Edition 90

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 03 · N u m b e r 9 0 · 2 0,0 0 0 c o p i e s · 24 Pages · A u g u s t 3 - 1 6 , 2 0 1 6

Savi n g Spotted

S MASP IDE

Eag le Rays

t h e p l a y at i m e s . c o m

IN

The team from Blue Core A.C., a Playa-based NGO, needs your help! Find out what you can do to to help save this beautiful species.

>P. 8

COZUMEL CONNECTION 12 Meter Regatta

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HEALTH

>P. 21 Photo: Blue Core A.C.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

· TPT FOODIES

· ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW WITH VINCE WILBURN

Hot weather got you looking for cool dinner options? This very popular Latin American dish will help you beat the heat - deliciously.

>P. 17

Photo: The Playa Times

Photo: Agency

CEVICHE

The Riviera Maya Film Festival welcomed the nephew of Miles Davis as he attended the screening of the film about his uncle’s life

by Actor/Director Don Cheadle.

>P. 15

Check out our What´s On section for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and ideas for the kids!

>P. 10

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August 3 - 16 2016

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August 3 - 16 2016

Editorial DIRECTORY

e Time is Now

Rebecca Page Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Edgar E. Mena Copy Editor copyeditor@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Brand Manager Cell: 984 169 1637 marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Erika Serra Public Relations Cell: 984 119 1586 publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Octavio Moreno Sales Executive Cell: 984 179 8347 octavio@meridianmedia.mx

Missey Dee Sales Executive Cell: 998 127 6071 melissa@meridianmedia.mx

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT: 984-803 1446 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes

BY REBECCA PAGE

I

n this edition, we had the opportunity to profile one of my favorite animals, the spotted eagle ray. For those of you who are scuba divers, I know you can appreciate the excitement I feel when I encounter one of these beautiful creatures in the water. Like so many species on our planet, these animals are at risk from a variety of factors, all of which are the result of human behavior. Lucky for the spotted eagle rays, there are people like Florencia Cerutti, a marine biologist (Ph.D.) and principal scientist at Blue Core A.C. Blue Core is a non-governmental organization based in Playa del Carmen studying spotted eagle rays to determine exactly how to protect them.

I asked Florencia about how the development of this region has impacted the sea that draws tourists here by the millions each year. She explained, ¨The biggest impact has been the damage to the reefs. Reefs are not an isolated thing. They are a very complex environment, and they depend on things happening on land. There is a very strong connection between the land and reefs. The reefs will not survive without jungle, for example, or without mangroves.¨ As a scientist, she is not willing to say for certain that the development has had an impact to the spotted eagle rays specifically because they

do not have enough scientific evidence to support this. However, scientists believe there has been an impact because they can see the impact to the reef and their main food source, the queen conch. ¨The queen conch here is endangered because it has been overfished.

It is still being harvested even though it has been banned for about four years but people still fish them.¨ Additionally, since spotted eagle rays are associated with reefs and there is visible evidence that the reefs have been severely impacted by development, we can make the assumption that there has been some impact to the rays. Finally, there is evidence of population decline of spotted eagle rays dropping from schools of 60 seen daily in the winter months four or five years ago down to approximately 25. We just don’t see the large populations anymore.

We all came here the first time for the pretty beaches, but if we continue to ignore what rapid and unsustainable development are doing to the region, there won’t be any pretty beaches to visit.

Whether you are a scuba diver or just someone who loves the sea, by supporting organizations like Blue Core A.C. now you can have a direct impact on saving a variety of species and in turn, the beaches we all love. Please visit their Facebook page, BLUE CORE A.C. or their website www. bluecore.org.mx to find out how you can help.

Photo: Steve Hecker

@ThePlayaTimes playatimes

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: Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710. 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., Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.

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N E WS I N B R I E F

August 3 - 16 2016

Wild Macaws of Mexico 226 W 51%

BY JOE MALDONADO

hen Xcaret opened its doors 25 years ago, they began a captive breeding program for scarlet macaws. The idea was to not only preserve the species, which is endangered worldwide, but to release them into their natural habitats throughout Mexico, where they could integrate into the ecosystem.

Because of this program, the wild population of scarlet macaws has almost doubled, according to Rodolfo Raigoza, supervisor of wildlife at Xcaret. Through the captive breeding project, they have reintroduced 226 macaws into the wild, helping to increase the wild population of scarlet macaws. According to data from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), in 2013, the population was 297 and now in 2016 their numbers are 610.

“The macaw project began around 25 years ago for the scarlet and green macaw with the goal of introducing them back into their natural habitat. But this was not achieved until 2011, when they began to look for sites to release them, and people began to participate as monitors,¨ he commented.

The first location was in the city of Palenque, Chiapas, in the Aluxes ecological park. Two years of genet-

A captive breeding program at Xcaret has reintroduced over 200 birds back into their natural habitat

Macaws released into the wild by Xcaret Growth of wild macaw population in Mexico

The wild population in Mexico has increased from 297 individuals to 610 / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

ic testing to obtain data necessary for reproduction was completed and they needed to obtain the permits before the first macaws were

released. “The first releases were 17 macaws with six reintroductions in Aluxes. The last one was in July 2014. In total, there were 92

The goal of the program is to encourage national travel / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

New Travel Mexico Program

BY JOE MALDONADO In April, the tourism program called Viajamos Todos por Mexico (Let’s Travel Around Mexico) was launched by the Federal Secretary of Tourism at the Tourism Expo in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

The objective of this program is for a greater number of Mexicans to travel their own country and get to know the culture, gastronomy, archeological sites and spas of the country, using discounts and special offers, such as tour packages at a lower cost.

Since then, the program has traveled through different states of Mexico so that the program can be promoted in a variety of places throughout the country, involving travel agencies and local tourism offices.

This program added the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies (AMAV) with the purpose of creating a more domestic tourism.

However, Sergio González Rubiera, represen-

tative of AMAV Quintana Roo, said that they are working on a social tourism program.

“Before this program was announced by President Enrique Peña Nieto, various agencies were working on this project, providing promotions of 12 and 24-months-interest-free vacation packages. Also, Magnicharters has reduced prices for vacations within the country,” he commented. Because of this, he considers this program doesn’t have much new for Quintana Roo, but the agencies are receptive to the idea.

Besides, the travel agencies play a fundamental role in linking supply and demand and deal with important challenges with interruptions of new marketing models. “It doesn’t seem like an exciting or high impact program. It isn’t what the tourist industry was expecting,” he confessed. “However, this is beneficial to national and international tourism, where the goal is to attract more people in order to generate more income.”

birds,” he revealed.

Later, the same was done in the Natural Protected Area “Los Tuxtlas” in the state of Veracruz. Here, Patricia

Escalante of the UNAM Biology Department, which is the most important university in the country, said that three releases have been completed. In August, they are planning the last release of the year. There are 134 birds in this area that have been released into their habitat.

This program is part of Defenders of Wildlife-México, the Bosque Antiguo Association, World Parrot Trust, and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas.

These birds are monitored after being released and they have been reproducing. They are also beginning to migrate to areas away from the places where they were originally reintegrated. While great strides have been made to increase the population of wild macaws in Mexico, it still has its challenges. The largest challenge now is finding new sites to reintroduce these birds, as more and more of their ecosystem is lost every day to development.

N E WS I N B R I E F

August 3 - 16 2016

5

United Nations Convention on

Biological Diversity The 13th conference will be held in Cancun with other 196 participating Photo: shutterstock

BY JOE MALDONADO

I

n December, the eyes of the world will be set on Cancun, where representatives from 196 countries will unite for the 13th United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.

