Happy Mother’s Day to our Beautiful Moms! But more than mothers, you are Angels, Heroes and Blessed.  A mother’s love goes a long way, has no end and lasts forever!

But first, let me share a little about the mothers in my life – my mother and grandmother.  For those blessed to have a mother like them – you understand women with a heart of gold!

My grandmother helped raised me, so she was like a mother to me, but my mom is still my mom.  My grandmother did a beautiful job with her daughters, because my aunts are loving, caring and beautiful mothers themselves.

They all share the Word of God with their children.  They are teachers; they comfort; they encourage; they give us strength and showed us the respect we should always have for our mother.

I miss my “Abuelita.”  It’s hard for me to mention her because my heart aches and tears roll down my face as I cry and write this.  I miss you and love you, “mi ‘buelita:” “Feliz Dia De Las Madres!”

Now, about mom – when you walk into my mother’s home you become one of her children.  She welcomes you with open arms and is always ready to feed you.  Her heart is big, she does not judge, she is clean, enjoys company and loves her grandchildren.

My family always has gatherings at mom’s house, celebrating anything and everything just to be together, even though her health is waning.

Recently, at one of these gatherings, I saw her and one of her sisters dancing a Cumbia together.  This is something I had not seen in a while and I enjoyed watching them.

She loves all of her siblings the same and doesn’t favor one over another. To me, this is what makes a real mom: the ability to love without favorites.  Today, I love both my sisters the same – they are both beautiful moms and deserve “Mother of the Year” awards.

I recall my grandmother being the same as my mother is today.  I guess, in her heart, she knew my mother would grow up to be just like her, and that’s why she shared her namesake: “Angelita”.

I guess she somehow knew that my mother would become an angel here on earth and would pass this trait down to her daughters, and this is “el Amor de una Madre!”

I thank our Father in heaven for my mom, because I know that without her, I would have been lost, wandering aimlessly – without purpose or direction as I grew up.

So today mom – because of you – I have joy, satisfaction peace and contentment.  Even when times seem hard, you are always there, to give me the comfort and love I need.

Today, I am a mother to 3 beautiful young adults.  I often find myself going down memory lane: watching them grow up – the laughter, the tears, the joy, struggles and not to mention the worries.  Thank you Lord for my children!

God Bless you my sons (Erik) and Oscar Mon-Krede, and to you my beautiful daughter, Diamond – how blessed am I to have you in my life.

Last year, I nearly lost Diamond to illness, and during this time, her life flashed before me – from her birthdate to today, including all the times spent laughing with her silly brothers. She pulled through.

In my heart I knew God was not ready for her, and as a mother, I never lost faith and realized my job as mom was not finished. I still had work to do.  I must teach her, and share what my grandmother passed on to her children: “The strength of a Mothers Love!”

Recently, my son Erik had a daughter, so now I am “Glammy” to my beautiful granddaughter Aubriella. I will be able to pass my mother’s love to her – a love passed five generations and many before that.

“El amor de una madre es muy poderoso!”  A mother’s love is very powerful! So how lucky you are if you have a wonderful mom.  Do not take her for granted.

Always make an effort to call, visit, and be there for your mom, because without her – you would not be here.  Love your mother as she loved you! One day, she will be gone!

With that I say Feliz Dia de las Madres; enjoy your day and remember to ‘Walk by Faith and Not by Sight!’”

And to my mother, Dolores “La Santa” Arellano, I wish you a blessed and Happy Mother’s Day! – Michael Anthony

Latin Dance Workshop

Basic & Advanced Salsa – Merengue – Bachata

From Beginner to Intermediate Dancers

Gibaro de Puerto Rico

Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Beginner and intermediate dancers can learn from the pros with a Latin dance workshop taught by World-famous dance ensemble, Gibaro de Puerto Rico.

This one-day workshop presented by aMAEzing Events and Musical Bridges Around the World will take place Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the International Folk Culture Center at Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th St.

