What a difference a week makes!!

Last Monday I was bemoaning the fact that we had six weeks left until Carnival and I was still
unprepared. Well within one week I was able to book my lash appointment, pay off for my costume, get materials to decorate my boots, source my accessories (yay!) and I FINALLY have a plan for Monday wear now it is just to get it executed (thanks Richard).

I still haven't bought my tights but Carnival Jumbie was able to secure hers by going downtown at Micles, since West Mall branch has not received their Carnival stock as yet. You can read about her adventures here. Tights is #1 on the list this week since I, like her, am not taking any chances on waiting "closer to Carnival".

While out and about this weekend getting organized, I saw Brian Mc Farlane downtown at a popular fabric store getting materials for his band Africa. There was also another kiddies band leader there who was chatting with a costume producer and I overheard her saying that things are slow this year, parents are not spending as much so they had to simplify the costumes to keep costs down and meet their targets. That echoes what another adult band leader had told me over Christmas, fears are that people are going to be holding on tightly to their purses.

I also read in the Business Express that one band so far has instituted some incentives to get masqueraders to register, Masquerade "has cut at least ten per cent of its original prices off the 2009 tag, bringing all its sections to TT$2,000 and less, all-inclusive"..wow!

Anyway, this week on the list is getting the Monday Wear outfit sorted out fully and getting my tights and I think I am ALMOST ready; I hope you are too!

Carnival Accomodation Still Available!

A search at the Trinidad Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott and Hyatt hotels for a weeks stay during Carnival 2009 will turn up rooms, amazingly, still available! Many of the smaller guest houses have been booked solid since early 2008 as well, however I have found that "Best of Trinidad and Tobago" still has several properties still open for booking:

All these accommodations are still available for carnival 2009, but at this time of the year, close to carnival, places go fast, so whoever comes first with the down payment will get the place.

So, if you are STILL looking for a place to stay, check out Best of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Accommodation listing HERE.

The Journey Begins

Last December I wrote about "Another New Mas Band" whose launch was featured in the Trinidad Guardian, a launch I happened to miss as I was not in the country. Since then I have visited Carvalho's Mas Camp at Alaska Bar in Woodbrook several times and they were not ready for business. Well finally, I was able to view costumes yesterday as yet another visit was rewarded with the sight of the mas camp for Carvalho's 2009 presentation "The Journey Begins" wide open to the public.

Costumes for the presentation for the 9 sectioned all inclusive band have been designed by Christine Sadler and Tracy Julien. Prices range from $2495.00TT to $2750.00; surprising as when I first called to get information on the band I was told that costumes would be priced at "under 2500.00".

Costume photos of "The Journey Begins" can be found HERE, please note that I was unable to get a photograph of one section as the costume was not fully displayed.


The mas camp for Carvalho Mas is located at Alaska Bar at 73 Ariapita Avenue and for more information call 868-622-8811.

Deadline for TRIBE Fast TRack Fast Approaching..

Just a reminder for those who want to be able to join the "fast track" line for costume collection:

Deadline for Fast Track Costume Payments

Senvia via www.senvia.com - Sunday 11th January, 2009
Cash & LINX at TRIBE Mas Camp - Friday 16th January, 2009

N.B. No payments will be received at the camp after 6pm Friday 16th January, 2009. All outstanding balances can be paid at Cascadia Hotel (Cash & LINX only) just prior to collecting your costume.

Visit http://www.senvia.com/carnival/masbandinstructions_tribe.pdf for instructions on how to pay using Senvia

TRIBE is open this Saturday (Jan 8th 2009) from 11am - 3pm!

"Socacize" for those of you in Toronto ......

Just last night I was reading an article called "No Body Left Untoned" on the dedication that goes into the Samba Queens preparation for Rio Carnival, part of which involves a carnival boot camp and dancing for hours in five inch heels and also the extreme of plastic surgery to get the "perfect" body. And this morning I got some information on a Carnival bootcamp of sorts for those masqueraders in Toronto called "Socacize" designed to get you in shape over the next six weeks... now why hasn't anyone thought of a Carnival bootcamp in TRINIDAD?

