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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

Cha

Happy Birthday!

This past Sunday was my 42nd birthday. I started celebrating on Friday night. Friday night seemed like there was electricity in the air. It was a payday, and most people got their extra holiday pay, which is mandated by the government. Started out at Jay-Dee's and then went to Arena, where they had a really nice show. Saturday night I went to Jay-Dee's to see the strippers, it was great! Sunday, a friend with a beautiful apartment in the Colonial Zone, Mark, threw a little dinner party at his place. The menu was simple and elegant, Spiced Meat Cornmeal & Cheddar Cobbler, Ambrosia, and a fresh green salad. For dessert there was a beautiful chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and dulce de leche filling, along with some French Vanilla ice cream. Everyone was greeted with Peppermint Vodka Martinis. Just yummy!! No one wanted their photos on the blog (except for David), so I just took some photos of the food and decor.

Last night, Joan Guzman, the WBO World lightweight champion fought against Antonio Davis last night @ the Sports Palace. As expected, Joan won. It seemed like the whole country was watching and cheering Joan on to victory. Oscar de la Hoya was at the fight looking very dapper. Tonight, Shakira is at the Sports Palace gyrating and doing her thing. The weather is in the 70's and there is NO humidity, so it is a great night for a concert.

I received an email about a party that is taking place this weekend on the 22nd of December. It is a private party where you need to RSVP to attend. This is the kind of party where there will be a more refined Gay Dominican. So, if you want to attend, leave the "boyfriend" at home. Know what I mean? (copy of the flyer below)

Okay, I know many of you are probably tired of hearing about Dreamgirls, BUT I'M NOT! I don't know when, if ever, they are going to show it here in the DR, but I have got to see this movie. Anyone coming down and you just happen to have a "copy" of the movie, CALL ME!

Okay, more later.
Monaga Blogger

What's Up?

I haven't written anything in a while, so I thought I would give an update as to what is going on.

Not much really happening here right now. It has been kinda dead, with regard to the nightlife scene. If Rouge is still open (I have not confirmed this) then it is barely hanging on. Last weekend I heard there were less than 20 people in the club. I think that is a shame, as they opened with such big fanfare and tried to bring something different to the club-going public. I like Chachita Rubio a lot, so I hope they are able to turn things around. Arena is the club of the moment. The last couple of weekends have seen very large crowds there. Why? Because they are actively going after the "chilren." Reduced admission, drink specials, shows, strippers, etc.

From what I understand, starting next Saturday, November 4, 2006, Jay-Dee's is going to be featuring the hottest dancers in the Dominican Republic. Can't wait!!!! This weekend there will be many Halloween festivities going on. Jay-Dee's is having a costume contest, along with Arena. This weekend is also the official grand-opening of Ocho Puertas. So there should be something for everyone. Bar Friends is still open, too, though I have not heard of anything special going on this weekend.

There have been two smaller places that have opened and I have heard that they are predominantly Lesbian hangouts. They are right down the street from Arena, but I haven't been able to get accurate information about what is going on. I know a couple of people who have been, who are not Lesbians. I will have to find out exactly what is going on and report back to you.

I have recently talked to several people who come down here often, and stay for long periods of time. They talked about there is something missing, and it has nothing to do with the curfew. I thought it was striking that I talked with everyone separately, and they had the same take on things. They thought that the nightlife was getting boring. These folks are not the Arena crowd and much prefer the Friends to Jay-Dee's axis. Very, very rarely do they venture out of the Colonial Zone, and I think that could also be a part of the problem. I agree, things have definitely changed, but then there hadn't been that many tourists here.

On the other hand, there are other Americans who are here. Some staying for long periods of time, who are having the times of their lives. They have been scuba diving, whitewater rafting, partying in the clubs outside of the Colonial Zone, taking Spanish classes and hitting the beach every chance they get. So, who do you believe? Both. I have said this before, but I think your time here will depend on what you are looking for and what you are willing to do to make your vacation fun. If you come strictly to hang around the Conde and buggarones, then yes, it gets old VERY quickly. It is what you make it.

