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Headquarters Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Publisher / Editor In Chief Victor Padilla VP / Executive Editor Felix “Nikko” Gonzalez Publishing Assistant Elizabeth S. Gonzalez Publishing Assistant Zion Padilla Marketing Assistant Victoria Padilla Girl Friday Cloe Cabrera Special Correspondent
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Letter from la Editora By: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla; Page 6
Dra. Alexandra Galletti Soy tu Sexologist Pages: 8
Cissy Boza-Sevelin Pages: 10
Heros for Puerto Rico Pages 11-15
Rita Moreno Center Spread Pages 16-17
Isabella Gomez and Justina Machado Pages18-19
Dennis Hernandez Pages 25
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Saludos my friends! Welcome to the 1st Qtr 2018 Edition of Latin Times Magazine! We are gearing up for the 7th year of hosting the Cuban Sandwich Festivals! I am happy to share with you that the festivals have been successful in Metro Orlando, Miami and Tampa, Florida. The 7th annual season of the Cuban Sandwich Festival is already underway and we are excited to announce that the festival will once again be hitting the road in search of the BEST Cuban Sandwiches in the world, with Florida events planned in Kissimmee on Saturday, March 3rd, in Miami at Calle Ocho on Sunday, March 11th and in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st, 2018, once hosted by Hillsborough Community College in Ybor City! I am also excited to presents a new look to our magazine as we celebrate 17 years in publication! As we adapt to the time-we are more online friendly! As of this issue, we are 80% online, and 20% print. The best way to read our editions will be online where each issue will have interactive interviews, videos, live links, animation and so much more! The e-edition will be available via our website: www.LatinTimesMedia.com and www.Latin-Times.com as well as via social media The print editions will still be available for special events and for direct subscription and will be published 2x each year in an expanded print and distribution format! In closing, I am looking forward to the adventures and the challenges that lay ahead, as we focus on growing our ministry, our media business, and our event schedule, and introducing our NEWEST EVENTS, the Viva Jesus (Yeshua) and the Taste of Latino festival; details to be announced soon! Gracias, Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Founder/CEO/Publisher e-mail me: Jollie@LatinTimesMedia.com
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by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Dr Alexandra Galletti is fueled by a burning desire to help and guide others in their journey towards the discovery of their better self….She is a firm believer in the importance of self-love and a healthy self-esteem. Dr. Galletti holds a doctorate degree in Psychology and is a Board Certified Clinical Sexologist. Dr Galletti’s passion and excellence are in her areas of expertise and have led her to make regular appearances on radio as well as local and television shows. As it is expected, Dr. Galletti is very passionate about education and not only does she host regular seminars and workshops on diverse psychology and sexology topics, she is also a psychology professor at the graduate college level with over 7 years of teaching experience. At heart Dr. Galletti’s motivation is quite simple, help others with their own special journey towards finding the best version of themselves….. Latin Times Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with La Dra. Alexandra Galletti, here is what she shared with us…..!
Dr. Alexandra Galletti, Clinical Sexologist PhD Psychology
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What motivated you to study psychology? Dra. Alexandra Galletti: Since I was very young, I had a very strong interest in human behavior. I wanted to understand why people behaved in certain ways and the mental processes behind said behavior. My parents always told me that I was constantly intrigued by people’s behavior and I would constantly ask questions underlining this interest. I wanted to know, because I cared and wanted to help. My parents have always described me as an altruist individual with a passion for helping others. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Why did you also specialize in Sexology? Dra. Alexandra Galletti: After I completed my doctorate degree in Psychology I was working with a lot of families and couples. I realized that sexual dysfunctions, and issues related to sexuality were very common in couples and a main part of marital issues. The problem laid in the fact that people were not getting the help they needed, because not every psychologist was adequately trained to help them with their sexuality. If you combine this with the stigma that society casts around any issue related to an individual’s sexuality and you can see why most individuals have problems addressThis Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
ing issues related to sexuality, even in the presence of their psychologist. I decided the best way I could help address this glaring problem was by completing a post-doctoral degree in Clinical Sexology and later becoming Board Certified Clinical Sexologist. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: ¿What kind of people can you help? Dra. Alexandra Galletti: In my practice I see all kinds of patients, however since I worked at the Veterans Hospital for 7 years, it gave me the opportunity to be exposed to a unique variety of patients, many of them suffering from PTSD and a host of other ailments commonly associated with veterans after they return from war. Working with veterans has been a truly life changing experience for which I am forever grateful. Later on, I decided to embark upon a new journey and begin my private practice where I found my niche working with couples. During this time, I also developed a passion helping to empower women and lending a hand in their goal of fostering a healthy self-esteem and positive self-worth. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: ¿why is it difficult for some people to talk about sex? Dra. Alexandra Galletti: Many factors influence peoples fear to openly talk about sex. There are strict socio-religious standards of morality that are imposed upon most members of society from a very early age, and these standards marginalize sexuality to a fringe taboo status in the scope of an individual’s everyday life. In this negative marginalization of anything related to sexuality the innate and natural needs of the human being are considered taboo, consequently inhibiting individuals desire and ability to freely talk about these topics without fearing being judged as sexual addicts or “perverted” individuals. Read entire interview online: www.LatinTimesMedia.com
Dr. Alexandra Galletti, Clinical Sexologist PhD Psychology
3434 W Columbus Drive Suite 107, Tampa Fl 33607 Phone: (813) 444-8111 alexandra@soytusexologa.com www.SoyTuSexologa.com
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cissysevelin4judge.com
“My personal experiences as a grandparent, parent and daughter have given me maturity and greater understanding of people. It is important to have the patience and compassion to really listen to people, to be available to them when they communicate and express themselves.”
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Where did you grow up? Cissy Boza Sevelin: I am a Florida native. I grew up in West Tampa. We first lived on Union Street and then moved to Carmen Street where I resided until I married. I began working for Olympia Bakery when I was 12 years old. Although I reside in Thonotosassa, my heart remains in West Tampa. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about your education. Cissy Boza Sevelin: I was married at a very young age. When I was 25 years old and a single mother of three, I decided it was time to better my life and that of my children. I began taking classes at Hillsborough Community College while working fulltime and achieved my Associates Degree. I then applied to the University of South Florida where I first obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and then a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. During my time at the University of South Florida I was required to take a business law class. As a result, my interest continued in the study of law. I attended the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Barry University and obtained a Master of Business Administration and my Juris Doctorate. During my time in law school, I also became a Florida Supreme Court
County Mediator and a Flori- to become a Judge? da Supreme Court Family Law Cissy Boza Sevelin: I have watched, when time permitted, Mediator. virtually every legal television Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us show which has been produced. why as a practicing attorney you To boot, I watch live hearings of choose to do your cases pro-bo- real cases being televised. no. Cissy Boza Sevelin: I spent ap- Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Why do proximately nine years work- you think you will make a good ing for the Federal Bankruptcy and fair Judge? Court in the Middle District of Cissy Boza Sevelin: I have the Florida, as a Career and Term experience; balance and matuLaw Clerk. During my time rity that make me stand out as with the court, I was not permit- a candidate. My work has ented to do any type of pro bono compassed banking, accountwork. During the same time, I ing, bankruptcy (debtor and also owned and operated a wed- creditor), foreclosures, family ding venue, Victorian Gardens, law, and civil trial. I worked as a judicial assistant to various located in Thonotosassa. Prior to becoming an attorney, county and circuit court judges I needed legal help and couldn’t and in mediation and diversion afford to pay an attorney. In service. Through this experiOctober 2013, after my position ence, I have not only gained a with the Bankruptcy Court was sense of various areas of the law, abolished due to the death of my but the many functions of the Judge, the Honorable Alexander clerk of court. I have significant L. Paskay, I decided – I had been practical work experience in all very successful and very bless- of these areas. I have worked ed and now it was time for me for the government, as a solo to give back. So, with the sup- practitioner and in a small law port of my husband, I provide practice and in the corporate legal assist to the indigent and world of banking. These work oppressed, in areas of domestic environments have prepared violence, family law, dependen- me to understand the chalcy, delinquency, wills and trust lenges facing the attorneys who and take on other matters when could practice before me. appropriate. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: When are the attributes of a good did you decide that you wanted judge? This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
Cissy Boza Sevelin: Intellect; maturity; analytical ability; calm and patience; ability to move a docket and to make decisions; organizational skills; research and writing; compassion; sensitivity; caring and listening. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: How can people help you win your campaign? Cissy Boza Sevelin: Tell friends about me. Volunteer to canvass neighborhoods. Put signs up at their businesses and in their yards. Volunteer to be at the voting locations the weeks prior to and/or the day of the election. Invite me to gatherings were I can meet voters in person. Volunteer to be on my host committee or contact my host committee to hold fundraisers. Attend functions on my behalf so I can attend other events which are being held on the same day and at the same time. Follow me on Facebook at Cissy4Judge and share my page. Visit my website located at cissysevelin4judge.com and signup to volunteer.
