Latin Media Gurus Network» David Villafaña

Latin Media Gurus Favorite Pic!

David Villafaña — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:58:13 +0000

PHOTO OF THE WEEK!

Jordi Busquets of JarabeDePalo shedding his flow in San Diego. Photo taken by Azul Santana.

To see more photos please visit her page here: Azul Fotografica

Calle 13 Embarks on US tour – California Love

David Villafaña — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:47:13 +0000

LMG will be at this show in San Diego!

And They’re back…

On October 21st our friends over at Black Cherry Music will be presenting Calle 13, one of our favorite artists. Entren Los Que Quieran is Calle 13′s fourth album and was released in November of 2010. The album’s singles “Calma Pueblo” a collaboration with Omar Rodriguez-Lopez from The Mars Volta, and “Vamos a Portarnos Mal” have received much praise that has been recently followed by 10 Latin Grammy nominations.

We are stoked to see Calle 13 return to California where they will be offering three shows: The madness starts in Anaheim on the 20th and will make its way south to San Diego on the 21st to then finally land in San Francisco on the 22nd.

So all you Cali folks get ready for a mean fusion of Hip hop and traditional afro-caribbean rhythms that are going make you do things you might not want your abuelita to see on Facebook. Word on the street is that DJ ETHOS will be in the house getting things started up in San Diego, so get ready to get your passport stamped.

A Fuego!

So call your friends and make it out to one of the upcoming shows! Don’t miss out.. Vamos a portarnos mal!

One last thing…

I just wanted to include this quote from our friend in the cause, Jasmine Garsd of NPR who has praised the album and made a reference to the song “Latinoamerica” as “a gorgeous ode to Latinos everywhere”. Here is what she said:

They are fighters who endure and struggle against the very real horrors of Latin America. But part of their defiance lies in the ability to have fun, to be funny and sexy in spite of these horrors – Jasmine Garsd

Well said.. Enough blogging for now..

SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO:

Black Cherry Music Group and Digital Girl Inc … Friends in the cause.. Check out their links and “LIKE” their pages on Facebook Por favor!

Calle 13 US Tour Dates:

Oct. 20 – House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Oct. 21 – 4th & B San Diego, CA
Oct. 22 – The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
Oct. 23 – House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV

La Santa Cecilia – Noches y Citas (Con Chicle)

David Villafaña — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:49:18 +0000

La Santa Cecilia recently released an additional EP called Noches y Citas con Chicle…A witty name for a great production. These songs are the extra tracks that weren’t featured on their last EP which showcased great songs like “La Negra”, “Vengo”, and “El Farol”.

This time around LSC wanted to showcase a few songs that they wrote for their last EP but didn’t get included on the 5 Track EP. So they decided to stick these songs onto their last EP like Chicle, or chewing gum the same way you would stick it to the bottom of a desk or chair. The song that I really enjoy and feature below is “Chicle”, a song that talks about the many sayings we hear in Spanish while growing up.

I had a chance to catch up with lead singer Marisoul and she spoke about how this song related to her childhood and the many times her tias would give her advice that included all these popular sayings or “dichos” that are included in the song.

Marisoul commented about the song and video:

“When I was growing up, I had some hard times and my Tias or family members would always tell me the same old “dichos” that really didn’t make sense to me. So, those sayings grew old real quick because they didn’t mean much to me. I wanted more real answers to my troubles and our new video basically depicts that whole story”

I really enjoy their creativity since they write songs in both English and Spanish in various musical styles. LSC also approaches marketing their music with a new creative outlook. In today’s industry independent artists have to really be creative with their marketing and promotional strategies.

Noches y Citas con Chicle represents the band’s past creative period. Being that these songs were all written around the same time as the songs on the first EP, these essentially all come from the same fountain of inspiration.

Check out this great video and let us know what you think. I’m glad La Santa Cecilia is putting out more music and getting ready to record a new set of songs for us to hear. Enjoy!

Jarabe De Palo with Special Guest Gustavo Galindo on July 10th

David Villafaña — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:42:56 +0000

Jarabe de Palo Returns to the USA

Many of us have waited very long for Jarabe de Palo’s return to the states. The Spanish rock band will be making two stops on the west coast: San Diego on July 9th and Los Angeles on July 10th, two shows will most likely include passionate fans from Tijuana who will be making the drive in order to join in on the fun. A huevo!

