ENTERTAINMENT

* “This show absorbs my life, but it’s the only way,” Charytin told Nuestro Tiempo, referring to her new variety series on Univision (on KMEX Tuesdays at 10 p.m.). Since 1976, the Dominican entertainer has been a steady television headliner. “Charytin Internacional” is produced and written by her husband of 18 years, Elin Ortiz, and features music, comedy and guest stars. Although it tapes from the Club Tropigala at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach, Charytin says she looks forward to doing some of the shows in Los Angeles later this year. The bubbly blonde, whose real name is Maria del Rosario Goyco, also stars in her first home video (“Pongase a valer”), a diet and exercise program that Charytin attributes to her losing 82 pounds in nine months after the birth of twins 15 months ago.

Another addition to the home video fitness arena is Maria Conchita Alonso’s “Dance It Up,” available in English and as “Bailalo caliente” in Spanish. One of Latin music’s most popular singers, Alonso’s versatile talents have also led to a successful movie career, which includes “Moscow on the Hudson,” “Running Man,” “Colors,” “Extreme Prejudice” and “Touch and Go.” She first stood out in 1971 when crowned Miss Teenager of the World, and later participated as Miss Venezuela in the 1975 Miss World pageant.

Although their anticipated Fox television series did not materialize, the comedy trio Culture Clash--Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza--is busy with other projects. The show they staged at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, “A Bowl of Beings” will be presented on PBS’s Great Performances on March 4. They have also recently performed small roles in two movies: “Heroes,” which starred Dustin Hoffman, and “Encino Man” with Pauly Shore.

“The Mexicans: Through Their Eyes,” a one-hour National Geographic Special, aims to shatter misconceptions about Mexico. The program reflects the insights and voices of Mexico’s people--from the very rich to the very poor, from Indians and peasants to historians, philosophers and artists. The program will air Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. on KCET.

Winners of this year’s Grammy Awards, including honorees in three Latino categories, will be announced Feb. 25 in New York City. CBS will telecast the event live from 8 to 11 p.m. Competing in the Latin Pop Album category are soloists Daniela Romo, Vikki Carr and Alejandra Guzman, as well as Los Bukis and Pandora. In contention for the Tropical Latin Album award are Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40 and soloists Ruben Blades, Luis Enrique, Tito Puente and Poncho Sanchez. Nominated for the Mexican-American Album are Little Joe, Los Tigres del Norte, Mazz and La Sombra.