
From “La Bamba” to “NYPD Blue” to his latest role in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” actor Esai Morales continues to shine in projects that enthrall generations. He’s also committed to advancing and elevating the place of fellow Hispanic actors in Hollywood. Know what? He’s a really down-to-earth, nice guy, too. Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continues to knock it out of the park with this year’s Sabor Denver events, a celebration of the Americas.
On Friday, Aug. 26, Stanley Marketplace was the place for a relaxed, entertaining evening and the launch of the Minority Small Business Fund. COHCC says it’s “…a groundbreaking collaboration between the Hispanic Chamber, Village Exchange Center, the NAACP and Adams County. This initiative is dedicated to empowering minority businesses, offering them the resources and support they need to thrive.” This event was second in the 2023 Sabor Denver series, which began with this month’s multicultural, delicious Botanic Gardens extravaganza. (https://photos.blacktie-colorado.com/event/sabor-a-summertime-banquet-of-multicultural-delights/)

Family, friends and business partners
Before the program, a VIP reception welcomed congenial Esai Morales to Denver, then all guests made their way to The Hangar for the evening’s program. Speaking to the crowd: Mike Ferrufino, COHCC’s president and CEO; board chair Paulette Tate; KBNO owner Zee Ferrufino; U.S Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado’s Dist. 6; representatives from Adams County; and Amanda Blaurock, founder/CEO of Village Exchange Center. Chimbangle revved up the crowd before Morales’ entrance with a spirited performance of “La Bamba,” then entertained at the after-party.

Adams County Commissioner Emma Pitner (left), with Amanda Blaurock, founder-executive director of Village Exchange Center
Morales was both entertaining and enlightening as he addressed the audience in English and Spanish, discussing topics from Hispanic actors’ challenges in Hollywood to what he does in his spare time. The video that accompanies these photos and this article is the longest one in the history of this platform, entirely because of the substance provided by Morales. And that video is only the tip of the iceberg for the articulate actor.
From the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website: “The Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (COHCC) is a membership-driven organization that supports the growth of Hispanic businesses. With over 2,500 members, we are the state’s largest minority Chamber and among the top four chambers in Colorado. Our initiatives encourage economic development and provide access to information, business leaders, procurement opportunities and education training. Established in 1978, we have been a leader in minority business development, advocating for legislation and winning recognition for our achievements.” For more information, go to: https://www.hispanicchamberdenver.com/.
- (l to r): Crestina Martinez, Jordan Sauers, Gisela Sifuentes
- Tami and Joe Aldaz–Joe is president of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber.
- Gary Lopez and Crystal Mendez-Lopez
- Adams County Commissioner Emma Pitner (left), with Amanda Blaurock, founder-executive director of Village Exchange Center
- Penfield Tate (left), with board chair Paulette Tate and Ed Romero
- Christina Ashford
- (l to r): Miguel Cazares, Zaira Valles, Natela Manuntseva, Martin Vasquez
- Spicy Catering Mexican Food’s Fermin Lopez (left) with Zee Ferrufino
- Both family and friends
- Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber’s Joe Aldaz (left) and Frank Lopez
- (l to r): Jasmin Tapia, Gabriel and Drea Arebalo
- Connie Trujillo and Alan Ortiz
- Joie Rico
- Joie Rico (left) and Miguel Cazares
- Family, friends and business partners
- Hermela Goshu (left) and Alaba Yusuf
- Ben Olivas (left) and Robert Cordova…Cordova’s son was killed in a case of mistaken identity, and Isaiah Vialpando Memorial Scholarship hosts motorcycle events in his memory.
- (l to r): Efrain Rosa, Jaime Rodriguez, Jason Borger, Sanjuana Rodriguez, Kenia Blaberas
- U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, Terrell Horton, Zee Ferrufino
- Awaiting the entrance of Esai Morales
- Spicy Catering, celebrating 35 years in business, provided a delicious buffet.
- A proud father with his daughter
- The crowd chats as they are seated.
- Representatives of Village Exchange Center
- Jaime Trejo and Luz Torres
- Chimbangle performs “La Bamba”
- Chimbangle got things rolling and also played for the after party.
- COHCC President and CEO Mike Ferrufino with board chair Paulette Soto Tate
- COHCC President and CEO Mike Ferrufino
- U.S Rep. Jason Crow speaks about his diverse district in Colorado.
- Representatives from Adams County discuss the launch of Minority Business Fund
- Esai Morales (left) and Zee Ferrufino
- Esai Morales speaks to the crowd
- Esai Morales (left) and Zee Ferrufino
- (l to r): Esai Morales, Zee Ferrufino and brother Mike Ferrufino
- Esai Morales cracks up at a remark.
- (l to r): Esai Morales, Paulette Tate and Amanda Blaurock
- Husband-wife Penfield Tate and Paulette Soto Tate
- Adams County Manager Noel Bernal, with Village Exchange Center’s founder and executive director Amanda Blaurock
- Actor-activist Esai Morales and COHCC board chair Paulette Soto Tate
- Fernando Sergio (left), with Zee Ferrufino
- Axel and Suzy Marrero
- DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero, with wife Suzy and son Axel
- (l to r): Amanda Blaurock, Ed Romero and Emma Pitner