Mars Pays Tribute to Newtown Shooting Victims on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

During his recent visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Bruno Mars have a moving tribute to the victims and families of last week’s Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

The 27-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer, who recently reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, opened the show by performing “Count on Me,” a single from his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, complete with a ukulele.

Supported by a lone back-up singer, Mars flawlessly belted out the fitting tribute after a heartfelt introduction by DeGeneres, who decided to kick-off her show differently following the shooting that killed 26 people including 20 school children on Friday, December 14, a tragedy gripping not just the community in Newtown, but the entire nation.

“I think we can all agree right now we need a lot of love out there,” said DeGeneres as she introduced Mars.

It’s the latest in a series of tributes to the victims of the shooting…

On Sunday, New York Giants star Victor Cruz marked up his shoes with a special message to honor one of the young victims, who happened to be a big Cruz fan.

On Monday, Christina Aguilera and her fellow The Voice coaches joined the show’s hosts and contestants to perform a song to honor the victims while each holding a placard with the name of a victim.

Cruz Pays Tribute to Newtown Shooting Victim Jack Pinto

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s known for his end zone salsa-dancing… But during his NFL game on Sunday Victor Cruz made headlines for his special tribute to one of the young victims of the heartbreaking Newtown, Connecticut school shooting…

The 26-year-old half-Puerto Rican New York Giants wide receiver wrote a personal message in honor of 6-year-old Jack Pinto, a fan of Cruz’s who was one of the victims of Friday’s shooting.

“It was emotional. I was fighting back tears to do it,” said Cruz. “It felt good to honor a family that was going through so much and perhaps to think that messages go out to these athletes — and some athletes just brush them off. So, it felt good to be one of the athletes that listened to that family and did something to pay tribute to them. It felt special.”

Writing something on cleats is usually a fineable offense. However, according to a person informed of the league’s stance in this case, Cruz will not be fined. The person spoke to USA Today Sports on condition of anonymity.

“RIP Jack Pinto,” Cruz wrote. “Jack Pinto, my hero. This one is 4 U!”

He became aware of Jack after his Twitter feed started to blow up with talk that the 6-year-old had been one of his biggest fans. He instructed his publicist, Elaina Watley, to find the family, which took her about 20 minutes. She asked the family members if they wanted to talk to Cruz; and they did.

“I was in the hotel (in Atlanta) and as I was talking to them I was fighting back tears. You could hear everybody in the background crying as well. It was tough to listen to,” Cruz said.

He spoke to Pinto’s 11-year-old brother, who was obviously distraught.

“He could barely speak to me. I was just talking to him, telling him to stay strong, to stay positive and I’m going to help the family any way I can,’’ said Cruz.

Cruz was reportedly told by Jack’s parents that they were considering burying their son in a No. 80 Giants jersey.

He said after the game that he hoped to visit Jack’s family this week, “even if it’s just for an hour.” He added that he planned to bring the shoes and gloves with him as gifts.

Turlington Featured in HBO’s “The Latino List : Volume Two” Documentary

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Christy Turlington is opening up about her Latin American roots…

The 43-year-old half-Salvadoran American is one of an impressive group of Hispanic artists, celebrities and leaders who’ve recorded special video portraits aimed at offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Hispanic America.

It’s a follow-up to HBO’s original documentary The Latino List, which served as an oral-history book of exclusive profiles of some of the Latino community’s power players.

Entitled The Latino List : Volume Two, the sequel will feature interviews with an extraordinary cross-section of Hispanic Americans who represent a variety of professions, disciplines and backgrounds, each speaking to the unique struggles and triumphs he or she has faced.

The film consists of intimate first-person vignettes, with each subject speaking into the camera about a number of topics – from immigration to childhood inspirations that powered their ambitions, to the evolving American cultural landscape they helped mold, to the importance of preserving a distinct cultural identity for future generations.

Along with Turlington, the film will feature video portraits of NFL star Victor Cruz, comedian George Lopez, former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros, media tycoon Nely Galan, newswoman Soledad O’Brien and civil rights activist Raul Yzaguirre, among others.

Hailing from a variety of backgrounds, including Cuban, Dominican, El Salvadorian, Mexican, Peruvian, Puerto Rican and more, each interviewee has a unique perspective on the American success story.

The Latino List: Volume Two Trailer

The Latino List : Volume Two is set to premiere on September 24 at 9:00 pm ET on HBO and HBO Latino in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Cruz Named to Vanity Fair’s Best-Dressed List

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He may be best known for his ability to score touchdowns and salsa-dance like nobody’s business… But Victor Cruz is now getting some major attention for his sizzling style.

The 25-year-old half-Puerto Rican New York Giants receiver and certified football star has been named to Vanity Fair’s annual International Best-Dressed List, which recognizes the world’s most stylish stars.

