Costa Rica Howler December 2021 International Digital Magazine by Howler Media Holding, Inc.

DECEMBER 2021

Costa Costa Rica's Rica's Loudest Loudest voice voice to to the the World World

since 1996

What

“ACTION!”

means to DiCaprio in Costa Rica

h o w l e r m a g . c o m

Get Away 2022? Discover the great adventures Costa Rica offers

You can now research and schedule your holiday travel and adven

We’ve partnered with Viator, a Trip Advisor company, booking ser the opportunity to make this season an enjoyable, relaxing and me

Settle at the beach or hike the mountains. It’s your choice to see th sunset on a catamaran. Click on the link to start the process today. We’ll see you soon!

nture with Howler!

rvice to provide our worlwide audience emorable one.

he wildlife, zip through a jungle or catch a

To find your deal!

Lisa Farrell Trading Paradises

Joseph Emanuelli Never Looked Back

Roland Tipper Passion for Travel Leads to Home" Playas del Coco www.playasdelcocoproperty.com 2670-2175

Playa Hermosa www.tresamigos-cr.com 2672-4100

Playa Panam prestigecosta 2670-2175

ma aricaproperties.com

Are Real Estate Agents Licensed in Costa Rica?

Alain Mouquet A French Canadian Welcome

Theo Veenstra It's a Lifestyle

Michael Mills The Adventures Continue

The Gold Coast of Costa Rica Horizon Pacific is located in Playa Tamarindo and exists to help you find a tropical retreat on the gorgeous Gold Coast of Costa Rica - the most beautiful backdrop to renew your spirit and help you reconnect to your favorite people and to the world. With lush tropical flowers, fresh delicious food and exciting experiences, Horizon Pacific will provide the best accommodations and assistance finding exciting adventures. Please reach out to our team, so we can help your travel dreams become a reality. And not to worry, we will continue all our Covid-19 safety measures and flexible options.

Vacation Rentals • Property Management • HOA Management 888-795-7373 (US & Canada) • (011) 506-2653-0390 • HorizonPacificVacations.com

EDITORIAL

WHAT IF? Plastic requires more than 400 years to break down.

he proliferation of plastics in our environment is such a big issue I have chosen it as my editorial discussion topic this month. What if there was an alternative that we could implement to confront the large-scale manufacturing of plastics? As we come to terms with the hard reality that more than 90% of the world’s discarded plastic is never recycled, and that billions of tons of plastic waste has kept accumulating unchecked for more than six decades, it’s time to accept this as a global problem. Researchers who undertook the world’s first count of how much plastic has been created, disposed of, consumed or put in landfills since the 1950s, were astonished by the sheer magnitude of their findings. By 2015, they discovered, humans had generated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, with only 2 billion tons not yet discarded. Of the 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste, only 9% was recycled and 12% incinerated. The remaining 79% has been left to languish in landfills or the natural environment. That means at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans — the final sink. This groundbreaking global analysis of the production, use and fate of all plastics ever made was led by a team of scientists from the University of Georgia, the University of California, Santa Barbara and Sea Education Association. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances and reported by sciencedaily.com on July 19, 2017.

If current trends continue, roughly 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. Twelve billion metric tons is about 35,000 times as heavy as the Empire State Building. The failure to recycle 91% of the 5,800 million tons of primary plastic no longer in use was the focus of an in-depth analysis of plastic pollution published by Our World in Data. Income-based comparisons are made between countries according to their rates of per-capita waste generation and adequacy of plastic waste management systems. The consequences of plastic waste mismanagement are examined from many angles, including the risk to ocean life. Evidence has shown the enormous quantities of plastic that winds up in the oceans and the damage it is causing to birds, marine creatures, and fish. It also affects the beautiful shoreline and entangles wildlife on shore as well. One of the most frequently cited forecasts is that by mid-century, the seas will contain more plastic waste than fish, ton for ton. This is a revitalizing cry to take care of the business of reducing our reliance on plastics. You can’t oversee what you don’t understand. A means of better oversight of plastic items needs to be established. Gaining control of plastic waste is now such a large task that it calls for a comprehensive, global approach, says Jenna Jambeck, Distinguished Professor

in Environmental Engineering at the University What if plastic items could be designed to of Georgia and a National Geographic Fellow. degrade into something that isn’t a toxin to our It involves rethinking plastic chemistry, product environment? design, recycling strategies, and consumer use. Plastic requires more than 400 years to We need to find an alternative to fulfill break down, so the majority of it actually still our ever-increasing needs. As consumers and exists and also lives within the food that we as a global community, we need to consider consume. Micro-plastics are on the shortlist for whether it merits compromising a few a global ban. comforts for a more perfect, and healthier environment. However, breakthroughs have been made to address this issue from a different angle, by creating plastics that completely biodegrade. It’s our responsibility to continue to promote these advancements and bring them to public attention.

John B. Quam

HOWLER T r o o p

owler’s budding interest in regenerative initiatives is a key theme in our December issue, with wide-ranging articles on provocative topics and fascinating personalities. As this month’s cover story subject, Costa Rica has long been a centerpiece of Leonardo DiCaprio’s off-screen advocacy for ocean conservation and other planet-saving measures. Further global connections with Costa Rica are highlighted in the stories of Mirian Vilela’s involvement with the Earth Charter International, and of the stage set by Karina Diaz for Costa Rica Fashion Week and the world’s first sustainable, regenerative chamber of fashion and design. Dr. Silvia Castro discusses her role as president of the Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT), Latin America’s top private bilingual university. Dr. Gregory Payne, a leading international commentator on communication, political and social issues, reflects on the modern relevance of pivotal events in the 1960s. Our road trip series takes you along one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and historically remarkable scenic routes, from Cartago through the Orosi Valley. This month’s artisan spotlight is on Guaitil pottery artisan Miguel Leal, while Ezequiel Marianoni is our featured musician.

WRITERS Lawrence Blake. Producer and ghost writer who has worked with acclaimed producers and writers in the United States and Europe. Joanna Blanco. Integrative nutritional health coach who helps clients embrace wellness in five interconnected areas of life: relationships, livelihood, physical activity, spiritual awareness and diet. Elizabeth Ann Gilroy. Founder and president of www.faceofjustice.org, a volunteer mission organization serving to defend, shelter, empower and love survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and everyone working in prostitution in Central America through Intervention, prevention and restoration. Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys, specializing in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breathwork experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com Turner Mojica. Chief Marketing Officer/Senior Vice President of Howler Media Holdings. International management consultant who has worked with Oscar and Grammy nominated producers, award winning directors and celebrities. Dr. Zoila Mojica. Clinical psychologist/sexologist specializing in individual, group and couples therapy. Works in her own practice and with various organizations to help populations at social risk, and victims of sexual abuse, commercial exploitation and human trafficking. Rick Philps. He has practiced law in this country since 2003, in the areas of real estate and development; corporate, commercial and contract law; escrow and banking; wills and estate planning; and immigration. Contact rick@costaricacanadalaw.com or visit www. costaricacanadalaw.com John Quam. Publisher / Editor-in-Chief of Howler Media Holdings. Valerie Scheirman. Creator and director of www.soulgives.com, a nonprofit partnership with indigenous artisans to empower people and communities in Latin America and uplift lives. A native of Colorado and retired pharmacist, now living part-time in Costa Rica and Mexico. Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com Kristell Valeria. Costa Rican freelance translator and writer specialized in both fashion and film industries.

