May 2002 (Newstream) -- Latin singing sensations Paulina Rubio, the New Miami Sound Machine and Tito Nieves were part of People en Español's 5th anniversary celebration on May 15 at the Ace Gallery in New York City. The number one selling U.S. Hispanic magazine transformed its best-selling issue, the "25 Most Beautiful," into a star-studded event featuring some of today's most beautiful and talented Hispanic entertainers and performers. Maria Celeste Arraras, Telemundo's newest on-air anchor and NBC correspondent, hosted the event.

"'The 25 Most Beautiful' issue is our best-selling issue and this year we wanted to bring it to life," says Lisa Quiroz, publisher of People en Español. "We thrilled that top performers and major advertisers jumped at the opportunity to be part of this first-ever event."

The evening benefited the Hispanic Scholarship Fund -- the nation's leading Hispanic educational organization. AOL Time Warner, People en Español's parent company, donated $25,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund on behalf of People en Español and the evening's platinum sponsors Panasonic and Rums of Puerto Rico. Additional event sponsors included Toyota, Continental Airlines, the Hispanic Broadcasting Company and Bryant Park Hotel. Celebrity chef Douglas Rodriquez of the renowned Chicama restaurant prepared the evening's array of Latin-infused delicacies.

"The Hispanic Scholarship Fund's goal is to strengthen America by advancing the college education of Hispanic Americans," says Sara Martinez Tucker, president & CEO of The Hispanic Scholarship Fund. "Teaming up with People en Español further emphasizes a shared vision of inspiring students to attain a college education. We are honored with the generous donation and the lasting relationship we have established."

The "25 Most Beautiful" issue hit newsstands on Monday, May 13, and revealed the magazine's most anticipated list of rising Latino actors, musicians and athletes who are not only known for their stellar good looks but also for their extraordinary talent and charisma. The annual list provides an in-depth look into the lives and minds of today's Latin talent.

Gracing this year's cover is Mexican singing sensation Paulina Rubio who is expected to take America by storm when her first English language album, Border Girl, debuts this June.

"Paulina is not only beautiful and sexy but she has that star-quality that will certainly put her on the map when her album is introduced this summer," says Angelo Figueroa, managing editor at People en Español. "She is destined to be the next breakout performer, following in the footsteps of Ricky Martin and last year's '25 Most Beautiful' cover subject, Shakira."

Topping this year's "25 Most Beautiful" list are:

• Ilia Calderon -- Colombian TV news anchor, Telemundo
• Willy Chirino -- Cuban music composer and singer
• Guy Ecker -- Mexican soap star, Televisa, Salome
• Lili Estefan -- TV host, Univision, El Gordo y la Flaca
• Gael Garcia -- Mexican actor, Y Tu Mama Tambien
• Jeff Garcia -- athlete, San Francisco 49ers
• Javier Gomez -- Argentine actor, Telemundo, Pedro el Escamoso
• Enrique Iglesias -- Grammy award winning Spanish singer
• India -- Salsa singer
• Saúl Lisazo -- Argentine soap star, Televisa
• Mario Lopez -- TV host, NBC, The Other Half
• Karla Martinez -- TV host, Univision, Control
• Esai Morales -- TV actor, ABC, NYPD Blue and PBS, American Family
• Lizette Morelos -- Mexican actress and singer
• Alex Pires -- Brazilian singer
• Priscila -- Mexican singer
• Carlos Ponce -- actor and singer
• Yamilla Diaz-Rahi -- model, Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover
• Jamie Lynn Sigler -- TV actress, HBO, The Sopranos
• Thalia -- Mexican actress and singer
• Olga Tañon -- Grammy winning Puerto Rican singer
• Sophia Vergara -- Columbian TV personality and film actress
• Roselyn Sanchez -- Puerto Rican TV and film actress, Rush Hour 2
• The New Miami Sound Machine -- singing trio, produced by Cresent Moon and Emilio Estefan

About Panasonic and Matsushita Electric Corporation of America

Panasonic consumer electronic products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. The company is a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE:MC) of Japan, one of the world's largest producers of innovative electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Media can access press releases via the Panasonic Pressroom web site, www.panasonic.com/pcecnews.

About Toyota Motor Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota in America. Toyota is America's fourth largest carmaker and manufactures more than one million cars per year in North America. Toyota ADRs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: TM). Established in 1957, TMS oversees operations of more than 1390 Toyota and Lexus dealerships in 49 states. With approximately 6700 employees, Toyota Motor Sales and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports R & D and the general aviation industry. The company's main web site is http://www.toyota.com.

About Continental Airlines

Continental is the No. 2 U.S. airline to Latin America in destinations and passengers. From its Houston or New York/Newark hubs, Continental operates daily, nonstop flights to 19 Mexican business and leisure destinations -- more than any other U.S. airline -- as well as service to eight cities in Central America, 12 Caribbean destinations, and seven destinations in South America. Continental Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., offering more than 2,100 departures daily to 120 domestic and 91 international destinations.

About Bryant Park Hotel

The Bryant Park is a 129-room luxury boutique hotel situated in Manhattan's landmark American Radiator Building, which has recently been transformed by British architect David Chipperfield. Launched in early 2001 by the Philips Hotel Group with Philip Pilevsky at the helm, The Bryant Park is their flagship property and is joined by The Shore Club of Miami, Florida.

People en Español is the Hispanic print category leader in circulation. Each month, the publication reaches nearly four million readers with an exciting editorial mix of Hispanic and mainstream entertainment coverage, fashion and beauty service editorial and human-interest stories. A true pioneer in Hispanic print, People en Español demonstrates the increasing importance of the U.S. Hispanic market.

Note: for Spanish language information, please contact Alex Petti at 212-812-7056.

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Produced for People en Español

Contact:

David Weiss, 212-812-7099