Project Overview

For three decades, the Banco Popular Christmas Special has captivated audiences in Puerto Rico, becoming a cherished tradition that celebrates the island’s rich musical heritage. This annual special, broadcasted during the holiday season, showcases performances from a diverse array of Puerto Rican artists, blending traditional music with contemporary styles. Over the years, it has featured a myriad of stars, from iconic legends to rising talents, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico.

My Role

As the dialog editor for the 30th anniversary of the Banco Popular Christmas Special, I had the honor of contributing to this milestone event through Pasillo Sonoro Studio. The bulk of my work involved fixing the interviews conducted with several previous directors of past festivals. These directors are highly regarded in Puerto Rico:

• Paloma Suau
• Marcos Zurinaga
• Ari Maniel Cruz
• Mariem Pérez
• Joel Pérez Irizarry
• Kacho López
• Israel Lugo

This project presented unique challenges, primarily due to the varied recording environments in which the interviews were conducted by different teams, some of which were more relaxed or casual than others.

Tools and Techniques

To ensure the highest quality audio, I employed a range of advanced tools and techniques, including:

• ProQ 3: Used for precise equalization, allowing me to shape and enhance the clarity of the dialog tracks.
• iZotope RX9: Utilized for its powerful noise reduction and audio repair capabilities, essential for cleaning up recordings with background noise and other imperfections.
• Mixing and EQ Techniques: Applied various mixing strategies and equalization techniques to balance the audio levels and ensure consistency across all dialog tracks

Notable Artists

The 30th anniversary special featured performances by some of Puerto Rico’s most notable artists, including:

• Los Pleneros de la Cresta
• Andy Montañez
• Plenéalo
• Young Miko
• Eladio Carrión
• San Juan Children’s Choir

Working on this project was an incredible experience, allowing me to contribute to a production that holds a special place in Puerto Rican culture. It was a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to preserving and celebrating our musical heritage.