HOST and Co-Producer of LATIN CONNECTION TV!

My relationship with "LATIN CONNECTION" started several years ago when a dear friend, Mr. Eugene Williams, introduced me to the Editor of an online magazine called Latin Conneciton Magazine, Mr. Wayne Zamora.  I had just participated in the CBS Reality Show, SURVIVOR FIJI and they wanted to do a cover article about my experience.   A few years later,  Mr. Zamora contacted me again with the wonderful news that they wanted to do another Cover Article on Latin Connection Magazine. This time of my work/achievements as Beauty Pageant Coach.  This made me the ONLY 2X Cover Girl for Latin Connection Magazine!  I then started as a "Journalist/Correspondant" for the Magazine, writing articles of special events.  Please, click here to see the Cover Articles as well an an example of one of the articles/features I wrote about the "Army Bowl": http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Latin+Connection
Seeing the success of the online magazine, a reach of over 40,000 I suggested we produce an "Entertainment News TV"  version of Latin Connection Magazine, thus LATIN CONNECTION TV was born.  I'm very Blessed that my Fiance, Mr. Carl Mergenthaler, happens to be in the Entertainment Industry as well.  Stay tuned to Latin Connection TV for more about  "Jimmy and Mia!"
We're currently Co-Producing and Acting in a movie called "Jimmy and Mia."  Take a look at our sizzle reel and click "like" on our fb page:  www.facebook.com/jimmyandmia

For now, please, click on the following links for the most recent and past segments of LATIN CONNECTION TV: 

With Sheila E. at the PEOPLE EN ESPANOL Festival 2012: 

http://www.latinconnectionmag.com/#!lctv/c1w7z

With Nick Verreos of PROJECT RUNWAY Season 2:

SPECIAL "SA Film Festival" Show!:

Interviewing Tito Puente Jr:

and even Sports coverage! With Esteban Bayona, one of the SCORPIONS Soccer Team players:

STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING interviews of:

With Mayor Julian Castro at the PEOPLE en Espanol Press Conference

and the LIVING LEGEND, CHAMPION BOXER, "Manos de Piedra" Duran LIVE from PANAMA CITY, PANAMA!

(#tvhost,#latinconnectiontv,#actress,#coproducer,#correspondant,#nickverreos,#fashion,#featurefilm,#jimmyandmia,#carlmergenthaler)

It's all about Latin Music! From Red Carpet Correspondant to Emcee

Several months ago, I was happy to have gotten asked to be a Red Carpet Correspondant for Marvelez Productions (http://www.marvelezmedia.com)at the Salsa Music and Dance Congress held at the fabulous Grand Hyatt in downtown San Antonio, TX.  It was an all day, all night, all weekend affair...usually that's how we Latino's roll! Life is too short, you have to enjoy it, live it to the fullest and live it to the fullest they did! I interviewed the best of the best in Salsa Dancers from all over the US, Central and South America.  I felt particularly excited and proud to meet my fellow Venezuelans pictured here with me. I know we have the Salsa rhythm in our blood! Viva Venezuela mi patria querida! It's also always wonderful to run into my friend, the Talented Ray Colao (below) his band is one of my favorites, please: "like" him on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colao-Entertainment/202773773088072)

Last, but NOT least, the main attraction of the Salsa Congress, meeting a name in his own right, following closely the footsteps of his legendary father, Tito Puente (to my left, below)  During the interview, I mentioned his "sister" the beautiful Sheila E.-because I'm a big fan of hers.  Little did I know that I'd get to interview her a few months later! (Read below:)   Special thanks to @Julio Velez, to my left, for asking me to be the Red Carpet Correspondant at this wonderful event. Also to @Wayne Zamora, Owner of Latin Connection Magazine, for recommending me to Mr. Velez. Please, click here if you want to see some past Latin Connection Magazine covers that I'm so Honored and Blessed to have been featured in  (http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Latin+Connection) 

CELEBRATING more Latin music, Last November, I was very happy to  Emcee one of Main Plaza Conservancy's funnest events: The Texas Latin Music Festival! Once again, as it is with us Latinos:)  It was an ALL day affair, filled with the most talented singers, musicians, artists while the audience delected in the tastiest food & drinks throughout the afternoon on thru midnight!  The crowd slowly started arriving at noon and the Main Plaza filled up as the afternoon wore on to near full capacity crowd at midnight.  Those who attended enjoyed the lineup of a wondeful varierty of music-so characteristic, I feel, of the variety that the city of San Antonio, in general, has to offer.   Please, enjoy the images and videos:  

Ole! SUSPIRO FLAMENCO

A visit from this representative of the Indian community in San Antonio

What a treat to meet the Beautiful and Talented Patricia Vonne. I LOVED her unique style of music so much, I approached her to feature her music as soundtrack for  a movie that I'm acting in and Co-Producing called "Jimmy and Mia." Little did I know Patricia is a veteran of the movie world. Her brother is none other than the movie director, Robert Rodriguez!  To see previews of the movie I'm working on, please, visit our website: www.jimmyandmia.com and "like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jimmyandmia.  Thank you!