Anyway, here is the information for those interested and you can also check out the Socacize website HERE:

SOCACIZE™
Is a creative blend of high/low African and Caribbean dance movements performed to calypso, soca, zouk, reggae, dancehall music and on occasion to drums music. The exhilarating mode of the work-out focuses on cardio, weight and strength training targeting all age groups. The ultimate goal of the program is to work-out with emphasis on carefully selected music and movements to synchronize with the mind and body to result in burning calories fast (up to 1000 per 60 minute session) while totally enjoying a session that truly makes you liven up and get fit at the same time.

Socacize™ Boot Camp program is designed for Carnival masqueraders & revellers!

A six-week vigorous and exciting workout with rhythms to Make you dance, exercises to help build stamina, tone muscle, lose inches and boost your confidence.

Featuring a special session with
Dr Jay de Soca Prince

SOCACIZE™ Trinidad Carnival Boot camp Schedule
Tropicana Community Services
670 Progress Avenue, Unit 14 (Progress & Consillium Place Dr.)

Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
January 6 | January 13 | January 20
January 27 February 3 February 10

Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC)
300 Borough Road (Inside Scarborough Town Centre Near Children’s Place)

Saturdays 10:30-11:30am
January 3 | January 10 | January 17
January 24 | January 31 | February 7

Get Fit With Island People Mas

Island People Mas is back with their fitness sessions for Carnival 2009 and they have even thrown in some "incentives" as well, such as free fete tickets, which I think is a pretty cool idea!

Dear IP Masquerader,

It is finally here!!!!! Carnival 2009 AND 'Fit To Play'!!!!

For the next six weeks ISLANDpeople Mas will be doing its part in getting all masqueraders ready for the road. Beginning this Saturday and together with qualified professional trainers, we will be taking you through the paces so you look and feel ready for the road.

In the upcoming sessions, three of the Saturdays we will be enhancing the experience by adding Spin with Aerobics..... but our instructors have asked that you be kept in suspense as they could have this on any of the days we gather.

Along with our sponsors each we will reward participants for their efforts. Some of these benefits include: tickets to Girl Power, Insomnia, Dawn, Brian Lara, Soca Monarch and much more, where one of the Saturdays (not necessarily the last session) one lucky winner will have his or her balance of payment for their Heaven on Earth costume completely waived.

Remember the fun begins this Saturday 10th January at the bottom of Lady Chancellor Hill and the music truck leaves with all fitness enthusiasts at 4:00 p.m. sharp.

See you there and remember, make your .....Heaven on Earth


ISLANDpeople Mas

The fun has just begun!

Fete Prices Take 2.......

Ok so I have some more prices for you all and these are looking closer to what feters paid for 2008, I know Salybia Fete did not increase in price which is good to know!

Sunday February 15
Carec Fete To The Max - $850.00

Tuesday February 17
Salybia (Escape to Playa del Este) - $700.00

S.O.S.- $400.0

Thursday Feburary 19
Salybia - $700.00

Sunday February 22
Dancing in the Sanctuary (Valsayn) - $700.00

Blue Tanger Section of Choice for Ministers

The Trinidad Newsday is reporting that the following Ministers will be in TRIBE's "Blue Tanger" section; Health Minister Jerry Narace, Energy Minister Conrad Enill and Senator Laurel Lezama. The Prime Minister's wife Hazel Manning will not be playing mas this year, according to the report, however his son Brian Manning is also in the Blue Tanger section. Oh joy for those in that section with all the additional security!

So, let me hazard a guess here at which of Gail Cabaral's three sections will be furthest back; Pheasant will be upfront of course since the president is in that one, Blue Tanger will follow somewhere in the lineup with all these Government Ministers and then Humming Bird will fall in somewhere closer to the back; remember this is not the official line up I am just GUESSING based on the trend for section line up in TRIBE over the years.

