By Conga-ers' & Glorita T.M.
Personal...
Q: Is there anything you are limited or restricted from doing, due to the rods in your back?
A: I can do pretty much anything I did before and some things better (like skiing). I shouldn't rollerblade or water ski because a fall could be potentially dangerous, not to mention painful. Oh, and I definitely can't bend backwards from the middle of my back.
Q: On a scale of 1-10 how warped is your sense of humor?
A: 11
Q: What were your favorite or best subjects in high school and college?
A: I loved Humanities, Philosophy, Algebra I & II, Geometry, French, and Language Arts. I was probably best in English, French and Humanities.
Q: What perfume and cologne do you & Emilio wear? You guys always smell SOOO GOOOD!! :O)
A: I only wear one perfume, "Le Must" from Cartier. Emilio mainly wears "Angel" but has every cologne known to man in his collection. He's a cologne freak. He has me try different perfumes that he buys for me but ends up giving them away because after I put them on he says I don't "smell like me"......LOL
Q: When you aren't in the spotlight, doing interviews or making appearances, are you more laid back with the frills? Meaning... Do you worry less about tweezing, manicures, hair color, and stuff like that?
A: I always do manicures, and most definitely TWEEZING, but I'll rest my hair for a little longer if I'm not doing something where I'll be seen.
Q: Do you ever feel any kind of loneliness or emptiness as though there is something missing in your life?
A: There is absolutely nothing missing in my life. I am blessed to have much more than I could ever hope for or want. And I believe we can all have everything we want but we have to work hard for it.
Q: What were your favorite things to do as a child? Does Emily like doing the same things as you did, or does she like different things?
A: Em and I could not be more similar. She loves nature and animals, as do I. She loves boating and pretty much any outdoor activity. She loves to read, swim and be physically active. She's great at Tae Kwon Do which I would have loved to do had my mom had the money for classes.
Q: What benefits have you had from taking Yoga classes, and do you recommend it to anyone? Does Emily do Yoga too?
A: I would recommend Yoga highly! It has increased my flexibility which in my case becomes very important. And it's wonderful for focus and serenity. Emily has done Yoga as well and really likes it.
Q: Which type or form of exercise do you like the most & least?
A: I always say I like exercise best when it's OVER! I DO enjoy walking, though...........
Q: Do you find it easy or difficult to maintain your weight? Do you sometimes wish you could just let go, and not have to worry about staying fit?
A: Don't we ALL wish we could just "let go"? I have a good metabolism so when I decide to lose weight, I do. Unfortunately, I can gain it just as easily. I love to eat and it gets harder to lose as you get older so it's a tough combination. I try to use "balance" in all things because if you can't eat what you really enjoy once in a while what's left? LOL
Q: How can you sing "Along Came You" without getting a knot in your throat? I get choked up and teary eyed just hearing you sing it! What does Emily say about the song now that she's older?
A: Em hasn't heard the song in a while. I'm going to have to play it for her now that she can really understand. I'll never forget the day I sat her on my bed at four months old and wrote her this song in all of 20 minutes. When I sing it I try not to really concentrate on the words so I don't get choked up. But it's a very happy song.
Tania ~_~
Q: What are the two MOST embarrassing things that have ever happened to you on stage and/or during an interview?
A: In Mexico I was doing a T.V. show a loooong time ago and the tube top I was wearing slipped down and I "flashed" a very large LIVE T.V. audience! And once in Hawaii at the end of a show I was walking backwards waving goodbye to the audience while wearing A LOT of flowers around my neck and I fell over a monitor..........lol............So much for my dramatic exit. Emilio has it all on tape and keeps threatening me that he's going to send it to America's Funniest Home Videos one day.
Dayanara H.
Q: Had you not been the international star that you are now what would you have been doing with your UM degree?
A: I was all set to go to Paris as I had been accepted into the "Sorbonne" to study International Law". But who knows what I really would have ended up doing. I loved Psychology but couldn't separate myself emotionally from the patients.
