Latin Fusion TV BLOG

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

 

A Mother’s Love…Lasts Forever       written by Brandy Lopez / Edited by Michael Arellano

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, (continue reading…)

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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Super Bowl XLVI (46) has come and gone! The New york Giants are World champs once again.  The game itself is the most watched event in the world – with larger audiences than the World Cup! Giants vs Patriots – who did you like? What did you learn? Let me dish it out!

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

 

New Year Resolution – Follow Your Heart! By Brandy Lopez

Happy New Year everyone! May your dreams and endeavors come true in 2012 – may you be prosperous and may Father God find favor on you.  It is a time of New Beginnings!

But first, I want to thank you all for your prayers last year as my family and I went through a difficult time in our life.  We almost lost our daughter Diamond due to illness. (continue reading…)

Walking by Faith!
Saludos Everyone! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

I am writing in lieu of Brandy because she has spent the last couple of weeks at University Hospital. Her daughter Diamond is in ICU. She is currently on life support, breathing with the help of a ventilator. Brandy and her family ask for your prayers.

Brandy and her family want to thank you all for your visits, support and prayers.  It is working! Diamond is healing! Most of all – we thank Father God for the healing he has given Diamond and for complete healing and restoration. Thank you Father God for all of your blessings!

This leads me to this month’s topic: Walking by Faith!  Sometimes it is difficult to walk by faith, mostly (continue reading…)

Hello to all of our Readers! We hope you had a safe Halloween and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  The Holidays are upon us so enjoy your time with your family and be thankful for what you have.

Last month we wrote about Running the Race, not giving up and understanding that things happen for a reason.  How people and circumstances, like the seasons of the year, come and go and it is all in God’s time!  Therefore, we must have faith and be committed to do what is right.

It means we must commit to Finish Well!

When we discuss finishing well, we are not talking about winning the race, but about finishing strong – doing the best you can and making sure that you commit to finish – and do what is right, good and helpful.

Finishing well is important because life is a journey! It can be a long and tough road.  People remember us more for what we do rather than for who we are.  This can be hard but you can finish well.  The chapter of your life is still being written.  Write it well!

It’s the same for us, it is the same with business, things might be tough – but do not give up. And if things are going well, then be generous, help out, give back.

It is the Holidays and there will be a lot of activities going on.  It should be a reminder of how grateful we should be, and how much we can help those less fortunate than us.  How we can make a difference.

It is easy to look at how little we may have or what we are missing in our life, but let’s not. Let’s finish the year well by helping others.  The best way is to volunteer and donate.  You can help us!

On Friday, December 9^th, I will host my 6th Annual Star Gala, or “Una Noche con Las Estrellas,” at the Fountain Bleu Banquet Hall.  The event will be from 7 to midnight.  But this is not an ordinary gala, we have partnered with our dear friend, Rocky “Shuffle” Hernandez, of the award winning OBG Band and we will have a dance and special guests.  We will collect toys to be delivered over the holidays and we will bring in local celebrities and stars to party with us.

We will collect toys for Rocky’s Kids and Brandy’s Toy Box.  Toys will be delivered to Bexar County Sheriff, Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, Santa’s Cruisers and other organizations.  Many will be volunteering their time and resources and we will be doing a good thing for Families in Need.   I invite you to join us.

We are working with Janie’s Records Shop, Del Bravo Records, and other locations to collect gifts for the children.  On Facebook, go to the Latin Fusion Tv group page and Una Noche con Las Estrellas Event page for the latest information and updates on the Gala and where to donate.

Check out the ad here in Street Talk magazine.  Hey, maybe we can talk Jaime to join us and you can meet our wonderful editor and publisher.

This month is Veteran’s Day – We salute all of our veterans and support our troops!

On Friday, November 11, the JW Marriott is hosting a big Veterans Day bash.  Also, they are honoring teachers, firefighters, police officers and government employees with a discounted room rate – check out our website for details.

On Saturday, November 12 is the United States Military Veterans Parade, it is one of the largest veteran’s day parades in the United States.  Remember, Freedom isn’t Free and this is just one way we can honor our veterans – We hope to see you there.

Finally, for information regarding the SouthTown Lions, the events we support and the work we do check out our website: www.SouthtownLions.org.  As for latin Fusion Tv, we have lots of upcoming events, so please visit our website: www.LatinFusionTv.com.

The end of the year is near, so let’s remember to walk by faith and not by sight, love each other and commit to Finish Well! Hope to see you at our Gala!  God Bless – Brandy

 

 

 

 

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…)

It’s hard to believe that we are already in February.  We all know what this month means to us?  That’s right – Valentines Day!

Do we actually know how St Valentine came about? How did it become one of the most major holidays in the U.S.

Some may think that it started with the Cupid?  I don’t think so.  To my surprise  St. Valentine has been around since 269 A.D. There is great history in all this, but I’ll just get to the point.

Valentine’s Day, as we see it today, is about Romance, Love, Sweethearts, and perhaps even going to the Chapel of Love and saying those two words that become one and that show the love between two people – “I DO”

I see  Valentine’s as little similar to Christmas when the shopping and planning begin all over again.  This time, it has a special meaning for couples.

Which brings me to this little story that I thought was so sweet, I was visiting this jewelry store and in walks this older man with a shopping bag, and tells the sales man that he has already done his shopping for his Valentine Sweetheart, and can you believe we were still in January!

My eyes became watery, and all I could think of was – what a lucky lady to have someone who was excited to have done his shopping for the one he Loves.  He did it  early, on time and did not wait to the last minute.  I found that to be a Blessing.

Valentines is when we should reach out and tell that special someone in our life how much they really mean to us, and how blessed we are to have one another and to appreciate each other.

Sure, we women love Roses, Romantic Dinners, Lingerie, Chocolate covered strawberry’s, and just to be pampered on that One Special night, but this is all materialistic.

To me, and I hope to you, it is the  words that people share, words full of pure love – this is what we should treasure and hold close to our heart. The rest, and I repeat, is materialistic.

But don’t get me wrong I won’t turn down the gifts.  I am not that crazy!

Thought I’d add a little Humor.  But seriously Ladies, just like we wonder what kind of special evening our significant other has planned for us, they wonder the same.

You would be surprise how men expect a romantic evening, and please don’t forget their gift.  Trust me I know!

I find Valentine’s Day to be very exciting, I enjoy watching everyone at the store looking for that special card with those perfect words.

We know that every  Flower shop is busy trying to make those deliveries on time, and the restaurants are preparing for the right setting to add that special romantic touch for every couple.

So with all this said and done I want to say to all you Love Birds: “The way you embrace each other today and especially tonight there is one thing you may want to remember – that Valentines Day does not have to end at midnight.”

Keep that flame burning and Cupid’s arrows flying; continue to embrace each other and tell each other everyday those three special words: “I Love You!”

Have a Blessed Day and Happy Valentines To each and every one of You!

Till next time, support each other and most of all, Respect each other.

From My Heart filled with LOVE:

Brandy Lopez – “I Walk By Faith and Not by Sight!”