Read the entire interview at: www.LatinTimesMedia.com
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Thank you Joy Padilla-Anderson and Josh Anderson, owners of the Joy Ride Food Truck and ANL Bearings. Joy and Josh opened the doors of her families business warehouse and helped to build a team called Memphis for Puerto Rico, a group formed in Memphis, Tennessee to help Puerto Rico! The Relief sent 2 FULL Shipping containers from Memphis and they made it to the doorsteps of Puerto Rican families in need.
Thank you Memphis for Puerto Rico!
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Heros for Puerto Rico There are no words that I can say that would be enough! Thank you to the many Puerto Ricans across the country that went into action immediately after the catastrophe that is called Hurricane Maria hit our beloved Island of Puerto Rico on September 20th, 2017. by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
For days leading up to it, I kept thinking, it’s going to shift direction -we prayed and prayed, but as we know, Hurricane Maria did hit Puerto Rico, and at its strongest possible category – I remember for days afterward I was glued to internet radio and social media channels that were coming out of Puerto Rico. There was so little news available, I think I cried continuously for an entire week, even now I continue to hurt and cry for our Island…. As most of us were, I was scared, I was worried, and I was sad…. Like many people, I was not reach my father for almost a month afterward. When I finally did hear from him I cried and thanked GOD that he was fine -but many people were not, many people lost their homes -many people lost their lives, and many people were forced to move with next to nothing, to many states throughout the U.S. For those people and families, and for the
families that have chosen to remain in Puerto Rico, our prayers continue to be with you every day. It’s no secret that Puerto Ricans are patriotic people ¬-we love our Island, our people, and our flag….and that is why I decided to do this special feature. I wanted to share just some of the stories of those that helped and continue to help in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico -it’s just another way to say Thank you, for their effort, and for their sacrifices ---I admire those people that have the courage to be on the front line, those who take action and make things happen, those with the will to work hard, and whose aim is to make a different and save lives.
In this issue we are saying Thank you to Memphis Tennessee and Tampa Bay, Florida….
Check out Video for Puerto Rcio: https://youtu.be/hRkQxNtiA7U This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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Brenda Marie Irizarry
“Lots of families have moved to Florida, leaving behind all they had, whatever was left from their homes, they’re families etc. We are helping them through Missions of Miracles. ORG, I created this organization to continue helping, with first aid supplies, food, clothes, anything and everything you can think of that you need when you move (or flee) to a new country with nothing, or very little in your hands.” by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
Meet Brenda Marie Irizarry, Creator/Owner at Tampa Glam Squad, National Sales and Marketing Director at Stay Connected – Cellphone Chargers and National Sales and Marketing Director at Homeland Intelligence Technologies. All around HERO for Puerto Rico! I had the pleasure of meeting Brenda many years ago – unfortunately, throughout the years we lost touch, however I can honestly say that she is a blessing to our community – both here in Tampa,as well as in Puerto Rico. It takes courage, heart and foresight to be a leader…. Brenda has all of these things -and more, she made the Tampa operation possible, by opening the doors to her warehouse and by building the team needed… Thank you Brenda for leading the charge! Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What is your background, and where were you raised? Brenda Irizarry: I was born and raised in Mayaguez, PR, by my parents Edwin Irizarry, Isabel Cancel. I have 3 sisters and 7 nephews and nieces. To make a long story short, I moved to Tampa when i was 27, taught myself English and started working as a nail tech. I worked at the same spa for over 7 years. Now I’m a retired esthetician, working as the National Sales and Marketing Director of Homeland Intelligence Technologies and the mom of our puppies. Also, a volunteer for COAPR and I am the founder of M.O.M.
and what went through your mind during those hours when the storm was ravaging the island? Brenda Irizarry: To be honest I never thought the island would get hit as bad as it did. I went to bed the night before after talking to a few friends (Marrian, Christine etc) about collecting goods to “mail” to our families if they needed it. I made a group on FB called “Donations for PR” and started adding friends. The next day when I saw what happened, and was not able to communicate with my family, I told my boyfriend Richard Trela that I was going to take my leftover supplies from Hurricane Irma to our office/warehouse on Gandy, and the mission started. I sent a few messages to local news stations and the word got out pretty quickly. People started bringing supplies to our office and the rest is history, as they say. Our dear friend Evelio Otero was one of the first one to respond and offer to use his organization COA to collect the goods and help with the shipping. Little did he know, it would get as big as it did. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about September 21st, 2017 for you…. Were you able to reach your family? Brenda Irizarry: My parents were here visiting, they got here before Irma hit PR and FL. They’re flight got cancelled because of Irma. (they were another big reason why i started doing something about it too) We didn’t hear from my family until after a week the storm. My nephew Odrik called me from a land line and i lost it, cried what i couldn’t cry before because my focus was on doing something. Thanking the Lord as I heard my nephew and found out that everyone was ok. There was no power, no water, no internet service, but everyone was alive and they were together helping each other. That gave me more strength to keep moving forward.
of people that jumped in immediately to help; who would you say played a major part in the relief efforts. Brenda Irizarry: Tampa Team – COAPR was born when Maria hit PR. Evelio didn’t even blink and offered his organization to help ship all the goods, emergency supplies, generators, etc. I feel that we were all put there for the same purpose, to help our Island. There was count-less sleep deprive nights, so many tears, old friends, new friends, meetings, boxes, trucks, containers, volunteers (500 the first Saturday we started collecting)..many stories of volunteers hearing from their families for the first time while helping us pack supplies to be shipped over…that made it all worth it. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What obstacles did you encounter, and how were you able to overcome them? Brenda Irizarry: We were all learning throughout the process. None of us was ever in charge of an Emergency Relief effort that was this big. We never thought it would get this big. We just pushed thru and we made it happen because we had to make it happen. I am eternally grateful for all the angels that made it happen. Evelio, Rich, Luis, Jose, Marrian, Bill, Antonio, Edwin, Lisa, Arlene, Kelvin, Linda, Edwin I., Isabel, Walter, Andy, … and so many more angels and I will forever be grateful to each of them. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Have you visited Puerto Rico since the Hurricane? Brenda Irizarry: I haven’t visited, I didn’t want to be burden to them, you know another mouth to feed., etc, I thought and still think that i could do more from here…. I am going, I have to go, I am not sure when…. I still have so much to do here.