Jarabe de Palo is promoting their 8th album “Ahora Qué hacemos?”, which is actually the second LP released on their independent label, Tronco Records. This album represents their return to their rock n roll roots, something I’m sure fans will truly appreciate since that is what essentially put the band on the map after their 1996 release of “La Flaca”. Unlike other releases, this album stays true to their rock influences by not incorporating contagious latin rhythms. The fusion of afro-cuban beats with flamenco guitars and rock n roll had become a trademark of Jarabe De Palo in albums like “Depende” “Bonito” and “De Vuelta y Vuelta”.

After waiting many years I’m ready to listen to their newest songs and also scream the lyrics to classics like “El Lado Oscuro”, “Grita”, “Agua” and of course “La Flaca”. July 10th is marked on my calendar and I’m ready to join many other rockeros in celebrating another night of Latin Alternative music in Los Angeles. I’m also excited to see Gustavo Galindo, another talented artist who will be rocking out to some great rock en español and has a bright future ahead. The musical styles really do match up, and I’m looking forward to a very promising night of musica.

Los Angeles July 10th @ The Music Box

Jarabe de Palo with special guest Gustavo Galindo.

Gustavo Galindo – Entre La Ciudad Y El Mar

Gustavo Galindo represents a new generation of Latino artists living in the United States who hold on to their culture and language but also incorporate new sounds and influences to their music. Entre La Ciudad Y El Mar is a representation of his lifelong journey between two worlds that through the years have essentially become one.

Coming from a family of musicians, and having a love for tradition Mexican music and rock n roll has molded Gustavo into becoming a well rounded artist with lots to offer his global audience. For Gustavo Galindo, working with the talented Gustavo Santaolalla and the Surco team was like a dream come true since most of his favorite artists were produced by the Argentine producer.

When I decided to put a demo together, he (Gustavo Santaolalla) was one of the people I had intended on sending a demo to, and never in a million years did I think he would call back. To my surprise 3 months later he called and we had a meeting where he asked me to be on his label and make a record. –Gustavo Galindo

Gustavo Galindo has already shared the stage with artists such as: Zoé, Enrique Iglesias,Ely Guerra, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Los Amigos Invisibles, Babasónicos, AlejandraGuzmán and Ximena Sariñana. He also had the honor of performing in Mexico’sBicentennial celebrations September 15, 2010

“Entre la ciudad y el mar” sets forward his journey unto the trails of today’s popular music and promises to continue propelling him on a magnificent trajectory.

San Diego’s Latin Alternative Renaissance

David Villafaña — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:49:08 +0000

Photo by Marcella O. Reyes

San Diego’s Latin Alternative Renaissance

A new wave of Latin alternative concerts have taken San Diego by force and we are excited about the many more to come. Black Cherry Music Group has teamed up with veteran concert promoters of Track 78 & Mucho San Diego to bring more Rock en Español / Latin alternative artists to San Diego and most recently to downtown’s 4th and B.

In recent line ups 4th and B has featured artists such as Fobia, Plastilina Mosh, Gustavo Galindo, Gil Cerezo(Kinky), Money Mark, and Nortec Collective alongside various up and coming local talents like Los Hollywood and Orlando.

We are thrilled that San Diego has a newly refreshed group of rockero promoters bringing artists that we have loved for years to venues like 4th & B that in fact will be hosting mainstream acts like Don Omar(For you reggaeton lovers, ha!) in a few weeks.

The shows that BCMG and T78/Mucho SD put together also give fans the opportunity to discover new music from bands that are making noise in other Latin alternative circles as their musical careers begin to take off. Such was the case when Bomba Estereo first visited San Diego at the old Beauty Bar.

That night the Colombian electro-cumbia collective rocked a small crowd of loyal fans who were blown away by the band’s live show. A few months later we would see Bomba Estereo continue to blow up on their world tour and witness their rising popularity via Youtube.

Such was also the case with Tecate singer/songwriter Carla Morrison. After opening a few important shows in Tijuana and making her debut in LA and San Diego’s Mucho concerts, Carla began to draw the attention of fans and industry folks from the US and Latin America. We soon witnessed the rising number of Facebook “Likes”, Twitter followers and Youtube views and along with other fans, are still celebrating her new stardom.

