Cream No. 12 by Cream City Magazine

april / may 2012 no 12 free

founder & publisher fernando de haro production director analee g. paz C I T Y M A G A Z I N E

copy editor

NO 12

graciela garcía

april • may 2012 C I T Y M A G A Z I N E

so far, 2012 has been exhilarating for Cream —we are abuzz with activity nd publisher and our 2 anniversary is approaching fast. We keep growing thanks to our readers and each and every one of our sponsors who, issue after issue, support us so we can inject vitality into our publication, which we assemble with heartfelt passion in order to create every two months something special, something that fills us with satisfaction and pride. In this edition, it is a real pleasure to be able to bring you two consummate artists living among us and who shine in their own realms. To start with, I am in awe of Bianca Rodríguez’s talent. She can communicate with each dance step the power and rhythm that give flamenco a magic and captivating aura. Another artist who also embellishes our pages is José Montalvo, a respected painter admired by many in our community. Conversing with him and appreciating his grandiose works of art was pure delight. I invite you to know a little bit more about these two personalities, and discover the drive and inspiration behind their creations. Thanks for joining us for our twelfth edition.

interns

daniella barrera, selene cuevas, amber garcía, anna carolina gonzález, lexy garcía, daniela párraga

design & production photographer graphic designer design production assistant illustration collaborator

ferch analee g. paz mariana ortega olivia cotton

writers rubén bazán, moon jamaluddin, bobby turner, michelle cook gutiérrez special thanks

lisa longoria, familia paz + serna, brenda ibarra, celina díaz, paws & claws, tamiu, the laredo chamber of commerce, cristobal rodríguez, gallery 201, and pink flavored bubblegum.

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NO 12 TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Anna Carolina González Analee G. Paz Mariana Ortega Graciela García Lexy García Daniela Párraga Fernando de Haro

Copyright © 2012 Cream City Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. All rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Cream City Magazine. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we believe is incompatible with our mission. We also reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem competitive or contrary to the best interests of the magazine. Advertisers are legally responsible for the content, accuracy, and images in their ads. Printed in Mexico.

this is my place

The Evolution

Art

CONCURSO DE MASCOTAS

Gracias a Las

Madres

MIGUEL A. CONCHAS A trustworthy representative of Laredo’s local businesses.

HERMENEGILDO MANUEL GONZÁLEZ ELIZONDO A motivated businessman who finds his strength in God.

BEDE LEYENDECKER A life devoted to the art of dancing.

Cream presents three exceptional individuals who contribute to the development of both Laredos with their effort, hard work, and dedication.

MIGUEL A. CONCHAS

President/CEO, Laredo Chamber of Commerce

I have always enjoyed marketing although my formal training wasn’t in that area. I got a degree in fine arts and then went on for another degree in education. I served as a public school teacher and at LSU (now TAMIU) as an administrator. I joined the Chamber as director for the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau (part of the Chamber then). I assumed my present position in 1993. Once I made the move, I never looked back. My jobs provided different opportunities—all very satisfying. Teaching “disadvantaged” kids and watching their eyes light up after their first look through a microscope can be as fulfilling as receiving recognition from your peers for a job well done. In 1995, I was appointed by then Attorney General Janet Reno to serve on a Citizens Advisory Panel. It was a remarkable experience.

One of my specially treasured moments was when I ran into my 9th grade English teacher who told me, “I always knew you had it in you, Miguel.” Chamber of commerce management is prestigious and exciting. But for anyone interested in any type of management, my best advice is to learn to accept responsibility and have confidence in your own level of performance. Managers who feel threatened by bright newcomers and choose to surround themselves with mediocrity don’t get far. Also, remember that one should commit to work fully but not at the expense of family. Make sure you give your family the time they deserve. HERMENEGILDO MANUEL GONZÁLEZ ELIZONDO Forwarding Agent

It is said that failure can ultimately lead to success. I wanted to try my luck in different fields and when I graduated with a degree in accounting, I applied for my first job at a renowned company in Nuevo Laredo. However, I did not get the position because I was not fluent in English. So, I decided to go back to school and got a degree in tariff classification for imported and exported goods. I had always been interested in international commerce because of my father. Eventually, I became a forwarding agent. Today, I am still motivated by my career and still learning about classification of goods. I am willing to adapt in order to meet the challenges of my profession, moreover, with the advent of

technology. In business, it is important to always set new goals. I keep abreast of the latest developments in order to offer the best service to our valuable clients.

I am a cheerful person; I make friends with everyone no matter who they are or where they come from. I have a high regard for inspiring individuals like Joel Osteen. They exhort us to constantly better ourselves. Obstacles give us the opportunity to test our capabilities. A biblical passage that often gives me solace and encouragement is Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” BEDE LEYENDECKER

Dance Faculty/Chair, TAMIU Department of Fine & Performing Arts

I don’t think I can pinpoint exactly what sparked my zest for dancing. Being that there were eight siblings in my family, we never really went to recitals or concerts, and truthfully, I don’t even remember watching dance on TV. But as a young child, I would choreograph and perform for my family. This is the 29th year of a career surrounded by wonderful students and colleagues both at LCC and TAMIU. I have some great memories, too. Once at LCC, we were performing our semester concert at the Civic Center. I had foot surgery that year so my shoes were a little loose. We did a kick and my shoe flew up into the air; I caught it, went off stage, put it back on, and returned to the dance. I got a standing ovation and my mother asked if I had done that on purpose. If I had tried to stage that “stunt,” I would have never caught the shoe. It was pretty funny! I respect anyone who works in the arts. It is never an 8 to 5, Monday through Friday job, and your personal life suffers. I also love Martha Graham, a valiant, bold choreographer and dancer with an extremely disciplined and clean technique.

I have always had great admiration for my parents.They raised eight college educated children without help of any kind. My greatest blessing is the love and support from my daughter, Daniela. She is my best friend.

cream april / may 2012

even though it is one of the most celebrated events of the entertainment business, I don’t find myself looking forward to it every year. Even though I usually disagree with the results, I nonetheless cannot bear to miss it. However, as much as I dread the outcome and the disappointment that almost certainly awaits me, every year I find myself making my own predictions and selections just as if I were drafting a fantasy football team. The various categories of this event comprise all of the components that are vital to the overall success of the business and are represented by the elite of their respective fields. I speak of none other than the annual tribute to the artists that make the industry of film possible— The Oscars. And although a rich history of prestige and appreciation for cinema is synonymous with the Academy, many, including me, believe that they still can’t seem to get it right. I am not saying the Academy is completely inept. Even one as critical as I am must admit that they have awarded and recognized the outstanding performances from the legends of film in the past 84 years. But I have found the entire process through which a selection must proceed in order to secure a nomination to be subjective, political, and far too complicated to try to explain in this article. Votes are restricted to only the members of the

and the flashing lights of the paparazzi are now the main focus of what should be an event that honors the contributions of cinematic artists of past and present. It is obvious that I have my issues with the Academy. But nonetheless, the winning selections serve as an eye opener every year. I will undoubtedly second guess any decision with which I did not agree, review the film or performance again, and either reaffirm my original opinion, or perhaps change my mind and realize what I was either too blind to see at the time or not yet knowledgeable enough to recognize. Regardless, I am always amazed by the power that popular opinion has to influence the actions of people or to force the comprehension of an idea. The Academy also introduces me to something new every year, without fail. It might be a short film or a documentary nomination that seems interesting or the work of a composer with whom I am unfamiliar. And ironically, the giant media monster that is the Oscar focuses so much attention on the actors, actresses, and directors, does a great job of introducing the largely unknown heroes of the film industry. The editors, without which a movie would be no more than dozens of scenes pasted together in random order, the musical scores, the sound editing, sound mixing,