It was during the last conference in Pyeongchang, South Korea, that Mexico was elected as the next conference site. In January 2016 after Los Cabos declined the invitation, the Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources chose Cancun.

The conference is the most important in world biodiversity con-

10,000 Environmental Experts Invited servation and in using its benefits in a just manner. According to José Luis Funes Izaguirre, delegate for Quintana Roo in the Ministry of En-

vironment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Mexico will take the opportunity to show the world what it is doing to sustain natural resources and environmental stewardship He indicated that Mexico is one of the five countries classified as highly diverse. Quintana Roo is one of the most biodiverse states in the country and at the same time an internationally recognized tourist destination. It is a perfect example of how to apply biodiversity to wellness, integrate the biological richness for the benefit of humans in a sustainable way

He also emphasized that the 13th conference will invite 10,000 experts, providing a great opportunity to see projects that have been successful on a worldwide level. For Quintana Roo, it will be an opportunity to show successful sustainable projects taking place in the Maya zone, such as agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Another example is the teamwork which Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo have been using to stop deforestation and environmental destruction, in order to promote sustainable and low emission

development. Rafael Muñoz Berzunza, State Secretary of the Environment, commented that in the Yucatan Peninsula they have identified more than 4.4 million hectares which are in danger, representing a little more than 30% of the territory.

The plan is to recuperate 2 million hectares. “We have defined a common goal to restore 14% of the territory and recuperate almost half of the countryside by 2030,” as he explained. “We, as a state, are going to contribute to this regional goal with restoring 300,000 hectares by 2020 and 700,000 hectares by 2030”.

Protecting Your Money

By MexLaw

T

he definition of an escrow account is ¨a temporary pass-through account held by a third party during the process of a transaction between two parties.¨ But, who is the third party? How do you know who to trust when you are handing over your funds?

An escrow account protects both the buyer and seller. The seller knows the buyer is serious about the sale by putting the money in trust, including a deposit in the event the buyer causes the deal to fall through. The buyer is protected by ensuring the money is held until the seller has proven title, and the property is free of liens or any other stipulations or promises that were written into the sale contract.

It is important to know that the traditional escrow accounts do not exist in Mexico as they do in the rest of North America. In Canada and the U.S., attorneys and real estate brokers may hold the funds in escrow,

Photo:Agency

but in Mexico, the real estate agents are not authorized to hold funds in escrow, neither are Mexican Lawyers. Some brokers and attorneys in Mexico will keep your money in a regular checking account until the closing of the sale. This is not a secure process as they can get a hold of these funds at any time.

The real estate brokers will benefit from an official escrow provider, as it takes the financial responsibility away from them, avoiding any accusations if the sale goes awry. It is advisable to find a real estate agent or attorney that provides a Canadian or American based escrow service for Mexican transactions. Insist on a fully insured escrow service, which will receive the funds “In Trust” in a segregated account held in a Canadian or American bank.

Only the buyer and the seller should be able to direct the funds per their agreed instructions. The funds will only be released to the seller, once all the terms of the sale are completed on both sides.

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BEACH LIFE

August 3 - 16 2016

Sian Ka’an is a one of Mexico’s largest protected areas / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Guillermo Martínez Father of the Riviera Maya The former Secretary of Tourism helped develop what was previously known as The Cancun-Tulum Tourist Corridor into the crown jewel it is today tination place, different locations (such as Holbox) were not as well known. Cancun was the crown jewel, then there was Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and we began to look for names that identified the zone. We realized that the name “Riviera Maya” could work, because of the allure of the French Riviera, and since we are in the Maya zone. We created a logo, the Costa Maya to the south and in the central part, Provincia Maya. With these points, we made a guide called Mexican Caribbean.

How has this brand developed?

In the 1970s, very few people thought that Mexico had a Caribbean coast. Everybody talked about the Gulf and Pacific Coasts. Now, it is known on a worldwide level. There are many things I have good memories of, including Isla Mujeres being recognized as the place where the first rays of the sun touch Mexican territory.

How many tourists came during that time?

Almost five million in all of Quintana Roo and there were 38,000 hotel rooms. Now we are at almost 80,000.

Guillermo Martinez, known as father of the Riviera Maya / Photo: Guillermo Martinez

BY MELISSA ROBLES

T

he Riviera Maya is what it is today thanks to the vision of former Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, Guillermo Martinez Flores, who decided to promote the area as a tourist destination, innovating and positioning the location. The businessman was invited in 1999 to join the cabinet of then governor Joaquín Hendrícks.

How did the idea of the name “Riviera Maya” come about?

Previously the region was referred to as the Cancun-Tulum Tourist Corridor. It was a difficult name to translate and to identify with from a promotional aspect. We thought of a new concept, the Mexican Caribbean. In this multi-des-

What is the difference between the types of tourists who used to come and those who come now?

It is not the same economic background. Those who used to come would spend a lot more money, they would rent a boat for three days.

With the volume of tourism increasing, things are cheaper. For this year, five million people could come to the Riviera Maya, to enjoy the quality and warmth we offer.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Sian Ka´an Located about an hour and a half south of Playa, this bioreserve is home to crystal clear waters, dolphins, jaguars, and ecotourism

BY MELISSA ROBLES Located approximately an hour and a half from the southern part of Playa del Carmen, there is a paradise called Sian Ka’an. Sian Ka’an is a Mayan phrase which means “origin of the sky.” The name couldn’t be more accurate, as its crystal clear waters and extensive forest are a sanctuary for animals such as dolphins, tortoises, jaguars, spider monkeys and crocodiles.

Sian Ka´an is one of Mexico’s largest protected areas 120 kilometres of coastline Covers over 400,000 hectares of land Marine area protect a valuable part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Photo: Theplayatimes

The reserve was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by UNESCO. It is estimated that each year 130,000 tourists visit.

To attract more visitors, the “Maya Ka’an” brand was founded as another destination in the Mexican Caribbean. This brand fo-

cuses on nature, culture, and peacefulness, far from the glitter and excess of the nightlife of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Gonzalo Merediz Alonso, Executive Director of Friends of Sian Ka’an, an association of that has been protecting the site for more than 30 years, commented that big TV companies such as the National Geographic Channel have shown interest in the location and have recorded in different parts of the reserve which will be seen by millions of TV viewers. “Maya Ka’an is in the center of Quintana Roo. The Sian Ka’an reserve is surrounded by Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and José María Morelos,” explained Merediz Alonso.

Ecotourism is catching on, “with Maya Ka’an, we are looking to generate more tourism to send people to the local companies. We are hoping to receive around 300,000 tourists per year.”

What activities are available? There are a lot of options including: boat tours, tortoise and dolphin watching, snorkeling in Punta Allen, visiting the Tihosuco church and the Caste War Museum, cenote tours, healing tours, spelunking, and the church route.

Activities here are directed toward the niche market of low impact tourism, based on preserving nature and local culture. The Executive Director indicated that it is important that the residents of Quintana Roo also visit Maya Ka’an, as those who live nearby should get to know it.

August 3 - 16 2016

DISCOVER MEXICO 7 Sian Ka’an is a one of Mexico’s largest protected areas / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Manta Season Giant visitors to the Mexican Caribbean The whale sharks are not the only ones visiting this summer!

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI

T

he whale shark season in the Mexican Caribbean is quite famous, and many people come to this area to swim with them. However, most people don’t realize there is some other amazing marine fauna that visits our coasts during summer too: the giant mantas!

Mantas are the largest ray in the ocean.

