FEATURE
THE ET&T YEARBOOK
OCTOBER FEATURES AS 2015’S BIG ACTION MONTH
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s is the norm around this time of year, ET&T has decided to take a look at the year in review. It must be said that 2015 was relatively uneventful by Trinidad and Tobago’s usual standards. However, there were still several talking points in the Entertainment, Fashion, Beauty and Celebrity sphere. Let’s look back at some of the headliners that took place outside the Carnival season in no particular order.
Simmons and Ho’s Sex Scandal We would prefer not to start with a scandal, but this is Trinidad and Tobago… land of bacchanal. Every now and then, local celebrity sex tapes or photos surface, but they are usually quickly forgotten. This endured throughout the year because the incident actually made its way to court. West Indies cricketer Lendl Simmons was sued by Accounts Executive Therese Ho in a breach of confidence lawsuit after illicit photos of the two that were in his possession surfaced
publicly. In an August ET&T interview Simmons said it was an attempt at a money grab by Ho. However, in a landmark decision in October, the court ruled in Ho’s favour and ordered Simmons to pay $150,000 in damages for the dissemination of the photos.
Singh’s Miss World Struggle While we’re on the topic of scandals and jurisprudence, Miss World Trinidad and Tobago was caught up in a full-blown fiasco when title-holder Kimberly Farrah Singh was dethroned by pageant promoters Oneness Entertainment. She was replaced by runner-up Daniella Walcott after the franchise holders claimed Singh breached the rules of her agreement with them. Tense arbitration followed involving the attorneys of both Singh and Oneness Entertainment CEO Vanessa Sahatoo-Manoo. It was ruled that any breaches which may have occurred were not fundamental enough to warrant her termination as Miss World Trinidad & Tobago. As such, Singh was reinstated as Miss World representative less than a month before the pageant was to be held in China. Singh subsequently left to represent the country on her own.
his impact on culture in Trinidad and Tobago. Before his death at the age of 47, Jennings built a legacy of creativity as he regularly made pieces using organic materials for both his fashion studio and mas band. He was also the driving force behind the Miss Mature beauty pageant, which featured full-figured women.
Rootsman Passes Away Another celebrity death that occurred this year was that of calypsonian Yafeu ‘Rootsman’ Osei. The melody master contributed some calypso classics in his time including “Rack Meh, Rack Meh” and “On the Parkway.” Several of his calypso peers paid tribute to the sweet-voiced singer upon hearing news of his passing. The Tobago-born bard had only recently been honoured in Hamilton, Canada before his August death. He passed away at age 64 due to complications from diabetes.
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Sparrow Conferred with OBE In June, the Order of the British Empire (OBE) was bestowed on living legend Slinger Francisco aka the Mighty Sparrow. Known by many as the Calypso King of the World, he received the accolade for what was described by the Queen as “distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds” during Queen Elizabeth’s birthday celebrations. Sparrow would later receive the physical award at a ceremony in the land of his birth Grenada.
The Death of Dexter Jennings Prominent south-based local designer Dexter Jennings passed away in April plunging the fashion community into mourning. He was both a giant physically and in www.amgtt.com • DECEMBER, 2015 • ET&T
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FEATURE David Rudder Gets Honourary Doctorate David Rudder’s extensive catalogue of music has often been acknowledged for its incorporation and capture of the essence of Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural society. The good folk at UWI St. Augustine made particular mention of this when they decided to confer Rudder with an honourary degree of Doctor of Letters (DlLitt) for his contribution to the Arts. He sweetened the presentation by performing a couple of his hits after receiving the award at the University’s graduation ceremony on October 4tth.
Nisha B Expecting October was a busy month as it also saw Nisha B shock fans and break the hearts of several males when she announced via instagram that she is pregnant. She revealed that she and her husband Rajesh Ganesh expect a due date of April 2016. Many people didn’t even know she was married. Nisha also said that the pregnancy was not intended to stop her from performing.
