Rule #15-How to un-wrap gifts in unique wrapping (MIFS) Final Installment

When I started this project almost all the fellow Social Media professionals were like ” why are you going to do that to yourself? Starting a project so late? ”

1. For La Raza!!!
2. For the gifts that come with funky wrapping, like the gem of this amazing interview that I’m about to share with you.

Chasing 3000

Heartwarming and inspired by a true story, CHASING 3000, set against the backdrop of Roberto Clemente’s historic 1972 chase to get his 3000th hit. Mickey, 16, and a lifelong Pirates fan, resents his family’s recent move to California, made to accommodate his brother Roger, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. Unhappy with his new surroundings, Mickey steals his mom’s car and plans to race across the country to see Clemente’s historic moment. His only problem: Roger wants to come along. The brothers set off and begin reconnecting as various obstacles push them closer. However, when the trip begins to take its toll on Roger’s health, Mickey is forced to re-evaluate his priorities.

Roberto Clemente-Walker was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. On November 14, 1964, he married Vera Zabala at San Fernando Church in Carolina. The couple had three children: Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto and Roberto Enrique.

Reflections on My Dad with Luis Roberto Clemente

I had the pleasure of speaking with Luis and well, I don’t know about anybody else out there, but I was very inspired by this conversation on Chasing 3000,  Roberto Clemente Walker and what it is to have a family connection that makes you a better person. When creating this interview I wanted to support the film, the series and the fans. The truth is that asking for a perfect interview is impossible but the ideal topic and story is always possible to structure, plan.    As earlier expressed the purpose for Chasing 3000 was really clear after talking to Luis and some of the topics we spoke about…I trust that everyone will enjoy reading about this man, his family and his iconic father Mr. Roberto Clemente Walker.

Luis Roberto Clemente (LC)
Micaela Córdoba (MC)

MC: Hello this is Micaela

LC: Hola Micaela, how are you this is Luis, Luis Clemente ?

MC:  Oh Hello Luis, I’m doing very well, thank you very much for giving me a call for the Maya Indie Film Series blog. So, do you know about the movie Chasing 3000, with Ray Liotta? Have you heard of it?

LC: The producer of the film contacted me at the early stage of the project and I had a chance to read the first draft and I really liked it. I remember the film started with Ray Liotta speeding to get in time to a Pirates game at PNC Park for Roberto Clemente Day and I suggested since we were going to be there that perhaps there could be real footage of the family at the statue taking pictures with Ray and his children as part of the first scene. We met again in 2006 for the All Star Game were they were planing on launching the premier of the film. Still haven’t seen it yet.

MC: 2006 Well, it is independent film making and I am calling to talk to you about it being released now. That is wonderful, you have a collector’s item, to add to your treasures.

LC: I would love to see what the project developed into.

MC:Well, I will look into that for you…oh, do you use Latino, or Hispanic

LC: (Laughing) Well, isn’t it, or I was told and I understood that Latino, is all of us

MC: La Raza!

LC: Exactly, and that all Spanish speakers were Hispanic, but I don’t know we here at home, say Latino, in Puerto Rico.

MC: When you think of my mom, I have some words that automatically pop into my head, what are the best adjectives to describe your Dad, Roberto Clemente?

LC: I would say humbleness, pride and fairness, justice for all people no matter who they were or what their race, ethnicity.

MC: What is your memory of your Dad as a child, when you were growing up?

LC: He was always very happy in my memory. See my brothers and I were all born and raised in Puerto Rico, where we lived most of the time. We would go for months at a time ’cause we were in school and he was working. When we did spend time and he came home or we want to see him. He was very happy. Happy to be playing, to be Latino, and to be representing Latinos and Puerto Rican’s in our community.

MC: So, then you must be familiar with Hispanic History month here in the states for September, do you think national holidays like this are helpful?

LC: I think that as it relates to students in school to people who are trying to learn about new culture, is a great thing. The Latino culture, is an eye opener for a lot of people and this month I feel allows them to explore.

MC: What would you like to share with the fan’s, Latino’s, fellow players and the community at large about your Dad, Roberto Clemente?