It's always wonderful to run into friends I've made throughout my career on television and Emceeing events.  I was so happy to see the classy Carlito Miranda, Chris Perez' Manager, whom I had met a couple of months earlier when I Hosted a special "Meet and Greet" book signing to promote Chris's book: To Selena, With Love at Wonderland Mall, San Antonio, TX. Here I am interviewing Chris at the 1st Annual @PEOPLE en Espanol Magazine festival held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in September 2012.  I also had the Honor and, am not gonna lie, was a bit Star-Struck when I got to meet and interview the SUPER Talented and ever glamorous, Ms. Sheila E!    For even more images of the Latino Music Festival, please, visit: (http://www.mainplazaconservancy.org/38901.html )  Special thanks to @Jane Pauley-Flores for asking me to Emcee the Plaza Conservancy's 2012 Latino Music Festival.

Magazine features!

I'm VERY grateful to be featured recently in two magazines! I'm particularly Honored to be the 1st two time cover for Latin Connection Magazine:  Click below, please, to see the 1st cover: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=latin+connection  highlighting my participation on the CBS Reality show, SURVIVOR Fiji.  This second one, Mr. Wayne Zamora, Owner of Latin Connection, applauds my work (alongside my TV Hosting) as Beauty Pageant Coach.  To see more of my work as Beauty Pageant Coach, please, click here: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Beauty+Pageant+Coach
HUGE Thank you to my Guardian Angel here on earth, Mr. Eugene Williams, for suggesting me as 2X cover article to Mr. Wayne Zamora.  Thank you, Mr. Zamora, for allowing me to be a part of your prestigious publication once again!

Currently, SAN ANTONIO MAGAZINE, did a feature "Lifestyles of the Reality Famous!" and I was soo lucky that I was picked as one of the people they highlighted. THANK YOU so much to Rebecca Fontenot, Editor in Chief and Linden Wilson for the wonderful article.(above) Last October, the former editor, Rachel Benavidez was kind enough to do a feature article to help me promote the "Strike a Pose" for Breast Cancer Calendar where I'm featured as a Hollywood 40's Pin Up girl alongside other San Antonio TV & Radio personalities. Click here for more on the "Strike a Pose" for Breast Cancer Pin UP Calendar:

Voice for Latin Connection 2010

Wayne Zamora, a wonderful man who's been very supportive of my work asked me to do this spot for Latin Connection magazine, a publication that highlights Latin's achievements in ALL areas. I was honored to have made the cover article a several months ago(above). Thank you so much, Wayne, for your friendship and support all you are doing to keep Latin's connected:)

Doing triple duty as Emcee, Host & Silent Auction Item?! at the Ronald McDonald House Charity 35th Annual Gala Fundraiser

I'm so grateful to God for continuing to give me ways to help others! When I reached out to Ronald McDonald House Charities to have them as guests on a "Community Affairs" Radio talk show that I used to Host on iHeart Radio in Miami  to help them promote this event, at the end of the interview, they surprised me asking me if I would consider being the Emcee for their 35th Annual Gala fundraiser!  ABSOLUTELY yes!  I also volunteered to be a Silent Auction ítem..yes, you read that right! I Volunteered myself and a fellow @CBS @Survivor Reality Show participant as a Silent Auction ítem: 

It was an honor to have been the Emcee for the 35th Annual Ronald Mc Donald House Charities Gala. This year it was held at the Donna E. Shala Student Center Ballroom at the University of Miami.  You can see a little of the beautiful view at the venue in the photo below 

with Soraya Rivera-Moya looking goregous in her emerald green gown!

 Besides being the Emcee...  I was also doing special coverage of the event for Latin Connection web TV.   Who was the inspiration behind the fouding of the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities? How did they raise the 1st 100K? How many Ronald Mc Donald Houses are there currently nationwide?  The answers from the Founders of Ronald Mc Donald House, Fran and Fred Hill plus special interviews with @Soraya Rivera-Moya, Dir. of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida  and Alexandra, recipient of a liver transplant and former ocupant at a Ronad Mc Donald's House PLUS hear from Fred and Fran Hill are here:http://www.latinconnectionmag.com/latin-connection-tv

With Soraya Rivera-Moya, Dir. of RMHC of South Florida at the Ronald Mc Donald House in Miami.