Thankfully, both survived and are back in business ready to wow crowds once more.
social and religious backgrounds together proving that love truly knows no bounds. The second nuptials saw two of TV6’s young stars tie the knot as Jabari Fraser and Faine Richards got hitched in November. They have been commonly viewed as the future of news media in T&T and this move opens up doors for an entirely new future for them. Bunji Moves with Meukow Ian Alvarez otherwise known as Bunji Garlin secured an endorsement deal with Meukow cognac in October. The spirit is new to the Trinidad and Tobago market and Amera Marketing and Distribution; the brand’s distributors thought Bunji would be the perfect face to complement it. They stated: “It was decided that Meukow needed to be paired with a local icon who possessed strength, elegance and sophistication.” Apparently, Bunji agreed that he fit the bill.
Two Big Fat Media Weddings ET&T loves love. So whenever we get wind of celebrity weddings, we’re ecstatic. Two major nuptials involving media personalities went down this year and one was as shocking as they come. First the shocker… Businessman and politician Fuad Abu Bakr (son of insurrectionist Yasin Abu Bakr) wed CNC3 producer and Tribe event coordinator Kristy Ramnarine. The October wedding brought two people of different 2
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Jehue Runs Out with Fragrance Endorsements are one thing, but possessing your own brand entirely is another. Jehue Gordon released his own signature fragrance line aptly entitled Ambition by Jehue. The first of its kind product launch was held at House of Lara on October 17th. Several fellow and former athletes showed support at the event such as Olympic 100m gold medalist Hasley Crawford, Olympic javelin gold medalist Keshorn Walcott and cricket stars Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard. Soca Stars Suffer Near Death Experiences First Erphaan Alves spared his blushes when his car ended up on its hood in November in a crash that left him badly shaken up. Then, soca singer Denise Belfon found herself getting airlifted to a hospital in the Bahamas after the ride taking her to a performance reportedly suffered a mechanical malfunction in October.
Machel Makes Them Bazodee from Bollywood to Hollywood No year-end entertainment review would be complete without mentioning Machel Montano. He made waves on multiple occasions outside of carnival. The first headline is Machel’s move into mas production. He formed a great team including designer J Angelique and popular social media entity Trinidad Carnival Diary before hitting Hollywood Carnival by storm to premiere his band in June. After success in several territories, he was back in Trinidad to star in and release his Bollywood love story entitled Bazodee. The motion picture, which also stars Kabir Bedi, premiered at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival in September.
CELEBRITY CHRISTMAS FEATURE WISH LIST
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part from the celebration of birthdays and anniversaries, Christmas is the event most associated with the receipt of gifts and the fulfilment of wishes, both tangible and intangible. We visualize our desires, we hint at our desires, and we demand our desires. Some of us even satisfy our own desires by gifting ourselves. As is customary we asked some of our local celebrities exactly what was on their Christmas wish list.
Bunji Garlin (Entertainer) – Our family grew under the Pentecostal faith so we do not celebrate Christmas Day in the way that’s the norm. We just give thanks and get the family together.
Nikki Crosby (Comedienne/ Entertainer/ Radio Announcer) – I need a new wedding ring. Hint hint to hubby! We are celebrating 13 years this year and meh ring tight! A Ninja juicer for meh smoothies in the mornings… A coffee machine (The fancy one that give yuh all kinds of lattes… And finally shoes, shoes, shoes!!!!! 4
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Erphaan Alves (Entertainer) – My wish is not basically materialistic. I wish for continued success and to achieve the career goals set within the upcoming Carnival season and beyond.
Isasha (Entertainer) – My wish is for a better world and more life so that I can be the best father, the best son, the best brother, the best friend and to produce the best set of music Trinidad and the world could ever hear.
Soowan Bramble (Model) - I would really like to own my own home, to acquire a vehicle and for my friends, family and loved ones to experience happiness, health and prosperity in 2016. Additionally, I’d like for my entire family to take a trip to some place outside of the Caribbean like Hawaii or Paris so that we can spend some much needed quality time together.