HOWLER

December 2021 Vol. 30 No. 12

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r - Terry Carlile

Introducing Howler Media Holdings Advisory Board

he expanded growth of Howler Media Holdings has shown the need for an advisory board. Through much searching, we have brought on several notables as key advisors to guide us on an enhanced path. The need for fresh new subject matter is so important as we put our efforts towards gaining readership and engagements. Look forward to an expanded range of timely and provocative Howler articles on topics that influence our daily lives! Join us in welcoming Howler Media Holdings’ inaugural advisory board members: • Dr. J. Gregory Payne • Dr. Zoila Mojica • Dr. Marian Vilela • Dr. Eduard Müller • Karina Diaz Everyone in this group has world experience in business and communications. We are sure you will be captivated by their diverse and interesting backgrounds, as featured in five individual articles in Howler e-magazine. You will understand immediately how each advisory board member will be truly instrumental in our forward expansion.

executive vice president editorial - Turner Mojica account executive Mary Fernández E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor H OW L E R ( ™ ) 2 0 1 7

C o n ta c t

John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: terry@howlermag.com Design: design@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 Howler Magazine Costa Rica @howlercostarica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com. The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements. Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

Read all current and past articles online howlermag.com #S earch F ind Howl

Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 HOWLER (TM)2021

COVER STORY WHAT

“ACTION!” MEANS TO LEONARDO DICAPRIO IN COSTA RICA

FEATURED TRAVEL & ADVENTURES DEALS: Planning Your Holiday Escape BEAUTY AND HISTORY: Cartago Through the Orosi Valley

PURA VIDA/LIVING CR INIPI OR TEMAZCAL: Both Words Integral to Each Sweat Lodge Experience ANTI-AGING DENTISTRY: The New Non-Invasive Alternative MINDFULNESS: Living Our Own Epiphanies MIRIAN VILELA: Opening Global Gates from Costa Rica COMMUNITY: Why I serve Coffee to Pimps

SURFING CR SURFING VIDEOS FEATURE TIDE CHART

ARTS, ARTS, CULTURE CULTURE & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

SOULGIVES: The Potter and the Clay

SPOTLIGHT: Sign of the Times: the 1960s and Today KARINA DIAZ: Planting the Seeds for Costa Rica Fashion Week MUSICIAN: Ezequiel Marianoni

REAL ESTATE

ARE REAL ESTATE AGENTS LICENSED IN COSTA RICA? Tres Amigos Realty

REAL ESTATE FEATURE Luxury Living in Costa Rica a Reality

CR BIZ BUSINESS FEATURE:

LEGALEASE:

Silvia Castro

FAQs for Expats in Costa Rica

DOING BUSINESS RIGHT:

ENTREPRENEUR CR:

How is Condo Living in Costa Rica?

Grow Your Inner You to Grow Your Business in 202022

UP FRONT

Film Star Calling the Shots Offscreen to Help Sa

COVER STORY

ou might roll your eyes when you hear that certain celebrities have a platform for any number of things. Is it a way to get publicity for themselves or do they really believe in these causes? Many celebrities come to mind when you hear about the environment. One that certainly stands out is Leonardo DiCaprio. He takes action. And that includes championing sea life protection initiatives that hit close to home for Costa Ricans and close to the U.S. film star’s own heart.

“I spent the best five days of my life diving in Cocos Island,” he told President Carlos Alvarado on November 2, 2021, when the two met to discuss ocean conservation measures during COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Expressing to President Alvarado his desire to support the protection of what he called “a jewel” for humanity, DiCaprio reflected on the indelible impact of his experience at Costa Rica’s renowned offshore national park Isla del Coco just over seven years ago.

What

"Action!" Means to Leonardo DiCaprio in Costa Rica

ave the Planet

by John Quam

Protected sanctuary “I had the opportunity to swim with 15 different species of sharks,” he recalled. “We stayed inside a protected marine area where it was technically illegal to hunt sharks and other marine species within 10 miles of the sanctuary, but every night we saw illegal fishing boats invade the waters just a mile offshore.” DiCaprio’s recollections were a centerpiece for discussions with Alvarado and other marine conservation advocates on the same occasion, including Laurene Powell Jobs, social and environmental protection promoter. It was one of several meetings the Costa Rican President hosted during the COP26 event to discuss key issues on the country’s environmental agenda.

‘I spent the best five days of my life diving in Cocos Island.’

UP FRONT

Also on November 2, DiCaprio expressed his excitement in a COP26 Twitter update announcing plans for Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama to create a biosphere reserve linking up marine-protected areas in the four countries. ”A big step toward fully protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030,” he tweeted. As a long-time vocal lobbyist on multiple eco-awareness fronts, DiCaprio has previously recalled his Cocos Island diving experience in the context of a global call to action for marine life protection. At the 2014 Our Ocean Conference in Washington, DC, the anecdote helped set the stage for his announcement of a $7 million pledge from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) to “meaningful ocean conservation projects over the next two years.”

COVER STORY

Photo courtesy of Casa Presidencial Costa Rica Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado (left) met with Leonardo DiCaprio (right) and other ocean conservation advocates during the recent COP26 conference in Glasgow.

Since its inception in 1998, the nonprofit LDF has generated more than $80 million in grants, funding over 200 high-impact projects in 50 countries. With a “now for decades” focus, collaborative LDF partnerships undertake grantmaking, public campaigns and media initiatives aimed at protecting at-risk wildlife, ecosystems and communities. Attention and funding is directed at six program areas: wildlands conservation, ocean conservation, climate change, indigenous rights, transforming California and innovative solutions.

UP FRONT Celebrity influence Even with media critics sometimes disparaging his lack of scientific credentials, DiCaprio has been forthcoming about the celebrity advantage that has helped him gain attention to advance environmental causes.

Interviewed for a Carbon Brief article about the feature-length film documentary he produced in 2016, Before the Flood, he spoke about his own initiation to once-unfamiliar subjects. “First time I heard of global warming was when I sat down one-to-one with Al Gore [in the early 2000s]. This is the most important issue of our time, he said. I had no idea what he was talking about.” DiCaprio’s activism has been widely applauded in eco-conscious circles. A Livekindly web article goes as far as suggesting he has done more for the environment than world leaders.

Beyond the planet-saving initiatives that DiCaprio leads or participates in directly, his social media voice can readily amplify the recognition he feels is owed to others. Citing a CNN Travel article about Costa Rica’s shining example of reforestation as a climate changefighting strategy, the actor tweeted on July 29, 2020, “Costa Rica recovered its lost forest. Can the world learn from that?” Commanding and energetic

COVER STORY

Consistent with Howler’s own proactive interest in regenerative projects, we are impressed with what Leonardo DiCaprio continues to accomplish and promote as a high-profile spokesperson who is comfortable in the spotlight and full of energy. We need people like him who can command and influence audiences to join in the changemaking efforts needed to better our environment and regenerate what we have lost. We have invited DiCaprio to participate in Howler’s regenerative movement summit in Costa Rica in 2022.

! W NO

translations Spanish English French German Italian Hebrew

Japanese Portuguese Chinese Dutch Hindi

www.howlermag.com

Planning Your Holiday Escape Brought to you by Deals in Costa Rica

ne of the beautiful aspects of Costa Rica is the variety of opportunities for adventures. Literally there is something for everyone. The extremes are real, from being lazy chillin’ in a hammock by the beach to trekkin’ a volcano trail to adrenaline rush jumps. Deals in Costa Rica presents a small fraction of the adventures that await your next vacation/escape. We highlight examples in just five regions to intrigue your adventuresome spirit. Click on the buttons for more information. There are two major international airports. Check to see which one is nearest your desired location to visit (see LIR and SJO green buttons for airport links).

To see last month’s spotlights, click here!

