latino files Letter from la Editora: 6 By: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
Los Headquarters Jolie R. Gonzalez-Padilla Publisher / Editor In Chief Victor Padilla VP / Executive Editor Felix “Nikko” Gonzalez Publishing Assistant
Latina Leaders: 8-11 Florida Business & Media Latina Leaders David Ruggieri “Success is a Route you Follow” 12-13 10 & 11
Zion Padilla Marketing Assistant Victoria Padilla Girl Friday
ON THE COVER: Our Timeline: Latin Times Magazine is Celebrating 15 years of Excellence: 16-21
Marketing & Advertising Consultants Carmen Santiago Orange & Osceola Counties Claribel Levinson South West Florida Regional Marketing Director Diane Aguedelo Central Florida Regional Marketing Director
In the Spotlight Sandra Lansky: 22 Esperanza Road 23 A Miracle Story
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Leticia Jimenez, & Jay Amor: 24-25
Gabriela Guerrero South Florida Regional Promotions Director Georgina Martinez Florida: Business Development Photography / Video Credits:
photographers Corey Grenier John Atherton And Ernesto Sempol
Latin Tiimes Promotions Team
Bochinche Blvd 25
South Florida Scene: 28-29
Subscribe to Latin Times Magazine –receive it at home! One (1) year subscription (4 issues) $20.00, please sign on to our website: www.LatinTimesMedia.com to order or send a check to: Latin Times Media, Inc., P.O. Box 18771, Tampa, Florida 33679. Need Prayer? Contact our Ministry: The Holy Place today, VPadilla@Latin-Times.com Central Florida: (813) 407-6866/7191; South Florida: (954) 762-7627 Fax: (813) 489-2422 Websites: www.LatinTimesMedia.com; www.ILoveCubanSandwiches.com or www.Latin-Restaurants.com No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times Media, Inc., 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and 2016.
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Saludos!
Happy 15th Anniversary to Latin Times Magazine!
my dad and everyone that has in some way helped to shape Latin Times into what it is today!
16 Years ago, I moved to the areas of Tampa & Orlando, Florida (I couldn’t decide where I wanted to live, but eventually settled in Tampa) – less than 6 months later, I was starting my first publication – a bilingual publication that would cater to the then growing bilingual communities in Tampa and Orlando.
As I set my gaze upon the distance - yes toward my 20! years? With each goal that we reach, we have to climb higher, reach further – I just don’t know where the time has gone, my son Nikko was a child of 5 years old when I started this magazine, and he is now he is a man of 21 years old…..
When I started my magazine, 15 years ago, I never dreamed that 15 Years later, I would still be publishing the “same” magazine, my goal was 1 year, and then it 5 years, and then I dreamed of 10 years, but 15 years, this is an emotional moment knowing that impossible goals can be reached, by working really hard, staying focused and never giving up, all of which can be summed up in just one word: Faith! (thank you GOD!)
What beautiful moments and memories I have stored up to reflect upon as I greet my next challenge, the people I have met, the relationships we have developed, the ups, the downs -peaks and the valleys, I can only of say one thing: Thank you God for letting the Chitown boricua experience that which only God could have made happen, for allowing me to live a dream and to achieve heights no one every would have expected.
Fast forward, 15 years later, that little publication, now known as Latin Times Magazine is known world-wide, and we are STILL at it!
To have met and interviewed so many famous people, including President Barack Obama, the former president of Hunduras, “El Lobo” and to have photographed former president George W. Bush and former president Bill Clinton, government officials, world leaders, world famous actors and performers, community leaders and more. Thank you to our readers for being so loyal through the years. Thank you to my husband Victor and my children, Nikko, Michaela, Zion and Victoria for putting up with my workaholic tendencies, and for helping me get it all done. You are the most precious gifts that God ever gave me.
This issue is about gratitude to all those that made it possible for us to still be here, alive and kicking after 15 years of up’s and down’s, wins and the losses, defeats and celebrations! By far, we are ahead! First and foremost, I thank God, for making the dreams of a young single mom real for walking with me and never letting go of my hand. I thank him for removing the obstacles and deceitful people out of my path, and I thank him for the ideas, the opportunities, and the people he has put in my life. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for us, and a special thank you to my wonderful familia…. My husband Victor who has been a wonderful husband and partner to me, our good friend Albert, my son Nikko, and my girls Victoria and Zion, my mom, my brother,
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Ironically enough, we are ALSO celebrating the 5th Anniversary of our International Cuban Sandwich Festival, an event that has enjoyed world-wide attention, and is now being held in Orlando, SW Florida, South Florida and Tampa Bay!
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2016 Cuban Sandwich Festival & Smackdown Schedules: Orlando Cuban Sandwich Festival Saturday, February 20th, 2016 @ Valencia College: 1800 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 2nd Miami/South Florida Cuban Sandwich Smackdown. Featuring Defending Champion: Sergio’s Cuban Restaurant @ Saturday, March 5th, 2016 @ Sergio’s Restaurant @ 1640 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL SW Florida Cuban Sandwich Smackdown Saturday, March 12th, 2016 Location: Hawthorne Plaza 26455 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL. 5th Annual International Smackdown; Ybor City, Florida: March 18th, 19th & 20th, 2016 Do you know someone that makes a great Cuban Sandwich? Invite them to join the contest: CubanSandwichFestival@Latin-Times. com In closing, I am looking forward to the adventures and the challenges that lay ahead, as we focus on growing our ministry, our media business, and our event schedule, and introducing our NEWEST EVENT, the Taste of Latino festival, which will be held in the Tampa bay area in the fall of 2016. I want to extend an invitation to you to attend one of our upcoming events, and say hi to us, we would love to meet you! Help us celebrate these two huge achievements! Gracias, Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla Founder/CEO/Publisher Media Site: www.LatinTimesMedia.com Marketing, Advertising & PR Services: www.Latin-Times.com Creators of Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival
Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
Today, my team is comprised of myself bring over 20 years of Accounting Experience, as well as a forensic tax attorney. We are also able to offer clients one on one custom training. Weekly or Monthly booking, monthly reconciliation, tax preparation and more.”