FEATURE that we must build Trinidad and Tobago together... but it would not hurt to see more nice jewelry in my Christmas stocking as well. Lyrikal (Entertainer) - My wish is to be healthy and to continue making hits. Once I make the hits I could buy the material things... like a new car – the Infinity Q50 2016. Exactly that!
Hema Ramkisoon (Media Personality) – I would like to see women become more empowered and report less cases of domestic violence in 2016. My wish for Trinidad and Tobago is that we become a society of critical thinkers and limit the emotional reaction to every piece of misinformation that is put out in the public domain. I hope we protect our children more and understand
Sekon Sta (Entertainer) – I want the best studio in Trinidad and Tobago ... to have access to the best of all equipment so that when my vocals go through that microphone and hit that record it will become the greatest thing! I also wish for the best musicians to come together and be in a band for me so that I can put on the best show. Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez (Entertainer) – The reality is I do
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not have a Christmas wish list because we do not celebrate Christmas… for us, we just spend the day together watching movies. Kernal Roberts (Entertainer) - Christmas is all about the kids … so for Christmas I just want my kids and my family to enjoy the things that I enjoyed when I was a kid, like toys and good food etc ... for me particularly I want a hoverboard.
ET&T • DECEMBER, 2015 • www.amgtt.com
REVISITING THE YEAR’S FEATURE BIGGEST TRENDS
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here were several memorable moments throughout this calendar year, but there were some things that extended beyond just mere moments and became a momentary part of the culture. These are what are considered to be trends. This article highlights some of the biggest ones this year.
Honing in on the Latest Hair Trend 2014 saw the weave warriors run down all sorts of virgin Remy to get the Beyoncé look. 2015 saw a lot more people gravitate toward the natural look. Weave warriors still copped signature strands. However, many opted for braids. In particular, the Janet Jackson Poetic Justice look was a favourite among wearers. A Lesson for Wild Waistlines Apparently some people’s waists are badly behaved. So much so that waist-training became one of the biggest trends of the year. Hoards of women and even some
men (why Jim Jones… Why?) joined the dream-selling brigade and wore waist trainers to sculpt their midsections.
What’s Hot in Health? A few years ago it was noni-juice. Last year was all about alkaline water. This year, coconut oil seems to be the health trend of choice. Apparently coconut oil isn’t only for lighting deyas and making rare specialty cuisine. Fit freaks would tell you that coconut unseated olive oil as the go-to grease for preparing healthy meals this year. Even bodybuilding/nutrition supplement stores got into the act of providing this consumer product. It wasn’t only used in dishes. Beauticians, doctors and more swore by it. This is strange, because the effects of coconut oil have been known for years, but it suddenly grew ridiculously popular.
Beards… Because Beards 2014 was the year of the beard. It’s only natural that 2015 would be the year of the bigger beard. While Rick Ross awaited his prison release date, the masses who copied his signature face swag kept his likeness in the fore. Other celebrities joined in (who say Garlin?) and that in turn led to even more of the general public rocking bigger, bolder facial hair. T&T is starting to look like one giant coast guard outfit. Distressed Jeans Distressed jeans are always around in some form. This year, things went to another level with some jeans featuring gaping holes instead of just the shredded look. Despite designers having to use far less cloth to produce these jeans, prices for the in-demand couture pieces were sky high (depending on where you shop of course).
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Old School Sneakers People – particularly in the urban communities – flocked to retro 90’s fashion. Several sneaker brands capitalized off of this by reintroducing old styles in both traditional and new colours and ways. Some brands which seemed extinct had a chance for a mini rebirth. Travel Fox is one brand in particular that was able to make some big bucks from urban consumers. Not only are they being sought, but the prices are even higher than when they first came out.
MODEL MANIA
Name: Shivane Balay Age: 18yrs old Hometown: Couva Hobbies: Cricket, Reading Career: Business Student While the beautiful Miss Balay is currently pursuing Business Studies at CTS College, she has a goal of becoming a lawyer. With her looks, plus added intelligence it would definitely be case closed should she be called to the bar.
