[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E211-E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MANUEL MIJARES

                                 ______


                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to 
Mr. Manuel Mijares, the newly selected Mr. Amigo.
  Every year members of the Mr. Amigo Association, who represent the 
city of Brownsville TX, travel to Mexico City to select a new Mr. Amigo 
to serve as the honored guest of the Mr. Amigo festivities in 
Brownsville. The Mr. Amigo festivity is a 4-day international event 
which invites the United States and Mexico to join together in 
celebration of the distinct cultures of these neighboring countries. 
During the Mr. Amigo celebration, which originated as a pre-Lenten 
festival, Brownsville citizens participate in a series of parades, 
dances, and parties to demonstrate the goodwill of both countries. It 
is a major function which is eagerly anticipated by many South Texans 
as well as our winter visitors.
  We are honored to recognize Mr. Manuel Mijares as the 32d Mexican 
citizen chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association. He began his career as a 
backup singer for the well-known Mexican pop star Emanuel. But this was 
just the beginning. In 1986 he released his first album entitled 
``Mijares'' which quickly earned silver and gold status. His 
international acclaim is evident in the many awards he has received 
throughout Latin America, the United States, and Japan. Some of his 
awards include: the Golden Award Medallion in Japan, the Latin Music 
Award in the Dominican Republic; Revelation in Mexico; Ovacion for 
outstanding artist in Chicago; Antoracha de Plata award from Chile; 
Premio AC; History of Spectacles in New York; Aplauso 92 in Miami, and 
Galardon a los Grandes in Mexico.
  In addition to his musical talent, Mijares has also been praised 
internationally for his presence in the theater. He is a regular guest 
on ``Siempre en Domingo,'' ``En Vivo,'' and ``Eco''; popular 
international television shows. Disney has also recognized and selected 
this talented and versatile artist to sing the Spanish themes for 
``Oliver and Company'' and ``Beauty and the Beast.'' It is not only 
this type of talent which transcends cultural lines that we recognize 
today, but it is also his compassion for the well-being of his 
audience. Despite the numerous awards for his artistic talents, Mijares 
has also demonstrated a concern for development of teens in the United 
States. One example of his community involvement is his participation 
in a fundraiser the Los Angeles Police 

[[Page E212]]
Department held to raise money for a project to aid youth, which works 
to improve the attitudes and behaviors of preteens in Los Angeles, CA. 
The event was attended by 40,000 people.
  Mr. Manuel Mijares is a perfect recipient of the Mr. Amigo award. For 
he has, over the long period of his career, taken his unique song, 
screen, and stage performances to numerous countries, including sold-
out performances in the United States. A true ambassador of his country 
and of his culture, he has been praised by numerous organizations for 
his unconditional commitment to improve mutual understanding and 
cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Mr. Manuel Mijares 
should be recognized for both his artistic ability and his contribution 
to the commitment to bicultural relations between nations.
  Mr. Amigo, Mr. Manuel Mijares, will receive the red-carpet treatment 
when he visits Brownsville as the city's honored guest during the 
upcoming Mr. Amigo celebration. During his stay on the border, he will 
make personal appearances in the parades and at other festival events. 
Official welcome receptions will be staged by organizations in Cameron 
County, TX, and the cities of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, 
Tamaulipas Mexico.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Mr. 
Manuel Mijares for being honored with this special award.

                          ____________________