NEW DULCE DE LECHE PRODUCTS |April, 2008-Have you noticed…….International Delight’s new Dulce de Leche creamer and Jello’s new Sugar Free Dulce de Leche 60 calorie pudding? So smart. To see Jell-O Pudding TV commercial click here.

MARIVI ON BEAUTY PACKAGING MAGAZINE |March, 2007-Have you noticed…….Marivi was interview by Leah Genuario from “Beauty Packaging” Magazine on The U.S. Hispanic Beauty Market. The article starts like this: “Brand marketers recognize the importance of connecting with the U.S. Hispanic population through products, packaging and marketing. ..” they refer as me as a “he” but you know I am a lady.
For more info, click here.

GOLDMAN SACHS AND HISPANICS |January 2007-Have you noticed…….I shouldn’t use the stereotypical word “Fiesta” to describe “Hispanic or Latino” but that is how it is used in the February 5th, 2007 Business Week Magazine for an article that talks about Goldman Sachs to buy and …[“spend as mnuch as $50 million buying marketing and advertising companies that cater to the growing Hispanic Population in the U.S. even acquiring street fair operatorsalong the way.] says the article. Very interesting.

FELIZ NAVIDAD FROM ASK MARIVI |December 2006-Have you noticed that Jose Feliciano’s song “Feliz Navidad” is one of top 100 songs in Apple’s itunes in the month of December? and it is in the US store part of the site. Once more this is a sign of how the Hispanic culture doens’t live parallel to the mainstream American lifestyle but intersect and share many, many things. Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Nöel, Bon Natale!!!

GOYA’S ONLINE VIDEO RECIPES |December 2006-Have you noticed Goya’s new online video recipes? They show how to prepare authentic Rice and Beans as well as Chicken & Rice (Arroz con Pollo Rojo) with Goya ingredients. The preparation is very well explained and looks easy to do. I think these videos are great for young Hispanic working women who want to give their family an authentic traditional easy meal but don’t have much time to cook. Watch the Videos

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY |November 2006-Have you noticed a lot of Hispanic families will be celebrating el “Día de Acción de Gracias” too? (you know with hot and warm tamales and dulces de leches…) Be thankful for all the good. Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of you!

UGLY BETTY |October 2006-Have you noticed the new TV drama series from ABC called “Ugly Betty”? Based on the succesful Colombian telenovela from Fermando Gaitán, “Yo Soy Betty La Fea”, producer/actress Salma Hayek has adapated this story to fit into American TV. New Betty is funnier and cute in comparison of the original Betty who was really not friends with external beauty.

TERRO BRAND |October 2006-Have you noticed the new package redesign for “Terro”? We did it here at RBIRD! This is the best ant killer you will find at your favorite hardware store and best of all its bilingual.

QUINCEAÑERA |JAugust 2006-Have you noticed the coming movie “Quinceañera”?…this Sundance prize winner film is about a girl named “Magdalena” who is turning sweet 15 (the celebration of entering into womanhood) and all the troubles her Mexican-American family and herself goes thru. For more info, click here.

MARIA CELESTE ON TODAY SHOW |July 2006-Have you noticed Maria Celeste Arrarás in TODAY show? (7/23/06) Telemundo’s long hostess of Al Rojo Vivo will appear from 9 - 10 am presenting different segments. For more info, click here.

HOT TAMALES LIVE |June2006-Have you noticed Hot Tamales Live? It premiered in April 2002 to a sold out crowd. Four years later is still going strong, launching new stars and creating a platform for multi-talented and multi-ethnic women. A show produced by famous Eva Longoria. For more info click visit: www.KIKIKISS.COM

TELENOVELAS |May 2006-Have you noticed the word “telenovelas” becoming more and more mainstream? I hear it on the radio, I see it printed in articles on the paper, and of course everywhere online where they want to refer to Spanish speaking soap operas. For a related article, click here.

NOW - ESTO ES MUSICA- LATINO |April, 2006-Have you noticed the last CD from the “NOW” CD music collection? it is called “NOW ¡Esto es música! Latino. It has 20 chart topping hits like Rompe, Ella y Yo, Para Tu Amor, Daria, Nuestro Amor, Na Na Na, No te Preocupes por Mi, Malo, Acompañarme a Estar Solo, Estoy Perdido, Seducción, La Locuro Automática, Eso Ehh, Yo Voy etc etc. It is worth buying it if you are looking for some Latin tunes. For more info and to buy: Click here.