LIR

SJO

MONTEVERDE

Explore

Birdwatching Night Experience This is the only night tour in the country that is primarily focused on birdwatching. You will see other kinds of animals but the main focus is on birds. Tour groups are very small so you will see more and learn more, and with our local expert and his spotting scope you will be taking lots of amazing pictures to bring back home. The best part is that when you finish the tour, you can ask for a map to come back the next morning to do more birding on your own and/or to explore the beautiful trail system.

SOUTHERN PACIFIC/ MANUEL ANTONIO Catamaran Tour Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park is a haven of white sand beaches and dense green forest. This catamaran tour provides hassle-free transportation to the park and allows you to enjoy Manuel Antonio’s natural highlights from the comfort of a luxury catamaran equipped with waterslides, trampolines, a jacuzzi and a bar.

Snorkel offshore, listen to music and enjoy food and drinks as you cruise along the coast. Experience the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. Snorkeling gear is provided. Refuel with lunch, snacks and a selection of drinks. Round-trip transfer from your hotel to the departure point is included.

Explore

Extreme Bungee Jumping

Take the plunge from the highest bungee jumping spot in Costa Rica and Central America.

Explore

Strong cables and a helmet keep you safe, while guides push you out of your comfort zone for an extreme adventure in the middle of the cloud forest — and a chance to see the landscape like never before.

Drop from a tram over the cloud forest — a unique bungee jumping experience in Monteverde. Go with a company known for its safety and experience. All equipment, entrance fees and hotel transport are included.

Manuel Antonio National Park Adventure A guided tour enriches your experience in Manuel Antonio National Park by providing information about the park’s plant and animal life and expert navigation between the park and your regional hotel. Plus, this tour offers a stress-free way to visit one of Costa Rica’s must-see destinations in just one day. Easy hiking trails makes this a good choice for families. Your guide shares information about wildlife and leads you to points of interest. Inclusions such as lunch, bottled water and transportation are an added value.

Explore

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Beauty and History: Cartago Through the Orosi Valley On the Road Again in Costa Rica

FEATURED ADVENTURE

owler’s On the Road Again series continues now with a trip through one of Costa Rica’s most captivating “Vamos a Turistear” (let’s go sightseeing) regions. This traditional route, while extremely familiar and popular with Ticos, is mostly unknown to foreign tourists and not on their radar. That is sad, for it crosses some of the country’s most beautiful and historic areas. You can plan this drive as a one-day circular return trip, or include an optional overnight stay, depending on your time and interests. Starting in the country’s original capital city, Cartago, you can allow extra time to visit the ruins of the ancient cathedral in the center of town. The church’s destruction by earthquakes was the reason for relocating the capital to San José, while the rebuilt replacement, Basilica of our Lady of the Angeles, is renowned for its wonderful 19th century Byzantine architecture. Just plan not to be there during the first few days of August, when upwards of two million visitors participate in an annual pilgrimage to the basilica. Historic settlement The Orosi Valley was originally populated by settlers back before San José, or even Cartago. It has some of the oldest historical sites in Costa Rica. When you see it, you’ll know why it was selected first.

Story and photos by Tom Schultz

From Cartago, head towards Paraiso on the overdeveloped route 10. Hold on ... it gets better in just a few miles. On the right you can make a detour to visit the famous Lankester Botanical Gardens. Established by a British expat around 1910, this magnificent site covers more than 25 acres of amazing gardens specializing in orchids and other epiphytic plants. Calm, serene and beautiful, it is even dog-friendly. From there you enter Paraiso, a lively town with a great plaza area, which has become a satellite suburb of sorts for Cartago. Parasio is the hub for our circle route of the Orosi Valley. It can be driven either direction, so just reverse the directions if you wish. From Paraiso, head on either route 224, or route 10 until you get to 224. Heading east on 224, you will see the entire Orosi Valley open up below you. The must-stop is the Mirador Ujarrás, a huge weekend attraction for people escaping the city. It has viewpoints, picnic tables and even pavilions for public use, including bathrooms. The view is one of my personal favorites in the country: you can see the entire Orosi Valley from Orosi to Cachí, with the lake on your right, the ruins of Ujarrás below, and the Talamanca mountains and the Tapantí National Park looming from across the valley. Look down to our next stop: the ruins of Ujarrás.

Magnificent views of the Orosi Valley — especially from the Mirador Ujarrás — are a highlight of this road trip.

Legendary church The town of Ujarrás contains the ruins of one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción was built in the 1580s during early colonial times. There are many legends of how the church was founded and the miracles performed there, including the Virgin protecting the town from an attack in 1666 by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. In 1833, following total devastation by a flood, the town and church were abandoned and moved. After being restored along with the surrounding building, the church is now recognized as a national monument, and the government has sought for years to have it declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción ruins in Ujarrás

Lankester Botanical Gardens is a tropical floral paradise.

Spectacular view From Grifo Alto you can stop at a couple of miradors or local restaurants that give you an amazing view north to see the Poás Volcano and into the entire Central Valley at your feet. As you start down, you may wish to stop at the extremely traditional El Higueron restaurant. It’s been there for as long as anyone remembers, and serves Tico specialities.

Orchids and epiphytic plants are a Lankester gardens specialty.

You will see the entire Orosi Valley open up below you.

Find Your Costa Rica Dream Home Today With the Team at

Coldwell Banker CR

o you like watching waves crash from the hammock in your backyard or terrace? Do you enjoy walking out your back door to take a jog on a quiet, exotic beach?

Sponsored Content Photo: view from Bereszki

featur premi

Our ensure Costa Rica real estate features some of the prope most beautiful and affordable beachfront than m properties on the planet. of exp marke Finding the property of your dreams is closer proces than you think in this incredible location with the team at Coldwell Banker Costa Rica. We

re the largest selection of inventory in the ier locations of Costa Rica.

r extensive inventory and expert team res you’re searching for the most qualified erties on the market without paying more market value. Our brokers have decades perience working and living in the local et, and can help you every step of the ss in buying your dream property.

Coldwell Banker Costa Rica features the most advanced online technology for searching properties. It’s like using a real estate MLS in Costa Rica with a name you’ve known and trusted for years. Costa Rica does not have many of the same legal protections in place for real estate buyers and sellers, making it crucial to work with a qualified and honest broker who will tell it like it is. Continue reading:

Sponsored Content

Purchasing a luxury villa with partners opens up opportunities you may not have considered. Contact us for a complete collection of luxury properties. -Tony & Anna Velez CR Mobile: 506 8485 1469 USA 949 344-1986 Toll free: 1 877 589 0593 www.coldwellbankercr.com

Northwest Pacific, Costa Rica US (949) 344-1986, What’s app 011-506-8485-1469 www.coldwellbankercr.com linda@coldwellbankercr.com, tony@coldwellbankercr.com COAST TO COAST PROPERTIES

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

Affordable Luxury Living in the Northwest Pacific (Papagayo) area of Costa Rica. Luxury living in Costa Rica may be a lot more attainable than you think. A large inventory of luxury villas in the northwest Pacific region of Costa Rica offers endless possibilities. Prices range from $800,000 to multi-millions of dollars. Most foreign buyers don’t live in Costa Rica full-time, so purchasing a luxury villa with partners opens up opportunities you may not have considered. Ownership under a Costa Rican corporation allows each partner to own a percentage of shares, with all of the partnership details spelled out. Explore some of our opportunities

$985,000

Top Ocean View Villa Compound 5 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, Villa 4,140 sq ft

$3,700,000

$995,000

Pacifico Luxury Ocean View Home 5 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, Villa 5,382 sq ft

$2,350,000

$5,500,000

Las Catalinas 18 Calle Cartagena 7 Bedrooms, 7.5 Baths, Villa 6,921 sq ft

$2,300,000

Incredible Estate in Hacienda Pinilla

Villa Buena Onda in Playas del Coco

Playa Hermosa Ocean View Villa

6 Bedrooms, 6.5 Baths, Villa 7,965 sqft

11 Bedrooms, 12 Baths, Villa 10,764 sqftLot 6.37 ac

5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths, Villa 4,400 sq ft, Lot 6,564 sq. ft.

