Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1988

Photo above, Ricky, right, with Raymond Acevedo, Sergio Gonzalez, Angelo Garcia and Ruben Gomez on the set of the “You Got Potential” video in 1988. Photos by Bolivar Arellano for Menuditis In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were noContinue reading “Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1988”

That Six-Year Old

Once upon a time, I wrote this for a newsletter for Ricky Martin fans. When I started this blog, I titled it “Rita’s Rambling Road” to write whatever I felt like. I thought if I didn’t pigeonhole myself with one topic, I would have more opportunities to share my thoughts and even share some older writings. Unfortunately,Continue reading “That Six-Year Old”

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years – 1987

The writer and Ricky Martin in Puerto Rico, January 1987. In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members ofContinue reading “Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years – 1987”

Reflecting on My Irish Heritage

Above, my grandparents, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland, with my father, right, and. my uncles. When I think about my Irish heritage, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, I am reminded of just how fortunate I am.As a second-generation Irish American on my father’s side, it’s not lost on me what my grandparentsContinue reading “Reflecting on My Irish Heritage”

My Connection Between Music and Puerto Rico

One of the waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Photo by Rita J. Egan Bad Bunny’s newest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”), intertwines today’s Latin rhythms with yesterday’s to create an album that documents the struggles and celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rico. I don’t liveContinue reading “My Connection Between Music and Puerto Rico”

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1985

As 1985 began, the world was about to discover what Menuditis was all about — something devoted fans in Latin America and the United States already comprehended. As the group members of Menudo prepared themselves to spread Menudmania all over the world, Ricky, who had only been in the group for a few months, quickly became a popular member along with Ray Reyes, Roy Rosello, Robby Rosa (Draco Rosa) and Charlie Rivera (Masso).

Fan Gathering Inspires

This year was one of the best Super Bowl Sundays I’ve had, and I didn’t even watch the game. A few friends and I had the chance to spend time with former Menudo and MDO member Didier Hernandez and to experience a shortened version of his songwriting camp that he’s shared with other fans inContinue reading “Fan Gathering Inspires”