GENSPEC SALSA TV COMMERCIAL |March, 2006-Have you noticed GenSpec “Salsa” Spanish TV commercial? It is fun and addresses well how GenSpec Vitamins and Supplements work. Specifically for you! ¿Has estado tomando las vitaminas de otra persona? For more info and to watch the commercial : Click here.

ECLIPSE GUM - CUANDO ENCONTRAMOS MAL ALIENTO LO MATAMOS |March, 2006-Have you noticed the TV commercial from Eclipse Gum, “When we find bad breath we kill it”? In one of the series they have for this same theme, they have one where the main character is a Hispanic man reading in Spanish….¡ Cuando encontramos mal aliento lo matamos ! I think this is a great TV commercial idea. Why? Because the commercial is shown in mainstream TV, feels American, has a flair of the Latin culture, ambience, character and has introduced good Spanish to its context.

2424LECHE.COM - CAMPAÑA BIGOTE DE LECHE |February, 2006-Have you noticed the anchors of “Despierta America” Ana María Canseco, Raúl Gonzalez y Fernando Arau in the “Got Milk” Ads? (Campaña Bigote de Leche) They add up to other Hispanic celebrities like Giselle Blondet that are promoting drinking milk as a way to loose weight. For more info: Click here.
Source: Hispanic PR Wire

CORAZON LATINO |February, 2006-Have you noticed the song “Corazón Latino” from popular David Bisbal? It has a nice tune and rhythm if you like to hear and dance Latin pop.

LUIS FITCH OR FITCHO?” |February, 2006- Have you noticed Hispanic Designer LUIS FITCH from Uno’s Design in Minneapolis? He is in STEP INSIDE DESIGN magazine this month. Its unique story starting in Tijuana Mexico is featured in the magazine (Jan-Feb 2006) as well as some samples of his great work. For more info: Click here.

THE SEA INSIDE - MAR ADENTRO” | January, 2006 Have you noticed…The movie “Mar Adentro” (The Sea Inside)? stars famous Javier Bardem and a bunch of other great Spaniard actors. I recently saw it and it was really delicious to listen to such richness and proper use of the Spanish l

anguage. Recommended to rent it or buy if you have not already.
For more info: Click here.
Image Source: Foto taken website

LATINOS AND BASEBALL” | August, 2005 Have you noticed…This week New York Time Magazine? (7/31/05) They have a great Cover with Pedro Martinez photo and copy is in Spanish! The report talks about “Baseball” in the US and how Oscar Minaya is creating a new image of this sport. Is it becoming Latino? An article I was waiting a long time to be written. An observation worth reading. Vivan los Latinos and “Baseball”.
For more info: Click here.
Image Source: Foto taken in house from printed magazine.

NUEVA ESTRELLA | July, 2005 Have you noticed…there is going to be a new show called “Nueva Estrella” looking for the next bilingual singer? The competition is going to be similar to American Idol or Star Search. They are trying to find the next Latino star. Latin singers this is your opportunity to shine.
For more info: Click here.
Or for CBS Entertainment:Site.

HALLMARK “RADIANTE” | June, 2005 Have you noticed…the new line of “Radiante” Cards at Hallmark? This is a sparkly line of cards in Spanish for any occasion. I love them, they are really well done in print and detail. Send one to your loved ones.

SHAKIRA - FIJACION ORAL | June 2005 Have you noticed…According to an interview with Shakira (CBS channel), Latina song writer-singer Shakira has mentioned that her last CD, Fijacion Oral is the first Spanish language Album MTV and VH-1 include in their English programming. We feel proud as Latinos that our culture is featured in mainstream English tv. It is an interview worth watching. Shakira’s English is very good.
To watch the interview online: Click here (CBSNY). (click on “Linda Lopez goes 1-on-1 with Shakira”.
Bravo!!!
(Inset image from www.shakira.com)

THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF CELIA CRUZ | May, 2005 Have you noticed…according to People en Español, The National Museum of American History of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. will present the exhibition: Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz, starting May 18, 2005. This site contains beautiful vintage graphics and it is in English and Spanish. Espectacular!
For more info: Click here.
(Celia Image from: The National Museum of American History Website)

ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA | May, 2005 Have you noticed the current issue of Newsweek Magazine? LA’s Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa makes the cover and the article talks about how Latinos are making their marks into politics. Interesting.
For more info: Click here.

