Rainbow Explosion Month 2011 Jam Asia • April 2011 •
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Avant – Garde
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Cat Tacopina
Rainbow Explosion Month
J4 The Art of Fan Dancing am asia
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Rainbow Explosion Month is the annual, multi-
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cultural celebration at SUNY New Paltz exclusive to the month of April. During this month, four organizations get their own week to put on events. The programs created are meant to teach, inspire and celebrate the cultures represented by each organization; namely Latino, Asian, Caribbean, and African American. The organizations that were included in April were Jam Asia, Black Week, Latino Week and Caribbash. Student participants began planning the events during the fall semester and continued throughout the spring semester, working hard every moment until their week had finished. Any student can get involved and you don’t have to be part of a specific culture to join the organization. Rainbow Explosion Month is a funfilled, eventful month that takes a lot of hard work and dedication to plan.
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Jam Asia’s Got Fashion AND Talent
atino week
Latino Week 2011: Bringing the Heat
An Interview with President, Steven Posada
10 TIERRA SALVAJE: The Hottest Show of the Year 12 No Turning Back: Rose Taverez Designs for the Fearless
14 Natural Radiance: Just the Way Nature Intended
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lack week
18 Invitation to Black Week 19 African Women’s Alliance Banquet 22 Back to Basics: A Trip Through Time
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aribbash
24 SUNY New Paltz Presents: Caribbash 2011 26 Insiprational Beauty + Exotic shapes = Plus Size Beauty 27 “Majestic Isles” Fashion Show
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Fan Dancing By Brendan Wright
Throughout their week of events, Jam Asia celebrated their history and rich culture. There are many unique practices in Asian culture, and one of these is the art of fan dancing. Fan dancing is a Chinese tradition that is celebrated and practiced in accordance with the traditional culture. This is a very ancient tradition, which originated with traditional Chinese folk dances, and can be dated back between 4,000 and 6,000 years. Fan dancing as a formalized practice, used in the kingdoms and in formal celebrations, can be dated back about 2,000 years and was developed during the Han dynasty. The use of fan dancing began as a ceremonial ritual, and today many of the old dance moves are still utilized. However, the uses of these dances have changed. Below, you will find an explanation of various types of fan dancing and their historical contexts. Today, these dances represent beauty, grace, skill, tradition, and history. They can still be found at ceremonies and celebrations such as Chinese New Year, but they have also changed and transformed, even being used as unique modern workouts. An important aspect of fan dancing is of course the use of the fan. The earliest of these fans can be dated back 2,000 to 3,000 years. The fans used by the Jam Asia dancers are made out of plastic, as well as other materials, and feature rich colors such as red and yellow. However, other fans today are made out of a wide range of materials such as bamboo, silk, leaves, and painted as well as unpainted paper.
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• Jam Asia • April 2011
While more decorative fans are used for the dances themselves, other fans are utilized in everyday life in many Asian cultures, made out of more durable materials. There are different categories of fan dances, and they can be divided up into both folk dances, as well as formal classical dances. An example of a classic folk dance is the “Tai Chi”fan dance, which adds a sense of beauty to the traditional Tai Chi Chuan exercises.
Another type of fan dance is the traditional “Han” group of dances that are performed on stages in front of audiences. The art of Chinese fan dancing was taken into other regions such as Japan, where they formed their own adaptations of the fan dance, and it soon became an honored tradition in their own culture.
Fan dancing is a very unique and diverse art, and are also used to tell stories. These stories can be told through the use of multiple dancers, or even a single dancer. Historically, these dances were used to help unify China and its diverse ethnic groups into once single, unified and organized kingdom. These types of dances can be placed into subcategories, such as the high fan dances, which usually tell traditional stories, while others are geared towards the inclusion of folk fan dancing, which can be performed simply for aspects of visual beauty. Finally, there are the Imperial Dances. In the history of fan dancing, the performances of these dances were used by imperial concubines as a way to tempt the Chinese emperor. Along with this tradition, a portion of an imperial harem would rehearse and showcase their fan dances, with each of the concubines hoping that they would find imperial favor, receiving the chance to bear a potential heir to the throne. Fan dancing is an important and beautiful piece of traditional Asian culture. Whether these dances are being used in China, Japan, or another nation, one can appreciate the beauty and care placed into each gesture made with the blades of the fans. Traditional fan dances were performed during the talent and fashion portion during Jam Asia’s week of Rainbow Explosion Month.