However, as much as I dread the outcome and the disappointment that almost certainly awaits me, every year I find myself making my own predictions and selections just as if I were drafting a fantasy football team. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In essence, if you are not an AMPAS member, your opinion does not count. It is pretty standard that a process of checks and balances by third parties be implemented for any democratic system to be effective; and it is precisely in this area that the Academy seems to be lacking. New rules have finally been applied this year by the Academy concerning nomination campaigning, an act in which nominees, until recently, were allowed to wine and dine members of the selection committee all year long with corporate perks such as VIP treatment at film festivals and Hollywood parties. It seems the spirit of democracy is alive and well in Tinseltown. The unchecked reign of the Academy has resulted in not only the controversial decisions for Best Picture, the crown jewel of the Oscars, but the complete disregard for great films from smaller studios that never even received a nomination. It seems that the event as it exists today has grown to overshadow the purpose of the Oscars. The collection of super celebrities, red carpet fashion,

and visual effects that stir our senses on multiple levels and create the world we must not doubt for 90 minutes. We are able to put a name and face to those who we believe to be nameless and faceless. I once read an article by an author who said that the summations of the experts and the winners of the award shows educate the public on what deserves recognition and what is excellence in their respective arenas of art. I continue to find myself in total disagreement every time I think about what the author was saying. I believe the public will always recognize excellence and is perfectly capable of giving honest, unbiased credit where credit is truly due. It does not take an expert to know that Meryl Streep should probably win Best Actress every year, and we do not need the Academy to validate our “uneducated” estimations. Excellence has a tendency to speak for itself. BY BOBBY TURNER + ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA COTTON

cream april / may 2012

this is my place

ROOM WITH A VIEW Long glass windows, clean white walls, and blue metalwork harmonize with the art displayed on the walls.

THE GABRIEL CASTILLO EDITION Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts

ARTISTIC HEIGHTS A 20-foot high ceiling and good lighting maximize the amount of light allowing a better view of the artwork.

“find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Luckily for Gabriel Castillo, not only does he have a job he loves as the executive director of the Laredo Center for the Arts, but he also works in a space he loves. The design and architecture of the Center for the Arts was inspired by the city’s rich heritage, and construction of the building began in 1883. Today it is considered one of the most significant architectural structures as well as the center of the downtown historic district. At the Laredo Center for the Arts, Castillo also likes to see citizens express and enhance their creative talents, and he is always looking for new ways to incorporate all forms of artistic expression. BY SELENE CUEVAS

GABRIEL CASTILLO appreciates the fact that his place lets him help unique individuals who want to express themselves through art.

CHATTING WITH GABRIEL YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IS...my place of work, The Laredo Center for the Arts. MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING HERE IS..the fact that our Center is the nucleus of Downtown Laredo and considered an anchor for Laredo’s oldest historic district. OTHERS TELL ME THIS PLACE...holds a lot of memories for them and remains a favorite spot for attending artistic presentations in one of Laredo’s most significant architectural structures. DOWNTOWN LANDMARK The Laredo Center for the Arts front façade, the building holds about 120 years of Laredo history within its walls.

cream april / may 2012

ON HER MOTHER, GAYLE AKER RODRÍGUEZ, OWNER OF GALLERY 201: "She dropped me off when I was three at the studio of Mina Gutierrez-Hachar, and I never looked back."

Strong, talented, and driven are just a few words to

describe flamenco dancer Bianca Rodríguez. She

combines the impeccable

artistry and grace only found

in natural born dancers. At the

tender age of three, she saw

the inside of a dance studio

and the rest is history. Bianca has worked as a soloist at the

National Hispanic Cultural

Center in New Mexico, has had a sold-out venue in Spain, and

joined the acclaimed Juan Siddi

Flamenco Theatre Company. Cream presents Bianca

as she opens up and shares

with us her passion.

BY DANIELA PÁRRAGA PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH

cream feb / mar 2012

HER FATHER, JORGE ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ, plays the Spanish guitar while Bianca dances to the beat. "As soon as I hear the guitar, I’m in the zone. I become the music. I try to become as sensitive to the guitar and singer so that I absorb their tones and melodies. I make music with my body."

I can paint it"

"My

Without music I have no pulse." Bianca Rodríguez

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN DANCING? COULD YOU GIVE US A GENERAL OUTLINE OF YOUR CAREER IN DANCE UP TO NOW?

I began dancing at the age of three with Mina Gutierrez-Hachar. My mother dropped me off at the studio and I never looked back. I had thirteen years of pre-college instruction, five years of university instruction, while studying privately, and two years with Yjastros, a professional flamenco ensemble. After graduating with a degree in dance, I was ready to explore other professional groups. I worked as a soloist in a production called El Pintor, which opened at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque in a theatre that seats 2,500 people. It was during this show that Juan Siddi invited me to join his company for a three-month cabaret act in

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU? Flamenco musicians. Great singers such as Camarón de la Isla and Paquera de Jerez. Guitarists such as Morao and Antonio Rey. My heart beats to music; without music I have no pulse. DANCERS LIKE SARA BARAS, CARMEN AMAYA, AND CRISTINA HOYOS HAVE LEFT A MARK IN THE WORLD OF FLAMENCO

AND ARE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED. WOULD YOU EVER LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH ANY OF THE THINGS THEY DID? Of course, that is the dream! As a non-Spaniard, my career is very different. I’m from Laredo and I have very deep roots, which is why I hesitate to move to Spain and join the millions of young female dancers starving to make it big. I am ambitious to an extent. These women did not marry or have children, and I have hopes of a family of my

" requires physical strength, mental focus, and emotional vulnerability." Bianca Rodríguez

Santa Fe. After my stint with Juan Siddi, I traveled to Seville, Spain to study intensively with some of the best flamenco dancers there. During my time in Spain, I danced in a tablao setting as a soloist and was fortunate to sell out the venue. Most recently, I worked for Jerez native Antonio Granjero in his company, EntreFlamenco. HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN FLAMENCO? Music has always been in my soul so when I discovered the deep musical connection between a flamenco dancer and her musicians, I was hooked. The music impacted me so strongly that I changed my degree from theatre to flamenco. GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WHAT FLAMENCO IS AND WHERE IT COMES FROM? Flamenco comes from nomadic gypsies who traveled through Egypt, India, Africa and eventually stopped in Southern Spain. The cante, voice, is the root of flamenco. Cante is where it all began, and from there a guitarist and a dancer traditionally accompany the singer. To me, flamenco has always been impulse and reaction to the music and to the moment. It’s similar to jazz in that sense; it has an improvisational quality at times because of the interactions between dancer, singer, guitar, percussion, audience, etc. BESIDES FLAMENCO, IS THERE ANOTHER TYPE OF DANCE THAT INTERESTS YOU? I loved ballet as a child. In college I was drawn to hip-hop and African dance. I love the tribal ritualistic forms of dance that allow your mind, body, and spirit to go through a process of transformation. It is very meditative and trance-like. IT IS SAID THAT IT IS VERY HARD TO REACH THE MATURITY AND STRENGTH OF A PROFESSIONAL

Becoming a professional dancer in any form requires a certain type of personality. Hours and hours spent training; the body does not always feel good. Aside from the bloody toes and blisters, there is a mental struggle because as you know dancers do not commonly make a lot of money. Juana Amaya, a famous flamenco gypsy, says you have to be crazy to dance flamenco; it is true. Dance requires physical strength, mental focus, and emotional vulnerability. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE DANCING ONSTAGE? As soon as I hear the guitar, I’m in the zone. I become the music. I try to become as sensitive to the guitar and singer so that I absorb their tones and melodies. I make music with my body. Since I studied theatre, I also love to have a story, a setting in my mind such as the ocean or a bullring. I don’t like to take the performance too seriously though; so I try my hardest to bring out my inner child and, ultimately, be playful with the audience. Most importantly, dancing brings me joy. I hope I portray that to the audience. IF YOU COULD SHARE THE STAGE WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE? The guitarist Diego del Morao; his music is amazing. As a dancer, I love when a guitar or singer can pull emotion out of me that I didn’t even realize I had. It is so important to work with musicians who bring out the best in you and vice-versa. He is a flamenco icon and his father was also an amazing guitarist.

