falls had coordinated to meet me at Felipe’s house so that we can then drive down to his house in Pembroke Pines.

And the food???? OMG I cannot forget meeting up with my friend Pamela Harris (a Capicu supporter who recently moved to Miami) and Joey Olivo at Versailles for some real Cuban Cuisine. I also had a great conversation with Maria Rodriguez who had dinner with me at Puerto Sagua in South Beach as we discussed healthy initiatives and social media.  I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness… (oh yeah and in both cases… the food was slammin)

I thank my friends (old and new) for rolling out the red carpet for me… it was a time to remember… pura familia time.

Felipe Lopez & Peter Morales… #Phiotas4Life!

 I am glad that I did not treat this trip the same any old business trip, and this was just the beginning… by the time this trip would be over I would have sung La Bamba with Lou Diamond Phillips (see video below), toured La Calle Ocho, reconnected with Emilio Estefan, Rick Najera, Susie Albin Najera & Pegine Echevarria, launched a memorial scholarship Fund, met hundreds of new contacts and received an award in memory of my buddy Louis Pagan. This trip has been an experience that truly humbles me and helps put everything that matters into perspective.

This is the life I want to live every day…

A very special thank you and warm abrazo to the whole GM Diversity Team – Gloria Tostado, Connie Burke, Stephanie Ruiz and Catherine Cuello for being amazing hosts and for doing the little things that are crucial in relationship building. Se te agradece.

and now for the video you have all been waiting for…. ( I come in at around 1:20, I was too busy talking to Gina Rodriguez, star of Philly Brown and I missed my cue)

Hispanicize 2013 Miami – Lou Diamond Phillips Sings La Bamba – Produced by ASK Media Productions from ASK Media Productions on Vimeo.

Last but not least, PLEASE consider donating what you can to the two little girls that our friend Louis Pagan left behind. We are trying to ensure that they both get the education we know Louis would have worked hard to give them if he were still here.

DONATE NOW!

George Torres

The post Doing The Unexpected… My Days Just Before The Hispanicize Experience. appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

- Urban Jibaro

What can I say? Hispanicize 2013 was an experience that will be with me forever! I met some of the smartest and savviest people I have ever known on this trip to Miami. I had no clue what to expect at first, then all of a sudden it was a whirlwind of people from different backgrounds all  across America. The beauty of it was in the camaraderie and intense sharing of ideas that is an integral part of the Hispanicize culture. It looked like a conference but was really a melting pot of creativity for Hispanics in business and the arts from all angles. I am so proud to be Hispanic and to have been part of the experience, I felt like I was watching history being made before my eyes as the future of Hispanics and Latinos happily unfolded.

I was brought on as an ambassador for Visalus, a nutrition and supplement company known for their 90-day Body by Vi challenge. Their 90-day challenges have been really successful. Whoever has tried their products before will rant and rave about their system. Before Hispanicize, I was in the small town of Luquillo, Puerto Rico and I actually overheard a conversation on the beach between friends who were talking about the Visalus program and how successful it was for them. The prevalence of Visalus in the Hispanic community and Latin America was larger than I previously thought. These guys were on to something good, and I was excited to be a part of the team.

They have a unique system that works, I will review the system components here –

Nutritional Shake Mix – This is my favorite of their system. It is a non-GMO soy based protein powder, it tastes great and mixes very well. For anyone starting out, this is a perfect fit because it easily gets you into the right habits of utilizing protein powders in your diet as a meal replacement.

Neuro Shot – This was my second favorite. This is a powder that you mix into water, it is a B vitamin complex that supercharges your brain to help you retain and respond to information. Picture it like taking your car, getting a fresh oil change and filling the gas tank with super ultra-premium unleaded fuel.   That is how efficiently your brain will work!

To put it in perspective, I was listening to a panel discussion that was super informative, I retained so much information of their discussion that I stayed an extra 10 minutes just writing my thoughts, and I remembered and recalled everything.  The whole “in one ear and out the other” thing does not happen with this!

GO Shot – This is their version of a 5-hour energy shot. This was the least popular of the system simply due to people drinking it warm. Once it was chilled the taste improved significantly. After one of these, you are definitely ready to go ALL DAY! I would suggest however not to mix these if you have a coffee habit, that would be caffeine overload. If you are not a serious coffee drinker then this is a pure clean source of a caffeine boost perfect to use before training.

 As a special gift for all of you who were at the Hispanicize conference, we will be sending you the Hispanicize Miami Body Meal Plan. I developed this meal plan after a bunch of conversations with many of you about what Latinos want and need out of a meal plan that they are not getting. The general mainstream diets and meal plans lack that certain “sabor” that we all NEED. Many do not include platanos and yucca which are two of the healthiest vegetables around. Other plans suggest avoiding fruit, meanwhile mangoes and papayas are some of the healthiest fruits in the world. I also include how to utilize the delicious Visalus shakes in your day. Yes, there has to be some structure as to how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat. Everything is in the plan I provided for you.

Email us at  HealthyLatinos@SofritoMediaGroup.com to get your copy!

Thank you guys because those conversations helped me create this plan for mi gente, and this gift is for you.

Adelante con fuerza, 

Joey Olivo 

The post Joeys Gym Class Goes To Miami! appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.

Now I could have flown in to Miami on April 8th like everyone else but I decided to make this a trip to remember. I decided to take some time and really connect with family and take some time to explore Florida from a different perspective… The Latino perspective. So today, I will begin a journey that will take me thru several parts of Florida starting with the Viva Florida 500 Parade in Lakeland Florida to see the parade and hang out at the block party.

Now normally, I get these invites from PR companies and Ad Executives but not this invite, this invite came from a Sofrito For Your Soul community member named Michelle Acevedo… which compelled me even more to make it happen.

I mean really… how many times do I get to do something like this? Nunca, Never… my life is filled with meetings and deadlines. It is very seldom that I get to go off script and do something as cool as this.

In case you missed it… here is my first video from JFK Airport as I was waiting for my flight which was delayed.

I will be sharing pics and video through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram… Follow Me!

George Torres

The post On My Way To #Hispz13: 1st Stop? Viva Florida 500 In Lakeland! appeared first on Discover the best of Latino & Hispanic culture with #DailySofrito.