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rates local designer Deson Ayinde. She reveals her favourite foreign designer is Guccio Gucci. No doubt she would be great fodder for lens men if she wore an outfit designed by either. Speaking of lens men, Joel Geoffrey, Trinibess and Jodel Derby are some of the photographers she has worked with so far. At only 18 years of age, we’re sure you’ll be seeing more from her soon. Photos by Joel Geofroy
SHIVANE BALAY
Balay’s modeling skills have mostly been used in the promotional circuit with her recent feature in a Regulaz music video being one of her most memorable appearances. Shivane says that she stays in shape for such features with regular exercise and proper management of the six food groups. She is especially keen on fruits and vegetables. When it comes to style, Shivane is a trendsetter who highly
E S O C U L G Y B D E D E R R E E W O W P E S O PO C U L G #
DREAM
GUY
NAME: Jesse Huggins AGE: 22 HEIGHT: 6FT 6” WEIGHT: 205 lbs CAREER: Insurance Underwriter BRIEFS OR BOXERS: Boxers FAVOURITE SCENT: Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue FAVOURITE THING: Taking
a swim. I can spend all day in the water because it’s when I’m most relaxed. My friends call me Aqua Man. DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM GIRL: Confident, independent and funny. She’s able to take care of and present herself well… Also healthy… I’d rather my children not have any sickness. Sorry. YOU WERE HEARTBROKEN: Once. Never again. YOUR HERO: Jesus Christ FAVOURITE FOOD: I’ll go weak every time for a buss up shut with beef, potato, channa and pumpkin. THE WAY TO YOUR HEART IS: Most definitely food YOU’D NEVER DO: I’d never
mistreat or look down on anyone. We all came from somewhere and everyone deserves the same respect. WHAT ABOUT PETS: I like dogs… Especially bulldogs. BEFORE YOU DIE YOU’LL: Travel the world. I would like to experience new cultures and new people. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Kendrick Lamar FAVOURITE MUSIC: Rap/ Hip Hop, Trap and 80’s music FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: Home. Why go elsewhere when I get the best at home? YOU’VE CHEATED: Once, but you won’t get any details on that.
THE FREAKIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE: I’d rather not say. I’m still innocent to some people who may be reading. YOUR WEAK SPOT: My neck or my ears. YOUR MOTIVATION: My mother. Over the years I’ve seen how hard she has worked to take care of me and to make sure I always get the best. She motivates me every day to always do better and never settle for less. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR BODY: Gym 5 days a week; cardio three times a week and most importantly a healthy diet. I have my cheat days of course.
Photographer: Roger Jackson of Absolutpics
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THE THREE KEYS TO CHRISTMAS BEAUTY
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verything looks better this time of year. Houses are painted, stores are decorated and you… well you need to step your game up. If you want to be the first person someone thinks of when they see mistletoe, then you should consider enhancing your beauty regime. Here are three tips. #1: Lip Glitter Wanna shine the yearend through? You don’t have to wait till Carnival to get your glitter on. In fact, nothing says Christmas like glitter, so try a sprinkling of shine on your lips to create Christmas magic. To achieve the look, start by lining your lips with a light-coloured lip pencil. Then, add foundation to the corners of your mouth. After that, apply a creamy lipstick using a lip
brush before using a flat brush to add on your glitter. Finish it off with clear lip gloss to really get the desired glamour look. Note that just like extravagant carnival makeup, sparkling lips seldom go well with eating and drinking (especially hot food and beverages). If you know you are about your belly, maybe you need to try a nude lip look instead. #2: Iridescent All-over Highlighter Don’t just let your lips steal the show. You can spice up your look by adding a bit of dazzle to your skin. A shimmery highlighter will do the trick. Just dust it on the important areas to give yourself added ‘VAVOOM’. Don’t worry; we’re going to tell you what those areas are. Dust your cheekbones,
shoulders, cleavage and even your legs before you step out. This will make you look radiant when you hit the parang circuit. The iridescent makeup will also add a glow effect to all your Christmas photos. Woohoo! #3: Eye Candy We would be insanely remiss to do this article without mentioning eyes. After all, what would makeup be without a little eye-dressing? Try some good fake eyelashes to accentuate your eyes and create a charismatic look. They should be the cornerstone of your innovative makeup ideas this Christmas. You can also opt for smoky eyes. They are seductive and extremely appealing. Choose dark charcoal smoky dark color to enhance your eyes. Grey shades
BEAUTY
can do wonders for your eyes. Apply a dark shade on the upper lid and a relatively dark shade on the lower one. Application of a kohl pencil along the lash line completes the look. Bonus Tips Never overlook the fact that good quality products can make all the difference. While it may not always be true, it is sometimes safer to follow the mantra “Cheap Thing No Good.” Better brushes are more manageable and will improve your accuracy when applying makeup. Costly hair and skincare products may seem like a waste of money, but if you use less, and get better results, then it’s not really more expensive is it? Whatever, the case, buy what is best for you, not your pocket.