Maritza Ruiz, President
QuickBooks Pro Solutions, LLC
Office: 813.220.2602 Fax: 707-220-2604
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Jolie: Tell us about where you are from, and about your family. Maritza Ruiz: I was born in Bronx, NY and was raised between NY and PA. My mother moved from Puerto Rico to New York at the age of 17 and did not speak English. She had me at the age of 18. I have a brother and sister. As many Hispanics know, the children become the translators for their parents and tend to grow up quickly. That was true of myself. At the age of 14, I started working nights at McDonald's, while still attending school and all of my sports activities. Growing up my dad kept all three of us busy with school, activities, community services and church. Jolie: You are a Gulf War Veteran; can you tell us about your Military Career? Maritza Ruiz: I graduated from High School in June, 1986 with honors and with the 4 yrs of Air Force Jr ROTC I earned 2 stripes towards my rank when I joined the Air Force. Once I graduated from high school in June, I had 1 month of vacation and on August 6, 1986, I was off to basic training in San Antonio, TX. My job in the Air Force was in the accounting field, so here is where I started my accounting career. After technical school, I was stationed at MacDill AFB and here is where I spent my 12 years of service with 10 years’
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active duty and 2 years in the Air National Guard. I had the opportunity to serve my country by volunteering for the following deployments; the Gulf War Desert Storm where I cashed the checks for our military and civilians stationed there and then went to Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) Cuba as a linguist for the prison camp. This deployment opened my eyes to another culture where I learned so much of their traditions and made some great lifelong friendships. In Cuba is where I had my first real Cuban sandwich and it was scrumptious! Toward the end of my military career, I took on the responsibility of raising my 3 nieces and nephew. Not having children of my own, it was a huge challenge to go from zero to three in one day and to this day they keep me on my toes. I was determined to do the best I could in my job and all activities to provide my children with what I didn’t have. A couple of years into the military my Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Sidney Ebanks, pushed me to go start college and I enrolled at St Leo University where I received my BA in Accounting. Jolie: How did you get started in accounting? Maritza Ruiz: Working in the military provided my first exposure to accounting. After the military my first civilian job was with Chitester Management Systems. I started as a
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receptionist with Chitester, and continued to work there while completing my Accounting degree. During this time, I taught myself QuickBooks through trial and error. In 2007, I finally became a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. By 2008, I had worked my way up to Controller with Chitester. However, I decided it was time to start my own company, QuickBooks Pro Solutions, Inc. and he became my first client. My hope was to be able to help many Florida small businesses with their accounting needs. I started using my knowledge of the software QuickBooks combined with my accounting background and volunteered my services to many small Hispanic businesses in the area. In 2011, I won the Small Business of the Year Award, by the Tampa Latin Chamber. Today, my company, through collaborative efforts, has a wealth of resources to offer to my clients including, a staff of QuickBooks trained bookkeepers, and a tax attorney. Together, we bring over 100 years of Accounting Experience. As we have grown, we are now able to provide full service accounting, remote bookkeeping services on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, personal & business tax returns and my favorite is the custom one-on-one QuickBooks training!
Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
My good friend & our VIP/Celebriy Judge @ 5th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival on Sunday, March 20th, 2016 @ Centennial Park, Ybor City, Florida
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
Jolie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? Cristina: I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania shortly after my parents arrived from Cuba with my older brother, who was just an infant. When I was 11 years old our family moved to Lima, Peru where we lived for four years. (My father was an executive in the pharmaceutical industry.) Then our family moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina and two years later we were transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico. I attended three different high schools in three different countries. Afterwards, I studied Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami where upon graduation I took my first job as a news reporter with Univision23. Once I started my family, I took some time off to stay home with my three children, occasionally doing some freelance work shooting industrial videos and commercials in English and Spanish. Since returning to the work force in 2007, I have worked as a correspondent with Univision Network, CNN en Espanol, and as a general assignment reporter for WFOR in Miami and WPBF in West Palm Beach. Jolie: And your familia….. Cristina: I am a very proud mother of two daughters and a son who are my everything. Jolie: As a television journalist -tell us about some of the biggest moments in your career… Cristina: One of the first moments that stand out in my career was
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“ I feel as though I am already living my dream” when I was just a rookie reporter and was sent to cover the arrival of President Ronald Reagan at Miami International Airport. I was so anxious because I had never seen a president in person before. I remember the door on Air Force One opened and President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, stepped out and started waving. I thought they were waving at ME so of course; I waved right back at them. However, I didn’t wave just one arm. I raised both of my arms above my head and waved them vigorously. I soon realized their salutation was aimed at his supporters who were standing on the tarmac behind us and that I was the only one in the press corps waving. Embarrassing moment! Another moment was covering Hurricane Ike in 2008. At least 37 lives were lost in the devastating storm that destroyed large portions of Galveston, Texas. It was heartbreaking to cover stories about families and residents who lost it all. Another impactful assignment was the story about a Mexican woman who was facing deportation and sought sanctuary in a Chicago church with her U.S. born 6 year-old son. I followed this story for an entire year. Elvira Arellano brought attention to the complexity of illegal immigration in the United States. I have had the opportunity to cover the Republican National Convention in 2008 held in St. Paul, Minnesota in addition to reporting on several political campaigns at the federal and state level.
