Hola LA! Stands for Hope in Support of Padres Contra el Cancer's 5K Run

'Hola LA!' sharing Celeb MC duties at the event.  Naibe, Kikey and Bel with Esperanza, Padres Contra el Cancer's mascot

PADRES Contra El Cáncer (Parents Against Cancer) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and other blood disorders and their families

At 4:30am "Don't Stop Believin'" blared from my phone waking me from my sweet slumber.   Yes, 4:30am - thank goodness I don't mind being an early bird.  On this special day, Sunday, June 23rd, I was to join my 'Hola LA!' co-hosts, Bel Hernandez, Naibe Reynoso and other celeb's for shared MC duties at Padres Contra el Cancer's Stand for Hope 5K Run/Walk at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.  I was so excited about the event that I didn't even press snooze!

Kikey talking about the Stand for Hope 5K run/walk with Naibe and Bel

Kikey with boxer, "Bam Bam" Brandon Rios who's next fight is in Nov against Manny Pacquiao

Did you know that More than 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States every year. PADRES focuses on the needs of the entire family affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders, helping THOUSANDS of children from across the country, including California, South Florida, New York City and Las Vegas.

Esperanza, the mascot, with wonderful children who attended the 5K run/walk

Naibe and her daughter crossing the finish line

And the event was particularly close to my heart as cancer has also touched my life...my grandmother has a rare form of skin cancer and is currently getting treatment.  

  

Kikey, taking a turn at MC'ing the event with fellow 'Hola LA!' co-hosts  

Funds from the 2013 ‘Stand for HOPE!’ will support PADRES’ commitment to raise awareness for childhood cancer and also help expand its level of support services, which include transportation to hospitals for treatment; interpreters & case managers; grocery vouchers; and emotional support groups.

'Hola LA!' Exec. Producer and Actor Enrique Castillo crossing the finish line

In conjunction with the 5K run/walk,  Be the Match held a bone marrow drive for 18 year old Laura Garcia and 17 year old Jose Rodriguez. They both need a bone marrow transplant to save their lives. And they had a tremendous amount of new registrants...as they should, it only involves filling out a form and a simple cotton swab of the inside of the cheek.  Do you think you may want to register for the bone marrow registry??

  

So CALL (contact) Padres Contra el Cancer and Be the Match to find out how you can help these two AMAZING organizations!  I know I have :) 

Padres Contra el Cancer (Parents Against Cancer) http://www.iamhope.org

Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program) http://bethematch.org

I'm a Cindo de Mayo Parade Grand Marshal?

Me along with my three other beautiful Hola LA! co-hosts we were the Grand Marshals for Cyress Park's annual Cinco de Mayo Parade!

What an gift to be included in the Cypress Park Parade which has a 22-year old tradition of having a Latino Celebrity serve as Grand Marshals - and this year Bel Hernandez, Dyana Ortelli, Naibe Reynoso and myself took that coveted honor - wow, even as I write this, I realize how so darn cool that is!  

Personal moments that happened behind the scenes:

As Grand Marshals, our duties included a VIP Meet and Greet breakfast reception where we got to mingle with fellow entertainers and meet great people from the community.  But it's never an Hola LA! outing without some sort of  "excitement"  happening.  As it turns out, poor Dyana was lost and could not find the VIP reception location (so she missed breakfast, coffee and the meet and greet).  Many calls and texts later and still lost, her phone died at the very point the parade was starting and our parade car was taking off...with out Dyana!!   We three took off sad that Dyana got lost and had to miss the parade but, we had to go on and wave and say HOLA to all the beautiful faces of Cypress Park.

A favorite heart fullfilling moment on the parade route for me was when I would lock eyes with a little boy or girl and say "hi mija" or "hi mijo"...their eyes would grow wide as saucers and their smile would grow really big...that made my day each and every time. 

Was the parade route really short?  Or was I having too much fun?  because before I knew it, we were parked at the festivities location - where we were to be introduced on stage and the fun party would continue with food and entertainment.  As we were parked, still sitting in the car chatting and taking pictures, out of nowhere DYANA shows up!  She missed the whole parade but she made it to the festivities.  Apparently she found a cop who kindly drove her to us.  As she sat shotgun (although it would have been hilarious to hear otherwise) she regally waved out of the cop car window - getting in her parade experience...lol.   Reunited, we finished out our Grand Marshal duties strong and had a very fun day!

Excited about our sign!

