Latin Fusion TV BLOG

Hello Street Talk Readers. I hope you are doing well and getting ready for summer; especially the students!

How did you spend your Memorial Day? Did you support any of the activities that took place in and around our community? Did you give thanks to the troops you saw? What about pay homage for all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom?

I participated in the Paseo del Rio’s Armed Forces River Parade and the Brothers of Fallen Heroes Memorial Day Ceremony at the Alamo.

On Memorial Day, we celebrate the lives of those men and women who died while serving our country. They, and all military personnel, put their lives in the front line for our Freedom today. We should always recognize and remember those who serve, and have served, our country.

It was an honor to be one of the invited Guest Speakers in front of the Alamo. I was there with other dignitaries and special guests. It was our way of saying “Thank You” to our Military.

The day started with a caravan of about75 cars and motorcycles that begun at the BOFH Headquarters and ended at the Alamo.

As the caravan made its way through the Southside of San Antonio, I noticed so many people running outside their homes to wave and say “Thank You” to our Military. There were cars pulling over to salute and I noticed many of them were Veterans themselves.  It touched my heart as they yelled out “Thank You” and “God Bless You!”

As we arrived in front of the Alamo the Ceremonies began with the Color Guard presented by The Boy Scouts.  The National Anthem was sung by one of our Active Duty Heroes, and BOFH Queen.  As usual it brings tears to my eyes along with the lump in my throat.

Isabelle Sanchez, San Antonio’s newest youth sensation sang “Hero,” and dedicated it to ALL of our military heroes. If you haven’t heard her sing – she has a golden voice. I could see people wiping tears from their face.

There was a lady there, looking at the Texas Wall Monument of our MIA’s and Fallen Heroes, who turned to me and softly said: “My son served eighteen months in Iraq, yet was killed in a motor cycle accident.” How sad the tragedy. He is still a hero in my eyes.

On another note, God brings us together to remember that we should help each other and our neighbors. This support is very important to me. I ask that you look deep into your heart and ask yourself if you support the community like you should.

I know we all get caught up in our busy schedules, but the tragedies in Oklahoma and West, Texas could happen to us at any time.

I am always grateful for what God blesses me with, and I thank him for the great people He puts in my path.  I see the great things you do for our community without expecting anything in return.

I send a Special Thank You to the Zimmerle Family, Javier Covarrubias and the artists who gave their time for the relief concert and food/clothing drive to help.  It was the best Sunday I spent out in a while and I was glad to attend. It was a Great Day!

We gathered boxes of clothing and delivered them to the Cadillac Bar and Restaurant. I pray that they will be of good use to many of the families. We don’t do this for the thanks, but knowing we help brightens my day.

So the next time you hear of an event like this, stop what you are doing and see if you can help. It may not be a huge concert, but it is a humble event that comes from the Heart!

And remember, today it was someone else, but tomorrow it could be you or your family in need!

Finally, I have decided I will be run for Riverwalk Queen for 2014. Like the Rey Feo, the one who raises the most money wins the Crown. This year we will have lots of fundraisers, parties and fun times.

We will start setting up the donation page on the Latin Fusion Tv website. Every dollar counts so we will need your help. I hope I can count on your support!

Finally, I want to say: God Bless America, God Bless Our Troops and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads! Spend time with your children and children – spend time with your fathers!

Make every day a great day; have a great summer and remember to “Walk by Faith and Not by Sight!” Brandy Lopez

Hello Everyone! And to all the Mother’s out there – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Well, Fiesta has come and gone, I hope you had fun and were safe.  I enjoyed making Royal Appearances as the SA Riverwalk Princess. I didn’t do too much, but what I did was special.

I was blessed to be part of the South West ISD 2^nd Annual Special Olympics. To watch these incredible students participate in their sports activities was amazing. If you are of sound health and mind, do not take it for granted – these participants have overcome so many challenges that it makes me appreciate what gifts God has given me. They are gifted in so many ways and they are beautiful gifts from God!

Also, I participated in this year’s Texas Cavalier’s River Parade. Grammy Award winner “Little Joe” and KENS 5 Great Day SA TV personality, Eileen Teves were on the float. What a blast!

NIOSA is always fun! We ran into old friends and made new ones. As always, there were tasty foods and cold beverages!

