B i m o n t h l y · Year 04 · N u m b e r 1 1 6 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 0 P a g e s · Se pte mbe r 6 - 19 , 2 0 17
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
t h e p l a y at i m e s . c o m
On September 16, Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos celebrate 207 years of independence from Spain. In this edition, we are celebrating the people of Mexico with interviews from some of our Mexican friends from all walks of life!
S P A M E ID
INS
BEACH LIFE
YEARS
Alfonso López-Bello Moreno >P. 4
DISCOVER MEXICO Angel Fernando Tziu Chan
>P. 11
· ANIMAL WELFARE
· ENTERTAINMENT
RESCUE SUPER HERO!
LILY ESPINOSA
Matteo Saucedo has taken on the most horrendous rescue cases in the area. Now with Riviera Rescue, the goal is to get the dog population under control.
>P. 19
Photo: Lily Espinosa
Photo: Hector Navarro
September 6 - 19
Meet the owner of Riviera Kitchen Tulum and regular contributor or our TPT Foodies section who is proud to be a part of Mexico’s rich and ancient culture.
>P. 16
2017 Looking for something to do? Check out our What’s On section at www.theplayatimes.com for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and special events.
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September 6 - 19 2017
Photo: Pixabay
Editorial
DIRECTORY Rebecca Page General Manager & Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx
Ian MacKenzie Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx
Efrén Velázquez Art & Design efrenmmedia@gmail.com
Ana Martínez Brand Manager Cell: 984 169 1637 marketing@meridianmedia.mx
¡Viva México!
Erika Serra Public Relations Cell: 984 119 1586 publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx
Celebrating Mexican Independence and Mexican Pride
Sales
BY REBECCA PAGE
Cell: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx
T
hanks to the headlines that residents of other countries read on nearly a daily basis, it is easy for some to dismiss Mexico as a troubled, violent state with its citizens desperately headed for the northern border and the land of opportunity. But, after almost five years of living in Mexico, I have developed a deep love and respect for this complex, diverse, and beautiful country. Yes, Mexico has its fair share of problems. However, to only focus on the problems, you risk overlooking the amazing things that it has to offer. For me, one of the most important assets Mexico has is its people. That´s why in this edition, we chose to open our pages to the Mexicans who call this region home and allow them a platform to share their thoughts about their country. While writing this editorial, I decided to ask our full-time office staff, Ana, Pikis, and Efren, two questions: ¨What brings you the most pride as a Mexi-
Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx
CONTACT US AT: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @ThePlayaTimes playatimes theplayatimes
can?¨ and ¨What misconceptions do you think people have about Mexico?¨ None of the staff is originally from Quintana Roo, but each of them has lived here for quite a few years. They came from Puebla, Guanajuato, and Veracruz and they love the opportunities that the region has to offer. When I asked what brings them the most pride, all three at once say the culture. They excitedly talk about family, traditions, fiestas and the food. It always comes back to the food! They also all agreed that the expression mi casa es su casa still applies and that Mexicans genuinely enjoy opening their homes to people and sharing what they can, no matter how little they have to offer. They love that Mexico has a rich, long history and take pride in the indigenous, pre-Hispanic cultures and how the Maya and Aztec are considered among the most influential in the world. When I ask them about the misconceptions people have, Efren is the first to answer. He says that he feels that many
people think Mexico is only mariachis and drinking, and we spend a little time discussing the image of a Mexican with his giant sombrero, wandering through dusty streets with his half empty bottle of tequila, and we laugh because this is so far from reality. Mexico, they remind me, has huge cities like Mexico City and Monterrey, with high-tech companies, world-class hospitals, and innovative startups, just like anywhere in the world. But, people still think Mexico is a country of dusty, little towns with people desperate to leave. In this edition, we hope to dispel some of these misconceptions and that you will get a taste of just how diverse México truly is. Oh, one last thing from my team, they encourage all of you to explore more of Mexico, not just the Riviera Maya. They want you to visit Puebla, Guanajuato, and Veracruz and discover for yourself just how beautiful the Mexican people truly are! ¡VIVA MÉXICO!
The Playa Times
THE PLAYA TIMES RIVIERA MAYA'S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Quincenal.
Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional de Derechos de Autor: (PENDIENTE). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Título: (en trámite). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Contenido: (en trámite). Domicilio de la publicación: Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1. Impreso en talleres Grupo Megamedia Prolongación de Montejo número 301, entre 40 y 42, fraccionamiento Campestre, Mérida, Yucatán. Distribuidor: Meridian Media, S.A. de C.V., Calle 2 entre 45 y Carretera Federal, Mza. 088 lote 003-1, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.
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BEACH LIFE
September 6 - 19 2017 Alfonso was born in Mexico City / Photo: Alfonso López-Bello Moreno
The origins of the Restricted Zone Some background information on the law preventing foreigners from purchasing property in certain areas of the country BY THOMAS LLOYD, FOUNDER OF TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE
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f you’re interested in real estate, you surely know that in order to own property in the Riviera Maya you must get a bank trust or create a Mexican corporation. This requirement is due to the Restricted Zone, which is the strip of land within 50 km of the coastline and 100 km from the border. According to Article 27 Fraction 1 of the Mexican Political Constitution, foreigners can’t directly acquire a property located in the Restricted Zone. Do you wonder why? Here’s a little history class.
The Restricted Zone
is the strip of land within
50 km
of the coastline and
100 km
from the border. Back in the old days, in an attempt to raise Mexico’s population, it was considered necessary to support immigration from other countries. Therefore, the Decree of Colonization was made on August 18, 1824. However, this order could have been a little threatening for Mexico and its territories, since there was risk of a possible invasion from foreign dominion. An actual example of this is the state of Texas, a territory that used to belong to Mexico and later became part of the U.S., but that’s another story. Anyway, in order to avoid losing more Mexican territory, the Restricted Zone law was launched, with the ultimate purpose of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. This law prohibited colonization by foreigners along the borders with neighboring countries (U.S., Belize and Guatemala). In the same way, the law gave preference to Mexican citizens in terms of land distribution. As a result, it is not permitted that foreigners and foreign companies acquire land or property in the restricted zone, unless it’s done using the aforementioned options. Although there have been some attempts to remove this law from the Mexican Political Constitution, a lot of people have opposed them and these initiatives have failed. Mexico is stuck between a rock and a hard place with the idea of removing or keeping a law that is probably a little too out-of-date and unnecessary these days. If you want to learn more about ownership in Mexico, download our free guide about this topic here: https://topmre.com/mexicoownership
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Alfonso López-Bello Moreno BY THE PLAYA TIMES Where are you from? My birth certificate is from Guerrero, but I was born in Mexico City and grew up between Veracruz and Puebla. Now I feel like Quintanarroense, so I think am proudly Mexican. How long have you lived in Playa? I have lived in Playa for nine amazing years. Why did you move to Playa del Carmen? For work - my current employer invited me to participate in tourism development in Playa del Carmen, and I’m still working with them. What do you do for work? I am an attorney-at-law for a living, but part of my work now is to create and lead social affairs and community programs.
