Congratulations to our founding Chef Jonatan Gómez Luna Torres for winning the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award in the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2022 an award where the winner is chosen by colleagues chefs!
In addition, Chef Jonatan owns restaurant Le Chique as #17 top Restaurant in Latin America and #3 in Mexico.
The twelfth month of the year arrives: December. Thanksgiving, we express the joy and complicity of living with friends, family and loved ones to live together the main goal of this celebration: the commemoration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
It is a joy to be able to say that this 2022 we have shared images and stories that have led us to places in Europe, the United States, and Mexico to learn from those wonderful regions that carry the history of their regions high.
In particular, the places we visited in the state of Chihuahua impressed us with their mystique and increased our ability to play sports and improve our health.
What great heritage we have! We show it with pleasure to you, our readers. The possibility of showing the different creative personalities of this border strengthens us and fills us with pride, since this is ultimately the objective of our publications.
Hope, faith, and the best of our wishes for all of you this Christmas. We wish you a prosperous and good start in 2023!
Our sincere gratitude,
Llega el doceavo mes del año: diciembre. Desde el Día de Gracias, manifestamos la alegría y complicidad de convivir con amigos, familia y seres queridos para convivir en torno al objetivo de celebración: la conmemoración del nacimiento de Jesús en Belén.
Es una alegría poder decir que este 2022 hemos compartido imágenes, historias y narrativas que nos han llevado a viajar a sitios en Europa, Estados Unidos y México para aprender de esos lugares maravillosos que llevan en alto la historia de sus regiones.
Particularmente, los lugares que visitamos en el estado de Chihuahua nos impresionaron con su mística y extensión y la capacidad para hacer deporte y mejorar nuestra salud.
También qué decir de la herencia que tenemos. La mostramos con el gusto y el agrado hacia nuestros lectores. La posibilidad de mostrar a las distintas personalidades creativas de esta frontera nos fortalece y nos llena de orgullo, puesto esto es finalmente el objetivo de nuestras publicaciones.
Esperanza, fe, y bienestar para todos en esta Navidad. ¡Les deseamos un próspero y buen comienzo para este 2023!
Nuestra gratitud para todos,
Agradecemos la participación de todos los que colaboraron en nuestro evento anual Nutcracker Runway 2022 especialmente a la colección de Armando Rodríguez Couture y a Sergio Muñoz de Marrakech Hair Salon.
915 304 9245 | email: carmen.borderheritage@gmail.com
CEO/Editor
Carmen Becerra Allen
Contributors
Chihuahua Jorge Carrera Robles Ciudad Juárez Angelica Villegas Esteffan Alan Gutiérrez El Paso, Texas John Benjamin Moore Ian Appling Karla Mariscal Phoenix, Arizona Alexia Guillen Redaction Ángel Torres
TeamCarmen Becerra Allen English - Spanish Proofreading/Translation
Patricia Arellano Media Project Lead Gabriela Valdez Photos Karla Mariscal XII Travelers Luis Meza Bazaar Models Angel Torres Guillermo Carrillo Heber Nickolath Gabriela Valdez
Videos
Carmen Paola Guillen Gabriela Valdez Sales
José Quiñones
Administration
Diana Martínez Lourdes Segura Haycraft Adriana Martinez Graphic Designer Gabriela Valdez
(March, 21 1806 - 18 July 1872)
“F ree, and for me sacred, is the right to think… Education is essential for social happiness; It is the principle on which freedom and the development of the peoples rest.”
The son of Zapotec Indians, Benito Juárez García was born in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, on March 21, 1806. To date, Juárez is one of the most significant figures in Mexican history.
He had a precarious childhood and for years he studied on his own. At just thirteen years old, he moved to the State’s capital without speaking Spanish. For a short time, he was a grana harvester, bookbinder, and tertiary of the Franciscan Order.
Under the shelter of Don Antonio Salanueva and the teacher Domingo González, he learned how to read. He entered the Seminary of the Holy Cross, where he began high school studies, studied Latin, philosophy and theology, and finished high school in 1827. The following year he enrolled in the Institute of Sciences and Arts, where he graduated with a law degree in 1834.
His beginnings in politics date back to 1831, a year when he made a name for himself in several positions, like city councilor, deputy, governor of his native state, president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, and as Constitutional President of Mexico during five periods, from 1858 to July 1872, the day of his death in the National Palace.
He is the first and only president of indigenous origin in Mexico. His life becomes relevant with the accomplishment of great feats throughout his days.
He carried out one of the most important events in the life of the country by proclaiming the Reform Laws, which meant the separation between church and State. He is also known as the “Benemérito de las Américas” for his fight against the French invasion.
He coined the emblematic phrase: "Between individuals as between nations, respect for the rights of others is peace."