In cases such as Bomba Estereo, and Carla Morrison, fans feel like they were part of their journey, ultimately adding more value to the whole live show experience.

Without a doubt we are seeing the fruits of all the hard work that folks at BCMG, TRACK 78/Mucho San Diego have put in so that America’s finest city would have a happening scene for Latin Alternative music aficionados.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Jarabe de Palo – July 9th @ 4th & B / $30

Aterciopelados – July 15 @ 4th & B / $30

Tickets available on Ticketmaster.com and EL Zarape Restaurants

Photos From Plastilina Mosh

Plastilina Mosh. Photo by Marcella O. Reyes

Gustavo Galindo. Photo by Marcella O. Reyes

Crowd awaits. Photo by Marcella O. Reyes

Rosso and Money Mark. Photo by Marcella O. Reyes

The Cloud Media – Branding Online Talent

David Villafaña — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:19:38 +0000

The Cloud Media: Branding Online Talent

Written by Cristal M. Garcia

You’ve just returned from your day job as a barista. A thought to finish that artistry book you’ve neglected grazes your mind. Quickly looking in your fridge, you’re reminded that spoiled milk doesn’t do a body good so you turn to your trusty-dusty congas and put some beats together. Realizing you’ve created a beat masterpiece sprung of boredom and thirst, you decide to share it with the YouTube world. Two mornings later, you find your video has thousands of hits. Why not post some more? The hit count grows: fifty-thousand, one-hundred thousand, two-hundred thousand, and the rest is conga-playing barista history. Do you quit your day job and consider branding your name … but how?

Look no further than The Cloud Media, a miniature Angeleno firm dedicated to helping online artists brand their name and talent. Founded by Sarah Evershed in early 2010, whose experience with Current TV and various reality shows on the likes of Bravo and HBO makes her an ideal Producer and Owner, The Cloud Media aims to manage online artists’ day to day strategies in building both an online and offline following. With the help of Jen Olivar, Manager of Talent Development for The Cloud Media, YouTubers such as the famous Mystery Guitar Man have become exactly that – an online artist you and several million fans have come to know and love.

Speaking of which, the MysteryGuitarMan, who hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the by far one of the most watched and followed online Latino artists of our time. With 1.7 million subscribers on Youtube, 293 thousand “likes” on Facebook, and 161 thousand followers on Twitter, this online talent is impressive! Muito Bem! His intricate videos have become a viral sensation and with the help of The Cloud Media, he capitalized on many offline opportunities attracting the attention of large corporations like Disney, the Women’s Tennis Association, McDonalds and Coca-Cola. They have hired Joe Penna better known as the MysteryGuitarMan to share his talents with the world in a series of promotional videos and commercials for their respective companies.

Mi gente, Its a new era and its time for your talents to be seen worldwide. Whether you’re a comedian, actor, singer/songwriter or avid blogger, remember that the old gate keepers are no more. It’s your turn to showcase your creative talents for millions of viewers to enjoy. And hey, why not make a few bucks while you’re at it? It isn’t easy; It’ll take time, dedication and every drop of passion you have. Take advantage of social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter that have totally revolutionized the way information is shared and have changed the lives of once-unknown people like Joe Penna. I’m sure that with a little help from the folks at The Cloud Media, you can meet your most ambitious goals and become the next online sensation!

Check them out at: http://thecloudmedia.com/

Another Clever Video by the MysteryGuitarMan, Joe Penna.

Julio Varela: Editor, Social Media Guru, #latism & #latinolit blogger

David Villafaña — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:04:59 +0000

The Latino Presence Online is Increasing!

Being that the number of Latinos on the web is increasing, there is an eminent need for content gearing towards Latino readers. Lets face it, we all want to feel at home as we navigate the web. We had an opportunity to catch up with Julio Varela, an established writer and editor, twitter strategist, and avid blogger who is an expert at writing content that Latino’s enjoy reading.

Interview with Julio Varela

1. Who is Julio Ricard Varela??

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in both San Juan and the Bronx, Julio graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 1990. He started his career as a Contributing Reporter for The Boston Globe before joining publisher Houghton Mifflin as a Bilingual Editor. In the last 19 years, Julio has developed some of the top Reading/Language Arts and ESL programs for millions of learners in the nation’s public schools.