They can reach up to seven meters wide, and

they are differentiated from other rays by the fins on the head, like horns. Along with sharks and other rays, mantas are part of a group of fish called ‘elasmobranch,’ which have skeletons made out of cartilage instead of bone. There are a few types of mantas.

The biggest one is the ‘oceanic manta’ called manta birostris in Latin, and it is the one we find here cruising along with whale sharks.

Surprisingly for many people, mantas have a great economic importance: they

Surround yourself with beautiful views and incredible service / Photo: The Palm at Playa

The Palm at Playa Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this hotel offers incredible hospitality and services like delicious restaurants and stunning rooftop pool and bar

BY THE PALM AT PLAYA In the heart of Playa del Carmen, one of the most visited places in the Riviera Maya is located The Palm at Playa, a hotel that reflects the lifestyle of this small town. Its contemporary design and proximity to all the action make it the ideal destination for a great holiday. The hospitality and service are essential features.

But this is not all if you are already part of life in paradise or just come by and enjoy your days at their wonderful rooftop pool and bar. With an incredible view of the Caribbean Sea and the island of Cozumel, excellent service, and the best atmosphere; your experience will be unforgettable. It is a must have experience-their

delicious ceviches and first class cocktails.

This place has everything from breakfast at Aroma Cilantro Mexican style restaurant to a delicious dinner in LOVE with the best flavors of the world.

Follow them on their social networks and find out everything that happens in this great place. Daily promotions, exclusive parties, pool parties, music, the best people.

It is the ideal place to start what could be a fantastic day.

For more information visit Facebook/ RoofClubPlaya or Instagram/@roofclubpdc.

The Palm at Playa is located on Calle 8 between 5th Av & 10th Av. Centro Playa del Carmen (984) 873 33 33.

are fished, and they are also a tourist attraction in many locations throughout the globe. Given that mantas can only have one pup every one or two years, and it takes them a long time to grow to adults, mantas can’t keep up with overfishing and their population has started collapsing all over the world. Up until 2006, mantas were heavily fished in Mexico too, but they are now protected nationally.

Because of their global economic importance and the vulnerability of their populations, scientists and conservationists are trying to understand and protect these amazing

animals all over the world (check out www. mantatrust.org or www.marinemegafauna. org). Here, we have Manta Mexico Caribe, which is an organization run by Karen Fuentes (Manza), that aims to study the mantas visiting the Mexican Caribbean every year to identify threats and raise awareness.

Mantas gather in the same areas as whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean during summer to feed on tiny animals called plankton. This gives us an incredible opportunity to admire these beautiful creatures! However, while swimming with mantas, it is important to remember not to touch them, as this could be harmful to their skin.

Also important is to use biodegradable sunscreen as they gulp the water you are swimming in to eat their tiny prey.

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DISCOVER MEXICO

August 3 - 16 2016

Calling All Divers!

Help Save Spotted Eagle Rays The team from Blue Core A.C., a Playa based NGO, needs your help!

Find out what you can do to to help save this beautiful species.

BY REBECCA PAGE

I

remember the first time I saw a spotted eagle ray. I was snorkeling in Akumal, and I saw this beautiful, chocolate brown ray with white circles all over the top of its triangle-shaped body. It had a large, beak-like mouth that it was using to dig up the sandy bottom.

Later, when I became a scuba diver, seeing spotted eagle rays was always the highlight of a dive. I have seen them in both Playa and Cozumel, cruising the reefs or the shipwrecks with ease, while I struggled to maintain my position in the currents just to get a better look. Spotted eagle rays show up in this area in the winter months, when the water is cooler. They come in large numbers, although fewer and fewer each year, and school in the waters of Cozumel and Cancun and can be seen at shipwrecks and dive sites throughout the region. Very little is known about

spotted eagle rays, but one non-governmental organization (NGO) here in Playa del Carmen hopes to change that, and they need our help.

Spotted Eagle Ray Facts: Can reach over 9 feet wide and 8 feet long.

It takes 15 to 18 years to reach sexual maturity.

They have one to four pups at a time.

Their favorite food, queen conch, is still being harvested even though it is protected in Mexico and the practice is illegal. ¨The Blue Core A.C. team consists of four women: an environmental scientist, a marine biologist,

a resource management expert and a public relations expert, ¨ explains Florencia Cerutti, the marine biologist of Blue Core. ¨Our goals are to raise awareness of spotted eagle rays and gather scientific data that can be used to help develop management plans in the region.¨ Through workshops and talks, they are spreading the word about the importance of spotted eagle rays and gathering data through collaborative research with organizations like the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida. They also spend countless hours in the water here, observing and photographing spotted eagle rays. The Blue Core team uses photographs to identify individuals and to track their movements. By doing this, the scientists will be able to answer questions like why do the spotted eagle rays come here each winter and seemingly disappear, albeit a few stray rays, as the waters warm. ¨Unlike the bull sharks (who also come every win-

Spotted eagle rays need our help / Photos: Steve Hecker / Blue Core A.C

ter),¨ Florencia explains, ¨the spotted eagle rays do not appear to be pregnant. We haven’t tagged them yet, but we will. This is a young project, so it has many questions like ´Why do they come here? Why do they hang out here for about three months and then leave? Where do they go? Where do they come from?

Is it the same group that comes for three months or are they different?´ We are working with our colleagues in Campeche and Florida, and our colleagues in Florida work with colleagues in Cuba. It´s three countries working together to share data and to answer these questions. Do we share the same populations? If we do, we need to know that so we can do something together - something like an international collaboration to

protect a resource that is not fixed, that moves around. But first, we have to answer the questions¨.

By reviewing their library of over 1,500 photographs collected by the team, dive shops, and individual divers, they can begin to answer some of these questions. By using a photo identification software, the team painstakingly reviews each photograph and the unique fingerprint-like spots of each ray. Each spotted eagle ray has a unique pattern that scientists can use to identify individuals. Once an individual is identified, they can use the photos to help track their movements in photographs taken over a series of days, weeks, months or even years in a variety of locations. ¨We have identified 266 individuals. We have around 1500 pictures. Most of the photos are taken by individual scuba divers,¨ explains Florencia. Blue Core is building the first library of spotted eagle rays in Mexico, and they need people to collaborate.

How you can help: There are a few ways you can get involved with this project. If you are a diver, you can join the research expeditions during the winter to take data of spotted eagle rays while diving. If you have photographs of these rays, the team may be able to use them in their research. Photos must have the date and dive site of the photograph to be used as data and must be of the entire body taken from above including the pelvic fins (the small fins at the base of the tail) that are used for identification. All photos are welcome but the ones taken from above may be used for data collection.

Finally, donations to support this project are always welcome.

For additional information, please visit Facebook/BLUE CORE A.C. or their website www.bluecore.org.mx.

10

ENTERTAINMENT

August 3 - 16 2016

SPECIAL EVENT Wednesday, 3rd August at 7.30 p.m. there will be complimentary drinks and the launch of the exhibition, and at 9:00 p.m. the auction of one original artwork is scheduled to take place. The charity that will receive the donation COCO’s An-

LIVING ON,

LIVE MUSIC & DANCING imal Rescue. The exhibition is called “LIVING ON” which not only promotes the wellbeing of the rescue animals, but also refers to the story behind the artist’s paintings. Zenzi Beach Bar Calle 10 and the beach.

CASAR, August 19 & 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. First meeting of exhibitors and professionals of the events industry at El Pueblito at Mayakoba.

KARAOKE Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

PG´s Mexican Caribe Bar & Grille, 6:30 p.m., Calle 26 on the corner of 1st Avenue next to the Grand Hyatt.

