E!’s WAGS filmed in Trinidad

Cast members Olivia Pearson, Nicole Williams, Natalie Halcro and Sasha Gates all arrived on Sunday night (February 26) and received a warm reception from TDC’s Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Arveon Mills, and other senior tourism officials.

“WAGS” stands for Wives and Girlfriends of Sports Stars and cast member Sasha Gates has roots in Trinidad from her two grandparents and often returns to visit friends and family and play mas for Carnival.

Gates is married to NFL player, Antonio Gates who plays with the San Diego Chargers. “I come here as many times as I possible can,” Gates revealed. “I haven’t been back as much lately because I have two babies - one and a half and three years old - so it’s been hard to travel with them for long distances.

Now that they are older, I’m going to try to bring them and my mom is here so they will have granny and all my other family here as well.

“I wish we could come here every single episode,” added Gates, “but it’s out of my hands and not that feasible all the time. I think the vibe here is so amazing - I can’t really pick one favorite place because it’s more about the essence and how Trinidad makes you feel - I love being on the road for Carnival, I love going to Maracas Beach for bake and shark or being at home when my mom’s cooking cause that smell.. is like no other!” The cast was filmed playing mas with Fantasy Carnival, visiting the Paramin Blue Devils, as well as enjoying the serenity and beauty of some of our popular beaches.

Whilst focusing on showcasing the energy and vitality of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, it is anticipated that this episode of the popular docu-series will provide poignant glimpses of our natural beauty and heritage attractions.

Raised in Toronto, Canada, Gates moved to California and has lived there for over fifteen years. Still, she claims our heritage as her own: “I believe there’s something very special about this place,” Gates added.

“The culture is so amazing - the j’ouvert, the carnival - how it tells a story and paints a picture: what we once were and how we overcame it and how this beautiful culture became so colorful. The food and the people, the hospitality is so amazing and I’m so proud to say that I’m a Trinidadian!”