2. How important is it to have “street cred” in social media?

It is all about “street cred” and you can easily attain in social media by being yourself and consciously helping others with no expectations. If you are not real and authentic in social media, you are just wasting your time.

3. What brought you into the social media movement?

In 2008, I decided that my talented brother, Fernando Varela, need to be heard by people. His voice is amazing, and I truly believe he will be a global star. I decided to promote him on social media, using Facebook and Twitter. We hit Twitter right before it caught on. Pure timing and some luck.

4. The number of Latinos using social media is growing. What does this mean? Where are we headed as a cyber community?

Online Latinos, if they realize that social media is about supporting and collaborating with others, will be able to move mountains and impact positive change in our society. I am blessed to have met so many wonderful people through #LATISM and Being Latino. Every day, the connections I make are so valuable and real. Latinos have the potential to be THE leaders of the cyber culture (we are already a force on Twitter), only if we spend more time sharing and supporting others and less time worried about how to grow out own social profiles.

5. What brought you to create http://juliorvarela.com/

I created juliorvarela.com as my online home because I wanted to not only promote Fernando’s amazing talent, but also share my interests to my readers: #LatinoLit, social media, issues impacting the online Latino world, and online fiction. I also use it to share my current novel in progress: FRANKY BENÍTEZ.

6. What is Latino Lit?

#LatinoLit is an online community that I created with Charlie Vázquez that promotes the online world of Latino literary talent on Facebook and Twitter. We wanted to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of authors like Esmeralda Santiago and Luis Alberto Serra, as well as new voices like Margo Candela, Raul Ramos y Sanchez and Silvio Sirias. It is a place the shares and celebrates. We are also proud of sharing new works by new voices.

7. How has social media worked for you and your platforms?

Social media IS my platform. I am humbled by the reaction we have gotten on Twitter and Facebook by just being ourselves. I think that is so cool.

8. What is the best way to connect with people using social media? What do you recommend for the rookies?

Join Twitter and Facebook. Connect with #LATISM and Being Latino. Also, don’t be afraid to form real relationships. Share, share, share, and talk about others. Don’t just talk about yourself. You would be surprised what will happen when you do that. Also, engage with your network. Have fun and don’t just think that people will visit your links because you post it. It takes time and a lot of hard work.

9. What can we do to engage, empower, and inspire Latino youth? How can social media help?

We can all discuss issues that impact Latino Youth, such as education, immigration, and economics. We can actively search for these profiles and ask them how we can help them spread their message. We can blog about these issues and make it our social responsibility.

10. What would you like to see more of on the internet?

I would like to see more sharing and collaboration on the Internet and less self-promotion. Believe me, no one cares about your links. They care if you are a real person that wants to help and give. That is what the Internet should be. Always.

11. Whats next for you? Any new projects?

I continue my full-time job as Editorial Director of Reading for HMH, and I am excited about what we are doing in the area of educational technology. Latino learners have always been dear to my heart. I want to make a difference in getting them high quality educational projects. When I am not working, I will continue to promote my brother Fernando (18K Facebook Fans and 50K Sonico Fans), launch FRANKY BENÍTEZ in September, and blog about the topics that are important to me and my readers.

KX0101 Creative Arts Boricua Style

David Villafaña — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

We have another great showcase this week and its a pleasure for me to feature a great talent like Karlo X. Ramos. I had the pleasure of meeting Karlo at the 11th annual Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York City this past July.

Karlo was actually the official photographer of the industry conference. A quality person, and truly gifted videographer and photographer, we’ll be showcasing just one of the great videos he has produced and directed with his company.

KX0101 Creative Arts is a digital production studio based In Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, which aims constantly to produce high quality content across different media scenarios. Their aproach is simple and flexible. They strive to make their clients look their best while mantaining a creative edge in their work.

Here is a glimpse of the quality work Karlo does with KX0101. Pretty soon we’ll be seeing more from him and Los Petardos, as their next video is scheduled to come out very soon.

Los Petardos! Acabe Official Music video…

Director, Karlo X. Ramos’ reactions after making the Acabame Music video…

Im really happy with the outcome of the video. Honestly at times I thought: How the hell I’m going to cut this? Being that production was a bit chaotic, unscheduled, un-butgeted… you know a royal mess we even had people who literally ended up in the hospital. Nothing serious though.