LC: The passion and respect he had for his fans and the game. It was very difficult for him when he started with the Brooklyn Dodgers then in 1954. He was the 1st Latino on the team. He was sent to Montreal, because they could not play him on the team and that was when he got seen were trying to hide him from other teams finding out about him. Branch Rickey was the General Manager at the time who then went to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and already knowing of dad, he picked him given the Pirates had the first pick since they ended in last place the previous season.

MC: Did your Dad know Jackie Robinson, I’m not sure, but they were in their hey-day at the same time right?

LC: Branch Rickey chose Jackie Robinson to break the color barrier in MLB and was the same GM who also gave Dad the opportunity to play for the Pirates. Being New member, the only Latino player at the time. He was very phonetic in his speech and his learning English was difficult, he would learn from the fans, and whoever would talk to him. Slowly he began speaking better English but, the ridicule the bigotry was very much a part of that time. But he didn’t quit, he never gave up. Not when the reporters would ride him, mock him in the paper he just keep on playing great baseball.

“Some right fielders have rifles for arms, but he had a howitzer.” Tim McCarver

MC: I see your Dad’s name everywhere, given that we are in September 2010 Hispanic History Month, are there any special celebrations going on that you can share with the fans?

LC: I recall my mom telling me about her being with my Dad looking at an unnamed coliseum in Germany Manheim, and it was later named after him.  In Japan, they have the Golden Spirit Award, and even in Germantown, in Boston, my role is to reel all of those people together.

MC: There are parks everywhere, schools, roads, Hospital wings, just so many places..How does that make you feel?

LC: My role is to let all the fans, and the community everywhere in the states and internationally to know about each other and connect with each other through their passion for my Dad’s work and his memory. My Dad once told a reporter that he wanted for my sons ” I want them to be respected, and give respect, and I want them to suffer.”

MC: Suffer…

LC: Yes, suffer so they can appreciate what it is to have happiness, to be happy in their lives. I went through a very difficult time in my life, after my Dad’s death. And I think back now, how challenging it was, and that was my time of suffering.

MC: On the Shaman’s path, the path of the healer they call that “the valley” and walking out of it is your success.

LC: Exactly, the valley was necessary for me to have the life I have now. “Your character becomes your destiny”

MC: I like that…

LC: Good, that one you’ll be seeing a while later…so keep an eye out.

MC: I will Luis. I just want to thank you for your time. Gracias, hermano, Thank you.

LC: Micaela it was my pleasure and I can’t wait to see the movie “Chasing 3000” Quidate, Ciao

MC: Ciao Luis

Luis Roberto Clemente lives and works in Puerto Rico.  He is married with 3 children and currently serves as the CEO of the Roberto Clemente Sports City, in San Juan, PR.

Very cool interview right?  Very cool interview to end the best Indie Latino series out there..Maya who loves ya baby? I do!  Sending blessings thanks and praise to all of you out there who posted us on FB, tweeted us, supported us, and held it down, Latino style. We have appreciated the love, the advice, volunteer’s, and friends. It has been a magnificent ride!

Ciao Mi Amigos,
Micaela

Micaela Córdoba
National Social Media Manager
Maya Indie Film Series

micaela7@gmail.com

http://bit.ly/fbmaya

http://bit.ly/blockbustermaya

http://mayaindieseries.com

http://twitter.com/mayaent

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Rule #11- Maya Indie Film Series, (MIFS) how to engage a new audience

Aurora is serving a prison sentence for a robbery gone wrong. Her accomplices, Ana, her sister, Gloria and Paloma, are four women for whom life has not been easy. For Ana especially, a prostitute with a lust for money, accepting the marriage proposal of Felix, a dangerous and powerful Mexican drug trafficker, is a no-brainer. She moves with him to Mexico and endures both physical and emotional abuse, all while plotting to take a bite out Felix’s highly lucrative business dealings. With Aurora’s stretch in prison coming to an end, and with Gloria and Paloma already in Mexico, Ana finally has the crew she needs to hit back at Felix and his gang. A double-assault: money and revenge. Together the four women are ready for their lucky strike!

I went to see this film this week while the amazing Maya Indie Film Series visited NYC, and I have to say it is the best film I’ve seen all year. I’m a film buff, so when offered the opportunity to support the project the Maya Indie Film Series through my business, Social Media PR, Marketing and building a ‘buzz’ I welcomed the chance. It was no surprise to me to see the caliber of talent in the projects and the films being screened in this series 2010. I was also at ease, when I heard the names Jimmy Smits, Martin Sheen, Ray Liotta, Ana de La Reguera just to name a few of the actors involved in this powerful series showcasing the work of Latino filmmakers, and independent story-telling, de la corazon from the heart.

