Everything Carnival (Trini Style)

Exams

2007-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Its been a while i've made a post but i'm around, in and out thought not really posting anything cuz i've been busy studying. Well today officially saw the start of my CAPE exams and i'm already gloomy. I had Caribbean Studies and it was alright I hope i pull it off, i think i tried my best and i spent a lot time studying so.... CAPE is really something else everyone hates it including myself but this is what "development" is all about. Anyway my exams end in June the 7th to be exact so i won't be in as much but i'll be reading your blogs, if i'm not posting on my own.

Machel in Madison Square

2007-04-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

So I had a chance to check out Synergy's coverage of the event and it was pretty good although I thought some of the scenes were rushed because I guess they had to condense everything into an hour period. But still they could have had two episodes or something. Thankfully Peter C Lewis did not talk as much as usual during the program and he looked like he had a ball in New York.

The show from what i saw was fantastic just as everyone reported, I saw some people really dressed to impress, they all looked as if they were waiting for this kind of show for a long time. They showed Machel's rehearsals, and clips from the show itself including his performace with Shaggy, Drupatee, David Rudder and also Zan's "Heart of a Man". I didn't see Patrice Roberts perform and i'm not sure which show they covered I believe it was the first one. Mr. Walker's performance with Machel wasn't shown though

There were rave reviews given by patrons who were interviewed some who were from the West Indies and even one woman who said this was her first time hearing soca music and she loved it. Closing off the show Peter did an interview with Machel and Mr. Minshall and when asked what was next Machel said there was a possibility of them taking it over to London. So all U.K people you will get your chance soon I hope.

I'm still waiting to see B.E.T's coverage of the show as they'll have different if not more clips of what went down.

Mock exams are over!!!

2007-03-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well my exams ended yesterday and boy am I glad its over, at least for now until my real exams come in May :( Believe it or not i am still in carnival mode and checking out saucy's blog eveyday is making me even more mas sick. I'm constantly playing my machel CD and "jumbie" the place down lol. I'm trying my best to make it to Point Fortin Borough Day because its the closest i'll get to a second carnival in Trinidad. And to TRIBE hurry up and launch cuz i want to see wings and more wings, feathers and beads haha. I honestly believe i have become an addict, my first year and i'm hooked, need to join a help group.

Short Hiatus

2007-03-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

So i've been pretty busy with exams which is why i haven't been blogging much but i'm not gone, i pop in once in a while and check up. And already i have my thoughts set on next years carnival, especially as TRIBE speculated band launch as early as July. Well i striked a deal with my mom that i'd get a part time job for August to help pay for my costume which i really don't mind it'll keep me occupied. My exams end next week so i should be back with more then ;)

Book of Angels

2007-02-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

Picked up my copy of this magical CD today and i must say Machel is taking the quality of soca to a next level. The presentation of the CD is great and really well done, it has been sold out at a number of record stores so i'm happy i got mines. To all the foreigners who left before it was available be sure to get one when it becomes available internationally. Now i just have to get 1 or 2 mixed CDs, I heard Trinibashment has a good compilation. Remember to support the artistes by buying originals!

Finer issues

2007-02-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

Well i'm finally recovering and remembering some of the small hiccups that took place and i'm not complaining but there was just one thing I think I needed to mention. Most of you all should know that there were some gay people in the band having themselves a good time, I even met one in the vanity area during lunch he was making the ladies laugh with his antics. I honestly have no problem with anyone's sexuality it's none of my business I always say. But I found it a little disturbing when one music truck (not saying who) started to play I think its either General Grant or Talpree "we doh want no chi chi man in ah de carnival" and the MC on the truck asked the masqueraders if it have any chi chi man in the band. Now that was a bit disrespectful and I know most gay people wouldn't even take it on but still we have to learn to accomodate everyone in our Carnival. This is how the problem with Peter Ram's song originated and he had enough problems throughout the carnival with one of his verses. Was I the only one who noticed this?

The results are in

2007-02-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

So the road march and band of the year results have been realeased and to no one's surprise the Jumbie took it!!! Was there any doubt??
On the other hand three time champs Trini Revellers have handed the title over to this year's champ Mc Farlane. I knew it would be a toss up between these two because they had excellent presentations. Congratulations to them.

Monday and Tuesday summary

2007-02-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Well i see some eager bloggers already put up their reviews, but i still tired and as i'm writing this i'm yawning.

