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.

Puerto Rico Sun Communications Pinback Buttons from Zazzle.com

Puerto Rico Sun Communications Pinback Buttons from Zazzle.com

Support independent community media and art. Shop PRSUN.

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

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

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/.

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

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)

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

BRONX LATINO: Nicole Rodriguez fights to name Bx street in honor of her bro Big Pun

BRONX LATINO: Nicole Rodriguez fights to name Bx street in honor of her bro Big Pun

Latinos Account for More Than Half of Nation's Growth in Past Decade

Census 2010: 50.5 Million Hispanics

The 2010 Census counted 50.5 million Hispanics in the United States, making up 16.3% of the total population. The nation's Latino population, which was 35.3 million in 2000, grew 43% over the decade. The Hispanic population also accounted for most of the nation's growth----56%----from 2000 to 2010.
Among children ages 17 and younger, there were 17.1 million Latinos, or 23.1% of this age group, according to an analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. The number of Latino children grew 39% over the decade. In 2000, there were 12.3 million Hispanic children, who were 17.1% of the population under age 18.
Although the numerical growth of the Hispanic population since 2000----more than 15 million----surpassed the totals for the previous two decades, the growth rate of 43% was somewhat slower than previous decades. Growth rates topped 50% in the 1980s (53%) and 1990s (58%).
Geographically, most Hispanics still live in nine states that have large, long-standing Latino communities----Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York and Texas----but the share living in other states has been growing. In 2010, 76% of Latinos lived in these nine states, compared with 81% in 2000 and 86% in 1990. (In 2000, 50% of Hispanics lived in California and Texas alone. In 2010, that share was 46%.) Despite the pattern of dispersion, however, there are more Latinos living in Los Angeles County (4.7 million) than in any state except California and Texas.
The states with the largest percent growth in their Hispanic populations include nine where the Latino population more than doubled, including a swath in the southeast United States----Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina. The Hispanic population also more than doubled in Maryland and South Dakota.
The report includes state rankings and totals for the size, share and percent growth of the overall Hispanic population and the population of Hispanic children under age 18. Also available on the Pew Hispanic Center's website are Excel files containing Hispanic and non-Hispanic population totals in each of the nation's states.
The report, "Hispanics Account for More Than Half of Nation's Growth in the Past Decade," authored by Jeffrey Passel, Senior Demographer, Pew Hispanic Center, D'Vera Cohn, Senior Writer, Pew Research Center, and Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, Pew Hispanic Center, is available at the Pew Hispanic Center's website, www.pewhispanic.org.
The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy research organization based in Washington, D.C. and is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

source: Pew Hispanic

On St. Patrick's Day

(photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)

I have always been drawn to St. Patrick's Day. I love all the green and the spirit of the Irish on this day. To view more photos of the parade, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel/sets/72157627127185414/with/5536664694/

Fundraising Dinner With Roberto Alomar

In the mailbox

An appeal for help: On April 3rd, 2011 Latino Sports will award our newest Hall Of Fame baseball player, Roberto Alomar with the "Boricua Pride Award" for becoming the 3rd Puerto Rican & 10th Latino to be inducted into the most prestigious baseball museum, The Hall of Fame (HOF). The event is also a fundraiser to rent buses to take kids from the South Bronx to a once in a lifetime experience to Cooperstown, NY on July 24th, 2011 to watch Roberto Alomar get inducted into this prestigious hall and to tour the HOF something that none of these children would ever get a chance to do.

If you know of anyone that might be interested in sponsoring, purchasing a table, or tickets, Please let me know ASAP, or pass this information on to them.

The 2010 statistics on the Latino youth, particularly the Puerto Rican youth in the South Bronx is enough to make everyone with a conscious do anything to try and help rescue our youth from this desperate situation.

Un fuerte abrazo,

Julio

Information will soon be posted on www.latinosports.com. To contact Julio Pabon, e-mail latsports(at)aol.com.

Puerto Rico Governor Signs New Film Tax Incentive Bill

Good to know that Puerto Rico is becoming a more significant player in the world of film and production. I hope more Puerto Rican filmmakers, actors and production crew members will be able to benefit.

Here's the press release:

Program Provides Additional Tax Credits, Expands List of Eligible Projects and Creates Infrastructure Incentives

The Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis G. Fortuño, today signed into law the Economic Incentives for the Development of the Puerto Rico Film Industry Act, a bill that is designed to make Puerto Rico’s current production incentives among the most attractive in the industry, as well as promote the development of state-of-the-art media infrastructure, including high-capacity studios. It also designates the media industry as one of the core sectors of the Governor’s ambitious economic development platform.
Under the new law, the government of Puerto Rico has created a series of new incentives and expanded current ones. They include expanded lists of eligible projects, higher caps on existing incentives and new incentives for the development and operation of production facilities on the Island. The new law will be overseen by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce and the Puerto Rico Film Commission.
“Puerto Rico already offers some of the most aggressive tax incentives in the world, making the Island an important center for a number of industries, from biosciences to aerospace. This ambitious bill will place the media industry on an equal footing with others, both with regard to production and the development and operation of related infrastructure,” said Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, José Ramón Pérez-Riera. “Puerto Rico is known for its variety of locations that can substitute for almost anywhere in the world. It also has U.S. trained crews, artistic talent and state-of- the-art equipment.”
Among the highlights of the new law:
The legislation expands the list of eligible projects to include feature and short films, documentaries, television programs, including series in episodes, miniseries and pilots, music videos, commercials, videogames, recorded live events and original sound track and dubbing recordings. The minimum spending requirements for all eligible projects have been simplified, and the amount has been reduced to $100,000 in payments to residents of Puerto Rico. There is an exception for short films, which will be subjected to a $50,000 minimum requirement. Principal photography requirements are eliminated.
The legislation expands the current 40 percent production tax credit on payments to Puerto Rico residents to include payments to non-resident talent, subject to a reduced 20 percent rate.
The legislation also raises the annual cap on tax credits from $15 million to $50 million on payments to Puerto Rico residents and may be expanded up to $350 million. Credits generated by payments to non-resident talent are not capped. There are no individual or per project caps.
Complementing and enhancing Puerto Rico’s production offering, the legislation provides incentives for the development, construction and operation of state-of-the-art production facilities. The legislation raises the existing infrastructure tax credit to 25 percent on all costs related to the development or expansion of studios, laboratories and other related facilities. It also offers favorable tax treatment to studio operators and related businesses including a fixed income tax rate of between 4 percent and 10 percent, as well as a 90 percent to 100 percent exemption on all other state and local taxes.
Over 60 productions have taken advantage of Puerto Rico’s current incentive program, including Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” Universal Picture’s “Fast 5” and Warner Brothers’ “The Losers,” in addition to a variety of independent films such as “The Rum Diary,” starring Johnny Depp, “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” starring George Clooney and “Che”, starring Puerto Rican-born actor Benicio Del Toro.