N.E. Methodist Hospital had their Inaugural Fiesta Shoe Box Float Contest. I was one of the judges.  Being a judge is fun, but it is hard to choose winners. To me, all the participants were Winners and the floats were cute! Great Job!

Another one of my exciting endeavors was to be part of the production team for Daniel Baldwin’s  Film project “Wisdom.” Working with everyone on the set was a wonderful experience. What makes a set great is a strong team. When we all come together and help each other out by working together, especially with clear communication, things seem to flow better.

Daniel is fun to be around – he really enjoys a good laugh. And if he sees that someone needs help, he is ready to lend a helping hand or just listen. You can see his kindness when he welcomes you, and he makes you feel right at home. I instantly felt like one of the family.  He takes his project’s serious. He is a true professional and he taught us all a lot.

I am glad that I was able to help as much as I did. I have been nicknamed “Google Brandy!”

I see great things happening within the film industry.  My greatest hope is that we continue to help each other, work together and give our local talent the opportunity to showcase our talents. God has blessed us with so much. Now it is time to put it all together.

I learned so much working behind the scenes. It takes hours of hard work, time, effort and patience. “Thank You, God” for giving me the opportunity to be part of a film project that shares a message of hope and may save someone’s life.  “Thank You” Daniel and Veronica!

Special Thanks to everyone who sponsored delicious catering to the film cast and crew: Suzette Thomas and Ann; Arizona Cafe /Linda and Eddie Bocanegra; La Madeline; Wal-Mart/ Robert Romo; HEB/ Melinda Zepeda; Bernard’s Creole Kitchen and Independent Functions.

The Wrap Party was very nice. Everyone enjoyed the evening with great Bar-B-Q provided by Lydia and her Husband Dr. Robert Spencer. Daniel surprised us all with an awesome fireworks display by the lake.

So what’s next you ask? On May 18th I will be judging at the La Vernia’s 35th Annual Blue Bonnet Parade floats. I look forward to lots of fun at the Festival. After all, we are celebrating the Bluebonnet Fest – our State Flower! Thank You to La Vernia’s Lions Club! Please support!

Other than that, I move on to my next project. I can’t share it at this time but it will be great!

Now, what really makes May Special? Mother’s Day, of course!

I Thank You God for my beautiful mom, who is always waiting with open arms and lots of love for all of us. My mom not only has a loving heart for her children and grandchildren, but one that is big enough for an entire Army!

Thank You God for blessing me with a heart like my mom and my Grandmother, who both are “Angelita’s”i in my life.

Para Toda La Madrecita’s  “Feliz Dia De Las Madres” Que Dios Las Bendiga Siempre!

So for now it’s a WRAP! So continue to “Walk By Faith And Not By Sight” – Brandy Lopez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello to our wonderful readers and fans! Now that September is here, autumn is just around the corner. It has been a Hot summer.

August was a busy and exciting month for me and many others, especially with the start of another school year.  I want to share with you about embracing and celebrating community events and how easy it is to “Make a Difference!”

As I look forward into September and October and prepare for what God has in store for me, I look back at the blessings God presented me this past month.

I spent my time going to auditions, acting, and emceeing while helping within the community.  In doing this, I realize how important our community is and how easy it is to get involved.

I had the opportunity to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for UTSA’s Alumni Scholarship Gala.  It was an honor to be among so many of our leaders, including UTSA President Dr. Ricardo Romo and his beautiful wife, Dr. Harriett Romo.

It was a full house and as I gazed throughout the ballroom, I saw the commitment to education that each individual has given to be an inspiration for themselves, their loved ones, and for others.

The Mystic Knights held their annual School Supply Drive.  This year they included their commitment to the SouthTown Lions by adding an eyeglass drive.  The Mystic Knights have captivated my heart as they constantly reach out to help less fortunate children and families.

With the help of his family, local car clubs and community leaders, Carlos Martinez, Mystic Knights President (who also writes for Street Talk), collected supplies to ease the financial burden on families so the students can focus on education.

As he addressed the crowd, he mentioned that even a pencil can make a difference as it gives students something to write with. We were moved by his speech. The Knights are an inspiration.

The Ambassador Project SA, led by Professor Joe Michael Gonzales held their inaugural fundraiser to provide students with Scholarships.  They raised $1,300 in their first attempt. Great Job Guys!

