Punga&Mina
Music heals everything
Mina has made many of us dance, and we were looking forward to her coming through Madrid so we could meet Punga, her inseparable ARISTOPET. We owe them many laughs and many dances.
Mina is an Argentine DJ who began her career in 1999 as a resident at Pacha Buenos Aires. Now, with more than 15 years of experience, she has shared the booth with top international DJs such as Lee Burridge, Steve Lawler, Adriatique, and others. Thanks to her versatility behind the decks, she was part of the artistic lineup at every edition of the Creamfields Buenos Aires festival and performed at various venues across South America, including in Lima, Santiago de Chile, Asunción, and Brazil. Her appearances at Miami’s WMC alongside House legend Erick Morillo also stand out. Venues such as Cielo, the legendary New York club, and Miami’s Wall Lounge are among the places where she has shared her music.
She currently lives in Ibiza and has been a resident at “El Chiringuito” in Es Cavallet for the past three years, with monthly bookings at venues such as KM5, Hotel Es Vive, Sunset Ashram, Khumaras, Cipriani, Boom, and others...
What is your story with Punga? How and when did you meet?
Pipi, my previous dog, sent Pungo to me… Almost two years had passed since the “Old Lady” left us, and one day I felt ready for 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 run by the Saguates shelter in Buenos Aires. This little guy... who was called “Cusco,” I went to see him and said, “Come on, Punga, let’s head home; we’re going together...” From now on, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life.
This was last December, that is, in 2016. He was approximately six months old and was very, very afraid, a fear that has faded a little more each day thanks to pure, genuine love.
Why did you call him Punga?
I called him Punga because he is a Punga*, although now, thanks to accompanying me everywhere, he has become a little more sophisticated. So he is also Señor Punga.
*Punga means “thief” in Argentina
What is a day with Punga like? Do you include him in your routine?
The days with him are like my days: the two of us go here and there, accompanying, caring for, and enjoying each other. He is an early riser, so at around 8 a.m., 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?
There are many things I would highlight about Punga. The truth is, he is an amazing dog, very intelligent. He learns everything incredibly quickly, both the good and the bad, but he is also extremely obedient and sweet. He is very calm, a truly gentle soul; all he wants is affection and to play all the time.
Do you usually take him traveling with you?
I take him wherever I go! This is a package deal.
...Future plans
Lots of plans... but continuing to travel together for life is the main thing.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to have a pet?
Adopt one. There are thousands of shelters dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs that need families to take them in. They are very grateful and repay that love many times over.
Photos: Cris Andreu