Students will learn the signature energetic dance moves of basic and advanced Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata Latin dance.  In this one-day workshop, attendees will learn or reinforce basic steps to progress further and be able to Latin dance with a partner.  After the class, dancers will be able to use what they learn on the dance floor.  Partners are welcome however, if you don’t have one, you will be paired up at the workshop.  Cost is $65 and includes a light lunch.  Registration on May 19^th will start at 8:45am and the class will be held from 9:00am – 1:30pm.

Gíbaro de Puerto Rico is the top folklórico dance company on the island.  They are known for reflecting the island’s soul in their performances.  Since 1973, they have employed close to 70 artists yearly in an effort to honor and keep alive Puerto Rican folklore and culture.  They have won countless awards for their work.  Gíbaro de Puerto Rico has participated in hundreds of dance festivals and events throughout the world in more than 40 countries.  Some of the most notable performances have been opening the ceremony for Grandes Ligas (a soccer tournament), opening for the Miss Universe pageant in 2001, and on Good Morning America.

Musical Bridges Around the World is a 14-year-old nonprofit cultural and educational organization. Our concerts feature classical, jazz, and ethnic folk musicians in one-of-a-kind cross-cultural pairings that showcase San Antonio’s vibrant cultural heritage.  MBAW events appeal to both seasoned concertgoers and curious new listeners.

Tickets are on sale now.  Registration is $65, call 210-241-6644 for more information or register online at www.jivetickets.com/concerts/latin-dance-workshop.

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Caribbean Express

Performance by

Gibaro de Puerto Rico

Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.

 World-famous folkloric ensemble performed by Gibaro de Puerto Rico, will highlight the 14^th season of the Main Stage Concert Series presented by Musical Bridges Around the World.  The May 20^th performance “Caribbean Express” creates an unforgettable journey through the history of Caribbean music from its roots to the present.

Artistic Director Anya Grokhovski calls the ensemble performance “fiery” and “dynamic.”  There will be a “Meet the Artists” Chocolate Fountain Reception where guests can meet all the artists of Gibaro de Puerto Rico following the show.  “We are excited to bring such shows like this to the city, it is my mission To produce one of a kind multicultural performances by the finest classical, folk and jazz musicians in order to educate, enlighten and develop new audiences” says Grokhovski, Founder of Musical Bridges Around the World, his tie to the city brings an immeasurable value to the show.

This theatrical voyage will set sail at 3:00pm, Sunday, May 20^th at the McAllister Auditorium, on the campus of San Antonio College, located at 1300 San Pedro.  The first half will explore the influence of Taíno, Spanish, and African cultures, through Puerto Rican folkloric music that will make you sing and dance in your seats.  The second half of the concert, Gibaro de Puerto Rico will bring us to the present time, with Caribbean mambo, merengue, plena and salsa.

Gíbaro de Puerto Rico is the top folklórico dance company on the island.  They are known for reflecting the island’s soul in their performances.  Since 1973, they have employed close to 70 artists yearly in an effort to honor and keep alive Puerto Rican folklore and culture.  They have won countless awards for their work.  Gíbaro de Puerto Rico has participated in hundreds of dance festivals and events throughout the world in more than 40 countries.  Some of the most notable performances have been opening the ceremony for Grandes Ligas (a soccer tournament), opening for the Miss Universe pageant in 2001, and performing on Good Morning America.

Musical Bridges Around the World is a 14-year-old nonprofit cultural and educational organization. Our concerts feature classical, jazz, and ethnic folk musicians in one-of-a-kind cross-cultural pairings that showcase San Antonio’s vibrant cultural heritage.  MBAW events appeal to both seasoned concertgoers and curious new listeners.

Tickets are on sale now.  Ticket prices begin at $25 and senior, military, and student discounts are available.  Tickets may be purchased at musicalbridges.org, or online at jivetickets.com.

