latina & the city
Lo Nuestro’s Got Talent, Eye Candy Overload
Awards shows have forever ago captured my interest, and “Premio Lo Nuestro” is no exception. With more Latino eye candy than is saf
e indulging in one night and back-to-back appearances by three of my all-time favorites, the only thing missing for the program to achieve awesomest-awards-show-ever status was an appearance by Lusimi.
Of all the surprises during Thursday night’s Premio Lo Nuestro 2012, there was a segment of about 20 minutes in which I nearly had a heart attack. I had a vague idea who was going to be present, so I was totally taken aback (the audience went crazy too) when my platonic love Enrique Iglesias took stage to give an award to Hispanic TV legend Don Francisco and later to receive an award for Pop Male Artist of the Year. Enrique’s multiple-grey-tone ensemble made his olive skin look even tastier and its sophisticated-casual vibe made him even more wanted (Hey, a girl can dream!) than when he performs in usually super casual getups.
Minutes later, mi “Chica Dorada” and favorite female artist, Paulina Rubio, captured the spotlight, sharing some of it with Regional Mexican-music superstar and sweetheart Espinoza Paz. The dynamic duo interpreted their composition, “Me Voy,” from her latest album, “Brava,” to perfection. In the little time I dedicate to TV, I never once heard Pau’s performance promoted before the show. Como quiera, no lograron opacarla. Go Pau!
Shortly after, it was time for a female artist I’ve admired for decades, Alejandra Guzman, alongside one of my fave bands, Moderatto. Their performance of “Día de Suerte” was the icing to Ale’s energetic acceptance speech earlier in the evening for the Song of the Year award in the Alternative Rock category. Considering her performance was subsequent to Paulina’s, it made me wonder if the two had run into each other backstage, igniting in Alejandra’s mind her anthem against Pau, “Guera.”
The only artist missing to complete my list of top-four music idols was Luis Miguel, but the night was full of other eye candy to devour without guilt.
I really enjoyed the choreography and electronica touch in Chino y Nacho’s “El Poeta.” Even though Nacho got stuck on a harness the majority of the song, I must say Chino (suddenly handsome to me) did a mighty fine job of keeping me entertained with his slick moves.
Then there was a Mira Quien Baila-like, nostalgic moment, when Luis Fonsi, who’s usually behind a guitar, hit the stage in a black-leather-pants-and-vest getup, revealing bare muscular arms that mesmerized me while he sang and actually danced to a very decent cover of “Claridad,” originally popularized by boy band Menudo in the 80s. With fellow boricuas Ricky Martin and Chayanne being the best of dancers, I guess rhythm was to be expected from Fonsi. Note to self: Hurry up and plan a trip to La Isla del Encanto — maybe that’s where a papasito awaits to enchant you.
And last but not least, while Prince Royce widened his place in my heart with his maturing good looks and velvet voice, there was one performer who seduced the night: Romeo Santos. Sorry, Enrique, you’re still my No. 1, but Romeo sure made it difficult to be loyal to you! I was sitting there complaining that co-host Jacqueline Bracamontes didn’t feel the need to name him, simply introducing him as “El Rey de Bachata”; a friend watching the show with me had to let me in on who that was. Not even Alejandra is presented as just “La Reina del Rock.” I mean, I was just saying, but I was speechless as soon as I got a glimpse of the brown-sugar-and-honey-skin babe con sus pelos parados. In one word: Yummy!
My eyes were already in major Thanksgiving-feast mode as Romeo crooned “Mi Santa,” and then he takes of his frickin’ jacket. That was some serious eye candy, Romeo. You had me at “Yo.”
My Single Latinas: Feliz Día de la Amistad y el Amor
Cupid has stayed away from my corner for a while now, and it’s been good.
For several years now, my biggest worries on Valentine’s Day have centered on what I’m going to wear for the night out with friends or how much money I’ll be spending on a weekend getaway with them. So, you see, it’s been about how to please me, not about expecting someone else to make me feel really special on Feb. 14.
If you live in coupledom, you’re probably thinking I’m just a hater trying to portray it’s all good and that it’s better to be single. Not the case. I have been in relationships on Valentine’s and hope that I’ll be in one again for years to come on this special day, celebrating love … and the lovely human anatomy (wink). But, while that someone comes along, I can do without the stress of searching for unique, this-demonstrates-I-love-you-and-you’re-special gifts and outings. I can also do without feeling let down when my guy falls short of putting that extra effort I’ve expected on this day. Maybe I won’t engage in or have such expectations next time around, but I can only speak based on experience.