The historical links between U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Mexican President Benito Juárez have been long studied by historians.
T he city of El Paso unveiled a Mexican President Benito Juárez (1806–1872) monument at the Chamizal National Park (US side).
This monument is a way the City of El Paso pays tribute to the Mexican president, in a similar way that Mexico paid tribute to the US president, in the same way that Mexico installed a monument to Abraham Lincoln in 1964.
The importance both presidents have in both cities is significant. President Lincoln, for instance, had an interest in Mexico because of the American-Mexican War (18461848) and the American Civil War. Lincoln even had a dispute with President James K. Polk regarding the true location—and, therefore, the true responsibility—where the hostilities between the armies of both countries took place.
According to Lincoln, President Polk had started a self-defeating war, arguing that México had legitimate rights to the soil on the South of the Río Grande. The Mexican government appreciated Lincoln’s attitude, which is why México has repeatedly honored President Lincoln over the years.
For example, in Ciudad Juárez and some Mexican states there are avenues and streets named after Abraham Lincoln.
For its part, the City of El Paso, Texas, decided to pay a historic debt to President Benito Juárez. In this sense, after the sale of El Chamizal from Mexico to the United States, it was determined that a park, nothing more, would be built on both sides of the border. However, the US side lacked a Benito Juárez monument, which is now resolved with this memorial.
Now, both monuments turn towards themselves: that of Benito Juárez directs his gaze to the north, while that of Lincoln, to the south. This symbolizes the close relationship that both cities and countries have had throughout history.
The importance both presidents have in both cities is significant.
J ohn Sherril Houser & Echan Taliesin Houser Echan Taliesin Houser, son of John Sherrill and Chery| Houser, was born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1972 His grandfather was finst assistant to Gutzon Borglum in sculpting Mount Rushmore. His father was a painter, sculptor, and writer. For as long as he can remember, Ethan has been an artist, too.
He received his fust instruction from his father while looking at art books. As they studied the works of masters, John treated his son to a history lesson by helping him imagine what it must have been like to live in that society. John would lay tracing paper over a picture and they would trace it, analyzing its composition. They considered how each form subconsciously led one's eye through the painting and how multiple lines converged at the center of interest.
Ethan was captivated and realized there was no turning back from pursuing an artist's path.
Formal training began in his father's studio. As an adolescent, he learned the bronze casting process by working in a local foundry. He explored studio and art history courses in Tucson and pursued two years of independent study in Japan. By the time Ethan returned to the United States in the early rggos, his father had embarked on the ambitious XIl Travelers Memorial of the Southwest project in El Paso, Texas, with its own not-for-profit status and volunteer board.
Echan served as associate sculptor to his father on the 14 foot Fray Garcia de San Francisco, Founder of Paso del Norte, 1659 at Pioneer Plaza in downtown El Paso dedicated in 1997, and for The Equestrian,
1598, the 36-foot rearing horse and rider at the El Paso International Airport dedicated in 200y. It is the largest equestrian bronze in the world.
Ethan thenbecame sole sculptor for Susan Magoffin, who traveled the Santa Fe Trail through El Paso in the late 185o's dedicated in 2012 at Keystone Heritage Park Ethan continues the family legacy (his uncle, Nick Houser, is the project historian) with Benito Juarez - Child to Man and is accompanying medallion comiemorating Benito Juarez, and Abraham Lincoln.
It is being dedicated on September 35, 2022, the same month and day as the sealing of the Chamizal Treaty by Presidents Lopez Mateos and Lyndon Baines Johnson at the center of the international bridge connecting El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua in 1964 Ethan has exhibited in Santa Fe, New Mexico and in El Paso, San Antonio, and Ft. Worth, Texas.
His work has also been exhibited in Mexico City and featured in national and international publications. He is poised to contribute a new and vibrant voice to the sculptural traditions of our time. Ethan is married to Dr. Erin Houser and lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
Founder of the Tom Lea Institute in El Paso, Texas
A dair margo’s remarks for Benito Juarez unveiling at the Chamizal, September 25, 2022 at 1 p.m.
This is a special day and on this same date - September 25 in 1964 - Mexican president Adolfo Lopez Mateos and united states president Lincoln b. Johnson walked to the top of the downtown international bridge that connects Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas. They embraced and their gesture of friendship officially ended a 100-year-old boundary dispute between Mexico and the united states – peacefully in the midst of the cold war.
The conflict began with the changing course of the rio grande during the time of Benito Juarez and Abraham Lincoln. they were contemporaries and great men, who supported each other when their nations were torn by war. Benito Juarez took refuge at paso del norte in 1865 when the french invaded his country. the villagers welcomed him and he assisted the community.