What brings you the most pride as a Mexican? Our eclectic culture, our incredible people, our different perspective of death and how to resolve our problems and, of course, our terrific and tasty food.
We are hard workers with powerful minds. Alfonso López-Bello Moreno
What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That we are hard workers with powerful minds. We love our country, and you are always welcome in it if you are honest, respectful, and grateful to Mexico.
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BEACH LIFE
September 6 - 19 2017
The Charm of Puerto Morelos BY IAN MACKENZIE On my first trip to Puerto Morelos, I was quite surprised. After becoming accustomed to the movement and density of Playa, I found what appeared to be a version of Playa del Carmen if it had remained small. This is the charm of Puerto Morelos, a seaside village that has resisted the commercialization to which its neighbors to the north and south have succumbed. Getting here is easy, just take the colectivo which runs from downtown Playa to Cancun, and the driver will drop you off on the highway after thirty-five minutes. Make sure to tell him where you’re going when you get on board. After that, you can take a taxi down the main road that leads to town. If you do choose to walk, you can take in the sights of the mangroves along the way. At the road’s end, you will find yourself in the center of town, with the zocalo (town square) and church in proximity. At both ends of the main beach are smaller, more private
Paty works at the Calica quarry / Photo: Paty Vargas
Puerto Morelos´s famous Faro Inclinado (leaning lighthouse) / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Paty Vargas Meet the systems engineer from Mexico City BY GIOVANNA HUERTA
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hat is your full name? My full name is Martha Patricia Vargas Hernandez
Where are you from? I was born in Mexico City and all my life lived in that beautiful city until I arrived on October 4 of 2000 in Playa del Carmen. Why did you move to Playa del Carmen? I came to work at the Calica mine, in the technological area.
What do you do for work? My main activity in my job is to improve the processing of information, and management of the efforts in developing systems and technological infrastructure. Playa has been the opportunity to mix natural beauty, work and quality of life. What brings you the most pride as a Mexican? Throughout my professional career as a Mexican engineer of technology, formed academically and professionally in Mexico, I have had the opportunity to work with many en-
beach areas that are used by beach clubs, private properties, and vacation rentals. The Mesoamerican Reef is located 500 m off the shore. The reef acts as a shelter for the beach from rough surf, which makes it ideal for snorkeling. Once you get out there with your mask, you’ll see a variety of tropical fish, corals, and perhaps a sea turtle. The reef, along with the mangroves, has been declared an ecological reserve. Part of the reason the town has maintained its small-town charm is that the lot sizes in Puerto Morelos are small with strict building codes enforced. Locals want to keep development to a minimum, and I don’t blame them. During a recent visit, I was told that there was talk of putting in a Fifth Avenue to boost tourism, emulating Playa’s popular street. I can’t image a worse idea that would destroy what is there now. Although the main source of profit here lies in tourism, the small hotels, and locally owned restaurants keep Puerto Morelos quaint, charming, and tranquil.
gineers from other countries. Each day I am so proud of what we can contribute as Mexicans to Mexico, and the world, in every job. In fact, it makes me happy that Mexico produces so much creativity, ability to solve problems, solidarity in cases of adversity, and great strength of spirit born from the family, in each Mexican person. This allows us to leave our footprint in every project.
I am so proud of what we can contribute as Mexicans to Mexico and the world Paty Vargas What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? Each Mexican generation leaves a mark in the heart of foreigners; you can recognize it in the aroma of our food, in our history, in our dances, in our helping hands, and in every pair of Mexican eyes, and know that divinity has touched you.
September 6 - 19 2017 A temazcal is a pre-Hispanic steam bath / Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Jorge Antonio Leoni de León
HEALTH
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David Campos BY SARA JONES Where are you from? Merida, Yucatan
Mexican Healing Traditions BY SARA JONES
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he Temazcal The temazcal, a type of pre-Hispanic steam bath, is indigenous to the people of Mesoamerica. It is a combination of both a therapeutic treatment of detoxification and a spiritual, healing ritual of rebirth. The origins of the term ‘temazcal’ stem from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli (house of heat), or from the Aztec teme (to bathe) and calli (house). The domed structure is made from mortar and stone and is a symbol of Mother Nature’s womb. Steam is created by pouring herb-infused water over hot rocks in a central pit. The temazcal ceremony is said to purify the body and the spirit with this sacred steam. A temazcalero(a), a shaman and therapist, leads the practice of this ancient healing therapy and elevates it to a more spiritual experience. The shaman will incorporate the four elements; water - symbolizing blood, fluids and emotions, earth - physical matter and the human body, air - the herb-infused aromatic steam symbolic of breath and energy, fire - the embodiment of the spirit via the hot volcanic stones.
Obsidian Obsidian is a volcanic glass naturally formed when molten lava cools rapidly. In plentiful supply, it is found in the volcanic regions of the Sierra Madre Mountains that run through Mexico and Guatemala. Obsidian, called itztli in the Nahuatl language, was historically formed into a variety of tools and used in hunting, agriculture, food preparation and many other activities. Obsidian was also used in a variety of ritualistic and decorative contexts such as jewelry, art, carvings, masks and offerings to Maya gods. Obsidian is said to be an excellent aid in releasing negativity. Releasing negativity can aid physical, emotional and spiritual health. Obsidian is a strong psychic protection stone that resonates with the base or root chakra associated with grounding. Heated obsidian stones are used in harmony with massage therapy techniques to soothe aching muscles and relieve tension. The combination of the healing properties of the stone, massage movements and heat deliver a spa experience that cleanses the spirit and energizes the body and mind. Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com
How long have you lived in Playa del Carmen? I moved here in February 1988. I was finishing college as a Civil Engineer and was offered a job in Playa del Carmen. Why did you move to Playa del Carmen?
My job for many years was as a builder with projects in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Cancun. What do you do for work? I am a builder (engineer) by trade, however I was always conscious of my health and body. I started practicing yoga in 2000 and then in 2007 I took my first yoga teacher training to become a certified yoga instructor (200 hours). In 2008 I opened the yoga studio that I still have today, which was registered to provide teacher training courses with Yoga Alliance. The studio is now called Yoga Company, a place where I share the knowledge I have learned over the years. I teach students how to live a healthy and productive life, not only on their yoga mats but also with healthy nutrition through the semi-vegan concept of my restaurant, Bio-Organicos (Calle 26 between Fifth and Tenth Avenue). The menu offers dishes that are designed to provide nutrients to the body without sacrificing taste; we use many spices that come directly from the Maya community of Merida. In the Bio-Organicos store you can find many of the products we use in the restaurant. Overall I would like to create awareness
David teaches yoga / Photo: David Campo
about the best way to eat and live in order to have a productive and healthy life, irrelevant of economic status or flexibility. Very soon I will turn 55 years old. For some reason, I feel 25! Maybe this is due to the positive attitude I have, maybe it’s yoga, the way I eat, or a combination of all of these. What makes you proud to be Mexican?
What makes me proud to be Mexican is the people, their warmth and quality. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? I would like people to know that Mexico is the perfect place to be in contact with nature, there are so many beautiful places to visit. The gastronomy is very varied with many different flavors depending on the state and city you visit. Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com
CYFOC Wooden Houses
40 years guarantee, hurricane resistant, built in 20 days!
