After the revelation that the inital fete list that was circulated via the internet was incorrect, I took the liberty of copying Peter Ray Blood's "offical" fete list which was published in the Guardian on Christmas Day. The following is an encapsulation of the fetes included on that list:
NEW YEAR"S DAY
*Annual Yorke inc Start De Carnival Bak-a-yard Dutch Party - Ann Avenue Diego Martin
Saturday January 6th, 2007
* St. Francois All inclusive - St. John's Ambulance Hall
* Trini Limers all-inclusive - Sevilla Sports Club, Couva
* NACC Top 20 Calypsoes of 2006 Awards- Cascadia Hotel St. Ann's
Sunday January 7th, 2007
* Trinity College's Soka In Moka - Trinity College (Maraval)
Friday January 12th, 2007
* Citibank All-inclusive - Citibank Queen's Park East, Port of Spain
Saturday January 13th, 2007
* Hugh Wooding Law School All-inclusive
* QRC Outta de Blue VII All-Inclusive - QRC Grounds (St. Clair)
*Tribe presents BLISS All-inclusive Moka, Maraval
*Annual Fire Fete
*2007 Chutney Soca Monarch Preliminary - Samar Entertainment Centre, Penal
Sunday January 14th, 2007
* UWI 17th Annual All-Inclusive Carnival Fete - UWI Grounds (St Augustine)
*Island People Amnesia - Pier 1
Friday January 19th, 2007
BpTT Calypso Competition - Queen's Park Oval, Woodbrook
Holy Name Convent Vinatge Fuh So - 2 Queen's Park East, Port of Spain
Saturday January 20th, 2007
* Bishop Anstey All-Inclusive - Bishop Anstey Grounds (POS)
* Wicked In White
*Licencing Fete - Licencing Compound, Port of Spain
*Chuntey Soca Monarch Semi Final - Reinzi Complex,Couva
Sunday January 21st, 2007
*T&T Assocation of Retired Persons (TTARP) C2K& Soiree- Mas Camp Pub
*WITCO ONE Fete - Queen's Park Oval
Friday January 26th, 2007
* Ladies Night Out - Jean Pierre Complex
*FCB Fete
Saturday January 27th, 2007
*RBTT Kaiso Royale
* D'Pholis All-Inclusive
* St Mary's All-Inclusive Fete - St. Mary's College (Pembroke St, POS)
* Republic Bank Sports Club All-inclusive - Pier 1 (Chaguaramas)
* Martin's All Inclusive Fete
* Pearl Gardens Fete - Pearl Gardens
*Red Ants in Blue Range All-inclusive
*Chutney Glow '07
*Sting fete - Sting La Romain
Sunday January 28th, 2007
* Soca Monarch Semi Final
* Nikki Crosby Hosts Nikkiland
* Hilton Extreme - Hilton Trinidad
* Randy Glasgow Hosts The Annual Children fest Arima Velodrome
* Yorke All-Inclusive - YWCA St. Clair
* Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars fete
Wednesday January 31st, 2007
* Diva's '07 - Jean Pierre Complex
Friday February 2nd, 2007
* Barbarossa Cooler Fete - Pier 1
*Randy Glasgow Ladies Night Out - Jean Pierre Complex
Saturday February 3rd, 2007
* Xhateau Promotions Colouragous Party -The Garden Sanctuary Centre of Excellence
* Belmont Boy's Intermediate All-Inclusive
* Socarama - Hasley Crawford Stadium
*Republic Bank Sports Club Fete - Sports Club Barataria
Sunday February 4th, 2007
* National Panorama semi finals
* Annual Blood Bank Fete - Country Club (Maraval)
*Mc Leod All-inclusive - Pier 1
Monday February 5th, 2007
* Young Kings Calypso Monarch Finals - Pier 1
Tuesday February 6th, 2007
*Traditional Mas competition St. James Amphitheatre
Wednesday February 7th, 2007
*Pan Gone Mad II - Under the Trees,Normandie.
Thursday 8th, 2007
*PSA Calypso Competition - PSA Hdq, Abercromby Street.
*King and Queen of Carnival prelimanaries
*House Party - Under the Trees, Normandie
Friday February 9th, 2007
* Army Fete
* Rudder Night Under the Trees - Normandie
Saturday February 10th, 2007
*Red Cross Kiddies - Jean Pierre Complex
*Kaiso Fiesta - Skinner Park
*Brass Festival
*Chutney Brass - Guaracara Park Pointe a Pierre
*Fatima College All-inclusive
*Machel's Alternative Concept - Queens Park Savannah
*The Fete - Mendez Drive Petit Valley
Sunday February 11th, 2007
*St. James Kiddies Carnival
* Jamboree Park All inclusive - Jamboree Park Valsayn
* CAREC All-Inclusive - Federation Park (St. Clair)
* UNC All-Inclusive Fete
* Lions Club of St. Augustine All-Inclusive
* Hearts on Fire All inclusive - Under the Trees Normandie
* St.George's All-Inclusive - St. George's College
*T&TEC All inclusive - Garden Sanctuary Centre of Excellence
*Kari People All inclusive - Stanmore Ave. Queens Park West
*Riddem Rama - St. John's Abmulance Hall
*Rotary Club All inclusive - UTT Campus
*Soka Shocka All Inclusive - St. John Complex Wrightson Road
*Viey La Cou - Queen's Hall
*Annual Friends to the Mas All inclusive - Chaguaramas Golf Course
Monday February 12th, 2007
*National Junior Calypso Monarch Final
*Veterans Calypso Monarch Final - St. James Amphitheatre
*A Reason to Smile again, round de Savannah Port of Spain
* PNM All inclusive Fete - Balisier House
*Nauti Crew Party, Queen's Park Oval
*Ice Picks annual Carnival fete - Harvard Ckub, St. James
*Battle of the Sexes - Jean Pierre Complex
Tuesday February 13th, 2007
* Eyes Wide Shut CARNIVALE - Queens Park Oval
*Anyhowers annual Carnival fete
* Island Style Glow '07 - Mobs 2 - Chaguaramas
* King of Carnival semi final - Jean Pierre Complex
Wednesday February 14th, 2007
*The Ranch All inclusive fete
* Customs Boys Fete - Hasely Crawford Stadium (Port of Spain)
*Island Style Mad Hatters Ball
Thursday February 15th, 2007
* Michael Headley's All Inclusive Fete - Salybia
* Beach House Carnival - Ortinola Estate (Maracas)
* Machcel in Concert - Under the Trees Normandie
* TRIBE Carnival Thursday - Queen's Park Oval
* Beach House All-Inclusive
* UWI Splash - Chaguaramas
Friday February 16th, 2007
* IslandPeople Girl Power - Queen's Hall (Port of Spain)