Nevertheless with patience (and rum!) it turned out great. All post was done at Macoyo’s (Los Petardos!) beach house, mainly because i was moving to East Texas and most of my equipment was either shipped or in storage. Being able to work in such environment was key to the overall feel of the final cut.

The company, the beach, the food all the best the west coast of Puerto Rico has to offer, overall a great experience. Last but not least a couple of thank you’s are in order first to our friend Jason from El Negocio de Abuelo in Moca for the space. It’s important to say that Los Petardos! started there so it felt right to film in such a place.

Also to the talented Jessica Quintana for the wardrobe specially for the girls (“Jibaritas”) which were hand made (we didn’t know she could saw.) and the talent Yamy and Jennifer who beat the living crap out of the guys along with Jessica. On the camera side Riko Gonzalez from RGN Digital Imaging for being my right hand and my other eye, Cristina for the hair /make up and Alexis Perez for documenting.

-Karlo X. Ramos

www.karloxramos.com

Interview with Public Relations Mogul Mariluz Gonzalez from Vesper PR

David Villafaña — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:37:13 +0000

Public Relations (PR) Done Right…

What is PR?? Why is it so important?

Public relations is the field concerned with maintaining the public image of a business, organization, artist, politician and other high-profile people. PR can best defined as the communication between an organization and its public.

PR in the Entertainment Industry

A successful career in the entertainment industry relies heavily on upholding a significantly healthy public image. Lets face it, one move can leave a significant impression. Good or bad, it’ll resonate quickly and today’s digital arena isn’t so forgiving, nor is it forgetful.

Artists, musicians or any other type of public figures must especially watch what is shared from their headquarters since important details are quickly shared on social media platforms every minute of the day.

Both, a great interview or a juicy story can cross the globe in an instant and before you know it, a million clicks later, you the up and coming artist are either a new trending topic, or just another gossip story for the internet chismosos.

Many who are looking for their calling often times stumble upon this field and wonder what being a publicist really entails in today’s industry.

LMG decided to seek out one of the best, Mariluz Gonzalez, Latina PR extraordinaire and ask her a few questions regarding her career.

Interview with PR Guru, Mariluz Gonzalez

One of Mariluz's clients: La Santa Cecilia

Mariluz Gonzalez has been working as a publicist and PR consultant in the entertainment industry for 15 years now and has built herself a formidable reputation, something any PR professional looks to gain.

Mariluz Gonzalez current projects include:

Owner of Vesper Public Relations
Representing Perrozompopo, Nicaraguan singer/songwriter, recently nominated for Latin Grammy 2010 and will be performing at SXSW in Austin in 2011
Representing La Santa Cecilia, a latin alternative band from Los Angeles.
Representing Erika Vidrio, a highly successful Mexican regional singer/songwriter
Co-Hosts Travel Tips through Aztlan on KPFK 90.7 FM. Saturdays 10pm-Midnight
Volunteering Hispanic Public Relations Association – Marketing and PR

Interview

LMG: Mariluz, tell us about your PR experience?

MG: I started my career @ EMI Latin. I interned my way into the industry and was offered a promotions position.

LMG: What came next? New and better things?

MG: I kept moving, and finally ended up being the Manager of PR at Fonovisa Records for six years, the leading regional Mexican music label in the country.

LMG: How do you measure your success?

MG: Its pretty much measured on media breaks. Publicity in all print//blogs/television/radio/shows etc.

LMG: So PR is highly based on one’s reputation?

MG: Yes it is, you have to build it. I’ve built my reputation throughout the years and you can see my work via Facebook and Vesper PR.

LMG: Networking and making connections must be crucial?

MG: Indeed it is. That is how most of my clients come to me. Projects are always sent my way through friends and contacts.

LMG: What are your goals with your company?

MG: Build it! I want to keep growing Vesper PR, but I do have that radio show on KPFK that can also grow.

LMG: Do you ever need extra hands to help you with projects?

MG: Yes, I have a few people helping me, its all project based. Mostly Independent people, freelancers.

LMG: What is one of your pet peeves?

MG: People who do not keep their word.

LMG: What do you think is most important in successful PR?

MG: Honesty + Consistency

LMG: What was the best advice you ever received?