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Take us back to the Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about the Read entire interview online: days leading up to September 20th, 2017; as Tampa team, the people and organizations www.LatinTimesMedia.com Hurricane Maria made its way toward the behind the efforts; I know it was a big team Island of Puerto Rico. – how did you feel,
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Heros for Puerto Rico
Ret. Colonel Evelio Otero “We shipped directly to the recipients, the people, and tried to avoid the State Government in Puerto Rico and prevent the log jam of containers in San Juan. We did that very successfully and became one of the largest relief organizations in the country.” by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Take us back to the days leading up to September 28th, 2017; as Hurricane Maria made its way toward the Island of Puerto Rico. - how did you feel, and what went through your mind during those hours? Ret Colonel Evelio Otero: Well, we have been tracking Maria as we evacuated to North Carolina readying for Hurricane Irma. Maria was not changing its path and we began making phone calls to family and friends in Puerto Rico to make sure they were taking the necessary steps. I had a deep bad sense in my stomach that this time it would be heartbreaking. When we got back to Tampa I was glued to the weather report and feeling helpless that such a monster hurricane was about to descend in Puerto Rico at 154 MPH Category 5. Understanding that in the mountains and around the island outside on San Juan historical devastation was very likely. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: How big a role did your military background play in putting together the plan of action for Puerto Rico relief – and how fast were you able to implement it? Ret Colonel Evelio Otero: Well, it was important to get in touch with like minded individuals who understood what discipline and organization meant to what could be a large relief operation. All those contacted supported and dozens of civilians understood the importance of a plan, priorities, objectives, etc. I the beginning it was precise. The civilians who took on leadership roles in the organization proved to be tremendous assets and at times were key in the decision-making process. It became clear to me that our organization, Course of Action Foundation, a 501 (c) 3, was the best venue to track all donations for Puerto Rico, whether cash donations, or supplies. This gave several entities a sense of relief and we were joined in the effort. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What was the
first thing you did? Ret Colonel Evelio Otero: First, I visited the warehouse to view a possible staging point. Brenda Irizarry, wife of Richard Trela, owner of Homeland Intelligence Technologies, invited me to see what she was working on. Unbelievable energy and the place was perfect, 25,000 sq. feet. Then we had to assess ways to send what we collected. We could not receive supplies that we were not prepared to send. We evaluated if financial donations would be necessary as we could not count on solely free planes, or ships. Then we contacted mayors in Puerto Rico, as well as churches. We identified a team that would go to Puerto Rico to ensure delivery of goods and moved forward. We had to remember that this is 100% voluntary organization and we had to take into account that factor and not burn out the wonderful hundreds of volunteers we received.
floor. Antonio and Linda Davila, who ran the volunteer and packing process, made this effort flourish. Key folks who never hesitated to work 14 and 15-hour days such as MSG Walter Gonzalez, Aaron Trommater, and Brenda’s father, Edwin, who worked harder than anybody, and Marisol Garcia. I got to mention TSgt Kelvin Valle, a logistics expert, who worked in the planning of the logistics and travelled several times to Puerto Rico to directly supervised the process of distribution and many times fix kinks in the process. Finally, Mariann Persad who was the key person in orchestrating the shipping process and in essence designed the manifest process and coordination with the shipping companies. Many more contributed far and above what anyone expected. Hundreds showed up on the weekends to sweat and pack and ship. I have to be deeply grateful to the biggest guardian of our effort, Rep Janet Cruz, without wanting anything in return, quiet and kind, showed up and offered her hands to support the volunteers as well as contacts to assist in our effort. Thanks to her the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Lighting, Tampa Bay Rays, Amscot, and others made the shipping possible of 500,000 pounds of supplies, of the 3 million pounds of inventory we had. Senator Dana Young came to the warehouse and helped us obtain additional space at the airport. Commissioner Stacy White was a welcomed support as well. Finally, Mr. Tom Pepin who selflessly put our disposable his much-needed trucks. Mr Joe Capitano, and the Ybor Italian leadership were instrumental. As of course Mr Jose Fourquet from Merrill Lynch who leased private planes and flew supplies to Ponce. So, we had major supporters from the Minnesota Twins organization to New York Yankees to the Carlos carrasco Foundation they made our effort successful.
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about how you went about building your team; I know you had a big team of people that jumped in immediately to help; who would you say played a major part in the relief efforts. Ret Colonel Evelio Otero: We put together a basic skeleton crew then folks joined in as needs arose and they proved valuable to the organization. Key players were Luis Raul Laracuente who established the first contact with the Puerto Rico government leadership in Orlando. Of course, Liza Rivera-Ruse, who was totally responsible for a very successful website, Facebook page, and road signs around Tampa. A consummate professional she was the face of the effort along with Brenda and Arlene Marie Oliva. Arlene Marie is the President of All American Music entertainment and they were key in the coordination, phone calls, negotiations and orchestrating the Air Force donating airplanes as well as private entities donating dozens of containers. All American was directly responsible in obtaining 5 Read entire interview online: additional warehouses to support the monstrous effort we found ourselves in. Antonio www.LatinTimesMedia.com Soler became the operations head on the
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Luis Laracuente “There were many as could be expected of
an operation that was never expected to reach the level of complexity that it did. But teamwork and the leadership of our leaders is what proved to be the golden key by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
Jolie: Take us back to the days leading up to September 20th, 2017; as Hurricane Maria made its way toward the Island of Puerto Rico. - how did you feel, and what went through your mind during those hours when the storm was ravaging the island? Luis: It was a mix of feelings because Irma had missed just a few weeks prior so there were still hopes that Maria would do the same. I remember speaking with my parents (who live in Puerto Rico) a few days leading up to Maria and my mom saying your dad is worried. Now, my dad never gets worried or at least hides it well. So, that’s when I knew this was serious. It’s important to note that for Puerto Ricans hurricanes were a normal occurrence. You grow up being told that houses and buildings in Puerto Rico can withstand any storm because of the way they are built. Though, that was the believe until Maria hit. As soon as it made land fall hotels, homes, bridges, roads, etc. were being torn apart. News reports were coming out that rivers were over flowing, and towns were being flooded. What I felt was nothing compared to what every single Puerto Rican was feeling that day. I was worried sure, but they were horrified. I went home this past holiday season and what I saw did not look anything like what I had seen just 5 months prior.
thing I had never experienced before. People from all walks of life came together for one mission, to help Puerto Rico. The amazing thing about it was that every person that came into the team came with a specific set of skills that proved essential to the team. Course Of Action PR, All American Music Productions and Homeland Intelligence Technologies took the lead but these organizations were comprised of experienced leaders like, Air Force Retired Colonel EJ Otero, Army Retired Colonel Bill Oliva, Army Master Sergeant Walter Gonzalez, Air Force Tech Sergeant Kelvin Valle, Brenda Irizarry, Richard Trella, Arlene Oliva, Liza Fleming, Edwin Santana, Antonio Soler, Linda Perez, Marisol Garcia, Jose Daniel Garcia, Don Edwin Irizarry, Doña Isabel Cancel, Luis Adorno, Deborah Tamargo, Mariann Persad were among many, many more.