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 p.m. at The Dirty Martini located on 1st Avenue between Calles 10 and 12. It’s a more international Karaoke night, not only for Mexicans.

KARAOKE,

ANIMAL WELFARE ACCIÓN ANIMAL ADOPTION FAIR ,

every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tenth St. between Ave. 100 and Av. 105, Colonia Ejido. Don’t buy pets, rescue them!

Check Facebook /Acción Animal.

every Saturday, 9 a.m. for 2 to 3 hours. Have fun helping dogs become leash trained, balanced and exercised. Volunteers are picked up at Mega Supermarket, 30th and Constituyentes. Contact info@playaanimalrescue.org.

CHARM SCHOOL,

Coco´s KITTEN CUDDLING, every Saturday 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers needed to help socialize kittens. It’s also a great de-stressor! For more information, contact info@cocosanimalwelfare.com.

NOCHE DE DIVAS, Every Friday, 6 p.m.

- 9 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Music: Classical, Chanson and Boleros. El Jardín, 20th Street between Ave 10 and 15. Beers $20 MXN.

every Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have fun giving the dogs baths while allowing them to socialize. Check Facebook/SOS el Arca.

SOS el Arca DOG WASH,

INTERNATIONAL

LIVE KARAOKE. Every Saturday at 11:00pm join the band RockStaraoke to live your Rock Star Fantasy.

Choose from 100 songs! La Drinke-

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COCOS NEW CLINIC! Coco’s is looking for

volunteers who can commit to one day per week to help at our spay & neuter clinic. If you would like to be part of our amazing team of volunteers please contact Coco´s at 9841200572 or info@cocosanimalwelfare.org

DANCE CLASSES, Tuesday 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Wednesday 4 p.m. & 6 p.m., Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60, For the month of April come try bachata, salsa, cumbia, & merengue. Fee: Donation

every Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Salon Salsanera Raices, calle 12 between 5th & 10th. Free.

SALSA LESSONS,

Wednesdays and Fridays 9-10 a.m. Free trial classes for adults at Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue South and Avenue 60 Diagonal in the Ejido. Given

by Aerofobia. Please wear pants or leggings.

A E RI A L DA NC E /SI L KS

ART CLASSES Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. Sing, dance, and paint. Free.

KARAOKE ART NIGHT,

ART CLASSES, Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Le Lotus Rouge, 35th Ave & Calle 2. $200 pesos, materials included.

YOGA

PLANETARIUM FOR KIDS

ASANA, PRANAYAMA & MEDITATION

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. The Roof at Be Playa. Avenue 10 and Calle 26.

Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. Learn about properties of plastics and elasticity. Ages 4 years and up. $25mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

ELASTIBALL.

AUGUST 3 - 16

MARTIAL ARTS

2016

JIU JITSU/MUAY THAI/JUDO Jiu Jitsu: Mondays thru

Thursdays 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m.

Muay Thai: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 p.m.

Judo: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.

Free trial classes for adults at Gracia Barra Jiu Jitsu. Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

SPACE SHIP. Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.

Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Fridays at 1:00 p.m. Want to be an astronaut?

Start with learning to build your own space ship to take you on various space missions. Ages 8 years and up. $25 mxn per participant.

Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Review a bit of geometry make your own colored figures such as cubes and stars. Available different levels of difficulty to match your abilities.

Ages 8 years and up. $15mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

ria, Av. Petempich, Plaza Punto 115, Local 5, Residencial de los Olivos.

FASCINATING GEOMETRY.

THE BRAIN . Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Fridays at 4:00 p.m. Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Make your own brain hat and learn the parts that make it up and their function. Take the hot home to to help you remember all that you learned. Ages 8 years and up. $25mxn per participant.

Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

VIRTUAL REALITY. Fridays at 3:00 p.m. Sunday (July 24) at 12:00 p.m.

Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

Travel back in time and discover plants and animals that have survived until now. Learn about their story through centuries. Get your own fossil and paint is how you like. Ages 6 years and up. $25mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

FOSSILS.

Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.

Sundays at 1:00 p.m. You are invited to know about kaleidescopes and make your own to take home. Wonder at the diverse geometric forms that you decorate to your liking that transport you to your imagination.

Ages 8 years and up. $35mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Av-

THROUGH MIRRORS.

enue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125 .

Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Learn about the smallest micro-organisms that our eyes can see and some that we cannot without a microscope. Also learn about curious facts about fleas and bugs that have been taken to space.

Ages 6 and up. $15mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125 .

MICROSCOPIC BUGS.

Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of the chess pieces, the rules of the game, history and legends.

You are invited to practice this sport-science. Ages 7 and up. $15mxn per participant. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125.

BASIC CHESS.

Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.

Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125 .

SPIDERS.

MARKETS COOKING WORKSHOP Thursdays 5 p.m.

Cooking workshop for kids 6 years and up.

El Hongo, Calle 19 sur between Av 80 y 85 Ejido. Bring your own plate and cup for your food and drink. And also a fruit donation to help with making fruit waters.

DANCE/SILKS Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Free trial classes for kids at Parque La Ceiba 1st Avenue South and Avenue 60 Diagonal in the Ejido. Given by Aerofobia. Please wear pants or leggings.

AERIAL

Mondays thru Fridays 6-7 p.m. Free trial classes for kids at Gracia Barra Jiu Jitsu. Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in the Evolve Complex.

JIU JITSU/MUAY THAI/JUDO

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Single class $60mxn or 5 classes for $200. Casa Ananda Avenue Andres Quintana Roo #2 with the corner of Avenue 75.

YOGA

Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m..Activation Fit. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Break Dance.

MATINEE for kids. Weekends 12:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to p.m. Sayab Planetarium Avenue 5 p.m. Circuits. Tuesdays and Thursdays Paseo Central between Avenue Kan- from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ballet. Wednesthena and Avenue 125 . days from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jazz Funk.

Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Acrobats.

Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Hip Hop. KIDS CLASSES Free trial classes. F & D Kids Club Avenue Constituyentes and Avenue 95, Ejido, in CULTURAL CLASSES Saturdays 10:30 the Evolve Complex. a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Various art and cultural classes for kids. El Hongo, Calle 19 sur between Av 80 y 85 Ejido. Bring your own plate and cup for your food and drink. And also a fruit donation to help with making fruit waters.

DANCE

every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave.

KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET

every Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jardin de Todas Centro Comunitario, Avenida 80 & Calle 3 Sur (Ejido).

ECOTIANGUIS DESAYUNO,

every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II.

EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR MARKET,

PARQUE LA CEIBA TIANGUIS ,

every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Parque La Ceiba, corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 60.

JARD I N DE TODOS M A RK ET Every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. located on Calle 3 Sur between Avenues 75 and 80.

MAYAKOBA FARMER’S MARKET Saturday, August 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A wide variety of gourmet products & handcrafts from the communit accompanied by a family atmosphere and good music. At El Pueblito at Mayakoba Resort Km 298 Carretera Federal.

TULUM LIVE MUSIC Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Chak Acoustic Session. Ahau Tulum Km 7.8 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

LIVE MUSIC Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Chak Acoustic Session. Encantada Tulum Km 8.7 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Sanara Tulum. Km 8.2 Carretera Tulum Boca Paila.

YOGA

YOGA Current summer schedule: Monday to Saturday 9:30am & Monday to Friday 7:00 p.m. Yoga Dicha Studio on the corner of Avenue Tulum and Geminis Sur.

Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Plaza del Municipio.