Build a guaranteed, safe, resilient and healthy home from a sustainable material in 20 days / Photos: Casas CYFOC
BY CUAUHTÉMOC LOBATO
C
asas CYFOC is a company with more than 65 years of activity and more than 10 years of experience building on the Riviera Maya. It is a pioneer in construction with wood in Mexico. All its wood comes from sustainable forests. Wood is the most noble, healthy, aesthetic and comfortable construction material and the only renewable one. It insulates up to four times more than bricks and 10 times more than concrete. For tropical zones it is the best construction material due to its thermal properties and electrical energy efficiency. It is also favored by
people with respiratory problems as it filters the air. When we decide to buy a wooden house, we are also choosing a healthy way of life, in accordance with nature. The natural bioelectrical field of wood provides a state of equilibrium in the human body. Whether it’s in the jungle, by the beach or in the city, our product is more than a house, it is a home, an ideal product that adapts to our customers’ expectations of design, pleasure and comfort. It has been shown that wooden structures respond better than other non-combustible materials. In an accident, a sturdy wooden structure would retain its support capacity for longer than a steel of equal strength.
When heated, steel loses all its resistant capacity, quickly leading to the collapse of the structure. Our unique construction system is resistant to hurricanes and fire, and is built fast: a one-bedroom house is built in 20 days. All our homes have a 40-year CYFOC guarantee for the treatment of wood with a lifespan of more than 100 years. Do not hesitate to contact us and build the home of your dreams with CYFOC houses! • Playa del Carmen: Federal Highway 307 (in front of Grand Coral). • 984 157 88 26 • www.cyfoc.com • Casas CYFOC
Made with sustainable wood. More than 10 years building in the Riviera Maya
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ART & CULTURE
September 6 - 19 2017
Painting the Streets with Love Calles Corazon is an organization of young entrepreneurs united through a social and artistic project to restore the streets. BY CALLES CORAZÓN
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rom July 20-30 in Playa del Carmen, the government, local businesses and the community came together to revitalize local spaces with street cleaning, waterproofing, public lighting, murals and sidewalks. Calle 4 bis, one of the first streets that existed on the beach, was neglected, and we wanted to lift the spirits there through murals and colors. 1,030 m2 of surface area was treated, including waterproofing. 240 liters of paint, 200 liters of waterproofing and 192 cans of paint were used.
leave their grain of sand where they offer their services and thank those who believe in change. We invite the private sector to join causes such as Calles Corazon, with art as their engine, to increase the standard of living on the streets. An integrated society is a growing society.
How was the government involved in the project? Urban Development provided us with painting materials and the Trust of the Riviera Maya and Cozumel supported us by helping the tourists get to know more streets of the city. The DIF supported us with the call for volunteers. How were private businesses involved in the project? They believed in the project from the outset; the media, restaurants, clothing stores, real estate agencies and hotels helped us with most things. They are companies that want to
PH Insomniak / Photos: Calles Corazón
BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO
BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO
But why is it called “ The Cry of Dolores”? This is because once the conspiracy carried out by the Creoles (children of Spaniards born in Mexico) to overthrow the Spanish colonial government was discovered, the priest Hidalgo, on the morning of September 16, 1810, harangued, shouted at, and motivated the people of the town of Dolores to fight for their freedom. He urged them to kill “Gachupines” (Spaniards), and to fight against Spanish domination by reminding them of the abuses and humiliations suffered over the previous 300 years. In return he promised one peso daily to every man with gun and horse, half a peso to people on foot, and the freedom of all prisoners.
How many artists were involved? At the beginning there were eight muralists; during the event more artists joined and we ended up with 15 murals. How has the neighborhood benefited from this project? It looks better. Households are better off as a garbage collection was made prior to the event. Children play in clean spaces as their homes and sidewalks (roofs, facades, lighting and waterproofing) have been restored. People walk down the street and experience social integration through art. For more information, visit Facebook and Instagram: @callescorazonw
Marvelous Mexican Music
The Origin of the Celebration of the Cry of Dolores
In the year 1825 in Mexico City, the nation’s Independence Day was celebrated for the first time on September 16. It included a speech which recognized the priest Miguel Hidalgo as the great hero of this exploit. In 1828, the first image of Hidalgo was produced by the 19th century artist and printmaker Claudio Linnati. In 1813, José Ma. Morelos y Pavón, the socalled servant of the nation and considered the great ideologue of the fight for independence, would establish in the Sentimientos de la Nación, the date of September 16 as a National Day and the first heroes of the homeland would be recognized. Among them Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and General Ignacio Allende, the true leader of the fight for independence.
How were local citizens involved in the project? At first the neighbors did not want this; they did not believe that a group of citizens wanted to give life to the street through murals. When the event began and the artists began to paint their facades, they invited us in to eat and drink, or they protected us from the sun, they lent us ladders and brooms and electric outlets. Now we know each other by name. The participation of the community was of vital importance, not only
in allowing us access to their houses to paint for 10 days, but in leaving indifference and apathy aside.
Mexico is an independent republic / Photo: Pixabay/Public_ Domain_Photography
In 1864, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Carlota, instituted and organized the celebrations of the independence in the city of Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato. Following the government of the dictator Porfirio Díaz, the festivities began on the night of September 15, the date of his birthday. It was celebrated with great dances that were held until dawn, by which time people were no longer in full use of their faculties due to the ingestion of alcohol. This is why, unfortunately, many Mexicans and foreigners confuse the date, which is actually September 16. Sources: Magazine Tales and Stories in Mexico, Year 1, No. 5, January 2009. O’Gorman, Edmundo. Article: “Miguel Hidalgo”, pp. 33 – 31. Luis González and Glez, Luis. Journey Through the History of Mexico, CONACULTA, 2009, Mexico Magazine Tales and Stories in Mexico, Year IV, No. 41, January 2012. Roses, Alexander. Article: “Letter from Carlota to Maximilian”, pp 49
As the month of September begins and we hear the sound of trumpets and violins, we are filled with pride and feel more Mexican than ever! It is mariachi music, which is so representative of the Mexican people and proudly regarded as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Mexicans do not only listen to mariachi during national festivities, any occasion is good for singing a “ranchera.” It cannot be left out of a good party, or from being used to wake up with Las Mañanitas to someone on the day of their birthday, or to serenade a bride. You can even hear it at funerals. Among the great composers of this vernacular music are José Alfredo Jiménez, Martín Urieta, Cuco Sánchez, and Miguel Aceves Mejía. Singers of the stature of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, Lola Beltrán, among many others, dressed in the characteristic costume of the charro. Among the singers of the most recent period, we cannot fail to mention Vicente Fernandez and his son Alejandro. In addition to mariachi, Mexican music is as varied as its geography and culture; we can lis-
Mexican musicians / Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Thelmadatter
ten and dance to sones, jarabes, huapangos, or a good danzón (Cuban rhythm) in the bandstand on Sundays afternoons in public squares. Although many of these rhythms and instruments such as guitar, violin and trumpet do not entirely originate from Mexico, they are part of a perfect crossbreeding along with pre-hispanic rhythms and instruments. This cultural mix is also reflected in some of the typical regional costumes, as in the case of the Veracruz suit, which brings to mind the Sevillian outfit. Another well-known rhythm that has surely been heard and “seen” in public squares and/or restaurants is that of the marimba, an inheritance from another of our roots: the Africans that arrived in Mexico during the centuries of slavery and Spanish domination. In recent times, reggae arrived in the south of the country, so much that now it is part of our identity, or at least that of the Chetumaleños, from the capital of Quintana Roo, the door of entry to Mexico for this rhythm. As they say, Mexico is a cultural mosaic and the music is a good reflection of it. Let us enjoy and get to know our beautiful traditions and roots! Viva Mexico!!