In his research, Nick Houser – the extraordinary historian for this project- reports that Juarez made friends with the town’s inhabitants and with their American neighbors on the other side. the villagers had suffered from severe flooding, changing the channel of the rio grande and leaving residents displaced from their homes. Juarez initiated the first formal complaint with the us government requesting resolution . H e was offered asylum by the department of new Mexico, but politely refused, vowing never to leave his country while it was occupied by foreigners.
When Mexico began regaining its independence, Juarez and his attaches left Paso del Norte assisted by an American soldier, who wrote in his diary on June 17, 1866:
The whole population was stirred with excitement…and before the march began, gathered around the great chief to say farewell. while there was universal joy over the bright prospects of the republic, the genuine affection of the people for Juarez gave to the leave taking a tinge of sorrow.
On September 16, 1888, villagers re-named their town ciudad Juarez in honor of their distinguished guest.
The Chamizal treaty established parks on both sides of the river in celebration of mutual friendship. A bronze monument honoring Abraham Lincoln was placed near the parque el Chamizal in Juarez in 1964 as a symbol of unity. the united states is now reciprocating through the untiring efforts of a small not-for-profit organization XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest.
It is an unusual monument, of Benito Juarez as both an illiterate Zapotec sheepherder wishing he could read the book he is holding, and as the great constitutional president of Mexico who rose because of the opportunity to receive an education.
After today’s dedication Abraham Lincoln and Benito Juarez - two great presidents will face each other with respect across the Mexico-United States border at last.
I t's a dream come true for me. It's been 10 years since weve been working on this. Anything great takes time. I just love the symbolism of the two presidents facing each other. We were supposed to do that 58 years ago, and we didn't. Finally, this dream is fulfilled.
It's magnificent. It's a beautiful monument, I love the little shepherd boy, speaking Zapotec, that becomes the greatest president of Mexico. I love that for inspiration for children. You need education, anybody can become president, you just need education. I want children to sit between the two figures and feel inspired.
I begun studying the story of Benito Juarez. I admired him enormously: going from poverty and illiteracy to being Mexico's greatest president. He had great perseverance. He must have been an incredible smart man. He knew French, English, Latin, and Spanish. When he ran away from his uncle's home, walked 38 miles to Oaxaca city.
I think the history of our region is so important to me. It's massive, the best of the United States.
I got involved in this projects because they highlight the history of our region. texto texto
T he 500 year old history of our El Paso del Norte region is, in my opinion, our richest asset! The XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest, a non-profit board, was established in 1993 in support of John Houser’s vision to highlight periods of our tumultuous history with 12 monumental bronze statues. The purpose of the project is to visually bring to life our amazing heritage for both El Pasoans and the many visitors to our region.
I became involved with this challenging project in 1995 as the project photographer and a fundraiser for the first monument, Fray Garcia de San Francisco 1659, located at Pioneer Plaza in downtown El Paso. Now the fourth monument in the series by sculptor Ethan Houser, Benito Juarez – Child to Man, was unveiled at the Chamizal National Memorial on September 25,2022. Participants from both nations gave the bi-national event great significance - celebrating our shared history together.
Though fifty- eight years overdue after an 18-foot bronze monument of President Lincoln was dedicated near the Parque Chamizal in Juarez, the non- profit XII Travelers board with the Chamizal National
Memorial have reciprocated with a monument of Benito Juarez.
As Adair Margo stated, “With the dedication of Benito Juarez-child to Man the two great presidents face each other with respect across the Mexico-United States border at last.” Although they never met, their deep friendship for each other during their respective nation’s civil wars are an inspiration to us all. A bronze bas -relief medallion by Ethan Houser of Juarez and Lincoln accompany the monument at the Chamizal site.
The two monumental figures also promote education by holding books – Juarez as an illiterate 12-year old Zapotec sheepherder, who wished he could read, and the adult Juarez as President of Mexico in El Paso del Norte during the French Intervention in 1865-66.
It has been my privilege to have been a part of bringing to fruition four magnificent and historic monuments with the late sculptor John Houser and his son Ethan Houser, associate sculptor, as a member of the XII Travelers volunteer board for 23 years.
President XII Travelers Memorial
XII Travelers Memorial JODY SCHWARTZ
"I t is very important to represent the Secretariat and the Government of Mexico in this event, because it symbolizes the ties that unite Mexico with the United States and the possibility to celebrate them. It is very emotional for us to know that Benito Juárez holds a special place in the history and the culture of El Paso and that they fondly remember his passage through the Paso del Norte in 1865, since he played an indispensable role in consolidating Mexico as a constitutional republic.
It is important that this sculpture is placed in a park where children come and perhaps they wonder who he was and investigate a little and that they identify themselves with that child who is sitting next to him, so that they dream of big things and take that inspiration from him. Hopefully, it will serve to replicate the values of Benito Juárez, the best known of which is respect for the rights of others and peace; a value of humanism and international peace.”
