We knew something was up when the gym was nearly empty—save for a few scattered blonds.  And just where were all the yummy cocoa bunnies?  Why, primping and prepping with their stylists—for the 2008 Latino Press Awards at the Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road.  Complete with paparazzi, press scrum, limos and lights, the nominees, presenters, and performers preened on the red carpet as the flashes popped.  And can we talk about entrances?  Joan Rivers would’ve gaped at the glam gowns, leather tuxes, and hair extensions whipped into coifs resembling cotton candy and Christmas trees.  Two police security kept the chattering hoi polloi at bay.  “We don’t got this in Utah, Muriel.” 

Meanwhile inside the theatre, the drinks flowed—as a pyramid of crème-filled bomboloni ruined countless diets.  The bell sounded; the crowd took their seats: it was show time.  And what a show it was—a parade of the giddy and the gorgeous, the chiseled, the nipped-and-tucked: it was Hollywood on the Sandbar.  Hosted by the sassy Vixen and the whippet-thin and chic Cachita, there were performances by Angelique Ali and Brazilian songstress, Martha Luizza, as well as presenters such as Omar G, Milancita, the Penny Back Boys, the inimitable Flavio, and Kid Madonny (who gave such an emotional acceptance speech that Sally Field will never again have to hear “YOU LIKE ME!”).  Other winners included Discotekka, Boardwalk, Robert Boo of GLCC, and Alex de Marchena for the “Thank You For Making Us Smile” Award (which was nearly stolen by his equally ebullient brother Daniel).  As for Showgirl of the Year, the winner was drop-dead gorgeous Erika Norell, who seems perfectly ready to hold her own next to Candis Cayne on Dirty Sexy Money.  Think about it: the next Alexis and Krystle as played by Candis and Erika.  Ms. Norell, call your agent now! 

At evening’s end, however, everyone was a winner—for as one honoree said, it’s unity in the community that affords us strength.  And as the 2008 Latino Press Awards clearly showed, there’s room enough for all of us to play in the industry we call night.