Making his debut on the list, Cruz is featured in the profile wearing a Billy Reid suit, Calvin Klein dress shirt and Audemars Piguet watch. The footballer, who can be spotted on the cover of magazines and at high-fashion events, was called out for stepping up his game in the fashion world.

Others making the magazine’s list in its 73rd installment include Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, fellow NFL star Tom Brady, as well as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

Click here for the complete list of Vanity Fair’s best-dressed honorees, and pick up a copy of the magazine’s September issue.

Cruz Participating in Time Warner’s “Enjoy Sports Better” Campaign

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is encouraging people across the country to enjoy sports…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican football star has partnered with Time Warner Cable to support the company’s “Enjoy Sports Better” initiative, which helps customers enjoy the sports and teams they love even more.

“I am pleased to join the Time Warner Cable family in a relationship that already feels like a true partnership. At the outset we have worked together closely to identify projects that are mutually beneficial, which has been a fantastic experience,” said Cruz in a statement. “As a professional athlete and sports fan at heart, I am excited about the opportunity to inspire people to enjoy sports ‘even better’ with Time Warner Cable.”

Beginning in September, the partnership will feature the Super Bowl champion in a national advertising campaign and on regular segments on NY1 and NY1 Noticias. Cruz will also connect with Time Warner Cable customers in the New York area to share his inspiring story.

“We at Time Warner Cable are extremely excited to have Victor on board. His participation is sure to take our Enjoy Sports Better efforts to new levels, bringing our customers even closer to their passion for sports,” said Jeffrey A. Hirsch, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Time Warner Cable. “Victor is not only a sports phenomenon to New Yorkers; he is an established athlete across the nation among football fans.”

Miguel Receives Three 2012 BET Awards Nominations

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

The nominations for the 2012 BET Awards have been unveiled… And, rising star Miguel leads the Latino pack of nominees with three nods.

The 25-year-old half-Mexican R&B singer/songwriter has received a nomination in the Best Male R&B Artist category. He’ll face off against fellow Latino singer Bruno Mars, as well as Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Usher.

In addition, Miguel has been nominated in the Best Collaboration category with Wale for their song “Lotus Flower Bomb.” Other nominees include Beyonce f/ J. Cole – “Party,” Big Sean f/ Kanye West & Roscoe Dash – “Marvin & Chardonnay,” DJ Khaled f/ Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne – “I’m On One,” Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – “The Motto,” The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) f/ Otis Redding – “Otis.”

Miguel’s final nod comes in the Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice Award category for his same collaboration with Wale on “Lotus Flower Bomb.” The pair will face off against Beyonce – “Love On Top,” Chris Brown – “Turn Up the Music,” Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – “The Motto,” Mindless Behavior – and “Hello,” The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) f/ Otis Redding – “Otis.”

But Miguel and Bruno Mars aren’t the only Latino artists getting nominations… Zoe Saldana received a nod in the Best Actress category, while New York Giants’ star Victor Cruz was nominated in the Subway Sportsman of the Year category.

The 2012 BET Awards, which will be hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, will be held on July 1 at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Last year’s awards show drew 7.7 million viewers on BET.

5/22

Giants Star Cruz Earns His First Super Bowl Ring…

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

New York Giants’ star Victor Cruz has plenty of reason to salsa… He’s now the proud owner of a Super Bowl championship ring in only his second season in the National Football League.

The 25-year-old half-Puerto Rican wide receiver scored the first touchdown of the night during Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday to help lead the Giants to a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots in a tightly-contested match.

New England almost forced a turnover and prevented a score during the Giants’ 10-play, 78-yard drive, but a Cruz fumble on third down in the red zone was undone by a 12 men on the field penalty, which gave the Giants a first and goal. They managed to convert with the scoring pass from Eli Manning, who was named this year’s Super Bowl MVP, to Cruz.

Following his touchdown—at the 3:24 mark in the first quarter—the All-Pro selection even celebrated by doing what he’s done all season long… dance salsa in the end zone… in front of more than 100 million people worldwide.

The New Jersey-born Cruz attended the University of Massachusetts and scored 11 touchdowns in his career and had just under 2,000 receiving yards.

Click here to watch an interview with Cruz reflecting on his improbable journey.

But Cruz wasn’t the only Latino to score a touchdown during the Super Bowl game…

In the third quarter, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez caught a 12-yard pass from Tom Brady to put the Patriots up 17-9.

The 22-year-old Connecticut-born Hernandez—also a second year NFL player—attended the University of Florida where he, along with Tim Tebow, led the Gators to a 2009 BCS Championship. While at Florida, he was nicknamed “Chico” by his college teammates because he was the only Puerto Rican on the team, something he came to embrace.

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