September 6 - 19 2017
DISCOVER MEXICO
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Wendy Cervantes Meet a proud Mexican photographer and sea turtle enthusiast
Photo: Maria de Lourdes Ancona Diaz de Leon
Maria de Lourdes Ancona Diaz de Leon BY CATHERINE PAWELEK
I Wendy is a keen photographer / Photos: Wendy Cervantes
BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL What is your full name? Wendy Carolina Cervantes Pool Where are you from? Merida, Yucatan. And how long have you lived on Isla Mujeres? Since I was one month old, 29 years ago. Why did you move to the island? For my father’s work. I am very grateful that this happened because I love the sea and in Merida there is no sea. But I love the culture of Merida; it is very rich in culture and people are very kind, but ultimately I love Isla Mujeres. What do you do for work? I work in a restaurant and on my independent photography; at times, I also design. What makes you proud to be Mexican? Mexico is a country full of beautiful things, including its people, its culture, its color, its gastronomy, and its beaches. Mexico has great treasures such as food, folklore, culture, and tourism. It’s made up of successful people. Something that identifies all Mexicans is their talent and desire to succeed. I am very proud to be Mexican and that my roots are Maya!
What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That there is much to see and enjoy. We have 111 magic villages. Isla Mujeres is one of those magical villages. We are the only island that is, and this is something that says how wonderful it is to live here. I wake up in the morning surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature, the blue and green of the ocean. One of the many advantages of living on this island is the nesting period of sea turtles. I am fortunate to be able to follow this process closely. Part of my commitment to this cause is to help keep our beaches clean and respect the hatching areas along the beach. I also work with Tortugranja that is dedicated to preserve the sea turtles since we are at an important point for the season of mating and nesting of these wonderful beings. We are the first point of Mexico the rays of the sun touch. Our North Beach is in seventh place internationally for turtle nesting and first place at the national level. All of Mexico is certainly beautiful and we enjoy that every state has its own thing. I am proud and love living in the Caribbean. See more of Wendy’s photography at Instagram/gwencervantes or on Facebook/GwenCervante
t is that serpentine road that is often traveled, in order to land us in Mexico whether temporarily or permanently, and ours certainly had its roadblocks. Our initial attorney, referred by some expats and with good reviews online ended up costing us thousands of dollars and months of delays including a huge misstep on his part – not filing documents on time. If it hadn’t been for good fortune, while seated at an unrecognizable computer, sifting through illegible corporate logs, that attorney Maria de Lourdes Ancona Diaz de Leon sat next to us, we would never have been able to stay in Mexico. Seeing us struggle, she offered her assistance in English and we never looked back. Shortly after arriving in Playa, she started A & C Soluciones Legales Internacionales S.C. and although she is a corporate lawyer dealing in bank trust, foreign investment, trademark, contracts and creating companies, she has an in-house colleague who handles all forms of immigration services. Here is her background.
Full name Maria de Lourdes Ancona Diaz de Leon Where are you originally from? I am from Merida, but came to Cancun in 1986. How did you arrive in Playa? I moved to Playa del Carmen in 2006 to help my family with our beautiful Aktun-Chen Nature Park. It is located near Tulum and has cenotes, ziplines, small zoo and cave explorations. Why is Mexico so special? The culture, the culinary variety and taste of Mexican food, the color of the country, the friendliness of the people. We have a rich heritage, Mayan, Aztec, Olmecs, and such a variety of animals here on the Yucatan Peninsula, like jaguar, deers, toucans, monkeys and others that are native to this area. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? Mexico is a great country, with a huge history and full of magical towns, tourism is welcome any time, the people are friendly and we always try to help the tourists. The Mexican culture is rich in so many things including rituals, regional colorful costumes, food and tradition.
Sea turtles are peaceful animals / Photos: Xcaret
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Gabriel Santana Pérez
I like that Cozumel is still safe. Gabriel Santana Pérez
Photo: Gabriel Santana Pérez
Meet the dive shop manager from Cozumel BY REBECCA PAGE Where are you from? I am from the island of Cozumel in Quintana Roo. How long have you lived on Cozumel? 40 years. What do you do for work? I am the General Manager at the Del Mar Aquatics dive shop. What do you like most about living in Cozumel? I like that Cozumel is still safe.
What brings you the most pride as a Mexican? The cultural diversity that exists throughout the Mexican Republic. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That it is a country that offers a high quality of life to its inhabitants, with an environment in which the transcendent human values are respected and strengthened, and where there are the conditions conducive for each person and organization to achieve its constant improvement.
Denisse Pohls Pérez Meet the underwater photographer originally from Léon, Guanajuato BY REBECCA PAGE What is your name? Denisse Pohls Pérez Where are you from? León, Guanajuato, Mexico. How long have you lived on Cozumel? I’ve lived on Cozumel for three and a half years. What do you do for work? I’m an underwater photographer for recreational scuba divers. What is your favorite thing about living on Cozumel? The underwater world around the island is breathtaking; it feels like going to a parallel universe. The reef, marine life, and clear water made me stay. What brings you the most pride as a Mexican? Our cultural diversity, rich and col-
Denisse Pohls Pérez lives and works on Cozumel / Photo: Denisse Pohls Pérez
orful. Our language full of turns, double sense and endless meaning possibilities. Our practical resourcefulness when in need. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That Mexico is a huge country with many countries inside, rich, a little wild and loaded with a dramatic passion-tragedy-beauty combo. I hope you take the time to get to know our beloved country.
September 6 - 19 2017
CANCÚN
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Jorge Yam BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III Born in Bacalar, but living half of his life in Cancun, Jorge E. Yam Ya is considered the favorite son in both places due to his work as a cultural promoter. He recently published his first poetry book. How long have you been in Cancun? I’ve been living here for approximately 16 years. Don’t you miss Bacalar? It is beautiful. I do, I go there to visit my folks as often as possible. But I decided to stay in this municipal seat because I found better job opportunities, and I was able to work and study at the same time. Back then, there weren’t any good options for me in Baca.
