Merry Christmas

Today, Christmas Eve, is the day that Dominican families gather to celebrate the birth of Christ. In most Dominican homes there will be a lot of food, along with family and friends. Then later on tonight people will be hitting the clubs. Today is also the day to be very careful about driving, as there will be a lot of Brugal absorbed today.

The weather has been cloudy and rainy the last couple of days. I thought it would be the same today. But it has stopped raining and the sun is out shining brightly, though a few clouds are still lingering about.

Tonight the bars/clubs will open after midnight. Tonight is Chachita Rubio's birthday party at Cha. And also the re-opening of Eukliptus (special party tomorrow). I believe the curfew has been canceled this week. Every year since the curfew was implemented in 2006, it has been suspended for the week of Christmas/New Year's. Here's hoping it is.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, then I wish you Happy Holiday's. If you don't celebrate anything then I wish you Peace.

From Last Week

Arlenis Sosa

Carolina HerreraLeonel Lirio

Last Saturday was the closing night of Dominicana Moda 2009. With Carolina Herrera presenting her collection closing night, and the triumphant return of supermodel-in-the-making, Arlenis Sosa. One of the people responsible for the success is Socrates McKinney, who is in charge of the Elite Model Search for the Dominican Republic. He is the dean of the fashion set here in the Dominican Republic, and responsible for many Dominican models getting contracts internationally. Also showing were old-guard Dominican designer, Leonel Lirio. He held things down beautifully for the Dominican Republic.

Models.com has a great article on Arlenis Sosa. She came with an entourage befitting her status as an international fashion model. They have great behind the scenes photos, including of her and her parents.

I am just confused by one thing. In June there was Republica Dominican Fashion Week. I am still trying to find out why there are two separate fashion events. Well, whatever the reason, the Dominican Republic is furthering its place as a fashion leader in the Caribbean and Latin America.

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Crystal Waters and C&C Music Factory were here performing last weekend. Photos

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And last night the Jonas Brothers performed here to a sold-out crowd at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic stadium. Photos

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The Dominican Republic has passed the 38th revision to their constitution. There are many people who are upset. Some of the things in the constitution are very troubling. Abortion is banned, even in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Declaring that marriage is only between a man and woman has been written into the constitution. Then there is the problem with the possibility that the beaches will become private, except for some small slivers for the hoi polloi. Click here for a very interesting article on the whole thing.

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Chachita Rubio arrived back in the D.R. with a throng of her supporters greeting her at the airport. This video is just too funny. I don't think they have seen that many gay people at the airport ever. The reactions of the people witnessing the commotion is priceless.

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For the longest time I really didn't think much of same-sex marriage. But over the last year I have come to change my mind. It is a civil rights issue. I believe that two people who love each other should be allowed to get married. I doubt very seriously that I will see same-sex marriage in the Dominican Republic in my lifetime. Especially since the D.R. has banned same-sex marriage in the newly written constitution, making it the only country in the world to do so at the constitutional leve [source]. But the momentum seems to be shifting in the U.S.

A good friend, Kelvin Martinez -- and former manager of the Arena club -- got married to his partner, Ondra, last week in the Czech Republic. Same-sex marriage is legal in the Czech Republic. The Dominican Consul in Prague was shocked, but hey, you can't stop love with no stinking constitution. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Congratulations Kelvin and Ondra!!!!!!!

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Former Catholic Priest Arrested for Child Sex Abuse in Dominican Republic

Krispy Kreme to open 15 stores in the next 5 years

Sunday NY Times front page story about shady Dominican Baseball Practices

Briton blinded by eating poisonous worm left in her dinner on D.R. vacation wins $390,000 after lawsuit (Strange Story)

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Until soon,
The Monaga Blogger

Chachita @ Miss Universo Gay Latina 2009

Chachita Rubio, owner of the club CHA in Santo Domingo, won the Miss Universo Gay Latina 2009 pageant. Nothing like gay creativity. Waleska Feliz was the 2nd runner-up in the plus size category.

Hola

Photo by Ernest Montgomery

We don't have change of season here in the Caribbean. At least you can't tell by the weather. As a matter of fact, it seems that September has been hotter than August. If that is possible. Anyway, it has been a great summer for me. I happy and blessed. Can't ask for more.

On September 27, 2009, Escandalo Nights is having its Viva Las Vegas theme party. With special guest, Dominican Republic's own Chachita Rubio.

Craiglist used to have a Caribbean portal where all the islands were included. They now have a portal specifically for the D.R.: http://santodomingo.craigslist.org

Is Gazela officially closed? It seems that would be the case. I have been told that the place has been padlocked. It is a great space, but unfortunately it was not managed properly. I wonder what will happen now? Will another club/bar soon open? We'll see ...

Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez arrived by private jet in Santiago, with their twins Emme and Max. Mark is to perform in Santiago this weekend.

Until Soon.

Latest

People are still buzzing about the great opening for Cha. Let's hope they can continue the momentum. Jay-Dee's doesn't seem like it missed it a beat at all this past weekend. Very nice crowds on both Friday and Saturday. I have not heard how Arena did this past weekend. Sunday @ Cha's was quite busy I here. What with the RD$50 peso Presidente's from 4-8pm, I can see why. It probably doesn't hurt that it is free to get in before 8pm on Sunday. Let's see what Arena is going to do to counter this?

Some time ago I wrote about a new "gay Dominican magazine" that was making its debut. It was/is called Vida Fabulosa. After the premier issue it has disappeared. The issue was quite a letdown. After all the buildup and talk, I was expecting something different. Don't get me wrong, I think a magazine is a great idea. Unfortunately, what was finally put out was not very good and all the promises of "major" advertisers, and a grand party for the launch, among many other promises, never materialized. No one knows what is going on. I have been advised that emails and phone calls are not being returned. Shame.

Last week, I went to La Casa Rosada. It was great to go back and see the kids again. I went with someone who had sent down lots of toys for Christmas, but had never been to the facility. As always, the staff were gracious and kind, and took my friend around on a personal tour. We were told that none of the children living at the facility have died in the last 2 years. The only deaths were children who were brought to the facility who were already gravely ill. Also found out that several of the children have been adopted. What a great blessing. Their most pressing need, as always, is food. Great visit.

Where as in the U.S. MySpace is very popular, here amongst the Dominicans, it is Hi5. There are thousands of Dominicans (U.S. & D.R.) listed and you can meet some really great people. Go sign up and check it out.

Over the last couple of months the country of Panama keeps coming up. Several people I know have been for a visit. It seems that more people I know are going to Panama, and quite a few are liking what they see. One thing for sure, they know how to cultivate people to come and live there. If you checkout the website they do everything to make it easy for you to come there and purchase property without all the drama. Oh yeah, the currency is in U.S. dollars, which for us Americanos is a good thing. You can also drive to Costa Rica & Colombia, which is another place I have been getting some good info on. Have any of you visited Panama? If so, what did you think about the place? Do tell ...

Okay, that's all I can think of right now.

As ever,
Monaga Blogger

Grand-Opening of Cha!

A couple of weeks ago when I saw Chachita Rubio, and she told me about her opening a new club, I thought ... why?

She had been part of the group who gave us the short-lived, Rouge. Then there is this dreaded curfew. The crowds are fickle. Taxes have been raised on the populace, etc., etc. Why would anyone want to put that much money and their reputation at stake? Chachita feels that Gay nightlife should be more than what we are being offered. And I think she should be celebrated for trying to offer other alternatives.

When I saw Chachita on Thursday afternoon, she gave me an invitation and told me to get there early because it was going to be packed. I thought okay, but Dominican crowds don't show up until 2 hours before closing. I get there a little after 11pm, and there is a long line to get in. I could see that the place is packed through the glass windows, and there was a go-go boy show going on right as I was standing in line. DAMN!

Now, I could have waltzed up to the door, as I had a special invitation. But, I was with a group and I always like to be among the "little people." I'm glad I stayed in line. I could here the conversations and people watch, and the anticipation of those on line was palpable.

First, as you can see from the pictures, the club is beautiful and lit up on the outside. Cars were straining to see what was going on as they passed, which created gridlock. All that was missing were the searchlights that are used at movie premieres. Inside was a very eclectic crowd. There were Gays, straights, society matrons, models and some really attractive men.

The place was packed and it was hot inside. But, the music, the show, the go-go dancers and all made me forget about it. The show was spectacular, a number from the play/movie Chicago. The applause and stomping of feet was thunderous.

At 1:45am, the lights went up, and people started to file out slowly. No one wanted to leave. The front of the club is a great spot to sit and just chat and people-watch. It was getting late and I wanted to rush home and write this review while it was still fresh.

What a night! What a opening!

I wish Chachita Rubio all the luck in the world. She told the crowd that God willing, this place will be open for a long time. She wanted to give the gay community something they could be proud of. They will be opening on Sunday's, from 4pm and there will be RD$50 peso drink specials. Why hasn't anyone else thought of that????

Of course, dear readers, I will be keeping you posted as to the goings on of Cha.

As ever,
Monaga Blogger

Cha