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FASHION T
CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED
he Christmas season usually brings with it a mad rush to clean, paint, shop and do sundry other things that end up making you feel more beaten than upbeat. When it’s all said and done, all you want to do is have a relaxing Christmas
day filled with food and unwrapping gifts. A lot of people are saying Christmas is strictly for kids, but adults can cash in on the time for entertainment as well. Why not carry your celebrations well into Christ-
mas evening and treat your mate to a more age appropriate gift they’re sure to enjoy. Some scented candles, soft music and these seductive pieces will make it one of the best presents he ever unwrapped.
Look ravishing with ribbon accessories that remind him of the gift that is to come.
This sheer lingerie number still leaves lots to the imagination.
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Rock his world in Christmasthemed, ruby red.
FASHION This classic number is both demure and devilish if worn right.
Few things evoke passion like the look of pretty and seductively pouty in pink.
Embrace the allure of a simple, barelythere, bikini type twopiece finish.
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ET&T
HOT
SEAT
C.C TALKS CHRISTMAS & MORE
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oung vocalist Crystal ‘C.C’ Charles is as driven as they come. She began her musical journey at the age of ten, performing at school, church and community events. The Synergy Soca Star alumna has had several radio releases and is currently getting her share of air time for the new release ‘Carnival Day.’ ET&T spoke to the songstress about her music and got in some Christmas questions as well. ET&T: Tell us a little about your new release. C.C: My Song (Carnival Day) is different in several ways from what I normally do. It has a sweet melody. It has a sing along vibe that is happy and playful. It Captures Carnival Day like the words say, “It’s my turn to shine, I Am Carnival Day.” It’s the only time we are free to be whatever we want to be... to sing, dance, wine and just enjoy it. It’s definitely a cool down song. It was written by Sancha Samara & Produced by Samuel Jack. ET&T: What are your goals and expectations for Carnival 2016? C.C: My goal for 2016 Carnival is for T&T and the Caribbean to get a closer look at who C.C is and show how far I’ve come thus far. I’m wishing and praying they can hear my music and embrace it. I expect all DJ's to give not only me, but all upcoming artistes a fair chance and artistes the love we all deserve... We all invest a lot of time and money into our music and we do our best to please everyone... All we need is that extra push to fulfill our dreams. ET&T: Name your musical mentors. C.C: I have a lot of them… Samuel Jack, Kernal Roberts, 1st Klase and many more. Everyone has their own unique sound that I love.
ET&T: Describe what it was like working with Kernal Roberts. C.C: Working with Kernal Roberts was one of the best experiences I ever had. The vibes we had in studio when I recorded Steam were out of this world. Kernal is amazing to work with. God bless him. ET&T: What do you think it takes for an artiste to break into the industry and what are some of the things that usually prevent one from doing so? C.C: It would definitely take persistence, determination, hunger and passion for one to break into this industry. It may not happen overnight so one must be in it for all the right reasons. From deep within it takes guts. If you don’t push hard enough where marketing and promotion is concerned, it can hold you back from making it. People won’t find out about you for themselves. You must let people know who you are.