Monday
So i met up with the band at Stanmore, met my friends we limed then the band moved off everything was cool chipping down the road, occasionally running when the truck pull off quick. For me as a first time masquerader i was really amazed at all they offered to masqueraders, the services were superb and i have absolutely no complaints. Both days i chipped behind the Merry perry truck because they were so hyped. And Jason, Blaze and Detrimental are my boys, i'm always locked on to 96.7fm. So they had us doing all kinda madness going up and down the road. I wore my green string on Monday but i forgot it onTuesday, however i was busy looking for people with green strings it was kinda funny. I met a Saucy who looked hot in her Monday wear it really was nice, i think she was a bit surprised by how tall i am lol. Anyway lunch and everything was well organized great idea to have towels and small pillows for SOME masqueraders, i say some because the majority ended up on the grass without cuz there were limited amounts. I chipped with the band till the very end back at Stanmore, my toe was a bit sore but no big complaints then headed home to rest for Tuesday.

I did however notice some brave ladies wearing heels and wedge shoes, i really don't know what they were thinking. And about the costume it was really funny that the ones i originally thought weren't so nice ended up being nicer. Imp was REAL HOT!! like wow it looked really great, and i originally wanted to play in jammette but seeing SOME people it just was a no no.

Tuesday
Got to Stanmore at exact 7:30 had breakfast and waited for my friend who was late, was looking for more blog members but didnt see anymore. When the band pulled off seeing that we had to wait behind island people i decided to walk up front to get pics of the other sections, i met jammette while walking though i didnt see her after that lol. That was one long wait behind island people though wayyy anyway when they moved we went on to the first judging point and by that time the rains came. Now Dame Lorraine head piece has feathers and by the time the rains stopped everything was just drooping. Sad it was but i saw worst as some of the warrior spirit males headpiece started to run so the red and white pieces mixed. Being the 12th section we had a long wait before crossing and i noticed some minor problems:

1) where all these island people masqueraders come out from? Apparently Island People buss or something because i saw a lot of them in Tribe. Even Kees who had on a Mirage island people costume was up on the Merry Perry truck singing then he was in the band jumping up.

2) A little incident took place in my section where this girl with a fireman costume was asked to return to her section as we prepared to cross the judging point. She gets all rowdy and says she's not moving. So the security guy who asked her to move had to go get more people to talk to her. She's still being wrong and strong insisting that she paid her money and could be anywhere she wants. Its one thing if you pay your money but the band has rules and apparently she didn't read the booklet where TRIBE stated that ALL masqueraders were to return to their sections when crossing the judging points. I personally find they should have put her out but whatever.

So after we finally cross South Quay my friend so had to go to the bathroom and the wee wee truck apprently turned off somewhere else so we had to go into Marios. Time we come back out the trucks were nowhere in sight so we walking up Frederick Street followin a few other "lost" masqueraders. Finally met up with the trucks back at Stanmore Ave. only to hear we have to foot it to the park for lunch by this time my foot killing me. And all the bloody rest buses are full to add insult to injury. I asked a capable looking security personnel to carry me and he just smiled but i was dead serious lol. I could have done with a pillow and towel but i didn't hold breath to get one cuz time we reach most of the band was there already so we found a nice shady area and had lunch the boots were off and i relaxed.

After lunch i felt a lot better and time we hit St. James i was having a ball wining down the road, met quite a few foreign masqueraders who were REALLY enjoying themselves. Well from the time i saw that we were heading for the Foreshore i know it was going to be total madness and that just gave me energy but at that time it was dark and the stormers came. I saw security doing their job and putting them out but they just kept coming back. But whatever from there straight back to Stanmore was wildness, i loved it and i wine with every creed and race Olatungi was on the truck i was behind gettin on real bad. So i jumbie whole day, whole night and then i wanted to cry cuz as i see the trucks heading up Ariapita one by one they start to cut off music and announce that they turning off. So the last truck was the red bull truck so i follow that on straight up the road until i had to go :(

Honestly i could go another 2 days or more, but i must say my first experience was unforgettable and next year God spare life we doing it again. So there it is my review hope everyone was safe and had fun and i can now justify spending $3000 on my costume cuz everything was two thumbs up.

Big up TRIBE, security, bar staff, the DJ's everybody it was nice.

Panic!

2007-02-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

So i'm beginning to panic because i set out my list to go shopping tomorrow and get EVERYTHING in one trip. I keep rechecking to make sure i haven't forgot anything and then after the third check (can't believe i actually forgot) i realise i didnt organize my Monday wear. So i come online and see saucy's post about it and i'm just stumped. The list of thing to get is already long and i'm trying to stretch my money so monday will end up being just a short pants and a baby tee. If creativity strikes me i'll try to do a design or something and buy some rhinestones to decorate the pants or whatever. How are your preparations going, we have one week again and we don't want to be caught in the madness. By the way i'm in AC5 this weekend gonna get my jumbie on!!

