by Eric Cortes
Celebrities are usually known for their TV shows and/or movies. However, we sometimes overlook the things they do for the community. They make various appearances at events, donate to charities and of course sign autographs for the fans. Latino celebrities are no different but I appreciate their effort more because they bring culture into their work.
On Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 two Telemundo celebrities came to Philadelphia for a huge event. It was Philly’s first ever Feria de la Familia and people came to meet them…and quite possibly faint. Thousands of people showed up to support this year’s festival, grab some free products and of course meet Dra. Ana Maria Polo and Penelope Menchaca. This was actually Dra. Polo’s second time in Philly and Penelope’s first. What did they have to say about the city of
brotherly love? They each told me very similar things but had one common answer: cheesesteaks. The following day Penelope Menchaca, Telemundo executives and some fans took a tour of the city. I wonder if she was able to enjoy a cheesesteak afterwards.
Dra. Ana Maria Polo also made an appearance at Taller Puertorriqueño’s 35th anniversary gala the day before. She emphasized the importance of an organization like Taller to the community. Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz was also supposed to host the gala but unfortunately did not make it to the event. However, she will be making an appearance as the mistress of ceremonies at APM’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, “Noche de Leyendas”. El Gran Combo is also scheduled to perform.
What most people don’t get to see though is the true side of a celebrity. They are real people after all. They like things we love and like all Latinos, they embrace our cultura. They want us to speak Spanish and learn about past traditions. Why is this necessary? Because if not our culture will cease to exist. As if these Telemundo stars weren’t enough, wait until you see George Lopez at the Kimmel Center. Seems as though Philly is the place to be for Latino celebrity appearances…watch out!
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To learn more about Eric Cortes,
visit hisPanic
at http://thehispanic.blogspot.com/.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.
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