ET&T: You twice entered Synergy Soca Star. What is the main thing you were able to take away from the Soca Star experience? C.C: Synergy Soca Star was the first time I ever performed live on stage, television & before a big crowd. My experience from it kept me going. It built my confidence and zeal to continue my journey thus far. ET&T: Share your most embarrassing moment? C.C: My most embarrassing moment would be for 2009 Soca Monarch Semi-finals when my boobs almost popped out my costume on stage. ET&T: Which one of the CC’s do you enjoy the most: Christmas Cake, Christmas Carols or Christmas Celebrations? C.C: My favourite C.C would be Christmas Celebrations. Waking up on Christmas morning to see the priceless faces on the kids when they open their gifts. And
then the best part is paranging from house to house to full my belly. ET&T: What do you want for Christmas? C.C: My list is long, but honestly a house is main priority. SO DR. ROWLEY, WHA WE GO DO BOI? ET&T: What is your favourite Christmas song of all time? C.C: My favourite Christmas song would be "Spanish Woman” by Timothy Watkins a.k.a. the Baron. I love him. His voice is Classic. ET&T: Any parting words? C.C: I would like to tell everyone out there who’s been at it for years not to give up. No matter what keep pushing… pray and when God is ready he would bless you. Nothing comes easy and nothing happens before its time. I have a tattoo on my chest that reads... "Everything happens for a reason"… Music Or Die Trying... C.C say so.
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FEATURE T
THE TOP TECH GIFT IDEAS
THIS YULETIDE SEASON
he dreaded “What am I going to get him/her for Christmas” question has crept into the minds of several people. However, we have some answers that will make your decisions easier. These six options are all tech-related, but we are sure everyone can appreciate at least one of them.
you may be wondering if Polaroid is even still in existence. They are more than ever with this gadget. The Polaroid Zip lets users print images taken on a smartphone in literally less than a minute. The resolution and color reproduction in these 2 x 3-inch photos isn't the best, but it's perfect for picture freaks who want to print photos that would possibly have ended up in an obscure digital archive.
million shows from Amazon, HBO GO, Hulu, Netflix and more. We just hope you can get them away from the TV to help out around the house.
video which is saved onto an included 4 GB microSD card. The rechargeable battery provides 25-minute flight times and the drone has a 0.75 mile range.
Samsung Gear VR We know the kids will totally love this, but so too will the kids at heart. It’s an amazing and userfriendly virtual reality viewer that lets the user get up close and personal with some of the best 3D content. What makes this even more special is it is Netflix and Hulu enabled. As an added bonus, the Gear VR is compatible with the latest Samsung Galaxy phones. Polaroid Zip It seems like selfies will never die. For the photo crazy people in your life, the Polaroid Zip may just be the ultimate gift. I know some of
Live Video Camera Drone There is much debate about drone safety and ethics regarding their usage in Trinidad and Tobago, but as of now, they are legal… and fun. For true tech enthusiasts, this flying camera drone that sends live video to a smartphone is the ultimate gift. It is controlled by radio remote controls and displayed via live video on an iPhone or Android system connected to the remote’s dock. The plus is its autonomous flight system manages all four of the drone’s propellers simultaneously, allowing it to hover in-place or stay on-course while you focus on taking pictures. Apart from being easier to fly it has a 14 mp camera with 1080p high-definition
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The Fire TV Stick The entire family will love what the Amazon’s Fire Stick brings to the table. By quickly connecting it to your TVs HDMI port, you can view your choice of over a quarter
Go Wise 6-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker/ Slow Cooker Love to cook or know someone who does? This will make the experience much more convenient. This interesting stainless steel device merges the capabilities of pressure cookers and slow cookers. This means saving space, but affording you the luxury of both. I know some moms will be salivating. DreamWalker Thirty years ago “Back to the Future” wowed us with insane insights to the beyond. That time is here. The DreamWalker isn’t exactly a hover board, but it does have the look and feel of it. Segway’s are the in-thing and this one is cooler because it lacks handlebars. They even come with cool LED lights. This six tech gifts will make even the Grinch smile. Get your hands on one and make someone’s Christmas unforgettable.