"I am fortunate to be aware of what binational love means and to encourage Mexican-Americans not to lose their essence. This is a great event because Benito Juárez means a lot.
This figure becomes a symbol that honors that historical memory and that we should not lose our roots. Today the message for the United States is to heal the wounds that were opened in the past administration of xenophobia and racism.
A message that gives us hope not to return to those very unfortunate divisions for the entire community.”
Director General de Servicios Consulares en la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores de la Ciudad de México
General · Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social
T he Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, recognize XII Travellers organization, sculptor Ethan Tallesin and everyone that promoted the unveiling of former mexican president Benito Juarez sculpture “From Child to Man” on September 25 at the Chamizal Park on the United States side of the border.
This event was in reciprocity of Abraham Lincoln sculpture unveiled in 1964 at the Chamizal Park on the Mexico side of the border, this shows the bi-nationality of our Paso del Norte region and is a symbol of friendship and solidarity celebrating 200 years of the bi-lateral relationship between Mexico and the United States that will be celebrated on December 12, 2022.
B enito Juarez child to man: 4th installment in 12 travelers memorial to be unveiled at chamazal memorial Park Sunday September 25th at 1:00 a historical giant at the height of 4 ft 6 in Benito Pablo Juarez Garcia was the 26th president of Mexico between 1858 and 1872. Born in Oaxaca at the age of three lost his parents from complications with diabetes. Raised by his uncle he moved to Oaxaca city as a domestic servant, later enrolled in a seminary and studied law at The institute of science and arts, became a lawyer and later was appointed a judge.
Then he was elected the president of the Mexican supreme Court after that became president of Mexico in 1858. Benito Juarez was known as the father of modern Mexico a Shaker and a mover in 1853 when he was governor of Oaxaca Mr Juarez was imprisoned by the dictator Santa Ana for his liberal stances and activism. He escaped and took refuge in the French quarter of New Orleans biting his time until he returned to become president in 1858.
This is not the first statue of Benito Juarez to be erected in the United States. In 1970 one was unveiled in Washington DC his most famous quote was"respecting the rights of others is peace"a timeless quote from a patriot pioneer and hero.
The 12 travelers mission is to celebrate the region's history with statues of women and men who travel through the pass of the North. The statue is of a young zapotec Indian Shepherd sitting next to a mature statesman both reading a book indicative of President juarez's dedication to education. Ethan houser is the artist who crafted the statue the Arizona born sculptor spent the last 10 months configuring this piece of History a monumental statue of a monumental man. God help us if in the future some "group"would want to remove our new Statue that same group would probably want to take Abraham Lincoln's away also. Ethan houser's Father John, who passed away 3 years ago had the idea of"Boy to man"I encourage all El pasoans to pack a picnic go to the Chamizal to observe and admire this fourth installment of the 12 travelers.
By Ian ApplingT he statue "Benito Juárez: from a Boy to a Man," sculpted by the artist Ethan Taliesin Houser, is found in the facilities of the Chamizal National Park, located in Paisano and San Marcial.
The project also mirrors the installation of the bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln in Ciudad Juárez in 1964, El Paso’s twin city on the other side of the border, so that finally, after 58 years, they have a symbolic meeting, given that in life they could never meet.
The Lincoln Memorial in Juárez faces north; that of Juárez, located in El Paso, points towards the South, symbolizing the border, the point where their stories converge. 1:00 p.m. was the time the dedication ceremony began and the sculpture in El Paso's Chamizal was shown to the public.
Attendees enjoyed live performances by regional talents, like the El Paso Symphony Association Youth Symphony, the “Canto a mi Tierra” University Mariachi from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez and the Mariachi Orgullo from Bowie High School, among others, said the organizers. The bronze monument to Mexican President Benito Juárez is comprised of a statue that is the fourth installment in the XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest series, an organization that pays tribute to twelve pioneers and historical figures who transited through the Paso del Norte region, which today includes Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua; El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The dedication to Lincoln is considered a symbol of solidarity initiated by the presidents of both countries at the time: President Lyndon B. Johnson and President Adolfo López Mateos.
John Houser was one of the most prominent sculptors in the region and worked on some famous sculptures, like the one of Fray García de San Francisco located in Downtown El Paso and the controversial one of Juan de Oñate in the airport. He was assisted by his son Ethan, who now resumed his father's mission.
Ethan Houser was born in Tucson, Arizona on April 6, 1971. He received his first training from him at his father's studio. His artistic development was further influenced by the renowned classical sculptor Julián Martínez.
The XII Travelers organization was established to celebrate our region's rich history by crafting monumental bronze statues commemorating the many men and women who have traveled Paso del Norte over the past five centuries.