Dayanara H.
Q: You have inspired all the members of Conga and then some, in one way or another some for very intense and significant reasons others just because you've left some kind of impact on their lives. How does this make you feel?
A: THAT, in a nutshell is the single best accomplishment of my career!
Deana A.
Q: What was your absolute worst day in the studio-a day where everything just went wrong and you never thought you'd get the song finished?
A: A long time ago I was singing a song that I had written after Emilio and I had had a very bad disagreement. It was impossible for me to get through it so I went home.
Virga R.
Q: What makes you so happy & what makes you so sad?
A: I have so many things that make me happy. First, spending time with my family! I love to see my children doing something that makes THEM happy! I feel happy playing with all my pets, boating and spending time in our beach house, sharing time with friends and laughing A LOT! I feel sad when I see needless suffering, injustice and all the things that are tough in our world which don't really need to be happening. I also get very sad when people betray your trust or lie.
Ma Yinchen (Shanghai China)
Q: Do you still have some dreams that you want to make it come true?
A: I've made all of my dreams come true and THEN some!
Fred B.
Q: Who are some other singers/groups that you like to listen to or see perform?
A: I love to listen to live music whether it's a known singer or a little bar band in the middle of no where.
Karen H. (From M.D.)
Q: When you get your quiet private time what kind of stuff do you like to do? (Cooking, Dancing, etc...)
A: I love to read, watch movies, and once in while a big group of us will go to Bongos (Miami) and I'll dance with my friend, David (Emilio is not the dancing type) for two hours non-stop.
Regina A. (Poteet, TX)
Q: Is there anything about you (that you're willing to share) that we don't know about you?
A: A woman's got to have SOME secrets, don't you think? LOL
Family...
Q: Now that Emily is older, does she enjoy going to award shows and tapings? Did she have fun at the Hollywood Squares taping you did recently?
A: Em had a BLAST at the Hollywood Squares taping! She enjoys going everywhere with us and is extremely well behaved.
Fred B.
Q: What do you like to do when you have free time with your family?
A: We can do "anything", it really doesn't matter because we love each other's company.
Regina A. (Poteet, TX)
Q: What was your favorite book(s) to read to Emily and Nayib?
A: The Giving Tree
Susan Q.
Q: There is no doubt that raising kids is one of the hardest jobs, and I firmly believe it is the parents who are responsible for teaching their children good character. As a mother who is a celebrity/entertainer AND a woman with very strong morals, do you at all think that there is too much immorality in the media? And do you feel there is a major influence on our children regardless of how hard and how often a parent works at instilling good morals by their own words and actions.
A: These are very difficult times in that there is media OVERLOAD with too much information, exploitation and an "anything goes" type of mentality. But ultimately it IS a parent's responsibility to monitor (as much as humanly possible) what goes into our child's mind and body. Example is always the best way for them to learn.
Lisa U.
Q: What are the names of all your pets?
A: The dogs are named (in order of appearance in our lives) Ricky (Lucy passed away a year ago), Redford, Holly, Tiny, Chica and Noelle. The birds are Cosmo (an African Grey), Daiquiri (Meyer Parrot), The Lovebirds: Buttercup, Mojo Jojo, and their baby, Sky. The Cockatiels are: Blossom, Bubbles and Spongebob. Three turtles: Pachanguero, Franklin and Speedy and A LOT of fish!
Sherry (Cleveland Ohio)
Q: Gloria, how do you balance your life as being a mom and a celebrity...is it tough or do you ever feel guilty that you have to take Emily out of school when you have other commitments to attend to...
A: I don't feel bad taking Em out of school because we always include something educational for her in our travels. Besides, I feel a lot of true learning takes place outside the classroom. I also feel it's very important that she be with her family as much as possible.
Home...
Q: I recently read that you make the best pancakes. Do you have a favorite pancake batter or do you make it from scratch? Any special techniques you'd like to share?