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Los Angeles, Ca (May 9, 2012) – Hablar de 17 años de carrera se dice fácil, pero los 2 Grammys Americanos, 4 Grammys Latinos, ser nombrados como “El Grupo de la Decada” por Billboard, entre otro sinnúmero de reconocimientos es algo que no cualquier agrupación puede presumir y que en el caso de INTOCABLE es una realidad.

Hablar de 17 años de carrera se dice fácil, pero los 2 Grammys Americanos, 4 Grammys Latinos, ser nombrados como “El Grupo de la Decada” por Billboard, entre otro sinnúmero de reconocimientos es algo que no cualquier agrupación puede presumir y que en el caso de INTOCABLE es una realidad.

Hoy el grupo originario de Zapata, Texas, está de regreso en el mercado mexicano con el lanzamiento de su nuevo material titulado de manera homónima “ Intocable 2011” y el cual fue lanzado a mediados del año pasado en Estados Unidos, convirtiéndose en todo un suceso dentro de la industria musical, pues logró un disco de platino por más de 100, 000 copias vendidas, además resultó multinominado en todas las entregas de premios en la Unión Americana y sus sencillos ” Robarte un beso” y “Llueve”, se colocaron en las listas de popularidad como uno de los temas más pedidos por la gente en todas las estaciones de radio.

Un plus que INTOCABLE decidió incluir en este disco para el público mexicano es que es una versión deluxe que incluye un cd en el que además de los … temas de la versión original, también podemos disfrutar 2 remixes de … y un dvd con 7 videoclips de presentaciones en vivo del grupo.

Con 14 discos en su carrera y después de que desde el 2008 INTOCABLE no lanzaba un nuevo disco, hoy podemos disfrutar una producción en el que no sólo se muestra su sonido tradicional, caracerístico e incomparable, sino que también es notorio la calidad y producción del grupo que no por nada es considerada la máxima agrupación de música norteña en estos tiempos.

Sin lugar a dudas, así como “Intocable 2011″ se convirtió en todo un éxito en Estados Unidos, estamos seguro que correrará con la misma suerte en México, en donde son grandes consentidos del público que siempre está pendiente de cada nuevo proyecto de INTOCABLE.

Perfil Oficial En Línea:

www.grupointocable.com

www.facebook.com/grupointocable

@grupointocable

US Media Contacts:

Meyber Santos

786.546.2774

meyber353@aol.com

It’s a Blessing to know how a mothers love goes a long way and has no end no matter what!

Let me share a little bit with you about my mother for those of you who may not know her, but are blessed to have a mother just like her with a heart of gold!

When you walk into my mothers house you become one of her children, she welcomes you with open arms and is always ready to feed you,her heart is big, she does not judge, she is very clean,  enjoys company and loves her grandchildren.  My family is always having gatherings they celebrate everything and anything just to be together, although her health is not too good; I recently enjoyed watching her and one of her sisters dancing together to a cumbia song something i had not seen in a while she loves all her siblings the same and never favors one from the other and to me that is what makes a real mom,  she has instilled that in me I love both my sisters, both are beautiful moms and deserve mother of the year awards.

I remember as a child  growing up that my Grandmother was the same way as my mother is today, and I guess in her heart she knew my mother would grow up to be just like her and that is why she shared  her name “Angelita” by giving my mother the same name  she knew that my mother would represent what an Angel on earth is like and would pass it down to her daughters el Amor De una Madre.

We should always make it a point to visit, call be there for our moms, without them we would not be in this world today. Because of you mom today I have Joy, contentment, satisfaction and peace.

Even when times seem hard you are always there, to give comfort and love, how lucky are we today to have such wonderful moms I thank you father in heaven for my mom.

I know without her I would be lost wondering Aimlessly without direction or even a purpose.

A mothers love is so powerful! El amor de una madre es muy poderoso!