MG: To be good to everyone because you just never know…I have lived by this rule my whole career.

LMG: What advice do you have for someone starting a career in PR?

MG: Be honest, extremely hard working, and be a good human being. Also very importantly, learn how to write! Haha!

LMG: These are great qualities that aspiring PR agents need to embrace.

MG: Lastly, I must add to be worldly. Get that university degree, travel, read literature, and be open to everything: music, food, cultures, etc. Get out of your comfort zone and break the rules a bit.

LMG: How important is coming out of your comfort zone?

MG: Huge. You have to be open to change and be able to deal with it, especially in this industry.

LMG: Who have been some of your mentors?

MG: I’ve had two main mentors. Andy Kaulkin, President of Epitaph Records and Roberto Arciniega (RIP) Marketing Director at Fonovisa Records.

LMG: What are some of your career highlights??

MG: I’ve worked with Selena, to Rancid, Tigres de Norte, to Pepe Aguilar. Also the Bicentennial parade this past year was very special for Vesper PR.

LMG: How was it so special?

MG: It was their first time hiring a PR agency, so we had to create everything ourselves. The results were amazing. We worked hard on it for about a month and were able to get international media coverage and more clients after the event.

LMG: Any specific tips for anyone starting in PR field?

MG: Do the internships, learn the trade, and gain valuable experience.

LMG: Lastly, Who do you want to work with?? Would you love as your client?

MG: Most likely Diego Luna. I like what he is doing in the film industry for Mexico. His Ambulante Film Project is pretty awesome.

LMG: What are some fun facts about you?

MG: I have a few tatoos. Its art, culture. Mexican motifs and Peruvian motifs, mostly pre-colombian.

LMG : Great! Thanks again for your time!

MG: Sure, If anyone wishes to contact me, I can be reached via email @ mgonzalez@vesperpublicrelations.com

Interview with Lance Rios – Being Latino CEO & Founder

David Villafaña — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Ten questions with Lance Rios, CEO and Founder of Being Latino

Lance Rios is what we call a digital entrepreneur. A true Latin Media Guru, he created a space where Latinos roaming the internet could anchor and interact. What once started as a Facebook group has now spiraled into an entire movement. We had the pleasure of being able to pick the very busy brain of this Latino visionary, asking him a few questions regarding his extremely popular project, Being Latino.

“BeingLatino is a communication platform designed to educate, entertain and connect all peoples across the global Latino spectrum. Our aim is to break down barriers and foster unity and empowerment through informative, thought-provoking dialogue and exchanging of ideas. Being Latino seeks to give a unified voice to the multitude of communities that identify with the multidimensional culture that is Latino.”

Getting to Know Lance…

1. Who is Lance Rios?

I’m from Cleveland, Ohio. I’m Boricua, hasta la muerte. Being Latino

is my life.

2. Why the entertainment/media industry? What brought you to it?

Media is just fun. Who wouldn’t want to work in such an exciting, fast-paced environment?

3. What is one of your mantras or life philosophies?

“La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida”

4. What makes you proud of being Latino?

What’s not to be proud of?

5. What’s on your iPod right now? Name top 5 songs or artists?

I don’t have an iPod, but I do have a Droid 2. I have tons of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Spanish Rock, Hip-Hop and Cumbia. I’ve been listening to the new Kanye CD non-stop for the past month.

Being Latino

1. Where did the concept of BEING LATINO begin? What was your vision?

To simply start a conversation about breaking stereotypes. I put it on Facebook. It flourished.

2. How has your vision evolved since then?

We’ve most recently began to integrate our blog. We have over 25 staff writers currently.

3. Did you anticipate creating such a monster? The site is growing and has thousands of followers on social media … what’s next?

I had a feeling there was an audience … what’s next? Whatever comes my way!

4. Who are your social media heroes?

All of the Being Latino bloggers/admins/team members, Coqui Mexicano, Louis Pagan, George Torres, Cafecito Bogota, Julio Varela, Ana RC, Elianne Ramos, Kety Esquivel, Tomas Kuster, Manny Ruiz, Felix Sanchez, Matt Reyes, Cecilia Pineda Feret and many more.

5. Where do you see Latinos and their involvement in the digital arena? Are we taking over?

We’ve taken over. We’re only going to grow from here.