Playmates
Maria Luisa
Gil

Maria Luisa Gil is a head turner. When the Cuban-born 20-year-old glides through WIldfire, a Chicago eatery, in a minidress and thigh-high boots, necks crane, jaws drop and whispers fill the air. Everybody knows she's somebody. Back in Cuba, Maria knew she was somebody too, which prompted her to send her modeling photos to our headquarters.


Playboy: You lived in Cuba until December 1996. What brought you to the States?
Maria Luisa: America has so many opportunities. It's impossible ot make money as a model in Cuba. Everyone is poor, except for about five percent of the population. It's sad.

Playboy: Was it hard being a sexy woman in a macho society?
Maria Luisa: Oh, yes. In Cuba, if you're sexy you're considered a whore. Everyone stares at you when you walk down the street. They say some terrible things about you.

Playboy: What sexual behaviors are unacceptable in Cuba?
Maria Luisa: Any sexual behavior! Cuba is totally repressed. Nude pictures are not allowed. Playboy is not allowed. When I saw my first Playboy, on a visit to the U.S., it had the sexiest pictures I'd ever seen. I knew right away I wanted to be a part of it.

Playboy: What's the difference between Cuban men and American men?
Maria Luisa: Cuban guys are jealous and possessive. I don't like that. I'm a liberal, independent girl. The only person I let tell me what to do is my mother.

Playboy: What's your definition of a Latin lover?
Maria Luisa: A guy who's romantic. The candles, fine wine and classical music type.

Playboy: Besides sexual freedom, what do you appreciate about life here that an American might take for granted?
Maria Luisa: Restaurants. Here, my brother and mom and I can go out to eat any time we want. In Cuba the only restaurants are elite clubs that just the rich and beautiful are allowed into.

Playboy: Tell us about Cuban cuisine.
Maria Luisa: The food there is not so good. Everything you eat in Cuba is prodeuced in Cuba. No one has the money to grow decent crops.

Playboy: What are the three most important English phrases to know?
Maria Luisa: "How are you?", "What time is it?" and "Where's the rest room?"

Playboy: What's the most romantic rum drink?
Maria Luisa: A piña colada.

Playboy: Why is it that Cuban cigars are so revered?
Maria Luisa: Good question. I'll have to ask Dennis Rodman the next time I see him.

Playboy: Are you hot-blooded?
Maria Luisa: No, I'm just happy. I'm proud of myself and what I've accomplished. It's been my dream to come to America, and this is where I'm going to stay.