Of course, I would première my visual experience with the famous style of Spanish filmmakers. True to my experiences with the auteur’s of my time, Almodovar, Rodruquez and now Agustin Diaz Yanes. In addition to being intense and full of twists and turns, the story takes it’s time. Unlike a lot of our traditional Hollywood models of visual creativity, “Solo Quiero Caminar” gives the audience an opportunity to get to know who we are watching, and why they are taking action in their lives without a drop in step. In addition, to never being bored, or confused, it does not hurt that the ever talented Diego Luna takes a tour-de-force performance to the next level with his humility and humor. Always enjoying Mr. Luna, and having had the favorite “Y Tu Mama Tambien” in my list for years, it was no surprise to see this film hit the series after being a successful release in 2008 in his native Madrid Spain.

Like most writer/director’s, Mr. Yanes allows his characters to push, punch and dig their way through some of the juiciest dialogue and fast-moving plot turns as I’ve seen in years. It was such a treat to get on a ride and have no idea where it was going to end up. However, I did know that I was being led by some of the sassiest, and fiery Latina’s that I’ve seen on-screen in the states. We have seen his homage to the strong women in his life in his earlier turn with Ms. Penelope Cruz (for all us Pop-Culture kids she is happily married to fellow Spaniard Mr. Javier Bardem, Felicidades!!) In “Don’t Tempt Me”, like the powerful Mr. Cruz in her role, Ms. Ariadna Gil is taking no prisoners, literally. Unlike most female protagonist roles in the american cinema, there is something powerfully vulnerable and fragile about this woman. It is hard to see, if you’re not looking, almost impossible if you are just looking at her being the head of her ‘hemanas de sange’ blood sisters. She is no-nonsense, immediate and the most multi-dimensional character I’ve seen written for the screen in years….and I see a lot of foreign films and flops.

To her partner’s in crime, KUDOS!! Victoria Abril, Pilar López de Ayala, Elena Anaya, and José María Yazpik for being the meanest villian with a beautiful delivery I’ve ever seen. In my mind the crime of the century if people don’t demand from their video store for a copy, (Blockbuster will be releasing this film as well as all the other’s in this series, yes kids at a Blockbuster near you this fall) just in time for you to get your very own copy. The trail of blood, words and tears ended, and I did not want to get up…and having invited one of my very good friends to check out the screening with me, we continued to chat well after the movie about how great it was to see a realistic action movie. My good friend JJ said “It was really amazing to see women in an action film, and being strong & vulnerable at the same time. I mean they were being over-powered but they persevered because they were on a mission.” I would say that all the action buffs, like me who jump at the chance to see the Salt’s, and Bourne’s of our time, both guys and girls alike will get a real kick out of the coolest gun I have ever seen on-screen, and I can’t say anymore, because I’ll spoil it.

I will be giving you some more juicy comments from the land of the screen where Latino’s and Latina’s are kicking butt and taking names. The world of the Maya Indie Film Series has descended upon Chicago, with Ryan Heil leading the Latino love from LIVEstyle Entertainment, the city that has the BEST pizza I’ve ever had, sorry Nueva York, but I’m real with my food now! To everyone who has offered their support and love to this series, we all appreciate it. Viva La Raza!!

Happy Planning, and See you at the next screening!
Micaela

Maya Indie Film Series-

www.twitter.com/MayaEnt
www.mayaindieseries.com

Just a little trailer for you all wondering what I’m so excited about!
http://www.youtube.com/v/FsX4wMQxzbw&feature=player_embedded&autoplay=1

Rule #9 -Stick to your plan Pt. Duex

To continue our chat about sticking to your plan…as the change of season surrounds us, we too have to shift our response our way of doing business when the market and our community requires. I began in the industry as an Event Planner, and from the beginning was very interested in collaborating with great projects, people and organizations in order to make that happen. Now, not to date myself, but the industry has drastically shifted, as has our society and economy.

This is the challenge we Entrepreneurs often face when creating and re-creating our brand and model. First of all do I have a brand? I had to ask myself that question. And had to take the hard look that I did have one, but not any more.