Ready to take off, missing our colorful Dyana, no really behind the smiles we were sad :( 

Still sad :( we managed to lift our spirits
I'm hoisting our Hola LA Celebrity Grand Marshal trophy!  Cue song... "We are the Champions..." 

Ta-Dah!! Real smiles of JOY as Dyana magically appears
Dyana was born wearing that sombrero LOL

On stage introduction to the crowd and officially presented our wonderful trophy

Special Thanks To:

Rafael Lopez, the parade’s celebrity liaison - you were just wonderful Rafa!

Ed Reyes, L.A. City Councilman has partnered with Cypress Park Neighborhood Council in helping with some of the city logistics and permits to host the parade

Cypress Park, for having us represent your wonderful city

New Episode Airs

Saturday, May 25th at 6:00pm on KCAL9

Sunday, May 26th at 4:30pm on CBS2

Latin Heat Article on the Cinco de Mayo Parade:
http://www.latinheat.com/2013/04/24/hola-la-hosts-grand-marshals-at-cinco-de-mayo-parade

5 Things You Don't Know About the 'Hola LA!' Hosts

Hola LA! returns to CBS/KCAL9
on March 30, 7:00pm

And the hosts are getting personal!

 I've asked my co-hosts to reveal five things about themselves that only their closest friends may know.  Check out what they reveal to only my Livin' la Vida LA! blog readers.

Photo by:

Bel Hernandez

The CEO/Moderator

1. My life's motto is Just Do It!
2. I lived in Mexico City for 2 years working as a Mexican Folk dancer
3. I'm one of the authors and also on the book cover for 8 Ways to Say I love My Life and Mean It
4. I have 3 children, 2 grandchildren and the BEST husband in the world!
5. I recently made the switch from an iPhone to a Galaxy III 

Photo by:

Kikey Castillo

The Actress/'In The City Gal'

1. My last audition was for an NBC TV Pilot
2. I take it as a huge compliment when people say I look like Eva Longoria
3. My favorite place to eat is Gratitude Cafe, and it's great for celeb spotting too!
4. I was very shy as a child
5. I once interviewed Anjelica Huston who's now on one of my favorite TV shows, Smash

Dyana Ortelli

The HAC (Host, Actress, Comedienne) and Fashion Victim!

1. I'm Spanish and Aztec.  Does that make me"Spaz-tec"? 
2. The first time I realized I was funny was when I tried to sing "Killing Me Softly" without being funny
3. I've been featured as "fashion victim" in The National Enquirer, Star, and People en Español (for reals!)
4. I hyper-ventilated in the ladies room at the Laugh Factory the first time I did stand-up comedy!
5. I don't play any instruments -- except for the organ :P

Naibe Reynoso

The Mom/Award Winning Journalist

1. I worked a red carpet event 10 days after giving birth to my son
2. I was once a guest co-host on The View
3. The book I would recommend to the first lady is "The Four Agreements"
4. My husband is a writer for the Disney show A.N.T. Farm
5. I used to host a weekly show dedicated to the Twilight franchise

We're baaaack so tune in Saturday, March 30, 7:00pm on KCAL9.  We LOVE our wonderful viewers!!!

Kikey Co-Hosts, 'HOLA! LA' on KCAL9 Los Angeles

The first and only English-language TV talk show with a Latina POV !

HOLA! LA hosts and guest LtoR: Naibe Reynoso, Dyana Ortelli, Esai Morales, Kikey Castillo and Bel Hernandez

A not to miss premiere show 

with VIP guests Esai Morales and John Leguizamo 

Sunday, September 30th at 5pm

 on 

KCAL9/CBS Los Angeles 

This is a dream come true!!!  After so, so many YEARS of long hard work to bring our very own sweet show from concept to fruition to our ultimate goal - Network TV, it has finally happened.  

How we got started with a goldmine of a show:

It started with a handful of talented people in a friends casting office in LA to brainstorm on realizing a talk show that included Latina women, because none of the shows anywhere on network TV were including the Latino voice and perspective.  This lead to 'Let's Talk!' and we launched a successful run on the Internet for a few years winning over male and female fans all over the nation.

What the "Little Show That Could" did next:

We always had our sights set on TV, so we jumped onto KJLA a digital local cable station with a limited reach within the LA market.  But no matter, we were finally on TV and our loyal fans continued their enthusiasm and support for our show.  After a season run on KJLA we went into hiatus and bless our lucky stars...it was during this break that the BIG TV Dogs came a callin'.

My, how far we have come - Network TV: 

We were elated beyond belief when we found out we had a meeting with CBS to talk about bringing on the show.  In sports terms it would be like, "being called up to the majors" ...it was a BIG DEAL. The meeting went like a dream, CBS was IN and 'HOLA! LA' was born.  Same great hosts, same great chemistry, same great type of content just elevated because hello it's CBS.  I am personally so greatfull to CBS and everyone there who helped make 'HOLA! LA' possible.    

Right after our very first meeting with CBS

And here we are the 'HOLA! LA' hosts LtoR: Naibe Reynoso, Dyana Ortelli, Kikey Castillo and Bel Hernandez

What's next for 'HOLA! LA':

We hope to keep brining you many more great 'HOLA! LA' shows, but it's really in the hands of the viewers, our awesome fans and the TV gods.  It's just the way the TV industry works, so if I could ask for my Christmas present early :)  I would ask for our fans to please support our show by:

• spreading the word about our premier show, Sun 9/30 @5pm on KCAL9 (LA Only)
• watching our premier show (you can even set your DVRs)
• and finally writing/emailing CBS letting them know that you want to see more of our show - believe it or not letter campaigns to keep a show on the air work

We hope to keep bringing you more great shows!  

Coca-Cola Tour: Adelante Los Angeles

What did I do with my Saturday?  

I joined more than 300 Southern California Latinas and attended the Coca Cola Tour: Adelante Los Angeles Forum. A wonderful event created to ignite a national movement to improve our lives.  

The Adelante Tour is created by Latina inspirational speaker and media entrepreneur Nely Galán (“The Swan”, “Celebrity Apprentice”), in association with Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence (CMI), the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs and Coca-Cola.  

Sounds fun right? Well it got better!

Bel, Elia and I arrived bright and early in the morning at the beautiful Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica on the beach, overlooking the beautiful ocean.  Equally beautiful was the conference room - very luxurious.  

Casa del Mar Hotel on the beach

the conference room but not wedding decorated

Before the event even started we were treated to red carpet pictures, what a great way to kick off the day. At least for me it is :)

Elia Esparza, Kikey Castillo and Bel Hernandez 

Kikey Castillo

After a decaf cup of coffee and eyeballing the beautiful continental breakfast spread (can't have sugar right now) we found our seats and readied ourselves for whatever was to come.  

Naibe, Kikey, Bel and Elia

During the day we got to hear from very inspirational, wise and empowering women.  The three key speakers were:

Sandra Cisneros, acclaimed novelist, poet, educator and Latina advocate who has been awarded the MacArthur Genius Award, will lead the Begin (Empieza) segment of the Program. 

This mujer is COOL, she is very spiritual and metaphysical in a mother earth sort of way. She spoke my language. 

Nely Galán first generation Latina and self-made media mogul, who was the first Latina president of a U.S. TV network (Telemundo), Emmy Award-winning producer of over 600 episodes of television in Spanish and English, including the hit reality series “The Swan” and the only Latina to appear on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump.  She will lead the Continue (Sigue) segment of the program. www.nelygalan.com

Whoa, I love this woman! What a tour de force...what a life (good and bad).  She really made me feel like anybody can achieve greatness you just have to want it bad enough and do something about it to get it.  

Nely at the podium 

Nell Merlino, Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence and the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day, will lead the Arrive (Llega) portion of the Forum.  Merlino’s mantra is:  “Before you grow your business, you need to grow yourself.”  Her segment focused on building financial strength and discovering what you really want. 

I was in a bit of an awe to meet the woman behind 'Take Our Daughters to Work Day' 

The great day was topped off with a great treat for me!  I got interviewed by 2 media outlets: CNN en Espanol (thank you Naibe) but I totally feel like I butchered it as I got nervous speaking Spanish off-the-cuff and trying to sound intelligent LOL and for Coca-Cola Tour: Adelante (in English, went MUCH better!) 

Media interview for Coca-Cola Tour: Adelante

And that's how I spent my Saturday.  It was a nice change from my usual running errands or hanging out and I felt ALIVE, EMPOWERED and INSPIRED - I'd say, not a bad way to spend my Saturday!

And here is the CNN en Espanol interview, where I actually came off sounding not too shabby!