* Blue Range Cooler Fete - Diego Martin
*International Soca Monarch
*Queen of Carnival semi finals
Saturday February 17th, 2007
*Sunshine Snacks Kiddies Carnival
* Island Style Insomnia Fete - Mobs 2 (Chaguaramas)
* Dawn - Sunrise In The City - Jenny's Car Park
* Trini Posse All-Inclusive Fete
* Diamond Vale Breakfast Party
* The Cotton Tree Foundation Saturnalia All Inclusive Fete
*Bunji Garlin in Concert
*Tri Star Short Pants Party San Fernando
Sunday February 18th, 2007 (Carnival Sunday)
* South Junior Parade of the Bands
* MANIA - Country Club All-Inclusive
* Hilton Poolside - Hilton Hotel (Lady Young Rd, Port of Spain)
* Moka All-Inclusive Fete - Maraval
* Brian Lara All-Inclusive Fete - Chancellor Hill
* Sanctuary All-Inclusive - Valsayn
*Dimanche Gras
Monday February 19th, 2007
* Parade of the Bands
Tuesday February 20th, 2007
* Parade of the Bands
Wednesday February 21st, 2007
* Beach Lime - Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas, Blanchisseuse Bay
* Wild Meat Cool Down - Balandra Bay
Thursday February 22nd, 2007
* Premiere of Talk Tent - Queen's Hall, Port of Spain
Friday February 23rd, 2007
* Talk Tent 2007 - Queen's Hall, Port of Spain
Saturday February 24th, 2007
* Talk Tent 2007 - Queen's Hall, Port of Spain
Please note that an events calender is also available at VisitTnt.com.
Friday, December 29, 2006
All-inclusive Fete …Saturday vs. Sunday
I am pretty sure I will be going to Bliss on January 13th, once I am alive and healthy that is. The alternative would be Amnesia the following day, but seeing as I am not going to pay close to $1000.00 to attend each all-inclusive over the weekend it is an either/ or situation. The decision was made long ago to give Bliss a try if only to experience something new as I found Amnesia was left wanting in the dining options this year, plus Bliss is cheaper than Amnesia. It may not seem like such a big difference looking at $399.00 to $450.00 however that $51.00 I will save going to Bliss can go towards stockings for my costume.
From reviews this year Bliss seemed to be great, with a wide variety of food, good performances as well as a nice vibe. I am nonplussed by the change of venue, thinking the organizers needed more space since the one criticism was lack of seating for dining. The only issue I have with Bliss is going to an all-inclusive on a Saturday night as opposed to Sunday night.
At first I was all for Saturday night, the positive being that there is no work on Sunday so I can sleep in late; Sunday fetes leave me either lacking for sleep getting at maximum only five hours before heading to work, or I end up taking Monday as a sick day. The other benefit of a Saturday night, from my experience, is that people tend NOT to go all out in their attire compared to a Sunday fete, especially an all-inclusive. Reason being Sunday fetes start earlier, usually from 5:00PM to midnight, and most people tend to arrive early to maximize feteing and drinking time seeing that the fete shuts down promptly as the clock strikes 12.
That means everyone sees you when you arrive (if it is still sun up) scrutinizing every piece of what you are wearing. There is no chance of you getting away with wearing anything looking less than “pristine”; those faded black pants you failed to examine before putting on, not noticing the little white balls of lint littering the fabric, just would not cut it! A fete held at night however, allows you to get away with a few fashion “sins” such as wearing dirty jeans, two different shades of black or a recycled outfit.
But then I started counting hours, trying to surmise how much actual feteing time I would have on a Saturday night as opposed to a Sunday evening and I have to say, Sunday seems like the better deal! I am one of those people who shows up “early” to an all-inclusive held on a Sunday. If the fete starts at 5pm I will be there by 6pm for the latest, therefore getting six hours, at least, to enjoy the party since I stay until it ends. Thing is, I never get to a fete on a Saturday night early!
How lame would it be to show up at Bliss at 9 pm! The earliest I can possibly see myself getting to Moka would be 10 o’clock, and the latest I would leave is at 3 am, therefore only getting FIVE hours of partying! I am not leaving Moka later than 3 am; possibilities exist that I would have to drop a friend home as well and leaving later means a longer time for me to get home after the party. And I have to think of my safety getting out opening the gate at my house in the wee hours of the morning.
In addition, the later it is at night the less inclined I am to eat at a party. Reality is I am not going to starve myself all day just to be able to eat something at Bliss, most likely I will have lunch, a small dinner and just have some snacks when I get there if I feel hungry. Most likely I would be enjoying the drinks and music more than the food at that hour. Thing is, with the Sunday all-inclusive fete you tend to eat more, usually the last meal you had was lunch and if you get there by 6 pm, which is dinner time for me, you would be looking for something to eat!
I guess it is good that the Saturday night all-inclusive encourages you to eat less, but the whole reason I was looking forward to Bliss is because I was disappointed with Amnesia’s food selection! I want to try the fruit tent and soup station I heard so much about at Bliss but I am thinking at 10pm or 11pm at night soup might be the last thing I want to be having!
