Thursday, June 09, 2011

Puerto Rico promotes itself as a top travel destination

With President Obama's historic and brief visit to Puerto Rico next week, the island is getting worldwide attention. Puerto Rico Tourism Company officials welcome the spotlight to show off the Caribbean island as a "tropical paradise" worth exploring for its rich history, culture, natural wonders, cuisine, sports and more.
Despite headlines of the high unemployment and high crime rate on the island, it is impressive that Puerto Rico has actually seen an increase in tourism this year.
Tourism reports that hotel occupancy rates this year increased four percent over the same period last year; the island saw a 34 percent increase in visitors from cruise ships last year an expect an increase this year; and the number of airlines flying to Puerto Rico is up, with nine U.S. airlines now servicing the island and another expected later this year.
PRSUN met earlier this week with Ciso Moreno of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, which has been spent the last few days at the Caribbean Travel Organization's "Caribbean Week in New York" trade show. Puerto Rican tourism officials are at the trade show promoting the island as a top travel destination and to showcase the island's tourism development and investment plan to potential investors.
"Puerto Rico is the most diverse destination within the Caribbean made up a diverse cultures," he says. "It's a big blend."
He says the diversity the island has to offer is not only reflected in the people, but also in its cuisine and tourist attractions throughout the island.
"We want to offer you a destination experience," says Moreno. Puerto Rico Tourism encourages visitors to go beyond the hotel they are staying and to explore the island because "there's something for everyone" from the beautiful beaches to the natural wonders to scuba diving, whale watching, and golfing.
"We have the fun, the sun and the rum," he says, adding that tourists are welcomed to see what is "unique and different" about Puerto Rico.
He says many tourists leave the island and end up returning to explore more. Repeat clientele, he says, is 57% at hotels, which is a good sign.
New laws on the island are making it an attractive investment opportunity for resort and hotel developers.
The island's tax credits and exemptions for projects such as hotels, timeshares and vacation clubs are also helping. Tax incentives also exist to make Puerto Rico a highly desirable location for film productions, which helps to contribute to the island's economy as far as jobs and hotel rooms.
In addition, Puerto Rico's new marketing campaign "Just Think, Puerto Rico," which was launched in New York City last November, has definitely made its "Puerto Rico does it better" line more than just a catchy phrase.
The fact that no passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico is also especially attractive to tourists seeking a Caribbean getaway.
Puerto Rico has eased its laws, making it easier for U.S. citizens to get married in Puerto Rico. Because of that, Moreno says he expects to see an increase in the wedding/romance tourism sector, which he calls "Puerto Rico's best kept secret."
Another interesting market Puerto Rico Tourism is targeting is medical tourism to serve visitors with health problems such as those in need of dialysis.
While many say President Obama's visit to Puerto Rico is a public relations stunt to sway stateside Puerto Ricans on his reelection campaign, Moreno says Obama has an interest in Puerto Rico's vision for economic development including its reinvigorating tourism industry.
In this economy, Moreno says, many places are busy trying to fill the hotels rooms they have, but "we continue opening hotels." And, that means jobs on an island with high unemployment numbers. That is something that has grabbed Obama's attention, Moreno says.
The president's visit is expected to include talks about Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. commonwealth and government efforts to foster economic development.
To find out more about Puerto Rico Tourism, visit seepuertorico.com.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Boricua Pride Postage from Zazzle.com

Boricua Pride Postage from Zazzle.com

It's Puerto Rican Parade week in NYC. Stop by the PRSUN shop. Show your support for independent online media and art. Shop features a variety of merchandise featuring original photography by Clarisel Gonzalez.

Today's featured product is "Boricua Pride Postage."

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Andres Jimenez in the Bronx


Andres Jimenez performs at Hostos in the Bronx Friday night. To view more photos, visit my South Bronx events '11 photo set.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade festival and Mass

Things to do

TODAY
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WHAT:
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. hosts the 152nd Street Annual Cultural Festival, a street fair celebrating Puerto Rican live music, ethnic food, arts & crafts, and family-fun activities.