FLAMENCO DANCER. IS THIS TRUE?

own one day. WHERE HAVE YOU PERFORMED? WHICH ONE IS YOUR Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, Salt Lake City, and Seville, Spain. My favorite places are Spain and Laredo. Performing in the heartland of flamenco was so inspiring in every way. HOW WERE THEY DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER? I love the shows I have done in Laredo because I love to dance for my family, friends, and fellow Laredoans. There is no greater joy than sharing what I have learned—it is my small way of giving something back. COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE WITH US A FAVORITE ANECDOTE FROM YOUR DANCING CAREER? Once, I received a phone call from my brother who lives in San Francisco. He said he was reading the paper and saw a section on flamenco, so he thought, “oh, my sister would like this; maybe I’ll send it to her.” He turns the page and there is a picture of me alongside an FAVORITE?

article about the International Flamenco Festival. He couldn’t believe his eyes, but he came down to watch me perform that summer. Flamenco finds a way into my life at all times. WHAT

GOALS DO YOU STILL WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR CAREER AS A DANCER? I would love to collaborate with belly dancers, and hip-

hop dancers. I would like to experience a world tour. I definitely want to return to Spain to continue learning from the great dancers there. I also want to continue to bring great shows to Laredo. I am proud of where I am from and it gives me so much joy to share such a beautiful art form with my hometown. Laredoans are by far the best audience. DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH A SPECIAL DIET OR EXERCISE ROUTINE TO BE IN SHAPE? Definitely. Dancing requires discipline. I work out every day, which is one of the reasons I became yoga certified. Yoga not only helps with posture, endurance, and strength, but it helps prevent injuries that are very common among dancers. When you make working out a priority your body will begin to demand healthier foods that energize you. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CAREER THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US. When I first moved to Albuquerque to study flamenco intensively, I had a workstudy position at the National Institute of Flamenco. Obviously, the study part was attending flamenco classes and the work part included many different duties but one of them was cleaning the studios. I was a member of a pre-professional group called Alma at the time. While cleaning, I would overhear the professional companies’ choreographies. I had memorized by ear the entire dances so that when I was eventually invited into the company four years later, I knew the rhythms by heart.DESCRIBE FLAMENCO IN THREE WORDS. Truth. Beauty. Intensity. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY ASPIRING FLAMENCO DANCERS? Be yourself and don’t compare yourself to anyone. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH CREAM READERS? First, let me say I am honored that you requested this interview and secondly, I am grateful for the opportunity to share this bit of culture with Laredo. Culture in every form, music, dance, art, and literature should be an integral part of every person’s life. Albert Camus said it best: “Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.” Bianca recently joined the team at Casa Yoga in the Fountain Center as an instructor. For more information about Flamenco or Yoga please contact her at olenamaste@yahoo.com.

LAREDO PROUD "I am proud of where I am from and it gives me so much joy to share such a beautiful art form with my hometown. Laredoans are by far the best audience," says Rodríguez.

creambizhealth+well-being

more information GARZA’S EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from TAMIU

• Master’s degree in Clinical

Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) Arlington, VA

CLINIC PROVIDES TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF: Stress Management Depression Anxiety

Loss and Grief Goal Setting

Self-Esteem Issues Eating Disorders

Relationship and Family Problems Marital Counseling Parenting Conflicts

garza medical associates INTEGRAL PSYCHOTHERAPY AND FAMILY COUNSELING FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS A ray of hope, Laura Garza lends her ears and expertise to alleviate life’s unexpected difficulties. laura garza, m.s. is a member of garza medical associates, an interdisciplinary clinic with trained and caring professionals whose mission is to heal the body, mind, and soul of their patients. As part of this team, Laura Garza works to transform years of suffering and crisis into a more flourishing and fulfilling life. In psychology, one of the best tools for successfully working with a patient is precisely the therapeutic alliance, and she is a psychotherapist who builds trusting and genuine relationships with her patients. She entered psychology to comprehend how people relate to each other. Her integral education gave her a broader sense to understand and guide individuals toward fulfillment and happiness. Difficult times, a boring routine, and lack of communication skills can easily cause a marriage to end, commonly affecting the children’s healthy development via bullying or poor self-esteem. Excessive and unrestricted use of media and technology can also damage a person’s psychological being and his ability

to build real relationships. Furthermore, economic hardship and spiritual emptiness can lead to hidden depression and anxiety, addictions, or eating disorders in children and adults as ways to cope with stress. Laura joined Garza Medical Associates because of the amazing opportunity the clinic offers to care for patients’ medical concerns while considering the nutritional and psychological aspects of their life. She believes that Laredo’s community can highly benefit from this concept. She hopes to reach the public through workshops and talks in schools and intends to publish books and share her knowledge on human relationships. Laura also plans to write about a sensible approach to attain true happiness.

GARZA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES 1700 E. Saunders Ste. A 300 Laredo, Texas

956.728.8120

laura@garzamed.com

www.garzamed.com

Do not hesitate to seek her professional advice if you need to know more about these topics and how they affect you and your family. Laura Garza strives to make each patient’s life as fruitful as it was intended. cream april / may 2012

THE

IND

ALL GOOD THINGS BY RUBÉN BAZÁN III

no matter are not in store for you, THERUBENINDEX@GMAIL.COM how old you are, or that good things only the months of exist in yesteryear. Older april and may are synonymous with the end of a school generations often seem to avoid delving into new ideas and trends semester. If you were lucky enough, you dreaded the end of because, quite frankly, change can be quite scary. We see many of the school year because it meant you had to wait a few months our parents and grandparents reluctantly logging onto Facebook before your social life picked up again. Even worse, you might and other social networking sites because it is now the best way have been that student that was moving out to keep in touch with family and friends, particularly those who of town because of graduation, be it high are far away. They may not like it, given that they probably saw school or college, and you knew that you computers as an industry that would never take off. Yet we sit might not see your friends for a long time. I next to them until they understand the concept of commenting was there. It sucked. on a grandson’s picture or sending an email—things they never thought were going to be learned. Reflecting on this, it got me thinking about how terrified people get when the end is near. Change yields adaptation. It is a process in which we mold our The Mayan calendar wrongfully predicts (and views and behaviors to better inhabit the world we live in. It is please, don’t argue) that the world will end in no wonder Herbert Spencer coined the phrase “survival of the December of 2012, and it is shocking to see fittest.” Today, only the emotionally strong survive. Our world how many people consider this gospel. There revolves at an incredibly fast rate, and we must ask ourselves, “Are is an apocalyptical confidence that permeates you going to keep up with the process, or are you going to stay the eschatological community who prepare in the past?” with candles, religious icons, and canned food just in case the Mayans were on to something. Even though I still believe in antiquated manners such as opening Talk about a business opportunity. the door for a lady and standing up when greeting someone, I am a firm believer in having an open mind to the new changes However, there is something that this that fate is throwing at you. We are challenged often when it ancient civilization gives us to comes to making choices or deciding think about. It is something that what path we want our lives to we all must undoubtedly face. It take. Every day we make choices is the idea that, no matter how that affect our lives. We turn down much we try to avoid it, change jobs or accept new ones. We begin is an inevitable part of life. Some or end relationships. We drown in things will end. Seasons change harmful histories or learn to swim in and so do attitudes and trends. healthier waters. No matter how you People evolve. We grow. We make see it, every day is an opportunity to choices that kill off certain habits change your life. The only things you or lifestyles and make way for need are an open mind, a positive new ones. Our hopes change and attitude, and that solid, rock-hard others must accept, or at least, faith that your Maker implemented respect them. Change is constant, in you. and it is up to us to adapt to the hairpin highways that we all drive It’s not easy. By now, most people through at some point in our lives. have already abandoned their Don’t be afraid if your local tarot card reader pulls out the death resolutions for the New Year. But who needs a calendar date to card—it usually means that something in your life is about to end guide your behavior? If you experience a sudden change in your and something new is about to arrive. life, live it and accept it. Life will never give you more than you can handle. I have never talked to anyone who went through change, We suffer from rosy retrospection. That is, we believe that the confronted it head-on, and regretted it. In fact, they live to tell past always seems better than the present—hence the phrase “the their story. I call on you to be that person. The past was great, but good old days.” Yes, the old cliché is right: all good things must the future is far more interesting and challenging. Welcome it come to an end. However, this doesn’t mean that better things with open arms.

