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With the start of the holiday season, many Hispanic families are preparing to host traditional Posadas, Parrandas or Nochebuena. While central to Latino culture, these festivities can become overwhelming to plan and are often filled with extra calories from traditional dishes. Entertaining expert and co-author of “Latin Chic: Entertaining with Style and Sass” Carolina Buia offers some inventive tips and reduced calorie alternatives for these important cultural traditions.

“The celebration of Posadas, Parrandas and Nochebuena are cornerstones of the holidays for Latinos,” Buia says. “Yet for today’s Hispanic families, attempting to honor these traditions can take time and money and also cause worries about the effect of rich holiday foods on family health. Avoid this unnecessary stress by considering alternatives that put a contemporary twist on these treasured holiday pastimes. For example, you might cook traditional dishes such as coquito using SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener to save on calories while still delivering on taste.”

To make your celebration of Posadas, Parrandas and Nochebuena a success from start to finish, Buia offers the following tips:

– Use existing traditional plate ware. Rather than buying holiday serving ware that is used once a year, substitute pieces like a Mexican talavera, which adds a great touch to a celebration as serving dishes.

– Have festive background music playing. Many contemporary Latin artists have interpreted traditional Latino holiday music in various styles — salsa, merengue, ranchera, bolero, even pop/rock. Some songs include Peses en el Rio, Cascabel, Feliz Navidad, and El Burrito de Belen. Find an economical mix CD at your favorite music store, or downloadable online.

– Share cooking responsibilities by hosting a “potluck” among family members. Traditional dishes are central to the holiday celebrations, but can be overwhelming for one person to manage. Have each family member bring a special dish that is a reduced calorie version of the original — such as arroz con leche or tamales made with SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener. These can help reduce added sugar and calories in your favorite holiday dishes, without sacrificing taste.

– Incorporate decorative elements that tie back to the holiday. Save time and money by using existing holiday decorations in a new way. Make your nativity scenes (nacimiento) front and center by setting it on a special table at the entrance to your festivity.

– For Posadas, gather your guests for the re-enactment of the “Posada.” For a contemporary twist on Posada, provide guests with printouts of the carols (villancicos) outlining the parts for both the pilgrims and the innkeepers as well as “luces de bengala” (sparklers) for a final song outdoors. Set up a pinata filled with candy and peanuts — usually in the shape of a star — for kids to break at the end of the Posada re-enactment.

– For Parrandas, gather your guests and have them act as parranderos that arrive at your door singing carols (villancicos). If you have friends who are musicians, have them play live with their instruments or play some CDs. Give your guests print outs of the carols and have the kids use small tambourines, rattles and bells so that they can follow along in providing the music and sounds that accompany the carols (villancicos).

– For Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), either before or after Mass, and before the opening of the Christmas gifts, engage your family in an exchange of non-material gifts. Buy a box of Christmas cards (the day before Christmas you can find them on sale) and put each person’s name on the envelope. Then have everyone pick a card and write the non-material gift they wish for the person on the envelope. For example, “I wish the gift of health for you and your family.”

For reduced sugar recipes for traditional, “must-have” Latino holiday dishes that include SPLENDA(R) Sweetener Products, visit www.SplendaEnEspanol.com. Recipes include:

– Arroz con leche, or arroz con dulce
– Coconut Egg Nog
– Tamales — chocolate
– Tembleque Choco Coco
– Chocolate caliente mexicano

About Carolina Buia

Carolina Buia is the co-author with Isabel Gonzalez of Latin Chic: Entertaining with Style and Sass (Rayo), which captures the best pan-Latin flavors and the unique spirit of Latin entertaining. In Latin Chic, Buia, with Gonzalez, presents the perfect primer for entertaining with flair. They combine party tips, enticing recipes, and cultural history to create a guide that is stylishly practical and sassily informative. From decor and drinks to the most delectable and savory dishes, Latin Chic offers a one-of-a-kind guide to entertaining that will give food enthusiasts a Latin twist to their get- togethers the likes of which will leave them the envy of all of their friends.”

A seven-year collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago’s Puerto Rican Cultural Center ( PRCC ) earned top honors from Illinois Campus Compact when it was named winner of the 2008 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Foundation Award.

DePaul’s Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning and the PRCC will share the award’s $15,000 purse and continue addressing jointly critical health, social and cultural issues affecting Puerto Rican and Latino communities.

“The creation and maintenance of a true partnership between a university and a community is an exercise in listening, planning and mutual respect,” says Howard Rosing, executive director of the Steans Center.

That approach was validated by a selection committee of higher education, business, government and community leaders who reviewed applications from 14 Illinois Campus Compact members vying for the prestigious Carter Award.

“The award reviewers indicated the worthiness of the Steans Center’s multidisciplinary approach, long-term commitment to its partner—the Puerto Rican Cultural Center—as well as the impact it has had in the community and the project’s connection to DePaul’s mission,” said Kathy Engelken, Illinois Campus Compact’s executive director.

Jose Lopez, who heads the PRCC, accepted the award, along with Rosing and Marisol Morales, associate director of the Steans Center.

