More Acceptance?

Jari Ramirez, a well-known local television host has been speaking about the hypocrisy of certain Dominicans who praised Ricky Martin's emergence from the 'closet.' While remaining silent, or even criticizing him when he gave an interview talking about his personal life. Blabbeando covered it here. I didn't know that he was now living his life openly and free. I think that is great because he is on television everyday. Most people already knew he was gay anyway. And I just think showing people that we do same things as everyone else is good. It won't change opinions overnight, but it will in the end. There are a LOT of gay people on television here. In front of, as well as behind the cameras. Who's next?

Video

Ricky Martin

"I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

And with those words Ricky Martin is free. It is done. Over. Now he can go about his life and not worry about what will happen if people were to find out he was gay. Now they know. I don't believe it will hurt his career at all. Sure, there are going to be things said that aren't pleasant. But then life isn't always pleasant. Coming out is never easy. And everyone has to do it in their own time. But it should be done. I hope it gives encouragement to other performers, especially in Latin America.

Bravo, Ricky. Bravo!

Mr. Semana Santa 2010

Bodybuilding RD has some photos of yesterday's Mr. Semana Santa competition. Many new contestants. My new favorite is #35. Charisma is just running in his veins.

Monday

Went to the opening of Eco Le Kua on Saturday. Nice place and a small crowd was there. It is owned by the former owner of Gazela. This past weekend was a preview. It will be close this coming week for Semana Santa (Easter Week), but will reopen soon after. There is a patio space and potentially more space upstairs. Will check it out again when it reopens and hope to get some more photos.

Chachita Rubio will be hosting and performing at this year's InfernoDR.

Just came across this service for gays, gay-amistarium.com. There are over 1,400 Dominicans online looking for friends.

Also came across an interesting post on the TRANSSA blog about alleged police intimidation in Santiago. Click here for a English translation of blog item.

Food Suggestion

Today I had a great lunch at a restaurant called Michelangelo. The restaurant is located on Avenida Roberto Pastoriza and Winston Churchill, in Plaza Las Americas 1. Which is in the Piantini section of Santo Domingo. The food was fresh and expertly prepared and presented. And even better surprise was the service, which can be severely lacking in this country, even in the better establishments. The best surprise of all was the price. I took some photos with my cell phone camera, but they came out too dark. When I checked out their website I noticed that the photos look exactly like what was presented. Another plus, management speaks English. If you want a great meal, excellent service, chic decor all at a price that seems too reasonable, you should definitely give this place a try.

Three Looks by LeeStuiosNYC

Here is a model I found and asked Ernest to take some photos. Here are three looks from the shoot here in Santo Domingo. I picked out the photos I liked.

Eco le Kua

There had been whispers about another gay bar opening. And it seems that it is true. I received an email about the new bar, Eco le Kua. The grand-opening takes place this Saturday, March 27, 2010. You can rest assured that I will be there checking the place out. The email (and web presence) lays out some creative programming. Every Friday night from 8 - 11pm will be 2x1 and there will be male and female strippers. On Wednesday's they will be open and charge RD$150 to get in, but you can bring what you want to drink. Interesting.

Like I said. I wouldn't miss it.

Calle La Isabela la Catolica #277
Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo
ecolekua@gmail.com
http://ecolekua.ning.com/

Latest

Photo by Paul Culver

Been very lazy over the last week. It seems that the heat is starting to rear its ugly head again. It is always 'hot' here, it just seems like the humidity is picking up. There are predictions that it is going to be an active hurricane season. And feel the same way for some strange reason. This past winter was unseasonably cool. Not complaining, but seemed like it was too nice. The last couple of weeks I have been traveling around the country taking day trips with friends. Hoping to go to Bani this weekend for their carnaval. We'll see.

There were many things that happened that I had been wanting to blog about. But I will just put them here at the bottom with the links:
Zoe Saldana was in the country (along with Wyclef Jean) to accept a Casandra award. She was beautiful and radiant, as per usual, and exuding Hollywood glah*mour. She was also honored at the presidential palace with the country's highest honor.

Here is an inspirational story of a young baseball player and his family.

Interview with Dominican Writer Junot Diaz, who has a new piece published in this week's New Yorker magazine.
For those looking for hamburger while looking at women with beautiful breasts, then you will be happy to know that Hooters has just opened an outpost in Republica Dominicana. Located in Acropolis Center.I had wanted to write about Rita Indiana, a young dynamic Dominican singer who is generating a lot of buzz. There is a photo of her online kissing her lover. Yes, in the Dominican Republic. She showed up to the Casandra Awards like it was just normal to show up with the person you are dating. Right? Well, anyway I was surprised and shocked at how she is not bothered. How beautiful AND courageous. I wanted to do something specifically about her, but Blabbeando has written a great piece about her that includes videos. It just makes me even more proud of her. It doesn't hurt that she is also a great musician with her own distinctive style.
The Cha family lost one of their bartenders. He was killed being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rest in peace, Juan Carlos.

Hola

Hola. Been really lazy with blog. Just here taking it easy and driving all over the place. Promise to have something up late tonight and I have some great photos. This photo above was taken by Ernest Montgomery.

Photo Friday

My week in review through pictures. Have a great weekend.

The photographer Paul Culver is visiting and shot these photos up at the waterfall.Photos Mario Sessions took at last Sunday's carnaval (spelling in Spanish).My new logo.