The other day the Minister of Tourism was on television, and he confirmed that the curfew was going to be lifted in the tourist areas (Colonial Zone, Puerto Plata/Cabarete, Punta Cana). Unfortunately, he says that he doesn't know when. I have adapted, but the bottom line is that tourists that come want to have a good time and don't want to have go home at 2am on the weekends. Some have said that there are cities in the U.S. where clubs close at 2am. True. But, then you can go to a restaurant or hang out in some gathering spot. Here, once the clubs/bars close it is barely anyone on the street, though it is not against the law.

This past weekend the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States ended their festival in Santo Domingo. It was a resounding success. I have some video of the the fashion shows and some of the performances, but it is too large and I can't figure out how to cut it down. Still working on it and will make sure to get it uploaded real soon. God willing.

In the meantime, here are a few photos from the festival.

Until soon,
The Monaga Blogger

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

No Parking

Looking for a place to go have a drink and checkout some eye-candy? And, as a bonus see some of the hottest Dominican strippers in the world. If you are in the NYC area, you should go and drop in on No Parking, which is in Washington Heights, on Broadway near 177th street. Also, don't forget to check out the monthly parties from Escandalo Nights.

For those in the country this weekend there is a Power Summit, which record industy people, along with DJ's and the like are getting together in Punta Cana. For more infomation click here.

Interesting Articles: African Roots/Latino Soul 3 Dominicans 'Disappear' at San Juan Airport Peace Corp Volunteer's Bout with Dengue

Is Rouge Closed?

The buzz has been hot and heavy that Rouge has closed. Rumors were all over the place to the reason of its supposed demise. Well, I just got off the phone with Chachita Rubio, the co-owner, and she says that is NOT true. She explained that she is partners with a straight guy who is responsible for setting the prices with regard to entrance fee and drink prices. MANY (!)people had complained bitterly, because the prices for the drinks were extremely high. Also,on Saturday nights it was RD$200 pesos to get in, and you got no drink. They were charging RD140 pesos for a Presidente. All Dominicans know that you can go to the colmado and get a Presidente for RD$35 to RD$40 pesos. If you are going to have any gay business here, you MUST be able to appeal to the gay Dominican clientele to survive. Because of this reason Rouge was empty last weekend. Jay-Dee's and Arena were full. Chachita says she and her partners have heard the message loud and clear and tells me that the price of entry, along with drink prices have been lowered accordingly. She asked me to let people know of the changes. Okay. Now you know. Again, let the club wars begin!

What else ...

There is also mucho buzz about a new magazine that is supposed to launch called Vida Fabulosa (Fabulous Life). I first heard about the magazine when I saw a classified for it on DR1 looking for people to work for the magazine. It said that it would be the most controversial magazine in Dominican history. I had heard that it would be out in August. The classified on DR1 then said it would be out September 18, 2006. One of the people working on the project was out the night before last, discussing the magazine with some Americans who live here. He said that the magazine would be out any day now. He was commenting on how they have ads with Presidente and Orange (cellular company), along with other major advertisers. He also mentioned that one of the gay business owners here had advertised in the magazine. I for one can't wait to see it. They are even discussing it on the DR1 chat board.

Several weeks ago a student was killed after being denied entrance to a famous upscale club here, Praia. The story is still sketchy, but according to the newspapers, the young lady and her friends went to the club and were denied entry. An argument ensued and the young lady, or someone from her group threw some rocks at the door of the club, which is glass, and it shattered. The group runs back to their car and the security guard starts shooting at the car, killing the young woman. The story was frontpage news here. The young woman was a university student who, according to the papers, had been let in the club before. It seems this time her friends were not the sort to be allowed in the club. From the Dominicans I talk to, it meant that they were too dark. This incident has brought up the color problem in Dominican society. The government has come out and said that discrimination is illegal and said it wouldn't be tolerated. I have been to Praia, and it is one of the most beautiful clubs I have ever been to. Done in white and glass, it is like any upscale club anywhere in the world. The night I went (w/a friend here on business) I was the darkest person in the place (my friend is white), excluding the help. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.