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Maricelly with the Governer of Puerto Rico

Maricelly Velez, a vivacious and talented woman from New York got to live the dream every young woman in the world could ever want.  A one-on-one interview with Latin Pop Star, Ricky Martin.  

The interview was the Grand prize for the MTV FANatic award.   When the competition was announced on MTV earlier this year, Hundreds of thousands of women sent emails to MTV explaining why "they" were fanatics about Ricky Martin.  Maricelly's reasons were so impressive, that MTV called her in person to ask her to submit a video.  She prepared her video, and the rest is history. 

The interview was aired on MTV on May 19th. All eyes were watching as Maricelly asked Ricky about his life of  fame, and fortune.  Maricelly is a Salsera with a passion for MTV.  When she isn't dancing Salsa at the  Jimmies Bronx Cafe, El Patio, or Latin Quaters in New York, she is working for a large advertising company in New York.

Here, Maricelly explains how she won, what it's like to meet Ricky, and where she's headed now...

-Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am from Dorado, Puerto Rico and I am currently living in Westchester, New York.

-Where did you go to school, what was your major, and when did you graduate?
I attended Manhattan College which is located in Riverdale, New York. I majored in Communications and Sociology. I love T.V. and also share a passion in understanding different populations around the earth. I graduated May 23, 1999 at 1:30 p.m. and I was really happy. My friends and I threw "Goya" rice right after the commencement ceremony was over.

-Why did you choose a career in publicity/communications? Did you originally want to be in the Entertainment Industry?
I chose a career in communications because I consider myself to be a good communicator. Being able to inform people about what is going on around them, the lights, the cameras, the action, and non stop work gives me a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. I did not originally want to be in the Entertainment Industry. When I began college I was not certain as to what I wanted to major in. In my second year of college I began getting politically involved in my community. I became an auxiliary police officer for the New York City Police Department. It was a fascinating experience. I got the opportunity to work with New York's finest detectives and even go undercover. I learned a great deal as to how the criminal justice system in the city of New York functions, as well as the role that female officers play within the NYPD. After this experience I wanted to do more. I wanted to distinguish myself as a Puerto Rican role model to the Hispanic community here in NYC, so I began to work for the Governor of New York, the Hon. George Pataki. I got the opportunity to work with the the Assistant to the Gov. in Hispanic Affairs and it was wonderful. I also became a member of MISSION 51, which is a non profit organization that advocates Puerto Rico's statehood and civil equality. I was on my way into pursuing an elected official position. This all changed when I became an intern at "The Geraldo Rivera Show". I realized that the Entertainment Industry also has much to offer. It's exciting and rewarding as well. To my least expectations, it was when I got the opportunity to interview Ricky Martin that I knew T.V. was where Maricelly Velez belongs. I enjoy being in front of a camera. I learned that being next to a "super star" such as Ricky Martin, one can learn to grow professionally, and in Ricky's case spiritually.

-What were your original plans once you graduated- before you won the competition?
My plans after graduation were to continue working for the Gov. of New York under the new position of Assistant to the Gov. In Puerto Rican Affairs.

-How long have you been a Ricky Martin fan?
I have been a Ricky Martin fan since I was in first grade, so that makes it 15 years now. I admire him for his talent, charisma, simplicity, and sense of community. Through the years, Ricky has never forgotten where he comes from, and at times of need is there to lend Puerto Rico a helping hand. Ricky's appearance on the Puerto Rico commercials is a great example of his humanitarian spirit. He did them for free to help boost tourism in Puerto Rico after Hurricane George struck.

-How did you hear about the MTV Fanatic Competition?
A really good friend of mine told me that MTV was looking for a die hard Ricky Martin, so they could meet and interview him. She said I was the one to get the job done, so she sent out an e-mail to MTV. Two days later I received a phone call from one of the MTV Fanatic producers. The process began from there.

-What did you do when you heard about it?
I immediately told myself to go for it and do my best. Never hesitate and look forward.

-Who convinced you to gather all your stuff and prepare your videotape?
The moment the producer told me I qualified to make a tape, I said to myself "this is it Maricelly, do it", and I made the winning tape. My theory is that if you can convince yourself to do anything you'll do it.