Jaime Martinez celebrated his 66^th birthday at Pueblo Hall with about 150 of his closest friends.  Jaime let me emcee his party, which included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Commissioner Tommy Atkinson and many others.  But the real gift was listening to Jaime play his trumpet with Little Henry and the Legends band.  What a great night!

We helped the Latinos in Action Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame Induction raise money for scholarships.  The inductees included SA Talon’s record-setting Quarterback Aaron Garcia; NFL Pro-Bowl Guard Max Montoya; High school Basketball Superstar Denise Forestier; and Dr. Henry Cisneros, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  The LIA has presented more than $90K in scholarship monies in the last 18 years.

I am excited to say that I got an opportunity to play a part in an upcoming film.  Filmed here in San Antonio, it included me acting with legends in the film industry.  What an experience! I learned that if you just show up, great things can happen.  Will keep you posted on the film.

On October 13th, I will receive an Outstanding Women Role Model Award from the Image De San Antonio.  Proceeds will also go to scholarships. What an honor!

On October 6, from 3 to 8 pm, more than 25,000 Rubber Ducks will race down the San Antonio River to benefit Haven for Hope and Paseo del Rio Association! Adopt a duck for $5! Hope to see you there.

I want to wish all the students a great and successful year.  You are the future so do your best, ask God for guidance and open your mind to learning.

Do not Bully.  If you know of anyone being bullied, speak to your parents and your principal and stand up for the little guy.  You have the right to be you, get an education and be an example to others.

As always, Saludos to all of the men and women who serve and have served our country in the military, you are our heroes.

Giving back to your community is a way to “Make a Difference!” Giving of time is as important as giving money.  Big or small, fundraiser or community awareness events, these all give us an opportunity to build bridges and remove barriers.

God has blessed you with a gift – Please, let us give together, these gifts given so freely by Father God!

I thank you for your continued support, walking with me on my journey and ask you Make a Difference.  And remember to always “Walk by faith and not by Sight!” - Brandy

 

In order to be the father that God and your children want you to be – you must teach the lessons of your own Fathers!

I am a Father, and as such, I have responsibilities…to my children, their mother, my parents and friends. As a Father, I have a responsibility to make the world a better place. I must set a good example and be diligent to the fact (continue reading…)

I had to share this on this Memorial Day! This is why I am proud to be an American and a Christian! May God Bless our troops, their families and you and yours!

A fallen Marine’s letter to his family

I had not planned to write an essay on this holiday, but I just read a story that touched me so deeply I felt prompted to share it with you.  U.S. Marine Sgt. William Stacey was killed earlier this year in Afghanistan.  The 23-year-old wrote a letter to his family explaining why he was fighting, to be read in the event of his death.  Marine Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, read the letter during a Memorial Day service today in Kabul.

Sgt. Stacey wrote: “There will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home to come to his.  He will have the gift of freedom which I have enjoyed for so long myself, and if my life brings the safety of a child who will one day change the world, then I know that it was worth it all.”

Today we remember 1.3 million men and women who died so we could live.  Each of them left the security of their homes to defend ours.  They paid the ultimate price (continue reading…)

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Beautiful Moms! You are our Blessed mother, our Angel, Our Hero.

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 (continue reading…)

In the United States we celebrate Memorial Day, honoring all of those that have died in any war while serving our country.  It is the ultimate sacrifice for country and it is deserving of our respect and thanks.

To all those that have died during a war – I pray and salute you for your service and sacrifice and offer prayers and thankfulness to your families.

Moreover, all that have died while serving our country whether it is called a war or not – you deserve the honor and respect given this day!

But their is more to honor on this day than those who died during war.  There are those that lived through the horrors of war and have died in other ways.  We are talking about the death of innocence, death of spirit and death of faith in God and fellow man.

The horrors of war are (continue reading…)

The United States Navy has decided to name a Lewis and Clark-class cargo ship after the late Latino labor organizer Cesar Chavez. San Antonio, TX’s City Council, in an unrelated yet equally positive move – voted to rename the historic Durango Blvd. to Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

The decisions were controversial to many, but the two separate but important events thrust the Mexican American into the historic limelight for their contributions to the American way of life.