CHANGE IS CONSTANT, and it is up to us to adapt to the hairpin highways that we all drive through at some point in our lives.

The past was great, but the future is far more interesting and challenging. Welcome it with open arms.

cream april / may 2012

I AM CREAM FERCHPHOTOGRAPHY

I LOVE

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS

I ALWAYS LAUGH WITH THE

PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH M A K E U P + H A I R M I N T S PA

N A I L S B L A N C A’ S S A L O N S PA

Spring trends bring bright bursts of color creating an effect that opens up your eyes and adds warmth to the skin. From pink to blue and yellow to purple, have fun and be bold by color blocking vivid colors. This season, pop art meets art deco and there’s definitely something for everyone. BY DANIELA PÁRRAGA

m i l ca

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HER FATHER plays the Spanish guitar BY DANIELA PÁRRAGA PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH while Bianca dances to the beat. "As soon as I hear the guitar I’m in the zone. I become the music. I try to become as sensitive to the guitar and singer so that I absorb their tones and melodies. I make music with my body."

The Evolution

Art

I can paint it"

José Montalvo is, without a doubt, one of Cuba’s best exports to our

area since sugar and tobacco. His works have been exhibited all over the world, including Mexico, Russia, United States, Switzerland, and Colombia. At four, he was already painting and not even a detour into the field of chemistry could stifle his innate gift. In this interview, Montalvo discusses with Cream important aspects of his exceptional trajectory. Discover more about this outstanding artist.

I have always led a very intense life. In my native Cuba, my life was filled with studies, research, and postgraduate work. My training in art, technology, and philosophy distinguishes me from other artists. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED PAINTING? I was only three or four. I would spend the entire day painting with materials that I would get as gifts or that were awarded to me in interscholastic competitions. I think I was born painting for my mother was a good painter. I stopped painting at around thirteen because I was immersed in my studies. I started again when I was twenty-six. YOU RECEIVED YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER.

CHEMISTRY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CUBA, AND EVENTUALLY OBTAINED YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE IN DRAWING AND PAINTING.

My scientific education was literally a misstep. After I received my

IS THERE A REASON WHY YOU MAJORED IN CHEMISTRY?

cream april / may 2012

grant, I got on the wrong bus, the one meant for the science majors. Fortunately, this laid the groundwork for me to fully grasp what is art and what is science. It helped me to understand aesthetics—the scientific side of art. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST? After working ten years at Instituto Tecnólogico José Antonio Echeverría (CUJAE), I decided to devote myself completely to painting. I transferred to the Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales. Once I completed and passed my exams, I was declared an “Independent Artist.” DESCRIBE YOUR WORKING PROCESS. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU ON AVERAGE

We all know when a project begins, but not when it’s completely done. Occasionally, a couple of months later, you realize that something is missing and decide to add to it. I’d rather do this because sometimes it’s easy to miss details during the long and arduous working days. Research is fundamental for

TO DO A PAINTING?

THE ROOSTER SYMBOL Montalvo tells us, "I use the rooster because it communicates movement and colorfulness plus it gives me the chance to convey my artistic and emblematic ability."

industrial, architectural, computer graphics—life itself provides so much. Art must be alive; there is no art without civilization. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PAINTING FROM YOUR OWN WORK?

No, I don’t because I am constantly searching for new ways of expression. An artist is constantly discovering new possibilities for art forms. Being connected to science and the use of new materials will drive him to a non-conformism that will push him to keep exploring new configurations. An artist dies the day he is satisfied with his work. CAN YOU TELL US WHY THE ROOSTER APPEARS THROUGHOUT YOUR PAINTINGS? Just like Paul Gauguin and Franz Marc used nature in a very simple way by employing bright color with abstract expressionism symbolism, I use the rooster because

"An artist dies the day he is satisfied with his work. " José Montalvo

a project; it precedes the act of painting. Important aspects such as what, when, where, and for whom cannot be ignored. You also have to examine what other artists have done on the subject. Then you draw tirelessly until you achieve your objective. Lastly, you look into the materials needed. DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PAINTING. My work lies in the context of postmodernism with a tendency to informalism or Art Informel—both styles are perfectly balanced, there is no dissonance. This mix adds expression to the work. WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED TECHNIQUE? I favor the basics: acrylic, oil, texture, collage, scratch, and photography. I enjoy hyperrealism, but prefer the abstract figurative art combined with German expressionism. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST? IF YOU COULD, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK HIM? Carlos Enrique, a Cuban painter. If he were alive, I would ask him if he is pleased with the way I’ve carried on his style. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Nature in all its forms—social,

it communicates movement and colorfulness plus it gives me the chance to convey my artistic and emblematic ability. Diverse cultures throughout the world identify the rooster as a symbol of triumph, strength, competitiveness, and courage. WHERE HAS YOUR WORK BEEN EXHIBITED? I have had exhibits in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Canada, and other countries that I can’t recall right now. My work has been seen in galleries, museums, and alternative exhibition spaces and I have enjoyed them all. WHAT DO YOU PREFER, PERSONAL ART SHOWS OR WALL MURALS? Paintings are more expressive than murals. Nowadays, architects view architecture as sculpture and create impersonal murals using ceramic tile. WHAT DO YOU EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU PAINT? When one paints, everything else disappears— time fades. You merge with your spirit. Everything is peaceful. Outside conflict of any kind (social, economic, etc.) ceases to exist. The art develops and the soul strengthens. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PAINTINGS? I want to transmit a different view of the world including the educational, playful and semiotic aspects of it. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ARTISTS? The public does not understand intellectualized art; it only cares about the artwork as handicraft. People do not make an effort to understand artists. Without this discernment, they can’t fully appreciate art, and they prefer to think that artists are crazy. HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN SOMEONE PURCHASES YOUR WORK? I try not to show that I feel like I’m losing a child, and there is pain and emptiness with that loss. WHAT TYPE OF ARTIST DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE? I am a painter. The skills acquired after so many years of study and research distinguish me from the other painters. It’s not up to me to say that I am better, but I am cognizant of the fact that I am one of the best. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS? Don’t be fooled when people see your art and say, “oh, how pretty.” Study, work hard, seek the guidance of better artists, and pursue art not money. Do not cling to your paintings. Accept all styles, even those you do not like. Exhibit your work without fear. Do not copy. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I read books and magazines about art and technology, and I learn English. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? I would like to tell those who feel they are artists to stop copying and be creative. Earn your place. Do not try to win accolades that you do not deserve yet. cream april / may 2012

STYLED cliché or not, everything is bigger in texas. Residing in this ever-growing city, I can’t help but notice that fashion is not the exception to this maxim, but I do believe there’s a huge misconception regarding it. In reality, it is far from the stereotypical blingy studded belts, cowboy boots, and plaid shirts. Let’s just say the women here don’t leave their Sunday’s best hanging in the dust and reserved only for special occasions. They take it and use it even if it’s only for a stroll around the border town. There are, of course, many factors involved in the dress code. Number one being the harsh climate we live in and number two, the person’s background. If I could take a guess, I would say we all share the same pesky remarks from our mothers about not leaving the house without lipstick or blush. I love dressing up and have bumped into my fair share of women with the same passion. Women with a closet even Ana Dello Russo would envy (not really). Too much? I don’t think so. Laredo boast’s resources such as an extensive list of local boutiques, a multigenerational family-owned store that houses the couture of Marchesa and Yves Saint Laurent, ready to wear collections like Diane Von Furstenberg’s and Nanette Lepore’s, and hip brands like Cut25. Not to mention the biggest Forever 21 in Texas. We dress to impress; so I took my camera and captured the evidence. In other words, I went on street style watch.