A: The secret for pancakes is in the consistency of the batter and the temperature of the griddle. I have learned through trial end error and have it just right. I can use batter (Aunt Jemima) or make them from scratch but it still boils down to the "secret".
Q: How do YOU prepare Avocado Salad?
A: Slice up the avocados and just add olive oil, vinegar and salt.
Ray K.
Q: Do you speak English or Spanish most of the time in your everyday conversations?
A: It depends to whom I am speaking..........but I feel comfortable in either language.
Touring...
Q: If you schedule another "Mini Tour" what cities do you plan on hitting & when?
A: I would have to say major cities on both coasts and a few in between........
Q: What do you like most and least about traveling?
A: What I like most is meeting new people and seeing new places. The least, flying, time changes and JET LAG!
Rolando M. (Mexico)
Q: Is part of your plan to come to Monterrey some day???
A: I sure hope to go there.
Jennifer
Q: Will you be going on tour?? If so, will you becoming to New York or Long Island??
A: It would probably be Madison Square Garden.
Rick (Milwaukee)
Q: I was wondering if you will ever come back to Milwaukee for a concert?
A: I would love to go back to Milwaukee.
Daniel T.
Q: Do you have any plans to do a concert here in Brazil?
A: There are no solid plans for any "tour" yet but I loooove Brazil!
Sole (Argentina)
Q: Are you going to come to Argentina in your next tour and do a concert here????
A: I would love to sing in Argentina, especially since it is one of the few places we haven't toured yet.
Ashleigh B.
Q: I was wondering if she is going to be in Indianapolis for her tour. Also, if so when will the tour probably be taking place? The Hispanic population in Indianapolis here is great here, and growing everyday.
A: We've been there many times in the past. I'd love to go back!
Lisa U.
Q: What can we expect for this tour you will be doing?
A: Hopefully a lot of fun and to keep surprising you.............
Sandra E. (Netherlands)
Q: Do u have any plans to perform in the Netherlands soon?
A: There are no solid plans yet but I will probably be there on promotion before any tour.
Appearances/Performances...
Q: Do you have any scheduled appearances or performances coming up?
A: Yes I do, but I can't talk about them yet.
Q: Will you be Hosting or performing at this year's Latin Grammys? Or at the Laras dinner?
A: I may be doing something but don't know "what" yet.
Q: Do you know where and when the promotional tour for the new album will begin? What cities will you hit?
A: The promotional tour will probably begin in October but I'm not sure yet where I'll go.
Q: Which is your all time favorite song to perform on stage in a concert setting?
A: That is impossible to answer because I love all the songs I sing for you. Of course, "Conga" will always be very special.
Annie (Get Your Gloria-Fix)
Q: Is it true you might be performing at Cesar's Palace towards the end of the year?
A: You're either psychic or have a very good fountain of information.
Kim L.
Q: Now that Emily is older will you be doing more or less concert appearances?
A: I think it would be safe to say "less" than in the past when I could spend 16 months on the road.
Movies/Television...
Q: Is "Many Lives, Many Masters" still in the works?
A: I hope so but unfortunately not with me............
Q: With so many projects in mind, in what order do you plan on tackling/completing them? Weiss Movie, Connie Frances Movie, Surprise Album, Mini Tour, Promotional Tour, New Album.
A: New album, promotional tour (while still developing Connie Francis), Tour, CF movie.
Q: If asked, would you consider doing a Cameo or a one-episode character role on CSI or CSI Miami?
A: It's not on the show you mentioned but there is a big surprise coming if it all works out.
Michael W.
Q: Will there be a network television special to promote your new album like there was for Alma Caribena?
A: Quite possibly
Colleen C.
Q: In the movie "The Wizard Of Oz." What is your favorite scene and or song?
A: I love the songs that the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion sing.
Eva (~E~)
Q: I was wondering if you ever watch "American Idol?" Would you have the desire to be a guest judge on the show?