WHERE:
East 152nd Street at Jackson, Concord, Wales, and Tinton Avenues
Bronx, NY


SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH,
4:00 PM

WHAT:
Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York, officiates the 20th Annual Mass marking the start of Puerto Rican Day Parade Week in New York, honoring the memory of the lives lost on September 11th, legendary baseball player Emilio "Millito" Navarro, and Singer Johnny Albino, among others.

WHERE:
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Fifth Avenue at East 50th Street
Manhattan

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source: National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Featured photo: Francis Marie Cruz is the new Miss Puerto Rico for the 2011 National PR Day Parade

From left, Juan J. Gonzlez and Rhina Valentín (pageant judges), Francis Marie Cruz (Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP 2011), Helen Troncoso (Miss Belleza Latina 2011) and Madelyn Lugo (presidenta del Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño, Inc.) (photo by Aracelis Santiago)

El Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño Inc. anunció la elección de Francis Marie Cruz, de 25 años de edad, como ganadora del certamen cultural Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP 2011. La joven residente de Yonkers labora como maestra de educación especial enfocada en niños con autismo. Posee una maestría en educación especial de la Universidad de Pace y un bachillerato en periodismo de la Universidad Estatal de Nueva York (SUNY), recinto de New Paltz. El certamen cultural Miss Puerto Rico NPRDP promueve el orgullo, la autoestima y la educación entre las jóvenes de desendencia puertorriqueña. El evento se realizó el sábado 28 de mayo en la Escuela Intermedia 172, Floral Park, condado de Queens. El certamen en uno de los muchos eventos comunitarios de antesala al Desfile, pautado para el domingo 12 de junio del 2011 en la Quinta Avenida. Para el calendario completo de eventos visite www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org o llame al 718-401-0404.



Francis Marie Cruz, 25, of Yonkers is the new Miss Puerto Rico for this year's National Puerto Rican Day Parade. She is a special education teacher of children with autism. She has a master's degree from Pace University in special education and a bachelor's in journalism from SUNY New Paltz. She won the title Saturday at the cultural pageant in Queens. The parade is June 12th along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. For a complete calendar of parade-related events going on throughout the city, go to www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org.

Friday, May 27, 2011

PRSUN Radio chats on the National Puerto Rican Day Parade

PRSUN Radio to chat with parade chairwoman Madelyn Lugo today at 4 p.m. Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio. If you miss, catch the archived interview.

(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

UPDATE: To listen to interview with parade chairwoman Madelyn Lugo and press guy Javier Gomez:
Listen to internet radio with PRSUN RADIO on Blog Talk Radio

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Three boricua Miss Universe winners to march in PR Parade to raise awareness of child homelessness

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. (NPRDP), the not-for-profit cultural organization that produces the annual Parade along Fifth Avenue, and American Airlines, the major carrier celebrating 40 years of service to Puerto Rico, joined forces to support Covenant House, the leading Homeless Youth Shelter and Charitable Organization in the United States.
In celebration of the 16th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade (54th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade since its inception as a local organization), NPRDP and American Airlines, have recruited three Puerto Rican women who have held the Miss Universe title to march in this year's celebration, scheduled for Sunday, June 12th. Marisol Malaret (Miss Universe 1970), Dayanara Torres (1993) and Zuleyka Rivera
(2006) will appear on the American Airlines float and serve as spokespersons for homeless youth issues. American Airlines, Official Airline of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, has committed to raising awareness of the Covenant House by visiting the Manhattan location, bringing donated items to those living there and partnering on fundraising opportunities.

Marisol Malaret, Miss Universe 1970

"Each year, Covenant House serves over 50 thousand at-risk youth in the nation and throughout the hemisphere," said Madelyn Lugo, president of NPRDP. "We are thrilled to partner with American Airlines to ensure that our commitment remains strong, and that Covenant House continues to cover the basic needs of homeless children and safely lead them to independent adulthood."

Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993


"For over 30 years, American Airlines has proudly collaborated with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade to support causes that are important to our customers and align with our corporate values," said Art Torno, American Airlines Vice President - New York. "For the second year in a row, we are expanding our partnership to include a charity whose pioneering work touches the lives of thousands. We are pleased to make Covenant House our 2011 honoree as we recognize its vital role as a sanctuary for youth and children in crisis."

