When I first heard that my job would be sending to Miami to cover the Pedro movie screening event at Florida International University, I was elated. Most likely, because this is was the first time I’ve ever traveled on the job’s dime, AND to glamorous Miami at that. Besides that was the fact that I would be staying at the Shore Club AND interviewing Residente of Calle 13 which was of course, the icing on the cake. Although I work for a Latin entertainment company, I rarely like a lot of the artists that come through our doors. This was one exception and I was thrilled!

The Shore Club did live up to it’s chic expections with every room and lobby space adorned in all white. When I saw a member of INXS checking in next to me and Floyd Mayweather chillin with his entourage in the cut, I knew I had arrived. But it wasn’t that aspect of my trip that would be most exciting. Nor was it dining at Nobu, or popping bottles with Venezuelan pop stars, or hanging out with the cast of the Pedro movie themselves (although everyone was totally cool don’t get me wrong).

No, I think as far as touching moments go there are two that are most memorable for me and are tied for first place.

First off, interviewing one of the few Latin rappers I actually LIKE, Residente of Calle 13. And not because he is super cute and Puerto Rican (well a lil bit), but because I got to see a different side of  him when I asked how he has been affected by the AIDS epidemic. Always a fan of his socially conscious songs, I expected his interview to impress me. However, he earned a whole new respect from me when he candidly opened up about his family members living with and dying of AIDS. He spoke about the importance of safe sex as someone who actually meant it. And he showed me getting tested is so important he carries around his results in his wallet.

So I don’t know which moment wowed me more – that conversation OR hearing an audience full of students sniffle at the end of the Pedro movie. I was so touched to see that Pedro’s message and life still can inspire so many people after so many years – especially with his entire family sitting right there in the audience with them. SAdly, the AIDS epidemic is only growing but I think we’ve just recruited a new league of soldiers in the fight against it.

Check out what else Residente had to say in my interview on Blogamole. Catch Pedro when it airs on MTV Tr3s on April 1 at 8pm.