FASHION SPOTLIGHT

ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Karina Diaz:

Planting the Seeds for Costa Rica Fashion Week

World’s First Sustainable, Regenerative Chamber of Fashion and Design by Kristell Valeria Photos: Hazel Montenegro

e cut through the mist that burnt away the moment the farm house appeared over the rise, way up the mountains of Coronado with San José below. Built in 1855, with wooden planks and roof tiles molded from workers’ thighs, two rooms, one for the family and the other for animals, stood firm while the city clustered down the valley. Karina made a call inside her hybrid Lexus. I couldn’t tell if it was running or not. Clouds rushed past and the sun felt like it was inches away. An old man came with keys and opened the gate. Then we followed him to the house.

She created her own personal brand and set out to help and uplift other women through her work.

“When we were little we could hear the jaguars tapping their paws at the door while our father was away hunting sometimes for days,” the old man told us. A different time as I looked on at the transmission tower to the north and a cellphone site to the west. We unpacked the gear for the shoot. “I always wanted to shoot here one day. I came here as a child but never went inside,” Karina said.

Designer Karina Diaz is President and CEO of Costa Rica Fashion Week, and President of the Costa Rica Chamber of Fashion.

youtube

Hazel Montenegro, the photographer, was setting up, Cindy Torres, the makeup artist, got her makeup out and Karina’s son Daniel didn’t miss a beat. Childhood fascination Karina Díaz was born on the other side of the valley in a small house like this one. She was raised by her single mother with five kids. Her mother did what she could to feed them. As a child, she had always been fascinated with fashion and art. She would arrange her dresses by color and decorate them to make them look better and reflect her style. In her early teens, Karina went to a boarding school run by nuns, where she stayed for six years. It wasn’t the boarding school where one imagines children of the affluent, but rather the opposite — children of the neglected and abandoned. “It was a hard choice for my mom. But it was the best choice at the time,” Karina said, while Cindy put on her makeup. There, Diaz studied the arts and fashion design and it was there that the nuns taught her how to sew.

After graduating, Karina worked where she could and started her own businesses, learning as she went along. In 2000 she married at 20 and had a son, the first of three. Later returning to her passion in fashion design, she created her own personal brand and set out to help and uplift other women through her work. Diaz met the Minister of the Department of Justice and Peace and came up with a proposal to help incarcerated women. The majority of them had been convicted for drug offenses, and a fraction for violent crimes, often in response to physical and sexual abuse. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on Karina’s life. She couldn’t believe what these women had lived through. Their stories inspired her and touched deep in her heart. For months, she visited the women in the prison to create her first collection of accessories.

Deals In Costa Rica

ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Ezequiel Marianoni Heartbeats Per Minute, From El Garito to BPM

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

by Lawrence Blake Ezequiel Marinoni at the BPM Festival in 2019. Photos courtesy of BPM Festival

he containers came and Ezequiel directed the men as they lowered them onto the soft earth. Howler monkeys watched unflinchingly close. He smiled, content that he could finally start building his home.

Like a charismatic pied piper, he mesmerizes the circadian rhythms of his audience.

Then we took his motorcycle along the dry dirt road kicking up dust to the beach where his sister ran Tamarindo Sunshine, a boutique hotel a five-minute walk to the beach. We sat in the outdoor lobby and talked, every now and then interrupted by a call or a fan. BPM was scheduled to celebrate its 15th anniversary in Tamarindo, the first since the pandemic, so the air was electric. Ezequiel is a friend and the one who introduced me to the inner workings of electronic dance music.

Producer, artist, manager, entrepreneur and DJ, Ezequiel Marianoni began to establish himself in the 90’s, the moment he touched the shores of Costa Rica. His music developed into a formidable sound that can be described as classic progressive house, combined with melodic / percussive and hypnotic elements. Like a charismatic pied piper, he mesmerizes the circadian rhythms of his audience and leads them playfully towards the edge, then pushes them over.

After 20 years of professional experience, he’s developed a natural flow in presentations as if the music itself were running in his veins.

Marianoni made strides as a professional DJ by establishing himself in the international club scene and began to produce largescale events, performing in the best clubs in Costa Rica, collaborating with Bacardi and Red Bull. In 2010, he broke through and created a new concept in the Costa Rican club scene, developing one of the most He handles the line of progressions in his important nightclubs in the country, El Garito set with a subtlety unique in its nature, due Tamarindo. This iconic establishment is the to his great versatility and endurance when only electronic music bar/dance club on Costa it comes to playing long sessions. Of South Rica’s Pacific coast, and regarded as one of the American origin, more specifically Argentine, top clubs in the country. It’s where Marianoni he is a great lover of English melodic pop. Being met the BPM Festival organizers. a resident of Central America for more than half of his life has infused Latin elements into “I am honored to be a part of the BPM Marianoni’s presentations, thus combining family,” he says. “And it’s something written in an extraordinary and original sound resulting the stars to have it here in our own backyard from these cultural confluences. where I started this dream all of those years ago. BPM Festival 2022, January 12 to 18, is Mystical experience gonna be fantastic! The first real festival in Costa Rica since the pandemic.” One of his goals when performing is to always maintain that particular progressive sound and flow that characterizes his style. Ezequiel’s nights involve the most enveloping, deep and connective sound, that ensures a collective and mystical experience. For him, it’s what his public deserves and longs for.

video

WAITING FOR YOU...

RESERVATIONS:

pacificsoulsailing@gmail.com WWW.PACIFICSOULSAILING.COM +(506)

8861-5676

+(506)

8819-3889

MOON PHASES

DEC 4 New Moon

DEC 10 1st Quarter

DEC 18 Full Moon

DEC 26

3rd Quarter

SUNRISE SUNRISE DEC1 1 OCT DEC3131 OCT

5:45 5:32 amam 6:00 5:34 amam

SUNSET SUNSET DEC1 1 OCT DEC3131 OCT

5:19 5:33 pmpm 5:32 5:19 pmpm

For all surfing articles:

SURFIN G DECEMBER TIDE CHART SPONSORED BY:

