Ricky Martin Hands Over Keys to New Homes to Three Hurricane-Devastated Families in Puerto Rico

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is making a special delivery on his native island…

Taking advantage of his time in Puerto Rico, the 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar visited the town of Loíza to continue to hand over keys to new homes for three families left homeless by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María last year.

“Thanks to each of your contributions to our fund, we rebuild homes, provide protection and hope to hundreds of families,” Martin said in a press release.

The Ricky Martin Foundation, a nonprofit organization named after the superstar, has handed over homes that are being rebuilt after the losses. Identifying and reconstructing the homes began in March, and the goal is to give keys to some 225 families by the fall of 2019.

In the reconstruction project, there are over 30 Loíza residents working, and each recipient, apart from collaborating in the reconstruction of your home, choose the color of your paint, slabs and other elements. They also receive workshops at the Tau Center as part of this initiative.

Part of the funds have been raised thanks to the viral campaign selling a black shirt with the Puerto Rican flag stamped on it, which was designed by Martin twins, Valentino and Matteo.

The campaign has received the support of many superstars, including Maluma, Luis Fonsi, Bad Bunny, Will Smith, Marc Anthony.

MJ Rodriguez & Her “Pose” Castmates to Be Honored by The Trevor Project

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

MJ Rodriguez is getting a special honor…

Since its debut back in June, FX’s Pose, starring the 27-year-old Latina transgender actress and singer, has been busy breaking records.

The Ryan Murphy-helmed program feautured the largest cast of transgender actors in series-regular roles, the largest ever LGBTQ cast on a scripted series and featured the first episode of television in history to be written and directed by a transgender woman of color, Janet Mock.

Now, Posewill reap the rewards of their progressive programming. The Trevor Project, a world-famous non-profit organization aimed at aiding at-risk LGBTQ youth, will honor Murphy, Rodriguez, who portrays Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista,and the rest of the cast of the show at their upcoming TrevorLIVE Gala.

Amit Paley, the CEO and executive director for The Trevor Project, said that the show’s aim to represent trans people so directly has been inspiring to watch.

“Ryan Murphy and the cast of Posehave had a tremendous impact on the lives of young LGBTQ people over the past year,” he said. “We’re incredibly excited to honor them for their dedication to creating a community of openness and inclusiveness for LGBTQ youth through their innovative work and leadership.”

Murphy added that he was similarly affected by the organization’s decision to honor his work and his cast. “I’m thrilled to be honored by The Trevor Project alongside the cast of Pose,” he said in a statement. “We’re extremely supportive of the work that this extraordinary organization does to help LGBTQ young people in need feel heard and valued.”

Emma Gonzalez Gives Emotional Speech at Variety’s Power of Women Event

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Emma Gonzalez is encouraging women to rise up and vote…

The 18-year-old Cuban American activist and gun reform advocate was among the honorees at Variety’s Power of Women event, an annual event that recognizes some of Hollywood’s most philanthropic women whose efforts have made a significant impact to their chosen charities and causes.

During her speech, Gonzalez reflected on the myriad of school shootings that have taken place over the past several years. Gonzalez couldn’t hide her raw emotions as she shared her own experiences with the effects of gun violence, before calling upon audience members to use their public platforms to take a stand for gun regulation.

Eight months after surviving the school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Gonzalez said she can still feel the pain she experienced that day as if it’s happening right now.

“Nothing made sense in those days except for the fact that there was nothing to stop this from happening to anyone in a country with practically no gun safety laws,” she said.

Soon after, Gonzalez became a representative for the March for Our Lives organization, fighting for gun control legislation across America — a battle that Gonzalez said left her and her friends feeling “as though we are holding the country on our still-developing shoulders.”

Gonzalez also highlighted the presence of gun violence outside of the school environment, pointing to the numerous shootings at nightclubs, concerts, airports, and more. “Gun violence isn’t picky,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez went on to express gratitude that the voices of young people are finally being heard. “Before our voices were scoffed at and talked over. Now I’m an 18-year-old girl who’s here today,” Gonzalez said to claps from the audience. However, she also recognized that the people in the audience had the power to carry their voices further.

Gonzalez listed off the numerous victims of gun violence she met during her 64-day tour across America, including the victims of the Las Vegas and Charlottesville shootings, whose stories brought her to tears as she spoke.

Gonzalez then discussed some of the misconceptions surrounding March for Our Lives, making it clear that the organization is not trying to take away guns, before calling on audience members to use their own platforms to encourage more people to vote.

“Everybody in this room is in a unique position, because you are here, you have proven to hold power,” Gonzalez said. “To each of you powerful women I say this, you know that you are forces to be reckoned with, you can and have inspired peace and understanding and, most importantly, right now you can inspire your audience to vote. Now more than ever women need to continue to rise up.”