Jam Asia • April 2011 •
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Jam Asia’s Got Fashion AND Talent! By Brendan Wright
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part of their week during Rainbow Explosion Month, Jam Asia held a fashion and talent show, which showcased many different elements of the Jam Asia organization. Some of these talents involved singing and the use of videos. In addition to the use of Chinese, Vietnamese, Philippine, and other traditional fan dances (which were discussed in the previous article in this issue), there were other forms of dancing featured as well, such as Indian dance as well as modern Korean dancing. Not only did Jam Asia put this event on, but they also worked alongside other organizations as well, such as the Breakdancing Association, who came and performed at the talent show. On the fashion end, Jam Asia partially relied upon the help of students, including. Carmen Tsu, who was responsible for making two scenes of the fashion show. The fashion show included various ideas and concepts from a wide range of students. One student worked towards portraying an Alice in Wonderland feel in their scene. Beyond the work of these student designers, the Jam Asia organization worked yet again with another student organization here on campus: the Anime Club, who had their own featured scene in the fashion show where they utilized Cos Play. Cos Play is when people dress up as different characters, in this case from Asian anime and manga, to portray the true essence of that given character. Beyond working with these on campus organizations to make this show a huge success, Jam Asia is also got involved with outside organizations as well.
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• Jam Asia • April 2011
One such organization helped to sponsor the fashion show event, and had even given Jam Asia $600 to buy their clothing and use it to model in their fashion and talent shows. The presidents of the organization made a point out of addressing just how great an opportunity this was for both parties involved. Not only did this company benefit from having a wide audience view their clothing, which could help to develop potential business, but it also gave the Jam Asia students a chance to experience and showcase amazing Asian fashion trends from places such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea— all at no actual expense to the organization itself. Also, being able to promote both organizations in tandem is an aspect which the presidents pointed out as being a benefit of this collaborative effort during the event. Speaking further about events that took place at the fashion show, Christopher Sing did a performance with a group of students. Jam Asia has worked very hard to put on an amazing show during their week of Rainbow Explosion Month, which was held on Friday, April 8th. It was truly a show to remember!
Lo Que Hay Dentro (What’s Inside)
Latino Week 2011 An Interview with Steven Posada
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Tierra Salvaje, a photo exclusive
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Advice from Rosanna Tavarez
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Suit Yourself: Bathing Suit Showcase
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nd i h Be e th s! ne e c S
Latino Week 2011: Bringing the Heat An Interview with President, Steven Posada By: Stephanie Brynes Monday, April 11th Brillando por Una Noche: Latino Week Talent Show Door opened at 8:30pm, show started at 9pm Location: SUB MPR
Tuesday, April 12th Lo Que No Se Ve:
Latino Week’s annual Play! Doors opened at 7:30, show started at 8pm Location: Parker Theater
Wednesday, April 13th Pool Party!
Party began at 8 pm. Prizes were won! Location: Elting Gym Pool
Thursday, April 14th Noche Caribeña:
Educational Event 7:30- 10pm Location: CSB auditorium
Friday, April 15th Tierra Salvaje: Annual Fashion Show Doors opened at 6:30, show started at 7pm Location: SUB MPR
Saturday, April 16th Gozando abajo del Sol: Latino Week’s annual BBQ 12pm- 6pm Location: Shango/ Old Main quad
Sunday, April 17th Una Noche en Nuestra Tierra: Latino Week’s Annual Dinner Doors opened at 6pm Location: SUB MPR
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pril 2011 marked another year of Rainbow Explosion month and another amazing week dedicated to Latino culture. Starting on April 11th and continuing through the 17th, this year’s Latino Week featured seven jampacked days of fun, interesting, and educational programs to increase campus awareness about Latino culture. Latino Week started in the early 1970’s as one weekend where students could educate other students about Latin American culture. Their mission was, and still is, to educate and express Latino culture through educational, fun, and social programming. As more and more people became involved, Latino Week programs expanded until a whole week was given to this remarkable cause. This year’s theme involved the strength of Latino culture to endure all obstacles with a little bit of spice. Using the catchy slogan: “Burning with strength through time”, this year’s Latino Week E-Board planned to get Latino Week back out there with a positive atmosphere. With flyers all over campus, invites to Facebook events, and of course word of mouth, they certainly succeeded, and happily every event had a great audience. One of their goals was to attract first year students, and while there’s no way to tell how many first-years actually attended, this year’s events certainly brought some fresh faces to the crowd. According to Latino Week President Steven Posada, this year’s programs were distinctly different from those offered in years before: “In the past, it was all about the historical aspect and influence [of Latino culture]. This year, we focused on things that Latinos go through on a day to day basis, in New Paltz and in the city, more than in a Latin American country.” When asked what he wanted students to take away from this year’s programs, Steven said, “I want to reach out to students who are not Latino or Latina, to educate them, to help them understand the culture and some of the stereotypes. Of course, I also want people to have fun and to bring the community together.” A sense of community certainly permeated the campus throughout Latino Week, with students coming together to participate in events such as the talent show, the play, and the fashion show, as well as the support from their friends and family.