I ready now!!

2007-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Just had to tell you guys I got my tickets for Machel's Alternative Concept!! I not sticking on that one, anyone going. I know by next week the price will change so hurry up. Now just to find an outfit.

Road March Contenders

2007-01-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

So I saw Saucydiva put up her road march poll, and i'm surprised the way the votes were swinging. Last I saw Shurwayne had no votes, so it got me thinking this year is really tough because there are a lot of great songs for the road. A lot of my favourites weren't on the poll, personally I like Rikki Jai "Last band" and the Nadia Batson & Kes "My land" but all the others are great too. Faye Ann's "Make a stage" is also a great one but she should do a road mix and add a little bit more rhythm to it for the road.

The one good thing however that will come out of this is that you won't be hearing the same song over and over on the road every 5 mins. At least they have a variety of favourites that a lot of masqueraders will like. So it's going to be interesting to see who wins the race, and i'm still wondering if there will be any last minute track that will pop up and creep to the top like what Machel did last year with "Band of the Year".

Jouver't Dilemma

2007-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

So i'm considering playing jouver't in town but i'm not sure what band to play with. The price is one thing because i haven't seen anything for less than $200. I really like the band that is offering the chocolate thing, sounds interesting and most of my friends like it. Then i'm also wondering if i'll be too tired on Monday don't wamt to be draggin myself along the street, problems galore lol. Anyone thinking about or playing jouver't??

Outta De Blue VIII

2007-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well I went to my first all inclusive for the season and I must say congratulations to the QRC committee that was one well put together party. And it was a sold out event!!!

The entertainment was flowing no long delays, real food for so, you had appetizers like bake and shark, doubles, pholourie, bar-b-que pig tail, chicken drumsticks, geera pork and lots others and that was only appetizers. For the main course you had a choice betwwen creole food, chinese or indian. well i sampled the creole and some curry both tasted great but I just couldnt make with the chinese i was too full. Then it had ice cream and cocktails and drinks flowing whole night.

It did rain yesterday evening so the field where the food and eating area were was a bit muddy but thanks to good organization they put down these kind of straw mats all the way around the serving area for patrons to walk on (good thinking).

Entertainment- well machel was just xtatic as usual he never fails to deliver and Shurwayne Winchester was good although he and his band didn't perform for long. I must say good jod to the pan sides they really livened up the party and you could tell there was some panorama lovers in the crowd cuz they were getting on BAD while the pan was playing lol.

All in all the party was great and it could really justify my $400 that i paid great job QRC and i hope you all raised the money you needed for repairs.

Got my boots

2007-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

So today i went to collect my boots and i must say it looks great, it matches the color of my costume perfectly. And i've tried it on about 3 times so far (can't help it). My mom got hers too and it also looks great. The girl at Vamp said she finally decided to play and she's in "imp" so all those who also ordered boots can look out for her on the road. Here's some pics of my boots:

I really like how the beads are look on the boots, i can't stop gushing about it. Anyway now i'm focusing on my momday wear but i also think i have to get a sneaker for monday cuz i don't want to wear my boots. And after reading saucy's post i need to make my appointment for makeup and tattoos and those stuff. Stress!!!

What to wear?

2007-01-06T10:03:00.000-08:00

Ok so the next step in my preparations is organizing my Monday wear. I was initially going with the short pants idea. But i want something kinda unusual that won't look like almost everyone in the band. What ideas have you all come up with for your Monday wear? I'm also considering whether to wear my boots on Monday or a sneakers...

The boots are finished

2007-01-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally starting to look like carnival to me. The young woman from Vamp called me today and said that my boots are ready. Yay!!! So that's part of my costume ready, and I have to go pay down the last bit on my costume and i'm ready. So how far in the preparations are you? By now we should at least have our footwear.

Congratulations to the Soca Couple

2006-12-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

I guess by now everyone might know i'm a big Faye Ann Lyons- Alvarez fan. I've always liked her style, her music and everything. So i know yesterday was her big day and i just want to congratulate them hope it lasts and doesn't end up like those celebrities in th U.S. I know Saucydiva posted some pics from the Newsday so here is the one from the Express.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!

2006-12-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yes finally it's my birthday, although i have nothing really planned i'm going to enjoy my day as much as possible. I'm actually feeling quite cheerful today must be because Christmas is tomrrow. Time is really flying so we know carnival will be here in a flash. Have a great day and if i'm not on tomorrow i just want to wish all carnival bloggers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all the best for you and your families.