Jolie: What role did you play in these efforts? Luis: My role was minimal compared to those of Colonels Otero & Oliva but being involved in politics I tried to gather as much assistance from elected officials here in Tampa. Several of the current PRFFA staffers are colleagues of mine so the first phone call I made after speaking with Colonel Otero was to those working for the government of Puerto Rico in Orlando and Washington D.C. In addition, I helped with parking (which in my opinion was the most fun) and packing as everyone else on the team did. What Jolie: Tell us about September 21st, 2017 for you…. Were was truly special about this team was that every single one of us you able to reach your family? did the hard work. Luis Laracuente: I was able to reach my family the day of the hurricane. For some reason my mom’s phone was able to re- Jolie: What obstacles did you encounter, and how were you able ceive phone calls for a few hours after Maria. After those first to overcome them? few hours passed, all communication stopped for about two Luis: There were many as could be expected of an operation that weeks. Thankfully, most of my family living in Puerto Rico was never expected to reach the level of complexity that it did. (aunt, uncle, grandparents and parents) were all staying at But teamwork and the leadership of our leaders is what proved my parent’s house. So, we knew that if one was safe, all were to be the golden key to our success. safe. Jolie: What’s next for Puerto Rico? Jolie: How did you get involved in relief efforts in Tampa? Luis Laracuente: Government of Puerto Rico needs to put an end Luis: After those first few hours, losing communication with to bureaucratic and political games. During the first few days afmy family and watching the destruction as some pictures ter the hurricane everyone came together with optimism. Hopwere coming out I picked up the phone and called the one ing for a stronger Puerto Rico. Therefore, it is time to make that person I knew would know what to do, Colonel EJ Otero. a reality. The governor needs to focus solely on improving Puerto Rico. Jolie: Tell us about the Tampa team, the people and organizations behind the efforts; I know it was a big team of peo- Read entire interview online: ple that jumped in immediately to help; who would you say www.LatinTimesMedia.com played a major part in the relief efforts. Luis: The team became a family! We truly did. It was some-
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Heros for Puerto Rico Liza (Rivera-Russe) Fleming “Until then, I prayed… I prayed ALL the time and of course, I joined this amazing group of people locally and statewide to start doing what we needed to do from the distance: we all had to step up for Puerto Rico!“ by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What is your background, and where were you raised? Liza (Rivera-Russe) Fleming: I am a proud Puerto Rican, born in San Juan and raised in Morovis, la Isla Menos. As far as background, I am a marketing professional with almost 18 years of experience in the discipline, and almost a decade in the telecommunications industry.
that included all Puerto Ricans and many Latinos in Tampa Bay, Central and South Florida. Our desire to do something for our Island was so big and strong, we tapped every single connection we had to create a movement that out of the sudden became so big we were getting calls from other states. It was amazing to see how friends from high school and college here, in Texas, everywhere in the US, got together to make it happen. The list is long, but they all deserve as much or more credit. As it was alludJolie: Take us back to the days leading up to September 20th, ed in our social media posts, #enladiásporanadiesequita. 2017 as Hurricane Maria made its way toward the Island of Puerto Rico. - how did you feel, and what went through your Jolie: Tell us about the Tampa team, the people and organizamind during those hours when the storm was ravaging the tions behind the efforts; I know it was a big team of people that island? jumped in immediately to help; who would you say played a maLiza: That was a tough time. I knew we were lucky enough jor part in the relief efforts. having a much lower impact from Irma. I was monitoring the Liza: EVERYONE! There was no small task. Richard Trela and news - - thank God for Ada Monzón, a meteorologist from Brenda Irizarry not only jumped in to lead the efforts, but they Puerto Rico, who did a phenomenal job keeping us all in- allowed us to use their 25K sf warehouse to house all donations. formed regarding Maria’s trajectory. And the more I listened Retired Colonel Evelio Otero co-led the efforts and allowed us to to her reports, the more I realized the inevitable would hap- use the Course of Action umbrella as our non-profit organization. pen. I felt powerless because I couldn’t do anything for my His military expertise along with other key players in this arena, family and friends. At the time, my dad had gone through sur- such as Walter González, Kelvin del Valle, Luis Oliva and Andy gery and I was highly concerned for my parents not being able Serrano, contributed greatly to ensure we had resources and to fully prepare for what was coming. Well, and it happened… the right logistics in place for the operation. But it was not only about military resources and logistics… we needed key players Jolie: Tell us about September 21st, 2017 for you…. Were you in house to ensure all the operation was running as smooth as it able to reach your family? could given the uncertain scenarios of the circumstances… Liza: It was a long, long week not knowing or hearing from them. Thankfully, I had a sister in the metropolitan area that Linda Pérez, Antonio Soler, Edwin Santana, Luis Laracuente, José was able to communicate “relatively” faster with us to give us Daniel García, and Edwin Irizarry were all instrumental to ensure the scoop of the Island. And finally, after almost two weeks, I that our in-house operations and logistics were sharp. Arlene cannot describe the feeling when I finally got THAT call… the Oliva was tireless securing resources and serving as one of the moment I heard my parents on the other side of the phone spokespersons for the organization. Mariann Persad who providwas EVERYTHING. I knew they were ok, but it’s not the same. ed direction by developing the plan to transport all donations to You just need to hear them. Until then, I prayed… I prayed Puerto Rico ensuring all the right documentation was in place. At ALL the time and of course, I joined this amazing group of last, but not least, all the volunteers and organizations that took people locally and statewide to start doing what we needed countless hours to work hard to source, organize and pack all the to do from the distance: we all had to step up for Puerto Rico! goods. Keep in mind, it’s hard to stay on top of things when we were adjusting our plans on the fly and while communications Jolie: How did you get involved in relief efforts in Tampa? were so challenging. And every single one of these folks really Liza: I knew I had to take action, so I reached out to local radio stepped up their game. stations, colleagues and other media outlets to start a movement to fundraise for Puerto Rico. That’s when Sarykarmen Rivera from Rumba 106.5 connected me with Retired Colonel Read entire interview online: Evelio Otero and Course of Action. I immediately joined the team of about 15 other folks that also had the same initiative www.LatinTimesMedia.com and that’s how Course of Action PR was created. We quickly became a family. But this was bigger than us, so the help received from every single person along the way was critical and This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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you know life is good..... I turned 86 In December, and I am one of the Luckiest people in the world! I have my daughter and my grandson whom I adore, and ellos son mis favoritos de luz, los nenes. Of course, the nenes are now 16 & 18…lol & if you don’t know about this get my album. I have an album in Spanish that Emilio Estefan produced. You can get it through amazon, that and with my book Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: I want to say thank you to you, you’ve been an inspiration, god bless you to what you’re doing for Puerto Rico, right now more than ever people need to look at symbols like you, that hope and that they know your batayando for them! Rita Moreno: Absolutely siempre luchando!