Latino Week • April 2011 • 9
Latino Week practices brought smiles all around!
TIERRA SALVAJE: The Hottest Show of the Year By: Stephanie Brynes On April 25th, 2011, students and families gathered in the dimly lit Multi-Purpose Room at the Student Union Building, waiting for the opening of Latino Week’s Fashion Show, TIERRA SALVAJE. There were plants covering the floor, a runway decorated with exotic animal prints and colorful plants, and a restless sense of excitement amongst the audience. From the perfect atmosphere, the music, and the decorations, to the beautiful and talented models, the makeup, and the amazing clothing, Latino Week went above and beyond for this year’s fashion show. At Avant-Garde, we wanted to know what it took behind the scenes to put together such a fantastic show. E-Board member and model coordinator Yaritza Diaz said that the number one goal behind this year’s show was to make it not only as good, but even better than shows in the past. She stated, ““We wanted to do things our way and make sure that at the end of the day, the show could make new students and upperclassmen feel like it was one of the greatest experiences they have had in college and could pass down the tradition.” Of course, anyone who witnessed the show can tell you that this fashion show was one to remember. As we watched the fiercely confident models strut down the runway, we began to wonder how much work went into teaching the models. How many models were there? What were they modeling? According to Yaritza Diaz, this year’s show featured approximately fifty models – almost twice the amount for other on-campus shows. The models skillfully showcased clothing from nine designers, including off-campus designers Anu, 101479, and Anthony Bryant, as well as an on-campus designer, Rosanna Tavarez.*
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*See page 12 for more details • Latino Week • April 2011
Beginning in March and continuing throughout the whole week before the show, every Monday and Wednesday night the ladies and gentlemen modeling for Latino Week, Carribash, and Black Week got together to master the staples of walking a runway. According to Yaritza Diaz, “In practice we tried to help our models build a sense of confidence with in themselves. We also tried to set a judge free zone so our models could feel comfortable in learning new things. We taught models techniques as to how to extend their legs on the runway, not to walk to the music, taking their time on the runway, and to not look down when walking.” While the models grabbed all the attention on the runway, there were also fun and interesting activities to entertain the audience between scenes. The two outgoing hosts held a Latino-inspired dance competition, raffled off animal print bags to the loudest person in the audience, and kept the atmosphere alive throughout the whole show. With Latino Week 2011 come and gone, we have to admire the hard work put into every single activity, from the pool party and barbeque, to the educational programs and banquet dinner. Every day brought out the Latino culture in New Paltz and spread a feeling of community. If one event stands out in particular, however, it has to be the fashion show. As the peak of a successful week, Avant-Garde would like to applaud all who put their time and effort into this show and congratulate them on their huge success. Now all that’s left to do is see if Latino Week 2012 can raise the bar even higher. Latino Week • April 2011 •
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NO_TURNING_BACK: ROSE_TAVEREZ DESIGNS_FOR_THE
F_E_A_R_L_E_S_S BY_ROSALIE_RODRIGUEZ
AVANT-GARDE: How long have you been designing your own clothing?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: I took a class at FIT where I learned about fashion design sketching. I learned how to draw the female body head to toe and then from there I made my portfolio and I got in to FIT. I learned a lot from there–how to make peat-coats, skirts, jeans, strapless tops. I was always so excited to be there and I was never bored of it. That’s why I would get really mad when students wanted to transfer out and quit. I just wondered why they weren’t grateful to be in a school with so many opportunities.
AVANT-GARDE: What inspires you to make clothing?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: I guess the fact that I am a foster child and I didn’t have money for clothes. I love the fact that you can take one yard of fabric and make it into something significant. It’s special to see something that I made and people can wear it. I also love the runway and the seasons. I like natural colors, so every type of clothing I make usually has a basic color and flower print.
AVANT-GARDE: How many fashion shows have you participated in?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: I have been in five so far. I started during my freshman year at High School of Fashion Industries and each year I have participated in them. But during my sophomore year I ran away from my foster home and in the middle of my fashion show Child Services actually came and took me. I was so upset because I worked so hard on one dress and I didn’t even get to see the model wear it. They did not even care and didn’t even let me finish the show. I came back to the school during junior year and that is when I made my come back. I just made a lot of clothing and sketched a lot.