So in the end I am going to end up at Bliss, looking at is as an experiment seeing if I can prove all these pre conceived ideas about a Saturday all-inclusive wrong. Reality is I am just set in the tradition of going to an all-inclusive fete on a Sunday evening, so Saturday night seems kind of weird to me. I have gone to one all-inclusive on a Saturday night, which was Blue Range and I didn’t like it that much. Reason being parking was a bitch, it rained and the live entertainment was poor. That being said I have made up my mind to have a good time no matter what come Saturday the 13th, after all Machel Montano would be performing live and that is all I need to make my fete whether it falls on a Saturday or Sunday!
From reviews this year Bliss seemed to be great, with a wide variety of food, good performances as well as a nice vibe. I am nonplussed by the change of venue, thinking the organizers needed more space since the one criticism was lack of seating for dining. The only issue I have with Bliss is going to an all-inclusive on a Saturday night as opposed to Sunday night.
At first I was all for Saturday night, the positive being that there is no work on Sunday so I can sleep in late; Sunday fetes leave me either lacking for sleep getting at maximum only five hours before heading to work, or I end up taking Monday as a sick day. The other benefit of a Saturday night, from my experience, is that people tend NOT to go all out in their attire compared to a Sunday fete, especially an all-inclusive. Reason being Sunday fetes start earlier, usually from 5:00PM to midnight, and most people tend to arrive early to maximize feteing and drinking time seeing that the fete shuts down promptly as the clock strikes 12.
That means everyone sees you when you arrive (if it is still sun up) scrutinizing every piece of what you are wearing. There is no chance of you getting away with wearing anything looking less than “pristine”; those faded black pants you failed to examine before putting on, not noticing the little white balls of lint littering the fabric, just would not cut it! A fete held at night however, allows you to get away with a few fashion “sins” such as wearing dirty jeans, two different shades of black or a recycled outfit.
But then I started counting hours, trying to surmise how much actual feteing time I would have on a Saturday night as opposed to a Sunday evening and I have to say, Sunday seems like the better deal! I am one of those people who shows up “early” to an all-inclusive held on a Sunday. If the fete starts at 5pm I will be there by 6pm for the latest, therefore getting six hours, at least, to enjoy the party since I stay until it ends. Thing is, I never get to a fete on a Saturday night early!
How lame would it be to show up at Bliss at 9 pm! The earliest I can possibly see myself getting to Moka would be 10 o’clock, and the latest I would leave is at 3 am, therefore only getting FIVE hours of partying! I am not leaving Moka later than 3 am; possibilities exist that I would have to drop a friend home as well and leaving later means a longer time for me to get home after the party. And I have to think of my safety getting out opening the gate at my house in the wee hours of the morning.
In addition, the later it is at night the less inclined I am to eat at a party. Reality is I am not going to starve myself all day just to be able to eat something at Bliss, most likely I will have lunch, a small dinner and just have some snacks when I get there if I feel hungry. Most likely I would be enjoying the drinks and music more than the food at that hour. Thing is, with the Sunday all-inclusive fete you tend to eat more, usually the last meal you had was lunch and if you get there by 6 pm, which is dinner time for me, you would be looking for something to eat!
I guess it is good that the Saturday night all-inclusive encourages you to eat less, but the whole reason I was looking forward to Bliss is because I was disappointed with Amnesia’s food selection! I want to try the fruit tent and soup station I heard so much about at Bliss but I am thinking at 10pm or 11pm at night soup might be the last thing I want to be having!
So in the end I am going to end up at Bliss, looking at is as an experiment seeing if I can prove all these pre conceived ideas about a Saturday all-inclusive wrong. Reality is I am just set in the tradition of going to an all-inclusive fete on a Sunday evening, so Saturday night seems kind of weird to me. I have gone to one all-inclusive on a Saturday night, which was Blue Range and I didn’t like it that much. Reason being parking was a bitch, it rained and the live entertainment was poor. That being said I have made up my mind to have a good time no matter what come Saturday the 13th, after all Machel Montano would be performing live and that is all I need to make my fete whether it falls on a Saturday or Sunday!
Strike a Pose!
Okay, now I have to commend Ian Wiltshire of Island Style for coming up with some novel party ideas over the years. He has marketed his fete “Glow” globally from Miami to Germany and I can still remember the first time I was given and invitation to Amnesia outside of Anchorage the year it all began. Amnesia the inaugural year was amazing, and for those who do not know it’s a fete held in collaboration with Island Style and Island People. Ian Wiltshire is also responsible for the Mad Hatter’s Ball and subsequent boat cruises that have been preceding the event recently and he is also the producer of some great songs such as “Trini to the Bone”. However I think we have reached the pinnacle of superficial partying when I see a new fete called “Pose” advertised for February 13th, same night as Glow by the way. The tag line on the flyer states “When Soca & Fashion Collide”.
In my mind I am thinking “great, another party where people literally stand up and pose all night looking pretty!” For those of you who only come to Trinidad for Carnival you may not be aware that there is an epidemic of “poser parties”. Those are the parties or fetes where everyone looks like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue or G.Q. with the women outfitted in the latest trends while the guys are uber meterosexual in their man blouses. During these parties there is little inclination for the posers to actually party and break a sweat dancing; they are only there to be seen, socialize with all the “right” people and have their photo taken for one of the numerous party websites which highlight this trend.
So to see a party actually called “Pose” to me means that someone not only caught on to this trend, but they intend to milk it for Carnival! Trinidad and Tobago has arrived! The Encarta dictionary definition of the word “Pose” is as follows:
1.adopt a posture
transitive and intransitive verb to adopt a particular physical posture for a photograph or painting, or position somebody or something for this purpose
2.impersonate
intransitive verb to pretend to be somebody or something else
3.be pretentious
intransitive verb to behave, dress, or assume a mental attitude intended to impress others
It would be interesting to see if anymore details are released about the concept behind this fete. Maybe I am being too quick to judge the word “Pose”; maybe the idea is to have a fashion show during the fete, sort of like MTV’s Fashionably Loud. Or, maybe they are going to hire photographers to go throughout the party snapping shots at patrons as they, well, pose. From past Island Style productions I know this one will be a hit for sure since Ian Wiltshire is pretty good at what he does.