Danny is a national champion / Photos: Danny Benitez - Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III
Danny Benitez
Tell us about your work and your cultural promoter activities. Right now, I’m working as a sales adviser for ADO at the Cancun airport to pay the bills. As a parallel project, I’m part of a collective of cultural promoters looking to “heat up” the literature scene in Cancun and the
Meet the pro body boarder based in Cancun BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III
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aniela Benítez Zavala is the perfect example of a modern Mexican living in the Riviera Maya. She alternates her professional work in the tourism industry with her hobby and has succeeded in both. Let’s ride the wave with her! You are from Cuernavaca; how did you get to Cancun? My mom got a great opportunity working here with a hotel chain that was starting at the time. I was only 9; it’s been 22 years now. What do you do for a living? I have a communications degree and I’m currently working as a content editor for NexusTours. I’m also a pro body boarder. You just won the 2017 National Championship; how long have you been practicing? Since I was 14 but I stopped for a while. It came back into my life when I was having this post25 crisis. That’s the great thing about boarding, it gives you time to be alone with the ocean and think. I just went with the flow and started participating in local competitions until I was good enough for nationals. It was a bit scary because the Pacific coast waves are bigger than ours. I managed to be on the podium for three years in a row but never got the first prize. I got myself into a few debts to pay my trip to the Panamerican Surf Games in Peru, so I wasn’t sure about competing this year in Paraíso, Colima. My mom and NexusTours sponsored me and I’m stoked all the effort finally paid off. I’m officially National Champion in the BB Open Prone category.
Mexico is filled with natural wonders, from Los Cabos to Cancun. Danny Benitez
What makes you proud of being Mexican? I love its history, the culture, but most of all, the people; hard-working people that never give up despite all adversities and sometimes bad administration. We are genuinely willing to get ahead and we are the greatest hosts. Mexico is filled with natural wonders, from Los Cabos to Cancun, and has a vast and rich culture worth knowing.
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whole state. We do book presentations and this monthly literary event called Colectivas. We invite different authors from all around to share some of their material, so we can create a network of writers and literature lovers and promoters. We are in Mexico’s independence month; what makes you proud to be Mexican? I think being born in the Caribbean and in the Pueblo Mágico of Bacalar is a complete privilege. It’s not so much about waving the national flag or fireworks, you know? Nor about the tequila or the soccer team championships. It’s not that kind of thing that makes this country great. I’m proud of being Mexican simply because it taught me I have the freedom to decide, to create and to improve things around me. There are more cultural events held by regular people than from the government institutions. It shouldn’t be that way, but the independence of people is something to celebrate. The will to invest time and knowledge, sometimes without receiving anything back, to make it a better country.
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September 6 - 19 2017
PUERTO VALLARTA
Antonio Trejo Meet Antonio: originally from Mexico City, now resident in Puerto Vallarta
Héctor Romer BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH
Antonio Trejo / Photo: Antonio Trejo
BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH What is your name? José Antonio Trejo Delgadillo Where are you from? From Mexico City How long have you lived in Puerto Vallarta? 14 years Why did you move to Puerto Vallarta? My dad had a job offer at the company he used to work for in Mexico City and we thought it would be a good place to move to. What do you do for work? I’m Regional Manager of an insurance brokerage firm in Mexico specialized in the expat community. What makes you proud to be a Mexican? I think we have a very warm, honest and friendly culture with kind and hardworking people. Families and friends are very close, and unlike other cultures, we
Mexicans tend to express our emotions and people can tell how we feel because our body language is very evident. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That we are not the country most of the media abroad says we are. Yes, we have dangerous areas just like any other country around the world, but Mexico in general is a great place to live. We’re also a very technological country and very few people wear sombreros. I have a lot of friends from many parts of the world, and after being in Mexico for a few months they all end up telling me Mexico is completely different - in a good way - to what they had in mind before coming here. So I would tell the rest of the world to come and live in Mexico. Then they can have their own point of view of this country. Don’t just listen to what other people who probably haven’t even been here tell you about us and our country.
What is your name? Héctor Arnulfo Romer Vargas Where are you from? I´m from Tepic. How long have you lived in Puerto Vallarta? 7 years. I was living and studying at Tepic Nayarit where my mom´s family is from, but every Mexican vacation period we traveled to Puerto Vallarta and had a such good time with my father´s family. Why did you move to Puerto Vallarta? When I was a kid, I always knew that one day I would be living at Puerto Vallarta. I kept that on my mind, even when somebody told me something about it. So when I grew up, that day came for a lot of reasons. I found an opportunity to work and study at the same time, so I took it and now I´ve been living here for almost 7 years. What do you do for work? I´m in charge of Guardian Insurance Claims Department. It’s an excellent new company where I hope to be working for a long time. What makes you proud to be a Mexican? Well, I love nature and the good things that God gave us as a gift. I´ve never been in another country (yet, I´m working on it), so the only nature that I know is our beautiful Mexican
Photo: Frank van der Burgh
nature which we can see in this beautiful town, Puerto Vallarta. Nature is part of the attractiveness of Mexico so that is what makes me proud. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? I would like to let the rest of the world know that Mexico has everything that one human needs to be happy: beautiful people, great food, amazing nature and more important than anything, no matter hurricanes, no matter illnesses and diseases, Mexico will always have a smile for the world.
September is Will Month in Mexico, is Your Estate in Order? Each year, Mexicans are encouraged to have a will completed in September. If you are a foreigner who owns property in Mexico, you also need to have a will created in Mexico. BY MEXLAW
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eath is not a subject we enjoy discussing, however, you need to be prepared. Mexicans, as a culture, have a unique relationship with death. They celebrate and venerate their ancestors on el día de los muertos, which is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. As a prelude to the celebrations, every September in Mexico is considered will month. Mexicans are encouraged to prepare a will, and notaries and the government offer important rebates during this time. Foreigners who own property or live in Mexico should take advantage of this opportunity as well. If you have been putting off drafting your will, you may be motivated by the fact that MexLaw is offering this service at a fraction of the cost during the months of September and October. As a property owner in Mexico, if you die without a will, the Mexican government will be responsible for liquidating your estate and distributing your assets. Foreigners living in Mexico are well advised to have a Mexican will as there are no survivor rights in Mexico and property held in Trust may not be enough protection for you and your family. If you have a foreign will, it must be processed
in your country of origin, translated into Spanish, and verified by your local government before it is executory in Mexico, where it has to proceed before a judge and then a notary. It may take up to one year to resolve an estate with a foreign will. Why you should contact MexLaw to have a will prepared A foreign will requires a professional translation and verification, and this may be an expensive process and time consuming for your heirs. A foreign will could end up in probate before the Mexican courts and take years to process and complete transfer of title. Meanwhile, the probated property may not be sold. If there is no will your surviving spouse might not inherit the estate. The court will distribute the property as they see fit and may include ex-spouses or in-laws. The idea of a Fideicomiso trust is to protect your heirs named as your substitute beneficiary. However, there are instances where the bank trustee failed to transfer the property. The Fideicomiso substitute beneficiary only includes the property and not possessions, bank accounts, insurance or business interests. Appoint a guardian for underage children.
