Noches De Pasarela

The fashion industry in the Hispanic community seems to largely go unnoticed. Mr. Javier Pabon is about to change that with his premier fashion events which showcase Latino designers. His first event is on Saturday, Nov. 18th at 11 p.m. at LQ in Manhattan.

If you you're in the fashion industry or just a fashionista, this event is for you.

See you there!

Buy tickets online at TicketWeb:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/event/EventListings?orgId=16102
Ticket price $10 online and $20 at the door.

She Bangs!

Thursday night proved to be one of those nights where it all comes together, fun and networking. Our speaker, Cathy Areu, Founder of Catalina Magazine facilitated both.

We got the scoop on how the magazine was founded, how your best instinct can deceive you in business (such as not putting Eva Longoria on the cover of Catalina Magazine before Housewives was aired) and how a little Latino Wisdom goes a long way. Many thanks to all who attended and to Cathy for sharing her story with us.

Seen at the scene: Javier Pabon, Rev. Carmen Hernandez, Sid and Nora Getz, Doris Rivera, Will Rodriguez, Jessica Rodriguez, Julie Kramer, Lisa Ramsay, Esteban Quinones, Dion Solis, Tom Castillo, Denise Alvarez, Julio Tejada, Aurelia Santiago, Adele Farina, Gustavo Carbajal and many others.

HPNG: A Eulogy for Marketing y Medios

HPNG: A Eulogy for Marketing y Medios

HPNG: A Eulogy for Marketing y Medios

A Eulogy for Marketing y Medios

To my friend Laura Martinez,

Thank you for all you did for the Hispanic community through Marketing y Medios. Your run isn't over, so I can't wait to see what's next.

XOXO

-Ali

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From the MultiCultClassics blog:

Delivering a Eulogy for a Magazine.

Hasta la vista, baby.

Barely a week after the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month, media conglomerate VNU announced its decision to dump Marketing y Medios, the trade magazine dedicated to Latino advertising and more.

The new scheme involves rolling the magazine’s content into monthly special reports that will run in sister publications Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek — sort of a business burrito for the professional masses.

The VNU spin was typically corporate: “The growing Hispanic market has evolved from a niche to the mainstream and our audience is asking for forward-thinking, broad-based coverage. … This move provides Marketing y Medios a prominent presence in our three core brands while offering Hispanic advertisers a voice among mainstream brand marketers and media buyers.”

The Spanish translation for the VNU statement: Caca Grande.

Read the complete posting

So You Think You Can Dance?

Dance Dream Group Project announcement, sent by Mr. Ricky Villa of Prudential Financial. Open for anyone to join, here are the details:

Saturday October 28 2006: Grand Opening Premiere

1. Place: Sports Clubs L.A.

2. Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111 (In the plaza between 50 & 51 street).

3. Time: 2 - 4:30 p.m.

4. Staff Presentation:

Director & Dance Master in Chief: Ricardo Villa (a.k.a. RickyRicardo)

Choreographer, Female Style and Rehearsal Coordinator: Victoria Muniz (a.k.a. Vicky)

Leading Dancers: Genaro Perez, Ruben Munoz, Angelique Zuccolo and Nuria Martinez

Fitness Manager: Edmee Cherdeu

Personal Trainer Support: Kenny Pena & Kristin McGee

5. Rehearsal Schedule in NY for 2006:

Saturday November 11 2006 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday November 25 2006 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday December 9 2006 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

5.1. Rehearsal Schedule and Place in New Jersey in progress.

6. Dancers Search and Convocation:

Anyone willing to dance, practice and perform.

Anyone with a positive attitude, mentality and candela

Anyone willing to meet new people, socialize, make new friends,learn new skills and have a new family.

None experience necessary. Just willing to learn.

7. Dance Style: Cuban Salsa "Rueda Casino" style

8. Time Breaking: On 1 or On 2 depends of the people participating exp.

9. Main Staff Contact information:

For RickyRicardo: Ricardo.Villa@Prudential.com and 646-526-3545

For Vicky: DancewithVicky@aol.com and 973-216-8136

For Genaro: Genaro.Perez@Resources-US.com and 212-492-1042

10. How to participate

Please reply to 3 of us with:

Name:

Age:

E-mail:

Phone numbers:

How do you describe yourself?

Profile, hobbies, personality description, favorite movies, shows, sports, activities, etc.