A: Em and I have watched this season religiously! I don't like to "judge" anyone so I don't really want to be on there.
Rachel C. (funky chicken)
Q: What is the last movie that you saw?
A: Frida
Stevan S. (Canada)
Q: 'American Idol'... Who are you rooting for?
A: Ruuuuuuben
Stevan S. (Canada)
Q: What's your opinion of what these talent shows turns out?
A: I have to say that there is A LOT of talent out there. I just don't know how they can handle that kind of pressure! I could never join a competition...........
Mark C.
Q: I know that you have a quick and sharp wit. Do you ever think that you might appear on the show "Whose line it anyway?
A: I LOVE that show!
Mark C.
Q: If a movie was made about your life who would you like to see portray you?
A: Madonna.........just kidding.............LOL I haven't even THOUGHT about THAT one!
Merchandise/Releases...
Q: En Armonia was such a fabulous concert. Do you think a special Limited Edition Video, DVD or Audio CD might ever be a possibility?
A: I see no reason why not. I'm not sure who owns that show.
Q: "Love on Layaway" is such a "cute" and "Funky" video. Would you consider adding it to you next video collection?
A: I guess it's a possibility.
Q: Have you given any thought to what merchandise you'll sell during your next Tour?
A: Not yet.
Jennifer
Q: Will you be coming out with a new calendar in the near future??
A: Possibly
Gerard S.
Q: Will the "Get on Your Feet" Tour ever be released on DVD or VHS? (It was the tour that was never finished. We've only seen footage from the video).
A: I guess we'd have to look through the archives. I thought it was "Cuts Both Ways" that wasn't finished or was that one called "Get On Your Feet"? Jeez, now I'm confused....LOL
Gerard S.
Q: How about the "missing" videos? le. "Cuts Both Ways", "Don't Let This Moment End", "Me Voy", etc. Are you saving those for after retirement? Hope that doesn't happen for a while :)
A: I'll have to check on that for you (The videos, not the retirement!)
Brad
Q: I have been looking everywhere for the early Miami Sound Machine records. The early 7. Renacer, Miami Sound Machine (spanish, english), Imported, MSM Piano Album, Otra Vez, Rio, and A Toda maquina. Any plans to release these albums to your fans in a Cd box set in the near future?
A: That is the plan.
Brad
Q: Cant wait to hear your new album and the surprise album. Any release date on that?
A: The new album will release in September.
Michael W.
Q: When can fans expect a new video collection (like "Don't Stop" or "Everlasting Gloria!" in stores?
A: Probably sometime after the new album releases.
Colleen C.
Q: Will you ever make a video collection with "CBW" "(UhOh)FIL" "BB(UK) "CFY" Etc.?
A: Probably
Laura Z.
Q: Que hay del Video del Millenium Concert? Podriamos conprar una copia de este?
A: Todavía no se cuando podran comprar el video del Millenium Concert.
Penelope
Q: I love how over the years, you have included more of the diverse latin sounds of multiple regions. You have mentioned a love of Brazilian music, but haven't really touched on those rhythms in your recordings yet. Will one of your upcoming albums feature influences of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao and Astrud Gilberto or Elis Regina?
A: Years ago we did an album entitled "Rio". It had a lot of songs and rythyms from Brazil and I has written the Spanish lyrics for them. I also sang a duet called "Santo, Santo" with Alexandre Pires of So Pra Contrariar from Brazil. We often include subtle Brazilian rhythms in our music. But I would love to do some classics as you mentioned.
Penelope
Q: I thought "Gloria!" was an amazing groundbreaking album. Will there be another all dance album in your future recordings?
A: That one was one of my favorite albums. I'm only concentrating on the new album now but I don't rule anything out in the future.
Music...
Q: With the current English album in the works and a "surprise album" in mind, do you think you'll do another cover album in the near future? If so, please consider recording Chaka's "Through the Fire." What a treat hearing you sing it on "Women Rock!"
