Punga & Mina
Music heals everything
Mina has made many of us dance, and we were looking forward to her visiting Madrid to meet Punga, her inseparable ARISTOPET. We owe her many laughs and many dances.
Mina is an Argentinian DJ who began her career in '99 as a resident at Pacha Buenos Aires. Now, with over 15 years in her career, she has shared the DJ booth with top international DJs such as Lee Burridge, Steve Lawler, Adriatique, etc. Thanks to her versatility behind the decks, she has been part of the artistic lineup at all editions of the Creamfields Buenos Aires festival and has played in various booths across South America, including Lima, Santiago de Chile, Asunción, and Brazil. Her performances at the WMC in Miami with House legend Erick Morillo are also noteworthy. Places like Cielo, the legendary New York club, or the Wall Lounge in Miami are some of the venues where she has shared her music.
She currently resides in Ibiza, where she has held a residency at "El Chiringuito" in Es Cavallet for three years, and has monthly guest appearances at places like KM5, Hotel Es Vive, Sunset Ashram, Khumaras, Cipriani, Boom, and others…
What's the story with Punga? How and when did you meet him?
Pungo was sent to me by Pipi… my previous dog. Almost two years had passed since the "Old Lady" left us, and one day I felt like having another four-legged companion. I looked up at the sky and said, "Come on, Pipi, send me one," and the next day my yoga teacher and great friend Julio Cipriani wrote to me, telling me that Punga had arrived at a foster home from the Saguates shelter in Buenos Aires. I went to see this little guy... who they called "Cusco," and I said, "Come on, Punga, let's go home together…" from now on I'll take care of you for life.
This was in December of last year, meaning 2016. He was about 6 months old and was very, very scared, but that fear has been diminishing every day, thanks to pure, good love.
Why did you name him Punga?
I named him Punga because he is a Punga*, although now, thanks to him accompanying me everywhere, he has become a bit sophisticated. So he is also Mr. Punga.
*Punga in Argentina means “thief”
What is a day with Punga like? Do you incorporate him into your routine?
Days with him are like days with me; we go here and there together, accompanying each other, taking care of each other, and enjoying each other's company. He's an early bird, so around 8 am, he wakes me up every day with contagious energy and joy. We live in the countryside in Ibiza, so he lives very freely, always in nature. We are not city people…
What would you highlight about Punga?
I highlight many things about Punga; he's truly a great dog, very intelligent. He learns everything very quickly, both good and bad, but he's also extremely obedient and sweet. He's very calm, a genuinely gentle soul; he just wants cuddles and to play all the time.
Do you usually take him traveling with you?
I take him everywhere I go! It's a package deal.
…Future plans
Thousands of plans… but continuing to travel together for life is the main one.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to get a pet?
That they adopt one, that there are thousands of shelters that take care of rescuing abandoned dogs and that need a family to welcome them. They are very grateful and return love many times over.
Photos: Cris Andreu
