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.

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.

The latest edition of FREE Magazine is out (though the website hasn't been updated yet!) and they have a great layout on the Dominican Republic. The photos, taken by photographer Hassan Kinley, are beautiful and evoke the essence that is La Republica Dominicana. All the models are local Dominican talent, except for the absolutely gorgeous (and extremely nice) Miguel Perdomo, who is a Dominican from the States. The whole production was supervised by Ernest Montgomery.

As someone who was a groupie at different times during the shoot, I can attest to the hard work that goes into being beautiful in magazines. It ain't easy. But, then someone has to be beautiful. Right? I hung out with the crew at the cockfight, but honestly, all I did was drink beer and watch bags. The sight of "cocks" that lost was not pretty. But, then beauty is not a pretty business.

There is also a story on Mario Cabral, who is the owner of several restaurants (one being Aura), lounges and the exclusive Praia club in Santo Domingo. I love the opening blurb of the piece:

Mario Cabral can be found one afternoon quietly sitting in one of his restaurants in the Dominican Republic and the next day can be seen walking Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. From the Caribbean to the cold, from business to business, and plane to plane, this is the life of a 30-year-old Dominican entrepreneur.

Isn't it great being young, wealthy and Dominican!

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.

Cassandra Awards

This past Tuesday, the Dominican artistic community celebrated its own with the annual Cassandra Awards. The ceremony took place at the beautiful Teatro Nacional (National Theater). The awards were really nice and living here now I know who many of the people are. I also know a quite a few makeup artists and hair folk who were extremely busy on Monday and Tuesday. The show itself was really beautiful and very professional. The highlight, for me at least, were some of the "outfits" some of the guests showed up in. Too funny!

Photos courtesy of Bufeo.com

Dominican Independence & Carnival

Dominican Independence is celebrated on February 27. The carnival in Santo Domingo takes place the Sunday after that, on the Malecon. But, the best carnival celebrations happen in La Vega. Every Sunday, in the month of February, everyone gathers to watch the explosion of color and costumes, culminating with the grand-finale on the last Sunday of February. If you can brave thousands of people, then you should definitely check it out, if you can.

Below are some photos from carnival celebrations, past & present.

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

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

Is it Cold Where You Are?

Photos and Video from yesterday around noon @ Playa Caribe, Dominican Republic.

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

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

Las Terrenas

I have written many times about the joys of visiting the Samana region. From January to March whales come to spawn in Samana bay. There are national parks, waterfalls, beautiful mountains, and for my money, the best secluded beaches in the Dominican Republic. Don't take my word for it, go see for yourself. It takes a little over 4 hours to get there, but some friends of mine tried another option this past weekend. I told them that there are flights that leave from La Isabela airport (small regional airport north of Santo Domingo) and they decided to give it a try. Below are some photos from their journey. Not for the faint of heart, but, if you like to be in Samana in 30 minutes (only $70 each-way!), then it is the way to go.

I like Las Terrenas, but there are many towns to visit and checkout in the Samana region. There is a large French ex-pat community in Las Terrenas, so you can get great wine and french delicacies. You can rent an ATV (all terrain vehicle) and explore the miles and miles of sandy beaches.

Warning: Samana is not a party capital. It is for those seeking relaxation and beaches!

Cool Slideshows

Cool Slideshows

Playa Caribe

Playa Caribe is a beach that is very popular on the weekends with middle-class Dominicans. You will see families, dogs, and everyone is just chilling out enjoying the beautiful weather. This past Sunday, some friends and I went to Playa Caribe (I can't stand Boca Chica) about 3pm to get some food, checkout the eye-candy, and just soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful weather.

There is one large restaurant to the right as you enter the beach. Besides the great food (try the lobster lasagna, or the fresh whole fried fish) the restaurant is the perfect for people-watching. Folks get to the beach early on the weekends, so if you want a good space you need to get out there and rent your chairs.

Where Boca Chica is loud, dirty, and you are constantly are bothered from the hundreds of people trying to sell you something, or trying to get you to part with your money, Playa Caribe is completely the opposite. Tranquil, calm and everyone just leaves you alone. HEAVEN!

The other photos are from Jay-Dee's this past weekend

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!

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

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