There’s no one in Daisy Dukes around the corner. Even when it’s about keeping it casual, the women here are effortlessly chic in a pair of jeans. Though Laredo is still small, I will dare to say women dress up to the level of fellow Texan cities like Dallas and Houston. So I salute you for not slacking off when it comes to being welldressed, for defying the stereotypes, for expressing your creativity through fashion, and for keeping pace with the latest trends. Here’s to you and your pesky mom. BY MICHELLE COOK GUTIÉRREZ

Michelle is a street fashion blogger living in Laredo, Texas. Follow her blog at nicethingsandstuff.blogspot.com cream april / may 2012

PREMIO PEOPLE’S CHOICE Amaury con Coco & Chanel

CONCURSO DE MASCOTAS por segunda ocasión en Cream, quisimos hacer las cosas de manera diferente. Decidimos dar la oportunidad a los lectores de presumir sus mascotas para que el público escogiera la más Cream de los dos Laredos.

GANADORA DE PREMIO PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Cristel P. Hernández ¿QUÉ SENTISTE AL SABER QUE LA FOTO DE TUS PERRITOS HABÍA GANADO? Emoción. ¿QUÉ SIGNIFICAN COCO Y CHANEL PARA TI? Son los mejores amigos de mi hijo. ¿TIENES UNA ANÉCDOTA GRACIOSA DE ELLOS PARA COMPARTIR? Mi hijo cree que es el papá de sus perritos y nos dijo: “Que difícil es ser papá; ya les leí cuentos y no se duermen”. ¿QUÉ CONSEJO LES DARÍAS A LOS LECTORES QUE QUIEREN TENER UNA MASCOTA? Una mascota es la mejor compañía pero requiere de responsabilidad, tiempo y sobre todo amor.

PATROCINADO POR

La idea era que nos mandaran las mejores fotos de sus mascotas para posteriormente publicarlas en nuestra página de Facebook. Los usuarios podrían entonces ver todas las fotos recibidas y votar por su favorita. Los participantes aprovecharon para mostrar a esos entrañables compañeros que les hacen la vida más Cream. La cantidad de animalitos inscritos fue impresionante, hubo de todo—grandes, chicos, traviesos, lindos, peludos, con escamas y con plumas—y la respuesta de nuestro público fue muy positiva. A su vez, el equipo de Cream se dio a la tarea de seleccionar sus fotos preferidas también. Te presentamos las fotografías ganadoras.

¡EL PARAÍSO PARA SUS MASCOTAS!

s & Cl

HOTEL + SPA

414 CROSSROADS • LAREDO,TX • 956-791-7297 WWW.PAWSANDCLAWSHOTEL.COM

IMPONIENDO UN NUEVO NIVEL DE CALIDAD Y ATENCIÓN, PAWS & CLAWS HOTEL Y SPA EN LAREDO, TEXAS OFRECE EXCELENCIA EN LA SUPERVISIÓN DE SUS ANIMALES CUANDO TIENE QUE SEPARARSE DE ELLOS. DESDE NUESTRA INAUGURACIÓN EN ABRIL DEL 2010, SOMOS EL ÚNICO HOTEL PARA MASCOTAS EN LA CIUDAD. DESPUÉS DE AÑOS DE ENTRENAMIENTO E INVESTIGACIÓN, NOS SENTIMOS ORGULLOSOS DE PODER PROPORCIONAR ESTOS CUIDADOS. ADEMÁS DE BRINDAR SERVICIO DE RESIDENCIA CANINA Y FELINA, OFRECEMOS TAMBIÉN GUARDERÍA Y ESTÉTICA PARA PERROS. CONTAMOS CON UN SPA E INSTALACIONES DE LO MÁS MODERNAS. ¡DEJEN QUE SUS PERROS VENGAN A LADRAR DE GUSTO EL DÍA ENTERO!

MÁS DE NUESTROS FAVORITOS

cream feb / mar 2012

Gracias a Las

REPRESENTING ECI From Left to Right: Anna R. Pérez, Area Director of ECI; Laura A. Fernández, Child-Find Coordinator; Adrian García, child of ECI and his mother, Vanezza García

Madres

Cream platica con seis fabulosas mamás.

PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH

¿Quiénes Son? 34

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MAYRA MALDONADO

MELISSA ITURRALDE DE GARCÍA

Mamá de 4 hijos, mánager de consultorio médico, y propietaria de The Kids BoOkstore

Ama de casa, enfermera titulada, fotógrafa y como empresaria tengo un nuevo proyecto llamado MacHead

¿RECUERDA QUE SINTIÓ CUANDO SUPO QUE ESTABA EMBARAZADA

Muchísima alegría y como faltaban dos días para el Día del Padre, decidí esperar para darle la noticia a Abraham; fue una gran sorpresa. NICHOLE: Estaba muy emocionada y algo nerviosa porque todo era nuevo para mí. Crees que, porque estas acostumbrada a los niños, sabes cómo vas a reaccionar pero es una experiencia muy diferente cuando la vives en carne propia. MAYRA: Una montaña rusa de emociones...sentimientos muy hermosos que todas las madres compartimos. ADRIANA: Nunca olvidaré ese día. Sentir una vida dentro de mí me llenó de alegría y felicidad. Solo pensaba en el día que lo vería por primera vez. Y no me cansaba de darle gracias a Dios por esa bendición. CLAUDIA: Lloré, lloré y lloré, estaba muy feliz. MÓNICA: Mucha alegría y una gran responsabilidad a la vez. Después, una gran sorpresa al enterarnos que no era uno sino ¡dos! POR PRIMERA VEZ? MELISSA:

Cada etapa y logro de mis hijos, cumpleaños, fin de cursos, reconocimientos, juegos. Soy muy bendecida todos los días. ¿Qué más puedo pedir? MAYRA MALDONADO

¿QUÉ TIPO DE MAMÁ DESEABA SER? ¿QUÉ TIPO DE MAMÁ ES

Deseaba ser cariñosa, divertida y relajada. Soy cariñosa y entregada a ellos, divertida, mmm… no todo el tiempo. NICHOLE: Vengo de una familia numerosa y siempre he estado rodeada de niños. ¡Es tan divertido! Sé que no existe la madre perfecta. Quiero ser la clase de mamá que apoya y ama a sus hijos incondicionalmente. MAYRA: Siempre soñé y lucho por ser la mejor madre posible para mis hijos. Creo que soy una madre responsable que siempre trata de estar para ellos. ADRIANA: Me visualizaba muy comprensiva, con una relación más de amiga y confidente que de madre. He logrado mantener una relación de intima confianza con cada uno de ellos y han contado conmigo en los momentos más importantes de sus vidas, creo que he sabido respetar su individualidad, sus decisiones y alentar sus sueños. CLAUDIA: Quería ser cariñosa y amiga de mis hijos sin olvidar la disciplina. MÓNICA: Una mamá que educa a sus hijos con principios, valores y bases para disfrutar y enfrentar la vida. USTED HOY EN DÍA? MELISSA:

MAYRA MALDONADO Marcelo, 12, es responsable, serio y divertido. Mauricio, 10, es deportista, amiguero y muy platicador. Rodrigo, 3, es activo, gracioso y tierno. Gonzalo, 2, es activo y todo corazón.

CLAUDIA G. SALINAS Empresaria Regina's Boutique y Espacios Office Furniture

ADRIANA TALAMÁS Empresaria Crisda Collections

NICHOLE RIOSECO Mamá de tiempo completo y socia de Alfresco Patio Furniture

MÓNICA TORRES MENDOZA Directora del Centro Kumon Laredo, Texas

¿QUIÉN Y POR QUÉ FUE SU EJEMPLO A SEGUIR COMO MADRE?