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It’s interesting to see former State Representative Marco Rubio now, as a presidential candidate, when it seems it was just the other day that I covered his campaign for U.S. Senator! Jolie: How do you handle obstacles? Cristina: I am both an optimist and a woman of faith. So, when life happens, I take a deep breath and tackle situations head-on. Jolie: Please share with us about your dreams Cristina: I feel as though I am already living my dream. I am blessed with a beautiful, healthy, loving family and I am fortunate to have a job I am so passionate about. I’ve always told my kids, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
whom I resided during my college years. She lived to be 95 and taught me so many life lessons: character, integrity, patience, optimism and patriotism for the U.S., a country that she described as the strongest and greatest nation on earth. Abuelita also fostered my love for Cuba, and the desire to see a democratic “Cuba Libre” someday. Jolie: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich? Cristina I like a traditional Cuban sandwich, without the salami, lettuce and tomato. That said, I will admit that when I was judging the contest last year in Ybor City, I tried a sandwich that had basil pesto added to it and it was amazing!
Jolie: What does being a journalist mean to you? Cristina: I love being a storyteller and giving a voice to people who otherwise would not be able to have their grievances heard. Jolie: Who is your hero or role model, and why Cristina: My role model was my grandmother, Abuelita Tina, with
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Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
My good friend & our VIP/Celebriy Judge @ 5th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival on Sunday, March 20th, 2016 @ Centennial Park, Ybor City, Florida
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla It's the day I met my husband Angel while on assignment. Twenty-five years later, that’s still my favorite story of-all-time and Angel is still the love of my life.
Jolie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? And your familia Lissette: “I'm a first generation American - born in Long Island, New York. That's where my parents first settled in the U.S. after arriving from Cuba. Mom and Dad moved to Miami, Florida right before I started kindergarten and that's where I lived until moving to Tampa in 2001 with my own family.”
“Over the years, my guests on Positively Tampa Bay have asked about my "Spanglish"… that rapid fire English with a sprinkling of Spanish words I use right before the camera light flashes “on”. My parents say it's something I've been doing since the first grade!”
was a video-tape librarian, an associate producer, a coffee maker, a "whatcan-I -help-with-next" girl. I basically overstayed my college internship until the newsroom folks got used to having me around. No job was too small, no assignment was too big. I was blessed with two mentors who helped me learn from my mistakes and grow as a journalist, and as a person. We are dear friends to this day. Lourdes works for ABC News in New York. Mercedes works for CNN based out of Miami. Over the years, my assignments have included criminal trials, plane crashes, riots, political campaigns, and more. I've travelled to Havana, Cuba and Moscow, Russia for under cover reporting. I've had the privilege of traveling to the U.S. Navy Base in Guantanamo Bay Cuba, aka "GITMO", to report on the tent cities for Cuban and Haitian refugees, and Camp X-Ray for suspected terrorists after the attacks on 9-11.
I was raised bilingual and bi-cultural too. At home, we had all the traditions of being an American and the most heartfelt traditions of being a "Cubanita". It was an apple pie, café-conleche kind of childhood. My husband and I share that same experience and we are raising our daughters, Sophia, 17, and Audrey, 12, in that same way.
2000 was a banner year! I started the year doing live shots with the international press corp reporting on the custody battle between the U.S. and Cuba over 7 year old Elian Gonzalez. Just 5 months after the boy was sent to his father in Cuba, I was reunited with many of those foreign correspondents also reporting on the historic Florida recount! The battle for the presidency between George W. Bush and Al Gore was covered by reporters from Texas to Tokyo!
Jolie: As a television journalist -tell us about some of the biggest moments in your career…. Lissette: I was 20 years old when I got my first job in TV. I
While these were all “big moments” in my career, THE BIGGEST and most important story is a business report I did in June 1991. That 1 minute and 30 second report changed my entire life!
Jolie: How do you handle obstacles? Lissette: As a young woman, I’d have to say “not very well”! I'd get frustrated and overwhelmed with selfdoubt. With age, I learned to take a step back, look at the total picture, and evaluate how best to move forward. It's not something that came naturally in my 20's. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to praying about obstacles too. With prayer comes clarity...making it possible for me to take - even the most painful situation - and turn it into a positive. I re-learned that the hard way last year, as I struggled with my Dad’s cancer. I took time off from work, practically moved in to the hospital with him and Mom. We pleaded with doctors. Read books aloud to Papi and danced to Celia Cruz in his hospital room every day! Our loss became Heaven’s gain on April 26, 2015. I thought the anger and the sadness that followed would, quite literally, break me. It’s the biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my entire life. Faith helped us move beyond that. Jolie: What does being a journalist mean to you? Lissette: I've wanted to be a journalist since I was a little girl. Being able to
This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
tell people's stories with dignity and respect is my favorite part of being a journalist. We, as a society, look for our heroes in all the wrong places. Every day people doing extraordinary things are the REAL heroes. Being able to share their stories in a way that inspires others to make a positive difference in the world or gives someone hope in their situation - THAT is what fuels my passion for writing and journalism. Jolie: Who is your hero or role model, and why? Lissette: My parents are my role models and my heroes. Their sense of right & wrong, their optimism and their empathy for others are like Super Powers! When applied with faith, they make all things are possible! Jolie: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich? Lissette: I adore Cuban Sandwiches! Any way and every way you make them, I L O V E them! (pressed or not pressed... with or without lettuce & tomatoes... I eat them all!) With a side order of fried green bananas (aka “Tostones”), I'm in Heaven! I could live on Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee every day! I’d be a “gordita” yes, but a happy one! Aside from the fact they taste so good, I love Cuban Sandwiches because they were invented right here in Tampa! That's right - made in Tampa, not Miami! They are the perfect combination of Cuban pork, Italian salami, German pickles... created by the immigrants working at the now famous Cigar Factories in Ybor City and West Tampa!!