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
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Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
Hahahah Oh she’s hilarious! You are going to laugh so much, you are going to laugh so hard, you’re going to pee, I’m telling you, que te vas a orinar, mija. Or better say it as Lydia, my character, te vas a mear! Hahaha! Lydia is Cuban, the familia is Cuban, and my character Lydia is a real Diva. She’s hilarious, she has an accent, I use my mother’s accent.
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: God, Yes, lol. Lydia is a piece of work, she is hilarious. I love that they took this show and just turned it around! Rita Moreno: Lo mas lindo de eso es, (the wonderful part is) that they have found, which is very difficult to do, they found a great balance between the ‘latino-ness’ of it and the ‘americaness’ of it.
She says things like, ‘I saw it on the JuTube’ and it’s not invented, I’m simply doing my mom’s accent! She is very feisty, very opinionated and sooo vain! She really thinks she is God’s gift to Men. Hahahha, I love playing that kind of vanity, she is just so funny that you have to love her! Lydia is also sexy. When I was offered the part, by Norman Lira, I said I would love to do it on one condition, he said, “What?” and I said, “she has to still be a sexual person, just because she’s old or older, doesn’t mean she can’t still be sexual,” and for me opening my big mouth, they We were not selected for an Emmy now have me flirting with anything and this year, it really was kind of like a everyone. shock to everybody including the tv critics who were very upset about I mean this woman will flirt with a that, pero that was then this is now. fence post, she is shameless about her We look forward to the new season sexuality. It’s hilarious and of course and Im pretty sure (I just know) we the result of that is that the younger are going to get nominated next time. audience adore her because she is also Pero watch the show because for me in some ways very, very hip and conto describe the show to you audience, temporary. She watches the ‘Jutube’ it’s really difficult, it’s about a family and things like that and the ‘ChatZnap’ without a father, nobody is an orphan hahahah. Sometimes I have difficulty but the mother and the husband are pronouncing the things they give me divorced. to say because they are so funny. Now doesn’t that make you want to watch It’s just a family with a young woman, the show? her mother, Me, who is a crazy diva!
En este sentido, que you know we’re not leaving out the American audience. Were still very Latino without leaving out the American audience that’s hard to do, it’s hard to accomplish that it’s a balance, that’s very delicate. You don’t want to speak too much Spanish and leave people out you know you cannot assume the entire world is Latino cause it’s not, even though we think so, especially Lydia. She is always ‘going back to Havana’, she’s very, very Cuban, she’s old fashioned, she is ‘of that time’, so everything she does is hilariously funny.
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Saludos Rita, thank you for taking the time to talk with me today! I am honored! You are LEGEND! Rita Moreno: Saludos, its my pleasure Jolie, how are you!? Have you seen One day at a time?
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Yes, I have! I love it and can hardly wait to see the 2nd Season on NETFLIX. Tell us about your role on “One Day at a Time” Rita Moreno: Here’s the thing, I can only tell you a little bit because Netflix is very fussy about having plot lines discussed before it goes on the air, so I can’t tell you a lot, but you get a huge example of what the show is like when you watch the first season. For one thing you know it got an insane amount of views..
Rita Moreno:
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There’s one scene where I sing Happy Birthday to somebody and I’m flirting with him and I tried to sing it like Marilyn Monroe, remember how Marilyn Monroe sang Happy Birthday to President Kennedy? [Yea}when she sang ‘Happy Birrrthday to ju, Happy Birrrthday tooo juuuu..” Hahha its just really delicious and funny and you’re going to recommend and binge. I think that’s the best way to watch things now, binging that way you don’t have to wait for episodes.
Isabella Gomez So here I am sitting with a cast of very gifted comedy actors and that’s what I was nervous about, I was like ‘Oh my god, what if Im not funny, what if they don’t like me..’ But it went over okay!
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Well, let me start off by asking you to share a little bit about yourself, your background and how you got started in show business. Isabella Gomez: Great, well I was born in Medellin Colombia, and I’m not entirely sure how I started in it. When I was 5 or 6 I went up to my parent and said, “Hey, I wanna act”. And my mom had a friend in the industry and he helped me get started with commercials, and a little bit of theatre and stuff like that. I really fell in love with it, but the opportunities in Colombia were few and far in between and not so much for kids, [yes], so then we moved to Florida when I was ten years old, and that’s when I started training. I went to this school called Lisa Maile, and then I moved on to a personal coach, who is like my second mom and that’s when I started taking it a lot more seriously. I went to a theatre school too, and when I was 15, I came out for my first pilot season, I was in LA for 7 weeks, and I booked a reoccurring on Matador, and the bug bit me! So soon after that we relocated to LA, I started training a lot harder, 6 months after being here I booked “One day at a Time”…
guys have such a great cast, so how was your nervousness level on your first day on the set knowing that you were just minutes away from filming with these iconic actors? Isabella Gomez: You know, luckily, the magnitude of them didn’t really hit me until later either. It didn’t hit me, once you get to start knowing actors, you realize that really are just people and that was really nice because had I been thinking about how incredible these people are, I probably would’ve been a lot more nervous. Really, I was nervous more about myself, in the sense of I had never been a series regular, and there is no one who teaches you how to do that, you just have to show up and see what you have to do. Also, I had always considered myself a dramatic actress, I never thought I’d do comedy. So here I am sitting with a cast of very gifted comedy actors and that’s what I was nervous about, I was like ‘Oh my god, what if Im not funny, what if they don’t like me..’ But it went over okay!
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: From season 1 walking into season 2, how do you think your role has grown or evolved? Isabella Gomez: I think Elena has been Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Well you know you through a lot in season 1. Obviously as we
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see in season 1 she deals with figuring out her sexuality, and how her family accepts it and in the finale we know that her dad is dead. That’s hard on anybody especially a 15 year old girl. I think she is tougher now but she is also more vulnerable in the sense that she now knows first-hand, rejection she felt it from her own father. I think she is guarded but also tougher. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Well your now an Icon to many young Latina’s too, how does it feel to be look at as a role model? Isabella Gomez: Its really, really, humbling and really eye opening. When we filmed the first season, because its Netflix and all the episodes go out at once, we were kind of in our own little bubble because nobody, you know, saw it, so we were doing it kind of for ourselves, and it’s hard to understand the impact that something is going to have when you’re doing it in a bubble like that.
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brazaelelcalor calordedetutucultura cultura AA braza !!
en el spotlight
Justina Machado I always wanted to do something important with the art… You always want to do something because you love it.. Im ready for people to watch, see and know were not “Aliens”, it’s a universal story, were human beings, we all go through the same things although we might deal a little differently because of the Latino culture, but this is a human story as Norman Lear would say. by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Hola, my name is Jolie and I am the publisher/ editor for Latin Times Magazine. We are a bilingual publication and I know a lot of our readers, online and in print, are going to love getting to know you. Why don’t you tell us how you it started for you… Justina Machado: Hi, well I was told by my step dad that at 5yrs old I said I wanted to be an actress. I have this thing that was given to me by mom when I went home to Chicago, it’s from when I was five years old and it said that I wanted to grow up to sing Jimmy Mack and Saturday Night Fever. (I dated myself there) I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry I just didn’t know if I wanted to sing, I had singing groups but that went away.. Then a best friend’s mom called me and said there was an audition and I said why not? I was working at a bank in downtown at the time, I went, auditioned, got the part and never stopped.