The fourth in his series of monuments is “Benito Juárez: de niño a hombre”, which presents the young Juárez as a sheep herder in Oaxaca, sitting next to himself as an adult and President of Mexico.
Chamizal National Park has been a partner with XII Travelers since 2016 and this week received the sculpture, which was installed by Eagle Bronze Foundry, a foundry in Lander, Wyoming.
This fulfills the purpose of the park's early planners to include such a monument as a complement to the statue of Abraham Lincoln that Mexico erected in Ciudad Juárez in 1964.
The late John Houser and his son Ethan created the sculpture "Benito Juárez: From Boy to Man." It will have Lincoln as a companion and it will also have a Juárez medallion and interpretive panel. The statue by co-sculptors, John Houser and Ethan Houser, features President Juárez and young Benito Juárez.
The president is sitting on a bench inside the courtyard of his headquarters in Paso del Norte.
Little Benito, the 12-year-old sheep herder from a remote Zapotec indigenous village in Oaxaca, sits at the other end of the bench and looks ahead of him, in the direction of the president. He holds a book that inspires him to read and write.
The program began with the presentation of the school escort and band from the Instituto Tecnológico de Juárez, the escort from Bowie High School and enlivened by the Wind Quintet of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.
Subsequently, there was an introductory participation by Kenna Ramírez, former first lady of El Paso and president of the XII Travelers Memorial, as well as Adair Margo, also former first lady of El Paso and founder of the Tom Lea Institute.
A s speaker, the General Consul of Mexico in El Paso, Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, was present in the event, who introduced Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Director General for North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, who showed the greatness of Benito Juárez.
The opening ceremony was given by the artist Ethan Taliesin Houser, Aaron Mahr, Kate Hammond, Kenna Ramírez, Jody Schwartz, members of the XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest Founders Committee. The program included the presence of the United States federal congresswoman Verónica Escobar; Aaron Mahr, interim superintendent of Chamizal National Memorial; and Kate Hammond, acting regional director for National Park Services.
The artistic show was made up of members of the Ciudad Juárez/El Paso Youth Symphonies, The Bridge; University Mariachi “Canto a mi Tierra” from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez (UACJ); UACJ Folkloric Dance Company; Mariachi Orgullo de Bowie High School and the Bowie Fierce Dance Team.
For the organizers, the Chamizal Park, on the North American side, is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These facilities are a reminder of the harmonious resolution of a 100-year border dispute between the United States and Mexico and the possibility to celebrate the cultures of the borderlands in order to promote the same mutual respect that helped to diplomatically resolve an international disagreement.
Luis Nuñez Foreign licensed attorney, bilingual in English and Spanish
We can say that this year Nutcracker Runway 2022 was spectacular, the glamour, fashion filled with brightness in silver, white and gold where we enjoyed an afternoon of high fashion like in other parts of the world here in El Paso, Texas.
Beautiful ladies of Bazaar Models displayed high fashion dresses in this event titled “Moon” presented by Border Heritage Magazine to support our border community.
In a warm environment, fashion and beauty highlighted the designs of Armando Rodriguez Couture along with an avant-garde make up by Sergio Muñoz of Marrakesh Hair Salon in a unique and different event by their professional quality.
Once again several products and articles where showcased were the attendees were able to admire and buy good quality products made locally supporting our community. This end of the year event presented by Border Heritage Magazine thanks all the sponsors that participated in 2022.
Elegancia y vanguardia es parte de lo que Armando Rodriguez Couture presento en el evento anual Nutckraker Runway 2022.
Se puede decir que este año el Nutckraker Runway 2022 estuvo espectacular y donde solo el glamour, la moda llena de brillo en color plata, blanco y poco de dorado fue lo que llenó una tarde de alta moda y como en otros lugares en el mundo, pero aquí en El Paso, Texas.
Y es que varias bellas chicas de Bazar Models lucieron trajes de alta moda en el evento anual titulado “Moon” que presenta Border Heritage Magazine, y como apoyo a la comunidad.
Con un ambiente cálido, la moda y la belleza resalto en los diseños de Armando Rodríguez Couture haciendo dualidad con un maquillaje muy a la vanguardia, que fue realizado por Sergio Muñoz de Marrakesh Hair salon, un evento único y diferente por su calidad profesional.
Una vez más se exhibieron artículos para su venta y además que los asistentes pudieran admirar y adquirir piezas de buena calidad local y como apoyo a la comunidad.
Así se llevo a cabo el evento de fin de año que realiza en pro de la comunidad Border Heritage Magazine agradeciendo a todos los patrocinadores que colaboraron este 2022.
PHOTO: GABRIELA VALDEZ EL PASO, TEXAS
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Especializado en realzar la belleza femenina por medio de telas, detalles y elementos únicos Armando Rodríguez y de la mano de Sergio Munoz de Marrakesh hair salon quien diseño los peinados y un maquillaje especial y a la vanguardia de la moda actual.
