Dominican Independence Day 2008

Malecon Libre

Every Sunday the Malecon of Santo Domingo is closed to traffic and people are out and about roller skating, flying kites, drinking beer and just having a good time. For many people, it is the only day of the week they get off from work. Yesterday was even better. A longer stretch of the Malecon was closed and more stages were setup for music and performances.

Just another beautiful "Malecon Libre" Sunday in Santo Domingo.

Will I see you on the Malecon next Sunday?

Note: CHA is now open until 1am on Sunday, and 3am on Friday and Saturday. They were approved by the Ministry of the Interior for the extension.

Hurricane Dean

It is 4:42am as I write this, and we have dodged a bullet. Actually, besides a little light rain and the Malecon (seaside boulevard) being closed, you wouldn't know that there was a hurricane passing. Okay, you could tell that the waves were very agitated and strong. Huge rocks were being knocked loose, and sometimes the storm surge would spill in the streets. Otherwise, we have been blessed and spared. Since I have lived here, we have been blessed with not having any direct hits from hurricanes. This time was no different.

I know this will not always be the case.

This was a very nice weekend. People I like are here visiting, many things to do. All is well with the world, and God is great!

There is a new place that has opened. It is called Santo. It is located on Arzobispo Merino #115, btw. Padre Billini and Arzobispo Portes. It used to be a restaurant called Alfatori. The space is really beautiful. Those who went, told me how nice it is. I have also been told that they don't allow drag queens, buggarones, or "flamboyant" behavior. A couple of friends went, and said it is an absolutely great space, nice music, just not too many people there. Will keep you posted as time progresses.

Casa New Yorker is closing. Scotch, the owner, has decided to move back to the States. Business is very difficult in this country, and the summer season is the slow tourist season for Santo Domingo. Best of luck to you, Scotch.

The last weekend in June is sort of the unofficial Gay Pride in most places (which allow it) around the world. The DR (Santo Domingo, in particular) had a small celebration of their own. Last Thursday, there was a large gathering in Duarte Park. They hung the Gay flag, and everyone milled about and cavorted. All levels of Gay Dominican society were present, the Transsexuals, the "flamboyant" queens, the ex-pats, a couple of buggarones and just plain folk. There is no parade yet. But you have to crawl before you can walk. At least there was some mention in some of the media about it.

Last Sunday, was the Lowenbrau Cup/Mr. Republica Dominicana 2007. Ever since last year, I have been waiting for this day. It didn't find out about it until last Friday, but that was okay. Nothing was going to prevent me from being there. And boy was it worth the years wait. It was to start at 10am on Sunday, in one of the ballrooms of the Barcelo Lina Hotel. I told some friends about it. Told everyone I would not be calling around, but leaving at promptly 9:45am. Usually, everyone is late getting ready, or there is some last minute hold-up. Everyone was here at 9:30am. They understood how important this day was.

We arrived at the hotel only to see that it was packed. There was no parking, so we had to park across the street at the University. When we got to the ballroom is was packed, and the only seats left were WAY in the back. I had heard that they had VIP tickets, which were only RD$400 pesos (about $12 U.S.). We paid our pesos and were escorted right down front to the first row behind the judges. Boy, do I love this country!

As beautiful as the contestants were, the spectators were equally as beautiful on that Sunday morning. It was 9 men for every 1 women in the place. All I can say is I can't wait for next year's contest. I will be there at 9am, just to watch the arrivals.

Here are a couple of pictures. Thank God, Ernest Montgomery was sitting next to me. All my photos came out dark and blurry. I took about 30 minutes of video (GREAT!) with a camera I borrowed. Only to find out that there is no cord for the camera to transfer the video. Looked around today and can't find the cord in the stores. Not to worry, I have my people working on it, because I MUST show you this video. The photos are great, but the music, crowd reaction, screaming and sheer pandemonium must be experienced with the video. More pictures to come later on today. Promise.