I understand.. Well, When you left Chicago, how did your family react, how have they supported you since? Justina Machado: I was raised by strong women, they are Matriarchs. Mi abuelita linda took care of me most. But when I first left, they were like what are you doing??? Why are you leaving? They support me now and are so proud of me, haha. I have so much pride in them. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Family is everything, I have a strong Matriarch as well… So as we know the cast is amazing, how did it feel to work with such a cast? Justina Machado: It feels like a dream come true, seriously. We put all this love into this project that we believed in so much and people are seeing it and are speaking on it. I always knew it was special. We have all of these amazing people and this amazing opportunity, were going to make this work! & with Netflix being so thoughtful nurturing, they just let us tell our story and now its out there!
Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Que Bueno… How does it feel to be a role model? What Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Whats your message would you like for the audience to take on everything going on with the capture when they watch? government and Puerto Rico? Justina Machado: I always wanted to do Justina Machado: I wouldn’t want to something important with the art… You speak on that because, ya know, but I do wish things were different its sad to always want to do something because you me what’s happening on the island and love it.. Im ready for people to watch, see and know were not “Aliens”, it’s a uniI hope that we, get a little help… versal story, were human beings, we all Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Yes, definitely, go through the same things although we This agazine ThisIssue IssueofofLatin LatinTimes TimesMM agazineisissponsored sponsoredbyby
might deal a little differently because of culture, but this is a human story as Norman Lear would say. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Yes, that’s beautiful… How would you describe your role and how would you say you relate to the character? Justina Machado: A compassionate, rational, really smart, loving, generous veteran and mom. Im not a mom but Im the oldest and I help my mom a lot. I think Life experience has helped me with this part. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What’s your take on performing in front of a live audience versus a closed set? Justina Machado: Seriously, I get a stomach ache right before I go on set and then it all goes away. It’s scary! When you’re in front of a single camera it’s just the crew, but now theirs people, and you can see them, but once you get out there and start saying lines you forget about it. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: I bet, well we are wrapping up, is there anything you would like to leave us with? Justina Machado: Thank You! Make sure to watch One Day at a Time on Netflix!
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David Zayas & Paul Calderon speak to Victor about los Caballeros Divinos... by: Victor Padilla
DIVINE HORSEMEN
"In the rundown Caballeros Divinos social club in Spanish Harlem a petty criminal, a down-andout dreamer and a washed up ex-major league baseball player lay out an outrageous scheme to get rich quick. When their plan comes to fruition, greed and individual conflicts and desires lead them all to a tragic end."
Written and Directed by Paul Calderon. Co-Directed by Catherine Calderon. Cast: Willie- Paul Calderon, Iffy- David Zayas, Benny- Robert Lee Leng, Raffi- David Deblinger, Jojo/The Kid- Sebastian Mitre "Baz" Victor Padilla: Were going to talk playing the role of Iffy which I’m playing coerced me into bringing it back. about the Divine Horsemen and now, he couldn’t do it, so I jumped in and many things I definitely want to al it was a really great experience. Victor Padilla: That’s cool, so Daabout that and promote it on our onvid, tell us where your from and a line magazine. So tell us how you Victor Padilla: Well back then and then little bit of your family history guys started, you guys started this now, kind of like a recap David Zayas: Well my parents like way back? What year was it that Paul Calderon: Well back then again I were born in Puerto Rico and I was you actually started or go the idea to was working on a novel and my wife was born in the Bronx and raised in the do the Divine Horseman? the artistic director of the theatre com- Bronx and yea i grew up by southPaul Calderon: 1995 pany at the time and I said listen you ern blvd over there, and when I got need a play to open the season with, older we moved to the Soundview Victor Padilla: 1995 wow, and what you don’t have one, turn those ideas section of the Bronx. was the inspiration behind it? that you are working on in the novel Paul Calderon: uh we needed a into a play and I wrote it like in a couple I come from a really strong influence play to open the season with hah, of weeks and lucky for me I had great Puerto Rican background, still am, we didn’t have one haha talent behind me, you know David was still living in the Bronx, I’m living in able to step in to take over a very chal- the ghetto right now, things are goVictor Padilla: So whose idea was lenging role, we had John Ortiz, Phillip ing good got into acting late in life, it, both of you guys got together and Seymore Hoffman, and you know, we joined the air force when I was 18, created it or? had a great experience we did a work- came back became a cop for NY for David Zayas: No, I was really just shop and the response was great, and 15 years, then started acting. starting out I hadn’t really done then shortly after it was auctioned off, it much when and Paul wrote this I just didn’t go the way that I envisioned Victor Padilla: So playing police wasn’t going to be in it. I was going it, because all of a sudden the Latino parts is easier for you for or is it to be the stage manager of it, that characters were turned into something weird? had to be 1995, but circumstances else, I took the rights back and shelved David Zayas: None of it is easy rehappened that the actor that was it. Then this past year David and my wife ally, you know certain things come Latin Times Magazine
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“Funny moments, I have so many of them. Well my wife is here so she recently pointed out this moment, I was doing Sea of Love with Pacino in 89, and we were shooting by west 86th st it was like 2 in the morning and we had a break we had a dinner break, at 2 in the morning, Pacino says, Im going to Hermes which was this famous restaurant on 72nd st and Broadway, hahah we all started running after him because he’s walking down the block to get in the cab and I push my wife to the side and start running after Pacino to go to Hermes with him hahhha!
-Paul Calderon....
easy, the jargon, the police jargon, comes more naturally to me maybe more than someone else you know, but It all boils down to the specificity of what was written for you and you try to make that true as you can Victor Padilla: Yea that’s true, and Paul tell us a little about your history and stuff which I already know but let’s talk about it hehe Paul Calderon: I was born in Puerto Rico, I came here when I was 6. I didn’t know any English, my uncles kept stressing when I would speak to them in Spanish and they would say to speak in English but I didn’t know any English. It was rough coming here because there was no bilingual education in school back then, it was pretty tough. You know the public school in New York back then in the 50s were pretty rough you know but it gave me a lot to draw from for characters in the future. Victor Padilla: David tell us a little about what your inspiration was to get into acting what and who inspired you… David Zayas: I think I was 12 when I went to see Dog Day Afternoon, and I was like oh wow I don’t know what’s going on but I kind of want to get involved in whatever the experience Im going through in this moment with this film and from there it was always in the back of my mind, I wanted to be involved somehow. You know then life takes over and you put it on the backburner and then when I was like 29, I said you know Im going to give it a shot. Started going to acting classes and getting involved with everything that was there at the time that I was able to get involved with, I had to surround myself with people that I saw had took this seriously and was going to teach me how to have a good work ethic. Im a good observer.