If you die without a will, the Mexican government will be responsible to liquidate your estate and distribute your assets / Photo: pexels.com
During September and October, have your will prepared by MexLaw for only $150 USD. (Regularly priced at $450)
Ensure individuals in a common law union are recognized as the spouse. A Mexican will guarantees you are in control of your estate, allowing you to establish how you want your property to be divided. Avoid complications and disputes amongst family members and avoid delay during transfer of assets. During September and October, have your will prepared by MexLaw for only $150 USD. Regularly priced at $450. MEXLAW is a trusted, international law firm with an English-speaking team of lawyers and tax accountants ready to advise you on wills and estate planning in Mexico. Visit mexlaw.ca/category/mexican-will/ to start the process.
September 6 - 19 2017
DISCOVER MEXICO
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Playa del Carmen is a tourist destination where there is a lot of opportunity to work as a mariachi.
Angel wears a traditional costume / Photos: Zulma G. Rodríguez Esquivel
Angel Fernando Tziu Chan Meet the mariachi player from Valladolid What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? I’d like them to know the history behind today’s Mexico, and a little about our music, which just like our traditions, is really varied. Is there a special school to learn the music and instruments of mariachis? There are mariachi schools but you can’t enroll without at least already having intermediate knowledge of one instrument. We begin by learning individually with specialized teachers or with a mariachi friend or family member. How many people are in a mariachi band? Three violins, two trumpets, a viola, a guitar and a bass guitar - eight in total.
BY ZULMA G. RODRÍGUEZ ESQUIVEL Your full name: Angel Fernando Tziu Chan
tination where there is a lot of opportunity to work as a mariachi.
How long have you lived in Playa del Carmen? 15 years.
What do you do for work? I am a violinist for the ‘dance of the elderly’, which is a traditional dance from Michoacán. I also perform at weddings. A mariachi is one of the best jobs for a Mexican, it’s fun living, singing and dancing to bring people joy.
Why did you move to Playa del Carmen? I live in Playa del Carmen because my dad didn’t have much work in Yucatán and it would have been the same for me. Playa del Carmen is a tourist des-
What makes you proud to be Mexican? Our cultures and traditions of which we have a great variety; an infinite number of them exist all over Mexico and they’re all beautiful.
Where are you from? I was born in Valladolid, Yucatán.
What are the best songs? For me they are all great, but if I had to choose: 1) Viva Veracruz 2) La Fiesta del Mariachi 3) El Son del Triste 4) El Son de las Copetonas What songs are most requested by tourists? We have adaptations of various songs from Mexico and other places, however for tourists: 1) El Son de la Negra 2) Cielito Lindo 3) La Feria de San Marcos also known as Pelea de Gallos 4) El Jinete 5) El Sihualteco 6) El Rey 7) El Cascabel 8) El Pastor 9) La Malagueña, 10) Guadalajara 11) La Bikina
What is the most difficult instrument to play? The violin and the trumpet. The violin is a very technical instrument that requires many years to master. The trumpet is an instrument that requires much breath control. These are two instruments for which one learns all songs by memory, as the singer learns all the words of each song.
obviously. Yes, you can make a good living when you know all the songs and can play as well as sing them.
How many hours a day do you practice? I dedicate three to five hours of practice to Mexican music. My father taught me to play violin. He, like me, is a mariachi and taught me when I was 12 and I have been continuing to learn it by myself since then.
What is the significance of the colors of the costumes? The costumes are colored in order not to always wear the same one and we don’t have just one, we have at least four different outfits. There are occasions when we use a certain color for an event, for example, cream for weddings, black or grey for funerals, for Mexican parties, any color.
Can you make a good living as a mariachi or is it a side job? It can be both. If a mariachi is committed he can earn well. There are those who work for a couple of hours a day with a reduced repertoire and earn less,
How do you bear the heat in your costume? I do, even in a hot place like Playa. At the beginning, I sweated a lot, however after a few days it became normal and I got used to it.
Are there many female mariachis? Yes, there are many female mariachis, however the vast majority are men.
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TPT FOODIES
September 6 - 19 2017
Lily Espino sa
Meet the cookery school proprietor originally from Mexico City BY THE PLAYA TIMES Your full name: Elsa Guadalupe Yambao Espinosa Rivera, my friends and family call me Lily. Where are you from? Mexico City. How long have you lived in Tulum? 22 years. Why did you move to Tulum? I love the Caribbean!! What do you do for work? I am the owner of Rivera Kitchen Tulum, where I do traditional Mexican cooking classes, as well as tours and culinary experiences. What makes you proud to be Mexican? I am proud to be part of a very rich and ancient culture, and I particularly enjoy our enormous and rich gastronomy history. I am proud and happy to share it
with the world, with a feeling of sharing and enjoying it together. What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? I see Mexico as a huge and happy generous heart. You are more than welcome to visit, share and enjoy in Mexico. We love friends, and I know most Mexicans, like me, really mean it when they say “mi casa es tu casa!”
Mi casa es tu casa / Photo: Lily Espinosa
Turning Hotels and Vacation Rentals into an All-Inclusive Property ASAP Playa was founded in 2014 by a young married couple who met in Jerusalem. Abby and Shay visited the Riviera Maya on their honeymoon and fell in love with Playa. Abby remembers, “We rented an amazing beach-front apartment, and we never wanted to leave. However, there were not any services included, so we had to figure out for ourselves where to eat, where to buy groceries, and which tours to go on.” That is when they came up with the idea for ASAP (All Services At Property). ASAP has become a model in the customer service arena, setting new and higher standards for vacations. They offer an all-inclusive vacation service operating 24/7, providing their guests with a variety of food assembled into one unique and colorful menu and accompanied by high-end premium liquors and wine selection. Deliveries are made on demand making wishes come true day or night. ASAP delivers tours and attractions information and tickets by a team of Riviera Maya tours experts. They can also provide relaxing and refueling massages and
beauty treatments by a professional and certified team of masseurs and cosmeticians. Traveling with your family? ASAP also has a team of English-speaking au pairs, babysitters, and other unique services for traveling with a family. They can also offer a full cleaning service package including housekeeping and cooking, house cleaning, laundry and dry cleaning. For those who are traveling with a pet, ASAP offers a pet-friendly service by providing general information about pets in Playa del Carmen, food and accessories delivery, and a veterinary service. ASAP operates an information call center to provide information 24 hours a day for its guests. ASAP Playa offers a high standard premium vacation service for tourists, hotels, and vacation rentals owners. In light of the high demand, ASAP will be opening a branch in Tulum in the near future. For more information about ASAP playa, please visit our Facebook page: Facebook/asaplaya
September 6 - 19 2017
TPT FOODIES
Photo: Paradisus
Mouthwatering Mexican Mole Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, this traditional Mexican dish has many varieties and is enjoyed in all regions of the country BY LILY ESPINOSA
I Where you want to be
Married! Paradisus Resorts
Paradisus Resort is the top brand of Melia Hotels International. We are a Luxeclusive resort (luxury all-inclusive) with exceptional restaurants and services in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In Mexico, we have three properties: Cancún, Los Cabos, and Playa del Carmen. In the Dominican Republic, we have two more: Paradisus Palma Real and Punta Cana. Paradisus Playa del Carmen is approximately 45 minutes from the Cancún International Airport - just a few steps from a variety of attractions in the Riviera Maya. Paradisus Playa is an elegant resort with 14 world-class ųåŸƋ±ƚų±ĹƋŸ ±ĹÚ Ŏƅ ƱųŸ ±ĹÚ ÚĜýåųåĹƋ Ÿåųvices for all our guests like our Yhi Spa, Kids Zone, Life Enriching Activities, Fitness CenƋåųţ å Ņýåų ƋƵŅ ÚĜýåųåĹƋ ŞųŅŞåųƋĜåŸ× •
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Perla. For your reception, we have Solarium Esmeralda, Pool Esmeralda, Hadar Restaurant, Ballroom, Gazebo at La Perla, Palapa I and II, Pool Perla, and our most popular venue Gabi Club. We also have a gorgeous Bridal Suite at La Perla, where you can get ready along with your bridesmaids!
