Hola

The weather this past week has not been good. It has been rainy and overcast. Not nonstop rain, but definitely not beach weather. Friday is a holiday (labor day), but it will be celebrated on Monday, to give people a long weekend.

I finally found the apartment I was looking for. Now is the running around to help get things that are needed. Fortunately, the electricity in the apartment is already on. One of the cons about living here is dealing with bullshit trying to get a phone line, electricity and the like. But this one went nice and smoothly.

Gazela, the new club, seems to be finding its footing very nicely. Nice crowds this past weekend. On Sunday's it is free before 10pm, AND they have drink specials. No more problems with the electricity. This past Sunday they had a salsa contest. I even found video from the opening.

Hola 2009

First, I want to give thanks to all who sent me emails and reached out to me with that last blog entry. I got some really great emails and I appreciate it. Didn't mean to scare anyone. I don't want to leave, believe me, but you know what happens when you don't take your medicine when you should. You start getting strange thoughts. I have since gone to the pharmacy and my dose has been adjusted, so all is well again.

Over the last couple of weeks I got some photos and articles I have been wanted to share. Some of it you might have seen, others will be new to you.

Many celebrities visit our fair island, but I know that people come and like to do their thing privately. You know, whatever their thing is. So I have seen some celebrities (and even a Dominican minor-league baseball player!) and don't want to say anything. But, on New Year's Eve I was standing in Jay-Dee's, about to make my way to Cha's, when in walks Philip Bloch. He is a stylist extraordinair. His client list is the top echelon of Hollywood, from Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek, and the like. After sitting in the front rows deciding who will be wearing what to the Oscar's, Golden Globes and the Grammy's, he has decided to pursue acting. The reason I mention him here is because I approached him and told him I have a blog, and would he be so kind as to allow a picture. As he lives as a proud, OUT gay man, he was happy to oblige. I then gave him the Monaga treatment about where to go, and how to get there. Philip, lovely meeting you, come back and visit our little island again real soon, 'ya hear.

While at Jay-Dee's, there was a stripper who was causing a commotion. So I had to get my camera and see what the fuss was about. Photos below. All I can say is Jerry, mas, por favor. There is just something about a stripper that has innate talent, you know the type you can't teach in any school. Check out the photos and see what I mean.

I hope you at least left a tip ...

Another great thing that happened that I wanted to talk about is the Miss Rainbow International 2008. First, that it happened. Second that it was talked about everywhere on television, radio and newspapers. There was some talk about trying to stop it, you know by some knuckleheads, but then right prevailed and people saw that no one turned into a pillar of salt after watching. What was even more satifsfying were some of the celebrities who came out and lent their name to it. Brave. Congrats again. More information and photos can be found @ Santo Domingo Boys Club (Spanish).

I lead a very boring life here. The people that come and stay at the Camilo House Apartments and get to see the inner workings of the Monaga machine, will tell you, B - O - R - I - N - G. The only thing that can really make me want to go out is if I get promised a stripper that knows how to work a pole. I'm there. Robinson, who works at the Whiskey Lounge, came over and told me that he was having a stripper and drink specials that night, and for me to please come (If I could bring some people too, that would be fine). Didn't really want to go, but some friends were here visiting, and I thought they would like it. Off we went. Very nice, with a stripper who knows how to work a pole. Short little thing. I thought it was nice that he went and got a dildo to fill out his shorts. Um, no. It was all him. I left thinking why don't they do this more often? It was so nice to have something to do on a boring Monday night. Robinson, why not every Monday night?

Here are some interesting articles:

Dominican Women Play Abortion Doctors

Dominican Exhibit, Dominican in NY @ City University

Eartha Kitt on her First Date with Dominican Playboy Rubirosa

Until soon,
The Monaga Blogger

I'm Back

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. Just didn't feel like it.

 One of the problems is that I'm having storm fatigue. It seems like they are just lining up off the coast of Africa and once one leaves, another is waiting to take its place. Fortunately, we have been spared any real damage. As always, those who live in the country take more of the brunt of the storms. We haven't gotten any direct hits, but enough already with the wind and rain. Tropical Storm Hanna just left and now we have to get ready for Ike and Josephine. August 15, until September 15, is the most active period in the Atlantic Hurricane season. Good riddance.

Last weekend there were many tourists in town because of the Labor Day holiday in the States. I hadn't been out in a while, and I thought I would make an appearance and sign some autographs. Went to Eukliptus, and the place was packed. Not a seat to be had. I had not been there in a while, and heard that they were letting Alejandro back in. As I drove up, the doorman almost fell running into the bar. I wondered what happened? They hid Alejandro until they could ferret him out without me seeing. I was given a free drink, my cigarettes were lit for me, space was cleared. They were being really, really nice to me.