A: That's one of my favorite songs of all time. I'd really love to do a very intimate and sparse album of jazz standards at some point.
Q: Any future duets planned or in mind? Who with?
A: I've actually recorded a duet with Chrissie Hynde on the new album. I also have another surprise but since it isn't recorded yet, I don't want to jinx it.
Q: What steps do you normally take when writing a song… e.g. do you write the lyrics first and then the music or do you do both as you go along? How do you decide what music you want, and what instruments will be used?)
A: Every song is different. I've written songs where the music and lyrics come simultaneously and I've done lyrics to an already existing music track. After it's written I think about instrumentation and arrangement. But sometimes songs take on a life of their own and lead you in a different direction than you thought you were going. I think as an artist you have to be ready to go wherever the spirit moves you.
Q: If you were to record another cover album, which songs would you choose?
A: Yikes, that would take a lot of thought so I'll have to answer that some other time.
Q: When 'Alma Caribeña' was released Gloria mentioned several times that 'Tengo que decirte algo' was totally fiction ... "A Latin woman has been unfaithful to her partner, she tells him and he forgives her" .... I have always wondered where the fiction starts ...
A) a latin woman BEING unfaithful
B) an latin woman TELLING her partner she has been unfaithful or
C) a latin man FORGIVING his girlfriend/wife when she has been unfaithful..
A: I think the answer to that one is probably "C" LOL
Esteban O. (Chile)
Q: What has been the biggest risk you've taken in your music career?
A: Probably when we did "Mi Tierra", although I considered that a necessity, not a risk.
Josephine "Fien" (Belgium)
Q: How do you decide the title for your album?
A: I wait until the "baby" is born before I try to name it.
Ray K.
Q: Is there a Miami Sound Machine song that was a much bigger hit than you expected it to be?
A: Definitely "Renacer"
Mark S.
Q: In the song, Primitive Love, is that Gloria doing the little squeals, or is it done by someone else or a machine or instrument?
A: That sound was made by a synth.
Stephanie P.
Q: Does it bother you that Sony Music and Epic don't do all they can to promote your music the same way they promote their other artists? (I am from the Netherlands and the promotion for "gloria!" and "Alma Caribeña" was very disappointing over here - not to mention "GH vol. II").
A: Of course we artists get upset when record companies don't do what we feel is right when it comes to promoting our "babies" (which is what our projects are to us). But there are so many factors that play into "success" that it would be impossible to get into it in this Q&A. Suffice to say that I make my music because I LOVE to and I know that I have fans out there who will enjoy it and know me better with each creative project I send their way. Sometimes things aren't "understood" by the general public or even the media when they are released and time shows these projects to grow and be more respected in time. I don't create a project with expectations of its success on radio or otherwise although it's always nice to get it. Besides in the times that we are living it's all about the newest and next and I'm fine with that............
Stephanie P.
Q: And how big is their influence in your music (choosing cuts for singles, etc.) and concert tours (choosing songs to perform)?
A: Although we have the final say in what gets released, politically, we still at least "listen" to what they have to say. We could do nothing about the fact that record companies stopped releasing "singles" altogether. That was a mistake. And I think they are all realizing that they will have to come up with new and ingenious ways to get the music to the listener in ways that THEY choose rather than force-feeding them what they don't want.
Q: Rachel C. (funky chicken)
What CD is in your CD player right now?
A: The soundtrack to "Frida"
Barbi (Qbandiva)
Q: You have a way of conveying what's in your heart thru your ballads that touches your fans very deeply. That being said would you consider recording a spanish language album of the "Old Standards" Songs that our parents played on their beaten 33s? I know Luis Miguel has had success with the old boleros. What one bolero takes you back to your youth? My fave: Cuando caliente el sol....
A: I would love to do that but it's been done by so many people recently that I think I have to wait a bit.
Julianna (New Mexico)
Q: Back in 1992, during the "En Armonia" concert, you performed a medley that included songs from all of Latin America. I absolutely LOVE this concert! Would you ever consider recording an album of "covers" that would be similar to the medley you performed in concert? Maybe as a tribute to Latin America?
A: As a matter of fact that's how we started thinking about doing a "Mi Tierra". It all started with that medley. Of course it took on a life of its own afterwards. But I would love to record something like that medley. Maybe I can do it on the old Spanish standards bolero album that I'll record one day.
Julianna (New Mexico)
Q: During the Evolution tour, when you performed in Mexico, you performed "Volver, Volver" with Mariachi 2000. It was very beautiful! I still get chills thinking about it! Would you ever consider recording an album of Mexican Rancheras (Mariachi) or maybe a song?
A: I love singing Rancheras. But there are so many wonderful Mexican singers that I don't think I'd like to compete with them on THAT one. I would do a "song", however.
Marieke van Huet (Netherlans)
Q: What would you still like to accomplish in your (singing) career that you haven't done yet?
A: Like I've said, I have gone beyond my wildest dreams..........
Marieke van Huet (Netherlans)
Q: Are you planning on recording more salsa versions of your music and perhaps release the (already made) tropical versions (of Por un beso and Como me duele perderte) on one cd? I'm a huge salsa fan!
A: I would love to be able to release whatever you guys want to have. I think the internet will be a wonderful opportunity to get songs that haven't been officially released, out to the public. It won't be necessary for them to be on an album or single but you guys can simply buy the song and download it.
Sheila I. (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
Q: You have hundreds of incredible songs, obviously, they can't all be released as singles. Do you have a favorite song from any of your albums (how old am I?!) that you really wanted to be released as a single?
A: I would have loved "Path of the Right Love" to be released as a single. Also," OYE".
Sheila I. (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!)
Q: After putting so much effort to create a song is it hard to accept that you will never sing that particular song again?
A: Not really because there are so many that I WILL sing that it makes up for the ones I don't. Besides, I'm the one that picks what I do in concert. And YOU guys, of course!
Mayumi H.
Q: Which one did you learn first, the Cuban, or the American National Anthem? And when?
A: I learned the Cuban National Anthem first when I was a tiny little girl in Cuba. As a matter of fact I picked up music so easily that I also learned the communist anthem Fidel made popular and was singing it while marching down the street much to my mother's dismay. She quickly squelched any further singing of THAT one........LOL
New Album...
Q: Any word on whether all 14 newly recorded tracks will make the final cut for the new album? If not, what will happen to the tracks that don't make the cut? I hope we're not deprived from ever hearing them :O(
A: Right now it looks like they will ALL be included as well as four Spanish versions of four of the songs in English. I don't think I can bear to part with any of them.
Q: Has a final decision been made as to how many Spanish versions will be on the new album? You had previously mentioned 3 or 4.
A: There will be four.
Q: Is the style of the new album rock? If so, can you tell us what style of rock? Give us an example (artist or song).
A: I don't know that I can really "classify" the style on this album. You'll have to tell ME...............
Q: Will the new Album be available on Vinyl?
A: I don't know the answer to this one.
Q: Do you have a new look/style in mind for the new album?
A: Unless I shave my head I can't imagine anything you HAVEN'T seen me in..........But the new pictures will definitely reflect the mood and feeling of the new material.
Q: Have the photo shoots begun for the new album?
A: Not yet but very soon.
Q: Do you already know which song will be your first single? And what the video will be like?
A: I'd say we're 80% sure of the first single.
Esteban O. (Chile)
Q: How much support are you getting from your record company now that music sales are down all over the world and numbers are the key to having radio airplay and big promo campaigns? (big support for the new album?).
A: I am happy to report that the response from Sony concerning this album has been OVERWHELMING! They are ecstatic and ready to make this one HUGE release. Of course, that will mean a lot of work on my part but I am rested and ready to go. I'm very anxious to share this project with everyone.