Home address:

Company name and address:

Why do you want to be part of this project:

Who invited you?

Associations that you are member or part of:

Which rehearsal are you thinking to attend?

Dance experience:

Dance performance experience:

Are you planning to come by yourself or with someone else, please explain?

Awww Shucks....

Ali,

Wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the HPNG networking event held at Elmo Lounge on Thursday, September 28th. The venue was cozy, intimate, and inviting and the speaker Rafael Jimenez was engaging, articulate and informative. Thanks for producing a monthly networking event that's truly worth attending. I look forward to participating in your events in the future.

Cheers,

Carlos J. Capellan
Business Finance Consultant
Capital Leasing Solutions LLC

Latino Wisdom from Cathy Areu

I'm excited we get to hear some latino wisdom from Cathy Areu on Thursday, but even more excited that we'll have a couple of drawings for her book, Latino Wisdom.

Latino Wisdom is a collection of 34 inspirational stories from Rosie Perez to John Leguizamo, as told to Cathy. In addition, the great Ms. Areu has offered to bring a copy of her magazine CATALINA for everyone at the HPNG event. Way cool.

Great job North Fork Bank!

The 1st Annual Latino Achievements Awareness Reception happened on Thurs., Oct. 19th and it went on without a hitch.

Congratulations to Cesar Gomez and Denise Adams for a fantastic job in bringing together such a dynamic group of Latino professionals to network. The gracious and lovely Alexandra Soto of NY 1 Noticias set the stage for Juan Guillen and I to deliver our short presentations on empowerment, collaboration and above all, networking. Also, I want to point out the out-of-control food served by the wonderful folks at Mi Cocina, which kept us well fed throughout the night with incredible delights from their kitchen.

Seen at the scene: Juan Grajeda, Rev. Carmen Hernandez, Denise Males, Lance Rios, Ted Santos, Eldin Villafane, Joe DeOrio, Adlin Palencia, Julio Tejada, Joseph Rudovic, Dion Solis, Jose Thomas Castillo, Lucy Orozco, Jasmine Pena, Roy Williams, Lloyd Grant, Erik Mayor, Grace Hannon, Moises Santana, Felipe Wityk Sanchez, Maria Esquilin, Diva and many others.

North Fork Bank's 1st Annual Latino Achievements Awareness Reception

HPNG invites you to North Fork Bank's 1st Annual Latino Achievements Awareness Reception.

I'm glad the banks are reaching out to the Hispanic community at a grassroot level, aside from sign-ups for checking accounts at street fairs or sponsoring the latest La Mega music jam. It's nice to see they've taken the time to personalize the event and you actually get to meet the people behind the effort. Kudos to Mr. Cesar Gomez for stepping out of the obvious.

The featured keynote speakers at the event are Mr. Juan Guillen, Publisher of Dominican Times Magazine and yours truly, President of HPNG.

The 1st Annual Latino Achievements Reception salutes Latino Americans who have impacted their communities. It's free to attend, just send your rsvp to Dema Abbout at 212-486-4159 or email: branch361@nfb.com

Thursday, October 19, 2006
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
North Fork Bank
52nd Street & 3rd Avenue
NYC

See you there!

Cena En Espanol

There are those of us who are bilingual but don't get to practice it much, but now thanks to David Wolff, there's Cena en Espanol. A monthly gathering of those who want to practice their Spanish (whether they are Latino or not) over drinks and dinner. This is a great opportunity to network outside your usual circles and practice your Spanish.

The next Cena en Espanol is on October 25th at Sofrito 400 East 57th Street (between First Avenue and Sutton Place) Drinks at 5:30 pm and dinner at 7:30 pm. Contact David to rsvp at: david_wolff64@hotmail.com

Feedback from Sietar New York

The HPNG event last month was informative, fun and I met so many people who seemed truly interested in networking and connecting! I will see everyone soon at another event. Also, I am president of SIETAR New York, an intercultural organization. I welcome you to our next event on conflict resolution in a multi-cultural work environment on Oct 20. Please go to our site www.sietarnewyork.org to register. Thanks so much. - Dianne Nersesian

Free Hugs

When HPNG invites speakers to share their story, the experience is part learning and part inspiration. I was inspired by this video forwarded to me by Elsie Sanchez, that truly makes one think, the world could really use more hugs. Free Hugs

Those who can't do, teach

Lucky for me, there are those out there doing. It's very inspiring to see Gary Santana and Cesar Valenzuela give back to the community with their time and efforts.