DULCE DE “CAJET…” | May, 2005 Have you noticed….according to an article in the current issue of Hispanic Magazine…Hershey’s new line of candy “La Dulcería”- Sabor a chocolate blanco con dulce de cajeta - has been lost in translation, meaning the word “cajeta” in countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Chile refers to the female sex organ. That is so bad! and I think that is a result of making everything Hispanic = Mexican. Hispanic agencies should look, care and pay more attention to the “other” Hispanic part of the population who can get offended with situations like this.

UNIVISION ATTRACTING YOUNG ADULTS | May, 2005 Have you noticed….according to The Wall Street Journal online edition, -the Big Four networks, (I guess ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) are facing a growing threat from Spanish language broadcaster Univision. It seems they are attracting young adults to its programming.. For more info: Click here.

KOOL-AID AGUAS FRESCAS | March, 2005 Have you noticed Kool-Aid’s “Aguas Frescas” variant? they come in “sabores” like Mango and Pineapple. Their packaging is bilingual and has similar graphic design queues like its regular version. In this case I prefer the regular version, its cleaner and simple.

LATINO INSPIRED KISSES | March, 2005 Have you noticed Mexican singer Thalia and her new “La Dulcería” for Hershey’s? She is the face, link and inspiration for this Latino inspired new Kisses chocolates: “Kisses con relleno de Cajeta”. Saboree.

MARIVI AT HISPANIC TRENDING | Feb, 2005 Have you noticed Mariví at Hispanic Trending? Recently Juan Tornoe invited her to participate in the “Wonder Mujer On Hispanics”, a series of interviews to Hispanic professionals who’s work and interest in the Hispanic market stand apart. Their opinions and insights are revealed here. Gracias Juan!
Click here to check it out.

LAVALUVA.COM | January, 2005 Have you noticed “lavaluva.com” ? This is a site that sells awesome, colorful, royalty free images that can complement your creative project. They come in different color combinations for all tastes. For more info: Click here.

ASK MARIVI in Packworld Magazine | December, 2004 Have you noticed Ask Marivi in Packworld’s Magazine December issue? Marivi was interviewed by Technical Editor Rick Lingle about packaging and branding for the Latino/Hispanic market. Click here to read the contents of this interesting dialogue. For related articles: click here.

SESAME STREET - ROSITA | December 02, 2004 Have you noticed Rosita from Sesame Street? She brings Latino appeal and Hispanic culture to the show. Kids learn new words in Spanish everyday. A good influence just like Dora The Explorer. For more info: click here.

RITMO Y PASION | November 17, 2004 Have you noticed “Ritmo y Pasión”? This is the Latin BMG music club membership for getting your favorite Latin CD’s without you having to go out of your house. For more info: click here.

LATINO INSPIRED FLAVORS | November 12, 2004 Have you noticed the new flavors from Oregon’s “Umpqua Dairy”? Their Latino inspired flavors according to their site are very unique like Pastel de Crema con Fresas (Strawberry Cream Cake), Fresas con Caramelo (Strawberry Caramel), Chocolate con Canela (Cinnamon Chocolate), Sopapillas con Miel (Honey Sopapillas) among others. Neat right? For more info: click here.

LATIN AMERICA FESTIVAL | November 03, 2004 Have you noticed the “Latin America” 2004 Festival in Hong Kong? maybe not… Hong Kong is too far I know…but for the ones that might be traveling or live in Asia, here is a chance to visit the festival. For more info: click here.

HISPANIC ALMANAC 2005 | October 27, 2004 Have you noticed the new Hispanic Almanac for 2005? it is a Hispanic Magazine publication. The almanac with feature facts and figures about US Hispanics and the Hispanic World. For more info or suscription click here.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN EN ESPAÑOL | October 20, 2004 Have you noticed that Royal Caribbean has launched a En Español website? To all of us that sometimes want to read in our first language and are interested in vacations this is a great choice. For more info: click here.