COSTA RICA

Day

High

Wed 01 Thu 02

00:22 9.12 ft

High

Low

05:46 0.99 ft

12:01 7.84 ft

17:57 1.01 ft

06:39 0.35 ft

12:55 8.36 ft

18:50 0.54 ft

Fri 03

01:13 9.69 ft 07:31 −0.25 ft

13:46 8.87 ft

19:42 0.11 ft

Sat 04

02:03 10.15 ft 08:20 −0.74 ft

14:36 9.30 ft

20:33 −0.20 ft

High

Sun 05

02:53 10.42 ft 09:09 −1.04 ft

15:26 9.58 ft

21:25 −0.34 ft

Mon 06

03:43 10.46 ft 09:59 −1.11 ft

16:17 9.68 ft

22:16 −0.29 ft

Tue 07

04:34 10.25 ft 10:49 −0.96 ft

17:09 9.60 ft

23:10 −0.04 ft

Wed 08

05:26 9.83 ft

11:40 −0.61 ft

18:03 9.36 ft

Thu 09

00:05 0.36 ft

06:21 9.26 ft

12:34 −0.11 ft

18:59 9.03 ft

Fri 10

01:04 0.82 ft

07:19 8.62 ft

13:30 0.44 ft

19:58 8.68 ft

Sat 11

02:06 1.25 ft

08:20 8.03 ft

14:29 0.97 ft

21:00 8.39 ft

Sun 12

03:13 1.56 ft

09:25 7.58 ft

15:31 1.40 ft

22:02 8.21 ft

Mon 13

04:20 1.68 ft

10:30 7.32 ft

16:33 1.68 ft

23:01 8.15 ft

Tue 14

05:23 1.64 ft

11:32 7.25 ft

17:31 1.81 ft

23:55 8.19 ft

Wed 15

CLICK FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Low

06:18 1.48 ft

12:27 7.32 ft

18:23 1.82 ft

Thu 16

00:43 8.29 ft

07:06 1.26 ft

13:16 7.47 ft

19:09 1.76 ft

Fri 17

01:27 8.43 ft

07:48 1.01 ft

14:00 7.66 ft

19:52 1.66 ft

Sat 18

02:07 8.56 ft

08:27 0.78 ft

14:41 7.85 ft

20:32 1.55 ft

Sun 19

02:46 8.67 ft

09:04 0.59 ft

15:20 8.01 ft

21:10 1.45 ft

Mon 20

03:24 8.73 ft

09:40 0.47 ft

15:58 8.13 ft

21:49 1.39 ft

Tue 21

04:02 8.71 ft

10:17 0.43 ft

16:36 8.19 ft

22:28 1.37 ft

Wed 22

04:41 8.60 ft

10:54 0.49 ft

17:15 8.19 ft

23:07 1.40 ft

Thu 23

05:20 8.41 ft

11:31 0.63 ft

17:53 8.15 ft

23:48 1.46 ft

Fri 24

06:00 8.15 ft

12:09 0.82 ft

18:33 8.10 ft

Sat 25

00:32 1.54 ft

06:43 7.88 ft

12:50 1.03 ft

19:16 8.07 ft

Sun 26

01:19 1.60 ft

07:30 7.61 ft

13:34 1.22 ft

20:03 8.08 ft

Mon 27

02:10 1.61 ft

08:22 7.40 ft

14:24 1.36 ft

20:54 8.16 ft

Tue 28

03:07 1.54 ft

09:20 7.30 ft

15:18 1.42 ft

21:51 8.33 ft

Wed 29

04:08 1.34 ft

10:23 7.36 ft

16:18 1.36 ft

22:50 8.60 ft

Thu 30

05:10 1.00 ft

11:26 7.61 ft

17:20 1.16 ft

23:49 8.97 ft

Fri 31

06:10 0.55 ft

12:27 8.01 ft

18:14 0.93 ft

REAL ESTATE

Are Real Estate Agents Licensed in Costa Rica? Sponsored Content

Unfortunately, it is not required by law; but we, as an industry, are working very hard to change that.

s a prospective buyer or seller, choosing from among the many real estate agents in Costa Rica can be a tough decision. How you choose your agent can be based on many different factors. Two key questions are whether or not your real estate agent is: 1. Licensed

REAL ESTATE 101

2. Registered with Costa Rica’s General Superintendency of Financial Institutions (SUGEF)

Other considerations can also provide more comfort when choosing an expert who will guide you through the entire process of buying or selling a property in Costa Rica. Changes are coming Yes, there is licensing for real estate agents in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it is not required by law; but we, as an industry, are working very hard to change that. Not only does the government of Costa Rica not legally require real estate agents to be licensed, but in general, it is very lax about licensing requirements for most other businesses and professions. Hair stylists don’t need a license and neither do massage therapists, personal trainers or most contractors. It’s up to each industry to take control of its own destiny and change it, just like the United States did 50 or 60 years ago. Fortunately, the government of Costa Rica is changing its ways. Recently, the country passed a law that requires ALL real estate agents and property managers to be registered by SUGEF. This government authority oversees all banking, investments and money transactions. For example, escrow agents and money management companies are registered with SUGEF.

To be able to register with SUGEF, individuals must be a permanent resident or a citizen of Costa Rica. They must have a background check done by the Costa Rica OIJ and a U.S. background check done by the FBI. Their bank accounts will be monitored by SUGEF as well as the banks themselves. And if they receive a commission or handle thirdparty funds, but are not registered with SUGEF, their accounts will be immediately shut down. Real estate boards Professional real estate agents in Costa Rica formed their own boards over a decade ago, and have encouraged everyone in the industry to join. The classes are based on the same requirements as those for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States. We monitor and police ourselves, adhering to the highest standards of ethical practices.

Howler15 www.daythreebotanicals.com

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Inipi and Temazcal:

Understanding the Sweat Lodge Ritual by Laura Méndez

n the temazcal — from the Nahuatl word for “house of heat,” or sweat lodge — the four natural elements are present. The earth is where we symbolically enter the maternal womb. Fire is used to heat the ceremonial stones, known as abuelitas (grandmothers). The air is always present around us, and when the bouquet of aromatic herbs is shaken. Finally, the water is what transports energy and memories throughout our body. So, did you know that entering our Mother Earth´s womb during the sweat lodge ceremony is the same as entering into the darkness of the womb of creation? And that this is also a way of healing our own birth?

MINDFULNESS

It all starts with the water, the element where life began. Water has the ability to copy and memorize information, when speaking, praying in front of it, or chanting to it. Science has discovered that water changes its vibrational frequency enormously.

Part 4 of 4

During a sweat lodge we are receiving the prayers of the chants of the temazcalero. We are imbued in the moist and darkness of an earthy womb, releasing all that no longer serves us in order to be born again. When the ceremony finishes, we have the opportunity to remember that we are birthing ourselves again with the new information shared by the water poured in the abuelitas — the stones carrying the memory of the earth’s creation. Can we correlate this rebirthing experience with self healing? Yes, by healing our own memories of our own birth we can first recognize, then acknowledge and finally release the low vibration memories of our cells, allowing the process of self healing to occur. Perhaps we can be humble enough to recognize and be grateful for the wisdom of our ancestors and the ancestral natural ways. Aho!

¨The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.¨ — Luther Standing Bear

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

ECO-FEATURE

Mirian Vilela’s ever-widening view of the world set the stage for her involvement with the UN Earth Summit in the early 1990s. Photo: Hazel Montenegro Photography

Mirian Vilela Opening Global Gates from Costa Rica Life Story Tied to Earth Charter Origins by Kristell Valeria

irian Vilela was born in Brasília, the sprawling modern capital of Brazil built on a plateau in the middle of the country. On the surface, the city is surrounded by a savanna, but underneath lies the wellspring that feeds the major rivers of the country. Although she was born in the capital, Vilela spent many childhood holidays at her father's farm, eight hours north of the city. In this remote rural area setting, far away from any urban life facilities, in a scenario mixed with cattle ranch, forest, rivers, rice fields and no electricity, she experienced a special connection with nature and her inner self. Early in the morning, as soon as the sounds of birds and cows emerged, she would jump out of bed to go and help milk the cows. During the day, Mirian would play with the chickens and other animals, and go on long horseback rides with her brother. In

the evening, before going to bed early, they would spend time on the terrace looking at the sky full of stars and hearing the adults tell stories. On the way to the farm, a number of gates granted access through the ranch. Her father would stop the car and the children would take turns opening them. Some gates were easier than others, yet Mirian would take the challenge of opening the hardest ones. She remembers using all of her strength to lift, pull, heave, and push them open and shut. A sense of pride washed over her each time. When recalling those days with her siblings and cousins, they smile and wonder how they survived in that “isolated” scenario and with the kind of wildlife in their midst. She learned a sense of autonomy there and brought that experience to her life.