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• Latino Week • April 2011
AVANT-GARDE: Can people purchase your clothing?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: Yes! I want to end up selling my clothing and make my money back. If people want to ask me more about my clothing, they should email me at Rosannatavarez8517@yahoo.com
AVANT-GARDE: Would you say making your clothes is your escape?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: Yeah it’s like that. It’s the one sense of freedom that I have where I can express myself. I can do whatever I want and nobody is holding me back.
AVANT-GARDE: How did you become involved with Latino Week?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: I actually wasn’t going to do Latino Week. I ended up being dragged to the modeling practice and I saw the girls practicing. I thought “wow, she would look so good in my bathing suits.”
AVANT-GARDE: What is the hardest part about designing your own clothing?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: The hardest part is choosing a crowd. Like who do I want the buyers to be? I have this sophisticated taste and I like to design for an older age group,
but then I realize that I am young and I want to design for my generation. I continue to have trouble with this but I decided to take risks and play with ruffles, cascades and drapes and that’s so much fun.
AVANT-GARDE:
AVANT-GARDE:
Coco Chanel–she brought the little black dress in the 1920’s. She was an atrevida! (daring) She got rid of the conservative look and showed a little skin. I also like Valentino and Ann Taylor.
If you could have given yourself advice when you first started designing clothes or to anyone else who is just starting off, what would it be?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: Never play safe; when you play it safe, someone probably already made it. You have to take risks and go further. I used to play it safe all the time when I first started, but I learned that taking risks makes you do something unexpected and amazing. Also, remember there is no such thing as stupid fashion because fashion is what you make of it and your style is what you bring to the fashion world. Use your own imagination to stretch your vision further. You have to design for the future and that is what a lot of designers forget. They make basic stuff that you can design every day but what about the future?
Do you have any designers you look up to?
ROSE_TAVEREZ:
AVANT-GARDE: We ask this to every AG reader, how do you define beauty?
ROSE_TAVEREZ: I don’t think that beauty is like, you know just a typical tan blond girl. I think every girl is beautiful in her own way and you just have to find it. I think beauty is confidence. In 8th grade I had bangs, glasses and braces and I was considered ugly to everyone and I had no confidence in myself. And the boys didn’t look at me but, it is not even about the boys it’s about you as a woman, yourself. It’s all about confidence.
Latino Week • April 2011 •
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Natural Radiance:
Just the Way Nature Intended
Sarah Kuzmina
Yaritza Diaz
“Never play safe, when you play it safe someone probably already made it.� ~Rose Tavarez
Esthephanie Peralta
(Left) Christina Chamorro (Right) Trenna Seney
Ana 18 •Cuevas Latino Week • April 2011
“It’s special to see something that I made and people can wear it.” ~Rose Tavarez
Kelly2011 Rodriguez Latino Week • April • 19
You are Cordially Invited to
Black Week 2011
Time Monday, April 18 at 7:30pm – Sunday, April 24 at 5:30pm
Location SUNY New Paltz
Purpose Black Week is a way to celebrate African American/Black culture on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Combining educational and exciting programs to bring you a week full of events. Our goal is to bring the campus a variety of programs that would keep you coming back for more! With the help of other organizations of color such as AWA (African Woman’s Alliance) and ASU (African Student Union), you won’t be disappointed!
Itinerary 4.18 Movie Discussion About “Sarafina!” 4.19 Black Jeopardy Night with a $200 Cash Prize 4.20 African Woman’s Alliance Hosts Leadership Banquet pg. 21 4.21 Comedy Night 4.22 Black Week & African Student Union Present: pg. 22 Back To Basics: A Trip Through Time 4.23 • Charity Day with Invisible Children • Manu And Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated’s Paintball Trip • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated’s Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant 4.24 Black Week BBQ
African Women’s Alliance Banquet By: Ricardo A. Hernandez Jr.
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ainbow Explosion Month is a time for all people from different ethnic backgrounds to come together and celebrate their history, customs, and cultures with the SUNY New Paltz campus. During Black Week, the programs are meant to celebrate their culture by combining a multitude of activities, events, and of course the ever so popular Fashion Show. During the middle of the week, the African Women’s Alliance (AWA) held a Banquet in an effort to “recognize students on campus for doing something positive on campus,” says Danielle Ladson, President of AWA. Danielle, also a third-year and Business Administration student, assured that all students received recognition before the dinner, and then other activities followed. People of all different genders and nationalities were invited to attend this banquet to celebrate those who “are passionate about making a difference.” Some of the winners that made a difference in the SUNY New Paltz community were Toni-Ann Stevens, Frederick Fernandez, Nelson Terrell, and Shinaika Phillip.
