The History Behind Indigenous People's Day
It has only been a few years since I noticed the backlash against the U.S. holiday commemorating the Genoese colonizer arriving in The Americas. As a person whose roots lie in Borikén, an archipelago with its own Indigenous Taíno and Iñeri heritages, the topic is one not so often discussed here.
Read full storyDid You Know Amphibians Are At Risk of Potential Extinction?
When was the last time you saw a frog? Perhaps you even keep one or two as pets in your home. For me, here in the northeast coastal region of Loíza, Borikén (aka Puerto Rico), I often see frogs. Unfortunately, too often, as I walk around my neighborhood, I see their remains dried up on the concrete - it always makes me sad.
Read full storyThe Science Behind Kindness
What happens in the brain when we perform random acts of kindness (or perhaps a not-so-random one)?. According to this article in Cedars-Sinai on The Science of Kindness, it's related to our brain's chemistry. The piece goes on to describe how the "warm feeling of wellbeing that washes over you when you've done something kind isn't just in your head. It's in your brain chemicals, too."
Read full storyOpinion: Puerto Rican Femmes Are Tired of Being ‘Superwoman’ Resilient
Like many of our hermanas caribeñas and otras Latinas around the globe, Puerto Rican women wear the term resilience as a badge of honor. We’re taught at a young age to avoid complaining because la vida is unfair and we ‘best get used to it.’ While many might agree that being tough in the face of adversity is an attribute worth fostering, it’s important to center our mental health as we go through our lives being la super-mujer! Whether diligently preparing for the start of an upcoming school year, conscientiously providing at-home elderly care services for a parent, enthusiastically organizing community activism, or strategically administering the day-to-day needs of our business (or all of the above simultaneously), la mujer puertorriqueña’s plate is overflowing with responsibilities.
Read full storyFeminist Latina Singers Using Their Voices to Change The World
Powerful, it aids in the healing process. Uplifting us when we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, offering solace in our darkest moments, and serving as a vehicle through which we express rage, as in the case of femicides and other forms of violence against women, in songs we find strength.
Read full storySafety Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico's Beaches & Rivers During Hurricane Season
The archipelago of Borikén (our Indigenous name) is visited by hundreds of thousands of folks each year. For many, it's their first time, and while they may seek to have some fun in the sun time or lazy relaxing moments, they may be unaware of potential dangers at our beautiful beaches and roaring rivers.
Read full story100 Days Without Power and Other Trauma Hurricane María Left Behind
By now many know the story. On September 20, 2017, the Category 4 storm pummeled the tiny archipelago of Puerto Rico with winds of 155mph, destroying homes and property on a grand scale - as in $94billion. And when Hurricane María decided to take her wrath away from the Island of Enchantment, millions were left in the dark.
Read full story5 Things You [Perhaps] Didn't Know About Bad Bunny
Mega-star and outspoken advocate of his cultura, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (known to the world as Bad Bunny) is no stranger to the spotlight. This multi-platinum artist appears to many as being larger-than-life.
Read full storyGearing up For The Battle of the Legends, Mónica Puig vs. Venus Williams
This Friday all eyes will be plugged to the catch the exhibition match between tennis players, Mónica Puig (of Puerto Rico) and Venus Williams (of the U.S.). More than just another play on the court, there's much fanfare around the event because the 29-year old Puig, due to injuries, has been officially retired from the sport since mid June 2022.
Read full storyGiving Yourself a Social Media Break
Have you ever wanted to take a break from social media? Or perhaps you already have done so - but returned. Looking at the statistics gives an idea of just how much social media impacts our lives. According to this July 2023 Search Engine Journal article - Social Media Statistics Worldwide 1. There are 4.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.9% of the global population and 92.7% of all internet users. 2. There were 150 million new social media users between April 2022 and April 2023 – a 3.2% increase year-over-year. If we break those numbers down, it equals approximately 410,000 new social users every day – and 4.7 every second. 3. People use an average of 6.6 different social networks each month. 4. The average time spent on social media daily is 2 hours and 24 minutes. 5. If we add it all together, the world collectively spends 11.5 billion hours on social media platforms daily. 6. TikTok is the most popular social platform in terms of time spent. On average, global users with an Android device spend 31 hours and 32 minutes on TikTok monthly.
Read full storyCheck out Crazy Sushi in Canóvanas (really, it's Loíza)
Just a few days ago I tried sushi for the first time in Puerto Rico. The short of it - I was pleasantly surprised. Crazy Sushi is a chain take-out/delivery/eat-in restaurant with locations in:
Read full storyWhen The Turkish President Said Women Without Children Are Incomplete
Note: In June 2016, the Turkish prez made the comments noted in this article. Though that was seven years ago, his backward mindset still exists in our society. It's time to dismantle these kinds of narratives.
Read full storyOpinion: Indigenous Persons On The Trend of Sage Burning
This is a medicine for many of our people who have used these plants since time immemorial as central elements of our spirituality and healing. They are having trouble finding sage because of fires and overharvesting.
Read full storyVisit Aroma’s Pastry & Coffee Shop in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico
Just a few days ago, I visited a little coffee kiosk in The Outlet Center in Canóvanas (northeast corridor of Puerto Rico). This was my second time stopping by their spot and since my experience was just as pleasant as the first, I figured it was worth sharing. What I especially liked (apart from the coffee being delish) was the service - friendly, relatively quick, and economical.
Read full storyThe Movie, The Sound of Freedom, Demands Our Attention & Action
Content warning: the film’s subject matter is child kidnapping & (s)exploitation. A few weeks back, I caught this film. It still haunts me. Directed by Mexican filmmaker, Alejandro Gómez Monteverde, the true-story-based feature is a heart-wrenching piece taking viewers behind the horrific underworld of child sex trafficking.
Read full storyHow This Environmental Activist is Protecting Puerto Rico’s Coastlines and Indigenous Heritage
Environmental activist and cultural advocate Alegna Malavé Marrero has a strong connection to this land. Listening to her as she shares stories about how her father used to carry her [on his shoulders via backpack] on hiking treks at the El Yunque Rainforest, the love in her voice is palpable.
Read full storyInternational Film Festival Hits Puerto Rico
If you're interested in something different and you're in Puerto Rico over the next couple of days, check out the Festival de Cine Internacional. With over 15 countries represented, the festival runs from August 31 to September 6 and features documentary films, as well as other pieces.
Read full storyHawai’i & Puerto Rico, Where Disaster Capitalism Lives
Hawai’i and Borikén (our Indigenous name) have numerous commonalities: both are archipelagos with pristine shorelines, beautifully proud people, and are home to vibrant cultures.
Read full storySurviving Two Days Without Electricity
Tucked away in the northeastern Caribbean Sea lies Borikén (aka Puerto Rico). Known for its vibrant culture where music and dance play prominent roles, the tiny archipelago also holds another unwanted title: land of el apagón (electricity outage).
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