Alejandro Fernández: 100-Percent Mexican story in the July 2010 Issue of Explore TACA

Alejandro Fernández: 100-Percent Mexican

By Celeste Rodas de Juárez

If there were a thermometer that measures patriotic pride, Alejandro Fernández would surely break it, because if there's one thing that he's truly passionate about, it's visiting his country and talking about it. It was in Mexico where he earned acclaim for his ranchera music and made his big-screen debut playing none other than Emiliano Zapata. And so there's no doubt about the passion he has for his country, he has a tattoo on his back that reads: "Made in Mexico. Special Edition."

His children are his other love, and he represents them with another tattoo: the initials of each of their names (Alejandro, the eldest and the twins Camila and América, from his first marriage to América Guinart; and Valentina and Emiliano, the offspring of his relationship with the Colombian Ximena Díaz).

Also known as El Potrillo (The Colt), Fernández recently launched a new album, A corazón abierto, marking his return to romantic ballads. Lets not forget that one of his most successful albums was Me estoy enamorando, which represented three of the 10 million records he's sold. Although they both belong to the same genre, Fernández says that there are many differences between the two records:

"In A corazón abierto, I've experi-mented with a couple of themes that are more humorous and happy. I worked very closely with Kike Santander and Aureo Baqueiro to choose songs that I felt I identified with. Many of them touch on situations that I've been through."

Which one will be the hardest to sing onstage? In other words, which one in particular will stir up too many emotions when performed live?
I'm a very emotive and passionate singer. In all my songs, I sing from the heart because I've invested a piece of my soul in each of them. When I sing, I live what I am singing about.

After your debut in Zapata, it's been rumored that you were left with a desire to continue acting…
Yes, that´s true. I really enjoyed acting. In fact, I've received a few offers from important directors, which I'm now considering.

You were studying architecture and left that behind to dedicate yourself completely to your music. Would you do the same for acting, that is to say, would you stop making music?
No. I think that now I could combine both careers. I would like to dedicate myself in the same way and with the same intensity. I'd give a 100 percent to each one.

Then, would you move to Hollywood?
No. I already discovered that I don't like being away from my country for long periods. I tried it one time when we moved to San Antonio, Texas. It was our only option at the time (his brother Vicente had been kidnapped). We missed Mexico terribly. That's why now, if the opportunity were to present itself to work in Hollywood, I would divide my time between that city and Mexico, but I wouldn't leave my country.

It could be said that you're more Mexican than tequila…
I am extremely Mexican. I love my country a lot. In addition, it isn't easy starting over in another country: to leave your friends behind, pack everything up suddenly and come to another place to start a new life. It's impossible. One cannot cut ties with everything in one country because there's no place like home. My ranch in Guadalajara is very special to me.

Where do you prefer to go when on vacation?
I go to Puerto Vallarta often. I also like to visit Cancun and I like the cities of San Antonio and Los Angeles. These cities have a special magic and I like them a lot. When I go to LA, for example, I feel that I can disconnect. I love walking thru Venice Beach and Santa Mónica, and I also like to swim in these beaches and exercise there, from jogging to skating and even bike riding. But above all, I throw myself on the sand and play with my children.

When you go on vacation with your special someone, where do you go?
Definitely Cabo San Lucas and Cancun. I love staying at one of those swanky spas that offer lots of relaxation treatments and just enjoy life. When I'm with someone special, I like to eat good food, enjoy myself and disconnect from everyday life and the hectic world we live in.

You say you like to eat well. What's your favorite cuisine?
Mexican, especially the home cooked kind, because that's what I was always used to at home: I love the chilaquiles (popular breakfast dish made of corn tortillas with cheese, beans and a tomato-based sauce), enchiladas, espinazo en mole (cow's backbone with a traditional sauce), beef soup, and albondigones (large meatballs).

Going back to the subject of travel, what countries of Latin America do you recommend to our readers?
All! But well, if I have to explain myself better, I'd say that I love colonial places, such as Puerto Rico's Old San Juan district. And the local cuisine of the "Isle of Enchantment" also fascinates me. I also love Central America; every two years I visit there to give concerts, and I take time to enjoy my stay as well.

Do you also make time to travel alone?
Yes, I take many vacations alone. It's something that I like, and there are times that I do it all of a sudden. I enjoy being alone, especially when I'm very stressed and need my space and time out. Then, I head out to the house I have in Punta Mita, an entirely ecological development near Puerto Vallarta. It allows me to be one with nature. There I ride horses, scuba dive and take long swims at the beach.

Finally, what's the maxim you want to leave your children behind?
I want them to make responsible decisions without hurting others and be able to give much love.

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