Japan has many attractive cities that preserve the traditions and culture unique to each region.
In October my daughter Odette and myself decided to take a trip, after a long journey we arrived to the emblematic and iconic japanese locations. It was a fascinating trip which we didn’t imagine what the country has to offer.
Meanwhile in Tokyo the capital of Japan, we sensed a city were life runs fast where there is a mixture between traditional and ultramodern, illuminated skyscrapers with neon lights to historic temples. Here we visited stores and the streets of Harajuku district, quite fun and interesting for all types of merchandise we found. Additionally we visited the majestic Buda of Kamakura at Hakone, we had a great impression due to its size, since The Great Buda of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) with a height of 11,4 meters, has been for many years the second tallest bronze statue of Buda in Japan. Made in bronze of Buda Amida, located outdoors in the land of the Temple Kotoukin.
And what to say a site that we really enjoyed, the “Onsen” community well known for their thermal waters of Onsen, is a very popular destination for visitors and locals. We assure that hot water helps to relax both in body and soul This area is a tradition and a must visit under Mount Fuji also known as Land of the Rising Sun.
We also admired a city which enchanters everyone Kyoto, a mystical place for it’s Nijo Castle and golden pavilion, this place was built in 1603 as residence in Kyoto of Tokugawa Ieyasu the first shogun of the Edo period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu finished the buildings of the palace of the castle 23 years later and expanded the castle with a 5 stories tower as a tribute, Nijo Castle was used as Imperial Palace before it was donated to the city and opened to the public as a historic site.
The palace buildings are the best examples of the architecture of the palace of the castle during Japan’s feudal era, and the castle was designated world heritage in 1994 by UNESCO. During our excursion decided to visit Nara Park, we were pampered by “sika” deers walking on the streets.
It was impressive to visit Great Buda’s Temple, left us a sense that Japan is a great option to travel to a country that has much to offer, as an exampled we travelled in the bullet train which was impressive, at the same time. It’s history and mystical sites that showed us Hispanics a different culture and are obligated to admire.
That is my recommendation to visit all these sites including the city of Osaka which is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after Tokyo.
Has been the economic engine in the Kansai region for many centuries. Osaka formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara period when the capital moved according with the reign of the Emperor, Naniwa was the capital of Japan and the first one to be known.
To end our journey let’s talk about the emblematic Hiroshima, we felt some fear of being there and to see a modern city in the japanese island of Honshu which was devastated and destroyed by an atomic bomb during the Second World War. Today is to admire that is the Commemorative Peace Park of Hiroshima remembering the event of 1945. In the park you find the Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that were left standing close to ground zero.
I must mention that today Japan is a marvelous country to visit it’s great infrastructure, the opulence of their sanctuaries, it’s modernity and the forest that surrounds it. Is well recommended! Visit this country.
En octubre, mi hija Odette y yo decidimos hacer un viaje y nos llego el día! Llenas de emoción arríbanos -después de un trayecto largo- los lugares más icónicos y emblemáticos de Japón. Realmente Fue un viaje fascinante, que en algún momento no imaginamos lo que ese país ofrece.
Al estar en Tokio, por ser la capital de Japón, sentimos una ciudad donde la vida corre con rapidez y donde se mezcla lo tradicional con lo ultramoderno, desde rascacielos iluminados con luces de neón hasta templos históricos. Aquí pudimos recorrer tiendas y las calles del distrito Harajuku, muy divertido e interesante, por toda clase de mercancía que pifiamos observar. Además, conocimos el majestuoso Buda de Kamakura en Hakone, donde nuestra impresión al estar ahí fue muy grande por su tamaño, ya que El Gran Buda de Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) con una altura de 11,4 metros, ha sido durante mucho tiempo la segunda estatua de Buda de bronce más alta de Japón. Realizada en bronce del Buda Amida, que se encuentra en los terrenos del Templo Kotokuin, al aire libre.
Y que decir de un sitio el cual disfrutamos al máximo, la comunidad de “Onsen” Y como se les conoce en Japón por las aguas termales de Onsen, son un destino muy popular tanto para el visitante como el público local. Les aseguro que el agua caliente es motivo de relajarse, en cuerpo y alma. Esta zona ya es tradición y la visita es obligada bajo el impresionante monte Fuji, o llamado también la Tierra del Sol Naciente.