MEUKOW COGNAC LAUNCH @ ARIA EVENTS S
everal media personalities and entertainment figures showed up at Aria Lounge for a ceremony to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s newest cognac, Meukow. During the proceedings, brand ambassador Ian ‘Bunji Garlin’ Alvarez was presented with a $150,000 bottle of cognac by Sonia Garcia, managing director of Amera Marketing and Distribution. He was also toasted by Meukow President Phillipe Coste. Garlin did a signature freestyle where he commented on his ascension and being proud to be in the position he is in today. He also performed some of his hits from throughout the years. Here is a bit of what went down.
Some of the finest spirits on display
Enjoying the evening
When legends converge
These beauties take a rest
Basking in the Aria ambiance
No need to point Klase
JW maintained a nice flow
The Garlin performs
Yawning or laughing?
Yes, there were models present
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Ricardo Drue in a happy place
VENTURE CREDIT UNION’S WINE & CHEESE RETRO PARTY enture Credit Union (VCU) urged potential patrons to come out and enjoy a night of the V best tasting wines and cheeses from around the world with the addition of good music, great company and a funky retro theme. The event took place at Camden Road, Couva and
attracted a pretty decent attendance. Some people took dressing funky to a whole other level and at times it looked more like a Halloween party than a back-in-times. However, it was all in good fun as VCU was able to acquire the proceeds needed to inject into the VENTURE Children's Foundation. Here is a sneak peek. For more check us out on Facebook.
Nice tie dude
Pleased with the proceedings
Smiles are always welcome
Cocktail dresses are made for poses
Prints and patterns
Keeping the vibes pumping
Coupled up
In the groove
EVENTS
There’s a spot in this magazine for dudes like him
Under the disco ball
Balancing out the pic
Having a time ain’t a crime
I’ll have what they’re serving
Male minglers
They came, they slayed, they left
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RED ANTS 2016 JOUVERT LAUNCH I
EVENTS
n any other country, a massive jouvert paint party in the middle at the start of the Christmas Season would be a strange sight. In our beautiful twin Republic… not so much. Hundreds showed up to kick-start the festive Christmas into Carnival period fete style at the Red Ants 2016 Jouvert Launch. The party saw the Red Ants faithful take the Hasely Crawford car park by storm to have fun amidst foam, paint and later water. There’s not much to say about the event other than there were tons of hot girls and guys feting their lives away to some incredible music. They partied till the sun came up which is always a good sign. ET&T was there for the duration of the event.
Frolicking in the foam
Epic timing
Aren’t we clean?
That straw was a great idea
We love a woman who squats
Frass
Showing their Christmas spirit
They came out in Christmas red
He took the short bus there
PAINT FIGHT!!
God is good
Nothing like team love
Love amongst the stars
On the ground
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SUNSET & MOET: CHANDELIERS & CHAMPAGNE S T N E EV A
s 2015 approaches its dusk, it is only fitting that we feature an event with the word “sunset” in its title. Sunset and Moet was an all-white affair which heralded the party’s return to its poolside roots. Patrons toasted the night away with one of the finest champagne brands available in a light party atmosphere that took place at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre Lady Young Road. Here are some of the scenes provided by our photographers who were there to witness all.