Some gates were easier than others, yet Mirian would take the challenge of opening the hardest ones.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR When Mirian graduated from high school in the middle of the 1980s, she accompanied her mother, who worked in the Brazilian foreign affairs office, to Prague, Czechoslovakia, then a communist country. From the vibrant colors, music, food, freedom and a life full of friends in her home she went to the exact opposite. “It was like going from watching a film in color to black and white,” Vilela said.

New possibilities The experience opened her eyes to different cultures, music, history and languages. Before she turned 18, while her mother was on vacation in Brazil, Mirian and her brother took the car and drove to London. It was a pivotal point in her life that opened her mind to expanding the possibilities. She decided to stay in London while her brother drove back. Enrolling in English courses and dance classes, she was intent on travelling throughout Europe.

About Dr. Mirian Vilela and the Earth Charter

r. Mirian Vilela is the Executive Director of the Earth Charter International Secretariat and the Center for Education for Sustainable Development at UPEACE. Mirian has been working with the Earth Charter Initiative since early 1996. She coordinates the UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter and served as a member of the UNESCO Expert Reference Group for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Over the years she has led and facilitated numerous international workshops, courses and seminars on values and principles for sustainability.

ECO-FEATURE

For more information visit www.earthcharter.org. For discounts on group virtual classes, seminars and in-person business retreats please contact turner@howlermag.com.

video

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Living Our Own Epiphanies

Living Our Own Epiphanies by Dr. Zoila Mojica Photo courtesy of Zoila Mojica

MINDFULNESS

any self-help books are written, as well as articles, offering top tips on how to live your life to the fullest. Others tell us how to see each experience as an opportunity to learn or grow.

which we strip ourselves of prejudices, beliefs, expectations, external demands, fears, doubts and social constructs.

Perhaps for a fraction of a second, everything that is not part of that pleasant moment of revelation doesn’t Today, there are virtual mass-access matter anymore. It’s an exquisite platforms where everyone is choosing moment of ecstasy, filled with deep which topic, proposal or worldview is peace, joy and gratitude for living the more relevant or which one they identify wonderful gift of being totally present more with in that moment of their lives. and enjoying life consciously — even for just a moment. We seek what we think we need, but not necessarily what we want. Here lies Here and now the question: how do we discover what we really want? The great challenge is to hold on to this epiphany, here and now, as we move All of these books or articles have a away from this ecstasy and return to the common denominator: the dark night of old. That old comes like a thief and steals the soul, inflection, to hit rock bottom, the very essence of living and leads us shadow confrontation, or a divine back to that mechanical way of existing. message or call. I confess that my greatest moments As for myself, like all those of fulfillment have been those where who undertake this conscious or I have achieved that state of being unconscious search with the essence present, that enjoyment and living to the that moves them, I decided to call it an fullest, an awareness of each situation epiphany. And although the term seems or experience that is either misnamed to already have a connotation connected “pleasant” or “unpleasant.” And I say misnamed because these words are to a religious celebration, what I loaded in a belief system. Our moments extract is that it is nothing more than or experiences are just that, and each the description of a moment in which of us are the ones who give these terms a path or message is revealed to us. It’s their meaning and we live them that like a guiding light that we experience as a strong feeling of peace, a moment in way.

Some of my epiphanies have been professional accomplishments from my sessions — the stories of those who have been touched by my words and who lovingly share their experiences with me. Other moments have been stronger and have stayed with me longer; they arose from experiences such as loss, abandonment and what I experienced in my own brush with death.

The great challenge is to hold on to this epiphany, here and now, as we move away from this ecstasy and return to the old. About Dr. Zoila Mojica

r. Zoila Mojica, is a clinical psychologist/sexologist specializing in individual, group and couples therapy. For 15 years, she has worked in her own practice and with companies, associations and academic institutions in the

prevention, approach and treatment of populations at social risk, victims of sexual abuse, commercial exploitation and human trafficking. She also is known for her work in interpersonal communication, intimacy and empathy.

Dr. Zoila is also a professor at ULatina in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her seminars, workshops, lectures and sessions have taken her around the world. Her new book is soon to be released in 2022. For a consultation, appointment and information please contact turner@ howlermag.com

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Why I Serve Coffee

to Pimps

Face of Justice Planting Seeds of Hope

by Elizabeth Ann Gilroy

t was not the fishnet tights, nor the high heels, nor the heavy make-up, that caught my attention one night when two teenage girls walked past me in downtown San José. These are commonplace in front of a brothel on a Thursday night. The short-short skirts, revealing tops and elegant hairdos can be seen on any girl whether she is 14 or 47. Nonetheless, it was not these things that caught my attention that life-changing night ten years ago. What did catch my eye was the fact that one of these two very young girls was so high she could not walk down the sidewalk in a straight line. This one kept tripping over her own long legs wearing stiletto heels, while the other girl worked to keep her friend off the street away from oncoming traffic.

COMMUNITY FEATURE

But, before I could reach them, they were gone. Instinctively I whispered, “Oh God, bring them back to me.” Twenty minutes later, they came stumbling past the same spot, on the same corner across the street from San José’s largest brothel. As they passed me, I tapped one of them on the shoulder. “Hola, chicas, como le va?” I spit out in my very gringa Spanish accent. In a daze and surprised by my touch, the girls whipped around to see me, a gringa. “Hola, momma,” they said with a look of relief mixed with desperation. This began a 15-minute conversation that changed my life.

She looked into my eyes with such desperation as her fingers pressed into my flesh.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR Pivotal conversation I gathered my Spanish speaking friends around us and we talked. We asked about the girls’ families, why they were on the street, what part of the country they were from and many other things I cannot remember. This I will never forget. One of the girls, who looked to be from India, held tightly to my arm and hand. The longer we stood there the tighter her grasp became. She looked into my eyes with such desperation as her fingers pressed into my flesh. My mind reeled. I had my suspicions that we were being exploited.

The author, pictured in the San José district where her story is centered, is founder and president of the Face of Justice Association helping child sex trafficking victims. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ann Gilroy

The young girl continued her tight hold on my arms as the other girl grew more anxious to leave, knowing someone was watching them. I asked the girl gripping my arm two simple questions. Looking squarely into her beautiful brown face I asked, “Do you have someplace safe to sleep tonight?” With her large brown eyes screaming at me, she slowly shook her head “NO” and dropped into my arms, her body shaking. I wrapped my arms around her and comforted this small, fragile body.

After a few seconds I pulled her back away from me to look again into her eyes. I asked the second question, “Is there someone in your life here tonight that you are afraid of?” She nodded her head “YES.” As her friend pulled her away from me, I can still hear the words she cried to me: To continue reading

whiskey howler

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

magine the possibility of rejuvenating your appearance in a matter of days without surgery!

Nowadays, anti-aging dentistry is revolutionizing the aesthetic field. It is now considered a non-invasive, natural alternative to what plastic surgeons have long offered. Always on the lookout for the best services to offer his patients, Dr. Erick Rivera Paniagua offers anti-aging, noninvasive dentistry — also called dental lifting — in his clinic in Costa Rica. “We are thus offering our patients a new option to help them achieve a more youthful appearance, by reducing the visibility of wrinkles, swelling the lips, and by perfecting the teeth shape,” Dr. Rivera explains. When it comes to reducing the signs of aging, cosmetic dentistry should be the first solution to consider, he advises.