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This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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Latino News Bites 2014 Bank of America Home Lending Data (HMDA) By Selected City & Race HMDA Data Provided By Federal Agency EEIC Population based on 2014 US Census Dept Estimates & Migration Patterns
ONE on ONE with Author/Attorney
Orlando/Kiss: Percentage of Population: Latino: 38% African American: 29% 2014 Conventional/FHA Loans (by %) By Bank of America: Latino: 18% African American: 7%
Bryant Camereno By: Jolir Gonzalez-Padilla
Tampa/St Pete: Percentage of Population: Latino: 34% African American: 29% 2014 Conventional/FHA Loans (by %) By Bank of America: Latino: 11% African American: 3%
Jolie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? And your familia Bryant: My parents came to this country from Costa Rica in 1963 and settled in the Bronx, New York. My father was drafted in the army and was stationed in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, where I was born. We returned to the Bronx until I was 4 years old and then we came to Tampa where I've been ever since. Jolie: As an attorney-tell us about some of the biggest moments in your career… Bryant: I worked 10 years as a state and federal prosecutor and the last 10 years as a defense attorney and so it goes without saying that I encounter some of the biggest cases nearly every day of my career.
Bryant: It means helping people from all walks of life. As a defense attorney there is no prejudice. Jolie: Who is your hero or role model, and why Bryant: My heroes have been by mom and dad. Two hardworking immigrants who overcame language barriers and poverty in order that their children could succeed.
Jolie: How do you handle obstacles? Bryant: I stop. I pray. And I Jolie: My role models have been breathe. And suddenly there are every teacher who took the time to no obstacles. educate me. Bryant: But the people who had the Jolie: Tell us about your book biggest impact on me have been EJ “The Verdict” Salcines and Frank Delagrana who Bryant: It's a legal thriller that opened many doors of opportuniexamines the impact a criminal ties for me and paved the way for jury trial has on the jurors, the me to become a successful lawyer lawyers and on society. and litigator. Jolie: Do you plan to continue writing other books? Bryant: The short answer is "yes". The long answer is that I'v been writing plays, screenplays and books since I was a kid.
Jolie: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich? Bryant: The old fashioned way!!
Jolie: What does being an attorney mean to you?
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LatinConexiones está diseñado para proporcionar el ambiente social para atender a las personas que están interesadas en la comunidad Latina que están seriamente interesados en encontrar su compañera de vida. El sitio está dedicado a apoyar a los miembros para crear las relaciones que conduzcan a una vida de amor.
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Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
Latino News Bites Logo - http://photos. prnewswire.com/prnh/20160211/332340LOGO
The National Society of Hispanic MBAs Becomes Prospanica as part of Rebranding Initiative The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) announced today it has changed its name to Prospanica, pronounced Pro-span-i-ca, effective immediately. The new name more closely aligns the organization's image to its strategy and mission. This rebrand is the positive outcome of the organizations ambitious strategy to include a broader scope including all Hispanic professionals, regardless of educational level or area of work. It also embraces a wider focus to empower Hispanic professionals to achieve their full educational, economic and social potential.
For over a year the organization has been operating under its new strategy and brand initiative, reaching deeper into the community to help Hispanics attain higher educational opportunities and attain leadership positions in proportion to their share of the U.S. population. Prospanica will continue to provide and build on: educational opportunities through undergraduate programs, chapters, and scholarships; professional opportunities through internships, mentoring, career management seminars, job fairs, networking and professional development; and social opportunities through corporate responsibility programs to improve the Hispanic community as a whole.
Congratulations Lizette Rivera, you’re really “Poppin”
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Seeking snack alternatives, Lizette Rivera, walked into a gourmet popcorn shop one day. She found a product that she fell in love with. She decided to bring popcorn to her daughter’s softball game. The girls loved it! Before long Lizette, a corporate professional, began toying with the idea of distributing this product.
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My favorite? Is the Windy City Popcorn! This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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Victor A. Padilla Vice President Latin Times Media, Inc.
Jolie: What was your first impression of Latin Times Media and Magazine when you first became involved in the company. Victor: Being introduced to Latin Times Magazine through my wonderfully talented wife Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla awoke a passion for my people, my culture, and history. The vision quickly overcame me of how this magazine is a powerful tool and would touch thousands, millions of lives around the world. Latin Times Magazine is unique, unscathed by the norm, it is outside of the box. Jolie: What do you enjoy most about Latin Times Magazine? Victor: There are many things I enjoy about Latin Times Magazine! I enjoy meeting the people we interview and getting them to open up and reveal who they really are to our readers. I enjoy being able to touch many lives through our editorials, testimonies, and biographies and especially through Esperanza Road. Jolie: Tell us about the Cuban Sandwich Festival and how it came to be. Victor: In 2011 My wife and I wanted to create and event that would motivate the passion of our culture and at the same time God gave us the Idea for the Cuban Sandwich Festival, we ran with it and the response was
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overwhelming. Tampa City Council just passed the resolution in April 2012 To make the Cuban Sandwich the Signature sandwich of Tampa, Florida, this was inspired by Council Woman Yolie Capin and her husband Juan Capin. This was meant to be and the news of the Festival hit the Newspapers in Spain. We had our first Cuban Sandwich Festival and Contest on May 26th, 2012 and it started at 10:30 AM in Ybor City Centennial Park, all of our food vendors ran out of food within an hour and had to replenish more than several times. Over ten thousand people attended that day and it was so overwhelming that my wife and I would look at each other and tears were in our eyes. Going on our 5th year now the Cuban Sandwich Festival has drawn over 25,000 people to Ybor City Tampa, Florida along with Contestants from all over the world. God has blessed this event because it belongs to him. Jolie: Tell us about Latin Times International Ministries. Victor: I am the Pastor of LTIM “The Holy Place” is a ministry where my wife and I minister to Actors, Entertainers, Community Leaders, Business owners, and all types of people, sharing the truth about the real God, the real word of God. Our ministry goal is to awaken and teach the Latinos about their Sephardic Jewish roots and be a part of the last greatest revival and outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit spoken by the prophet Joel. Jolie: Tell us about your familia. Victor: God has blessed me with a wonderful Family in which I am so grateful to have. My beautiful wife, www.latintimesmedia.com
soulmate, and best friend, Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla, our two beautiful daughters, Victoria and Zion, our two handsome sons, Felix and Solomon, and our beautiful granddaughters, Bella, Ava, and Ember Lynn who is a living miracle. I am truly a blessed man with my family. Jolie: What is next for Latin Times Magazine? Victor: Well-being that God is truly our boss I can say this, Latin Times Magazine will be stepping into a new realm and be a beacon for our people. We will be enlarging our tents throughout the world. Jolie: How do YOU like your Cuban Sandwich? Victor: Cuban Sandwiches have always been a part of my life since I was little, as far as I am concerned my grandmother made it the best. I like my Cuban with the right amount of meat, Mojo marinated slow cooked pork, Brown sugar ham, real Italian Genoa Salami, aged Swiss cheese, real kosher dill pickles. Real Mustard. Bread only from the best, La Segunda, pressed to a golden color. Now that is how I like it, as a matter of fact LOVE it!J Jolie: Who is your Hero / role model (Living or deceased) Victor: I have several heroes starting with God who without him I would not exist, my Father who taught me to grab life by the horns, my Abuela who was there for me no matter what, my wife who stands by me, loves me, and knows me for who I am.
Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
Celebrating 15 Years! Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla President /CEO Latin Times Media, Inc.
we are going on our 5th Annual event, and just a few short years we went from a 1day event, to a 3 day event, and in the midst of God has allowed us to add an element to this event that feeds hundreds of homeless people every year. The contest brings in thousands of visitors from all over the US and now the World, as this year we have gone international and have a participant Victor: Who is Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla, and tell us about your family, your background? Jolie: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla is just a simple person with a lot of dreams. I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Victor, and a mother to my wonderful kids: Felix “Nikko” Gonzalez, Victoria and Zion Padilla. I am the oldest of 3 girls, and I have an older brother Roberto Rodriguez. They all live in different parts of Florida. My mom, Carmen also lives in Florida, and my father Orlando, and my step mom Josefina live in Corozal, Puerto Rico, and they visit us yearly, just in time for the Cuban Sandwich Festival! I am of Puerto Rican background, born and raised in Chicago. I am blessed! Victor: What inspired you and how did you get started in creating Latin Times Magazine Jolie: I have always been a spiritual person, and I have always believed in dreams and have had faith that we can do whatever we can envision and enjoy. I have always enjoyed writing and was pretty good at, and I have always loved being involved in our Hispanic culture, the music, the language, the foods, the customs, the history and people. The magazine was born from a dream of doing what made me happy… Victor: You and your husband Victor Padilla are a team who not only run Latin Times Media and Magazine but, both of you created and founded the Cuban Sandwich Festival, tell us about that? Jolie: The Cuban Sandwich Festival is such a blessed event. This year,
Victor: Through these 15 years you have met Actors, entertainers, and political figures, you also have been able to survive in the magazine industry, tell us about the struggles, obstacles, and successes you have had with all of this? Jolie: You can be certain that there will always be struggles when you go into business, when you start a business -or a venture into a career, if you don’t have a passion you might as well throw in the towel, because if I had not had the love and passion that I feel for my business, and my culture, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago, because it’s hard, and the struggles are real, it’s a roller coaster ride that soars high in the air, and the takes a sudden dip…. I consider myself, and our business a miracle that Go allowed to happen, a magazine surviving in this digital age for 15 years? Our niche Hispanic market and lot of love and dedication made it survive! Moving forward I see us more as a digital piece with reduced print opportunities. Victor: You and your husband have a Ministry that also ministers to Actors, entertainers, publics figures, and others, what does that entail? Jolie: Thru our media business, the magazine and the events, we have been blessed to have had the opportunity to meet many famous people, including the President of the United States, President Barack Obama, Presidents of other countries, Actors/Actresses, performers, business, community and political leaders, because of that our ministry has become known for ministering and praying for famous people! It’s an incredible experience, we are meeting people that 20 years ago I used to dream about meeting! Our ministry is a
blessing I feel very honored that God has entrusted us with this mission. Victor: You have worn many hats from a Minority Business Woman to President of the Tampa Latin and The Hispanic Chambers, what was that like? Jolie: I am so grateful for every opportunity that I have had a chance to serve in as a leader within our Hispanic and business communities. Victor: What is your Favorite Latin Food and how do you like your Cuban Sandwich? Jolie: I LOVE Mexican food, but it has to be authentic, not Tex Mex! Believe you me, that in the last few years I have enjoyed many different types of Cuban Sandwiches! I love many different types of Cuban sandwiches, I think it depends on my mood, I love the Tampa Historic non-traditional Cuban Sandwich, I love the Miami Cuban, and I love non-traditional Cubanos like the Honey Cuban yummy…. Victor: Who is and has been your greatest inspiration and hero to you? Jolie: When I was younger, I used to always admire women leaders because it should me that as a young woman I could pursue any dream I had, since I met and married my Husband Victor, he has been like a ROCK to me, I love him very much and he is the love of my life! Throughout my LIFE it’s been God, and his son Jesus that have inspired me, strengthened me, and have allowed my dreams -which I call miracles to happen. I call them miracles because the successes that God has allowed I believe in the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples when he performed miracles, “you can do all this and greater”, those words say it all, they inspire me, and they make me believe that we can do all things, anything we dream of and love!