Since 2001, thousands of DePaul students, faculty and staff have worked with staff at the umbrella of programs the PRCC sponsors to target low-income and working-class communities. In some projects, students gained insight about how obesity, teen pregnancy or literacy affect low-income communities and what the communities do to deal with these issues. In others, professors have taken an anthropological, sociological, geographic or marketing perspective to conduct community-based research that provides useful information to community leaders.

Students also serve, sometimes continuing their involvement long after their classes are complete and taking jobs in the neighborhood.

The reciprocal relationship that has developed is evident in many ways:

The PRCC and DePaul have presented jointly at community and academic conference to show others how their mutually beneficial model was created and sustained.
Lopez and PRCC staff have taught and lectured in DePaul classes, while a foundational immersion course in DePaul’s Community Service Studies minor is taught at Pedro Albizu Campos High School ( PRCC ).
PRCC has welcomed DePaul students and researchers into the community based on trust developed over years of partnership, providing access to learning opportunities that might otherwise not be available.
DePaul’s firm commitment to the partnership and its many volunteers convinced a funder to continue supporting an effective educational program until more permanent financing could be secured.

The reciprocal relationship that has developed is evident in many ways:Illinois Campus Compact is an organization of 42 universities, colleges and their presidents, who are highly committed to service-learning and civic engagement, and is the state’s affiliate for a national coalition of more than 1,100 institutions that put these values into action.

The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Foundation sponsors the Partnership Award, named to honor the 39th President of the United States and his wife for their devotion to public service achieved through cooperation, mutual learning and shared responsibility.

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This winter, Las Vegas will host an exciting lineup of Hispanic comedians, musicians, holiday shows and sporting events, all while offering Latino tourists world-class shopping, unique cuisine, relaxing spas and much more. Las Vegas is the ultimate vacation spot this season. Whether it’s hitting the stores for the latest trends or witnessing the exciting new shows on The Strip, there is never a dull moment in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Mexican singer/actor Vicente Fernandez performed at the Mandalay Events Center on Nov. 29. His highly anticipated performance was the latest in a string of A-list Latin talent performing in Las Vegas. Since September, Luis Miguel, Alejandro Fernandez, Enrique Iglesias and Marco Antonio Solis have excited fans and drawn sell-out crowds at some of Las Vegas’ top venues.

The boxing world will have something to celebrate when Mandalay Bay and The Mirage host closed-circuit viewings in conjunction with the upcoming “Dream Match” between the ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya and Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao. The championship match is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. A limited number of closed circuit seats are available at Circus Circus, Treasure Island, Monte Carlo, Excalibur, Luxor and New-York-New York.

This New Year’s Eve will also bring a variety of exciting performances and entertainment to The Strip. Las Vegas’ signature event, America’s Party, will kick off the New Year with a lavish fireworks display. At the Paris Hotel & Casino, Red Bull athletes will conduct innovative first-time-ever-attempted sporting performances, raising the bar for what was thought possible.

Already known as a shopping Mecca, it’s no wonder Las Vegas is one of the top destinations to begin holiday shopping. One-of-a-kind venues include Wynn Esplanade, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Mandalay Place, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, Via Bellagio, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Fashion Show Mall, Town Square and The Shoppes at Palazzo. From Manolo and Jimmy Choo to Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, more than 700 different retail outlets and 11 million square feet of shopping fill the popular destination. For those who want to indulge, The Strip is home to the Penske/Wynn Ferrari-Maserati dealership, as well as Lamborghini Las Vegas in The Palazzo.

The value-minded shopper will find plenty of bargains at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets with 120 designer and name brand outlet stores offering savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. The Las Vegas Premium Outlets boast an impressive list of stores including A|X Armani Exchange, Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Guess and Guess Accessories, Juicy Couture, Nine West, White House | Black Market, Lucky Brand Jeans, Ed Hardy and more.

For visitors interested in enjoying some rest and relaxation after a long day of shopping, what better way to take advantage of all that Las Vegas has to offer than with a luxurious day at the spa? Las Vegas is home to many of the most relaxing and decadent spas in the country including: Spa Bellagio at The Bellagio, Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and Palazzo, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Spa Vita di Lago at The Ritz-Carlton, The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas, Spa Mandalay at Mandalay Bay and Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace—just to name a few. Whether making a quick stop at the gym or indulging in all day massages, Las Vegas offers options for all.

Packing an entire vacation’s worth of fun into one trip has never been easier than in fabulous Las Vegas. Whether it’s the hottest new headliner, a thrilling sporting event, a day at the spa or a VIP event at a trendy nightclub, there is always something exciting happening in Vegas.

