letter from the editor
Da r e t o b e t h e El i t e La t i n o ! Hola Mi Gente Bonita de Tampa Bay !
Welcome to the Holiday edition of Latin Times Magazine ! As the holidays approach , many of you may be feeling what I ’ m feeling : excitement and a bubblyanxious type of “ jitters ”. It ’ s the holiday spirit creeping into our bones , that magical feeling that fills you with sweet memories of holidays past , and makes you believe in miracles again .
Each holiday is special in its own , unique way .
Thanksgiving is about coming together , it ’ s a time of sharing and celebrating with the most important people in your life , and a day filled with family and close friends . Christmas is WOW ! – soooo exciting , who doesn ’ t love this holiday ? Even the legendary “ Scrooge ” felt the magical touch of the Christmas spirit ! I can still remember the holiday celebrations from back home , and the great times I had as a little girl with the late night Parrandas , eating Pastelles , singing Aguinaldos , clapping and cheering as the adults entertained everyone with Trovas y Bombas . And then , of course , the best part of all - opening the presents on Christmas morning ! ( If we could ever make it to the morning !)
For me , though , I would have to say that my
Friday , November 2nd , 2007 – 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st . Friday , Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials ! Theme : Kicking off the Holiday Season , it ’ s our 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st . Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W . Hillsborough Highway in Tampa , FL . Event Hours : 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM . Please help us in this food drive by bringing in a few cans of non-perishable food . Complimentary Buffet will be served . Exhibit / sponsorship opportunities : ( 813 ) 901-5292 or email : JGonzalez @ thelatinvillage . com . favorite holiday is New Years Eve , followed closely of course by New Years Day . Why ? Because to me New Years Eve is like being on the “ verge ” of something brand new , it ’ s a day of reminiscing , remembering the good and bad moments , saying good-bye to bad habits and preparing for the new opportunities that await you “ tomorrow ”.
Wrapping up the holiday season for most Latinos is Three Kings Day ( Dia De Los Reyes ), which is celebrated on January 6th . This is a very special time as it is a time of great togetherness and celebration of our rich cultural traditions , foods and music ! It ’ s the time of year when we gather with family and friends to experience the power of giving and sharing and to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Are you receiving our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter ? e-Latino Weekly is Tampa Bay ’ s premier weekly , local cultural newsletter . Distributed weekly to over 6,000 local business professionals , e-Latino features Business News , Politics , Community News , Sports , and a local Calendar of Events which includes business , cultural and entertainment events happening throughout Florida . For advertising opportunities , please contact our office : ( 813 ) 901-5292 .
Upcoming Latin ConneXions
Friday , December 7th , 2007 @ 1st . Fridays it ’ s our 3rd Annual “ It ’ s a Latin Christmas and Children ’ s Toy Drive ” @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W . Hillsborough Ave in Tampa . In celebration of our Christmas Traditions , join us at the 3rd Annual Latin Christmas and Annual Toy Drive . Hours : 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM . Complimentary Buffet will be served . This holiday season , please help us to put a smile on the faces of some needy children ; please bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl !
For exhibit / sponsorship opportunities for any of the events listed above , please email : JGonzalez @ thelatinvillage . com
¿ Y que más ?
Latin Times Magazine is seeking experienced and aggressive account executives to join our team ! We have an excellent lead generation program , offer ongoing training sessions and other great benefits – excellent opportunity for the right person !
6 LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007
Finally , on a special note , I wanted to share a recent experience with you :
few weeks ago , at one of our 1st Friday events ,
A a salesman from a new local Latin magazine approached me and introduced himself to me . I welcomed him to the event , but asked him not to put out or display his magazine , ( after-all Latin Times Magazine does sponsor the event ) making snide remarks under his breath , the gentleman who was obviously upset grabbed a Latin Times Magazine from my exhibit table and waved an angry finger at the word “ Elite ” in our slogan “ Tampa Bay ’ s Publication for the Elite Latino ” and asked “ and who exactly is an Elite Latino – how do you determine that ?”
I smiled nicely at the “ gentleman ”, who was obviously trying to push my buttons . “ Well , the Elite Latino is ANY Latino that dares to dream of more – who cares about his / her culture and wants to know more about other local Hispanics that are in business in the community , basically , those who are willing to work hard to achieve a dream .” I shook his hand , handed him a free drink ticket and told him to have a great evening .
At times , we as business people that are out there working really hard at making it all happen – will be confronted by “ haters ”, those people that are out there being way too busy worrying about what the competition is doing – and not paying enough attention to what the community needs . I choose to dedicate my time toward filling a void rather than creating one . I welcome and encourage our readers to share their thoughts with me by writing to me at : JGonzalez @ thelatinvillage . com
Anyone that knows me , knows that I am not afraid of competition – nor am I hostile toward it , but rather , I embrace it , because challenge is good food for the business soul , it feeds it and nourishes it . But , I also believe that we as Latino professionals owe it to our community to conduct ourselves in a professional and ethical manner , the purpose should be to win yes – but to do so in a way that you can get up every morning and be proud of the person you see in the mirror .
In closing I would like to wish you all a happy , healthy and safe Holiday Season !
Thank you to God y mi familia ! See ya at the next Latin ConneXions ! -Sigue Pa ’ lante , Jolie