Daddy Yankee Featured on Beat Fever’s Interactive Album to Help Puerto Rico’s Recovery Efforts

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is spreading the Fever to help his homeland…

Beat Fever, a mobile music app with more than 9.1 million fans, has launched a campaign to help Puerto Rico recovery efforts, featuring the 41-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar.

“Play for Puerto Rico,” which Beat Fever launched in conjunction with non-profit organization Today I’m Brave, seeks to raise $500,000 to rebuild at least 100 roofs in Puerto Rico by driving awareness and donations to 100Roofs.org, which is spearheaded by actress Rosie Perez and Ramon Rodriguez in partnership with disaster relief organization Heart 9/11.

An interactive album featuring music from Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Nicky Jam and more allows fans tap to the beat of the songs, and learn about the project via pop-up videos between songs. They can then donate directly to 100Roofs.org with the click of a button. Puerto Rican-themed virtual clothing will allow fans to personalize their avatar.

“It’s hard to imagine that 60,000 homes are still using blue tarps as roofs in Puerto Rico a year after the hurricanes. In the spirit of teaching a man to fish, 100Roofs is a sustainable and scalable way to help Puerto Ricans rebuild their homes and communities,” said David Angelo, founder of Today, I’m Brave.

Beat Fever, which was launched last year and has fans in over 150 countries, will run the “Play for Puerto Rico” campaign through November. 30 here and via iTunes and Google Play.

YouTuber Michael Korte Creates “Evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda” for Hurricane Maria Relief

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is getting a special tribute… And, it’s all for a good cause.

Nearly a year after the deadly Category 5 Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is still trying to rebuild.

Moved by the disastrous aftermath, L.A.-based YouTuber Michael Korte gathered a group of talented artists and brought to life the “Evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda” to celebrate Miranda’s trajectory and raise funds for the victims in Puerto Rico.

Filmed in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles with the participation of Korte, Aaron Encinas,Brooke Simpson, Jasmin Cruz, Jessica Muchow, and Mark Joseph, the mashup features songs from In The Heights, Bring It On, Hamilton, and Moana, to name a few.

The decision to honor Miranda was simple, according to Korte. “Lin is so actively working to remind us all that Puerto Rico still needs our thoughts, aid, and heart,” he tells Billboard. “Lin’s work deserves the celebration!”

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the video will be donated to The Hispanic Federation to support hurricane relief in the island.

“Knowing that there are people in Puerto Rico still without power, still struggling with ramifications from the Hurricane is equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating,” Korte says. “These are our brothers and sisters.”

Tyler Posey to Co-Host #Up2Us: Stand Up To Cancer | The Digital Live Show

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Tyler Posey is taking a Stand…

The 26-year-old half-Mexican American actor is set to co-host #Up2Us: Stand Up To Cancer | The Digital Live Show alongside Max Greenfield and Brenda Song.

It’s Stand Up to Cancer’s first live digital pre-show on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and iHeartMedia’s social platforms.

Thebiennial fundraising event will begin at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT on Friday, September 7, leading into the 2018 televised roadblock special, which airs live from 8-9 PM ET/PT / 7 PM CT across the Big Four networks and more than 60 other broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Both will originate from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

The hour-long Digital Live Show will feature cancer survivors, influencers and stars from digital, TV, film, and music, including Rhett + Link, Uzo Aduba,Beth Behrs, Paris Berelc, Katie Couric, Hannah Hart, Olivia Holt, Ken Jeong, Liza Koshy, My Nguyen, Teni Panosian,Candice Patton, Andrea Russett, iHeartRadio’sJoJo Wright, Mackenzie and Maddie Ziegler. Additional stars and performers will be announced in the coming days.

Stand Up To Cancer’s aim is to raise funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives.

The Digital Live Show is being produced by Telescope, described as a specialist in live content creation and audience engagement technology for new digital platforms.

Pablo Montero to Perform at This Year’s Latin Community Awards

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Pablo Montero is set to perform for his community…

The 44-year-old Mexican singer and actor will perform at the Latin Community Awards 2018 on October 12 in Washington.

The awards are an occasion to recognize the local talent of Maryland and Virginia, as well as to showcase talent from all over the world of entertainment and the media. Latin influencers, including talented Venezuelans, will have the doors open for them to shine during the event.

The invited stars are joining forces to promote the gala of the Latin Community Awards as a prestigious prize among the Latin American community in the United States. The celebration will highlight the work of its president, Juan Hernández Villegas, and its logistics director, Jessie Cruz.