SPONSORED CONTENT

“You should know that as you get older, the lower part of the face begins to shrink. Through cosmetic dentistry, we can reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate your appearance by manipulating the length and size of the teeth.” There are other benefits, he adds.

b e a ch f r o n t • KI T CHE NS b r e a k f a s t • P A RKI NG

@thecoasttamarindo PLAYA TAMARINDO

SHOPPING ONLINE IN THE USA C ONT A C T S Tamarindo: 8676-2213 • tamarindo@libertyexpress.cr Nosara: 8628-2441 • nosara@libertyexpress.cr Playa Hermosa: 7130-0485 • playahermosa@libertyexpress.cr

AUTHORIZED AGENT

CR BIZ

Silvia Castro A Brief, Casual Conversation With One of Latin America’s Most Influential Women

BUSINESS FEATURE

was around 13 years old, maybe younger, when I first met Silvia Castro in Costa Rica. Our dads were friends and have been for more than 50 years. Silvia’s grandmother walked my dad down the aisle when my parents got married in 1970. That's how close they were. I remember that my Spanish wasn’t so hot but her English was better, so we had that in common, plus rock n’ roll that dominated pop charts. Silvia and I also had this thing for punk rock that defined this rebellious spirit we share to this day.

It was great to chat with Silvia recently, and to have this opportunity to share with Howler readers these highlights of what she had to tell me. What challenges do you face?

I think the challenges faced today are the challenges that most company owners face. This is particularly more the case when you're a woman, because then you don't have only the obstacles — the regular obstacles that everybody has in terms of bureaucratic red tape — but also there’s We went to school in the same cities at chauvinism. There’s also great distrust of different times, and our paths didn’t cross again until this past decade, with Silvia at the private initiative. And so you always have to kind of prove to everybody else that you top spot at the Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT), Latin have no self-interest in whatever it is that you're promoting, but also there’s distrust America’s No.1 private bilingual university. Although I’m a little older, she’s always been of the public sector. So in an environment of absence of mutual trust, it's just very a big sister to me, and was my reference difficult to negotiate and to push forth while I navigated Latin American business and culture. I don’t think I would have lasted your agenda, whether it be personal or professional. And, that's clearly something this long or gotten this far without knowing that is also customized, not just gender. she was a phone call away.

“In an environment of absence of mutual trust, it's just very difficult to negotiate and to push forth your agenda.” by Turner Mojica Photo courtesy of Silvia Castro

What drives you? Initially, in the very beginning of my life I had this issue where I needed to prove something. I grew up feeling that I wasn't good enough, and because of this feeling, I thought other people didn't think I was good enough. So I had to show them, you know, I had to show them, they were wrong. And, I spent the first 40 years of my life showing everybody wrong.

Thinking in terms of that, I probably exceeded everybody's expectations in terms of the number of years I should go to college. I exceeded everybody's expectations in terms of the number of hours I should be spending at work. I overachieved in every aspect of my life, because I had to demonstrate myself to others. And, I was going to prove them wrong, that I was worthy of having what I have. So, I got to a point where I had this checklist of things that society tells you you have to do. And you check all those boxes in that checklist, you know — that “successful be successful checklist.”

CR BIZ

And you get to a point where you're all out of boxes to check, right? And then you realize, you're like, well this is pretty ridiculous. So scratch that list, and decide what I want to do next. And that's where I'm at right now. So, you know, what drives me is not what has driven me for the first part of my life, which was completing that checklist of things you need to do to be accepted socially, and to be respected and know what you're talking about. And to have the kind of financial independence that gives you the liberty to be who you are, and to do what you want, right. So yeah, so that's where I'm at right now. I’ve rewritten that list and I'm not so stressed about having this list anymore.

This past year or so, things shifted, and taking a sabbatical was the best way to rethink things and decide where it is that I want to go next. And so, a lot of that has to do with family. My daughter. And meaning, right? Things that mean the most to me. You want to have a legacy. I think about what my legacy is going to be — what am I going to leave the world with? What am I going to leave my family? And that's where I'm at right now. For more information on business courses, workshops and retreats contact: turner@ howlermag.com

BUSINESS FEATURE

VIDEO

About Silvia Castro

he following is some of Silvia Castro’s street cred, after earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Georgetown and Columbia. The Business Monitor of Corporate Reputation recognized Castro as one of the 50 leading women in Central America, while Forbes Magazine recognized her as an influential woman in Latin America. She was the winner of MJ Magazine’s 100 Outstanding Women Award in Costa Rica.

For the complete story, Silvia’s biography and ULACIT website.

Silvia appeared in Summa magazine’s “Who's Who in the Region,” for being one of the most influential leaders in Central America and the Dominican Republic. She was also named "Person of the Year" by La República Newspaper in Costa Rica. Dr. Castro is President of the Board of Directors of Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT), Latin America’s top private bilingual university. She has voluntarily served on multiple boards of directors of non-governmental organizations, in her role as an activist for freedom, education and human rights.

She is Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican-North American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM); a member of the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP); and a member of YPO, a global community of business leaders. In addition, she is a member of the Business and Industrial Advisory Committee of the OECD (BIAC), as an expert in international educational policies; and she was part of the Council of Notables in State Reform and the Council of Women in the Presidential House. Silvia’s leadership is also present in the Women and Business Congress of the Chamber of Commerce.

CR BIZ

How Is Condominium Living In Costa Rica? by Rick Philps

DOING BUSINESS RIGHT

he term “condominium” in Costa Rica refers to a legal property entity registered in the National Registry as such. There are specifications on a master plan as to the dimensions, location and number of condominium lots — or subunits known as finca filiales — that the condominium is divided into.

The balance of the condominium property outside of the individual condominium lots, such as interior roads and green spaces, is known as the “common area.” This is a relatively new way of living in Costa Rica, unlike countries such as Canada and the U.S., where condominium developments have existed for some time.

Most condominium developments are relatively modern in their construction techniques. Condominium ownership and governance A condominium property regime is governed by the Condominium Law and Regulations. Only the condominium lots are able to be owned by individual owners, either personally, or through a registered owner corporation, with a common interest in the common areas held by all owners in the project. These condominium lots are registered in the National Registry and the property title may be encumbered with mortgage financing, or such other annotations as might be applicable. Ownership may be transferred between a seller and a buyer in the same manner as other registered titled properties. Condominium lots can take one of three different forms: apartmentstyle in multi-story buildings, townhouses or individual family homes on independent building lots.

Each condominium entity has a registered set of bylaws, known as the reglamento, which an individual condominium lot owner must adopt and agree to be bound by at the time of the property purchase. An administrator is appointed under the bylaws to carry out their enforcement. This extends to the use, enjoyment and maintenance of the common areas and restrictions on the use and enjoyment of the individual condominium lots, such as noise pollution restrictions and the like. After registration in the National Registry, these bylaws may only be amended by a 100% vote in favor taken at a general assembly meeting of the homeowners association (HOA), representing all lot owners in the condominium project. An administrator’s powers extend to levying monetary penalties against condominium lot owners who are delinquent in their HOA dues, or don’t otherwise abide by the bylaws. Condominium construction considerations Most condominium developments are relatively modern in their construction techniques, catering to North American architectural styles with open floor plans and other similar amenities. However, one major consideration is with some of the older apartment or townhouse-style units, where it was common to construct single concrete block walls between adjoining units. This, of course, allows for increased

CR BIZ

sound transmission between such units. Newer condominium developments have adopted a double concrete block width for adjoining unit walls. This has greatly diminished noise transmission between units in such developments. Security

Depending upon the size of the condominium, the development can offer a complete range of lifestyle opportunities. They may include swimming pools, gymnasiums, and a clubhouse catering to various social functions, all within the same secure community setting.