Mi mami, Yolanda, quién siempre me ha enseñado el amor a Dios, el servicio a los demás y sabe escuchar; sé que cuento con ella en todo momento. NICHOLE: He sido muy afortunada en ese aspecto. He aprendido mucho de mi abuela, mi madre, mis tías y las parientes de mi esposo. También trabajé con Pamela Jordan en Intelligym; es una excelente mamá y muy buena con todos los niños en general. MAYRA: Tuve la fortuna de conocer a muchas mujeres que he admirado como madres y creo ser la conjugación de todas ellas. ADRIANA: Mi madre ha sido mi mayor inspiración. Cuando me convertí en madre comprendí la magnitud de lo que ella ha hecho por mí; doy gracias a Dios por ella. CLAUDIA: Mi mamá, mujer fuerte, entregada y con un corazón gigante. MÓNICA: Sin duda mi mamá, siempre muy dedicada, creativa y divertida. Tengo muchos bonitos recuerdos de mi infancia tan simples como el desayuno de hot cakes en forma de Mickey Mouse hasta canciones inventadas para cada uno de nosotros. MELISSA:

Soy una madre orgullosa desde el día que nacío mi hijo. NICHOLE RIOSECO

¿CUÁNDO SE HA SENTIDO MÁS ORGULLOSA DE SER MADRE?

Cuando veo que mis hijos son felices y disfrutan de los momentos más simples. NICHOLE: Soy una madre orgullosa desde el día que nació mi hijo. MAYRA: Cada etapa y logro de mis hijos, cumpleaños, fin de cursos, reconocimientos, juegos. Soy muy bendecida todos los días. ¿Qué más puedo pedir? ADRIANA: MELISSA:

Sería difícil resumir todo en un solo momento. La manera que han dirigido sus vidas me llena de orgullo y satisfacción. CLAUDIA: Con los logros personales de mis hijos. MÓNICA: Cuando pude amamantarlos que fue lo que los ayudó a recuperarse más rápido por ser prematuros. ¿QUÉ CUALIDAD QUISIERA QUE ELLOS HEREDARAN DE USTED?

El amor por la música, mi lado artístico. NICHOLE: Quisiera que mis hijos sean honrados y justos. Que aprendan a ser objetivos y sepan aceptar diferentes puntos de vista. Lo que no deseo es que sean tímidos como yo, ojalá sean extrovertidos como su papá. MAYRA: Que nunca se den por vencidos y que ayuden a otros porque ayudando a otros nos ayudamos a nosotros mismos. ADRIANA: Positivismo, la alegría de vivir. CLAUDIA: La perseverancia. MÓNICA: La facilidad de adaptarse a las personas y a las circunstancias. MELISSA:

¿QUÉ ACTIVIDAD O PASATIEMPO COMPARTE CON SUS HIJOS?

Nos gusta cantar y bailar. NICHOLE: Tenemos muchas y muy variadas actividades. A él le encanta estar al aire libre; por lo tanto, salimos mucho a caminar. MAYRA: Nos encanta viajar, conocer cosas nuevas. ADRIANA: Esquiar es la actividad que he gozado más con mis hijos y es una tradición que seguimos año tras año. CLAUDIA: Nos encanta bailar, cantar, jugar tenis y ver películas comiendo palomitas. MÓNICA: Les encanta el carrusel del centro comercial, Petland, The Kid's Bookstore, el parque, jugar en el patio de la casa y hasta ir de compras al supermercado. MELISSA:

¿DÓNDE LE GUSTA PASAR Y DISFRUTAR MÁS TIEMPO CON ELLOS? MELISSA: Nos gusta hacer actividades al aire libre y disfrutar de la naturaleza. NICHOLE: Aunque nuestro lugar preferido para pasarla juntos es la casa, deseamos que descubra cosas nuevas. Me encantó ver su carita cuando lo llevamos por primera vez al zoológico, Sea World y la playa. MAYRA: De viaje porque disfrutamos en familia.

ADRIANA TALAMÁS Rodolfo, 34, es muy responsable, sencillo, talentoso y de buen corazón. Cristina, 29, es siempre llena de vida y con mucha energía, para ella no hay obstáculos. George, 27, es un joven con gran carisma y nobleza, siempre sonriente, optimista y transparente. Danielle, 21, es responsable, cariñosa, disciplinada, muy organizada y estudiosa.

NICHOLE RIOSECO Freddy, 1, es un niño muy alegre y sociable. Se adapta fácilmente y le encanta jugar al aire libre.

MELISSA ITURRALDE DE GARCÍA Mía Ivannah, 5, es creativa, cariñosa y muy amiguera. Abraham IV, 1 año 6 meses, es explorador, muy coqueto y alegre.

ADRIANA: En mi casa, porque siempre ha sido el punto de reunión para toda la familia en fechas especiales, días festivos e innumerables momentos inolvidables. CLAUDIA: En casa porque bailamos y cantamos, en el club porque jugamos tenis y en Cancún porque es el lugar favorito de mis hijos. MÓNICA: En casa de sus abuelos maternos o paternos porque reciben atención y amor extra. ¿HAY ALGÚN LIBRO O PELÍCULA QUE HAYAN DISFRUTADO EN

Nos gusta mucho ver El Mago de Oz y Annie. Freddy no tiene un libro que le guste en particular, los disfruta todos especialmente los que tratan de animales. No ve mucha televisión; de vez en cuando le gusta ver Little Einsteins. MAYRA: Libros, ¡muchos! Películas: Toy Story 1, 2 y 3. ADRIANA: Home Alone fue una película que fuimos a ver juntos y la gozamos mucho. CLAUDIA: Kung Fu Panda nos encantó por el mensaje de perseverancia y Toy Story 3 por divertida y por su mensaje sobre la COMÚN? MELISSA: NICHOLE:

cream april / may 2012

amistad. MÓNICA: La Casa de Mickey Mouse es lo máximo para ellos y los libros de Peekaboo donde pueden tocar diferentes texturas. ¿CUÁL ES EL MEJOR CONSEJO QUE COMO MADRE LE QUIERE DAR A SUS HIJOS? MELISSA: Que confíen en Dios por sobre todas las cosas y que nunca duden de el potencial que ha depositado en ellos. Que pueden lograr todo lo que se propongan y cuentan con nuestro apoyo siempre. NICHOLE: Vivan su propia vida. Aprendan a amarse y sean felices consigo mismos. Ténganse confianza y hagan siempre lo mejor que puedan. Sean como la gente con éxito, aprendan a desarrollar buenos hábitos y trabajar con ahínco, pero sin olvidarse de disfrutar la vida y a su familia. Sean amables y respetuosos de la gente. MAYRA: ¡Que no hay imposibles que todo lo que se propongan, lo pueden lograr! ADRIANA: Sigan el camino de la honestidad, nunca olviden sus bases morales y tengan presente a Dios en sus vidas. CLAUDIA: Que siempre luchen por sus sueños

para que pueden conseguir lo que quieran y que siempre sonrían. MÓNICA: La gente más feliz no necesariamente tiene lo mejor de todo...simplemente disfruta al máximo todo lo que Dios pone en su camino. ¿TIENE ALGUNA ANÉCDOTA SOBRE USTED Y SUS HIJOS PARA COMPARTIR? MELISSA: Cuando Abrahamcito tenía 3 meses y Mía 3 años, mi esposo trabajaba en Guanajuato. Como lo extrañábamos mucho, decidimos visitarlo. Volamos de Laredo a Houston a León, Guanajuato y luego manejé a San Miguel de Allende. Abraham iba en la cangurera sujetado a mi todo el tiempo y Mía en una carriola. Fue toda una aventura pasar por las aéreas de seguridad y viajar por más de seis horas. Llegamos molidos pero valió la pena aunque me daba pánico pensar en el regreso. NICHOLE: Cuando Freddy era más pequeño y yo le tomaba fotos, el sonreía y decía, “iii.” La mayoría de la gente no sabía que trataba de decir, “¡cheese!” MAYRA: Más que anécdota es una realidad: que se cuidan y se respetan mucho entre ellos como hermanos que son. ADRIANA: Nunca olvidaré la primera vez que los llevamos a Disneylandia, el ver la alegría que sentían al conocer a Mickey y Minnie en persona fue tan enternecedor. CLAUDIA: Si, Sebastián nunca se queda callado y siempre dice y hace lo mismo que su hermano. En una ocasión estando los cuatro en un restaurante, el mesero preguntó en inglés a Emiliano si le retiraba su plato y él contestó, "yes". Cuando le hacen la misma pregunta a Sebastián, contestó lo mismo; así que en ese momento se llevaron su plato y se enojó porque no había terminado. MÓNICA: Recuerdo en varias ocasiones haberme equivocado alimentando al mismo bebé dos veces. ¿QUÉ ES LO MÁS DIFÍCIL DE SER MAMÁ? ¿QUÉ ES LO MEJOR? MELISSA: Ser paciente es lo más difícil. Olvido que ellos no llevan el