Mexican Americans and Latinos should be proud of their heritage and contribution to (continue reading…)

Dear Mom,

I write to you today, a letter, to tell you how much you mean to me and to say: I Love You!

I often sit in thankfulness and blessing realizing how special you really are.  You are kind and compassionate, caring and patient, prayerful and spiritual. You are thoughtful, mindful, playful, and even listen to me and my stories without commenting – until I am finished.  Then you encourage me, support my crazy ideas and always wish the best for m.

You pray for me, you have loved me even when I couldn’t and didn’t love myself.  For that I am grateful!

You have taught compassion and caring with your actions, not just your words.  More importantly, you have taught these attributes to many people, not just your family.

They say Latinos share a different type of love than many other cultures – I do not know if this is true, but the carinoso, cultura and familia that you have shared with us is a blessing.  And again, as a teacher, you taught many about our culture.

You have taught me how to live my life in a loving manner, how to be patient, and even saintly – whether I have done so has always been my choice.  But this letter is about you, not me.

As a mother, you have had to carry, feed, nurture, educate and protect us.  You have done this in a loving manner and without complaint.

You made us feel loved and special, each of us in our own special way.  You support us and our endeavors without question, but instead with love.

Mom, words cannot express what you mean to me and I cannot give you anything that equals the love you have given me.

So I say the following: You are beautiful, cool, hip loving, a great mom, a good sister and a loving daughter.  Our family holds you in high regard making you an excellent role model.

Your actions are worth emulating, your love is worth sharing and your accomplishments are worth noting.  I wish I spent more time with you, learning more about you sharing how much you mean to me.

So, I offer you my sobriety, my love and this letter for the world to see.

I love you Mom – Thanks for being you – I could not have been blessed with a better Mother.

Your Loving Son

P.S.

For all of the mothers out there – you deserve more than one day and love in more than one way – So I say this to you all:  May you find the peace and Blessings of God’s Love this and every day that you live.

For those that no longer have their mother – I sincerely hope and pray that you are peace, get to see Her again and have at least one more chance a the loving hugs only a mother can give.

And just so you know – OUR MOTHER MARY WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!

Take Care, God Bless and Cool Runnings Mon – Michael

A huge hello and Big Hug to all our readers who continue to support our LFTV Blog!  It really has been a while since my last blog, so I want to say I am sorry.. It has been pretty busy and I can’t believe March is almost gone.

I want to say” Happy Birthday” to all those who are celebrating a birthday in March. I recently celebrated mine with my beautiful family that I love so much.

The moments that we spend with our family can become and should always be very memorable. My siblings and I are very close and I am very Blessed with my beautiful children.  One thing I can say is: Dad and I did something right! And to have two sets of wonderful parents that are always smiling. Just to see the excitement on their face when we walk through the front door of their home you immediately feel the warming welcome.

I am not saying that we are perfect lets be  realistic who is?  Other than one man and his name is Jesus Christ.

We spoil and pamper each other in a loving and caring way,we laugh, we cry together, we pray for each other when we are facing tough times.  There are those who  think  my mom has the Red phone to reach God when we need answered prayers.

I share this  with you because, to me, everyday is a Birthday of celebration, especially when it comes to your family and those that you love; we always include and never exclude.

We recently had two family members that we had not seen in over twenty years come back into our lives.  To have them back in our lives was like they were never apart from us.  Even from a distance, the closeness that one has, and the love that we hold in our hearts, will always make up for the lost time.

As I celebrate this moment in time I ask  myself why am I  so Blessed to have a family as Beautiful as mine.

So when it comes to celebrating your birthday remember this, Everyday that you wake up you should give thanks and celebrate another day of life and another day to say how Blessed you are to have a Family that loves you so.

It’s not the gifts and the parties that you will cherish; but The Love of your Family that you will keep close to your heart till eternity.

This was the best gift God could have blessed me with and I wouldn’t have asked for anything else.

So if you are celebrating your birthday remember this, Family and Friends and the one that you Love is the best Gift of All that anyone could possibly have.

I do not know if this describes  you, but just know this, that no matter how small or big your family may be, or even if there is no family at all: Say Thank You to God for your special day and celebrate  today just like you would tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to you! may the Blessings Shower upon you and give you a life of Abundance.

Till next time keep smiling.      Brandy Lopez

“We walk by Faith and not by Sight”