EXPO COMIDA LATINA 2004 | October 05, 2004 Have you noticed that “Expo Comida Latina” is coming soon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC? It will take place October 26 - 27, 2004. For sure new Hispanic products, suppliers will be there! Take the opportunity to assist at their special events as well like, Free Keynote Address by Phil Lempert, The Supermarket Guru.
For more info: click here.

BILINGUAL PACKAGE | October 1, 2004 Have you noticed Colgate’s whitener teeth gel “Simply White” transparent box its bilingual? I have to say that English and Spanish copy live together in happiness here. This design has the feeling of an only English version package.
For Simply White: click here.

SALMA HAYEK | September 13, 2004 Have you noticed Salma Hayek in the recent Avon tv commercials? This Latina looks just so gorgeous! Way to go for Avon for choosing her as their spokesmodel. Targeting more Latina’s? The olive skin tones are IN. Bravo!
For more Salma: click here.

NUEVAS AGUAS FRESCAS | August 20, 2004 Have you noticed the new “Aguas Frescas” from Kerns? They are inspired on the traditional “refrescos and Aguas Frescas” common fruity beverage found at most all mercados in Latin America. Ahhh makes me feel at home.

SINCERAMENTE HALLMARK | August 12, 2004 Have you noticed Hallmark’s bilingual cards? They have a line of cards in Spanish called “Sinceramente”. This cards reflect the color, culture and heritage of the Hispanic population. According to Hallmark they have a variety of 2500 cards in Spanish already!!! Also following Hispanic traditions, they have launched a line of “Quinceañera” cards. Bravo for Hallmark. For more info: click here.

HISPANICS TODAY | July 12, 2004 Have you noticed TV show “Hispanics Today” hosted by Ramon Rodriguez at MSNBC channel 4 in NYC? It is a program that talks about from business to entertainment among others that relate to Hispanic interests nowadays. Very Interesante! For more info: click here.

BODA REAL EN ESPAÑA | June 25, 2004 Have you noticed the Boda Real? For many Hispanic-Americans born in the US, royalty is not that familiar, for some other it is. Hispanics like to follow the life of royalty in the media, just as British follow it as well. Recently Prince Felipe de Borbón got married with former anchorwoman Doña Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano. Their marriage has been a fairy tale and most of all so discreet and elegant. This week they have arrived from their one month “luna de miel”. If you missed all the details of this new royal couple click here.
Image from diario El Mundo.

MAYA & MIGUEL | June 10, 2004 Have you noticed “Maya & Miguel”? accordingly to an ad published in Brandweek magazine, they are the new animated sitcom from Scholastic Entertainment. Stay tuned this fall at PBS Kids. Enjoy! For more info: click here.

CRISTINA SARALEGUI | June 01, 2004 Have you noticed that mainstream English TV shows like ABC’s “Extra Extra” has started to include news about Hispanic celebrities like Cristina Saralegui who has recently celebrated her 15th anniversary as executive producer and host of her talk show “Cristina”?. Bravo! for the idea.

MI CASA FOOD BRAND | May 14, 2004 Have you noticed Mi Casa brand at Stop & Shop supermarkets? Its package design has Latino appeal to me…..a warm feeling, a simple touch… Check it out!

TYSON’S WELL DONE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN | Apr 26, 2004 Have you noticed “Tyson” chicken advertising ads? To me the focus of the campaign is a very good example of what we Hispanics/Latinos care about most: Family, Nature and Trust. [Note: Ads are in Spanish]

DAISY FUENTES APPAREL LINE | Apr 23, 2004 Have you noticed Latina Daisy Fuente’s new apparel line at Kohls? She has designed very cute, conservative and classic garmets. Click here to check them out. Happy Shopping.

THALIA MAGAZINE | Apr 15, 2004 Have you noticed Thalia new magazine? It launched on 04.14.04. Does the three fours mean anything? Maybe they are her lucky numbers. This Latina pop singer doensn’t waste a minute of her time and is always coming out with something new. The magazine is in Spanish.

MORE BRANDS TARGETING LATINOS | Apr 14, 2004 Have you noticed that more and more mainstream brands are already targeting Hispanics/Latinos? Some brands are Loreal, Volkswagen, Neutrogena, Clairol, Aveeno, Nivea, Walmart, Mc Donalds among others. Good examples of ads are in “Latina” magazine.

