[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E231-E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PAYING TRIBUTE TO ``ALIPIO COCO CABRERA'' ON HIS 25TH ANNIVERSARY ``ON 
                               THE AIR''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise to congratulate Alipio ``Coco'' Cabrera in celebration of his 
25th anniversary as a radio host and personality. He along with the 
Univision Radio family will be celebrating this very momentous and 
joyous occasion with a concert held on February 17th, 2008 at the 
United Palace Theatre in my district.
  ``Coco,'' as he is referred to by his fans, has a very rich history 
that has given him longevity in the radio industry for the past 25 
years. His career began in the Dominican Republic as a journalist and 
writer, for the well known newspaper ``El Nacional.'' Looking for 
better opportunities, in 1978 he decides to embark on a journey to New 
York City. As many immigrants

[[Page E232]]

that come to our shores, Alipio had to earn a living by working tough 
jobs such as a cab driver, tailor, and factory worker.
  In 1980, after he was able to enter New York City's rigid media 
field, his dreams finally became a reality. He was able to demonstrate 
his talent to popular radio stations such as: WBNX, WSKQ and WKDM where 
for the first time, he gained the highest ratings for an AM Radio 
Station during 1984 to 1988. Shortly after, the largest Hispanic radio 
group in the country, Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation (HBC) gains 
interest in Coco's talents and hires him to work in various projects 
and popular radio shows in prime time.
  Coco is very well respected by those in the radio industry and also 
by the thousands of fans that listen to him on a weekly basis. He is a 
regular guest in Univision Spanish Language Television shows such as: 
``Despierta America,'' ``Al Despertar,'' and ``Don Francisco 
Presenta.''
  Alipio Cabrera has received various important awards and recognitions 
nationally and internationally. After conquering the radio and 
television industries, Mr. Cabrera decided to journal his triumphs in 
an autobiography titled ``Abriendo el Coco'' (Opening the Coconut) 
which narrates his struggles and desire to better himself as a 
professional and as a human being.
  His greatest achievement has been his involvement with many 
charitable organizations. He was instrumental in the relief effort to 
assist those affected by hurricane George. Again faced with another 
tragedy, Coco again became involved in the relief efforts for the 
affected areas of Hurricane Noel and Olga in the Dominican Republic and 
the many victims of the earthquake in Peru. Alipio is a faithful 
supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring and congratulating Alipio Coco Cabrera on his historic 25th 
Anniversary. His dedication, commitment, and joyous spirit is worthy of 
the highest commendation. As New York's favorite Latin radio 
personalities, just a mere mention of his name brings a smile to all.

                          ____________________