Note: The wonderful thing about not knowing, or not being complete, is that you have an opportunity to improve! Take all of the lessons in stride as we are Perfect Works In Progress. So, having re-focused my attention on what my unique skill sets are, I am creating the support for my business to grow on an energetic level, and then on the physical level, and I am happy to say it’s like magic! The time I invest, the sweat equity I am taking in sticking to lifelines (my replacement for Deadlines…language is vital) and re-positioning myself and my services in the Social Media Public Relations field, is slowly making an impact.

Steps:
#1– Take a hard look at your resume. Don’t go into this scary process by yourself, take along some help. I have had the blessing of career professionals providing mentorship and advice. Unlike a lot of my colleagues, I have been a career Consultant, and consequently would get this look like, “why were you only here for 6 months?” When taking that fresh look at your skills, and in my case, my retention at positions, focus on your strengths, what makes you unique and distinctive in your field. You can’t be swayed or influenced by what it ‘should be’. Rather, just like Ms. Sales told me, when I got frustrated with my lack of movement in Algebra, “keep at it, the new habit has to create a groove too”.

#2– Do your homework for your business and your potential clients. This includes everything from re-creating a logo for your business, to creating a newsletter or a blog, in my case to connect with your potential client and your current community. Don’t be lazy, get creative, think like your client…how do you want to be seen and taken in your work?

#3- Create structure around your newly branded, and branding process. When people think of your industry in may case, Social Media Public Relations I want them to call me, when they have a need. With that as my goal, I am asking the questions that, I would want to have answered as a client? Thinking like a layperson about what I would be getting for the cost of my services. It is very challenging and confronting work, but so illuminating and necessary! The result, has been a questionnaire that I created to interview and be interviewed by my potential client FREE of charge.

Tip: As an Entrepreneur we often go to the dark place in our head alone and focus on all that is not working in our business. My issue has been gaining new clients in my community, also new to me. Having had such a different experience in larger cities, aka The Big Apple, I was shocked to admit that I did not advertise or pitch or look for clients, but was often referred to them.  So imagine my shock when I moved to a sleepy South West community and a very light client roster.  I said to a friend recently”I have to go and find clients…well how do I do that?” More to come on that process, and it is a process the must be developed, do rush it!

#4- Ironically, like doctors media professionals often make the worst patients when diagnosing advertising or marketing dilemma’s so, be gentle and use kid gloves. Start slowly and go to a networking event, or in my case, I jumped feet first in. I go to several a month, and I follow-up with everyone I make a connection with. Often we are discouraged if there is not an immediate pay-off for our invested efforts, but you have to walk before you run. Being aware that you are creating your clients, and you are cultivating your business, that you want to last and thrive, it takes time to bake a good cake so, enjoy the process!

I will keep you updated on my progress, in my budding Social Media Public Relations company.  My current focus is on generating and building, referring and creating a business that is known for Full-Court Press with frugality!  All of our services are listed on my page here at C Micaela Consulting and you can find me blogging about this whole process so drop me a comment or a question if you would like one answered! I will answer them all…

Blessings in your Business Building,
Micaela

P.S. I love to listen to music and work, so for all of my fellow music lovers out there, a little plug of thanks to my very good friends, The People in Oakland. Brandon! Miss you Brother, give thanx for the trax family. If you’re in Oakland this weekend you do not want to miss their party!

http://bit.ly/bizmusic

Quips, Quotes & Comments…

What a revelation! I have not had any time to even think that I was getting comments!

To all of my new readers, and followers and blog curious. I would describe C Micaela Consulting as a fly-on-the-wall telling, account and input from a seasoned Social Media PR/Event/Multi-Media Geek with a habit for Word-Smithing, Editing and Research. Yes, we can all let our Geek fly free!

I’m going to get back to my Liveline for my new client, so a juicy blog for my Friday Family Followers and other viral folks, in Twitter, after a long writing week, tomorrow.  I’ll be more expressive in the day, after some shut-eye, and Muse time. So, a little morsel and Blessings 2 you all after a, whew, buzzy week.

This is my favorite Pie Princess, Mari-Lyn Harris @sedonapies & Robin Harris @storagemojo trying to direct & be serious, so I can’t stop laughing! Being in the moment is the best! =>