Malaret, the first Puerto Rican woman to hold the Miss Universe title, became a beloved icon in Puerto Rico first as a television host, and then as an entrepreneurial magazine publisher. She devotes her time to many charitable causes, such as public health and homelessness, and it was her work with Covenant House that led to the partnership with American Airlines.

Torres, the third Puerto Rican woman elected Ms. Universe, is an author and an actress and also has a long history of public service. She previously served as a UNICEF Ambassador, and her foundation provides scholarships to children in Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006


Rivera, the fifth Puerto Rican woman elected Miss Universe, is an actress who has also served as a spokesperson to raise awareness of many issues, including HIV, Heart Disease, Children's Immunization and the impact of Drunk Driving, among others.

"The National Puerto Rican Day Parade welcomes these role models who have inspired generations to make a contribution and make the world a better place. I invite everyone to join us on June 12th along Fifth Avenue as we hear their messages of hope. It would be our way of saying "gracias/thank you" to these remarkable women," Lugo added.

Founded 38 years ago with the mission to assist homeless children, Covenant House is the largest privately funded agency in the Americas providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and essential services to homeless, throwaway and runaway kids. The organization operates facilities in 21 cities across the United States, Canada and Central America, including a shelter in New York City that serves over 6,000 youth and children every year (over 400 per day).

In 2010, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and American Airlines launched their first Annual Charity Support Initiative by recruiting Puerto Rican actress Karla Monroig to appear on the American Airlines float, raising awareness of breast cancer and the work of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.


###

source: National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dancing in Manhattan


@ the Dance Parade
(Photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

I took more than 350 photos at the Dance Parade. Many dance cultures were represented at the parade including Japan, the Native Americans, Bolivia, and Puerto Rico of course. To view more photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/sets/72157626781323062/.

Friday, May 13, 2011

PRSUN Radio chats with Emmy winning standup comedian Mike Robles

PRSUN Radio chats with standup comedian Mike Robles on Monday from 6:30-7 p.m. Listen live or later at www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.

For more information about Mike, visit his website at www.mikerobles.com. He is currently promoting his new CD "WEPA!" LIVE! from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City, a comedic journey on his life in the Bronx, on being Puerto Rican/Latino, his relationships and the church. NY lives in Mike. )


UPDATE: TO LISTEN TO THE ARCHIVED INTERVIEW:

Listen to internet radio with PRSUN RADIO on Blog Talk Radio

Monday, May 09, 2011

Featured Photo: Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Queen Krysti Ogando

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade is Sunday along the Grand Concourse. PRSUN is a sponsor.
(UPDATE: The May 15th Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade has been cancelled due to rain, president Francisco Gonzalez confirmed. New date to be determined.)



(photo of parade queen Krysti Ogando by Fonseca Fotography)

Friday, April 08, 2011

Applications wanted: 2011 College Awards for undergraduate Puerto Rican women

In the mailbox

Dear Friend:

We are currently accepting applications for our 2011 College Awards to be presented at our College Awards Gala Dinner Dance at the Marina Del Rey in The Bronx, on Thursday, August 18, 2011. These awards are granted annually to undergraduate Puerto Rican women selected for their academic excellence and service to the community.

To be eligible, applicants must send a completed 2011 College Award Application Form to our post office box, listed above, by the deadline date of June 5, 2011 and meet all of the following criteria:

1. Currently matriculated as an undergraduate student in an accredited institution of higher education, having earned a minimum of 12 accumulated credits.

2. Maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no failing grades.

3. Demonstrate service to the community.

4. Provide an official college transcript.

5. Provide two (2) letters of recommendation from a professor, college advisor, employer or supervisor.

6. Submit a suitable 4" by 6" photo of the applicant for inclusion in our Commemorative Dinner-Dance Journal.

The College Award Committee will review only those applications that comply with all of the above six (6) requirements. The essays of the selected applicants will be included in our Commemorative Dinner-Dance Journal and should be written meticulously.

Applications can be downloaded from our website: www.nylprw.org or requested via phone or email. Thank you for your assistance in publicizing this information to as many eligible students as possible, and feel free to make as many copies of the application form as you deem necessary.

Sincerely,



Edith Padilla, President