P.S: For all of you who say Christmas babies don't get 2 gifts you all are wrong lol!

Thank you SaucyDiva

2006-12-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today i went to check out Vamp so that i could order my boots, and luckily they were still taking orders. So thank you saucy for the boots idea because i really didn't know about anywhere doing the boots so i might have ended up buying a sneakers but now i can get my cute boots.

IT START!!!!!

2006-12-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well the first major fete of Carnival 2007 has been announced. Only a day after Christmas on Boxing Night at Skinner Park San fernando there will be the annual Parkway Jam featuring Machel with Xtatic, Bunji and Asylum, KMC and Red, White and Black, Denise Belfon and a big line up. So who didnt know the carnival thing start you know now.

My only thing with this is that its so soon after christmas, i mean i love my christmas but we always rush right into carnival as soon as 12:00 midnight christmas night. But thats how things ruin so we just have to accept it.

I won't be going though, anyone may be planning to go?

I am ashamed

2006-12-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would have to be saying this but, today I am really ashamed of being a Trinidadian. Over the weekend Trinidad got a tremendously great opportunity to host the final leg of Tempo Turns 1 birthday bash and instead of closing the show off in style we give ourselves a bad name and look like some real a**es (excuse me). Not only was there poor organization, including a lack of security at the venue but the show itself got off to a late start. The night seemed to only head downward as the concert was marred by a number off fights which saw people being stabbed, kicked, cuffed, and one man's head was bashed with a stone

I myself did not personally attend the show (thank God) but a close friend of mine did and she told me what happened. From the time she arrived at 11 o'clock the show had not started, even with more than 25 artistes billed to perform. The owner I believe, of Tempo gave his introduction before the show began and this apparently was where the violence began. Some patrons appeared agitated and decided the he was talking too long so they hurled bottles onto the stage. That was only the start, when the show finally began, there were some girls "dutty wining" when a guy came on stage to dance also, and apparently some fellas in the crowd didn't like that so they jumped onto the stage and started to beat the man telling him don't dutty wine. When security finally got them off stage, the show continued. The artiste's performances were rushed so that most could be fitted in before the end which was at 4 o'clock. In between most of the performances the crowd had to continuously part whenever a fight broke out. The security was almot non-existent to add injury.

Now please tell me why we have to show our true colors, can people not just go to a party and enjoy your themselves? Are you paying between $60 - 100 just to go and fight when you could just do it outside for free? It was really disturbing to know that this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase out talents to the world via MTV and this is what Trinidad has to be remembered by. As they always say a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. And that is why i prefer spend my $300- $400 to attend an all inclusive where i am assured security and I know for a fact there will be no "hooligans" to upset me.

Which star do you envy?

2006-11-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

So we're all trying to get in shape for the season and most of us have someone that we're using as motivation and saying "yes i want my body to look like hers". I for one know that i want my stomach flat like Faye Ann's, she just has a very nice shape that you just can't help but envy.

So who's body are you ogling and trying to imitate?

How much days are you taking?

2006-11-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

So we know that in the process of enjoying carnival we trinis tend to take some days off from work or school. As kitchy song does go "doh ask me to wuk for carnival".

Now i have school up to carnival Friday, and then we supposedly resume on Ash Wednesday. Now i know i have exams next year and i am dead serious when it comes to my school work so i won't mix matters, BUT(and this is a very big but) I will not be in school this Ash Wednesday sorry to say. You know as a child your parents used to always send you to school on Ash Wednesday cuz thats how parents are they don't care if you're the only one there or if you sick "you not staying home", well thats my mom right there. But i already thinking up my excuses to give her Wednesday morning!!!

As this is my first carnival on the road playing mas i want the full experience of going from Sunday straight into Wednesday. And come tuesday night i won't want to come off the road...

So the big question is how much days you taking off and what excuse you going to give the boss. Now with the excuse yuh have to come reallll good cuz i mean yuh boss is ah trini so he will know the real scene if yuh cyah lie good.

Suggestions anyone

2006-11-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

I have natural hair, quite a thick bunch too and i want to experiment with some hairstyles for the carnival season. I always wanted to go curly but i don't know what to try without using any chemicals. Any ideas???

Confessions

2006-11-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

I really have to confess that i have not been keeping up with my exercise routine and my eating has gone way off :( I stopped the gym for just this month because i have exams but i was supposed to use my treadmill at home and do abs which i did for the first week of the month but slacked off. I feel so guilty, and don't talk for my eating habit. Though i am trying to frequently eat fruits, i am still intaking the greasy foods. Now i'm not big or fat actually if you see me you might wonder "what the hell you working out for your body is ready for the road" but to me my stomach have a little punch plus i'm building stamina.