Someone asked me last year to predict the lineup in TRIBE for 2009 and I hesitated since I think this year it will be harder to do with so many new designers/section leaders on board. Lana only "designed" one section which is Scarlet Ibis but she will be in Spangled Cotinga. Based on that I am guessing Spangled Cotinga will have to be closest to Red 96.7 FM truck, and since it is arguably the largest section in the band Cotinga might end up around section 5 or 6. I am putting one of Monique's sections as number 1, of course, as she ALWAYS leads the band... my guess is it is a toss up between Bird of Paradise or Kisskidee for that spot.

As for the other sections your guesses are as good as mine, I am eagerly waiting to see which section brings up the rear for 2009.


By the way, how come Newsday is copyrighting a photo that they got from TRIBE's website? Hmmm!

Bird Flu Hits China.. Halts to Feather Imports to Trinidad!

Feather shipments are being delayed due to yet another bird flu retro virus outbreak in China. After speaking with the Ministry of Agriculture, I was informed that there is a delay of feathers coming into Trinidad from the United States without proper documentation as they do not allow ANY importation of feathers from China. All feathers must have an accompanying health certificate from the USDA along with letter from the company from which they were purchased, in addition, all feathers have to originate in the USA.

My sources state that it may take some doing to get feathers without the required documentation in time for Carnival however, most of the larger bands are not being affected by this recent development but the small, medium and bands late to launch will be undoubtedly be affected.

The "Tief House" Saga !!

So, after I wrote on Friday that the rumored price of Beach House 2009 is allegedly $800.00TT (as told to me from a source) I have now been very, very reliably informed that this price is not the final figure. In fact at the moment a price has not been set for Beach House 2009, however it has been intimated that those of us looking to patronize this fete can look for a cheaper price tag. Great news for those of you outraged at the rumoured $200.00 increase over 2008 !

In addition, seems like there are some interesting developments when it comes to this fete! As we all know the venue for Beach House 2009 has moved to a location which will be revealed at a later date, HOWEVER party goers should be on the look out for another promoter holding a fete in the former location of Beach House at Ortinola Estate in Maracas Valley ON THE SAME DATE!!

Now these advertisements make TOTAL sense:







My sources say that this proposed fete has NO AFFILIATION with Beach House 2009, there is no split in the Beach House camp with two fetes on the same day, Beach House 2009 (the original) is still being planned as usual just that it will NOT be held at Ortinola and any other fete that might just happen to be at that location on the 19th of February is NOT the Beach House fete that so many look forward too on the Thursday before Carnival!

So, my question to you people today ( I real asking questions lately eh) is will you support a new fete at the old Beach House location OR will you support BEACH HOUSE in any location?

This takes the cake!

Well, I have seen some costumes being re-sold for inflated prices before and have spoken out about the advantage being taken of desperate masqueraders, with sellers asking for more than the costume cost if you purchased from the band .

However, THIS advertisement on Carnival Junction just blows my mind at the outright insanity! I am thinking this must be a joke right?

I HAVE 2 TRIBE COSTUMES FOR CAGED CANARY MALE MEASUREMENTS 32WAIST FEMALE MEASUREMENTS 34b , hips 32 bikini bottom with hot shorts male costume is going for $7000.00tt or $1,112.00us female costume is going for $7,500.00tt or $1,191.00

You will be missed

For the bloggers who will not be here for Carnival 2009:

Prima Donna
Darkie Ann
Monique
Prinzez Redz
South Reds
Fitness Diva
Tiffany
Triniwifey
A.A.

Remember ladies, we will enjoy Carnival for you to the best of our ability!

And for those still looking for costumes remember to check Fineahban and Carnival Junction for costume resales; the list of costumes FOR SALE is growing by leaps and bounds!

Fete update

So, ONE fete is rumoured to be priced at $600.00TT, which is the same as QRC Outta de Blue so we can safely say $100.00US is the average price now for the more popular all inclusives for those of you doing your fete budget:

UWI Fete is now $700.00TT.... for tickets contact 622-2762 or 662-2002 ext 2326.

And for those of those of you wanting ticket information for BEACH HOUSE contact any of the following:

Curtis-740-9153

Wayne-685-9571

Kerry-686-1586

Walt-684-1288

7 More Weeks.. Are you ready yet ?

So I am finally over the stupor that was the long, long holiday weekend. South Beach diet went out the window on the last leg and now I have 50lbs to lose in 7 weeks (add on some extra pounds for the indulgences over the past two weeks). Quite a feat yes, but I am going to try and be good and get back on the wagon, not to mention this week is when the intense workouts start... oh joy!

Anyway, with the weight loss and exercise plan set for the next 48 days I am left wondering how I still have so much left to do! None of my boots are decorated, the idea for my Monday wear is still an idea, I do not have my tights and I have yet to book my lash appointment! And I am sure there are lots of little things I am forgetting as well.

As per a discussion last night where I was asked about my "fanaticism" when it comes to Carnival preparation, I am the type of masquerader who really goes all out for the fantasy that is the masquerade. I have always been like this, since I cried to be Wonder Woman during Kiddes Carnival as that costume was cuter than mine! Not to mention I grew up seeing my mother outfitted in glamorous costumes down to matching boots and I worshiped at the mas camp altar of Wayne Berkely and his stunning feathered and sequin creations. Carnival to me is about glitz, the flash, the pomp and ceremony, if you will.

And the thing with having this blog and charting my obssesion is that I have come to realise there are others who love the glamour and drama as much as me. However, I was also told that "nowadays" masqueraders are all into having a good time on the road with friends (who needs them as a solo superstar?) and that even a headpiece is too much of a bother (blashpemey!)

So, my questions today are;

1. What type of masquerader are you? Are you the go big or stay home DIVA with the massive headpiece and glammed up boots or the good time gal who just needs her bikini and a few friends to enjoy the street "party"?

and

2. With Carnival 7 weeks away how ready are you? What have you done to get prepared, if anything, and what do you still have left to do?

Cosmeticon Prime Carnival Makeup Services

Cosmeticon Prime was one of the makeup artists featured earlier and luckily still has a few spaces at this time for those still on the hunt for a makeup artist. Here are the prices:

Airbrush makeup for both days : $300.

Airbrush makeup for 1 days $175.

All applications include, jewels, glitter and eye lash application.

There will be Custom Eye Lashes available for an additional cost, the lashes included with the eye lash application will be basic lashes.

Location: St James/Woodbrook area (will disclose the exact location or any changes closer down to the time)

Should you be interested, please submit a copy of your costume(s), skin care preferences, any allergy information and other preferences, so that any additional product etc. can be obtained for you.

Appointment spots have started filling up already, so please respond as soon as possible, even if you aren't sure so that I can put you on the calendar 'tentatively'.

Cosmeticon Prime can be contacted via the Facebook Group or email: cosmeticonprime@gmail.com

St Francois Girls' College "Masquerde"

It would be remiss of me not to put in a little plug for this fete AND it's "only" $400.00!

click to enlarge

St. Francois Girls' College 7th Annual All Inclusive

MASQUERADE

Friday 9th January

8:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

St. John's Ambulance Hall

Performances by : KES the band

Shurwayne Winchester & YOU

Roy Cape All Stars

Contribution $400.00

Contacts for tickets:

School : 624-3468

Vanessa : 759-8936

Judy: 712-7629

Fete Prices ....so far

Ok people, I have heard that Diamond Vale Breakfast Party is priced at $450.00...around the same price as last year I believe. However, sources say Beach House is now $800.00, that is a $200.00 increase over 2008.. for a fete with no live bands (lots of Moet though!!)

At this stage Amnesia is looking more and more appealing as one of the cheaper All Inclusives for the season! As a matter of fact maybe we need to start scratching all inclusives off the list yes!

Carnival Websites

Here are two fete related websites for you to bookmark this year:

The first is the newly revamped Island People website with information on all their fetes for 2009.

And the other is Ticket Federation where you can purchase some fete tickets online; at the moment they are offering Rainforest, Hysteria, Jamboree Sunday and Wicked in White.

End of Year Survey Results

The results are in, and much thanks to all of you who participated in this first ever survey. I know there were many questions with just as many varied answers! It was not an easy job sifting through all the data as 145 people took part in the survey .Some responses I had to cancel out, like when asked which costume was a favorite and the answer was "all of TRIBE" as I was looking for specific costume choices.