“I think I was 12 when I went to see Dog Day Afternoon, and I was like oh wow I don’t know what’s going on but I kind of want to get involved in whatever the experience Im going through in this moment with this film and from there it was always in the back of my mind, I wanted to be involved somehow. You know then life takes over and you put it on the back burner and then when I was like 29 I said you know I'm going to give it a shot” - David Zayas The Divine Horsemen is coming to Florida! Stay tuned for more info! Catch the rest of this exciting interview online on our website:
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Victor Padilla: So Paul tell us a little about your inspiration and what got you started into acting.. Paul Calderon: You know I was always a movie buff, my mom was very strict and sometimes she wouldn’t let me go out especially when we came to this country. I used to spend hours and hours watching movies on tv because back then it was just movies around the clock. Then my mom and my step dad, we would go to the movies religiously on the weekends, and I remember seeing Viva Zapata, Shane, The Blob, a whole bunch of great films, and back then, before the movies would begin, they would part the curtains, and it would be such an experience I remember asking my mom “do these actors know each other?” Haha. I told her I think I wanna be an actor I must have been 6 or 7. Then it went on the backburner for years. This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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Paul Rodriguez My all-time hero was Freddie Prinze. I remember seeing his show, Chico and the Man, and I remember reading thru the teletype communications, when he had taken his own life. It was the first time I cried for someone.
by: Victor Padilla Victor Padilla: This is Latin Times TV, I’m Victor Padilla with actor comedian producer awesome guy Paul Rodriguez how are you doing? Paul Rodriguez: Im doing good, I should specify I’m probably a Sr because my kid is also in the entertainment business he’s practically erased me from Facebook, he is so popular especially in Tampa. Now on social media its 100 pages of him and then me.
industry Paul Rodriguez: My all-time hero was Freddie Prinze. I remember seeing his show, Chico and the Man, and I remember reading thru the teletype communications, when he had taken his own life and it was the first time I cried for someone. I never met him, but he had such an influence in my life. I later became friends with his son. Victor Padilla: Tell us about the pitch and how you are working with Mike Gomez, can you tell us about it, give us some info on it Paul Rodriguez: Well the “Pitch” is a protest, the pitch is a reminder to the powers that be that Latinos are all around you, you can throw a rock in any direction. The “Pitch” is a new play that I wrote that’s aimed at shaking up Hollywood. In “The Pitch: Or How to Pitch a Latino Sitcom That Will Never Air,” Rodriguez uses comedy to expose the challenges that Latinos face pitching a TV show to network executives.
Victor Padilla: Tell us about where you come from and a little of you family history… Paul Rodriguez: I was born, they tell me, because I barely remember, in Sinaloain, Culiacan in Mexico. I came here when I was about 3-4 years old. I grew up in the field just following the harvest with my parents always super busy. We picked everything that the ground would grow and right around 12 – 13, my father had an accident, my father broke his back in a farming accident; a tractor ran over him. When I was 18-19, I left for the air force and did 6 six years. I came back, went to college on the G.I. Bill and found my way Victor Padilla: So what advice would you give to young to law school. upcoming Latino actors and actresses? Victor Padilla: Tell us about Paul Rodriguez: To believe who inspired to become a in themselves and have the comedian and actor in the Latin Times Magazine
persistence of a Jehovah’s Witness. Do not give, things will get better, and to have some dignity, if you see a part that’s condescending, let them know it. Show them how you will do, how it will be done, even if you don’t get the part, you walk out of that room knowing you didn’t kiss they’re ass, and you didn’t bow your head - you left with your dignity. Victor Padilla: Im going to ask a very important question: What is your favorite Latino food, and do you love Cuban sandwiches? Paul Rodriguez: Oh of course man, Im a Cubachero you know, I love it, and big fans of Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, but my favorite food when I’m in Florida is Ropa Vieja and in Los Angeles Tacos Al Carbon, and when I’m in new York I go for the Cuchifrito! “I
am an international Latino person who has embarked and enjoyed all our cultures. That is what makes us better, eh, we bring spice to this country, without us it would be bland.”
met a lot of my heroes, most of them are gone, but I even have Nelson Mandala was part of the crew of heroes. I walked with Cesar Chaves and my heroes have to be my parents, I’ve never met a pair of people who love each other for 50 years and they have done through bright and dark. Victor Padilla: So that concludes its our interview time, but I wanted to tell you, my wife and I host the International Cuban Sandwich Festival over in Tampa, so I want to invite you to be a Judge next year, I’ll send Brenda all the info. You can’t eat for a whole week before you judge so haha… Paul Rodriguez: Hahha, if you see me lately (NOW) you know eating is not one of my problems haha But send me some literature, I promise you I’ll make time.
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Victor Padilla: Tell us who your hero has been, living or past… Paul Rodriguez: Well I have
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Maria Costa.....Shades of Machos “Shades of Machos” is Volume 2 of my last show, “Macho Men and the Women Who Love Them”. I delve more deeply into the idea of being a career driven woman who is also, in some ways, very domestic because of my very traditional upbringing and how I try to I balance the two worlds. In the first ‘Macho’ show I focused only on Latino family dynamics. In volume 2, I definitely explore marriage and dating amongst Latinos as the main topic, however I also examine machismo in the African American culture– and other communities”
Victor Padilla: Tell us about your Family and where you come from. Maria Costa: I'm mullatta, my mother is Hungarian and my Father is Cuban. My Hungarian Grandmother helped raised me for most of my life so I speak the language fluently and cook a mean goulash, my ropa vieja is not to bad either from my Cuban side. My grandmother was from the old country and was in denial that I was anything other than Hungarian. I remember one time I came home and said Grandma someone called me the N word today and she was like “what are they bind, you are not Black, you are Hungarain, just Hungarian with a few too many days on the beach in Aruba.” She also nurtured the artists in me because she was an opera singer and ballet dancer in Hungary and with the war had to give that up and flee the country to go to Argentina to help my Grandfather support her children as a nurse until they brought the family to America. So I think because of that, she put me in, ironically enough Hungarian dance classes when I was little Brown girl with all the blond haired Hungarian girls trying to do the dances but my hips were moving a little too much. It would drive my grandmother crazy she would be like please Marika, no more side, side with your hips honey please.” I think that is where my connection and love for movement and music began as well as my spark for the performing arts. Thank God I found Salsa dancing so I could set my hips free. My grandmother also instilled strong values in me. She would say “respect yourself and respect others, no running in streets with boys, you have things to do in life, focus on that because that is what God put you here to do.” She was very strict on me growing up and in my teen years but now I can appreciate the lessons she taught me. Mostly she taught me to be truthful to myself and my calling.
by: Victor Padilla
Victor Padilla: What Inspired you to become a Comedian/Actress. Maria Costa: Since I can remember random people tell me about their life, strangers and people I know, some of them profound stories, some of them funny stories, some of the sad. I think everyone has a story and I use my creative voice and platform to tell the stories that I think are interesting and will inspire other in some way. I think that is what I am meant to do and to make people laugh in the process. It's also part of my own personal growth. I was always writing growing up. I was shy in some ways so when I was performing that helped me come out of my shell, through writing I was able to tell my story an speak my truth. I’d watch Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Gilda Radnar growing up and was inspired by how expressive and funny they were and would think to myself I want to do that one day. I was amazed at how they were so comfortable in their skin and uninhibited in every way. There was much more to them then just their beauty. I was also inspired by Lucille Ball as a leader in comedy and great business women. I loved that she took a stand for Desi Arnaz to play her husband on the show and together they brought Cuban Culture to mainstream television. I admire that she was a producer on her show and went on to produce other TV series, even own a studio. She made some amazing industry changing moves.