I had then went to Jay-Dee's, where Friday night it was very crowded. Not so much on Saturday. CHA was having some kind of celebration and the line was out the door to the street. Now I don't have to go out (to a gay spot) for another month.

A while back I would talk about the Samana region constantly. Beautiful place to visit, but not really possible to do a daytrip, as it takes a minimum of 4 hours to get there. Now, there is a new highway that has been completed. It cuts the time to a little over 2 hours. The tolls add up to about RD$600 pesos (about $17 U.S.), but you more than make up for it in gas saved. Some friends recently traveled the highway and marveled about nice it was, and how it is now possible to go the Northeast of the country and still get back on the same day. (Photos above)

If you are in New York city tonight, Dominican author, Junot Diaz, will be at the Barnes & Noble at Union Square tonight at 7pm.

Politician Rents Out Dominican Villa

Dominican Republic Winter Baseball

Lastly, there is a video of some people stealing a dead body from the hospital because they didn't want to pay a RD$5,000 peso bribe. The dead man was a known delinquent. His family steals his body and puts it on a motorcycle and takes it home. Seeing is believing. Amazing!

Weekend Roundup

I had a really great weekend. Many friends came down to visit because of the Memorial Day holiday in the States. Then there were the weekend of activities for Ernest Montgomery's birthday. The highlight of the weekend was the cocktails and dinner on the beach in Juan Dolio at the Aura Beach House. Exquisite evening. Unfortunately, I took a lot of pictures, but I put the camera on "nightshot" and most came out very blurry.It was good to see a lot of tourists in town for the weekend. There are so many things to do for the holiday in the States. It was good to see a nice crowd here.Stripper working the crowd into a frenzy @ Jay-Dee's.One of the Dominican City Gym Boys, at this past weekend's D.C. Pride. Photos sent in by M. Sessions.

Stripper @ Jay-Dee's

Here is a video of Reynaldo dancing at the Monaga function @ Jay-Dee's.

What's Up?

Photo from Dominican Fashion Week 2007

In my last post I said we were going to Jarabacoa, but we only made it as far as Bonao. We started late and knew that there was no way to go to Jarabacoa, and enjoy it, and then come back that night. I like to just get in the car and drive and see where life take me.

Well, life took me to Bonao. Had been to Bonao before, didn't think much of it. Sometimes you want a little something different from the beach, and the river is definitely different. We rolled into Bonao and I concentrated my eyes to look for someone who might be a part of the "family." There out of the corner of my eyes, I see someone sashaying down the street. Michel told us we should go to the river. It was hot, and everyone would be there. He pointed us in the right direction, and he was right. The river was filled with families beating the heat. (Photos below)

In other news ...

The weekend wrapped up very nicely. Many friends came down for long weekends, and most were leaving on Tuesday. Monday evening, we decided to put a little dinner together. There was also a party going on at the Camilo House Apartments. I had a little soiree at Tyson's new apartment, and the food was amazing (Thanks to Richard & Byron). Thanks to all who came down. I don't want to list names, for fear of leaving people out. But, I have to give a special shout-out to Curtis and John, who took pictures for me, and Jerry.

There were over 200+ people at Jay-Dee's on Sunday. Besides some of the dancers not showing up, it was a really nice party. Of course I meet a dancer, Wandy, in Bonao, who tells me that he has never danced in the capital and he has other guys, yada, yada, yada. Where was he when I needed him?

Santo Domingo Metro

Well, that's all for now.

Until Soon,
The Monaga Blogger

It's Over!

Here are 2 of the photos from dancers at last night's shindig at Jay-Dee's. Lining up strippers to work for a party used to be a breeze. Now, it is like a full-time job. Because of the curfew many places for dancers to work are closed. I was expecting 4 to 5 dancers. Only 2 showed up. I'm glad the best of the bunch showed up.

Ah, well. What would the Republic be without a little DRama?

Special thanks to Curtis & John, because without them there would be no photos.

Mas tarde.

Santo Domingo Party

Reynaldo

I have been hard at work scouring the country, looking for some really nice strippers for the Monaga Party at Jay-Dee's on Sunday, September 2, 2007.

Reynaldo is our first find. He even has a page on Hi5.com.

Okay. With that, I'm off to look for more strippers.

Que lo Que?

Flyer: Sessions Designs

We here at the Monaga Blog want to help improve the nightlife opportunities for gay travelers to Santo Domingo. To that end, we are teaming up with Jay-Dee's to put on a little soiree, Sunday, September 2, 2007. I am now scouring the island looking for the best entertainment the DR can offer.

Will I see you Labor Day weekend? Remember, Spirit Airlines is having a sale, which ends at midnight, July 24, 2007.

Que lo que?

Okay, what's been going on lately?

Well, let's see ...