mismo ritmo que nosotros los adultos. Lo mejor es despertarme en las mañanas y ver cuánto me quieren y que me dejen apapacharlos mucho. NICHOLE: Es tan difícil cuando les duele algo o están enfermos. Te parte el corazón verlos sufrir. Disciplinarlos también es difícil porque no pueden entender que lo haces por su bien y se molestan. Lo mejor es indescriptible. Es maravilloso despertar cada día y ver a tu bebé. MAYRA: Lo más difícil es contestar cuando los cuatro están preguntando o pidiendo algo al mismo tiempo y lo mejor es cuando los cuatro me abrazan al mismo tiempo. ADRIANA: Lo más difícil es la responsabilidad de educarlos, tomar siempre las mejores decisiones, sacarlos adelante y prepararlos para que triunfen en la vida. Lo mejor es la satisfacción de verlos convertidos en personas de bien. CLAUDIA: Cuando te despiertan a las 7 a.m. en fin de semana y lo mejor es abrazarlos, besarlos, compartir sus secretos, sueños y reír con ellos. MÓNICA: Lo más difícil es que no existe un patrón o reglas para educar a nuestros hijos. Pero lo mejor es que seamos un buen ejemplo a seguir y que lo que enseñamos se demuestre con nuestras acciones. COMO MADRE, ¿QUÉ METAS HA ALCANZADO YA Y CUÁLES LE

Mis metas son guiarlos por el camino bueno donde Dios es el centro de nuestras vidas, ser un buen ejemplo y ayudarlos a que experimenten diferentes actividades. Todas estas metas se logran día a día. NICHOLE: Que mis hijos se sientan amados y apoyados. Quiero educar hijos trabajadores, seguros y de buenos modales. MAYRA: Quiero formar hombres

FALTAN POR REALIZAR? MELISSA:

responsables, de bien. He logrado que se respeten y convivan como hermanos que son. Me falta verlos cumplir sus sueños. ADRIANA: Educarlos para que todos fuesen unos profesionistas, verlos alcanzar el éxito y que un día lleguen a formar una familia. CLAUDIA: Mi meta es lograr que mis hijos sean felices. ¡Que disfruten la vida! MÓNICA: Guiar y educar a mis hijos en cada una de sus etapas. Y realmente apenas empiezo. ¿CÓMO HA LOGRADO EQUILIBRAR SU VIDA PROFESIONAL, FAMILIAR Y SOCIAL? MELISSA: Mi prioridad es mi familia y lucho por mantener un balance pero no siempre es fácil. Solo con la ayuda de Dios se puede. NICHOLE: Tengo la suerte de contar con el apoyo de mi esposo y nuestros familiares. MAYRA: Creyendo en mi misma y sobre todo con mucho amor y entusiasmo. ADRIANA: Para mí la organización de mi tiempo y el apoyo de mi esposo han sido indispensables. CLAUDIA: Sigo tratando. MÓNICA: No es fácil pero si se puede. Siempre teniendo en mente que mi prioridad es mi familia. La clave del equilibrio está en organizar tu tiempo. ¿CÓMO HA TRANSFORMADO SU VIDA EL SER MAMÁ? MELISSA:

Duermo muy poco pues tienen mucha energía. Además, he tenido que madurar y no hacer nada a la ligera porque sus ojitos están muy pendientes de todos mis movimientos. NICHOLE: Nunca pensé que pudiera amar a alguien tanto. Mis prioridades han cambiado por las de mi familia. MAYRA: La maternidad me ha dado fuerza para ser responsable y alcanzar lo que nunca me imaginé; puedo decir que

Sin duda mi mamá, siempre [fue] muy dedicada, creativa y divertida. Tengo muchos bonitos recuerdos de mi infancia tan simples como el desayuno de hot cakes en forma de Mickey Mouse hasta canciones inventadas para cada uno de nosotros. MÓNICA TORRES MENDOZA

cream april / may 2012

MÓNICA TORRES MENDOZA Aunque son iguales físicamente por ser gemelos, 1 año 6 meses, Pablo es tranquilo y Diego es inquieto.

soy lo que soy ahora gracias a los cuatro hijos que Dios me mandó. ADRIANA: Me hizo madurar. Verme rodeada de mis hijos es la mayor felicidad que existe y esto ha influido en mi transformación personal y me ha dado la fortaleza de mantenerme positiva ante cualquier situación. CLAUDIA: Me encanta ser mamá, tengo 2 niños preciosos de los cuales aprendo todos los días. MÓNICA: Descubrí un amor que jamás había sentido. ¿QUÉ OPINA DE LA CRIANZA QUE SE LES DA A LOS HIJOS HOY EN DÍA? ¿DIFIERE DE COMO FUE EDUCADA USTED? NICHOLE: Hay ideas modernas con las que no estoy de acuerdo y cosas que me agradan de como se educaba antes. Opino que hay que tomar lo bueno del pasado y del presente y adaptarlos a nuestras circunstancias. MAYRA: Hoy hay mucho más retos que en mis tiempos, sobre todo, por los avances de la tecnología y la situación que se vive en estos días. ADRIANA: La tecnología ha ayudado muchísimo hoy en día; hay tantos programas y juegos educativos que han hecho a los niños ser mucho más independientes. CLAUDIA: Son tiempos nuevos. La forma en la que socializamos e interactuamos es muy diferente a la generación anterior. Tenemos que cambiar y adaptarnos sin 40

cream april / may 2012

Me encanta ser mamá, tengo 2 niños preciosos de los cuales aprendo todos los días. CLAUDIA G. SALINAS

olvidar nuestros valores. MÓNICA: Anteriormente no había tanta tecnología; había más comunicación y éramos más creativas e imaginativas. Ahora tenemos que tener cuidado y limitar el uso de la tecnología a la hora de jugar para que no se pierda esa imaginación y comunicación que existía antes.

CLAUDIA G. SALINAS Ambos son inteligentes, cariñosos y alegres. Emiliano, 8, es deportista y perseverante y Sebastián, 4, es musical y sociable.