And since I am not a “poser” by any definition of the word seeing as I don't go to fetes to have my photo taken, am to busy dancing and having a good time to try and impress anyone and could care less about pretending to be anyone else but Saucy, this fete is not for me. Whatever the conception is behind this fete, I think I will be passing on this one for sure!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Amnesia and Bliss info....
Island Peopele's All-inclusive fete "Amnesia" will he held on Sunday January 14th 2007. Tickets go on sale from next week at the IF house on Tragarete road and are priced at $450.00TT.
Contact number for the IF house is 628- WISH/9474.
TRIBE's "Bliss" all inclusive will be held on Saturday January 13th 2007 and tickets also go on sale next week at TRIBE's mas camp. Masquerader price is $399.00 while non masqueraders/ general public tickets are priced at $450.00.
Contact number for TRIBE is 625-6800.
From the prices seems like it is the same as what I paid this year (for Amnesia) and TRIBE's member's price went up by $49.00!
Contact number for the IF house is 628- WISH/9474.
TRIBE's "Bliss" all inclusive will be held on Saturday January 13th 2007 and tickets also go on sale next week at TRIBE's mas camp. Masquerader price is $399.00 while non masqueraders/ general public tickets are priced at $450.00.
Contact number for TRIBE is 625-6800.
From the prices seems like it is the same as what I paid this year (for Amnesia) and TRIBE's member's price went up by $49.00!
Chocolate City
Well this looks like a yummy j'ouvert band!
MUSIC:
* 91.9fm Dj's: John Boy, Eezel 'd' Vibe Machine, Shaolin, 40 foot music truck
PRICE: $250
INCLUDES:
* Premium Drinks All Inclusive
* Breakfast
* Liquid Chocolate
* Giveaways
CONTACTS:
* Kwacceyce - 766.6614
* Smalls - 633.3782
* John Boy - 759.0329
* Zarin - 685.0738
* Richard - 684.4528
* Marie 497.9710
* Osie - 495.8049
* Houston - 678.3995
REGISTRATION:
* Corner of Robert and Murray St., Woodbrook
For more information on this j'ouvert band check out D Krewe's website.
MUSIC:
* 91.9fm Dj's: John Boy, Eezel 'd' Vibe Machine, Shaolin, 40 foot music truck
PRICE: $250
INCLUDES:
* Premium Drinks All Inclusive
* Breakfast
* Liquid Chocolate
* Giveaways
CONTACTS:
* Kwacceyce - 766.6614
* Smalls - 633.3782
* John Boy - 759.0329
* Zarin - 685.0738
* Richard - 684.4528
* Marie 497.9710
* Osie - 495.8049
* Houston - 678.3995
REGISTRATION:
* Corner of Robert and Murray St., Woodbrook
For more information on this j'ouvert band check out D Krewe's website.
Mas Jumbies New Website
Diable has gotten a new look with an updated website catering for online registration. I am liking the updated website, there are more options displayed for the costume choices as well as more detail on what the costume entails.
Check out the new website if you are looking for a j'ouvert band for 2007!
Check out the new website if you are looking for a j'ouvert band for 2007!
NCBA Website Updated
One of my earlier articles was about the smaller, lesser known bands that flew under the radar, most without individual websites depending on the NCBA (National Carnival Bands Association) to advertise their presentations.
Well I am happy to see that the NCBA website has been updated with 2007 presentations; so far only a few bands are listed, and among those are stalwarts like Trini Revellers and Rosalind Gabriel, but there are also a five Children's Bands listed, complete with photos/drawings, contact information and prices.
Those bands are Bois Canot "A Tribute to St. James", Auntie Suzie and Friends "Dancers Around the World", Traditions Mas Camp "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow", Head Start "The Splendor of Nature's Season" and Children of Peace "If We Were Dinosaurs".
For more information on these bands, visit the NCBA website; it is listed under the section Trinidad Carnival, Member Sites.
Well I am happy to see that the NCBA website has been updated with 2007 presentations; so far only a few bands are listed, and among those are stalwarts like Trini Revellers and Rosalind Gabriel, but there are also a five Children's Bands listed, complete with photos/drawings, contact information and prices.
Those bands are Bois Canot "A Tribute to St. James", Auntie Suzie and Friends "Dancers Around the World", Traditions Mas Camp "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow", Head Start "The Splendor of Nature's Season" and Children of Peace "If We Were Dinosaurs".
For more information on these bands, visit the NCBA website; it is listed under the section Trinidad Carnival, Member Sites.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
New Look Pulse 8
It has been awhile since I have ventured over to Pulse 8's website, I must admit waiting for the page to load with all the flash html and fancy bar scene took away the appeal of frequent vists. Therefore I was quite surprised to see that the website has been amended to cater for those of us with dial up; all the sections are now visable on the right of the page, without having to wait for the page to load. In addition, there are new navigational shortcuts to the top of the website where you can access the gallery or information on what their package entails.
It is also interesting to note that two frontline costumes have sold out; both Sex on the Beach and Anti Freeze FRONTLINE costumes are sold out. Good going Pulse 8!
Sex on the Beach Frontline
Anti Freeze Frontline
It is also interesting to note that two frontline costumes have sold out; both Sex on the Beach and Anti Freeze FRONTLINE costumes are sold out. Good going Pulse 8!
Sex on the Beach Frontline
Anti Freeze Frontline
Post Christmas Damage
Well, it is back to work for us here in Trinidad today, I hope everyone had a very safe and enjoyable Christmas long weekend. Now that the holiday has come and gone I have to assess the “damage” done to my diet over the past few days. Honestly, I did not have any ham, black cake, ponche a crème or rum over the weekend BUT I did have pastelles, scalloped potatoes and a divine chicken that my mom made which was rolled and wrapped with ham. Oh, I also had chocolate cake! As I enjoyed many, many delicious carbohydrate dishes over the weekend my subconscious made a “promise” to myself to cut out carbohydrates completely from January 1st, but I also came to another realization; I would never have the ideal Carnival body even if I starve myself between now and February 19th.