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TAG APPROVED: LGBT-friendly hotel :±Ƽ åÚÚĜĹč FĹŸƋĜƋƚƋå åųƋĜĀåÚ ABC: Paradisus Playa is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants since 2016.
Paradisus La Esmeralda featuring “Family Concierge” (510 suites – For Families) Paradisus La Perla featuring “Royal Service” (394 suites – Adults Only)
can still see my abuela, Meyita with all women in the family, happily chatting, while roasting, grinding and preparing everything to cook…happiest times of my life!! When asked about the most representative Mexican dish, undoubtedly, I always think of mole. The origin of the word is Náhuatl “molli” or “mulli” and means “salsa”. In pre-Hispanic times, it was a salsa made with different kinds of chiles, cacao and corn. This dish was named “chilmolli”. It was a salsa to eat with tortillas, with huaxolotl (turkey) on the side. Mole is a must in big celebrations: weddings, baptisms, birthdays and even Christmas. “ir a un mole” (go to have mole) usually means we are going to a wedding. Although mole is very popular all over Mexico, it is more so in the center and south, especially Puebla and Oaxaca. In the north of Mexico, moles are simpler, especially for preparing enchiladas. All moles from the different regions use one or more kinds of dry chiles: ancho, pasilla, mulato, chipotle, and spices, as well as garlic, dry fruits, etc. There are five categories of ingredients that should be present every time: • Dry chiles ( ancho, guajillo, pasilla, chipotle) • Tomatoes or green tomatoes (tomatillos) • Sweet ingredients (chocolate, dry fruits) • Spices (clove, pepper, allspice) • Thickeners (tortilla, bread)
Romance by Paradisus: If a destination wedding is your dream, Paradisus Resorts is your option. We are an all-inclusive hotel where our couples can live the best day of their lives without worry. We have a team of professionals that will help plan and organize every moment of your big day! Our Romance Team caters to providing destination wedding clients with a truly memorable and personalized experience. Our team work by your side to assist with every detail of your event. You can select any of our romance-inspired packages. We have Āƴå ÚĜýåųåĹƋ ŅŞƋĜŅĹŸØ ±ĹÚ å±ÏĘ Ş±Ïĩ±čå works perfectly for a wedding or a vows renewal. You can also customize our packages or choose an a la carte wedding.
å Ņýåų ÚĜýåųåĹƋ ÏƚĬƋƚų±Ĭ ƵåÚÚĜĹčŸ ĬĜĩå South Asian, Jewish, Interfaith, Mexican, and Same Sex Marriage. Most of our ceremonies ±ųå ŸƼĵÆŅĬĜÏØ ÆƚƋ Ƶå Ï±Ĺ ±ĬŸŅ Ņýåų Ĭåč±ĬØ Maya or Christian ceremonies. We host a maximum of only two wedÚĜĹčŸ ± Ú±ƼØ ŅýåųĜĹč Ņƚų ÏĬĜåĹƋŸ ƋĘå ĘĜčĘåŸƋ level of attention they deserve. We always do our best to accommodate our couples´ needs to make their big day unforgettable. As part of our services, we can help our clients with a vows renewal ceremony, honåƼĵŅŅĹ Ş±Ïĩ±čåŸØ ±ĹÚ ĵ±ųųĜ±čå ŞųŅŞŅŸ±ĬŸţ Ƥ
At Paradisus Playa del Carmen you can ĀĹÚ ƚĹĜŧƚå ƴåĹƚåŸţ å Ņýåų üŅƚų ŅŞƋĜŅĹŸ for ceremonies: Beach Gazebo, Beach La Esmeralda, Gabi Bridge, and Gazebo at La
For more information, please contact our Romance Department at Paradisus Playa del Carmen: 1 888 741 5600 or romance.paradisus.playadelcarmen@melia.com
Your special day:
Photo:shutterstock
Mole is the perfect bond between both worlds: the traditional Mesoamerica ingredients and new flavors brought by Europeans. In a mole, there should be a balance between dry chiles and chocolate so that one flavor doesn’t dominate; chocolate is used to balance the spiciness of the dry chiles. In general, all ingredients are toasted and grinded, ideally in a metate, (a big volcanic stone mortar) until we have a fine paste. This paste is mixed with water or broth and thickened by stirring slowly for a long time. The use of salsas is an ancient Mesoamerican practice. It doesn´t however seem that chocolate was included in their preparation, because cacao had a ritualistic significance, and wasn´t used as a condiment. We can say mole is the perfect bond between both worlds: the traditional Mesoamerica ingredients and new flavors brought by Europeans creating the most representative of all Mexican dishes: mouthwatering mole.
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ENTERTAINMENT
September 6 - 19 2017
Nehuen Pacheco Kortooms Meet the metal musician and member of Jet Jaguar BY MELISSA MÉNDEZ ORANTES Full name Nehuen Pacheco Kortooms Where are you from? Mexico City.
veloped my musical talent here. Regardless of the genre I play, I have been able to travel around the world doing what I love most, and I have always received a lot of support. I feel really lucky!
How long have you been living in Playa del Carmen? More than 10 years.
Many dreams can be fulfilled here.
Why did you move to Playa del Carmen? Because a lot of my family and friends live here and I love the beach; Playa is a paradise full of opportunities. What do you do for a living? I’m a musician; I play the guitar in the Mexican metal band, Jet Jaguar. What makes you proud to be Mexican? Everything, because it´s a country that has it all! For me, actually, it´s the best country in the world. There´s a lot of culture and diversity, so I am grateful to have de-
Nehuen Pacheco Kortooms
What would you like the rest of the world to know about Mexico? That not everything is about violence, insecurity and corruption, that many dreams can be fulfilled here. Also, you will find very kind people, always ready to lift and improve this beautiful country. In Mexico, there´s room for everyone and for those who visit us, we always welcome you with open arms!
Neheun is a guitarist / Photo: Jet Jaguar band / Me Gusta Photography
Banyan Tree Mayakoba Thai Fest
Magdiel Cabañas Salazar BY GINGER M. How long have you been living in Playa and what brought you here? I’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for over four years and what brought me here is work. Playa seemed like a multicultural place where you can meet new people which is what caught my attention at first. Where are you from originally? I come from a family of bakers from the Guerrero coast, who were very conservative and of course, I am the rainbow sheep of the family. I spent many years in the closet but thanks to my line of work, I understood that I must accept who I am. Not only my sexuality but also my roots, that I am human, a man, and a Mexican.