It was a night filled with delicious food courtesy of Aromas del Peru and groovin' to the sounds of Lucy Grau and, more importantly, testimonial that inspired donations to exceed the goal of 25K. I thank God for giving me this way to help this wonderful organization raise over 100K!  I visited the Ronald Mc Donald House in Miami.  While I was there, I saw many ways, besides montery donations that you can help! PLEASE, click the following link to see the MANY ways that you can HELP Ronald Mc Donald House Charities: www.rmhcsouthflorida.org 

I sign off being the proud sister of the designer of the gown I wore on the #redcarpet, a vintage #NIKOLAKI gown:) Can you guess why I wore gold? I'll give you another hint..I wore red polish...Still can't guess?  the Mc Donald colors! :)

The US Army Bowl 2013

The 1st weekend of January marks an exciting football bame, the @US Army Bowl!  Thanks to my involvement in helping the US Army Recruiting Batallion, my small way of thanking our soliders for their service to our Nation, I've been fortunate to attend in the past several years. Please, click here to see images from my attendance/involvement in past Army Bowls:http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=us+army  The @US Army goes ALL out with a line-up of events starting with a breakfast held in recognition of United States Army Future Soldiers.  Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler(pictured below), (SMA), Major General David L. Mann, Commanding General of Unites States Army Recruiting Command and Command Sergeant Major, Todd A. Moore hosted a breakfast the morning of the Army All-American Bowl on January 5, 2013, to recognize over 100 young men and women who will be joining the US Army. SMA Chandler commended these Future Soldiers for their commitment to their Country and to their future.  

United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) Deputy Commanding General, Brigadier General Henry L. Huntley, congratulates one of the Future Soldiers for his commitment to the Army.(to the right)

 USAREC Commander, Major General David L. Mann visits with several Future Soldiers at the breakfast and welcomes them to the US Army(above)

(Left)SFC Daniel P. Scott, San Marcos Recruiting Company and SGT Brent P. Mciver, San Antonio East Recruiting Company visit and answer questions with Future Soldiers.

I made a point to stop and greet Col. McGee(left). Besides the obvious Honor, I'm particularly happy to always greet him and thank him, 1st and foremost, for his service to our Nation and, on a lighter note, for him and his wife's huge admiration of the Reality Show I, pun intended...survived, LOL... @SURVIVOR Fiji!

It's thanks to my friend /Lt. Col. David Grant, Head of the San Antonio Recruiting Batallion that I was a part of this special breakfast as well as being able to take my kids and father, also, a bit later that afternoon, to the main event: The Army Bowl!

 After the delicious Taco Breakfast, we were energized and went to the next series of events that the Army had lined up. The ARMY ZONE! 1st stop, an actual Army Medical Helicopter.  Here, I ran into another friend of mine and @LATIN CONNECTION Magazine, "Longhorn" Gene.  We were fortunate to be there at the same time to have the Honor to meet 3 star General Tally.

Further into the ARMY ZONE. I decided to line up to try one of the G6 Fighter Jet Simulators and was intercepted by "Longhorn" Gene and  General Mann, who,  I was pleasantly surprised , knew of me thanks to  my participation on the CBS Reality Show, SURVIVOR Fiji.

Miss San Antonio USA 2012-13, Che White-Miss San Antonio Director, "Longhorn Gene," Miss Teen San Antonio USA 2012-13

After visiting the ARMY ZONE, I was ready to head to the Alamo Dome for the Army Bowl! It's an exciting game featuring the BEST High School football players in the Nation. For the 13th year in a row, some the best and brightest future stars of the college football gridiron came together in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Each year dozens of elite prospects go head-to-head all week in practice trying to showcase their talents for former NFL coaches, the fans, their fellow recruits and college coaches. The East Team (black) defeated the West Team (yellow) 15-8 on the back of a few big plays from its offense and special teams.  The game is attended by close to 40,000, among them, my fellow Beauty Queen title Holders (above)@Miss San Antonio USA.  Last, but not least, the MAIN reason the Army has created this event, to Highlight our Nations Soldiers, to applaud their bravery, selflessness and dedication to Protect our FREEDOM. I'm so Honored to be standing among just of few of them (left).  