So, congratulations to Novoa Méndez, Mr. Republica Dominicana 2007. Here are a couple of the contestants to hold you over. I saw a photo of Junior (first 2 photos below) at last year's contest, and have been infatuated ever since. This year we see him and Ernest snaps his picture. Nice, I thought. Then we he came on the stage, I knew he was the winner (and the one I remembered from last year). There was a man standing next to me who would tap me every now and again to comment on the contestants. He didn't much care for Junior. And he wasn't no slouch in the bodybuilding area himself! Well, as far as I'm concerned, Junior should've won, fuck what he thinks. The gentleman at the bottom, Omar, who speaks English, was just soo nice it was awful. He owns a small gym in Santo Domingo, but also lives in Pennsylvania a part of the time.

If I didn't have to leave to go the airport, I would've stayed to clean the place up. I was told over and over, the guys need sponsors, as bodybuilding is expensive. I know what you're thinking, so stop it this minute.

Anybody want to go next year? I'll rent a bus. But only if you promise not to act to "flamboyantly." Oh, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ...
As ever,
The Monaga Blogger

Happy Easter/Semana Santa

Haven't had Internet for almost a week, and I still don't have Vonage. Some glitch with the phone company, Claro/Codetel. No longer is it called Verizon.

Easter Week in the Dominican Republic is known as Semana Santa. This holiday, in my estimation, is bigger than Christmas here. During this week the beach and resorts are packed full of Dominicans taking a break from everything. Most businesses (including the neighborhood Colmado) are closed today. The clubs/bars can open at Midnight or later. Will be very interesting to see if anyone is out this evening. Aside from the march to the church, it has been very quiet around here.

Hillary & Bill Clinton are vacationing in Punta Cana, at the luxury villa of Oscar de la Renta. The Clintons have been vacationing in the DR since 1999. I guess after all that running around trying to be President, it can take its toll on you. Anyway, we love having Hillary (and Bill!) here. If you are ever in Punta Cana, check out the resort they stay at. Just lovely.

Al Horford, who plays on the University of Florida Gators Basketball Team, is a Dominican. They recently won the NCAA Basketball Championship. Also on the team is Joakim Noah, who is the son of Yannick Noah, former Tennis Champion.

L.P. and G.C. came down and brought tons of toys, clothes and most importantly, bought a lot of food to donate to La Casa Rosada.

There is a new Dominican movie coming out called Yuniol. Checkout a clip here.

First Dominican Student Conference is taking place soon at Yale University. Click here for more information.

Olympic hurdler, Felix Sanchez, is gearing up for the Summer Season of Track and Field.

Hatian-Dominican activist, Sonia Pierre, is in jeopardy of having her Dominican citizenship revoked.

Internet Gambling guru arrested at hotel in Santo Domingo.

Lastly, a warning to those who have an apartment here in the DR that they rent out. Recently, some friends of mine who have an apartment in the Colonial Zone rented out their apt. in a very nice condominium. The person, who was recommended by mutual friends, was a guest from hell. He was supposed to be in the apt. by himself, he ended up having 2 additional people there. They upset the building having unlimited guys stopping by at all hours. The apartment was destroyed. From items broken, to the couch being written on. To top it off, he left and didn't pay anything. The moral to this story? Get a deposit, and make sure you have someone watching your place, and if all else fails, throw their asses out onto the street!

Abortion in the Dominican Republic

Abortion is illegal in the Dominican Republic, like in most other Caribbean and Latin American countries. The only exceptions are Cuba and Guyana. Recently, there has been a lot of debate about the issue here after several places suspected of performing abortions were raided.

Click here for the article.

Trophy Wife

This photo spread appeared in Lucire Magazine, a publication based in Europe. The photoshoot was down at a sumptious home in Santo Domingo, complete with indoor swimming pool. The lovely Dominican model, Rosa, is capturing the attitude of her surroundings perfectly. Continuing the trend of high-fashion, quality work being done in the Dominican Republic by The Montgomery Group.

Happy Birthday, Dominican Republic

Yesterday, February 27, was the date that Dominicans celebrate their independence from Haiti. On the Malecon in Santo Domingo they had a military parade. I have some photos below, but I found a blog with some very nice photos.

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

Sunday on the Malecon with Paul

As I sit here and write this, I notice that there is a 75 degree difference between the tempature here and in NYC.

I'm just sayin ...