My grandmother was always more of a mother to me growing up and I see the beautiful job she did with her daughters, today all my Aunts are loving, caring and beautiful moms they share the word of god with all their children they have been our teacher, our comforter our encourager, our strength the respect that we should always have for our mother is much greater then taking them for Granted. I miss my Abuelita it’s hard for me to mention her myheartaches, tears roll down my face I miss you and love you mi Abuelita  “Feliz Dia De Las Madres.

Today I am a mother of 3 beautiful grown ups , I often find myself going down memory lane  watching them  growing up, the laughter, the tears , the joy, the struggles  not to mention the worry’s.  Everyday  I  say thank you lord for my children that you Blessed mommy and daddy with.

This past year when I nearly lost my daughter Diamond  flashes of her life went thru me from the day she was born  watching her grow up hearing her laugh with her silly brothers. A mothers love never gives up  holding on to faith, In my heart I knew God was not ready for her my job was not done being a mom I still had work to do and that was and is to teach her and share with her what my grandmother past on to our moms and their daughters and that is ” A Mothers Love”.

I am also a Glammy, my beautiful granddaughter Aubriella  who has  a mothers Love: God Bless my son Erik and Amy, and sending much love to my son Oscar Mon-Krede how blessed am I.

“Walk by Faith and Not By Sight”

Mothers enjoy your Day! Feliz Dia De Las Madres

I watch you being you” My Miracle” ” My Mother”

I look forward to Easter, Spending it with family and friends, enjoying the bar-b-ques and listening to the laughter of the children with excitement as they approach the Easter egg hunt, and the adults preparing for a fun relaxing day listening to music and some even dancing.

What I enjoy is seeing the grownups and kids chasing each other with cascarones to crack on each others head, even us grown ups behave like kids and that’s OK.

But what is most important to me is the real reason why we celebrate Easter, so before I go and join my family I look forward to starting my day by attending church service in the morning and Thanking God for his son, who gave his life for me.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ and knowing that he is everywhere I go, and feeling his presence with the Holy Spirit is what I find why it is important  to celebrate Easter Sunday.

I share this with you because I find it so important that you share it with your loved ones especially the younger generation who may not know the meaning of Easter Sunday.

If you don’t make it to Sunday church gather your family where ever you may be spending your beautiful sunday and hold hands and together give thanks to Jesus Christ for giving you what you have and another day here on earth to be able to enjoy your day.

The Blessings that he showers upon you are moments of celebration and this is how the Fun begins, it begins with him first.

Some of us may feel we have nothing to celebrate, we may have lost a loved one or don’t have anyone in our life, but rejoice is in your soul and you are here on earth breathing the air that he has provided you with.

We pray for those who have left us to be with our heavenly Father, they now know the true meaning of Easter and are celebrating it in the Heavens.

I am sure that those of us who may have given up something for Lent can hardly wait to get back what you have given up those 40 days.

Just be wise and don’t abuse it whatever it may be enjoy your Sunday with your Family and have Fun!

Fiesta is just around the corner, as I prepare for Royal appearances I also look forward to meeting wonderful people and enjoying the music of different bands and Mariachis, the Aroma of the different foods, some of the costumes, and Fiesta hats that people decorate. Not to mention the Parades, and Carnival. I am so proud to live in a city that is filled with excitement and a city that offers and shares the beauty of our Culture. Although some of us may say we are a beat of a different drum in reality we are all unique and the same in one form or another.

One thing I want to stress is Parents please look after your children and don’t lose sight of where they are.

To all of us adults please be responsible and stay out of trouble enjoy Fiesta! and remember to look after  each other and if you can not drive home “Please don’t do it”.

I want you to celebrate everyday giving thanks to our Father for your freedom and another day here on Earth.

So this Easter and Fiesta Enjoy the cracking of the Cascarones, and all the Fiesta Festivities going on around you spend it with your loved ones and friends.

In closing I want to say Goodbye and Rejoice with the Lord to our Dear Friend Max Ortiz who has left to celebrate eternal life with our Father Jesus Christ.

Max I will miss you dearly, but will always look up to you and the loving man you were to your beautiful wife Lupe, and all those who came to know you. We were Blessed to have you in our lives and my tears of sadness will fill like the river and turn to joy everytime I look up into the sky and see your smile and saying “Take Your Time I have All Day”

“We Walk By Faith and not By Sight”

Brandy Lopez

Recently we received a phone call from a very concerned person who was just fed-up  by the Gossip and envy that circles around our community.

To hear that we happen to be the topic of this mess is sad, I have not been able to understand why it is that people who want to be a part of the community and portray themselves as business people can be so fake.

The way I see it is if you are true to your heart and yourself then be a good steward to God and others, there is no need for You to talk about others and to find ways to ruin ones reputation.

All you are doing in the long run is hurting yourself, your partners, you may not know who you may be gossiping too and they may not like what they hear and it just puts a bad taste and thoughts in ones mind.

I thank God for giving me the heart he has given me, yes we all have at some point been taken advantage of and hurt in one way or another but I never hold it against them I just pray for them and ask God to help me forgive them.

And when I happen to run into these people I hold my head up high and treat them with respect like I always have.

You will never hear me talk about anyone, unless I get asked I will find a way to cut the conversation short and move on.

I stay away from those who are negative and have nothing better to do but complain.

I sometimes find myself shying away from Facebook especially when you read others that post complaints about certain things or certain people, this to me is so high school not even then did I have time for that.

We work hard to get where we are at, and it is not about me, it is about what I can do to help make our community stronger and be better steward to others, especially the younger generation.

In today’s society times can be hard, but if we work together and get along we can built that bridge and those of us with great minds who only think about how to make our goals and dreams come true can accomplish what we have worked so hard for.

There should be no need to talk about others, what have they done to you, other than just befriend you.

Where does the jealousy and envy fit in all this and at what point does it stop?

Find happiness in yourself and look at all the great qualities that you have.

Respect yourself  first so that you may learn to respect others and not have to find a need to talk about them, especially when they have done nothing to you and for those that have shame on you.

I ask myself why do people behave in this manor, I take every day one day at a time I am happy for those that continue to succeed, and for those that want to succeed.

I wake up every morning and Thank God for all my blessings even for the things that he has taken away, I never question it I always know that he had a reason and his plan for me ahead are much greater.

He has removed those that I thought were true friends, when I befriended them and really cared about them.

People will come to you when they see that you have a lot to offer for their benefit, but when they no longer need you that’s when they start to gossip.

As I said before no one is perfect in this world I know I am not and I have made my mistakes, and sometimes that can just be by helping others that do not appreciate you.

I try and stay away from the party scene not that I may think I am too good but merely for the fact that this is why.

I am always careful as to where we go and who we surround ourselves with, I enjoy being around well rounded people that are mature and speak with great conversation of importance.

God has brought wonderful people into our life this past year, Michael and I have been blessed with a circle of friends with true influence and we share that with each other.

We are always too busy with our own life and our families that the thought of gossiping never even crosses our mind.  But when we hear what is or was said about us brings tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart.

If you happen to be reading my article and this may be you just know this that I care about you and I am praying for you all I ask is that you please leave us out of your conversation or anyone else you may feel this way about.

In the long run God sees what one does and he will come back and remind you in his time, I just don’t want you to be the one to have to ask why me. Because I know that I will never have to ask that question to God.

There is a great saying from Lady Bird Johnson that Michael has taught me:

Small minds talk about people

Average minds talk about events and

Great Minds talk about Ideas

We live by the Great Minds.  You should too!

God has given us all great minds so let’s learn to use it and use it with respect and dignity.

So if you plan to gossip about someone who has no clue of your intentions, you may want to think twice about it because someday you may need to reach out to that person and that door may be shut tight.

And then you will know that you could have had a real friend with great influence and now it’s too late.

In closing I want to send a Huge Thank You and a Big hug to all who supported me at my fundraiser it really meant a lot to me and you know you can count on me to be there for you.