SPANGLISH | Apr 01, 2004 Have you noticed that even ads are being written in Spanglish? Continental Airlines in a recent ad has a main title: “Fly me to the MUNDO”. You can find this ad in the last issue of “Hispanic” magazine.

PAU-LATINA | Mar 25, 2004 Have you noticed Paulina Rubio’s new CD? You must be thinking she is one of my favorite artists and actually it’s true. Her new album is very inspiring and full of various rythms that makes you want to sing or dance. Her full re-designed website is coming soon.

VOY. New network for accultured Hispanic Americans | Mar 23, 2004 Have you noticed that a new network is coming soon? VOY “I go” in English, will launch this july targeting accultured Hispanic Americans, (second and third generations). Their mission is Empowerment, Growth, Dreams, Success among other very interesting ones. Stay tuned.

LATINO EXPO IN HARTFORD, CT | Mar 08, 2004 Have you noticed that the Latino Expo 2004 is coming soon? If you want to learn more about Hispanics/Latinos food, lifestyle, community and culture, stop by Hartford, CT on March 20 & 21 in the Civic Center. For more info click here

LATINOS IN FEAR FACTOR | Feb 25, 2004 Have you noticed that more and more Latinos appear in mainstream shows like this week Fear Factor? It’s good to see brave Latinos on tv. They also participated animating the show with some acting in Spanish. Very good Claudia and Bruna!. For more info click here

JUST FOR MEN | Feb 18, 2004 Have you noticed Latino Keith Hernandez is featuring as one of the sports legends that uses “Just for Men” haircolor?. Now not only our “hombres” will look attractive but younger. For more info click here

R.BIRD IN ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE | Nov 21, 2003 Have you noticed R.BIRD in the What’s Hot, December issue of Entrepreneur magazine? We discussed our experience with ¿Ask Marivi? in “Easy Read - Build Business Relationships with a Company Blog” by Laura Tiffany on page 25 (Thanks, Laura!). Pick up a copy at your newsstand or click here to read the article online

EVA MENDEZ IN GAP AND REVLON ADS | Nov 14, 2003 Have you noticed Eva Mendez in the current Gap and Revlon winter retail ads? Definitely this hot Latina is the eyes of mainstream brands. Very Good Eva!

“MI DIETA” at terra.com | Oct 21, 2003 Have you noticed “Mi Dieta” at terra.com? This is a unique personal program for weight control totally in Spanish and better yet they have included meals designed for the Hispanic/Latino population. For more info:
http://terra.midieta.com/default.asp?language=ES

AMERICANOS | Sep 19, 2003 Have you noticed that this fall HBO will premier its “Americanos” documentary based on the Latino lifestyle in the USA? It will be a celebration of the Latino culture in the US. Edward James Olmos will star on it. Click here for more info: http://www.hbo.com/sap/cmp/spanish.html (en Español)

“THE HIDDEN BABY BOOMERS” | Aug 05, 2003 Have you noticed that wherever you go you can find food influenced by Latinos? “The Hidden Baby Boomers - Hispanic Trends” is a topic of conversation at this year’s New Products Conference. Check this link for more info: http://www.preparedfoods.com/newsletter/index.asp

LATINO TASTE ON THE FOOD NETWORK | Jul 17, 2003 Have you noticed that the Food Network is having several shows presenting Latino cousine? Tune up and get to know more about this tasty and passionate food. Who know you’ll end up being an expert making “empanadas”.

SHAPE MAGAZINE EN ESPAÑOL” | Jul 02, 2003 For all of you boys and girls interested in Fitness but in your mother’s tongue language, Shape Magazine is introducing it’s version “en Español” this coming September. What a great idea!.

PAULINA RUBIO IS A DR. PEPPER STAR | Jun 24, 2003 Hey! Paulina Rubio, the mexican pop singer, is starring with Celia Cruz in the latest Dr.Pepper tv commercial. It is so amazing to be witness to how the market is changing and to reaffirm more and more how Latino is a cool and important thing to be.

MISS USA 2003, IS A LATINA | Apr 14, 2003 Wow! It’s really great that Miss USA 2003 is Hispanic descendant (my understanding is that she is half Dominican and half Puerto Rican). Besides Sussie Castillo’s many virtues, the fact that this beautiful lady has become the national icon of the American beauty really enforces/enhances the reality that Hispanics/Latinos are a major important target that big companies what to deal with.

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