See, I think as humans, worse yet females, when it comes to our bodies we are own worse critics and judges. My husband tells me all the time that I, as a woman, have no idea what men find attractive in female bodies. He for one does not mind stretch marks, though I can’t think of one woman who likes to see those lines on her body. Similarly, many guys I know are baffled that I even want to loose weight for Carnival; to them “thick” is sexy. I believe “Karabana” said it once when I was talking about loosing weight in an earlier post; we can never expect to look like those girls modeling the costumes for TRIBE and Island People (among other bands).
But that is the ideal the bands themselves set for us to achieve, not that they are deliberately telling us we have to look a certain way, but with the girls they hand pick to display their costumes you cannot help but look at the photographs and hear that voice saying “that is how I should look in my costume!”. Fact is though, how many eighteen year olds can afford a $3000.00 costume? The majority of women playing mas are several years older than a teenager, with bodies that have seen children or have passed the age where loosing weight came easily or are simply blessed with curves. This is not Brazil or Venezuela where a surgeon’s knife can fix all our body ails, making those women “perfect” as they show off their sexy costumes; the women who play mas on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago are “real”!
So for all of the women who are now facing the realization that Carnival is less than 60 days away, counting how many calories were consumed on Christmas day, translating into extra pounds that have to be shed before Carnival, get real. There is no way you are going to look like the model in the costume photograph that you have stuck to your refrigerator. Now that we have gotten that clear, don’t give up on your goals, continue to eat healthy, get some exercise and set a goal to look the best that YOU can look come Carnival. No miracles are going to happen between now and Carnival, but with sensible eating habits, exercise and a realistic expectation I think we can all don our costume come Carnival Tuesday and be proud in our efforts.
And though we might think a huge spotlight will be on our love handles or little round belly or even our “fat thighs, just remember that among the thousands of masqueraders on the streets you are just one, and if anyone has time to be looking for flaws on others during Carnival, they have got to be a sour puss not having a good time! In the end, that is all that matters, really, playing your mas and enjoying yourself to the fullest. So take a drink, wine your waist and look around at every other woman, just like you and know that no body is or ever will be “perfect”.
See, I think as humans, worse yet females, when it comes to our bodies we are own worse critics and judges. My husband tells me all the time that I, as a woman, have no idea what men find attractive in female bodies. He for one does not mind stretch marks, though I can’t think of one woman who likes to see those lines on her body. Similarly, many guys I know are baffled that I even want to loose weight for Carnival; to them “thick” is sexy. I believe “Karabana” said it once when I was talking about loosing weight in an earlier post; we can never expect to look like those girls modeling the costumes for TRIBE and Island People (among other bands).
But that is the ideal the bands themselves set for us to achieve, not that they are deliberately telling us we have to look a certain way, but with the girls they hand pick to display their costumes you cannot help but look at the photographs and hear that voice saying “that is how I should look in my costume!”. Fact is though, how many eighteen year olds can afford a $3000.00 costume? The majority of women playing mas are several years older than a teenager, with bodies that have seen children or have passed the age where loosing weight came easily or are simply blessed with curves. This is not Brazil or Venezuela where a surgeon’s knife can fix all our body ails, making those women “perfect” as they show off their sexy costumes; the women who play mas on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago are “real”!
So for all of the women who are now facing the realization that Carnival is less than 60 days away, counting how many calories were consumed on Christmas day, translating into extra pounds that have to be shed before Carnival, get real. There is no way you are going to look like the model in the costume photograph that you have stuck to your refrigerator. Now that we have gotten that clear, don’t give up on your goals, continue to eat healthy, get some exercise and set a goal to look the best that YOU can look come Carnival. No miracles are going to happen between now and Carnival, but with sensible eating habits, exercise and a realistic expectation I think we can all don our costume come Carnival Tuesday and be proud in our efforts.
And though we might think a huge spotlight will be on our love handles or little round belly or even our “fat thighs, just remember that among the thousands of masqueraders on the streets you are just one, and if anyone has time to be looking for flaws on others during Carnival, they have got to be a sour puss not having a good time! In the end, that is all that matters, really, playing your mas and enjoying yourself to the fullest. So take a drink, wine your waist and look around at every other woman, just like you and know that no body is or ever will be “perfect”.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Wedding Review
I finally got a few photos from my friend who was a bridesmaid at Bunji and Faye Ann's wedding along with a report on the events.
My friend Christine, one of the bridesmaids.
The couple's first dance.
From her I learned that one particular female soca artiste known for her rather interesting dress code showed up at the wedding in what she termed an "inappropriate outfit"; I guess some people don't know how to relinquish the spotlight to others for a moment.
Other than the ceremony and reception reportedly went smooth with lots of drinks and a menu which consisted of everything yo u could think of; from doubles and corn soup to Chinese, roti, wild meat and Italian cuisine.
For lots of photos from the event please check out this album at Pointalive.com, and they also have a nice review of the wedding as well as a video!
My friend Christine, one of the bridesmaids.
The couple's first dance.
From her I learned that one particular female soca artiste known for her rather interesting dress code showed up at the wedding in what she termed an "inappropriate outfit"; I guess some people don't know how to relinquish the spotlight to others for a moment.
Other than the ceremony and reception reportedly went smooth with lots of drinks and a menu which consisted of everything yo u could think of; from doubles and corn soup to Chinese, roti, wild meat and Italian cuisine.
For lots of photos from the event please check out this album at Pointalive.com, and they also have a nice review of the wedding as well as a video!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Closer Look at India...
Adjustments are being made to Brian Mc Farlane's website it seems, and I was quite pleased to be able to view an enlarged photo of the costumes. Hover your mouse over the drawings and an option will appear to "click to enlarge" highlighted in red.