Arena is still closed. I have spoken with the manager, Kelvin, and he confirmed that the place was closed after the police came in and searched the place. They found 2 people who were 17 years-old, and just like that, CLOSED. They are trying to fight it, but Kelvin says that Arena will probably be closed for at least 6 months. This story is amazing, because places are closed here all the time for all types of infractions. There was even a club some months back where a patron was killed. It wasn't closed for 6 months, though. I just think the owners don't have the stomach to keep putting up with all the drama. I wish Kelvin the best. He is such a nice guy.

CHA is still open and still packing the crowds in. Jay-Dee's is still going strong, but it is hit and miss on some nights. Right now, there is a feeling of blah in the gay club scene here in Santo Domingo. Hopefully it will all change for the better, and real soon! I'm hearing about some after-hours places, but of course I can't put their business out there.

I have also been hearing about this new intimate place in the Colonial Zone, where some Gays are congregating. It is called Esedeku. It is NOT a Gay place, but from all I have been told, it is a nice place to have a drink. Why not check it out on your next visit?

I wrote about the future Dominican Supermodel, Deilín Sanz, a couple of entries back. What I forgot to put in is the link to the new magazine where he is the cover model, Dominican Life Magazine. Here's wishing them much success!

And from Dominican Life Magazine, I found out about a restaurant in Manhattan, called A Dominican Thing. It is located in the heart of the Chelsea, and was started by 2 Dominican women. They were even written up in the NY Times.

Here is are some other links of interest:

DR New Conduit for Cocaine?

Fertility Clinic Debacle

Amnesty International Report on DR & Haitian Migrants

Dominican psychiatrist in Canada Accused of Unspeakable Acts

Finally, this is not related to the DR, but to the human race. I had in passing heard about the little boy who was missing from Brunswick, GA., Christoper Barrios, Jr. I then heard about how he was found dead. More disturbing was how he died. I just can't understand how anyone could treat any human being like this, let alone an innocent 6 year-old child. Just when you think you have heard and seen it all, you hear about something like this. Just horrible.

Rest in peace, Christopher Barrios, Jr.

Last Night @ Jay-Dee's

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yesterday was a great Thanksgiving for me here in Santo Domingo. David Lee and I had talked about getting together for Thanksgiving at his house. We originially talked about maybe 5 people and it ended up being over 20 there yesterday. It was all good. David baked the turkey and some chicken, and we had our Dominican version of an American classic Thanksgiving. More importantly, the conversation and fellowship were the most important things.

On January 31, 2007, will be my 3-year anniversary of living in the Dominican Republic. My, how time has flew by. I have learned so much and have sooooo much to be thankful for.

Many, many people are in town for the "unofficial" start to the Winter season. Of course everyone will be congregating at Jay-Dee's tonight for their stripper-thon. I hope they get some beautiful men to work the VIP room. At any rate, I will see you there.

I pray all had a great Thankgsiving!

Cool Slideshows

Miss Me?

It's been a minute since I posted something. I was sick as hell the last couple of days. I guess it was the flu. All I know is that on Sunday I didn't have the strength to pick up the phone. Started feeling much better on Wednesday. I gotta get a flu shot!

Well, let's see, what's been going on?

Last Friday and Saturday nights went with David to hang out in Jay-Dee's to see what the strippers were like. Very nice crowds on both nights. Saturday night had a group (40+) from Chicago in the house and there were at least 6 strippers to whet their (along with everyone else) appetite. Nothing like beautiful young men to get everyone's juices flowing. (For those so inclined, photos are located below.)

The buzz now in the country is that we are going to be on a strike for the next 48 hours. A lot of DRama going on because the President announced that they were going to be reworking the tax laws again and everyone from business leaders, unions, civil servants and just plain folk are worried about how much more they are going to have to pay and for what? It is a mess. The country is building a subway that it can ill-afford, at the same time many parts of the country are experiencing crippling blackouts. Politicians! What can you do? Well, most Dominicans are saying let's shut the country down for 2 days to let the government know how seriously people are fed up with what is going on. Should be interesting.

Note: LP has informed me that they will not be doing Dominican Island Heat this year. With all the drama with the curfew and other projects he and Kenny are working on, they decided to pass this year.

Other News:

Canadian Tourist Killed in D.R.

Dominican Immigrant Killed in Philadelphia

American Airlines Will Start Baggage Restrictions

Thinking About Going to Punta Cana? Here's a Review

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award (Sonia Pierre)

Review of the first DR Global Film Festival

Dominican Bodegas in NYC

Saturday Night @ Jay-Dee's

Went out Saturday night to Jay-Dee's and had a really great time. Quite a few tourists in town surveying the scene. The strippers were really hot AND lo-and-behold, the drag performer at the end was really good. Short, sweet, and had the crowd going. Don't know who she is, but mucho kudos. Jay-Dee's is going to have different strippers every Saturday, and this week there will also be a show this Friday (Nov. 10). And where there are strippers, I will be there taking pictures. Hope to see you there.

Here are some photos for your enjoyment: