New movie “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” opens up in theaters, Friday, May 18…but I got a sneak peek last night! Overall the film is really well done…it explores the myths, fears, trials and tribulations of going through the motions when trying to conceive and then getting pregnant. Since the movie features a star-studded ensemble cast with Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Matthew Morrison, Elizabeth Banks, Dennis Quaid, etc… the film offers several story lines, exploring an array of scenarios and situations which goes to show there are MANY ways to be “expecting!” I really enjoyed that the movie wasn’t overdone and stayed true to form, I didn’t feel like the characters were forced to be tied to each other, nor was it overkill…I thought it was the perfect mix of giving insight into each couple’s perspective. Although the movie is a comedy, it has some serious moments, where I almost shed a tear…but maybe that’s because my emotions are at an all-time high since I AM EXPECTING too!!

Yep, that’s me at 30 weeks (currently I have 7 to go)…but getting back to the movie…the first “baby item” I picked up when I got the good news, was the best-selling book the movie is based on, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” And — since I am literally living the experience myself, it was only right I screened the film to put in my 2 cents. I felt I most related to the situation played out by Cameron Diaz and Matthew Morrison’s characters, and it was fun to relate and see the role reversal of what me and T are pretty much going through as we countdown to our baby’s arrival. It’s kinda validation that I’m not acting CRAZY (at times) and he’s just doing what expecting Dad’s do too!! All the “weird stuff” is perfectly NORMAL.

Now another fun surprise in the movie was a cameo appearance by none other than the Miami HEAT’s Dwyane Wade! He plays himself as a contestant on a dance show…watch him talk about that On The Flipside

All in all, the movie is a great time, with a fun cast and whether you are expecting, already been there done that or are looking forward to the experience at some point in your lifetime, it’s got something for everyone and worth watching!!

Check it out here —-> http://www.themasterculture.com/

DREAM.MOBILIZE.EXECUTE

This time around we stayed at “The Reef” property. It’s one of the newer, luxury towers that they also sell as residences where the suites have kitchens and laundry! It’s totally perfect for families or if you really just want to lounge and get some peace and quiet…and the Aquaventure Water Park is just a hop, skip and jump away!

We had a gorgeous Ocean View from the balcony, over looking the Kascade pool area and the private Paradise Beach…

It’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least one time in their life…fun times!! And — I will never forget my first visit to the resort in 2007, “on assignment”…Atlantis also boasts a HUGE assortment of exotic marine life from all over the world…one time, I had the opportunity to feed them..and, well a stingray tried to feed on me! LOL Watch the “flashback” below….hehe

The panel discussion I participated in centered around Sports & Entertainment and the role Social Media is now playing in the industry, in terms of news gathering, marketing, interaction (i.e. fan/athelete), etc… So, LOTS of angles to talk about!! ..and perfect for me since I’ve worked on all sides, in sports/entertainment for the organizations, and then on the media side, as well as creating my own grassroots social media campaign to launch On The Flipside!!

There were 5 panelists total with a moderator and we spoke to a packed room of eager ears and sponge-like minds…GREAT audience! Sebastian Rusk sat to my left during the discussion and provided these photos via Social Buzz TV

I really enjoyed being able to share my experience, opinion and knowledge…but it is different talking in front of a live, captive audience, as opposed to doing one on one interviews in the field and or speaking directly into a camera..contrary to what people might think! ha

Who knows…maybe my next step will be an entry into academia!?!? **Side note: I mean, my Dad just took a job as a visiting professor at a University, now that he’s retired, so maybe it’s in my blood! And actually, I’ll be sitting on another panel or moderating next week for Johnson and Wales University – http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2012/04/02/johnson-wales-university-3rd-annual-sports-entertainment-events-conference/

At any rate, it’s always refreshing to be surrounded by the “young bucks,” who are passionate and eager to make their mark…and even more flattering when they came up to me after the event to introduce themselves and ask me for advice and share their dreams/goals with me. I love helping those who ask questions, show interest and actively work toward creating their future!

]]> http://aubreyaquino.com/2012/04/um-symposium/feed/ 0 http://aubreyaquino.com/2012/04/chi-city/ http://aubreyaquino.com/2012/04/chi-city/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:21:25 +0000 Aubrey http://aubreyaquino.com/?p=3289

I had the pleasure of visiting the Windy City this past weekend. I made the trip with T, since it’s his hometown and my Mom came from the Bay to join us! It was hard to leave the warm Miami sunshine…but albeit much cooler, it wasn’t horrible weather in Chicago!