All of the following drawings are courtesy Brian Mc Farlane's website, and these are the sections I really, really like. For the rest of the costumes please visit the website if you have not already done so. Click on the following photos for a larger view.
Hopefully these sections will be named and priced on the website in the near future, it would be nice to know the names of the costumes. Anyways, I am in love with this white costume! I love the skirt, headpiece and the top. It just goes to show how covered can look utterly sexy.
Although this green costume looks a bit cumbersome with the leg pieces, I LOVE the headpiece as well as the ornate collar worn around the neck/shoulders. I also like that the bottom piece is just a sliver of fabric, showing off the legs and belly; another costume for the ones that like showing some skin.
Another white costume, somewhat similar to the first one that I like with the sleeves and flowing paneled skirt, but I love the headpiece and hand held standard.
I love this totally divaesque costume! It looks like the wearer will be clothed in a jeweled body suit with "fire" shooting from head, shoulders and hip. This might be a challenge to navigate around Port of Spain but it will look spectacular I am sure! Beautiful costume!
Finally I really like the colours of these two costumes, but prefer the male. I love that the male costume includes a sitar and of course, I love the female headpiece though the rest of the costume is a bit too much clothing for my taste. In my opinion this is one of the nicest male costumes in the band.
Well, there you have it, my two cents added about Boyie's journey. I do like the other sections as well, in fact there is not one section that I do not like. It's just that these costumes appeal to me much more over the others.
Here is wishing Carnival was three days instead of two so that I can play with Mc Farlane on the third day. I am so loving these costumes!
All of the following drawings are courtesy Brian Mc Farlane's website, and these are the sections I really, really like. For the rest of the costumes please visit the website if you have not already done so. Click on the following photos for a larger view.
Hopefully these sections will be named and priced on the website in the near future, it would be nice to know the names of the costumes. Anyways, I am in love with this white costume! I love the skirt, headpiece and the top. It just goes to show how covered can look utterly sexy.
Although this green costume looks a bit cumbersome with the leg pieces, I LOVE the headpiece as well as the ornate collar worn around the neck/shoulders. I also like that the bottom piece is just a sliver of fabric, showing off the legs and belly; another costume for the ones that like showing some skin.
Another white costume, somewhat similar to the first one that I like with the sleeves and flowing paneled skirt, but I love the headpiece and hand held standard.
I love this totally divaesque costume! It looks like the wearer will be clothed in a jeweled body suit with "fire" shooting from head, shoulders and hip. This might be a challenge to navigate around Port of Spain but it will look spectacular I am sure! Beautiful costume!
Finally I really like the colours of these two costumes, but prefer the male. I love that the male costume includes a sitar and of course, I love the female headpiece though the rest of the costume is a bit too much clothing for my taste. In my opinion this is one of the nicest male costumes in the band.
Well, there you have it, my two cents added about Boyie's journey. I do like the other sections as well, in fact there is not one section that I do not like. It's just that these costumes appeal to me much more over the others.
Here is wishing Carnival was three days instead of two so that I can play with Mc Farlane on the third day. I am so loving these costumes!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
As we welcome Christmas day in the Western Hemisphere I would like to wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas!
I hope the meaning for the season is not lost as we open all our presents; remember it' s a time to celebrate with our family and friends and the gifts do not matter as much as the thought behind them.
And for all those watching their waistlines in preparation for Carnival, take a day off and eat some carbs! I am definitely having a pastelle today, lovingly made by my mom, and enjoying some sorrel and a turkey ham sandwich!
Enjoy your day where ever you may be!
Love,
Saucy !
I hope the meaning for the season is not lost as we open all our presents; remember it' s a time to celebrate with our family and friends and the gifts do not matter as much as the thought behind them.
And for all those watching their waistlines in preparation for Carnival, take a day off and eat some carbs! I am definitely having a pastelle today, lovingly made by my mom, and enjoying some sorrel and a turkey ham sandwich!
Enjoy your day where ever you may be!
Love,
Saucy !
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Early Christmas gift for Chatam residents!
Stop the presses and protests; Prime Minister Patrick Manning in an address to the nation has stated that plans for the two proposed aluminium smelters will be discontinued.
Instead an industrial estate will be established offshore at Otahite where aluminium as well as other industrial activities will take place.
The decision was made coming out of the symposium about the proposed smelter plants, though he did reiterate that the aluminum smelter plants were safe once overseen by guidelines of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
So this post has absolutely nothing to do with Carnival but the issue has been weighing quite heavy on possibly every Trinidadians mind and now we can breathe a sigh of relief as we welcome the new year. Oh, and this address to the nation sounds as if elections might be called sooner than we think! Our Prime Minister has addressed every issue from the smelter plants to health care to traffic congestion to tertiary education to housing for all.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Instead an industrial estate will be established offshore at Otahite where aluminium as well as other industrial activities will take place.
The decision was made coming out of the symposium about the proposed smelter plants, though he did reiterate that the aluminum smelter plants were safe once overseen by guidelines of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
So this post has absolutely nothing to do with Carnival but the issue has been weighing quite heavy on possibly every Trinidadians mind and now we can breathe a sigh of relief as we welcome the new year. Oh, and this address to the nation sounds as if elections might be called sooner than we think! Our Prime Minister has addressed every issue from the smelter plants to health care to traffic congestion to tertiary education to housing for all.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Wedding pics!
It’s Christmas Eve!!!
Well the spirit of Christmas has finally taken a hold of me, though yesterday I swore of having kids after a trip to the mall with my girlfriend, her 6 month old baby and two nephews; one is two and the other twelve. What a nightmare having to drag a kicking and screaming two year old out of every toy store while we hunt for his Christmas present, a Kawasaki Bike!Today I am taking my mom to the port to get the ferry to Tobago, she is spending Christmas in the sister isle and ever so often sends me into pangs of jealousy that come tomorrow she will be lying on Pigeon Point soaking up sand and that gorgeous blue water!In addition I will miss my mom on Christmas Day; though she did make me pastelles and black cake (did I not say I was on a DIET????) and ham!!