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Exclusive Interview with Sandra Lansky By: Victor A. Padilla
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra Lansky last year through a couple of mutual friends over a year ago. We have become friends and what I have learned about Sandra is that she is a very sweet and wonderfully well-spoken lady. In this exclusive interview Sandra Lansky shares her true life experiences about her life and her father Meyer Lansky. Many have portrayed Meyer Lansky as a notorious Mafia Crime syndicate boss but in this exclusive interview we will see him through
a different light. -
Victor: Tell us about yourself and your family? Sandra: I was born in Boston the youngest of three children spoiled rotten and we moved to New York when I was three years old. My Father Meyer Lansky was born in Grodno, Russia, my mom was born in New York but her father and mother were from Romania, my mom used to say no one would have kidnapped me they would give me right back because I was so spoiled. Victor: What was it like growing up being the only Daughter of Meyer Lansky? Sandra: It was wonderful, being the baby in the house with two older brothers He would spoil me. We went to the theaters and movies a lot, he would take me everywhere with him and I met everybody and everybody was an uncle. Victor- Tell us about your fondest memories with your father? Sandra: Just being with him, we didn’t have to talk, we could be together for hours and not say too many words. It was the looks that he would give, you could tell his frame of mind by the way he looked, his eyes would give him away. It was a true daughter and father love relationship. The only problem he had with me is that I wore my heart on my sleeve and I wasn’t stoic and I spoke my mind, he thought I would outgrow it but I never did. After I got Divorced from my first Marriage, I went through my wild years, through it all we were very close. Victor: Tell us Husband Vince
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about your Lombardo?
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Sandra: My father absolutely loved Vinny, we had a love affair. Vinny was with the Carlo Gambino Family, you normally don’t just walk away but, my Father told Vinny to marry my daughter you have to get out. So my father got him out even though Vinny still had family that were still in. I met and knew everyone from the other side not only my dad’s side, I knew the really good fellas, Jimmy Burps, Sony Francoise, Frank Costello who I gave his wife Bobby one of my poodle puppies and we became good friends, we had our ups and downs with jobs because people would tell Vinny, “Your Meyer Lansky’s son-in-law you don’t need a job?” Vinny and I were truly in love. Victor: Your father knew some of the celebrities in show business tell us about those experiences? Sandra: We had a lot of dinners at Dinty Moore’s and all the show people were there, Frank Costello was there, Willie Moretti who was killed the night after I had dinner with him. Frank Sinatra came over to our table to say hi and he tripped on the champagne bucket and spilled the ice all over me, I was freezing and he was so afraid of what my Father would do. I had an affair with Dean Martin, and he wanted me to travel with him but, I told him no so we ended it there. We hung out with Duke Ellington and his wife and an awful lot of Show people. Victor: Your Father Helped the Government to capture German spies, tell us about that? Sandra: They broke up the Pro-Nazi German-American Bund meetings, Rabbi Steven Weiss asked my father to help and they would break up these meetings all over the country. The Navy called my father for help after the ship the Normandy was sunk and they also gave my father a copy of the Japanese surrender.
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This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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David Octavio Gandell
Faith As BIG As a Mountain
By: Victor A. Padilla
Victor: Tell us a little about yourself David: Well, I was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. My grandparents were born in Spain and most of my family still in Puerto Rico. Victor: You were a fitness trainer for many years, tell us about that. David: I was 19 years old became a personnel trainer and at 22 years old became a manager until about 3 years ago GOD was using me (of course didn’t know) Victor: Something happen to you in 2004, we know -please share with us now… David: At the age 29, I found a lump and found out it was a tumor and that it was terminal, it was cancer. Victor: What was your first reaction to the news that you not only had Cancer but that it was considered terminal? David: I had faith in GOD, that he was going heal me. It was on August 13, 2004 that I was diagnosed and I had surgery August 16, 2004, just 3 days later. I started asking myself did I do something wrong? Is this a punishment? why me? But I wasn’t mad at GOD. Cancer had taken my grandmothers life. But GOD was calling me, I was raised in church. I could promise you there is a reason why I got cancer. For two years I researched about Cancer, every treatment, foods etc. Through it all I’m praying GOD is telling me this your time. This is why you have all this talent and this is why you are what you are. Now I get to use you.
As a Two-time survivor of a type of cancer believed to be terminal, David’s inspirational life story makes him relatable and empathetic. Of course, the story itself is what is most life altering. David didn’t merely survive cancer and go on to live an unassuming life of anonymity and mediocrity. He utilized the opportunity to realign his existence so that he might live his life to its fullest potential. In doing so, he found that those to whom he relayed the message became inspired by his miraculous survival and by his life-affirming outlook. People began to seek David out for guidance, in order to share their own stories, or simply to talk.
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Victor: How long did you go through this? David: Those 2 years were preparation, a test to get to the next level. If you truly believe, you will have a relation with GOD. It was scary. I started telling people I’m a cancer survivor GOD has healed me. Still had my long hair, was in good shape. I guess, I didn’t have proof that I had ever had cancer. Two years later my cancer came back, but this time it wasn’t easy doctors said it was spreading. There are different kinds of cancer, just like there is different type of people. GOD spoke to me to let me know that I was created and I was unique, but the doctors said that the cancer had spread and there wasn’t much they can do. “We can however open you back up“ Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
Esperanza Road
they informed me. I let the doctors know that I have done plenty of research and if they open me back up, it’s going to be useless. I tried all kinds of processors, spent lots of money, and of course my parents supported me (because that’s what parents do) of course nothing worked. So I asked GOD to grant me the summer. It was the summer of 2006, why? Because I wanted to live with cancer, I wanted people to see me live with cancer. In June 2006, I went to see my cousin get married, and I also went host Fitness University for 2 straight days. In July went to see Marc Anthony and celebrated my birthday. In August (2 years after I was diagnosed) I went to this fashion show in Orlando, Florida and asked my girlfriend to drive me, she said “you can’t walk or stand and you are in lots of pain, but you want to go model?” and I said “yes” and I modeled in Orlando, two days later I’m at the emergency room in Boca Raton, Florida with a worse diagnosis, this time it was all my organs from my stomach to my chest that had cancer. Everyone wondered, how it is that you are still alive, because I asked GOD for the summer. Victor: Tell us about your second miracle: David: No one wanted my case, I had a vision that I was going to be bald and skinny. But I didn’t want see myself bald. I do believe dreams come true. They were giving me Morphine for the pain and one Friday night I got a call from a doctor, from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. I remember going to the hospital in the ambulance and when I got to the hospital, they put my name on an envelope with my doctor’s name on it, and I knew that this was the doctor that GOD was going to use as an instrument to save me.