Of course food was also served at the event; lasagna with turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, bread, and strawberry short cake for dessert were just some of the delicious dishes that were served. Danielle has her own version of what Rainbow Explosion Month means to her: “I think the purpose of it is to celebrate people of color and the ethnic backgrounds. This month just gives a lot of people of color a time where we all can express ourselves.” Danielle closed with some ending notes, “Well we still have a lot of programs that we wanted to do for AWA that couldn’t fit in this semester that we would like to do for the upcoming semester. So we’ll keep you posted, and for Black Week also.” Look out for some exciting programs during Fall 2011!
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SUNY New Paltz Presents:
Caribbash 2011
As we enter the warmer months, after a harsh winter at New Paltz, we begin to see vibrant colors bloom throughout campus. Caribbash, an organization on campus, was also blooming during last month. Caribbash is an organization meant to teach students about the Caribbean culture through food, dance, music and educational programs during Rainbow Explosion Month. Caribbash was founded in the 2000’s as a branch of the Caribbean Students Organization (CSO) which promotes Caribbean culture along with providing networking opportunities for Caribbean and non-Caribbean students. Caribbash is a fun organization that was created to show students the more colorful and exciting part of the Caribbean culture. They consist of an entire E-board dedicated to making an outstanding week for students to enjoy. Toni-Ann Stevens, a third year student and also the president of the Caribbash organization says, “We are a multicultured E-board and we try to incorporate our own cultural celebrations throughout the week. We want to enlighten others with our spice.”
Monday
“Teach Mi How Fi Chat” Capen Hall Main Lounge 8pm-10pm
Tuesday
Caribbash Presents: “Pon Di Floor” Outside Event 10pm-4pm
Wednesday “Taste of the Tropics” *Catered by West Indies Restaurant Inc. Gage Hall 8pm
Thursday “Cari-oke” SU 62-63 9pm-11pm
Friday “Majestic Isles” Fashion Show SU MPR 5pm-9pm
This year’s theme is “Divided by Water, United by Culture” The week consisted of seven different events full of plenty of Caribbean cuisine and traditions.
Just like the warm weather, Caribbash is installing a great week of tons of vibrant colors and tasty food that will bring joy to all of our faces.
Saturday
“Phagwah: Color Meh Badd! Esopus Hall Field 12pm
Sunday “Caribbash BBQ” Parker Quad 12pm-4pm
Insiprational Beauty + Exotic shapes =
Plus Size Beauty Written by: Danielle Gray
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lus size modeling has been frowned upon for years. Nowadays plus size women are accepted in society and are able to enter the Modeling industry. “Plus size women are becoming the new shade of the modeling industry, and we are here to stay” said Lori Lucille Moran. Lori is a second year student here at New Paltz and she is an amateur plus size model. She has done print modeling but she has never considered herself a model. Plus size modeling has changed the perception of many people dramatically. Here on campus, many fashion shows are beginning to incorporate plus size models.
Avant-Garde: How
do you feel about plus size models? Lori: Plus size models have given women a natural comfort within their own skin. Women have felt embarrassed of their curves because of the media. It’s been installed that we should lose weight because designers wouldn’t want to use us and men wouldn’t find us attractive. We as women have various issues when we go to the mall, trying to find our true size, and most of the time we have an issue changing to the next size up. Women have been suffering with the issue of their body, for years and it is so hard to break those barriers.
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• Carribash • April 2011
Avant-Garde: How do you feel about plus size modeling on campus? Fashion shows?
Lori: Women on this campus are beginning to open their eyes to the fact that plus size models are accepted. I was amazed when I saw plus size models on the runway last year at the school fashion shows. It showed me that the designers took time to acknowledge other women . This inspired me to do the show this year. I love the fact that shows such as Latino Week, Envied Fashions, Black Week and Caribbash have all taken time to acknowledge the “BIG girls” on campus. After a few years of mishaps with having plus size models walk the runway, many organizations on campus such as Caribbash, have embraced plus size models and have made it their duty, to contact plus size designers for their fashion shows. Caribbash’s Fashion Show “Majestic Isles,” will raise the bar by having the first plus size scene in a fashion show here at New Paltz. Every woman is different and modeling should not be restricted to women of smaller sizes. With plus size modeling the goal is to uplift women with curves that don’t land between the sizes 00-6. All women are beautiful and we all have the right to be comfortable in our own skin. If you must change, change because you want to but not because someone says you should. Remember you are beautiful.
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• Carribash • April 2011
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• Jam Asia • April 2011