So far I have given everyone their gifts for Christmas; I like people having their present to open on Christmas Day instead of me delivering it when I show up. Yet, strangely enough I have only collected one gift from my mom, and that’s because she is leaving for Tobago today. And despite all my efforts to keep my gift giving list short, I managed to buy gifts for all the kids I know, friends and immediate family!! See, I told you I got the Spirit!
For everyone caught up in the last minute rush of preparations, cleaning, cooking, baking and shopping stop awhile, take it easy and enjoy the season! Have a great day everyone, no matter what you are doing today and for all those who will be out and about on the roads; BE SAFE!!!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Bunji and Faye Ann to wed today
I just want to offer my congratulations to the happy couple on their nuptials today. I hope the weather holds up well and everything goes perfectly, though somethings always happens on the wedding day that throws you for an unexpected turn. I know my friend, who is one of the 13 bridesmaid's, will looking beautiful in her blue dress and hopefully she will furnish me with a report on the day's events as they unfold.
In the meantime, the Newsday spoke with the couple recently and published the interview in their features section.
In the meantime, the Newsday spoke with the couple recently and published the interview in their features section.
Bunji and Fay-Ann tie the knotFor the rest of the article please click here.
By Joan Rampersad Friday, December 22 2006
"Young soca couple Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and Fay-Ann Lyons will tie the knot this weekend after two years of happy partnership. Newsday spoke to the couple about the upcoming nuptials.
“I feel pretty comfortable about it,” 26-year-old Fay-Ann told Newsday. “A lot of people have been asking me how I feel but it is not a cliff that I am jumping off so there is no reason to be nervous or to get nervous about it. There is really nothing to be scared of.”
The more laid back Bunji, 27, said, “I feel cool, just good, excited inside and no nervousness. I am looking forward to enjoying the day and getting over it eventually. Because that day is going to be hectic so it can’t last forever."
Friday, December 22, 2006
Boyie has arrived
SO, I came home from lunch with my friend “Hot Boy” who is visiting from London for Christmas and another sojourn to the mall (where I ran into “no longer anon”) only to be greeted by the fact that Mc Farlane’s website is up!
If at first you can’t see anything new, click “tools” to the top of your browser window, then “options”, then “clear cache” and refresh the page; you should be able to see the new website then.
Now the website has not fully launched but from the drawings available for viewing the costumes look absolutely stunning! If I were playing in this band it would be a hard decision choosing a section for sure.
What I like about the costumes is that you can immediately identify the theme, some of the costumes looking more like elaborately decorated clothing, and that they are unique since I can not readily recall seeing any costume looking like these in years gone by.
Hopefully this presentation will finally lay to rest the Minshall/ Mc Farlane comparison and I cannot wait to see the website when it is fully launched.
If at first you can’t see anything new, click “tools” to the top of your browser window, then “options”, then “clear cache” and refresh the page; you should be able to see the new website then.
Now the website has not fully launched but from the drawings available for viewing the costumes look absolutely stunning! If I were playing in this band it would be a hard decision choosing a section for sure.
What I like about the costumes is that you can immediately identify the theme, some of the costumes looking more like elaborately decorated clothing, and that they are unique since I can not readily recall seeing any costume looking like these in years gone by.
Hopefully this presentation will finally lay to rest the Minshall/ Mc Farlane comparison and I cannot wait to see the website when it is fully launched.
Fete List
This is a preliminary fete list in lieu of Peter Ray Blood's "official" Carnival schedule which will be released on Christmas day. According to an Express report promoters are not easily finding a venue to host their fetes hence the reason so many venues are listed as TBA:
December:
26th
SOCA-Reggae Fest
Point Fortin Civic Centre
628-3460/4531
30th
Iwer Property
Annual fete Salazar Trace, Point Fortin
628-3460/4531
January
1st
Launch of Chutney/Calypso Touring Tent
Various venues across the island
624-1024
5th
First Taste of Carnival
Sting Nightclub San Fernando
622-6316
6th
St. Francois Girls College All-inclusive
St. John Ambulance and Brigade Headquarters
624-3468
Break 2007
Pier1 Chaguaramas
755-7020
BG's Energy All-inclusive
Chaguaramas Golf Course
628-0888 ext 2130
Comess Trinilimers
Charity All-inclusive
Sevilla Sports Club Couva
352-1452/687-5959/792-2351
7th
Soca in Moka
Trinity College, Moka
Maraval
629-0973,629-2078
12th
Kaiso House Grand Opening
Venue TBA
623-9660
13th
Preliminary of Chutney Soca Monarch
Samar Entertainment Centre Penal
653-8923/653-2908
Fire Fete
National Stadium Car Park
622-6316
BLISS All inclusive
Moka
625-6800
Outta De Blue VIII
Queen's Royal College
Port of Spain
622-2544
14th
Amnesia Ultra All-inclusive
628-9474
UWI Development and Endowment Fund All-inclusive
UWI St. Augustine Campus
653-8923/653-2908
19th
Vintage Fuh So
All -inclusive Calypso Show
Holy Name Convent Port of Spain
681-7013
Klassic Russo launches at Kavemar Pub
Henry Street Port of Spain