Y no dejo de admirar esa ciudad que deja un encanto a cualquiera, no pudimos dejar de visitar Kyoto, un lugar místico por su castillo Nijo y su pabellón dorado, y esque este lugar se construyó en 1603 como residencia en Kioto de Tokugawa Ieyasu, el primer shogun del periodo Edo (1603-1867). Su nieto Iemitsu completó los edificios del palacio del castillo 23 años después y amplió aún más el castillo al agregar una torre del homenaje de cinco pisos, el castillo de Nijo se utilizó como palacio imperial durante un tiempo antes de ser donado a la ciudad y abierto al público como sitio histórico. Los edificios de su palacio son posiblemente los mejores ejemplos sobrevivientes de la arquitectura del palacio del castillo de la era feudal de Japón, y el castillo fue designado patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO en 1994.
Durante nuestra excursión decidimos pasear un poco por el parque de Nara, nos dejamos consentir por los ciervos “sika” paseando por las calles. Fue impresionante visitar el templo de su Gran Buda, pues nos dejo un sabor de boca de que Japón es una buena opción para poder viajar a un país que ofrece mucho, por citar un ejemplo viajamos en tren bala que nos impresionó; pero al mismo tiempo su historia y sitios místicos nos enseñan una cultura distinta a nosotros los hispanos y que estamos obligados a admirar. Aqui mi recomendación a visitar estos sitios sin antes olvidarme de la ciudad de Osaka que es la segunda área metropolitana más grande de Japón después de Tokio. Ha sido el motor económico de la región de Kansai durante muchos siglos. Osaka se conocía anteriormente como Naniwa. Antes del Período de Nara, cuando la capital se trasladaba con el reinado de cada nuevo emperador, Naniwa fue una vez la capital de Japón, y la primera que se conoció.
Y para finalizar nuestro viaje les platico de la emblemática Hiroshima, que al principio sentía algún temor por estar ahí y al ver que es una ciudad moderna en la isla japonesa de Honshu, y que fue destruida en gran parte por una bomba atómica durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Hoy, es admirable saber que es el Parque Conmemorativo de la Paz de Hiroshima conmemora el evento de 1945. En el parque se encuentran las ruinas de Genbaku Dome, uno de los pocos edificios que quedó en pie cerca de la zona cero.
Hoy por hoy debo decirles que Japón es maravilloso para conocer su gran infraestructura, por su opulencia en santuarios, por su modernidad y por los bosques que también lo rodean. Es recomendable! No deje de visitar ese país.
Japón es maravilloso para conocer su gran infraestructura.
Un país tradicional con lo ultramoderno, desde rascacielos iluminados con luces de neón, hasta templos históricos.BY: BORDER HERITAGE PHOTO: KARLA MARISCAL JAPAN
he is Alexia Uliabarri, whom we had the opportunity to interview in El Paso, Texas, a few days ago. Originally from Mexico City, she spent a large part of her life in San Luis Potosí. Since she was little kid, she had the pleasure of creating designs and sewing some clothes.
“Before graduating high school, I already knew that I liked fashion; it was when I bought my sewing machine and just started creating things, dresses, etc., to later move to London and start my career as a fashion designer”, she explained to us at the beginning of the interview.
As one the main referent of Latin American fashion, how have your Mexican roots and heritage influenced you?
For all the contrast between the cultural theme of my roots and crafts that we have in Mexico and the technique that I learned in England, like the more Victorian pattern making. This is present in each of my collections. That contrast between the romantic and the folkloric and the cold and lineal themes of London. It's a punk-brush with a more romantic theme. This is something that Mexico gives me.
What is your opinion of the creative industries’ drive to grow?
We have been working for more than 10 years to be a country with fashion. It makes me proud as a Mexican to say I am now breaking borders. I didn't know El Paso, Texas, and for me it's incredible, because I realize the flavor it has for being next to Mexico. It is a mixture of the incredible that Mexico has, but with the theme of innovation that the border has. I like that as support for Mexican fashion to have platforms to be able to express and show the collections and the design.
As a businesswoman, what do you feel has been your contribution?
The issue of being a female or male designer is a somewhat complicated illusion. As a woman I think that for me the challenge is to have been a mother; for example, you have to continue working before starting a collection, there is no rest, it seems very easy, but in a collection, for example, there are more than 60 garments. Those must be very elaborate. In this case, it is Mexican hands that make my work, they are women like me, and I am happy. since we make a team and we know that it can be achieved from the people who cut, sew or embroider, or even the business system. I, who have all the creative side and business development, because I have to fight a lot to be able to compete in an international world of fashion, and that has been the biggest challenge. What inspired the Olimpia collection, which is presented at ELP?
My dad is Greek. Olympia is the first collection that I completely dedicate to Greece. There is a mixture between my roots and my birthplace. I was inspired by Greece, by ancient Greece, and also by Olympus. In fact, the two prints in the collection have motifs of Pegasus and the gods of Olympus.
What advice would you give to the new generations?
Perseverance, without a doubt; and look for an original style and that they are not afraid to be "you" through what you express, what you do. The interesting thing here is to look for a style that has a brand identity, its own style, based on inspiration and trends.