Both HPNG supporters are walking for the Fight Against Breast Cancer and I ask you to take the time to visit their pages and pledge your support. Thanks Gary and Cesar!

Gary Santana's Page

Cesar Valenzuela's Page

HPNG October Networking Event

HPNG welcomes the dynamic Cathy Areu, Founder of Catalina Magazine.

Thursday, October 26th
Elmo @ the lounge
156 Seventh Avenue (btwn. 19th & 20th Sts.)
NYC

See you there!

Viva La Republica!

Finally, the much anticipated day arrived. On September 28th, HPNG welcomed the founder of Republica Trading Company, Rafael Jimenez to our forum. Having only read about him, I wasn't sure what what his personality was like, so I was pleasantly surprised that his sense of humor kept the dialogue fresh and friendly and above all, real.

The story was great, the inspiration was even greater. I'm only sorry I forgot to ask him to bring along a pair of sunglasses from their upcoming Republica Eyewear collection, so we could have a drawing. No worries, we'll ask him to visit again. Thanks Rafael.

On community and giving back

Networking is a great way to develop business, seek advice on one's career and a way to give back to the community.

Nataly Zaldana of Smith Barney has done just that. Below is her request for support and link where you can help. Way to go Nataly!

Friends, family, and colleagues:

This year on Oct 19, I have decided to make a very special commitment-- one that will be meaningful for so many people beyond myself. Over a 3 Mile walk this October. This walk-a-thon will be much more than "walking along the West Side Highway Promenade in Huson River Park" ? it will be raising money to support the Girls Inc. of New York City.

I have committed to raising 50.00 to participate in this marathon, but I've set a personal goal of raising at least $100.00. I'm asking you to make a commitment too. Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation to help me achieve this goal. Moreover, please feel free to forward this email on to anybody else who might be interested in the event. I'll be doing all the running...all you need to do is fill out the donation form attached above.

Consider foregoing one evening out and spending the money on a cause that will affect someone you love or know in your lifetime. You know the amount that is right for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to you helping this cause. Please call me or e-mail me if you have any questions or just want to talk.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Girls Inc. of New York City.

HPNG goes downtown

In the course of HPNG hosting events, we get to meet many organizations that are doing great things in the Hispanic community. On September 26th, HPNG co-hosted an informational event along with Focus Forward Latino, a Hispanic market research firm, to present their latest findings. The event was held at the goth-inpsired downtown hotspot, Ludo where we enjoyed appetizers and cocktails before the presentation. For those who couldn't make the event, Focus Foward Latino has assured us they will upload their presentation to their website for anyone to download. I'll keep you posted as soon as that link is ready. Great job Andrew!

Seen at the scene: Ramon Martinez, Adele Farina, Oscar Gomez, Sandro Pardo, Christina Castro, Oscar Flores de Valgaz, Vladimir Rene, David Wolff and many others.

I blog!

I blog!

After deliberating and musing the possibility of blogging, here I am. I even did my homework on blogging. In fact, I produced a conference on December '05 about blogging. The Beyond Blogs and Social Networks conference featured prominent bloggers such as David Teten, Steve Rubel, Dan Burstein and social networking mavens such as Laurel Touby. I read Dan Burnstein's book, Blog! to delve into the minds of those who blog.

But it wasn't until after our Sept. HPNG event, that I sat down for dinner with Rafael Jimenez, who finally convinced me to just do it!

So, I'll start with fun stuff. Cathy Areu and Catalina Magazine hosted their Groundbreaking Latina Awards on Sept. 20th at the beautiful Chelsea theatre, Dante Studio. I was lucky enough to be asked to present an award and was treated to the company of an array of powerful Latina women whose stories were touching, but above all inspiring. The Groundbreaking Latina Award went to Marilyn Milian from TV's The People's Court, who showed up with her bailiff and announcer from the show. It was great.

After snagging a ride on a hummer limo parked outside (that's a separate story...), we topped the night off with drinks at Elmo. Thanks Catalina Magazine!

Seen at the Scene: Rev. Carmen Hernandez, Sara Alvarez, Leslie Sanchez (from Martha Stewart's Apprentice), Wilda Escarfuller, Dr. Charley Ferrer, Vanessa Smith, Joel Santos and many others.

There you have it, my first post.