ORGANIC MARKET

COZUMEL CONECTION

August 3 - 16 2016

12 Meter R e g at ta C o z u m e l Looking for adventure on the high seas? Then we´ve got the experience for you!

BY RAQUEL GARZA GONZÁLEZ Experience the thrill of racing multi-million-dollar America’s Cup race boats on the blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean. This 12-meter regatta in Cozumel is a five-star tour where you can participate as a professional crew member helping your captain get the boat to victory in the race between Stars & Stripes and Truth North IV. The skipper and the very kind crew will show you the basic rules of a race and give you a clear explanation of what to do in your position as winch grinder, sail trimmer, time watcher, primary grinder, etc. Whether you know boats or not, they make it easy, fun and very interesting.

It takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes to complete five laps going upwind and downwind (tacking and jibing) and at the end, you will find out from the judge boat whether you lose or you win!

A Cozumel sunset is one that cannot be forgotten / Photos: Raquel Garza González

It takes approximately

one hour and

45 minutes

to complete five laps During the race, they offer you drinks with or without alcohol (including beer). If you don’t want to do any work, you can just enjoy the sailing and relax, feeling the wind in your face with a beer in your hand while watching the crew at their work. A rum punch party will be waiting for the winners at the souvenir boutique, where you can buy t-shirts and hats of the 12 meters regatta Cozumel.

Definitely, a must do if you are in the area.

I recommend you bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses and if your skin is sensitive, long-sleeved clothing. Water, wind, and the sun at its best - the experience is unmatched.

You can check it out on www.12metre. com or Facebook/Cozumel America’s Cup 12 Meter Sailing Regatta Excursion.

Water, wind, and the sun at its best - the experience is unmatched / Photo: Raquel Garza González

Cozumel Sunsets

BY RAQUEL GARZA GONZÁLEZ If you are someone who enjoys taking photos of beautiful scenery, taking a stroll along the beach, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, you cannot miss a Cozumel sunset. Every sunset changes its spectacular colors and tones each day, month, and season. Best of all, you can view it from almost anywhere on the island, as its traditional architectural designs prevent tall buildings from blocking your view. Actually, the only tall buildings are in the far north or far south of the island. Cozumel has a boardwalk along the whole shoreline facing Playa del Carmen. You can take a stroll watching the sunset from beginning to end, appreciating each phase and color scheme. Cozumel is also an amazing location to see a complete rainbow since they are pretty common. If you are really lucky, you can see up to two or three rainbows on different parts of the island. The sun setting is a call to make your way to the ocean. You can watch it while sipping your favorite beverage in a hammock down at the edge of the water or eating some fresh ceviche at one of the restaurants on the beach. Watch all your worries melt away with the sun.

7:25 P.M.

Approx. Sunset on

Cozumel

On the north side of the island, you can visit Puerto de Arribo, which is one of the two harbors on the island. Here, you can find a large open area where you can see the whole harbor and more of the island.

Right next to the ferry to Playa del Carmen is another great spot to enjoy the view and marvel at the giant Mexican flag swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze. Find the lighthouse next to the car transport ferry for a 360-degree view. Any of these places are great for getting the best views. After sunset, Cozumel returns to its quiet and calm nature. The cruise ships sail on, and its inhabitants call it a day. A Cozumel sunset is one that cannot be forgotten. It is a treasure that you will take with you forever.

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DISCOVER TPT FOODIES MEXICO

August 3 - 16 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

15

Zen ses: An Inspiring Duet

BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

Vince Wilburn remembers his uncle with love / Photos: Ian MacKenzie

Miles Ahead: An Interview with

Vince Wilburn The Riviera Maya Film Festival welcomed the nephew of Miles =Zobl Zl a^ Zmm^g]^] ma^ l\k^^gbg` h_ ma^ Ûef Z[hnm abl ng\e^ l eb_^ [r :\mhk(=bk^\mhk =hg <a^Z]e^'

Playa del Carmen is a platform for many types of music. It is also the foundation for talented musicians to come together and create more magnificent sounds and musical combinations.

Zen ses is proof of that.

Luh Berumen and Eric Flores met in the cultural school, Explayarte, located here in Playa del Carmen, and from the beginning, they felt that making a duet together was what was meant to be. They worked together in various musical performances, Eric as the band director, Luh as the music producer and vocal director. After five years, a miracle happened, and this unique sound was created.

Now they are preparing to record an album this summer in Playa Del Carmen, Cada Segundo Studio.

Their sound can be described as soft and silky, combining jazz, blues, pop, Latin, and more. It is a combination to set a calm romantic mood. Eric is well known for his piano talent. They explore ballads, jazz, boleros, blues, Latin, and other styles and how to mix them into their own unique art. With so much talent, projects are easily born. They also play together in a band called Broken Chord.

Luh is a singer, producer, teacher, songwriter and voice researcher. She is always looking for different opportunities to learn and teach singing to a variety of students. She was fea-

Their sound can be described as soft and silky tured in a previous article for her project with seniors. “People are very diverse, so it’s impossible to have just one way to discover the magic of vocal vibration. I love to play with different musicians and, fortunately, I have the blessing to do so” says Luh. This is proven time and time again with her musical projects, of which she has many.

Eric Flores is originally from Mexico City and he studied at the National School of Music at UNAM. He has played concerts at different music halls in Mexico City and all over Mexico including El Teatro de Playa del Carmen. He is a professor at Explayarte, where he met Luh and the musical magic began.

BY IAN MACKENZIE

T

he 2016 Riviera Maya Film Festival wrapped up with a closing night screening of director Don Cheadle’s new film Miles Ahead, a biography of musician Miles Davis. I was fortunate enough to sit down for a chat with Vince Wilburn Jr, the nephew of Miles Davis, who was here to present the film.

What kind of reaction has there been so far from people who have seen the film?

When Herbie Hancock saw the movie, he described it as if Miles is having a dream.

That kind of nailed it on the head. I told that to Don (Cheadle), and everyone thinks the same thing. I think when you see the movie, you feel that because it moves fast, it jumps around like a dream. It moves quickly. Miles was quick. He changed clothes six times a day when I lived with him, but that’s how his mind worked. You look around, and he’s got another piece of clothing on. He played piano, trumpet. He was a hell of a chef. You had to be around him to see that.

Eric and Luh, two gifted youngsters who met in Explayate / Photo: Luh Berumen

When was it agreed that this would be the style?

When we were writing the script. It’s hard to fit his whole life in. Don said, “I’m going to pick this part of Miles’ career that intrigued me the most.”

What was your reaction to that?

I thought it was incredible. I trusted Don. My family trusted Don and the writer Steve Baigelman, and I think Don nailed it. I hope that gets an Academy Award.

What do you think of Don’s performance?

Remarkable. The first time I went to Cincinnati, and I was on the set, I cried because he was so spot on. He was in character even when directing. That was pretty cool.

Was he worried about what you would think?

Maybe at first. I knew he was the one to nail it. And I feel that to this day. We text each

other, and I’m like, “Don, you’re bad ass.” It’s his own money, working on both sides of the camera. Who does that? It’s nerve wracking.

But he came out on top, and I’m proud of him and proud of the movie.

What do you think Miles would think?

I think he’d have dug it. He probably would have given Don a hug.

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TPT FOODIES

August 3 - 16 2016

Photos:El Pueblito at Mayakoba

D i n i n g at El Pu eb lito Located just up the road from Playa del Carmen, the Mayakoba eco-friendly resort development offers dining options open to the public

By The Playa Times

A

short 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen in the eco-friendly resort development of Mayakoba and home to their traditionally styled El Pueblito. Modeled after the colonial towns found all over this beautiful country, El Pueblito offers visitors shopping and casual dining options and is open to the public.

Perhaps better known for its three luxury hotels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba or its 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course that hosts the famous OHL Classic at Mayakoba, the Mayakoba family welcomed its newest member in the fall of last year.

