Q'Viva The Chosen on Univision? - By Norma Fontain

My aunts and my relatives over 60 years of age love to watch Univision. For years Univision has targeted an older audience with shows such as Savado Gigante, Novelas and Bailando con la Estrellas.   I can’t imagine an older audience watching a show like Q’Viva the Chosen and voting for contestants by telephone, email, twitter, Facebook, unimundotv or any other social media.

After reading the book   “The Facebook Effect, “ I learned that social media sites have become very successful in Latin America because Hispanics ages of 18+ are embracing the internet, tuning into Facebook, Twitter, Unimundotv, Hulu, Vimeo, Revision3 and many other social media sites.

I don’t understand why the producers of Q’Viva, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Jamie King and Simon Fuller did not chose a better media outlet to target the same population that American Idol does.

Because Univision does not have the target audience of 18 to 34 year olds to watch Q’Viva the Chosen, it will be interesting to see the actual ratings once the show airs – on www.UnimundoTV.com:

CNN Heroes

The CNN Heroes of the year was started in 2007 and has been hosted by Anderson Cooper ever since.  CNN Heroes has recognized many individuals that have dedicated their time, knowledge, resources and energy to help those in need. 

For example, Ms. Robin Lim and her family left Hawaii and moved to Indonesia, a country known for having a high incidence rate of maternal and infancy mortality. She took it upon herself to help thousands of low-income women by providing free pregnancy services. 

The story of Mr. Derreck Kayongo is fairly remarkable.  Who would have thought that by collecting and recycling used soap from hotels all over the United States would help families in Haiti, Uganda, Kenya and Swaziland.  In fact, Mr. Kayongo’s Global Soap Project is aiding over 10 countries around the world, providing free soap to communities in need.

Another amazing story is that of Bruno Serato.  Mr. Serato is a chef and owner of Anaheim’s White House Restaurant located in Anaheim, California.  Mr. Serato provides free dinners seven days a week to 300 underprivileged children from the Boys & Girls Club of Anaheim, California. 

Those are just a few of the many that were nominated for the award. The causes are so noble that to have chosen a winner must have been very difficult. In reality, all those who put effort into making the world a better place are all winners in their own right. It is because of the efforts of the many who sacrifice that the world shines brighter every day.

This year the highest honor went to CNN Heroine Ms. Robin Lim. Not “only” is she a CNN a Heroine, she is a heroine in all respects and we commend her for the contributions to humanity.

We are ever so pleased to thank Ms. Robin Lim for her dedication and humble work. Godspeed to all the nominees of the "2011 CNN Heroes" May they continue their amazing efforts and much needed work in good health and spirit. There is no better cause than to lend a helping hand to those in need!

By Norma Fontain

www.unimundotv.com

X Factor contestant, Rachel Crow, was eliminated last night

It was very emotional to watch the very young contestant Rachel Crow eliminated.  She happens to be fantastic!  Rachel was amazing when performing the survival song, “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Ellington Jordan and recorded by Etta James in 1968.                  


However, rumor has it that we will see more of her in Hollywood and frankly we should see her succeed in movies or shows because she is very talented.  


Rachel Crow is only 13 years old, and probably neither the judges nor the audience expected Rachel Crow to breakdown in front of millions of people on national TV.  


Perhaps the minimum age limit of the contestants should be higher.  The pressure to be in a competition such as this where millions of people are watching you perform is enormous and most 13 years olds would not be able to handle the pressure that comes along with a competition of this nature.  


The X Factor Producers as well as other shows that do not have a minimum age limit should seriously consider having in-house counselors or psychologists interact with the contestants to prepare these youngsters on how to handle the emotional fall as they go through the process of elimination.  After all it is a competition and all but one will be eliminated so they should be ready to handle the blow. 


However, we wish Rachel Crow much success in the future; she is a talented young lady and we hope that soon she will have a record contract or perhaps a movie deal.

by Norma Fontain
www.unimundotv.com

Adelante Worcester 3rd Annual Parrandón Navideño by Norma Fontain

Adelante’s Worcester 3^rd Parrandón Navideño in Worcester took place December 2, 2011 at the architecturally beautiful Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts as its venue.

This year the Puerto Rican music Grupo Yagua played at the Parrandón, however despite their unquestionable musical talent they appeared to not have rehearsed for the show and the music was not fully appreciated because of lack of a good sound system, which did not satisfy the acoustics of the venue.  Many of the guests were also disappointed about the fact that they were hoping for a more significant variety of music much like last year’s Parrandón.

The beautiful hall at the Union Station was impeccably decorated and could have accommodate approximately 300-guests but unfortunately it felt as if only less than half the people expected showed up to the gala celebration. In fact it felt as if the venue was empty. And, if you were not directly in front of the speakers the music was not discernible enough to dance.   

Additionally, many of the guests opined that the lack of attendance was the result of poor publicity, public relations efforts and follow up.  Others considered that having a locally recognized “Salsa” band or any other talented band from Worcester would have boosted attendance because they normally bring their own following and people can relate to them better.

                                                                                                                                
Adelante held the Parrandón Navideño at Maxwell Silverman with much greater participation from the Community; it was better coordinated and the band had undoubtedly rehearsed before the event.

We have no choice now but to wait until 2012, hoping to see a more effective and enjoyable event.  Perhaps reaching out to local musicians, more publicity and more traditional Salsa....

Unfortunately, the general consensus is that this year’s Parrandón Navideño appears to have fallen short of its goal and did not capture the heart and souls of our local Hispanic audience in Worcester.

Employees from Citizens Bank

Ivette Olmeda from CWE, Flory Rodriguez from State Street, Paul Rodriguez and Norma and Marcus Fontain from Unimundo

I would say that we should all look forward to 2012 and fully support Adelante in its noble efforts. May all of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

by Norma Fontain www.unimundotv.com

Jennifer Lopez at Mohegan Sun Oct. 22 by Norma Fontain

Jennifer Lopez performed at Mohegan Sun's 15th Anniversary weekend.  Jennifer Lopez performed for about 50 minutes and had some amazing hot male dancers and special performance with special guest Fat Joe.

The crowd just love the recreated Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez performance at the American Idol performance this past May 2011 before calling it quits.

The sold-out concert was amazing at the Mohegan Sun Arena!