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Walking on the Sea of Struggles by: Victor Padilla
There are times when you wake up and you have been hit so hard by life’s struggles that you feel like you can’t even get up. Life has become a sea of turbulent waves that has knocked you down until your frustrated, your angry, and tired. It takes everything for you to stand and keep moving forward. I am going to share something with you that is going to change your life forever, something that will awaken the real you to a world that dwells around us. When the son of God Yeshua (Jesus), walked this earth, he knew the sufferings that every human being experienced, it was a weight that burden he took on himself. So heavy of a burden that he sweat blood through his pores and his tears. The greatest thing that Yeshua (Jesus) did was to demonstrate and teach us who we really are…. God’s Children! Yes, that’s right you are God’s child! Many religious teachings say, “You were born a sinner.” We must first understand what the word means from the Hebrew translation “SIN” comes from the Hebrew word Chait”, which means “to miss, go wrong, make a mistake or an error”. God created you from his love, from his word, and you were born a Child of God. Here is the thing, your whole life you were raised with a God mentality that separated you from God the father, the creator A.K.A. your Father. Leaving you dormant and asleep in the Spirit. When Yeshua (Jesus) chose his disciples, he chose those who were down trodden, those who suffered at life’s turmoil’s and circumstances. Why did he do this? Because he wanted those who would accept God’s love for his children and not reason with a religious mentality. Those who wanted to know more than what they were taught and had been forced to learn. Yeshua (Jesus) during his time on earth, defied even the very laws of nature. He wanted us to know our potential and the supernatural power we have in us as God’s children. One day when his disciples were in the boat, Jesus was on the shore, then a storm rose up on the sea. They became afraid, fear gripped them, and they desperately looked for Yeshua (Jesus), when suddenly, they saw someone walking on the water in the storm towards their boat.
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It was Yeshua (Jesus) and when Peter Saw Yeshua (Jesus) he asked, “Lord, is it You?” and “If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. So, Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29. You see Peter knew at that precise moment that he could walk on water because he moved by his faith. He started to walk on the water but when he looked down into the sea and allowed the storm to shake his very faith, well Peter began to Sink, then Yeshua (Jesus) grabbed his hand and pulled him up setting him back on the water. The Sea of struggles are below you and God wants you to walk on top of them and it is the supernatural power that God created in you that changes Faith into Action! It is only by his Spirit that gives you the right to walk on the water and defy all reasoning, all laws of nature. When you’re a child of God, YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORRY about any Storm! The only thing stopping you from understanding this is your God Mentality. You must change your God mentality, you must change the “YOU” mentality by waking up to who you really are. If you’re ready to change then you must completely give God control of everything in your life, control of your mind, body, spirit, and soul through his son (Jesus) Yeshua Mashiach. In you God created a Supernatural Being that walks on water, overcomes Adversity, and Struggles. “NOT BY MIGHT, NOT BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT.” GOD said.
“Through discovering God, you will discover who you really are, and it is then and only then you will be able to break the chains and cycle of struggles that has trapped you and left you drowning in your life. When you are awakened to who you truly are and who you are truly meant to be…” A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH”, then will you rise above every circumstance and walk on the Sea of Struggles. Know GOD and you will know the Supernatural YOU.”
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“I’ve had a few people in my lifetime who have set great examples, and I have tried to learn from everyone that I meet because everyone that you meet I believe, has something we learn from.”
Dennis Hernandez Born and raised in Tampa Harvard Graduated
by: Victor Padilla Victor Padilla: So, Dennis, tell us about yourself and your family history here in Tampa Dennis Hernandez: Well I was born in Tampa General, 5th Generation from Hillsborough County, my mom’s side was Florida Crackers Dennison Mobley’s Coopers and my dad’s side was Spanish and Cuban. I’ve lived here all my life. Victor Padilla: So, what and who inspired you into become an attorney and get into law Dennis Hernandez: Sure, well first all I was the first person to go to college in my family and my grandfather was a waiter at the Colombian restaurant. He had a 5th grade education, he was born in west Tampa and grew up in the great depression and all that and I saw how hard his life was and he was the one that really emphasized the importance of education to me. My grandparents wanted me to be a Doctor, that’s kinda what I started out in, but I didn’t gravitate it as well to it, I really wanted to help people who were unfortunate. Ive always, from the time I was young, probably 9 years old, Ive always had the feeling that my destiny in life was to help the Poor, so I gravitated towards a profession where number one I could take care of myself because if you can’t take care of yourself it’s hard to take care of somebody else. So that’s what kind of pushed me toward wanting to make money and wanting to help people and seeing that
Check out the Video Interview: https://youtu.be/BLnWIG4aspw people’s rights were violated just something that I believe so I dein my own personal experience cided last year that I was going in my life, I felt that I could do to rent a float, you can rent them good in the world by becoming from the float company here in Tampa. I got Tico’s old float, a lawyer. they let me rent it, so we did it Victor Padilla: So, let’s talk about last year and we took the kids, your passion for the community made an announcement on TV, Free to them, and it turned out and for kids Dennis Hernandez: Sure, well great. The kids just had a great I’ve got 3 kids of my own, they time, even the non-verbal chilare 13, 12, and 10 a daughter dren who were a little reserved, and two sons, my daughters got them on the boat, started the oldest, my youngest son is going to the crowd, screaming, 10 years old, he has down syn- throwing beads, and they just drome and he’s high functioning lit up, they were going bonkers, so has a really great vocabulary, so it was fun it was a good exwhich I’m very fortunate be- perience and the parents were cause there are Downs children so grateful it let me know the who are non-verbal, there are kids really enjoyed it. It was a Downs children who also have unique opportunity for them a Autism and other problems and lot of the parent told me they’ve they can’t communicate at all. never done anything like that I’ve been really fortunate that before coming from fairly poor my son is hilarious, I mean of families and so they don’t have all my kids, he’s the funniest. these kinds of opportunities. It He has the vocabulary and he was so gratifying that I said Im interacts with people well so a going to keep doing this so this couple years ago I took my kids is the 2nd year doing it, so were to the Gasparilla Parade, being creating, (my youngest son is from Tampa, I love all Tampa named Dennis also) the Dennis things, I love everything, the Hernandez Down Syndrome Tampa Skyline, West Tampa, Foundation here in Tampa. the buildings, the streets, the bricks in the roads that we have, Victor Padilla: So, tell us exactI’m a Tampa kid you know? So ly what you do what your law I noticed going to Gasparilla firm is about and what you do that there were other children for the community through the that were special needs, and you law firm? know we always go to the kids Dennis Hernandez: Sure, well parade and the gay parade, and I think we do a lot of good for I noticed there were kids with the community through the law special needs and they were firm through the business. In spectators, so I thought you the law firm, all I do are motor know I don’t see anybody doing vehicle collisions, the injuries this so there’s a niche for it, it’s that occur from motor vehicle collisions. I have 7 lawyers This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
that works for me, and we have about 20 total staff. We have it set up in a system in which we produce maximum benefit for every client that we get. I mean my goal is that we get the best outcome for every single person that comes through the door, nobodies a number here. We pride ourselves on maximizing all the medical treatment that’s necessary for the person that they need and recovering every dime possible for that person. I would about 70 percent of our cases are in litigation meaning that the insurance company didn’t offer enough money, we file suit. If they don’t file enough money during the course of the lawsuit we fight it as long as necessary. I cover all costs the client doesn’t pay a dime, they don’t pay a penny of anything until the very end, until we get a recovery. I’ll pay whatever I have to pay, out of my pocket to get whoever I have to bring to put on a full case to the jury to get the maximum impact possible.
Dennis Hernandez
Day or night 24/7 lawyer 1-855Law DENNIS or (813) 250-0000
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