Ahh boy i'm worried about next month, because i am a true Christmas baby,( my birthday is Christmas eve yippee!!!). And i know i have a lot of dinners to attend and i can't resist a ham or my aunt's pastelle (oh gorm my mouth watering already). But i am making a solid resolution to get serious, i think what i need is company but my best friend is no help she hates physical exercise.......

I hope everyone else is having better luck, let me know how your plan is working compared to where you thought you would have reached at this point.

Closer and Closer

2006-11-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well November's here already and the gap is closing down, the soca releases are trickling in compared to last year when from september and october new releases were blowing up the airwaves. I hope this is a sign of real hotttt tracks that will mash up so its being kept a secret. I know people were saying last year that Mr Vybe released too early and his song died down by the time February rolled around so everyone is waiting till maybe late December or January to release their big hits.

So far these are the new tracks i've heard:

1)Patrice Roberts - "Sugar Boy"
2)Destra- i think its called "i dare you"
3)H2O phlo and Ms. Alysha- (not sure of the name)
4)Iwer George - i heard his song today but i didnt catch the name
5)Someone by the name of Jammy or Jabae something like that but i love the song great wuk up tune.
6)Denise belfon- "bicycle" LOVING THIS TUNE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!
7)Michelle Sylvester has one but i'm not sure of the name, she also has a collaberation with Michelle Xavier and Terry Seales i think.
8)Shurwayne Winchester- Has a next indian tune (again!!)

I know there are others but i can't remember them right now, but these are the main ones that are on heavy rotation on radio stations.

Trini Revellers BAnd Launch

2006-10-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well i was leaving it up to Saucy to tell you all but i see that she didnt go so let me tell you what i thought about it.

I got there around after 8 as there was traffic from around Westmoorings because police were stopping cars and so forth. When i got there it was still a little empty but it had a rhythm section going and they were sounding great. Food and drinks were flowing things were good. By a little after 9 the crowd grew and the models with the costumes were assembling and moved through the crowd to the stage. The announcer was a bit too hyped and i barely understood what he was saying but the models were good. They walked the runway great and took their time to display their costumes and had some real good winers. A few of the synergy super models were modelling costumes. The sections were really nice and took up about an hour so by 10:30 all sections were showcased then they brought them back on for one last parade.

I left after the showcase of costumes but i sure the party went on and was great. Some well known artistes were in the crowd like Iwer George, Maaximus Dan and Kees. I don't have pics but you can check out Triniscene and the other usaul websites for them.

My Exercise routine

2006-10-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well I started the gym this week, and its been quite exciting and painful. I am a naturally tall and slim person so I am not working to lose weight, but I have a small punch so that's what I'm really working on, besides getting toned and building my stamina to go three whole days (and yes I mean 3 days,including J'ouvert too) The gym I chose is exciting we exercise to soca so I already have the feeling of being on the road and the instructors have us wining while exercising so I'm loving it LOL. After the first day my body hurt in all places but I beared the pain because I know it would pay off.

However I can't say I've been changing my eating habits, I still eat the regular foods and I know I shouldn't but its hard to cut them out. I have however started eating more fruits and drinking a lot more water. So basically I'm off to an ok start, I just hope I don't put on any weight during Christmas LOL.

I hope everyone else is being as successful or even more than I am, and to those who have nothing to work at I envy you.

Who are you playing with?

2006-10-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

So we're on the carnival bandwagon and everything in full swing, most of us already paid down on our costumes, we have organized our diets and exercise schedule, umm we set aside money or at least trying to save up for the carnival fetes coming up. So i just want to know what band are you playing with and how is your dieting/ exercise going. I for one only started exercising this week and eating better foods. I'll be with Tribe on the road 2k7 in the Dame Lorraine B section.

And for my foreign masqueraders I know that you have work and stuff but when are you flying in!!!! The sad thing about coming from abroad is that you tend to miss all the warm up fetes
but thats ok because Monday and Tuesday makes up for everthing. Anyway let me know who yuh with on the road and just how bad yuh planning to get on.

Hello

2006-10-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, i'm a newbie to this blogging game so just wanna establish myself. I was inspired by a few blogs i checked out here, the info was helpful and i myself will be on the road come Monday and Tuesday next year god spare my life. So i hope to make some friends who i can share my experience with and have fun. Thats all for now but i'll be back. Ciao