An attractive part of condominium For more information and answers to living in Costa Rica is the 24-hour your questions on diverse legal topics, security provision. Condominiums are visit Costa Rica Canada Law: www. generally gated and guarded communities, costaricacanadalaw.com where owners have the flexibility to come and go as they please without security concerns. The condominium lifestyle affords the most secure form of living in Costa Rica.

Focus on Your Future in Costa Rica

Get the Real Picture from Legal Due Diligence Seminars STARTING December

Tu e s d a y

LIC. RICK PHILPS, COSTA RICA LAWYER

www.costaricacanadalaw.com Email: rick@costaricacanadalaw.com

2021

More Information and Reservations

CR BIZ

FAQs for Expats in Costa Rica

by Ivan Granados

oving to Costa Rica is an exciting time, and the country is very welcoming to foreigners.

Expats can apply for residency in Costa Rica, in one of three categories: fixed annuity (rentista), investor (inversionista), retiree (pensionado). Our October 2021 Howler article discussed digital nomads living in CR, and the recently approved law providing for them to obtain temporary residency. This month we will talk about some of the common questions that more permanent expats have. 1. What are the basics of purchasing a property or a home? a. Perform due diligence (legal and technical searches)

LEGAL EASE

Before any purchase, due diligence may be performed by the buyer’s attorney, along with a surveyor, checking that all the property’s paperwork is in order and ensuring that there are no outstanding charges or taxes and no encumbrances or liens on the property.

b. Pay taxes i. Real estate tax and garbage collection fee Property taxes are 0.25% of the purchase price or registered value, whichever is greater; they can be paid a year in advance or quarterly to the municipality where the property is registered. The garbage collection fee is USD $200 per year. The due date for the 1st quarter: March 31 of each year. ii. Home luxury tax The home luxury tax only applies to houses, condos, or apartments over a specific construction value (C133,000,000 in 2021, USD $240,000 — this amount is adjusted yearly). The due date is January 15 of each year. iii. Annual corporate tax There will be a fixed fee for inactive corporations and a progressive rate for active corporations depending on their gross income. The amounts range from USD $120 for inactive corporations to USD $380 for active corporations (the amounts are adjusted each year). This tax is due annually on January 31.

Purchasing property or a home in Costa Rica is a complex process and should not be undertaken without consulting an attorney.

iv. Capital gains tax There are numerous important factors determining how capital gains tax works in Costa Rica. Please consult with your attorney. c. Form a corporation for the purchase Costa Rican corporations (either SA or SRL) duly registered at the National Registry are considered “domiciled” in Costa Rica as long as their legal domicile “domicilio social” or place of business’s “domicilio fiscal” is within Costa Rica. Corporations offer the advantages of liability protection, flexibility and greater ease in handling estate/probate matters. NOTE: Just like in the expat’s country of origin, purchasing property or a home in Costa Rica is a complex process and should not be undertaken without consulting an attorney in addition to working with a real estate agent. The issues covered above are only meant to be a quick basic overview. 2. What are the tax implications if I rent out a property? a. Mandatory use of the electronic invoice system for all taxpayers, including real estate rentals, became effective starting September 1, 2018. Non-compliance is subject to a penalty and fines. Income tax on rental properties is now filed monthly.

i. 15% of expenses from the rental income is the maximum deduction. ii. The tax base will be 85% of the rental income. iii. The tax rate is 15% of the tax base (85% of rental income). NOTE: Residential rentals will be taxed with 13% VAT if the rent amount exceeds 1.5 the average Costa Rica base salary income (around USD 1,085). Any commercial leases are subject to the VAT regardless of the amount of the monthly rent. Monthly, the owners will be withholding, filing, and paying the value added tax (VAT), 13% of the rental income paid by the renter. Also, monthly, the owners must file and pay income tax. 3. What about VAT for healthcare and education? a. Healthcare-related i. The VAT rate is 4% for private healthcare fees specific to doctors, hospitals and clinics approved by the Ministry of Health. Also, depending on your payment method (cash or credit card), that tax is handled differently.

ii. If you pay for your doctor’s visit with a credit card, that 4% tax will be charged and subsequently reimbursed to you. If you pay with cash, the 4% will not be refunded to you, and any aesthetic procedures will be taxed at 13%. b. Education-related

LEGAL EASE

i. Any school costs (public or private) — as long as the public education ministry (MEP) or national council of private university higher education (CONENSUP) has approved the school — will be tax-exempt. If those government agencies do not authorize the school, a 13% tax applies.

ii. After-school activities are taxed at 2% or 13%, depending on the specific activity. This applies to public and private schools, and it includes sports activities. This applies to anything you are paying directly to the school, as these activities are considered services. There are many considerations when relocating to another country, and it’s best to be informed of the laws. We are at your service at info@gmattorneyscr.com

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29

CR BIZ

OW Your INNER YOU

to Grow Your Business in 2022 by Joanna Blanco

ear fellow entrepreneurs: I think most of you might feel like I do — excited to begin a new year. Here we are in December, just 31 days away from starting 2022. Are you ready to make a plan to wrap up 2021 and prepare to start next year with new resolutions? As an integrative nutrition coach, I take care of five critical areas of a person's life: • Your diet • How you handle work • Your most important personal relationships • Exercise. • Your spiritual connection

ENTREPRENEUR CR

In this article, I will explain why it’s essential to have a spiritual connection to grow your inner self. This will help you to be more confident and create a peaceful space to develop successful personal and professional plans. What is the meaning of a spiritual connection? Many of you will think it means going to church every Sunday and being devoted to God. This concept applies to many people. But the reality is that having a spiritual connection relates to being in contact with yourself, from the outside to the inside. In that place where you hear yourself, you love yourself. You can have conversations with a higher being who gives you the power to be at peace with yourself. The spiritual world is enormous — unlimited — and is there for you.

Why is it essential to have a spiritual life connection? Because when you believe in someone and something greater than yourself, you have more opportunities to get what you are looking for. Support = confidence = high self-esteem = productivity Many people get disconnected from themselves quickly when they are swamped, stressed or focused on problems and not the plan to find solutions. Sometimes it is easy to get into a labyrinth of uncertainty, and it’s hard to find the way out of the negative thoughts. My friends, this is the first step to reconnecting with your spiritual world: clean your head from negative thoughts. The following are tools I offer to connect with your inner self and the magnificent spiritual world. • For many people, religion is a tool that they use to have a spiritual life. Prayer is a form of meditation, but with a sentence already learned. • Believe that someone has a good plan for you and is there for you 100% of the time. Rely on a higher power. I might say: someone always has your back. • Meditation and mindfulness are excellent tools to connect with your inner self.

While you meditate, you get to disconnect from the outside world, and you will find answers to your question and peaceful solutions to your problems. Mindfulness can guide you to understand how you feel and help you find a positive point of view. • Get in contact with nature. Taking a walk in natural surroundings reconnects you with life and gives you positive energy. • Self-care. Give yourself time to take care of yourself. When you feel love, your inner you will glow. • Ask your angel for help. Everybody has a spiritual bodyguard who is there for you. Call him and speak with him about your necessities. You will feel at peace, and you will find the answers.

• Getting in contact with yourself and understanding your feelings and emotions is essential. It is the genuine connection that will get your feet on the ground but, at the same time, give you the power to conquer your best wishes. I wish you abundance in love, health and prosperity in 2022!

Contact me any time: joannablanco@vivesattva.com and follow me on Instagram and Facebook

www.howlermag.com/britt-coffee

Use code HOWLER2021 for DISCOUNT!