Latest news with #Vaquero
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coachella Performer El Malilla on History-Making Set: ‘It's a Beautiful Moment in My Life'
Photos by Joss Andreu "I'm very happy, excited, and anxious," El Malilla says with a huge grin on his face minutes before making Coachella history. On Saturday night, the rising Mexican star became the first artist from emerging reggaeton Mexa wave to perform his own set at the southern California festival. Far from his home in Estado de México, El Malilla is now sitting in a trailer at Coachella and reflecting on his journey to the Sonora stage. "It's a very beautiful moment in my life," he tells Teen Vogue. "I knew there existed a festival called Coachella, but I never imagined at this point in my life that I'd be singing here, much less closing out the Sonora stage. It's a lot of weight on my shoulders, but I'm very happy to represent the genre of reggaeton Mexa and even more so, the flag of Mexico." Reggaeton is music of the Caribbean, specifically with roots in Puerto Rico and Panama. In the last decade, Colombia became a new hub for genre and led to the rise of artists like J Balvin, Karol G, Feid, Maluma, and Manuel Turizo. In the past few years, Mexico has now become the next frontier for perreo with the burgeoning reggaeton Mexa scene. Before being one of the most commercial Latin genres, El Malilla, who was born Fernando Hernández Flores, remembers when reggaeton was first embraced by the barrio, or the hood, including his hometown of Valle de Chalco. "Where I come from, it wasn't looked down upon to listen to reggaeton," El Malilla recalls. "It was music that I grew up with and understood. I discovered that reggaeton was very marginalized [coming from the barrio]. You could be [judged] simply for liking the genre. From the ecosystem that I come from, it's very normal to hear reggaeton, so that's why I decided to become a reggaeton singer." As a child in the 2000s, El Malilla remembers first hearing reggaeton at the local tianguis. At these open-air street markets, burned CDs were also passed around with songs by Mexican reggaeton pioneers like Big Metra, Impacto MC, and La Dinastia. Now at 25, El Malilla has collaborated all the aforementioned names on remixes of their classics "Vaquero," "Desnudate," and the upcoming "Golosa." In awe, he says, "For me to be a part of those anthems is crazy!" While the entertainment capital is an hour away in Mexico City, El Malilla is still based in Valle de Chalco to stay close to his barrio roots. "I wanted to be a civil engineer and see how things turned out," he laughs. "Life gives you opportunities and it's up to you to take advantage of them. For a child where I come from, it's impossible to fulfill a dream. It's impossible to be part of something that's outside of your ecosystem. When we can break the cycle, we're doing things right. I'm a clear example for the kids where I'm from or that have been in situations I've been in that dreams do come true." Reggaeton Mexa pulls from the genre's underground sound of the '90s and 2000s in Puerto Rico while imbuing it with Mexican swagger, slang, and style. El Mallila often refers to himself as a "chacal" or "maleante," which both roughly translate to "bad boy." He lives up to that reputation in sexy reggaeton bangers like "B de Bellako," "Azótame," and "Mali Sácatela." While the lyrics in his songs veer towards explicit and kinky, they're always at the behest of the women he's singing to. In the empowering "Mami Tú," El Malilla croons in Spanish, "In bed, mami, you are the champion." While reggaeton has a history of machismo, or toxic masculinity, women are always in control in his racy serenades. "At the end of the day, we're examples," he says. "Before, I had argued that I wasn't an example for anyone, but the truth is that you grow up and you have more of a social responsibility. I have dirty songs, but I also decided to make reggaeton that's more commercial without bad words like 'Mami Tú' and 'Dime.' Those songs are clean. I see children and grandmas singing along to 'Mami Tú,' so I feel better doing that." In addition to having a large female following, El Malilla is well aware of his LGBTQ+ fans that are lusting for him. In a show of allyship to the queer community, last year he shot the bonkers "Rebote" music video at Spartacus, one of the most iconic gay clubs in Mexico. While looking like Proto Zoa from the Zenon movies, El Malilla partied hard at the discotheque in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl with fierce local drag queens and fashion-forward young women. "There was a moment in my career where a lot of people in the LGBTQ+ community supported me," he says. "I made that video for them, and everyone, so they can know that I'm here for them and I'm grateful for their support. I'm very aware of the love they show me and the truth is, they're a part of the foundation of my career. On top of that, it's a freaky song, so there couldn't have been a better place for a video like that." In addition to taking pictures with Travis Scott at Coachella, El Malilla also met Spanish singer Judeline at the festival. On Thursday April 12, they co-headlined a concert together at The Roxy in L.A. With her genre-bending spin on Latin pop and alternative music, he wants to continue to broaden his horizons as an artist. El Malilla has already shown in his debut album ÑEROSTARS, which was released last July, that there's more to him beyond reggaeton. The LP includes the romantic merengue of "Coronada" and the EDM-infused "Todo Tiene Su Final." "I would love to work with Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny, but I also want to work with artists that are outside my genre," he says. "I'm going to see Judeline again on Thursday and I think it could be interesting if we could get in the studio together someday. I would love to explore other sounds, other languages, and other genres. I would also love to work with Romeo Santos or a salsa singer because I love salsa music." El Malilla turned up the heat on the Sonora stage in a red-hot suit by Mexican brand Siete Cactus. Like a true reggaetonero, he was perreando (twerking) and grinding to his biggest hits. A fan from the packed crowd passed him a Mexican flag that he proudly raised up. "¡Arriba México!" he exclaimed. After taking off his shirt, he put on a Mexican sombrero and performed the song that's most emblematic of reggaeton Mexa in his repertoire, "Vaquero." As a leader of the movement, El Malilla is ready to take this offshoot of the genre to the next level with his MaliMundial Tour, which includes the Sueños music festival in Chicago next month. "Now that I've visited the US, Madrid, Chile, and Argentina, I would love to expand upon my sound and my brand La Esquina Inc.," he says. "I want more people to get to know us, not only as artists that we are, but as the good people that we are. I'm working on expanding the MaliFamilia to each corner of the world." Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Higher education degree still valuable, NEPA higher education leaders say