Every Sunday, the Malecon (seaside boulevard) in Santo Domingo is closed to traffic past Maximo Gomez. There are many people about enjoying the weather, playing basketball, eating, and just having a great Sunday.

Our intrepid photographer, Paul Culver, thought he would take his camera over and checkout the sights. He stumbled upon some guys in contest to see who could bike and run the fatest. Here are some of his images below:

A while ago I was complaining about the weather. I'm sorry. After talking with folks in the States I can see it is not all that bad here. Actually, the last couple of days would classify as spectacular. Sunny, breezy, with NO humidity. Just lovely!

I have a British gentleman staying with me, and we have just been having some great fun. I have been to the beach this week (twice!) and to some great restaurants. Today I went and got the full tour of the Hilton Hotel. It is really quite nice. I had just been in the lobby previously, but this time I toured the facilities and was really quite impressed. The rooms are to die for, and it is really quiet. With its pool, 24-hour room service, 24-hour gym, oh, and the views from practically every room are breathtaking. And walking around the place I found out I know a couple of people working there. Small world.

If you are looking for a really great restaurant in the Colonial Zone, you must try the restaurant in the Sofitel Nicholas de Ovando, La Residence. It is by far the best restaurant that I have eaten at in the Dominican Republic. I have eaten there twice this week and both times the food and service were impeccable. If you are looking for fine French cuisine in a beautiful and elegant setting I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, it ain't a bad hotel either.

Starting January 23, 2007, all travellers returning from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, will need a valid passport to reenter the United States. No more birth certificate or drivers license.

Chachita Rubio's new club is tentatively scheduled to open on Februay 2, 2007. I will pass information on as it becomes available.

Well, that's all that I can think of right now. Checkout the pictures above from the day at the beach in Guayacanes, along with some other stuff.

As ever,
The Monaga Blogger

Hola

The weather has rainy and cool for the last 10 days or so. This is supposed to be the dry season. Peaks of sun every now and again. But, very blah, to be sure.

I was in Ocho Puertas (8 Doors) the other evening, and spoke with the owner, Dana. He informed me that he would be closing the doors for good on Monday, January 15, 2007. He said that with the curfew, along with the current business climate, it just isn't feasible to continue. It was very sad to hear. If you have been to the bar, then you know just how beautiful and great a space it is. Let's hope that someone opens up something else soon, or maybe someone else can takeover the Ocho Puertas space. Anyway, good luck to Dana.

Washington, D.C.'s, own Mario Sessions, will be throwing his annual birthday party in Santo Domingo, the weekend of March 9, 2007. For more information on the festivities to www.santodomingodirect.com.

There were some murmurs about a "gay wedding" that took place in Santo Domingo, during the Christmas holidays. Being an eternal skeptic, I didn't pay it much attention. Then I run into someone I know that works at the Hilton Hotel, and he asks me did I hear about the wedding. Still didn't think much about it. Then I get an email, and find out it is all true. It was a commitment ceremony, that by all accounts was done in a elegant, grand style. No expense was spared and it has gotten many of the locals who witnessed it talking. I have been talking with one of the participants to see if he will allow me to show some of the photos and share their story. Some of the local media have gotten wind of the affair, and want to do a story themselves. He knows that more than likely it will be held up to ridicule and that is the last thing he (or I) wants. I have told him that I will give him total control over what is written, and what pictures are shown. Also, no names have to be divulged. But, I would understand if he would prefer to not publicize it. We'll see ...

While sitting here writing this blog entry, I hear all this commotion outside in the street. When I open the door to see what is going on, I notice that everyone is staring at a woman on the corner is naked. The word spread like wildfire, and people are starting to come from everywhere. It is obvious (I think) that she is mentally unbalanced. But, then aren't we all, sometimes.

Don't forget, if you are in Santo Domingo, this week to stop by Jay-Dee's on Thursday, January 18, 2007. Eddie and Samuel will be celebrating their 6th anniversary together. Last year, I wrote about their 5th-year celebration at Bar Friends.

I mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I wanted to see Dreamgirls desperately. And thanks to Chris from D.C., I have! Let me just say the power of the internet is amazing. Then I find out that they are going to be showing it here in the next couple of weeks. Posters are starting to appear. Can't wait, because there is nothing like seeing a great musical on the big screen.

For those in NYC, or who will be visiting, checkout the musical In the Heights. Go to the website for more information.

I think that is it.

Until soon,
Monaga Blogger

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:

DR vs. Brazil?

Okay, I have never been to Brazil, but so many people I know go and send me pictures and tell me great stories so I feel like I have been. That coupled with the books/articles that I have read about the country. I even know people who have gone to Brazil and bought home their men, AND, are still together, thank you very much. So, when I start talking about Brazil people just assume that I have been there.

Well, I haven't been. OKAY!

But, I want to go desperately. Especially to visit Salvador de Bahia. I just feel connected to the place, though I have never been. Sorta like I felt about the DR, before I came here for a visit. I would just read about the Dominican Republic and Panama, and say I want to go, I want to go, and eventually I came here, and the rest is history.

One of my closest friends went on the Bahian Heat trip to Brazil, and had a great time. He had been a couple months before, for the first time, and liked it so much he decided to go back to check things out. My friend is not one for long emails, they are always concise and short. The email I got from him on his first trip to Brazil was long and detailed (I like very much). Then there is the great guy that I met (online), Fernando Bingre (there is a great interview with Fernando on the Bahian Heat blog), who is the guide extraordinaire for anyone daring to venture to Bahia for the first time. He speaks several languages, and everyone who has met him in person comments on how sweet he is.

This got me to thinking. With the DR experiencing a lull in gay travelers now, are more and more people going to bypass us here in favor of Brazil? I spoke with several people who travel frequently to both places got mixed reactions.

The one thing that the DR has going for it is that it is a 3.5 hour non-stop flight from NYC. Maybe 6 hours with connecting flights anywhere on the Eastcoast. Brazil is an 8.5 hour flight from Miami, so it makes the possibility of popping down for a long weekend not too enticing. Not to mention how much the tickets cost. Those that I know that go to both places and prefer Brazil, complain that the time it takes to get there is just too long.

Brazil has almost 180 million people, compared to 8.5 million people in the Dominican Republic. Sao Paolo alone has over 40 million people, almost 5 times the population of the DR. The country is huge (land mass) and has so many things it can offer visitors, like the world-renowned Amazon Jungle, world famous beaches, soccer, Afro-Brazilian culture and lots more. It also has the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan. There are more African-descended people in Brazil than anywhere in the world outside of Africa (including the United States). And the people. Well, they come in every shade from Nicole Kidman pasty white, to African blue-black.

The Gay life in Brazil is much more developed. There are Gay Pride Festivals in the major cities that have hundreds of thousands of participants. There are even Gay Samba Houses that parade for carnival. The one downside is the crime element. Everyone who I have spoken to talks about how it is much more dangerous it is in Brazil vs. the Dominican Republic. I have been told about robberies at gun-point, knockout drugs in drinks, etc. For this reason, most of the gay life (Brazilian and tourists alike) centers around the bathhouses, which from the pictures I've seen are pretty spectacular and house upwards of 50 of the most beautiful men the mind can imagine.

Now, the DR, on the other hand is much smaller. There is crime here, but I have not heard of anyone being heldup at gun-point in the Colonial Zone (though I'm not saying it has never happened). In the DR, it is also much safer to travel around the country and meet people anywhere you go. For a small country, the DR has some of the most beautiful people in the world in all shapes, sizes and colors. As stated before it is much cheaper and quicker to get to. Now, if we could only get rid of the curfew.

Now that I finish reading this item I think, what am I trying to say? I don't know, but I guess my point was that comparing the two is unfair, because of the sheer size of Brazil. But, I would love to hear what others think. I'm curious about those who have been to both Brazil and Dominican Republic think? Which place do you like best, and why?

Here are some photos from a friend's recent trek to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil:

Note: I didn't change the color at the top. Something went wacky.

ACP Festival Closing Night Fashion Show

I promised to get you the video from the fashion show that was the culmination of a week's worth of cultural activities on the Plaza Espana in the Colonial Zone.

Enjoy!