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photo: J.R. Sterling

Photo: J.R. Sterling

 

Maria Conchita Alonso

"Soy"

 

Described by many as a true Renaissance woman, Maria Conchita Alonso’s list of achievements range from television, movies, and music.  Her credits include Moscow On the Hudson with Robin Williams, The Running Man with now-California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Colors with Sean Penn just to name a few. No stranger to television either, she has appeared regularly on Resurrection Boulevard as well as having had her own variety show on Telemundo and also a variety show in Mexico called PICANTE.

 

She is an actress, singer/songwriter, and if that wasn’t enough, she is also the Vice President to the Global Medical Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that brings help to children worldwide.

 

She recently sat down with Indulgemagazine.com to discuss her upcoming EP release "Soy" (translation: "I am") in October as well as twelfth album due for release sometime next year.

 

MCA:Soy” is an EP coming out this year in October.  The EP has “Soy” which is what I will sing at the Latino Pride on September 15.  It has 8 different versions plus remixes of La Loca and Noche de Copas which are hits of mine, it’s a dance CD.  What may be confusing is that next year’s album TOCAME will be Pop latino with Hip Hop, Spanish guitars, bossa nova, Rock, but will not have anything to do with the style of the EP.”

 

IM: Do you have a favorite song in next year’s CD?

 

MCA: Mujer Seducida, Tocame, Llename De Ti, and Por Ti Sera which is pop rock because of the vibe of the song lyrics.

 

IM: What happened to the variety show you had on Telemundo?

 

MCA: I wanted to do a show at night that would reflect my personality.  I didn’t want a daytime show because of its limitations.  I wanted to do it my way without being “cut”.  But they kept saying “cut” to me and that’s why it was a mutual decision to finish the show.

 

IM: Is there a project for a Spanish soap opera?

 

MCA: Nothing at the moment, but only if it’s a good script, with good actors or something that’s interesting.  But I’d actually prefer something only for short term not a full novella since it’s lengthy, but maybe something like for two months or even as a guest star in a soap opera.

 

IM:  We’ve seen you in many shows with many Latin stars as well as American stars.  You’ve seemed to have found a place not only with Latin but American audiences as well.

 

MCA: I’m recognized in both languages as they know me for singing and acting.  In Spanish as an actress I haven’t done a lot, but I’m still recognized.

 

IM: You are the Vice President of Global Medical Relief Fund, can you tell us a bit about that?

 

MCA: It’s an organization for children in need and it hurts me a lot to know that in some countries children don’t have the resources to move forward, and that’s why I’m involved with this.  Its children, who have lost their parents, are victims of natural disasters, etc.  I love children and I hate to see this kind of great loss in them.

 

IM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us

 

MCA:  Oh thank you so much.  It was a pleasure on my part.

 

IM: Finally, let me ask  you, how do you Indulge yourself?

 

MCA: I like to go to the beach and lay out and take some sun.  I love to have this tropical drink that has coconut in it. It’s delicious!

 

Interview: Jose Casan

 

www.mariaconchitaalonso.com

www.latinpride.org

 

 


 

 

Best Summer Drinks

 

Paris

The Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, famous for its decadent interiors featured in the last two episodes of Sex and the City, is THE place for the city's elite: decked out in their couture, the fashionistas, socialites and celebrities are elbow-to-elbow. Thierry Hernandez, director of the Hotel's Bar du Plaza Athénée, creates Fashion Ice, a frozen popsicle/drink in mouth- watering flavors like Apple Martini, Bellini Martini, Cosmopolitan, and Pina Colada. Sure to cool your body during a warm Parisian night.

25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, 75008

Tel: +33 1 53 67 66 00

 

 

London

Dusk Bar is quickly becoming a hotspot on the London map for its enticing drink menu as well as its sleek interiors and laid-back vibe. A mélange of summery drink specialties have been created - these include the Thai Flower Cooler, made from fresh lemongrass-infused vodka and elderflower cordial- a tantalizing treat for the palate. The Lychee & Raspberry Martini is a must for those who love a twist on the classic martini. For those with a fondness for mojitos, the Thrilla in Vanilla with vanilla-infused Havana Club rum, mint sprigs and cranberries is a perfect variation.

339 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 4LS

Tel: +44 0207 622 2112

 

 


 

 

 

AMERICA AT ITS GRANDEST

By Nora Wong

 

 

When most people think of Salt Lake City, opulent Old World hotels don’t exactly come to mind. Nestled in the rustic Wasatch Mountains, The Grand America Hotel is the crown jewel in a town full of pleasant surprises. Touted as an integral part of the city’s recent transformation into an urban cultural and social center, this luxurious five-star hotel born from the vision of oil and lodging mogul Earl Holding has achieved a level of excellence that can only be truly appreciated through experience.

 

Upon entering the palatial hotel lobby, one is immediately struck by the polished splendor of the décor. The entire hotel is replete with 18th century tapestries, fine Richelieu furnishings, bronze statuary and Cararra Italian marble, buffed to a deep, translucent gloss. The French cherry wood furniture beckons you to take a moment and relax; the bevy of lavish colorful hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, 52 in all, hung throughout the hotel including the indoor swimming pool, together with its silk-clad halls and English wool carpeting combine to create a world-class image of grandeur and charm that rivals any five-star hotel in New York, London or Paris.

 

Situated on 10 acres, the 24-story Bethel white granite tower boasts 775 spacious rooms, 395 suites, 127 of which have balconies that provide spectacular views of the Salt Lake City skyline, the mountains, the hotel courtyard and outdoor pool.  Each suite, elegantly decorated by renowned designer Frank Nicholson, comes complete with a lounge area, Italian marble bathrooms and high-speed Internet access.  However, the undisputed most valuable feature is without a doubt, the view.  There are few things more beautiful than the clock tower of the Salt Lake City Hall on a clear night when beheld from the 20th story of the Grand America.

 

The majestic 2000-square-feet Presidential Suites, where First Lady Laura Bush recently stayed, comes with a full-size kitchen, two bathrooms, jetted bathtubs and a marble fireplace. Some of these rooms even come with washer and dryer for even greater convenience. Not that you’ll be doing your laundry, of course. There are plenty of courteous, competent and cheerful hotel staff members to satisfy your every whim.

 

The tri-level Grand Spa is a veritable playground for the senses.  Choose from an assortment of massage therapies and body treatments to your soul’s content. Treat yourself to a green tea body wrap with cucumber buff, followed by a gentle massage containing a natural blend of tea and vegetable oils. And for tired sore muscles, encapsulate yourself in the Self Heating Sea Foam Cocoon, a therapeutic treatment that “leaves your body detoxified, re-mineralized and fully oxygenated.” After revitalizing the body and mind, relax your spirit with a soothing eucalyptus steam bath.  Complete this odyssey of corporeal bliss with a dip in the tranquil beautiful indoor and outdoor pools.

 

You’ll come to your senses that you’ve just arrived at the grandest place in America.

 

 

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