Stephen P.
Q: I'd like a bit of advanced information on the new album - Do you know what it's going to be called? Or can we be given a few track titles to whet our appetites!
A: I will give you some track titles as soon as I possibly can.............I still don't have an album title.
Fans...
Q: Being a psychology major, I take it you like to analyze people right? Have you ever and do you ever analyze any of us?
A: I love to analyze and that's probably WHY I studied psychology. I find people and the way they think to be a fascinating topic. But I don't analyze any of you any more than I analyze myself or the world. I just feel lucky to have such loyal fans.
Q: I know you never imagined how far your career would take you when you were starting out, but did you ever wonder what type of fans you would have? Did you ever imagine having a group of fans like "Conga" or anything similar?
A: I never imagined you guys in my wildest dreams..........
Q: When you ask yourself and wonder if we are going to like the new stuff you're working on, do you ask yourself "I wonder if my fans (meaning all fans in general) will like this?" or do you ask yourself "I wonder if "Conga" (meaning your whole brood of conga babies) will like this"?
A: I think you guys (Conga) will probably "understand" my work and be more curious about it than the average listener. I also think YOU will analyze it to death and in the interim learn a hell of a lot more about me. But of course I wonder how people in general will respond to my work. So far the response has been incredible. I can't wait till you all hear it as well.
Q: When you have an appearance on a show, do you ever wonder if any conga-ers will be there in the audience? And do you look for us (familiar faces)?
A: Somehow you guys get into the places where I least expect you to be. It's always a very pleasant surprise!
Q: Got any more exclusives for us? Inquiring minds want to know!
A: Not just yet, but I will..............
Q: Do you feel anxious or excited about wanting to get your new stuff out to us?
A: I'm VERY excited about you hearing the new stuff!
Q: How does it make you feel when you're up there on stage singing and all your fans are going wild? What goes through your mind?
A: Quite honestly it's an extremely beautiful, warm and sensual feeling. I receive unconditional love and incredibly strong energy coming from my fans and I love to soak it up........
Q: I imagine you must have fans that you see again and again when you have appearances in NYC, LA, Miami, Italy, UK, etc… Which must be really nice. Do you remember their names? Can you name a few?
A: I remember plenty of my fans' names but if I name some then everyone else might not feel good that I didn't mention them. I'll leave that for when I'm face to face with you.
Josephine "Fien" (Belgium)
Q: Do you know about the existence of my "Everlasting Gloria Estefan Yahoo Group" and my website "Gloria Estefan - Destiny's Page"?
A: I am aware of many of the websites but rarely visit them mainly because of time constraints. But I prefer to do what I do and see as little about what people "think" about what I do as possible. I have to remain somewhat sane about being in the public eye and for me "less" information is better.
Sandra E. (Netherlands)
Q: How did it feel to meet 129 fans in one hour during the Congabash 2003? Wasn't it scary in a way? :)
A: It was not scary, it was beautiful. But I felt guilty that I couldn't spend more time because I had to be somewhere at a specific time. I wish I could give you much more but life doesn't make that easy.
Virga R.
Q: How many music instruments do you play? What are they?
A: I really only play the guitar although I have written songs on the piano. I played clarinet in my school band from 5th to 8th grade.
Ma Yinchen (Shanghai China)
Q: Who is the craziest fan you've met? And what crazy thing did he/she do?
A: I think the craziest thing I have seen a fan do was to have me autograph their arm then go and get it tattooed.
Karen H. (From M.D.)
Q: With having so many crazy fans in Conga how do you remember names, faces, and stories even after only seeing some of us once or twice?
A: What can I say, you make an impression on me............LOL
Kim L.
Q: Would you consider writing and recording a song that conga members could sing with you? (Maybe doing it at one of the Conga Bashes)
A: That's a cute idea; I'll have to consider THAT one!