In summary, “Latina and the City” has been Single and the City on Valentine’s, enjoying dinners, cocktails, events and dancing in the company of my second family and support system ¾ those people I call friends, who are still here, unlike boyfriends who’ve come and gone. Some friends have even married throughout the years but, with their partner, still plan and join the celebration with their single peeps.
In most Spanish-language cultures, Valentine’s Day is known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad, making it clear that it’s the day of love and friendship versus the English-language version of lovers celebrating love. It makes sense to commemorate the two non-family relationships I think humans need to be happy. I am not saying one can’t be complete without a love interest by their side, what I am saying is that our significant other can’t give us everything friends can and vice versa. They provide different affection, fulfill unique needs and both have a special place in the heart.
So, to all the ladies with a man, Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad. Do give your man the priority he deserves just like you expect him to prioritize you, but don’t forget to at least give a shout out to your single peeps — you never know if you’ll be single again.
To all my fellow single ladies out there who haven’t found love, Feliz Día de la Amistad y el Amor. Do prioritize your friends over a mediocre guy you’d just be using for a free date and compliments — you have 364 other days to do this.
Date Your Sexiness Beyond Halloween
It seems that women’s Halloween outfits get skimpier every year. That’s probably just my aging self talking. However, after seeing many of my usually conservative, female friends and acquaintances dress up in costumes that show a gazillion miles of skin they otherwise wouldn’t show, I question what leads them to be OK with letting it all hang out on this particular day.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m all for being proud of and tastefully struttin’ your stuff, if it makes you feel good. What’s contradictory is that it’s usually these same friends who act shocked when they see me showing a little more décolletage or leg than most women (including them) dare to on any given day — usually when I’m feeling super comfortable in my skin. Plus, when these friends are deciding on their costumes, I constantly hear them say something along the lines of, “Oh yeah, last year, my guy friend was like, ‘Girl, I didn’t know you had it in you. You look hot!’”
The compliments are obviously a motivating factor in women continuing to choose sexy costumes, pushing the envelope on dressing for others more than for themselves. But, wouldn’t it be more fun — and less stressful — to have dates with your sexy, inner-seductress style throughout the year than to play out that sex-kitten role for one night?
I’m all too familiar with getting to a stage where certain clothes are no longer age appropriate. For example, I like to think I’m not the only self-sabotaging Latina out there who every now and then holds up that pair of jean shorts she used to love wearing in college and think: Wow! I used to fit in these and wear ‘em to class … and around my parents?! They could pass for Victoria’s Secret boy shorts! More than sabotage, a decade and 30 pounds later, those college-days shorts are motivation to wear what makes me feel good as often as possible because I’ll eventually get to a stage where certain types of clothes are no longer acceptable for public appearances, regardless of my size.
My point: If you’re feeling super LMFAO (“I’m sexy, and I know it” http://youtu.be/wyx6JDQCslE), dress the part whenever you feel the desire to — not just on Halloween. Considering so many women have so much fun participating in Halloween’s popular theme of sexy versus scary-creative and then go back to covering up from head to toe year round, I’m not so much suggesting that we should show more skin but that we should make a date with our inner-seductress style — whatever that might be; big hair, leather leggings, smoky-eye makeup, etc. — more often.
My suggestions aside, the question remains: What motivates some women to be comfortable covering less skin on Halloween than they do any other day? Could it be that women use Halloween as an excuse to unleash their inner seductress and hide it the rest of the year so they don’t have to worry about being forever labeled non-girlfriend or non-wife material?
I’d love to know your thoughts. Until then, enjoy your Halloween weekend and get your sexy on!
Hello Dallas and Breast Cancer Survivors
Finally, the time has come! I am so delighted to be typing these words as I drink my first cup of super-yummy coffee this morning, creating the official, first article for “Latina and the City,” a blog I conceptualized almost a year ago. I invite you to follow and grow with me on this new adventure, where I will dish on the scene and Latinas in Big D … and wherever else the world takes me.
Yes, considering this blog is by a single gal, you can count on my written or video content occasionally being interrupted by a mention of some fabulous shoes or some hot guy luring my attention at a particular event. My overall goal, however, is to shine light on the modern, Hispanic woman’s experiences and contributions to the world. Chant with me, ¡Mujeres unidas jamás serán vencidas!
On that note, I’m off to go help set up and decorate the Survivor Tent, where breakfast, gifts and special recognition will be provided for breast cancer survivors participating in this weekend’s Susan G. Komen Dallas Race for the Cure. There’s still time to sign up for the race and donate to the fight against breast cancer — reportedly the leading cause of death in Latinas in the United States and around the world. To all those already signed up, see you Saturday at NorthPark Center! For more information, visit http://www.komen-dallas.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/.
Coming Soon!
Check back for more updates
