Angela Philipps, Contributor

A model participating in Carnival 2006. -Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Bacchanal is back, and from now until the Sunday after Easter there will be mania at Mas Camp. Calypso music really does encourage people to 'let their hair down', lose their inhibitions and 'get on baaad'! Whatever you are used to doing on a Friday night - going to the movies, having dinner at Marketplace, hanging out at Christopher's, Red Bones or Medusa's - ditch them now, my friends, Mas Camp is the place to be.

Soca season has sneaked up on us early this year. There I was minding my own business and all of a sudden I realise it's finally here. I LOVE carnival! It's the one time when men in this country get on the dance floor! Guys, you didn't even know that existed creep out of the water, and lo and behold, there is a sea of single men all laid out for you like sand on a beach.

Tread with caution though, ladies, some of them are slugs and will try and slime their way into your shell. Simply ask the question. Strangely enough, guys are usually quite honest about their marital status when queried. For some unknown reason to me, Jamaican men honestly believe that we don't mind if they are already hitched. They might not be forthcoming with information, but if you enquire, they're sure to tell.

Unique year

There is something unique about this year for me, though. I will be going to Trinidad. The place where they say, "What happens in the de party, stays in the de party. What happens in T 'n T stays in T 'n T." This shall be my first trip there, and I have a funny feeling that it won't be my last. If there is one set of people in this world who know how to have good time, it's the Trinidadians. I have seen them in Miami, Toronto, London and Germany, these guys rule when it comes to a fete. Somehow I can't imagine that they are any different in their homeland.

So girls, now to make hay as spring approaches. Wear those sexy jeans or little hot pants of yours, throw on a cute top, and dress your feet in a comfortable pair of Pumas. Rock on down to Oxford Road and 'mash up de place' like you've never done before. If you can't find a friend to accompany you, try going alone. I know it's easier said than done, but everyone is looking to have a good time, and there'll be masses of men to dance with. I find that it's one of the few places where it really is OK to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. And there are always a group of ladies selling costumes, so if you are intimidated by the crowd, head on over to them - trust me, they are always looking to chat!

There are no pretences at Mas Camp, no airs and graces, and the organisers and sponsors welcome one and all. If you are single and usually prefer curling up in bed with a book rather than going out, please pluck up the courage and see for yourself what I am talking about. I recommend making your debut on February 23, the Friday after all the revellers return from Port-of-Spain! The energy on this night in previous years was unbelievable, and I am pretty certain that at the end of the evening you'll still be 'wining' in your sleep, smiling like a Cheshire cat, and thanking me for making such a big deal of Mas Camp mania. If I am wrong, feel free to go mad on me via email!

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com