For even more reasons to get to Vegas right now, go to

MillerCoors announced today that Lupe Barrera, from the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA), headquartered in Los Angeles, has received the 2008 Lider of the Year Award.
According to Joedis Avila, Multicultural Relations manager for MillerCoors, the Lider of the Year Award is part of the company’s Lideres program and “is intended to raise awareness about the important work and contributions Hispanic leaders are making in their communities.” The Lideres Program, launched in 2006, celebrates and supports leadership within the Hispanic community.
Avila said that Barrera’s work will be spotlighted through a print ad featured in several national and local Hispanic publications and NLPOA will receive a $25,000 grant to support a leadership program in partnership with MillerCoors. “Lupe’s dedication inspires those around her, and she proves that one person can make a huge difference,” said Avila.
“I am deeply honored to be receiving the 2008 Lider of the Year Award from MillerCoors,” said Barrera. “The fact that MillerCoors chose to spotlight the important work we do at the National Latino Peace Officers Association is inspiring and really validates our mission. The grant will help to support and expand our reach in the Hispanic community,” she said.
Founded in 1972, the NLPOA seeks to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the criminal justice system, reduce community juvenile delinquency and lessen citizen tension in predominantly Latino communities. Lupe’s dedication to community service is in line with NLPOA’s core values: honoring family, promoting education, leadership and serving the community.
For the past two years, the Lideres program has showcased national and local leaders in the Hispanic community through an advertising campaign portraying the diverse demographics represented in the U.S. Hispanic community — celebrating its leadership, biculturalism and bilingualism.
In 2008, the MillerCoors Lideres ads featured 14 Hispanic leaders selected with the input of Hispanic national and local non-profit partners and organizations. The public also was invited to participate in selecting the Lider of the Year by casting their vote online through the MillerCoors Lideres website, www.CoorsLideres.com. More than 11,000 individuals cast their vote online during the voting period from November 1 through November 12.
In 2007, Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, president of the Hispanic Federation, was the recipient of the Coors Hispanic Lider of the Year award. In 2006, Rosa Navejar, president of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, received the honor.”

Western Union, a leading provider of global money transfer services, is taking Los Angeles by storm this holiday season. During this festive time of year, Western Union is launching an unprecedented initiative here to give back to the Hispanic community, by unveiling a massive artistic mural in Plaza Mexico, hosting free financial literacy seminars and joining forces with beloved Hispanic celebrity Ana Maria Canseco to celebrate the season with a new outreach campaign throughout Los Angeles.

A Mexican immigrant herself, Ana Maria exemplifies Western Union’s promise during the holidays: to unite friends and families and inspire possibilities. As national spokesperson, she will visit Los Angeles where she began her career to host several Western Union activities and personally interact with the Hispanic community.

“I am the Hispanic community, and the truth is that Western Union offers us a vital service to connect with our friends and families through the gift of cash, now more than ever during the holidays,” said Ana Maria Canseco. “It is very rewarding for me to have the opportunity to get this close to our people through this initiative. These are trying times, and with the holidays around the corner, there is no better gift than to send cash with Western Union.”

“We’re thrilled to have Ana Maria as our spokesperson for Western Union as she has lived the experience of what it is to realize the American dream, having migrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a young girl, while leaving her family back home. Like many of our consumers, she knows first hand the importance of hard work and of relying on a strong family, and we recognize that millions of Hispanics share those same values,” said Juan Pablo Valdes, senior marketing director for Western Union.

To launch this holiday campaign, Western Union is integrating its national program called Proyecto Raices which celebrates Hispanic heritage and honors Hispanic roots, by unveiling its third national artistic mural in Los Angeles. This nationwide community program consists of the creative development, production, and installment of artistic murals in cities with rich cultural diversity, and is designed to unite local communities, connect a nation and inspire progress. The murals, produced by acclaimed artist Rudy Gutierrez, have already been presented to the communities of Homestead, Florida, and Dallas, Texas. Western Union will unveil this next mural in Los AngelesDecember 4 in Plaza Mexico.

“Western Union is committed to the communities it serves. We hope these programs will serve as an inspirational reminder of the beauty and diversity of our culture for generations to come,” said Valdes.

To help Hispanics during these uncertain economic times, Western Union has also partnered with organizations such as CHIRLA and El Rescate to offer free financial literacy seminars by enlisting the support of Rudy Ruiz, a Hispanic advocate and entrepreneur, to lead these robust sessions and educate participants on the importance of financial awareness and planning. The seminars began in October and will continue through next year.

Reaching the Consumer in a Unique Way

Western Union recently commissioned a survey that found that 56 percent of participants prefer to receive cash for this holiday season over any other gift. By establishing that “Cash is the Perfect Gift” for consumers, Western Union will also have events and surprises for the public in several events where it will be giving the gift of cash.

The company will also employ a non-traditional approach to marketing and advertising. Street teams will be teeming throughout the city of Los Angeles, primarily in areas such as Plaza de Mexico where the company’s grassroots community efforts will come to life through walking billboards and mobile ads on motorcycles and other innovative communication platforms.

Additionally, Western Union will be promoting its Western Union(R) Gold Card program, which offers consumers rewards, convenience and savings. Gold Card holders earn rewards points that can be redeemed for service fee reductions on future qualifying transactions or a selection of gift cards and merchandise. Enrollment is free and may be done over the telephone or at participating Agent locations.

For more information on Western Union’s efforts this holiday season, please log on to www.westernunionperfectgift.com.”