Thai Fest at Mayakoba / Photo: Erika Serra
BY ERIKA SERRA Last Thursday the Hotel Banyan Tree Mayakoba presented the second edition of its Thai Food Festival, held from 24 - 27 August. Three days for lovers of Thai gastronomy, like me. Peter Hechler, General Manager, Assistant Director, Juan Carlos Cardona and the Consul for Thailand in Mexico launched the festival on 24 August. Their welcome speeches were followed by a typical Thai dance performance. We enjoyed an incredible night full of magic, music and performanc-
es. We sampled Thai dishes such as grilled seafood platters, pad thai, various curries, soups, snacks and desserts, all thanks to the magic of Thai chef, Renu Homsombat, from Saffron Restaurant. Also served was a variety of Thai cocktails, wine and beer. Worth reiterating are the words of Assistant Director of Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Jaun Carlos Cardona, “We want to remove the fear from the Quintanarroenses of coming to the Mayakoba complex to enjoy the events at our venues; the prices are high, but not unaffordable”. What are you waiting for?
What do you do for a living? I started my career working as a wedding photographer, while I was still living in Acapulco, the city I am from. To improve my skills, I decided to study communications in Oaxaca. I later came to Playa del Carmen, with the recommendation of relatives and I also knew friends who own a gay bar there. This is where I met an amazing journalist who changed my life two years ago. As a photographer, I understood that you need to be empathic with your subjects, fit in their life, community or ritual. I have an anthropologic piece named ‘De Él a Ella’ on transvestite and transgender which has recently been exhibited in Montreal by Life is a Beach Productions, during ‘LESMTL’ for Canada Pride, and also in Bar Palco while recording ‘El Toloache Less’. For that project, I put myself in their shoes (!) and
Magdiel / Photo: Magdiel Cabañas Salazar.
tried to expose the transvestite part of me. My work is based on the reality we really live in and when you reach that level of consciousness, it helps put everything in perspective. De Él a Ella represents a Mexican trans community which I realized is very different from Montreal for example. What do you want the world to know about Mexico? I am a proud Mexican photographer who exhibited his work in Montreal and I want the world to know Mexico through my pictures. From the drunk in the cantina to the turquoise blue horizon of the Caribbean, because this country has given me so much. That includes its people, culture, a home, my home.. how can you not love being Mexican!
September 6 - 19 2017 Xolos are loyal dogs / Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Weexolo
ANIMAL WELFARE
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Interview with a Rescue Super Hero FZmm^h LZn\^]h aZl mZd^g hg ma^ fhlm ahkk^g]hnl k^l\n^ \Zl^l bg ma^ Zk^Z4 ghp pbma Kbob^kZ K^l\n^% ma^ `hZe bl mh `^m ma^ ]h` ihineZmbhg ng]^k \hgmkhe' BY NASH
A Canine National Treasure P^ o^ `Zma^k^] Z _^p _Z\ml Z[hnm ma^ kZk^ qhehbms\nbgmeb ]h` pab\a bl iZkm h_ Zg\b^gm F^qb\Zg ablmhkr% ma^ frlmb\Ze phke] Zg] \hglb]^k^] Z _Zbma_ne \hfiZgbhg mh]Zr BY NASH
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he Mexican hairless is an intelligent, elegant, even-tempered dog. Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-etzqueent-lee) or simply Xolo (show-low) were considered sacred dogs by the Maya, Aztecs, and Toltecs. The name Xolotl comes from an Aztec god of lightning and death; the word itzcuintli means dog. The native people believed the xolo had healing powers and put them in bed as a heating pad to heal rheumatism, stomach pain, asthma and other illness. The dogs were kept in houses to ward off evil spirits. The Aztec god Xolotl gave this dog as a gift to humankind
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with instructions to guard him with their life. Archaeological evidence dates this dog back to over 3,000 years ago. Xolos were sacrificed when their owner died and buried with their owners to guide their spirit to the afterworld. They come in three sizes, ranging from 10 to 50 pounds. Their skin sweats more than other dogs´; although their hairless body feels much warmer, it is the same temperature as furred dogs. This breed is likely to suffer from separation anxiety. Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera brought the dogs back “in style” by including them in their paintings and keeping them as companions.
Where are you from? Acámbaro, Guanajuato, Mexico How long have you lived in the Riviera Maya? I have been living in the Riviera Maya since 2012. I moved here because there is a lot of violence in my hometown. What do you do for work? I work as an artist, painting dogs and people portraits, Playarte Pop Project. What makes you proud to be Mexican? I am proud to be Mexican because we have a very rich culture; it is a country full of traditions and beautiful places. The rest of the world should know all the good things we have, not only the bad news. What age did you start rescuing animals? My first rescue was when I was 10 years old; my mom helped me take a dog off the street - he lived with us for 17 years. My mom was always helping dogs in need, so I was influenced by her. Do you know how many dogs you have rescued? Before Riviera Rescue began, I had the chance to help around 80 dogs to get healthy and find a home. How did Riviera Rescue begin? Last year, around February, my wife Geo, Jorie Germann Maloney and I were talking about one day having a small shelter. We then began the paperwork to become a registered nonprofit. We get a lot of help from our friends and people living in Puerto Morelos. We plan to have our own land and build a rehab center for injured dogs and hold as many sterilization campaigns as possible. We want Puerto Morelos to be the first town with a controlled dog population. We know it is hard but not impossible. How does Riviera Rescue raise funds? Our fundraising includes events, and through art, the money goes directly to veterinary bills and food. Facebook page/Riviera Rescue and Playarte Pop Project.
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One in five xolos is born with fur. The hairless breed has tough skin with only a few patches of coarse hair, a mohawk on the top of its head, the tail and its neck. • These dogs come in a variety of colors: black, gray, red, tan, blonde and brown • The hairless dogs typically have an incomplete set of teeth, while the coated dogs have a complete set. Considering adding a xolo to your family? It is important to understand that they are a sensitive indoor dog that does not like to be alone. They are extremely loyal to their family, but typically become bonded to one person in particular. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Mexican_Hairless_Dog
Matteo helps dogs like Marcelino / Photo: Hector Navarro
Mi Amigo de la Calle (My Friend From The Street) Mi Amigo de la Calle (My Friend From The Street), is a dedicated group of people with a mission to improve the lives of neglected animals in Playa del Carmen and surrounding areas. Since 2014, this nonprofit organization has been collecting pet food, approximately
13.5 tons to date, which is donated to local animal shelters and Cebiam (city pound). They are committed to raising awareness for street and shelter animals through education, including children’s events and animal conferences. Mi Amigo de la Calle hosts free steril-
ization clinics in the poorest towns in the area and holds regular adoption fairs at the Planetario in Playa del Carmen. If you would like to donate, attend an adoption event or drop off dog food follow them on Facebook Mi Amigo de la Calle.