Join the Adelante community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CocaColaTourAdelante

Kikey goes to the ALMA Awards: 'Red Carpet'

 

  

TUNE IN Friday

September 16, 2011

8/7C on NBC

www.almaawards.com

~ ~ Photo Blog ~ ~

So you saw how I got ready for the ALMA Awards in my previous blog 
 Kikey goes to the ALMA Awards: 'Behing the Scenes'

Now, not only see the results but also...

Take a journey down the red carpet with me before the show! 

Kikey Castillo 
photo by: Christopher Lozano

But first...
Ta-da!! Finished Starlet Look

Dress by Dina Bar-El, Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti, Purse: Heather Belle, 
Accessories: Tarina Tarantino
Styled by: Steve Galindo

Kikey Castillo and Bel Hernandez 
photo by: Christopher Lozano

Let the Red Carpet Begin!

Bel and I at the red carpet arrivals area waiting on Dyana 
to walk down the red carpet together. 
Naibe, our other 'Let's Talk!' co-host, is working the red carpet interviewing celebs for 
CNN en Espanol. 
We will stop by say hi

Ah there she is! 
Naibe is CNN en Espanol's entertainment reporter.  
Here she is waiting for all the action to begin.
We'll be there in a sec Naibe :)

Clark Russell and Kikey Castillo 
photo by: Christopher Lozano

Clark already turned our arrival photo into an ad for 
'be Clarked'!

What I tell you?? His drive and energy is unstoppable!

Kikey Castillo 
Photo by: Christopher Lozano

Having a great time.  
I don't know what Clark said but somehow I channeled 
Britney Spears...
I have gum in my mouth and I'm laughing really wide mouthed LOL

Dyana Ortelli, Bel Hernandez & Kikey Castillo

Let's Talk! hosts: Dyana, Bel and Kikey

paparazzi photo of us on the red carpet

Kikey Castillo & Target Dog

Me and the Target dog.

They always have this beautiful Target dog on the red carpet and you walk up to him and take pictures!

See.  Eva and Target Dog

Now Demi and Target Dog

Look at this Lucky Dog.  What a life!

Naibe Reynoso, Bel Hernandez, Kikey Castillo & Dyana Ortelli

Here we all are! The 'Let's Talk!' hosts.
We catch up to Naibe where she interviewed us on CNN en Espanol!

Kikey Castillo 
photo by:  Christopher Lozano

Solo red carpet time 

Eva Longoria & Kikey Castillo

Look who is over Eva's left shoulder!

I took a picture of Naibe interviewing Eva Longoria with my iPhone

Here's the picture I took.

Guess I was in the shot - Ooopsie : ) 

Kikey Castillo & Latin Heat

Being interviewed by Aaron Sanchez who covered the event for Latin Heat 

Bel Hernandez, Kikey Castillo & Latin Heat

Ms. Latin Heat herself, Bel Hernandez and I

 

Dyana joins us 

 One last paparazzi photo of us before the show starts, Dyana, Kikey, Bel with Actor Enrique Castillo The 'Let's Talk!' team co-hosts and exec prod/dir

Clark Russell & Kikey Castillo

Had to take a red carpet photo with Clark who made me look fabulous!!!
What I'd tell you about the hair, right?




Now time to head into the show...

Kikey Castillo & Fernando Vargas

But wait, look who I find on my way into the show I spot boxer Fernando Vargas.  I played his sister in 'Alpha Dog'.  Haven't seen him in YEARS! So I go up to him and say "Hi Fernando, I don't know if you remember me but I played your sister in Alpha Dog" he was like "Whoa! Yeah"  

We chat for a bit :)

Danny Trejo and Kikey Castillo

Now look who I run into!  

Gosh so many people to say hi to before getting to my seat!  

I have to say hi to sweetie pie Danny Trejo.  
I played his girlfriend in '513' an indie film (in post production).  So he and I are best buds LOL :)

Finally in my seat and the show is about to begin 
Phew!! 
*That's how a red carpet happens* 

First, it's a bit stressful when you're getting ready for the award show as you want to look and feel your best on the red carpet, 
next, it's a mad dash ON the red carpet,
but loads of fun 
because your running into your friends and colleagues 
then you rush to your seat because the show is about 
to begin
And finally the show starts and you are within feet of these phenomenal performances and artists!  
Quite an amazing time and memory.  

Thanks for coming with me on the Red Carpet!

Don't forget to watch the ALMA AWARDS, 
Friday, September 16, 2011 at 8/7C on NBC