In addition to Montero, other musical guests for the evening include Ninel Conde, Fernando Allende, Jhosse and Grupo Lora, Mazizo Musical, La Banda Blanca de Honduras, Nory Flores de los Hermanos Flores, Oro Sólido, Richard Yz, Nuby and Elvis Presley Jr.

Film stars will also be present, including Riccardo Dalmacci, Guadalupe Hernandez, Julian Gallegos and Fernando Delgado.

Jared Leto to Participate in Entercom’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Special “I’m Listening”

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Jared Leto is doing more than Listening…

The 46-year-old part-Spanish American actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman is part of the lineup for Entercom’s live, commercial-free broadcast special to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Abrc gives you the different and best health suggestions for healthy life.

Part of Entercom’s I’m Listening campaign, the September 9 broadcast will feature numerous music, film and sports luminaries like Leto.

The lineup includes Mike McCready and Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha, Charlie Puth, Stone Temple Pilots, Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind and more.

Hosted by Seattle KISW-FM personality BJ Shea, the show will also feature clinical psychologist and NowMattersNow.org CEO Dr. Ursula Whiteside and Dr. Chris Nowinksi, co-founder and executive director of Concussion Legacy Foundation.

“In my forthcoming album The Pains of Growing, I touch on being lost and lonely and stuck inside my head,” said “Growing Pains” singer Cara. “I’ve recently dealt with anxiety – and understand what it was. I definitely want to reach as many people as I can, and will do so by partnering with Entercom and so many influential names connected to the cause. Hopefully, if I talk about mental health, it’ll help other people to talk about it… we’re all a lot more similar than we think we are.”

After Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington died in 2017, bandmate Shinoda released his first solo album, Post Traumatic, about the “journey out of grief and darkness.” Says Shinoda, “In most parts of the world, suicide claims more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined. I hope that sharing my personal story, in music and conversation, helps open up the door to new discussions and awareness about mental health.”

The broadcast will air across Entercom stations nationwide on September 9 (at 7:00 am local time) and on live streams via the Radio.com app as part of National Suicide Prevention Week. The special will feature call-in opportunities as well as an interactive website for listeners to share their stories and seek resources. For more information about the I’m Listening campaign, visit their website here.

Last year, the broadcast featured Halsey, Logic and iconic rock band Metallica, who spoke out about their experiences with mental illness and what fans can do to help themselves. The metal quartet spoke about how suicidal thinking can happen to anyone and how “talking about it is the most important thing.” Bassist Robert Trujillo reminded fans, “It’s not a sign of weakness to see a doctor when you are depressed.”

If you or someone you know is going through a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

Ricky Martin to Receive Special Honor at the Gala Vanguard Awards

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is a Vanguard…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will be honored at the 49th anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards, held annually by the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

The charity event honors Los Angeles-based leaders and influencers for their LGBT advocacy. Previous recipients of the Vanguard Awards include the likes of Miley Cyrus, Jane Fonda, Elton John, George and Brad Takei, and Wanda Sykes.

The 49th anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards will take place on September 22 at the Beverly Hilton.

Other 2018 honorees include Arrow and Supergirl showrunner Greg Berlanti; Berlanti’s partner, producer and retired soccer player Robbie Rogers; and philanthropist Ariadne Getty.

Martin released the Wisin and Yandel-featuring “Fiebre” and starred in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story earlier this year.

Lila Downs Joins Lineup of The Lantern Tour: Concerts for Migrant and Refugee Families

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Lila Downs is shining a lantern on migrant and refugee rights…

The 49-year-old Mexican singer has been added to the list of artists who will take part in The Lantern Tour: Concerts for Migrant and Refugee Families.

Downs, a Grammy-winning singer, joins a roster that includes Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Steve Earle.

Proceeds will go to the Women’s Refugee Commission in support of families seeking safety at the United States-Mexico border.

The five-date tour begins at Nashville’s City Winery on October 23 and concludes at New York’s Town Hall on October 28.

Other dates include the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. on October 25; the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey, on October 26; and Boston’s Orpheum Theater on October 27.

“The Women’s Refugee Commission has been on the front lines in advocating for the safety of women and children,” said Harris in a statement. “Their work is as remarkable as it is critical, especially right now. It is my honor to partner with this incredible organization and to bring my friends along for what I know will be a powerful tour.”

Founded in 1989, the WRC advocates for the rights of women, children and youth displaced by conflict and crisis. The organization has been on the forefront fighting President Donald Trump’s Zero Tolerance policy on the Mexican/U.S. border that has resulted in children being separated from their parents coming over the border.

Funds toward the concerts will go toward ending family separation and detention.

For tickets and more information, go to thelanterntour.org.

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