El Pueblito or little town is attracting attention, not only from guests of the Mayakoba resorts but of residents in the Riviera Maya.

El Pueblito is designed as a traditional town square and offers three cafes hosted by the luxury hotels in the Mayakoba complex, each delivering their unique cuisine.

Bann Teng Thai The Banyan Tree presents their concept, Bann Teng Thai, a Thai-style cafe offering healthy options like salads, baguettes, fresh juices and smoothies.

Need a boost to your day? Try their Super Power Smoothie - mango, mint, honey and yogurt. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

La Fondita: Tostadas y Mezacalitos Rosewood Mayakoba serves up authentic tostadas and delicious brands of tequila and mezcal at La Fondita: Tostadas y Mezacalitos. Try their spicy tuna with chicharron or a more traditionally Yucatecan cochinita tostada while sipping a mezcarita (a margarita made with mezcal). Perfect for a hot Riviera Maya day! Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

El Cafecito El Cafecito by Fairmont Mayakoba offers a variety of desserts, teas and coffees providing the perfect start to your day or after a meal at one of the other restaurants in El Pueblito.

No visit is complete without trying the Ball cheesecake or the apple pie!

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

TPT FOODIES

August 3 - 16 2016

Hot Weather Eats:

Ceviche Too humid outside to cook? This very popular Latin American dish will help you beat the heat - deliciously

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

C

eviche is a dish commonly found throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Peru, Columbia. Even though the dish has its roots in Moorish cuisine and a version of the dish was brought to the New World by the Spanish, the method of curing food with an acid or salt, especially fish, can be traced back 2,000 years to Peru’s coastal civilization the Moche.

Although ceviche is a popular and traditional dish in Mexico, it is not native to this country. However, each region has integrated specific ingredients and techniques to make it their own. This dish includes a variety of diced seafood, marinated in a citrus mixture. The citrus not only gives it flavor, but it also causes the proteins in the seafood to become de-natured, giving it the appearance of being cooked.

Japan has a variant on this dish called tataki, which means diced or “hit into pieces” and seems similar to Mexico’s presentation. More often than not, tuna or salmon are the main ingredients with the addition of garlic, ginger and a dash of soy or ponzu sauce.

A shrimp ceviche tostada is favorite dish available in Mexico / Photo:Agency

S h r im p

p Jala

eno

Easy Ceviche Ceviche Peruano (Peruvian) will often have corn and sweet potato as an accompaniment, as well as a dash of cumin, using shrimp and tilapia as the star. Remember the base for this legendary fare uses leche de tigre, which blends lime, cilantro, garlic and habanero.

Mexican ceviche might include scallops, shrimp, octopus, tilapia and even mahi-mahi.

Marinate your fish for 30 minutes to an hour and add diced cucumber for some crunch and avocado for a touch of richness.

Instead of using lemons or limes to make ceviche, surprise your friends by using another acidic fruit like soursop (guanabana), passion fruit (maracuyá) or starfruit (carambola), all found in abundance in Mexico.

Don’t want to spend time in the kitchen? Here is a handful of restaurants in Playa that serve up a mean bowl of goodness: Los Aguachiles, El Pirata, Langosteria Maya, La Floresta, El Chiltepin and El Oasis.

Editor´s Note: My favorite ceviche (mango shrimp ceviche) is at Embarcadero 18 in Paseo Coba. Check them out at Facebook/ Embarcadero 18.

Recipe Serves 4 to 8 (main course or appetizer) 4 limes, juiced ½ lb mahi-mahi, diced 1 lb shrimp, de-veined, de-shelled and diced ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 red onion, (½ thinly sliced, ½ diced) ½ cucumber, diced 1 large tomato, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced 1 serrano, seeded and minced Salt and pepper to taste In a large bowl, place the seafood and top with lime juice. Refrigerate while covered for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). Meanwhile, chop, dice and mince all other ingredients, add them to the marinated seafood (except for the thinly sliced red onion) and toss till well incorporated. Some recipes call for a touch of clam or tomato cocktail or even diced olives.

Switch up the recipe with snapper, tilapia, octopus or lumberjack.

Spoon into individual shrimp cocktail glasses, bowls or on a plate with lettuce. Garnish with the thinly sliced red onion (often marinated in vinegar), diced avocado and a lime slice. Serve with homemade tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

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TPT FOODIES

August 3 - 16 2016

Dinner is Served!

Chef César Dávalos Díaz and his staff at Dávalos Kitchen are ready to serve you the perfect meal

By Catherine Pawelek

W

ielding an array of kitchen utensils, Chef César Dávalos Díaz, who acquired his culinary experience during a dozen years in the Food & Beverage Industry, can be your private or catering chef. A variety of jobs both in Mexico City and Playa del Carmen, where he arrived in 2004, preceded his desire to venture out on his own in 2007. Let’s meet the talented, charismatic chef of Dávalos Kitchen.

Let the team from Davalos Kitchen serve up something special for your next event / Photo: César Dávalos Díaz

Usually people ask us to prepare local food and seafood, like lobster, fish, great tacos and sauces.

Introduce us to Dávalos Kitchen I manage Dávalos Kitchen and have chefs, salespeople and executives working with me. Our customers are from Canada, USA, but also local residents and those from Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.

What kind of food is your specialty?

International and authentic Mexican food. For me it is definitely the quality of the food and the good service we provide to the customers. Our customers are knowledgeable and expect the best.

Where do you source your products from? Are they accessible to the home cook?

I have my own suppliers like Player-

For More Information: www.davaloskitchen.com.mx Facebook/Davalos Kitchen bas (herb supplier), local fishermen and markets. All the products I use are found here in the Riviera Maya.

What do you like to do in your spare time and what foods do you

good meat. My favorite restaurants would be Aguachiles, Romeo and local Argentinian restaurants.

prefer to eat?

I like outdoor activities like paddle boarding, biking, camping, going to the beach, pubs, to the cinema and listening to good music. I love hamburgers, jaja and hanging with friends, grilling

What trends do you see?

Themes like Hawaiian style dinners, dinners with a sommelier, pool parties, etc. and I incorporate those.

What are favorite items people ask you to prepare?

Have you ever had a not-so-great hit, that you thought was amazing guests did not?

Yes, I had that experience when I prepared chicharron en salsa verde (pork cracklings with green sauce) and the clients didn’t like it, but believe me it was delicious.

Your suggestion for a quick summer dinner!

I would make a good shrimp cocktail, grilled fish with passion fruit sauce and a mango mousse with tequila.

For more information about Chef César Dávalos Díaz and Dávalos Kitchen, please visit www.davaloskitchen.com.mx.

TPT FOODIES

August 3 - 16 2016

19

Grand Opening

Photos:Theplayatimes / Bio Natural

B y I a n M a c Ke n z i e

O

n Saturday, July 23 BIO & Natural held the grand opening of their newest store, located on 5th Avenue between 40 and 42. The company began five years ago when the partners opened up a small shop dedicated to selling products which are healthy and organic, and after three years of growth, a decision was made to expand with their first franchise location. Their main location is downtown on 10th Avenue between Constituyentes and Calle 16 and features both a store and a restaurant. For the moment this new shop will be dedicated to selling organic products and upon arrival, I got to try quite a few of them.

Inside the store, a lineup of people made their way around where friendly staff handed out delicious food and drinks. We got to eat a variety of high protein salads such as beetroot and

Newest location 5th Avenue Between

40 & 42 rice, superfit and tabuleh Greek salad. there were crispy bananas with pozatini sauce, Lo Sano gluten free cookies, and hemp seeds which are high in Omega 3 and 6. These high energy seeds are great for salads, pastas, and fruits and also clean your liver. If I had room for dessert, I would have asked for the vegan brownie with vegetarian ice cream or the coco yogurt with frozen mango.