Festival Centre for the Creative Arts
Carnival fete
20th
Licensing Fete
Licensing Compound
Wrightson Road Port of Spain
Chutney Soca Monarch Semi Finals
Rienzi Complex Couva
653-8923/653-2908
Bishops Anstey All-inclusive fete
Bishops Anstey High School
786-6655
Soca Broadway
South Opening
Skinner Park San Fernando
628-3460/4531
UNC Carnival Fete
Rienzi Complex Couva
26th
Unite
UWI, St. Augustine
622-3157
Police and CCC Fete
TBA
628-3460/4531
27th
Republic Bank All-inclusive
FCB All-inclusive
Chuntey Glow Paria Suites Car Park
South Trunk Road, La Romain
653-8923/653-2908
Fete with the Saints
St. Mary's College
Pembroke Street
624-8468/684-0557
WASA Fete
WASA Sports Ground, St. Joseph
622-6316
COCA COLA Youth Fest
Venue TBA
28th
Hilton Annual All-inclusive
Hilton. Lady Young Road, Port of Spain
624-3211
Yorke Incorporated All-inclusive
Windsor Road, Valsayn North
684-0557
Children's Fest
Arima Velodrome
February
2nd
Barbarossa Cooler Fete
622-3157
Flour Mills Fete
Compound Wrightson Road Port of Spain
622-6316
3rd
Tobago Fest
622-3157
RBTT Carnival fete
Pier 1, Chaguaramas
622-6316
15th
Beach House All-inclusive
Venue TBA
December:
26th
SOCA-Reggae Fest
Point Fortin Civic Centre
628-3460/4531
30th
Iwer Property
Annual fete Salazar Trace, Point Fortin
628-3460/4531
January
1st
Launch of Chutney/Calypso Touring Tent
Various venues across the island
624-1024
5th
First Taste of Carnival
Sting Nightclub San Fernando
622-6316
6th
St. Francois Girls College All-inclusive
St. John Ambulance and Brigade Headquarters
624-3468
Break 2007
Pier1 Chaguaramas
755-7020
BG's Energy All-inclusive
Chaguaramas Golf Course
628-0888 ext 2130
Comess Trinilimers
Charity All-inclusive
Sevilla Sports Club Couva
352-1452/687-5959/792-2351
7th
Soca in Moka
Trinity College, Moka
Maraval
629-0973,629-2078
12th
Kaiso House Grand Opening
Venue TBA
623-9660
13th
Preliminary of Chutney Soca Monarch
Samar Entertainment Centre Penal
653-8923/653-2908
Fire Fete
National Stadium Car Park
622-6316
BLISS All inclusive
Moka
625-6800
Outta De Blue VIII
Queen's Royal College
Port of Spain
622-2544
14th
Amnesia Ultra All-inclusive
628-9474
UWI Development and Endowment Fund All-inclusive
UWI St. Augustine Campus
653-8923/653-2908
19th
Vintage Fuh So
All -inclusive Calypso Show
Holy Name Convent Port of Spain
681-7013
Klassic Russo launches at Kavemar Pub
Henry Street Port of Spain
Festival Centre for the Creative Arts
Carnival fete
20th
Licensing Fete
Licensing Compound
Wrightson Road Port of Spain
Chutney Soca Monarch Semi Finals
Rienzi Complex Couva
653-8923/653-2908
Bishops Anstey All-inclusive fete
Bishops Anstey High School
786-6655
Soca Broadway
South Opening
Skinner Park San Fernando
628-3460/4531
UNC Carnival Fete
Rienzi Complex Couva
26th
Unite
UWI, St. Augustine
622-3157
Police and CCC Fete
TBA
628-3460/4531
27th
Republic Bank All-inclusive
FCB All-inclusive
Chuntey Glow Paria Suites Car Park
South Trunk Road, La Romain
653-8923/653-2908
Fete with the Saints
St. Mary's College
Pembroke Street
624-8468/684-0557
WASA Fete
WASA Sports Ground, St. Joseph
622-6316
COCA COLA Youth Fest
Venue TBA
28th
Hilton Annual All-inclusive
Hilton. Lady Young Road, Port of Spain
624-3211
Yorke Incorporated All-inclusive
Windsor Road, Valsayn North
684-0557
Children's Fest
Arima Velodrome
February
2nd
Barbarossa Cooler Fete
622-3157
Flour Mills Fete
Compound Wrightson Road Port of Spain
622-6316
3rd
Tobago Fest
622-3157
RBTT Carnival fete
Pier 1, Chaguaramas
622-6316
15th
Beach House All-inclusive
Venue TBA
Red Ants for J'ouvert
For those interested in playing with Red Ants for j'ouvert 2007, the prices are $280.00 for early Ants and $300.00 for late Ants; so I suggest for those wanting to be one of the "early" Ants, contacting TRIBE for more information on registration.
The email address is info@carnivaltribe.com
Other upcoming events are:
BLISS - Sat 13th Jan - Moka
WITCO ONE Fete - Sun 21st Jan - Oval
Red Ants in Blue Range All Inc - Sat 27th Jan
Pan Semis - Sun 4th Feb - QP Savannah
TRIBE Thursday - Carnival Thur (15th Feb) - Oval
Blue Range Cooler Fete - Carnival Fri (16th Feb)
The venue for BLISS is at Moka, glad to see that information has been revealed and I await prices now.
Apart from BLISS I will be going to pan-semis in it's "new" venue at the Savannah (providing of course there is no boycott) and I have been making preparations for that lime already!
The email address is info@carnivaltribe.com
Other upcoming events are:
BLISS - Sat 13th Jan - Moka
WITCO ONE Fete - Sun 21st Jan - Oval
Red Ants in Blue Range All Inc - Sat 27th Jan
Pan Semis - Sun 4th Feb - QP Savannah
TRIBE Thursday - Carnival Thur (15th Feb) - Oval
Blue Range Cooler Fete - Carnival Fri (16th Feb)
The venue for BLISS is at Moka, glad to see that information has been revealed and I await prices now.
Apart from BLISS I will be going to pan-semis in it's "new" venue at the Savannah (providing of course there is no boycott) and I have been making preparations for that lime already!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Still waiting for Boyie
Well the 20th has come and gone and Mc Farlane’s new website has yet to be launched. I find myself clicking the link to the website ever so often hoping for something new, only to be greeted by the same old “preview” site.
All attempts to contact the mas camp for further information on when we can expect the new site to be up and running has proved futile thus far.
I guess I have to keep clicking away until something new appears!
All attempts to contact the mas camp for further information on when we can expect the new site to be up and running has proved futile thus far.
I guess I have to keep clicking away until something new appears!
