April 2005 Archives

Hawaii Loves Selena

There is a story that has now become a legend in Latino households. Selena, the Mexican-American singer, was to give her first press conference in Mexico. Having grown in the United State speaking English exclusively she had not yet mastered Spanish. Although she was a multi-platinum Spanish singing icon to Latinos by now, she had learned most of her songs phonetically and only as an adult was actively learning the native tongue of her ancestors. Her record label was nervous the Mexican press would eat her alive if her Spanish faltered even a little for they are notoriously mean to artists from the US who try to invade Mexico. Selena, however, had it under her control. She came into the press conference and greeted each person in the room, be it a camera man or a reporter, with a hug and a kiss. She chatted with them, made them feel human, and by the time she sat down to give her interview the people in the room felt like they were talking to their best friend and not just another celebrity.

Photos from yesteryear

I just finished and had developed a roll of film that had been in the camera (Canon A-1; I know I'm an old fuddy-duddy, thanks) for at least a year. Lo and behold, there were four pix from a Hawai'i Stories gathering at Ala Moana Beach Park on the roll. I've added them to the Hawai'i Stories Gallery (Steve), but a couple of them need captions. For that, we need identities. So take a look and see if you recognize yourself! If so, say so in the comments.