Among the beverages we got to try were 100% natural Pescadores beer, some naturally distilled organic tequila, the store’s own brand of Mint & Ginger tea, Alcalin water, lemonade

with mint, and a terrific Bamba spirulina smoothie which you can find in the restaurant, made of organic rice milk, peanut butter, banana and spirulina.

It’s high in iron and accelerates the body’s metabolism. In one word: delicious. They also have many great products designed for maintaining a healthy body. There is a skin protector made of aloe vera that rehydrates the skin, a mosquito repellant that is ideal for babies, and coconut oil that can be used on your hair, skin or as toothpaste.

As I was finishing my journey around the shop, I stopped and spoke with Luis Alberto Godinez Soto, Administrative Manager of this new location. “Originally the partners had a shop in front of where we are now,” said Luis. “That store is focused more on the public and tourists because they are in an area where a lot of tourism comes through. The vision behind this store is that it’s aimed more at locals, for those of us who live in this area. There isn’t as much tourism traffic

going through here, and it’s a way of saying thank you, because when we first set up in front, it was a very small shop.”

He points out that in Mexico, people always want something economical. “We look for things that are cheaper, and we don’t take into account that we are damaging our health. Once you begin to enter this world of natural and organic, you begin to realize the harm you’ve been doing to your body. Our primary goal is education about products, how to maintain a healthy diet, and how to avoid products that are harmful.

These are some of the reasons why the partners decided to return here to their place of origin.”

BIO & Natural has big plans, and their vision is to spread across Mexico and beyond, with a goal of having 30 franchises nationwide in 10 years. For more information about BIO & Natural visit Facebook/BIO-Natural or visit their website www.bio-natural.com.mx.

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A RT & C U LT U R E

August 3 - 16 2016

Mexican Colors The vibrant hues found throughout the country found their origins in the flora and fauna of this diverse nation

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

S

omething that distinguishes and characterizes Mexican culture is the expressiveness through an explosion of intense colors. Mexico is full of color: in the flora and fauna, food, clothes, toys, architecture, and of course in popular Mexican art.

Color tones used in Mexico go back to pre-Hispanic times with a large range of colors which were extracted from plants, leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, minerals, clay, seeds (for example, achiote), and mollusks (such as snail used in Oaxaca), producing colors like red, ocher, blue, yellow and purple.

The extracted colors were used to dye thread to make clothing. They were also used to paint the body during festivals, to paint walls, temples, and buildings, and a range of other objects. The tints and colors obtained were luxury objects, used also as religious offerings and tributes from conquered villages because of their immense value.

The use of color was not only decorative, but also symbolic. For example, to mark social status, certain colors such as purple and red were used only by nobles. Together with the embroidery on garments, one could identify class and geographic origin. Red was a very important color because of its association with blood, which is a symbol of life.

Very soon colors like red and violet became a product which was imported from New Spain, and they were very appreciated in Europe because colors like that were not yet able to be produced there.

The color known in Europe as scarlett came from the small insect known as cochineal, which lives on cactus plants. The red pigment is also extracted from minerals and tree bark. This is done through different processes and when combined with other materials, provides a variety of pink tones.

Purple is extracted from snail shells; at the moment that they are removed from a rock, the emit a purple ink in self-defense, which was used to dye thread. This color and technique which originate from Oaxaca are in danger of becoming extinct

The use of color in Mexico symbolize social status / Photos: Agency

Color tones used in Mexico go back to pre-Hispanic times with a large range of colors which were extracted from plants, leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, minerals, clay, seeds, and mollusks. because of overuse of the snail by foreign companies who do not respect the necessary reproduction period. Fortunately, the communities who have inherited this tradition are making an effort to sustain the snail and the technique.

Currently, synthetic colors dominate the market. Because of this, traditional tint extraction is not so common, however, there are artists and artisans who use this technique in their art.

Sources: Artes de México, “From red to Mexican pink” Roquero, Ana. “Tintorería mexicana” in Roque, Georges, Coord. El color del arte mexicano. México, 2003. UNAM

Markets And Fairs Part Three: Art and Modernity

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO, ANTHROPOLOGIST

Mexican markets and fairs have played an important role in art throughout the centuries.

During the time of New Spain, markets and their characters were a recurring theme in art.

Exotic Fruit, vegetables, animals, and food were brought from new land, as well as new social groups. In the middle of the 20th century, one of the painters of the Mexican school, Olga Costra, painted their customs and daily life, including the markets.

Foreign architectural design has also left its mark on the buildings where the commercial activity took place. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, Mexico was elevated to modernity. All areas benefited from tremendous improvements, and art and culture were not an exception. Through great architects, President Porfirio Diaz led the process of “beautifying” the cities in the French style. Big buildings and markets were built, some which are still in use, such as the one in Guanajuato, with its characteristic metalwork and belltower. Another example is the Victoria Market in Puebla.

Today, a visit to a market while in Mexico is mandatory. Besides those in Guanajuato and Chilapa, one can’t miss visiting Oaxaca, Querétaro, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán; Xilotepec in Mexico State; Cuetzalan in Puebla, where the Totonacas, Nahuatls and people of surrounding villages offer their crops for sale, as well as coffee and crafts. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas has two artisan markets and another of fruit, vegetables, and food.

In this region, we can visit the Merida and Valladolid markets. The closest is Carrillo Puer-

to, where one can buy anything from earthenware pottery to tomatoes grown in Maya communities. Their taste is incomparable. Don’t forget to eat the typical empanadas!

In all the markets you will find handicrafts, foods, the most delicious local recipes, and drinks you won’t find anywhere else.

One only has to take into account that some are open every day, while others are set up during the weekends.

The list is long, but the trip wouldn’t be complete without taking a spin around the market of the city you are in. Each one of them is an expression of the regional culture, and an excellent opportunity to enrich your visit. Enjoy!

The markets in San Cristóbal offer bright and beautiful textiles / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Hanging Hammocks

By HAMACAMARTE

W

hen people enter Hamacamarte, I like to hear them expressing their love for hammocks, but also complaining about not having a place for them. I always say that if they have a ceiling or two walls, they have a spot available. People assume that if they don’t have a garden or pool, they can’t enjoy a hammock. Here is what you need to enjoy your hammock whether indoors or outdoors.

If you want your hammock indoors, the walls have to be made of concrete block, as they will hold your weight. In case walls aren’t concrete, your hammock can be hung from the ceiling, using the house’s support beams.

Normally, hammock anchors are placed when the wall is being constructed, embedded within the concrete. But if this is not the case, the next best option is to install expansion bolts. The largest size is the most practical and can be quickly drilled into your wall. Cords are used to lengthen or shorten the distance from the walls and the floor. At Hamacamarte, we have colorful braided nylon cords made from the same thread as the hammocks, designed to match their beauty.

If longer braids are needed, they can be made here.

Hamacamarte has another increasingly popular accessory, the already famous springs. Two are required, one on each end to really feel the added comfort. Each spring can hold 200 kg, and they can be found in either stainless steel or tropicalized which has a covering for the spring that protects the hole the hammock is hung from, preventing oxidation.

These springs already come with the S hook, which is very useful in hanging your hammock.

If you have little space in your home, you can open it when you are going to use it and have it closed with a knot while it isn’t in use and it can

Hamacamarte is happy to teach how to get the most out of your hammock / Photo: The Playa Times

remain hanging laterally by the S hook. This way your hammock decorates your space and stays out of the way when you aren’t using it.