Verme rodeada de mis hijos es la mayor felicidad que existe y esto ha influido en mi transformación personal y me ha dado la fortaleza de mantenerme positiva ante cualquier situación. ADRIANA TALAMÁS

¿QUISIERA DAR ALGÚN CONSEJO PARA LAS LECTORAS DE CREAM QUE ESTÉN A PUNTO DE SER MADRES? MELISSA: Los hijos son una

bendición. Disfruten cada momento y descansen mientras puedan. NICHOLE: No te sientas intimidada cuando la gente opine sobre cómo estás cuidando a tu bebé o si dicen que haces algo mal. Escucha a tus instintos y a tu bebé, de esta manera sabrás qué es lo mejor para él. También es importante recordar que eres el ejemplo a seguir, trata de ser la persona que quieres que sea cuando crezca. MAYRA: Que siempre apoyen a sus hijos, los ayuden a alcanzar sus metas y los llenen de amor todos los días. Hay que escucharlos pacientemente y leerles desde que son bebés ya que el ser humano requiere del

lenguaje para comunicarse y sobresalir en la vida. ADRIANA: Ser madre es una de las experiencias más enriquecedoras en la vida, un hijo es nuestro tesoro más preciado. Den gracias a Dios por esta bendición. Día con día, quiéranlos, bésenlos, háganles saber cuánto los aman y que podrán contar con su madre siempre. Incúlquenles amor y respeto para hacer de ellos personas de bien. CLAUDIA: Que rían mucho con sus hijos. MÓNICA: Muchas veces nos encontramos diciendo “Quisiera que ya durmiera toda la noche.” “Quisiera que ya caminara.” “Quisiera que ya entrara al kínder.” y nos olvidamos de vivir y disfrutar el presente. El tiempo pasa volando. ¡Disfruten cada etapa de sus hijos! cream april / may 2012

THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, AIS, AT TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY is a nonprofit organization focused on building awareness of global issues and providing a platform for cultural exchange. It has hosted many events on campus, ranging from language lessons to international potlucks, all with the intent of creating links between local and exchange students. AIS is proudly recognized as one of TAMIU’s largest organizations with more than 200 members, consisting of international students, local students who have studied abroad, and local students who have expressed an interest in global affairs. This year’s group of international students comes from all over the world; the most heavily represented regions being Europe, Asia, and India. This organization meets regularly to plan on-campus and community-wide events, such as Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, and Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, among others. AIS has grown to become a core component of the university emphasizing the I in Texas A&M International University as it works relentlessly to promote culture, diversity, and awareness of the increasingly globalized world we now live in. Cornelius Kipkorir, a native of Kenya, is the current president of the association and Adela Renee is the current vice-president.

VERSUS: “ALTHOUGH WHITE RICE IS THE MAIN INGREDIENT IN THAI CUISINE, I PREFER STICKY RICE BECAUSE IT SATIATES BETTER THAN WHITE RICE. ALSO, STICKY RICE CAN BE USED AS BOTH AN ENTRÉE AND DESSERT.”

FINNISH SAUNA VS BATH VILI LEINO

FROM FINLAND “A SAUNA IS A PLACE FOR RELAXING, REFRESHING, AND SOCIALIZING. IT’S PERFECT AFTER A HARD DAY OF WORK. I FIND THE SAUNA TO BE MUCH BETTER THAN A PLACE TO CLEAN YOURSELF.”

VICTORIA HARBOUR VS THE PEAK PATRICK YEUNG FROM CHINA

SUKUMAL SOMBOON FROM THAILAND

WHITE RICE VS STICKY RICE JULIA MOAL FROM FRANCE

TOUR DE FRANCE VS FRENCH OPEN

“FRENCH OPEN—TENNIS IN FRANCE IS VERY POPULAR, FASHIONABLE, AND FANCY WHEREAS TOUR DE FRANCE IS CONSIDERED OLD-FASHIONED AND LIKED MOSTLY BY OLDER CROWDS. EACH SUMMER TV STATIONS BROADCAST THE TOUR DE FRANCE FOR HOURS; IT IS SO BORING! WE LOVE OUR GREAT TENNIS PLAYERS LIKE YANNICH NOAH AND MARY PIERCE. THEY ARE PART OF OUR CULTURE.” “TAIPEI 101 IS CURRENTLY THE THIRD TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD; I CAN GUARANTEE IT HAS THE BETTER VIEWS AT NIGHT.”

DEBBIE LIU FROM TAIWAN

TAIPEI 101 VS KENTING CORAL BEACH

BERLIN VS FRANKFURT ANNA MARIE CHRISTIN GINZLER FROM GERMANY “I FELL IN LOVE WITH BERLIN THE MOMENT I TOOK MY FIRST STEPS AROUND THIS MULTICULTURAL, COSMOPOLITAN, BREATHTAKING, AND ADVENTUROUS PLACE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT THIS CITY DOESN’T OFFER YOU. IT’S THE CITY OF EXPERIENCES AND POSSIBILITIES, WHICH YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU MIGHT EVEN ENCOUNTER.”

“VICTORIA HARBOUR BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST POPULAR TOURIST SPOT IN HONG KONG AND IT IS STUNNING DURING THE NIGHT, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS OR WHEN THERE IS A BIG FESTIVAL. IT ALSO SHOWS HONG KONG AS A MODERNIZED CITY WITH MANY SKYSCRAPERS. TALL BUILDINGS AND A LARGE POPULATION CHARACTERIZE HONG KONG.” DO YOU HAVE A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN CREAM’S VERSUS? CONTACT US AT INFO@CREAMCITYMAGAZINE.COM

falcon bank Falcon International Bank hosted a customer appreciation mixer for the Laredo Lemurs and Unitrade. In a few months, the Laredo Lemurs will call the Unitrade Stadium their home.

want to feature your event? contact us for more info at info@creamcitymagazine.com

Sweet, Salty, Umami... Oh, My! BY MOON JAMALUDDIN ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA COTTON

Umami, anyone? Among other words that bubble around in the edible world, umami must be my favorite. Primarily, because the word is just fun and playful but, mostly, because of what it represents. Without getting into a scientific lesson, umami is the 5th basic taste following sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Let me tell you how I discovered this interesting flavor. To cater a wine tasting party, I recently teamed up with a fabulous wine company. From a catering standpoint this seemed simple enough, create some tasty dishes to accompany some even tastier wines. The sophistication of wine and food goes way beyond the rule of thumb: “red with meats and white with fish.” In combing through my menu with the sommelier to adjust ingredients and flavor combinations, it was a bit intimidating at first that someone was questioning my creations. What! But after experiencing the flirtatious banter of tannins, acids, fat content, and other fundamental qualities of taste, I began to see how multifaceted the task of pairing food to wines can be. Two instances during the evening in particular struck my attention. The first was during the 3rd course of seared tofu and ginger beef skewers with soy vinegar dressing served with a side of chilled cucumber sesame salad. The sommelier and host had come into the kitchen (where all the magic happens) to show me how to truly experience meat and wine. Per the instructions, I took a bite of meat first to taste it alone. Then I had to take a sip of a Cachette Cotes du Rhone. I quote Wine Enthusiast Magazine because I couldn’t have said it better; this wine is

a “rich, satisfying mouthful of lusty red from the right bank of the Rhone.” The elements in the wine combined with the slight marbled fat in the meat came to define what I will know as umami. The sensational taste of the expanded flavors brought new light to a dish I’ve made many times before. (Yum!) Let’s shy away from the heat and the lusty red wine for a bit so I can describe the second notable memory of the night. The final dessert course consisted of a mango mousse with a pound cake bottom and a dark chocolate cake pop. Admittedly, I was a bit peeved when the sommelier had me change the sweet intensity of the cake pop, but I went with it for the challenge. Again, I was told to take a bite of the cake pop. I happily bit into the smooth unsweetened chocolate coating and through the creamy dark fudge cake center, delicious! Now, this is where it got interesting. Here I am thinking I’m on cloud nine, and I’m handed a glass of Fratelli Moscato D’Asti. The sweet bubbles created a boomerang of excited flavors coating all of my elated taste buds. Just when you think the chocolateness is going to surrender to the lovely Moscato, it doesn’t. The Moscato takes the spotlight for a delicious moment and politely gives the main stage back to the chocolate. Charming. This experience has forever changed my views and love of wine. The excitement of delving into a whole new world of food and wine pairings has me flying to the kitchen. Go find a local tasting event, and experience it for yourself. You will not regret it. Moon is a private chef and caterer in Houston, she was born in Bangladesh and brings a new light to the traditional flavors. Find more about Momo Catering on Twitter, Yelp, or Facebook.

the help Casa Misericordia hosted a private event at La Quinta Inn & Suites-Laredo Airport where author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett, was able to meet and greet with sponsors of dinner and conversation with Stockett that included a question and answer session, a silent auction, and a raffle at the IBC Annex Building benefitting victims of domestic violence.

want to feature your event? contact us at info@creamcitymagazine.com