-Explain the events that happened before, during, and after you found out you won.
Before I found out that I won I had to make a tape. After the tape was seen by the producers I made their top 20 list. Then I had two phone interviews with two other producers of the show. At this point I was on their top 10 list. A day later the director of the show called me for a final interview. I was now on the top 5 list. Little did I know that the next day I was going to Miami to meet and interview Ricky Martin. When I found out that I won I could not believe it. There were cameramen inside my bedroom and outside my window. I was on the phone and it immediately dropped. The feeling was really overwhelming. I felt like I won the lotto. A limousine was waiting for my sister Zulma and I outside. It was about 20 degrees outside and all I was wearing was a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. My adrenaline was so high that I did not feel the cold. After I found out that I won we went to LaGuardia airport and filmed before the flight. People went crazy as soon as they saw the MTV cameras. As soon as word got out that I was going to meet Ricky Martin people started going crazy. They wanted to touch me just because of the fact that I was going to meet Ricky. When we got to Miami we filmed for about an hour than it was off to sleep. The next morning we filmed some more on the beach, Ocean Drive, and at "CASA SALSA", Ricky's Puerto Rican Cuisine restaurant. It is fantastic. The food is tasty, the people are warm, and the environment is exciting. I suggest if you are in the Miami area not to miss out on it. Your stomach will love you for it. Not to mention hearing the Salsa music gives it a special touch. Check out their website www.casasalsa.com  or www.southbeachampm.com  Finally my first interview as a journalist took place March 11, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. with Ricky Martin. I have to tell you what a doll of a person he is. He made me feel right at home. The interview was a total success. Ricky said I did a really good job and should consider this as a career. Maybe I will be the next "Christina". Who knows? He blessed me and called me his "Godfather". That
was totally unexpected but very much appreciated.

-What are your plans now?
I will be relocating to Miami for a few months to try and pursue a career in T.V. or work in public relations. God only knows what awaits me. I will work hard at what ever I do, and plan on going to graduate school to pursue a master's degree in broadcast journalism and political science. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

-Any plans to travel the world?
"Well right now I am going to try an establish myself in Miami. I do have plans on visiting Costa Rica before the Millenium. A friend of my mine is running for the presidency and I want to lend him a helping hand. He was our neighbor when he was a diplomat for Costa Rica here in the U.S."

-How do your family and friends feel about your win?
My family and friends are thrilled about my win. I have always been my parents super star. My friends are proud of me and support my career. They say it could have not happened to anyone but me. I am thankful for their love, support, and fidelity. They are all truly awesome people to be around. One always has to choose their friends wisely.

-What kind of response have you been getting from fans and the media?
The response from both has been amazing. When I go shopping with my sister I get stopped and people tell me they saw me on T.V.   It's kind of funny because I went to The Gap last week and the cashier girl turned red and said "Oh my God you interviewed Ricky Martin". I smile and say yes that was me. The two most common questions that I am asked are: Is he nice and does he smell good. I answer "Ricky is humble and simple. He smells great". I have appeared on Entertainment Tonight as "The lucky woman who got to give Ricky a congratulatory hug".

-What hidden talents do you have in the closet that you'll dig out now that you're in the limelight?
I love to act. I acted in my first play when I was in the eighth grade. The play was "Carnival" and it was a Broadway hit many years ago. I consider myself to be dramatic when I am on stage. I have also participated in two beauty pageants here in New York. I have wanted to enter Miss New York USA but because I am only 5"4 I have been hesitating. Maybe I will try Miss Florida USA.

-If you could take yourself out of your body, and sit yourself down to have a one-on-one conservation with your "self", what kind of advice would you give "you"?
I would tell myself to keep my eyes focused on God because he will keep shinning his light on me. It is because of God that I have survived two near death experiences and I am still living to tell them. I would also tell my self to continue my education. Education is the key to many doors and it also defeats ignorance. Maricelly must also tell herself that if Puerto Rico becomes state 51 she will run for Governor.

Maricelly can be reached at velez.maricelly@mailexcite.com   or maricellyv@hotmail 

... with Gloria Estefan

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