For more information visit us at Hamacamarte on 38th between 5th and the beach.

Here you can come try the accessories we have for your enjoyment. Inquiries are free.

HEALTH

August 3 - 16 2016

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Stand Up Paddle Boarding For a core strengthening, full body-conditioning workout, grab a board and paddle and head to the water

BY SARA JONES

S

tand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) seems to have taken the world by storm in recent years and has even been named as one of the Top Ten Global Spa & Wellness Trends by SpaFinder Wellness. Playa del Carmen is no exception, and paddle boards can now be found up and down the beachfront.

Take a class to learn with a group or rent one and go solo.

A core strengthening and full body-conditioning workout, paddle boarding can burn more than 300 calories an hour during a casual paddle and up to 700 in a more active touring paddle. SUP Yoga offers even more benefits and can burn about 500 calories per hour.

Aloha Paddle Club, based at Inti Cen-

tro Holistico between Calle 4 and 6 on the beach, offers four classes per day, seven days per week. There are three classes in the morning, which are great for beginners, as the water tends to be calmer (join the first group to catch sunrise as you paddle). An evening option is a great way to end the day and better for more experienced paddlers.

Benefits of SUP include: Improves core strength and balance. You feel your legs working from the minute stand up, tighten the abs and balance quickly improve.

Cardio and full body workout. Paddle

will you will at a

300

calories an hour in a casual paddle

500

calories an hour in SUP yoga

700

calories an hour in an active touring paddle

reasonable pace and you will get your heart rate up and work almost every muscle in the body during your hour on the water.

Reduces stress and connects you with nature. Starting or finishing your day with SUP cannot fail to improve your mood, especially with the spectacular scenery we enjoy here in Playa. Doctors in the French seaside town of Biarritz recently started prescribing SUP and surf lessons to patients with everything from depression to heart diseases, due to the immense health benefits!

Having fun and socializing. Whether you know the rest of your group or not, you are certain to bond over paddle board collisions and falling into the water, both of which are inevitable and all part of the fun!

Aloha Paddle Club allows a maximum of seven clients per class, provides good quality equipment and ensures your safety as a guide always stays with the group.

More info at Facebook/aloha paddle club Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa & Wellness Mexico magazine www.spawellnessmexico.com

Photos:Aloha Paddle Club

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ANIMAL WELFARE

August 3 - 16 2016

An Octopus’s Garden

Dr. Karina and a dog / Photo:Kelly Whittemore

BY NASH The octopus is a solitary, eight armed, cephalopod mollusk. The octopus is a highly intelligent creature of the sea that has been around for millions of years. They are expert problem solvers and escape artists, able fit in tiny crevices while using their ability to change color and their speed to avoid danger. They also have the ability to lose a limb and spray ink, clouding the enemies’ senses. Their arms have two rows of suction cups, The only hard part of the body is a beak, which can pierce and feed on crustaceans.

They have a relatively short life. Females live about two years, dying shortly after her eggs hatch. Males die a few months after mating.

Mating takes place when the male inserts one of his tentacles, called a hectocotylus, into the female’s cavity to deposit the sperm. They do not get close to each other and may mate with others. Mating typically happens once in a lifetime, and the eggs are cared for by the mother. She guards the egg cluster of up to 500,000 eggs for approximately one month, a period of time during which she doesn’t eat. This period of starvation also means that the females are not tempted by a fisherman´s bait, ensuring the reproduction of the species. Some scientists believe she starves to death during motherhood; others say her body turns on her and begins to die on its own.

Octopus can swim or almost walk on the back legs. One heart pumps its copper-rich blood through the body, while two hearts pump blood to gills. When it comes to conservation, they are protected in some countries. Because of their intelligence and ability to feel pain, experimental surgery may not be performed without anesthesia.

COOL OCTOPUS FACTS If threatened, an octopus can detach a tentacles which will continue to move and distract the attacker and later will regenerate.

They are cannibals Octopuses can change color to camouflage with their environment Neurons in their arms can solve problems They have excellent long and short term memory and amazing problemsolving skills.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

They are 90% muscle

If you have ever seen a dog die from parvo or distemper, you would not question the vaccine, but some still debate whether it is necessary to vaccinate dogs every year.

Their suckers have receptors allowing them to taste what they touch

BY NASH

People are not aware of the importance of vaccines. For some, it is a financial issue.

P

uppies and older dogs are the most vulnerable to infectious disease, but all of ages of dogs are at risk of exposure. We spoke to Dr. Karina Valenti Real to find out the importance of vaccinations.

What is your response to people who do not believe in vaccinating their pets?

Thanks to the vaccine, many diseases are prevented. For example, distemper, which can do long term damage to the animal’s health, affecting their quality of life. More often than not, those diseases are fatal.

What is the biggest health issue that could have been prevented in this area, in your opinion?

The biggest health issues I find in the area are diseases associated with ticks, ehrlichial and distemper in puppies.

These can easily be prevented with preventative treatment.

Which vaccines are most important for puppies to have?

I would say distemper and parvo vaccines are the most important for puppies.

It is important to include a booster shot on time.

What is the most common reason people do not vaccinate the pets?

Which easily prevented diseases would kill your dog?

Most diseases have the potential to kill a dog if left untreated, but mainly, distemper and parvovirus are not only deadly but highly contagious to other dogs.

Is there a certain age when it is not necessary to vaccinate?

Depending on a dog’s living conditions, I recommend vaccines each year for the first three years and then every 2 to 3 years after.

Is it necessary to vaccinate older dogs?

Yes, I vaccinate older dogs, as they are susceptible to infections. I recommend a distemper vaccine for an older dog, as their immune system becomes weaker as they age. Regarding rabies, it is important to know that if your pet contracts it, it will not survive.

The Riviera Maya has no shortage of mosquitos, and they may be infecting your dog with heartworm. Your veterinarian can perform a simple test to detect heartworm and provide a monthly preventative medication.

Dr. Karina Valenti Real is a veterinarian at Coco’s Animal Welfare. She is available for house calls after 4 pm at 987-564-5074.

Two of their limbs are considered legs, as they help them walk / Photo: Wikimedia Commons

ViDAS ViDAS is a non-profit organization made up of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students and other animal lovers dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through veterinary medicine and education. Each year we travel to Quintana Roo providing free veterinary care in an ef-

fort to fight pet overpopulation. We work closely with the community and other rescue groups including Coco’s Animal Welfare, IFAW International Fund for Animal Welfare, Lost Dog Foundation, MexiPaws, The Snoopi Project and depend on a slew of amazing repeat volunteers.

ViDAS will be holding our annual

free sterilization clinic on August 12th through the 17th at the Poliforum, Benito Juarez y 115 Ave in Playa.

Veterinarians and technicians pay their own expenses to be a part of this event.

Our plan is to sterilize 1400 (or more) animals. We need your support. To donate, visit www.ViDAS.org to donate.

August 3 - 16 2016

B E AC H B O RA D

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CLASSIFIEDS

BEACH BOARD Want to sell something? Buy something? Find something?

Why not take out an ad in our Beach Bulletin Board? For as little as 20 pesos per word (10 word minimum). Contact us at i nfo@me ri d i anmed i a. mx.

TRANSLATIONS Help with immigration process Concierge/driver/grocery shopping Anything you need I have my own car with A/C 9841697839

LEARN SPANISH! Private, semi-private classes, professional teachers. Special prices for local residents. 9841149090 (whatsapp/cell), agoralanguagecenter@gmail.com