Tania ~_~
Q: Is there anything you would like to know about US??? There must be SOMETHING you want to know! Feel free to ask away!!!!
A: OK, you asked for it.............If you knew that you would only be able to see me once more but you could choose ONE thing to do with me, what would it be?
Misc...
Q: Have you ever been approached by a celebrity who admires you and your work, and you totally did not recognize them?
A: I don't think that has happened yet.
Q: Would you do a "Got Milk?" mustache advertisement if asked?
A: They've asked me a million times to do that ad. First, I only like milk with tuna sandwiches, pizza, or chocolate cake. Second, being a Cuban girl, I don't want any kind of mustache, (since we all get one eventually) most especially in public! LOL
Stefan Y. (Belgium)
Q: About the "ANYTHING FOR FOOD, the Conga world-wide cookbook", that you got for your 45th birthday ... How are the plans for reproducing it evolving?
A: I haven't had time to develop it yet but it's something I would love to do.
Stefan Y. (Belgium)
Q: And did you try any of the recipes? Maybe if you reproduce it, you could write your comments on some of the recipes or include one of your recipes (eg. the 'famous' Quincy Jones chicken recipe).
A: That would certainly be a very enjoyable thing to do (trying the recipes) but I haven't been able to yet.
Annie (Get Your Gloria-Fix)
Q: Are you reading a book right now, if so, what?
A: I'm always reading several books. But the one I'm concentrating on now is "The Holographic Universe".
Deana A.
Q: Is the Gloria Estefan International Fan Club still running? Will they be sending out newsletters anytime soon?
A: I know we've had a lot of problems with the fan club and I'm not sure what the status is right now.
Terry M.
Q: When Cuba is FREE of Castro, What are some of the things you would do?
A: I'd love to see the place where I was born and lived the first two years of my life. I would love to explore and visit my actual homeland.
Terry M.
Q: What are some of the things you could do to change the world to make it a better place for the children of today?
A: I would love for weapons of mass destruction NOT to exist. I would love for war NEVER to be an option. I would love for peace to reign and for people to celebrate their differences instead of hating each other for them. I wish no one would have to go to bed hungry or not be able to express themselves without fear of something.
Sole (Argentina)
Q: In the conga bash I gave the cb03 coordinators some things to give to gloria (dulce de leche, alfajores y una agenda), and I would like to know if she liked them?.... please if you can ask her this I'll appreciate it a lot, because I don't know if she received these things or not....thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!
A: I LOVE alfajores! And the ones you sent me, I took to the studio and shared with Sebastian Kryss, my Argentine producer of this latest album.
Barbi (Qbandiva)
Q: On a more personal note: Would you & Emilio consider being the 2004 Honorary Chairs for the Joe Logsdon Foundation's Red Ribbon Ball? Details to follow! :-)
A: I'll need more info on this one.
Laura Z.
Q: Me fascinan las escenas detras de los escenarios,por ejemplo la energia triunfal que reflejas con cara de dulzura cuando terminas un concierto y los aplausos de regocijo y de aliento por parte de Emilio que hacen de estos momentos muy admirables. Gloria INVITARIAS a un grupo de tus fans que sean testigos directos de estos momentos inolvidables detras de los escenarios en conciertos futuros?
A: Sabes, que esa es tremenda idea. La voy a contemplar y quizás pueda implementarla cuando vaya de gira.
Janet-NYC
Q: "IF YOU WERE A FAN ASKING YOURSELF A QUESTION, WHAT ONE QUESTION WOULD YOU ASK?" (Please ask and answer.)"
A: That's too Freudian for me...............LOL
Alice P.
Q: If you can make three wishes, what would you ask for and why?
A: I have gotten more than I could ever wish for so I think three "more" wishes would be greedy.
Alice P.
Q: What do you do with all the scrapbooks/gifts that are given to you by Conga?
A: I look at, treasure, and save every last one of them!
The End...
Tell everyone I send my love!
Love
g