“I am very happy to cross the border and represent Mexico here and be part of this Fashion Show. Thank you very much to all the organizers and to you too”, added Alexia.
“Many thanks to Border Heritage Magazine for the interest, and greetings to everyone on this border,” she concluded.
BY: BORDER HERITAGE PHOTO: LUIS MEZA WHITE SANDS, NM
Ella es Alexia Ulibarri, a quien tuvimos oportunidad de entrevistar en El Paso, Texas, hace unos días. Originaria de la Ciudad de México, con gran parte de su vida transcurrida en San Luis Potosí. Desde pequeña, tuvo el gusto por crear diseños y coser algunas prendas.
“Antes de graduarme de preparatoria, ya sabía que me gustaba la moda; fue cuando me compré mi máquina de coser y justo comencé a crear cosas, vestidos, etc., para después trasladarme a Londres y emprender mi carrera como diseñadora de modas”, nos explicó al principio de la entrevista.
Como referente principal de la moda latinoamericana, ¿Cómo han influido en ti las raíces mexicanas y tu herencia en tu proceso creativo?
Por todo el contraste entre el tema cultural de raíz y artesanía, que tenemos en México, y la técnica que aprendí en Inglaterra, como el patronaje más victoriano. Esto es muy referente en cada una de mis colecciones. Ese contraste entre lo romántico y lo folklórico y el tema más lineal y frio de Londres. Es un punk-brush con un tema más romántico. Esto es algo que México me da.
¿Qué tipo de apoyo o impulso requieren las industrias creativas para crecer?
Llevamos más de 10 años trabajando para ser un país con moda. Me da orgullo como mexicana decir estoy rompiendo fronteras. No conocía El Paso, Texas, y para mí es increíble, porque me doy cuenta del sabor que tiene [esta ciudad] por estar al lado de México. Es una mezcla de lo increíble que tiene México, pero con el tema de innovación de lo que es frontera. Eso me gusta como apoyo para que la moda mexicana tenga plataformas para poder expresar y mostrar las colecciones y el diseño.
Como mujer empresaria, ¿qué sientes que ha sido tu aporte?
El tema de ser diseñador mujer o hombre es una ilusión algo complicada. Como mujer creo que para mí el reto es haber sido mamá; por ejemplo, se tiene que seguir trabajando antes de comenzar una colección, no hay descanso, parece muy fácil, pero en una colección, por decir algo, hay más de 60 prendas. Esas deben de estar muy elaboradas. En este caso son manos mexicanas las que elaboran mi trabajo, son mujeres como yo, y estoy contenta. ya que hacemos equipo y sabemos que se puede lograr desde las personas que cortan, cosen o que bordan, o hasta el sistema empresarial. Yo, que llevo todo el lado creativo y desarrollo de empresa, pues debo luchar mucho para poder competir en un mundo internacional de moda, y ese ha sido el mayor reto.
¿En qué se inspiró la colección Olimpia, que se presenta en ELP?
Mi papá es griego. Olimpia es la primera colección que dedico completamente a Grecia. Hay una mezcla entre mi raíz y mi lugar de nacimiento Me inspiré en Grecia, en la antigua Grecia y también en el Olimpo. De hecho, los dos estampados de la colección tienen motivos de Pegaso y dioses del Olimpo.
¿Qué consejo le darías a las nuevas generaciones?
La perseverancia, sin duda; y buscar un estilo original y que no tengan miedo a ser “tú” a través de lo que expresas, lo que hagas. Lo interesante aquí es buscar un estilo que tenga identidad de marca, un estilo propio, que se base en inspiración y tendencias.
“Estoy muy contenta de cruzar frontera y representar aquí a México y ser parte de este Fashion Show. Muchas gracias a todos los organizadores y a ustedes también”, agregó Alexia.
“Muchas gracias a Border Heritage Magazine por el interés, y un saludo a todos en esta frontera”, finalizó.
Bazaar Models presented their biggest event of the year. In their eleventh edition during 3 days presented one of the largest events during the week dedicated to fashion in an international level.
This concept invites several designers among them Alexia Ulibarri, along with national brands, local boutiques and professional stylists that work in the border region.
Thank you Bazaar Models for this presentation which has become a tradition highlighting the fashion week in our community.
Bazaar Models presentó su mayor evento del año. En su onceava edición durante 3 días se presentó uno de los mayores desfiles de la semana dedicados a la moda a nivel internacional.
Este concepto invita a varios diseñadores entre ellos Alexia Ulibarri, junto a marcas nacionales, boutiques locales y estilistas profesionales que trabajan en la región fronteriza.
Gracias Bazaar Models por esta presentación que se ha convertido en una tradición destacando la semana de la moda en nuestra comunidad.