Robotic arms moved around as Lackawanna College student Karim Vaquero and his classmate Luke Kotcho entered commands on remote controls. As they entered prompts, the robotic arms drew squares with a highlighter on a large sheet of paper. Vaquero, who resides in Carbondale, is hopeful the skills he's learning in the college's Robotics and Automation program will land him a job working with robots. 'That's kind of the future,' he said. 'Robotics and automation is basically going to be the primary choice for major corporations.' As colleges grapple with declining enrollment, mounting student debt, high tuition and political debates over how they teach race and other topics, Americans are questioning the value and cost of a higher education degree. Only 36% of adults say they have a 'great deal' or 'quite a lot' of confidence in higher education, a decline from 57% in 2015, according to a report released last year by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation. A similar survey conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found 35% of adults say a college degree is somewhat important, while 40% say it's not too or not at all important. Roughly half, or 49%, of respondents said it is less important to have a four-year college degree today in order to get a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago. Leaders of higher education institutions in Northeast Pennsylvania say earning a college degree leads to opportunities in today's workplace. Those with a degree earn $1 million more than those without one, are less likely to be unemployed and more likely to have health insurance, they said. Attending a higher education institution teaches students skills like the ones Vaquero and Kotcho are learning that can be transferred to the workforce. Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, pointed to a survey the association conducted in 2023 showing eight in 10 employers agree a higher education prepares graduates to succeed in the workforce. Credentials, which are usually short-term programs that lead to a certificate, are also increasingly being valued by employers. 'There's a strong correlation between the knowledge, skills, mindsets and dispositions that employers are seeking, which they think are essential for success at the entry level and for advancement in their companies, and the liberal education that students receive,' she said. The leaders say some professions, like health care, require that employees have a degree or certification. 'A lot of the programs that we offer require some sort of formal training,' T.J. Eltringham, Lackawanna College's chief operating officer, said. 'There's still that need for post-secondary training.' Some of the college's programs, including nursing, cybersecurity and robotics, were launched with the intention of filling local employers' need for people with those skills. Students enrolled at the college, many of whom live in Northeast Pennsylvania, can fill those positions, he said. 'We're training students that are going to stay here and are working,' Eltringham said. * First-year students Karim Vaquero and Luke Kotcho program robots to draw a shape at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * First-year student Luke Kotcho provides instructions to a robot at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * Robots that Robotics and Integrated Technology Program Director Rob Crane and his students utilize in a classrom at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * Robotics and Integrated Technology Program Director Rob Crane talks about one of the machines in a classroom at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * First-year student Karim Vaquero gives a robot instructions to draw a shape at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * First-year student Luke Kotcho programs a robot at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. * First-year student Luke Kotcho maneuvers a robot at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. Show Caption 1 of 7 First-year students Karim Vaquero and Luke Kotcho program robots to draw a shape at Lackawanna College in Scranton on Tues., March 11, 2025. Expand Robotics and Automation Program Director Rob Crane takes a hands-on approach to teaching his students different aspects of the fields. 'I think it prepares them in that they can hit the ground running from day one,' he said. Students also learn more that prepares them for the workforce than just the classes in their major. Eltringham said college teaches students skills like communication and how to work with a team. At the University of Scranton, students are required to take English, philosophy, theology and history in addition to the classes in their major. The Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., the university's president, says these core curriculum classes teach students to be critical thinkers. 'We equip them to be ethical leaders, great communicators,' he said. 'They know how to problem solve at the workplace.' Local higher education institutions are adapting to meet the needs of today's workplace. With technology evolving, students and faculty are learning to use tools like AI to support their work and learning, Marina said. The university has also evolved to accept students of all faiths and celebrates diversity. Technology has also allowed the University of Scranton to expand its degree programs, offering many graduate degrees, most recently psychiatric nursing, online. The construction of the Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall on Madison Avenue on the University of Scranton campus will help develop the local workforce, Marina said. Eltringham said the certificate programs offered at Lackawanna College allow students to obtain a certificate, enter the workforce and return for either an associate or bachelor's degree. Pasquerella said colleges need to improve on aligning what students are learning with what they could do for a career. She said e-portfolios and other mechanisms, as well as internships, show students how the skills they're learning connect to careers. 'Just being mindful of the ways in which we can help through the curriculum make those explicit connections between curriculum and career will help them identify not only a job that's going to be high paying, but a job that will help fulfill them throughout their lives,' she said.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Facial recognition tech enables faster cruise ship disembarking in Puerto Rico
Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Royal Caribbean have begun using facial recognition technology to enable passengers to leave cruise ships faster in Puerto Rico. The federal agency and popular cruise line began using the facial recognition technology on Feb. 2 as passengers debarked from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas at the San Juan Seaport's Pier 4. "We believe that every aspect of the cruise experience should be seamless including the arrival process," said Roberto Vaquero, director of field operations for the CBP San Juan Field Office in a release. "The successful launch of our biometric facial comparison tool marks a significant step forward in securing our nation's borders," Vaquero said. The Rhapsody of the Seas was carrying 2,000 passengers when it reached its home port in San Juan. Those passengers debarked 30% faster than they would have without the facial recognition technology, according to the cruise line. CBP said the facial recognition technology also helps thwart illegal immigration and other criminal activities that might endanger local communities. "By streamlining the debarkation process for cruise passengers, we empower our CBP personnel to focus on enforcement and protecting our communities," Vaquero added. "The innovation enhances both efficiency and safety, reinforcing our commitment to national security." The system uses biometric facial recognition technology to positively identify passengers and make it easier for them to exit the cruise ship. Passengers pause at a camera-equipped kiosk that takes their individual photo and compares it to existing documents to verify each passenger's identity. The process takes only a few seconds and improves security while making it easier for passengers to disembark. People who don't want to have their photos taken can contact on-site CBP staff to verify their identities through other means.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Yahoo
A disruptive passenger threatened to break a flight attendant's jaw then yelled in the captain's face after abusing fellow travelers, FBI says
Prosecutors say an airline passenger threatened fellow travelers, flight attendants, and the captain. He also mocked Jewish travelers during the flight from Miami to New Jersey, an affidavit says. Luis Vaquero was arrested and charged in a New Jersey court with interfering with a flight crew. An airline passenger has been criminally charged after being accused of threatening the flight's staff and passengers. Luis Vaquero, 27, was flying from Miami to Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday when he became abusive toward fellow passengers and staff, per the complaint. An FBI special agent's affidavit says that during the flight, Vaquero was "making threats of physical violence against a disabled minor" and "mocking a group of Jewish passengers." The affidavit adds that a flight attendant who observed Vaquero's behavior declined to serve him alcohol after the flight's beverage service had ended. The affidavit says that Vaquero then told the staff member, "You better watch out, shit's gonna happen to you." The affidavit says Vaquero continued to be disruptive throughout the three-hour flight, prompting the crew to ask that law enforcement be present upon arrival. "It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot," Terence G. Reilly, the acting head of the FBI's Newark office said in a press release. After the captain announced over the public address system that a passenger would be removed by law enforcement, Vaquero got up and started banging on the cockpit door while the plane was taxiing, the affidavit says. "Upon arrival at the gate, the captain emerged from the flight deck, after which Vaquero approached the captain, screaming and threatening him until law enforcement boarded the plane and escorted Vaquero off the plane," the affidavit says. "While issuing these threats, Vaquero's face was approximately six inches from the captain's face." In videos obtained by law enforcement, Vauqero is also said to have threatened to break a flight attendant's jaw and used a racial slur. The charge of interfering with a flight crew carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. "We are committed to keeping the skies safe for flying and will prosecute those who criminally interfere with the professionals responsible for ensuring passenger safety," said Vikas Khanna, the acting US attorney for New Jersey, in the press release. It is unclear which airline the incident occurred on. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Spirit operate daily flights between Miami and Newark. None of the three airlines immediately responded to requests for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider
CBS News
12-02-2025
- CBS News
New Jersey man accused of threatening passengers, crew members on flight from Florida
NEWARK, N.J. -- A New Jersey man is accused of threatening passengers and crew members onboard a flight to Newark from Miami, Florida. Federal prosecutors charged 27-year-old Luis Vaquero, of Passaic County, with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors said Vaquero started harassing and threatening passengers shortly after takeoff on Feb. 9. He allegedly mocked a group of Jewish passengers and threatened physical violence toward a minor with disabilities. He is also accused of threatening a crew member who refused to serve him alcohol after beverage service had ended, telling her in part, "You better watch out." Once the flight landed at Newark Liberty International Airport, the crew alerted law enforcement to meet the plane. Prosecutors said when Vaquero heard the announcement that law enforcement was on the way, he started banging on the cockpit door and demanded to see the pilot. He's accused of threatening to break a crew member's jaw and threatening the pilot while just inches from his face. "Over the course of a 3-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passenger," Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said in a statement. "It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot. The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members. FBI Newark has a warning for those who think it may not be a big deal—they're breaking federal law, and they will be brought to justice." Vaquero was escorted off the plane and taken into custody. He later appeared in federal court and was released.