And — since Chitown is just a great mecca for food – I think I went home with an extra 10 pounds – we did the food circuit, eating at Valois, Harold’s Fried Chicken, Table 52, Giordanos and Ed Debevic’s…you can see I donned a “busser” hat while chowing down on my burger, fries and shake! The funny thing about that spot is I guess their “schtick” is to give customers attitude and sharp-tongued wit, so they kinda toss the straws at you, act impatient and talk back with plenty of sarcasm. Haha!! What was even more amusing to me is that my Mom would try to make comeback lines and give it to ‘em…LOL It was nice to see her having a good time!

Another touristy thing we did was climb (on an elevator) 103 floors up over the skyline to the Chicago Skydeck in the Sears Tower! That was fun…they say on a perfectly clear day you can see four states.

They also have these glass encased ledge/look out thingees…where I guess you can feel like you’re suspended in air…so if you don’t like heights…don’t look down!

Red Bull shows us how they welcome NBA All-Star Point Guard Deron Williams to their family!

Miami HEAT superstar Dwyane Wade talks about his latest kicks, the Fly Wade 2.

On The Flipside teams up with Bay Tiger Video Productions to film highlights of a rare, Bay Area appearance by Mike Tyson! The meet and greet took place at Undisputed Boxing Gym where Tyson personally autographed an exclusive lithograph for fans and posed for photos!

Since my good friend Tamae is building up her styling portfolio, we ventured out to do a fun photo shoot in Central Park. She did my makeup and Lior did my “Veronica Lake” hair!

The next morning I had a meeting in Times Square and took a moment to grab some breakfast and sit down to take in the sights in the middle of it all… It’s nice and calm, very peaceful in the A.M…great way to begin the day.

And finally, I headed out of town on St. Patty’s Day, but not before getting caught up in the mix of the parade down 5th Ave! Honestly, I was just trying to get to brunch and feed my belly when I realized I was in the thick of the parade route!! However, it was pretty cool to experience it live…so much GREEN in the streets…

I was fortunate enough to catch this show as it passed through Miami last weekend…and not only did it exceed my expectations, but it provided me with a great evening filled with music and dance!! I would have to say I’m not a “cirque” person. I’ve been to a couple shows and I’m just not THAT into acro and contortionists, etc.. I mean I can appreciate it for 30 min, but not for 2 hours! LOL So, I was weary of how the MJ-themed cirque show would fare in my mind… Well, I was BLOWN AWAY! From start to finish, the music made me feel good and helped me to “Remember the Time” and reminisce about all the great memories I associate with Michael Jackson and his music – a 3rd grade slumber party where we watched “Thriller” over and over, or how my Grandfather purchased me my own “glove,” and dancing around to his music at family parties with my cousins…

The stage is AHHHHHMMMMAAAAAAZZZZZING!! From the use of big screens, LED lights, props, effects, etc…. completely mind-blowing. The performers are energetic and fun to watch, costuming is perfect and the interpretations of the music are spot on! I kept sitting back wondering, who dreams this stuff up? I mean the choreography, the tech effects, just every visual and coordinating it all…it’s quite the production.

The featured performers are all fantastic…SOOOO flexible, precise and entertaining: aerialists, tap dancers, breakers, musicians, gymnasts, and so much more!! There’s this one pole dancer who mesmerized me with her strength, balance and grace… a pair of elephants that reminded me of Chinese dragon dancers also stand out, as I think about my favorite moments in the show. If you have a chance to see this show on tour…don’t miss it!!!

Buy it on itunes here – http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-a-cut-you-single/id500773352?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I recently donated one of my old Oakland Raiderettes sports bras to a very worthy cause…the MZ & Emmers Sports Bra Auction for Breast Cancer Awareness.

“MZ & Emmers” was formed through a friendship between Women’s Professional Soccer star McCall Zerboni (MZ), and now five-year-old Emma Bayer (Emmers) and her parents. We are dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer, through the empowerment of women’s athletics.

My bra goes up for auction along with several other sports bras from women all across the world of sports beginning April 7, 2012 – I believe it’ll be on ebay. I was able to get involved after the organizer got in touch with Going Pro Entertainment founder and current Ms. United States, Laura Eilers. She’s a former Kansas City Chiefs and Saint Louis Rams Cheerleader.

Laura put the word out for us to send in a piece from our pro cheer days, and I did not hesitate to donate for such a worthy cause!! You can view all the “bras” here —> http://www.facebook.com/MZEmmers

And — just because, here’s a picture of me with some of my fellow Going Pro Consultants/NFL Cheer alumni!