Friends and dem
Grouping up
We’ll accept that one smile out of four
Party attire sure has evolved
This duo enjoyed the evening
Jehue keeps good company
Happy campers
Sharing their warmth
Well she’s different
Rocking her sheer out there
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Solo pose
Nice hat
EVENTS EXTRA
ET&T SELFIE STATION
T&T would be nothing without our loyal fans. You give us the E impetus to go out and get the ex-
clusive scoops and provide photos from the edgiest shoots. It’s only fair that we share in the holiday cheer with you out there. We gave you guys the opportunity to send in some of your Yuletide selfies and wefies for a chance to be featured in our Christmas collage. You obliged, so without further ado see if you made the cut.
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FP SALUTES RED RUNWAY FOR STELLAR KIDS SHOW
he future of fashion lies in the hands of the children. That is why we must be extremely careful about the images we expose them T to. While there was some callous adult lavishing white powder on her chest somewhere in T&T the promoters of Red Runway put together a fantastic kids fashion show highlighting the best in children’s couture. The tiny tots owned the runway In what was
clearly a well-rehearsed program and the clothing on show was age appropriate, yet very stylish. We send kudos to them. Here is a taste of the action. For more visit our Facebook page or www.amgtt.com.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI
THIRD BASE IS IN CHRISTMAS MODE IN THIS CELEBRITY SELFIE.
FORMER MISS TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNIVERSE AVIONNE MARK POSES BY A TREE WHILE HER MODEL FRIENDS TRY TO PHOTO BOMB HER BY THE WINDOW.
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CHRISTMAS RIDDLES
SAMPLE THESE STALE CHRISTMAS RIDDLES I
t’s the happiest time of the year, so leave the sourness to raw sorrel and take some time out to spare a chuckle at these stale Christmas riddles. They’re all Christmas-themed so tax your brain while you Ho Ho Ho your butt off… or nah… whatever.
Q: How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? A: Nothing, it was on the house!
Q: What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney? A: Claustrophobia!
Q: What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents? A: Silent Night Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite
Q. What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? A. It’s Christmas, Eve.
Q: What do you call an obnoxious reindeer? A: RUDEolph
MOVIES
TRAFFICKED IS LOCAL FILM OF THE YEAR D
irector Sean Hodgkinson should be a very proud man right now. After generating substantial success with lighter comedy-type fare with his Story About Wendy series, Hodgkinson successfully veered into darker territory with Trafficked, his film about the illicit drug trade. The film was inspired by Executive Producers, Eye on Dependency’s Garth St. Clair and Natasha Nunez who provided the information that was worked into a script by Hodgkinson and his Quirky Films Team. The simple storyline tells a tale of three vacationing friends who are forced into drug smuggling. While the story is basic; the show keeps the audience engaged with solid acting and spectacular directive timing. The charismatic Aaron Charles was superb in his role as George, the archetypal Trinbago Saga Boy. His intermittent comedic interjections balanced out the suspense of the film. Plus, he made some females who attended viewings swoon over his hot-boy swagger. Speaking of swoon, movie bad boy Brett Bengochea was
suave and sexy as Alejandro. The desperado was as intense as he was charming and it only added to how convincing his performance was. In fact, he portrayed his villainy so well that at times you wanted the bad guy to win. Constant worrywart Nadia (Kia Rollock) and Gyerlini Clarke as the stunningly beautiful, yet naïve Penny rounded out the film’s core of thespians. It should be noted that some of the smaller roles played in the film were among the most unforgettable.
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The score of the film was apt and impressive with the directors’ choice of scenic locales and awesome camera angles being a big bonus to the cinematography. The movie was one of the best fictional reflections of a true story to come out of these shores and audiences agreed. During the film’s run at Imax this year it managed to go head to head with some of the biggest global box-office achievers with sold out and almost full theatres. Trafficked, was by consensus the stand out movie of the 2015
trinidad + tobago film festival and it was no surprise when it won the Jury prize for the Best Local Feature. While it was not a perfect movie, several memorable moments throughout the film contributed to making it one of the best full-length local films of all time. ET&T gives this movie our stamp of approval and hopes there will be a part two of the flick. We continue to urge readers to support local. There are some hidden gems right before our noses.
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