For transparency you can take a look at all the response data in spreadsheet form HERE. In collating the top three responses however, I tallied the total number of responses to get a hierarchy ranking,though in some cases there was a tie. Without further ado here are the TOP THREE results:

Best Male Costume For 2009
1. Afrodisiac(Island People) and African Love Bird (TRIBE)
2. Brazilian Macaw (TRIBE)
3. Green Honey Creeper (TRIBE)

Honorable Mention
Pheasant, Peppercorns, Spangled Cotinga, Parrot (4th)
Midnight Bloom (5th)

Best Female Costume For 2009
1.Spangled Cotinga (TRIBE)
2.African Love Bird (TRIBE)
3.Caged Canary (TRIBE)

Honorable Mention
Rays of Light (4th)
Kiskidee (5th)

Best Frontline Costume For 2009
1.Spangled Cotinga (TRIBE)
2.Caged Canary (TRIBE)
3.Brazilian Macaw (TRIBE)

Honorable Mention
Peppercorns(4th)
Bird of Paradise, Paradisus, African Love Bird, Black Diamond,Ocean Whispers (5th)

Best Overall Presentation for 2009
1.TRIBE
2.Island People
3.Brian Mc Farlane

Worst Male Costume of 2009
1.Dealers (Elements)
2.Together We Aspire (Trini Revellers)
3.Cock Fight (Ronnie and Caro)

Dishonorable Mention
Treasure Island (4th)
Cesar's Palace, Mystere, Love (5th)

Worst Female Costume of 2009
1.Lady Luck (Elements)
2.Mirage (Elements)
3.Love (Island People)

Dishonorable Mention
Angostura Bitters (4th)
Roulette, Together We Aspire (5th)

Worst Frontline Costume of 2009
1.Lady Luck (Elements)
2.Mirage (Elements)
3.Iguana (D Krewe)

Dishonorable Mention
Flight of the Scarlet Ibis (4th)
Egyptian Dancers (5th)

Worst Overall Presentation of 2009
1.Elements
2.Trini Revellers
3.D Krewe & Evolution

How Happy Are You With Costume Prices for 2009 with 1 being very disappointed and 5 being very happy?
1 - 16
2 – 30
3 - 59
4 - 16
5 - 7

Band With the Most Hype
1.TRIBE
2.Island People
3.Spice

Band With the Least Hype
1.Elements & Kaotic
2.Spice
3.Evolution

Band With the Most Unjustified Hype
1.Elements
2.Spice
3.TRIBE

Best New Band of 2009
1.Spice
2.Kaotic
3.Elements

Worst New Band of 2009
1.Elements
2.Carvalho mas
3.Kaotic

Are you Playing Mas for 2009?
* Yes - 129
* No - 3
* Undecided -3

If Yes, Which Band are you playing mas with ?
62 TRIBE
37 Island People
10 spice
6 Kaotic
4 D Krewe
2 Ronnie and Caro
2 Pulse 8
2 Harts
2 Elements
1 Legacy
1 Evolution

Government Says Carnival Goes on as "Normal"

Minister of Culture Marlene Mc Donald has no doubts that Carnival 2009 will be a success even in the face of the global economic crisis and the fact that the Trinidad Guardian headlined on Sunday that fete promoters are worried. The Trinidad Express reports the Minister's confidence:

"I have been advised that the sales of Carnival costumes are going quite well and that the travel is as usual, (the same) as 2008. So at this point in time there is no reason for alarm with respect to whether we are going to sell our seats and what not, over the Carnival period. We don't envisage any reduction in people playing mas or in people visiting our shores," she said.

She added that the question would be better posed to the Minister of Tourism, "though from where we sit we have not seen any downward trend".

She also goes on to say that the official launch of Carnival 2009 will take place on January 7th and the Government has allocated 120.6 million dollars for the staging of the festival.

While I am glad to hear that Carnival 2009 will go on as normal, in respect to the Government and infrastructure, I think Minister Mc Donald needs to take a tour of the mas camps whereNO sections are sold out at this time and have a little chat with the band leaders and see who really shares her confidence!

SOURCE:
www.trinidadexpress.com