Want to read more about David’s Miraculous Testimony? Visit our website for the entire interview as well as video footage! www.LatinTimesMedia.com
David Octavio Gandell “A Miracle Walking” CEO of Fé2Live Entertainment Life Coach & Published Writer Motivational Speaker & Professional Fitness Trainer Email : DavidOctavioGandell@me.com PRESS KIT www.myppk.com/get/davidoctaviogandell IG : DavidOctavioGandell Facebook Page : 2 Time Cancer Survivor www.facebook.com DAVID.OCTAVIO.GANDELL 2TIME.CANCERSURVIVOR
photographers Corey Grenier John Atherton And Ernesto Sempol
Latin Times Interview with
Actress Leticia Jimenez By: Victor A. Padilla
Victor Padilla: What inspired you to start Acting? Leticia Jimenez: I was actually inspired by other actor/ stuntmen in the business. I have a lot of friends in the stunt community so when I first moved to Los Angeles a friend of mine told me that I should get into acting. Take some lessons and see how I feel about it. He already knew that I was a professional flamenco dancer and thought that the transition would be smooth and natural for me. So I did! I got an agent started taking classes and auditioning, booked my first role and absolutely fell in love with acting!
Victor Padilla: Tell us about your family background and about yourself and how you got the name “La Canela”? Leticia Jimenez: Well, I am a mix of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American, and how I got the name Canela, well that was given to me by my Flamenco Maestra, Chiqui Linares at a young age. Flamenco nicknames are usually given to you by someone else. The word “Canela” translates to cinnamon for the color of my skin. 24 Latin Times Magazine
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Daniel Craig play James Bond in “Casino Royal” he blew me away! I absolutely loved his portrayal of a new tough and gritty Bond. What can I say he had me at his first fight scene! Victor Padilla: Do you Love Cuban Sandwiches? With Salami or No Salami? What is your favorite Latin Food? Leticia Jimenez: Yes I do! I love the Cuban without Salami preferably. And what Latin Food in not my favorite! I love all Latin food! I do not discriminate. Victor Padilla: What advice can you give those young Latinos who want to be in the acting field? Leticia Jimenez: My advice would be to never give up! Never stop dreaming big and putting yourself out there! The majority of this business is rejection, which can be very hard and frustrating. Many times you just start to question yourself and then doubting yourself which is the worst thing you can do! Remember that there are no Limits to what you can accomplish. All you need to do is believe in yourself and know that you can do it!
Victor Padilla: Tell us about some of the movies you have been in and any current projects you are working on? Leticia Jimenez: I have been in a slew of movies from big budget features to small indies. I have been in “Pitch Perfect 2”, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip”, “Intruders”, “The Loft”, “A Girl Like Grace”, “Left Behind”, and “Jake’s Road” which I also produced. I currently have a couple of projects that are in pre-production with British director Brian Skeet, “In Search of the Miraculous”, and “House of Deaths”. Hopefully we should start Victor Padilla: Who filming summer of 2016! has been your Hero and inspiration in life? Victor Padilla: You love Leticia Jimenez: My hero James Bond, which is and inspiration in my life your Favorite James Bond is my mother, Margarita Movie and who is your Jimenez. She is my hero. favorite James Bond Actor? Through her life struggles Leticia Jimenez: I am a and accomplishments she huge James Bond fan!! has shown me that you I love all James Bond should fight for what you Movies and James Bond ac- want, love and believe in. tors, but if I had to choose She is my rock and supone it would have to be Sean port and one of the stronConnery. Although I have to gest women I know with admit that when I first saw the biggest heart. Abraza el calor de tu cultura!
spotlight
Latin Times Interview Stuntman/Actor
Jay Amor with
Latin Times: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich and what is your favorite Latino Food? Jay Amor: Bien Planchado, Bistec Empanisado Moro y Maduro.
Latin Times: Tell us about your family and where you come from? Jay Amor: I was Born in Havana, Cuba. Raised in Miami. I have two Brothers and one Sister My Mom passed away in 1996 my Dad is 83. I was Married in 1982 to Jessica and we have been Blessed with two beautiful daughters Jacqueline and Jamie. Latin Times: What inspired you to become a Stuntman/Actor? Jay Amor: When I was a kid we lived in New York I use to do really stupid things like climbing fire escapes, jumping from building to building, climbing to the tops of trees. Jumping off the trees, jumping my bicycle over garbage cans. But what really inspired me was Superman, and Batman they were always doing stunts. I either wanted to be a Policeman, Fireman or Stuntman. My first movie I worked on was BLACK SUNDAY in 1977 where I met the first Stunt Person the Awesome Jeannie Epper. She is an Icon in the Stunt Business. What a Blessing it was to get to meet her and work with her. I have been a member in good standing with SAG Screen Actors Guild since 1979 to present.