The last of things on the list of events set up by the Army, was a Tandem Parachute Jump with the World Champions, THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. Bright and early the next morning, once again, HUGE thanks to Lt. Col David Grant, I was able to be a part of the World Champion Golden Knights Tandem Parachute Jump-this time, as a Viewer. Several years ago, I was given the opportunity to take this Leap of Faith! LOL and I did. Here I am Tandem Jumping w/Billy V...ARMY STRONG!! This year, when Lt. Col. David Grant offered me the same opportunity, I decided to give someone else a chance to have this once in a lifetime experience, so my boyfriend, Carl Mergenthaler, pardon the pun....Jumped at this chance! A little trivia on Carl. He currently Wrote, is starring in and Producing a wonderful feature film called "Jimmy and Mia" (stay tuned to LATIN CONNECTION Magazine for more details about that). To the right, Carl and I with Col. Mark Rado, Commander US Army Accessions Support Brigade. A little trivia on Col. Rado..he was Jay Leno's first Agent! Huge thanks to him for squeezing Carl in that day as they had a record 29 jumps!!  The @GOLDEN KNIGHTS Team did an amazing job under the Command of Lt. Col. Jose E. Melendez proving why the are the current World Champions! Can I get a  Hooah!!

Emcee for "American Idol" style Mariachi Competition featuring Grammy Winner, Vikki Carr

San Antonio's Main Plaza Conservancy Hosted this wonderful music event. Mariachi groups from throughout the City competed to win coveted spots in the renknown "Mariachi Corazon" group. It was an event that tested my longevity...or would that be on stage stamina? ha, ha, ha...because the event lasted from noon

to 11pm!  Thank you to  Jane Pauley Flores for having me as Emcee and also, allowing me to get an exclusive interview of the living legend, Ms. Vikki Carr for the webshow I Host, Latin Connection TV:

President of the Main Plaza Conservancy, Mr. William Scanlan Jr.

 (#carlmergenthaler,#latinconnectiontv#vikkicarr,#mariachicorazon,#mainplazaconservancy)

My fiancé, videographer and editor of Latin Connetion TV, Carl Mergenthaler.

Correspondant for Latin Connection web TV at The Ferrari Kids Charity Red Carpet event, 2014

Recently, at a fashion show benefitting an Abused Woman's organization, DRESS FOR SUCCESS, I met a gentleman, Manuel or Manny as he's affectionately know, Diotte,  who heads a wonderful organization, The Ferrari Kid (www.theferrarikid.org)Manny took from his very personal experience as a Child to come up with a simple, but extremely rewarding idea.  Through a collaboration with Ferrari car owners, Manny provides these kids are coping with cancer, dealing with illness, going thru chemotherapy, radiation, and so much more.....with a ride  in a Ferrari.  Making them feel like a  celebrity for a day! 
Recently, he put together a shopping spree at one of the most popular outdoor Malls in San Antonio, Texas, La Cantera.  Different shops collaborated to provide manicures etc. as well as a delicious Italian meal, courtesy of Luciano's. I was so touched by this that I offered to add, hopefully, to the "celebrity" experience, by offering to do "Red Carpet" interviews of the children. 
Take a look at their "Red Carpet" moments! (#theferrarikidorg,#ritaverreos,#manueldiotte,#shopsatlacantera,#redcarpetcorrespondant,#dressforsuccess,#lucianositalianrestaurants)
* For images from a past DRESS FOR SUCCESS event: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Dress+For+Success

Dancing with my friends from SA Disabled Athletes Association at Morgan's Wonderland

This past Valentines Day, my Valentine was out of town. God is so good to me that I ended up with not one, but many Valentienes as I decided to join my sweet friend, Melissa Cheatwood and her sweetheart  as well as some of my other friends from MOSAIC Charity (http://www.mosaicinfo.org/south_central_texas/) at the "Valentine's Day" Dance hosted by my dear friend, Mr. Gordon Hartman, at the "Morgan's Wonderland" Auditorium.  MOSAIC, btw, is endorsing the film that my fiance and I are acting in and Producing, "Jimmy and Mia,"  A love story of two adults with special needs.

www.jimmyandmia.com

I leave you with some images which reflect how much fun we all had.  Special thanks to Michael, Melissa's boyfriend, for allowing me to dance with her.

Michael and Melissa

Me and my friend from MOSAIC of Southwest Texas

Giving and gettin' some "sugar" from sweet Melissa!

Our "Prom" Valetine's Day photo-they're so sweet they wanted me to be a part of it! Just as I told you above,  God ended up Blessing me w/wonderful Valentine's after all:)

Me and my friend, Jimmy.

Time to "get up" and "get down" on the dance floor!  You don't have to tell me twice to go dancing!

With Morgan and her father, my dear friend,  Gordon Hartman. Founder and owner of the only Amusement Park in the world that accommodates EVERYONE, included people with special needs. Click here for more information about MORGANS WONDERLAND Amusement park:http://www.morganswonderland.com.

Here's a recent interview that I did with Gordon Hartman for my TV show LATIN CONNECTION TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLG42DF9jGA