I want to Especially thank Michael Arellano who has always been there for me and when I put myself in certain situations not meaning too he has always been there to help me and bail me out. I pray that someday God will reward me so that I may in return and pay back all that he has done for me.

These are things that I never or would never dream of forgetting those who have been there for me and Michael is that person.  I try to never look back on the many times that I was taken advantage of - I just thank God that he allowed me to help when I could.

So again Thank You to everyone may you find blessings in those that you care about and care about you, respect each other with kindness and never bring out the anger it only crushes ones heart.

Gossip is evil and the enemy is always there! but God is the strong one.

I am honored to represent Paseo Del Rio Royal Riverwalk Duchess 2012!

“Walk By Faith and Not By Sight” – Brandy Lopez

Super models are not super spokesmen – that is for sure! Giselle should have been quiet! The players are pros and she is a pro but she should have been less vocal. What do you think?

Games are games and fun is fun – but the Bowl is the game of all games – and guess what? I have watched almost every Super bowl since I was 5 years old – Dallas Cowboys vs Baltimore Colts – with the exception of a couple. I almost never miss it  as I am as old as the Super Bowl itself.  It is the only Championship game that I look forward to.  I am a football fan first – then I have my teams.  None of my teams made the Super Bowl this year!

I was hoping for a Harbaugh Bowl myself – especially since the Cowboys blew their chances this season…  And since none of my yearlong picks came to fruition – I settled for what was supposed to be a great game.  I was disappointed only because it didn’t play out the way it could have – but i did learn some things along the way and i want to pass them along here.  This is what I learned:

1. The super bowl is a good game but can still be boring super  – because, it can be boring; but here is the rest; see the end -
2. You can be down – but don’t count yourself out – Look at the Giants;
3. Do not underestimate your age – Tom Coughlin is the oldest coach to win the Super Bowl;
4. Analysts and naysayers are only guessing – all the analysis and guessing are speculation – they do not determine the outcome;
5. Even the best in the world can make mistakes – Tom Brady, one of the best to play the game, made a mistake on his first play from scrimmage;
6. You have to make plays – especially when it counts;
7. Mistakes don’t cost you the game – even with the early mistake – the Patriots had a chance;
8. Mistakes will cost you the game – you have to make a play, especially when it counts – Hernandez and Welker dropped critical passes late in the game;
9. It is just a game – just like the game of life,
10. Sloppy is still compelling – good game, boring and sloppy, but went down to the wire;
11. Losing, like failure, is an event – losing and failing are events, and does not define who you are:
12. If you do your best – you still might come up short;
13. You gotta make plays – you may make the difference in the outcome;
14. It still “ain’t nothing but a football game” – we place way too much emphasis on the Super Bowl – it is just a game;
15. Games matter – it pays too take your fun serious – ask the Patriots;
16. Winning counts – ask the Giants;
17. If you are a supermodel, it is best to be seen and not  heard – much like children – it is best to be seen and not heard!;
18. The Super Bowl is the greatest game to watch - According to the Nielsen Company, more than 110 million people watched Super Bowl XLVI – http://w.po.st/share/entry/redir?publisherKey=Inquisitr.com-607&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.inquisitr.com%2F191129%2Fsuper-bowl-xlvi-was-the-most-watched-show-in-us-history%2F&title=Super%20Bowl%20XLVI%20The%20Most%20Watched%20Show%20in%20US%20History&sharer=copypaste
19. if you have to rely on a prayer -it will be answered – just not the way you want – see hail mary pass;
20. There are more important things in life – ask Payton;
21. The game is a blast – watch it and see’
22. You can bond with family – ask my 10 year old daughter – our first together!

The game is great – the Super Bowl is greater and there is lots to learn – but you must learn to appreciate the fact that it is just a game and that life is just a game also.

Have fun Play hard and dammit – catch the friggin ball! or risk losin it all!

Be blessed and dish it out yourself – Sid