Latin Times: Tell us about any new projects you’re working on? Jay Amor: The Movie, I just got back from Santo Domingo working on a show with “True Memoirs of an International Assassin” with Andy Garcia and Kevin James its gonna be a funny Movie. 11-22-63 the assassination of JFK re-enactment. Then I just did a Bucket list Driving a Nascar for a show called “CHECKERED FLAG CHALLENGE”. I was the Stunt coordinator so I hired myself to be one of the Drivers. There is several projects in the works so soon we will be on set. Latin Times: What advice do you have for young Latinos wanting to be Stunt Actors? Jay Amor: Don’t ever give up, don't ever listen to anyone that tells you, you can’t do it. Be positive, Train and prepare yourself, be ready your turn will come up. Always go with your gut feeling, the sky is the limit. God has the Master plan. Blessings
Latin Times: How Many movies have you Latin Times: Who has always been your inspiworked in and what were your favorite ones? Jay Amor: Over 100 Movie’s, 100s of episodic ration and hero in your life? TV shows over 200 TV Commercials. My favor- Jay Amor: “GOD, I always pray about everything. ite movie’s that I worked on were TRUE LIES, BAD BOYS II, COLOMBIANA, to name a few. My Mother, Hal Needham, Burt All movies are fun to work on. Latin Times: As a Latino Stuntman what were your obstacles in the business? Jay Amor: Persistence, not quitting, being Cuban it was tough breaking into stunts because it was a white man’s world, but one door closed and another one opened. I was determined to be a stuntman. Never give up. Now there are many Talented Latino Stuntmen so here I am Thanking God every day for the Blessings.
Reynolds and Clint Eastwood were a big inspiration for me. Some of my mentors have been my dear friend Glenn Wilder, he is my second Father and one of my Best friends, An Icon in the Stunt business, Bobby Bass, Dar Robinson. There are so many other Stunt People I look up to too.”
This Issue of Latin Times Magazine is sponsored by
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Cuban Sandwich Smackdowns SW Florida Sponsors
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Cuban Sandwich Smackdowns Do you like Cuban Sandwiches? We are excited to announce our Florida Cuban Sandwich Festival 2016 schedule! I would like to invite you to be a part of one of the BEST cultural events that Florida has to offer, the 5th annual International Cuban Sandwich Festival. The Mayor of Orlando has proclaimed February: Cuban Sandwich Month and the Mayor of Miami has proclaimed March: Cuban Sandwich Month, and the Mayor of Tampa has proclaimed March: Cuban Sandwich Month! We have an exciting schedule of events throughout the state of Florida. I would like to invite you to participate in one or more of the Cuban Sandwich Festivals, mark YOUR Calendar TODAY and make plans to be a part of this great event! Orlando Cuban Sandwich Smackdown: Saturday, February 20th, 2016 Valencia College: 1800 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 2nd Annual Miami Cuban Sandwich Smackdown: Saturday, March 5th, 2016 @ Sergio’s Restaurant @ 1640 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL. SW Florida Cuban Sandwich Smackdown: Saturday, March 12th, 2016 Hawthorne Plaza 26455 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL. Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
5th Annual International Smackdown; Ybor City, Florida. March 18th, 19th & 20th, 2016. Over 40,000 people are expected as we celebrate our 5th Anniversary! In 2016, we have entries from all over the United States AND from as far as London, England to represent the U.K., at this FREE family friendly event, featuring LIVE cultural music, exciting performances, food, art, and business exhibitors! Info: www.iLOVECubanSandwiches.com
Jana Rodriguez
Julio Aviles
Metro Orlando Realtor Extraordinar
Metro Orlando Tropical Fun Rentals
Jolie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself Jana: I was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico and move to Florida in the early 90’s. I have worked hard all my life, and while raising a family, working a full time job and keeping up with a household, I also put myself through college and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Business Management and International Marketing at Nova Southeastern University. Then in 2009, I decided to take my real estate license.
Jolie: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? Julio: I am a happy go lucky guy the oldest of 3 from Chicago. I’ve been in Florida for almost 20 years now.
Jolie: And your familia Jana: I have a wonderful husband whom I have been married to for over 30 years. I have two wonderful kids and five precious granddaughters. I do have a strong passion for my culture and my Puertorrican roots, most of my family is still on the island and I try to make it there as often as I can, to enjoy their company and the beauty of the land where I was born.
Jolie: What do you enjoy most about what you do? Julio: It started as an inflatable (moonwalks, slides etc.) business as I LOVE working with children. Nothing like seeing smiles and laughs on those kids. It grew into alquilamos (we rent) un poco de todo for anything from a birthday party to a wedding.
Jolie: What do you do for a living? Jana: I loved my experiences while traveling the world working in sales and marketing efforts for different companies for many years. But now as a Realtor, I feel a new sense of accomplishment; I feel God has given me an opportunity, tools and the knowledge to help many families reach their home ownership dreams. Everything I have done in my life, has been with lots of passion, commitment and dedication, now I really feel that I am on the path that was always meant for me, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Jolie: What do you enjoy most about what you do? Jana: What I love most about being a Realtor is the fact that I am a critical tool in helping people. I love to see smiles, the satisfaction and the happiness of family’s at the closing table. Whether they are selling or buying, there is a sense of accomplishment on their part, and their appreciation, along with those smiles is just priceless. Jolie: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich Jana: I will take my Cuban sandwich with lots of “pernil”, salami, ham, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and skipping on the mustard and pickles. ;-)
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Jolie: And your familia? Julio: With my wife Linda we have 8 children (3 are mine) and 12 (4 are mine) of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. Lucky number 13 will be here soon. Nothing like being gwanpa (child talk).
Jolie: What is your dream job? Julio: I wish I had a 9-5 job for the steadier income in today’s trying times, but there’s nothing like being self-employed owning your own business. My parents came from Puerto Rico and were blue collar workers. Right now we’d like to upgrade into owning a studio or banquet facilities to host parties or events! Jolie: How do you handle obstacles? Julio: I try to have an open mind. I will assist you or find a solution to please a customer as much as I can. There’s too much stress and at my double nickel age, I care about my health. Jolie: Who is your hero or role model, and why? Julio: Growing up it was Roberto Clemente, I mean ese Boricua got on a plane (on New Year’s Eve) to help others that were less fortunate in Nicaragua. He was warned not to board because the plane was too heavy. Plus, I loved baseball growing up and he was the only Boricua playing at that time. Jolie: How do you like your Cuban Sandwich? Julio: Wow tough one, especially after being the judge for the event in Orlando. But because I love bread so much and it could be dry at times, I’d say non-traditional pero not too much mayo, por favor.
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