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