Edition 121

B i m o n t h l y · Ye a r 0 5 · N u m b e r 1 2 1 · 2 0 , 0 0 0 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · N o v 2 2- D e c 5 , 2 0 17

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

S P A M E ID

INS

-A N N I V E R SA RY-

We’re counting down the days to one of Playa’s biggest events of the year

DISCOVER MEXICO

Queen Bee of the Riviera Maya >P. 11

TPT FOODIES

Mushrooms of Mexico

Photo: Agency

>P. 16

· ENTERTAINMENT

· DISCOVER MEXICO

INTERVIEW RENATO LOPEZ

PHOTOGRAPHER PEPE SOHO

We were introduced to Renato Lopez in an interview published a few editions ago; now we delve deeper into the outstanding career of this local musician.

>P. 20

Photo: Pepe Soho

Photo: Renato Lopez

OCTOBER 4 - 17

An interview with the owner of Playa del Carmen’s newest downtown photo gallery, recently awarded the prize for World’s Best Photo in Japan.

>P.9

2017 Looking for something to do?

Check out our What’s On section on page 19 or at www.theplayatimes. com for a list of things to do including live music and dancing, yoga, markets and special events.

P. 18

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November 22 - December 5 2017

Editorial

DIRECTORY Rebecca Page

“If music be the food of love, play on”

General Manager edition@meridianmedia.mx

Siobhán Gallagher

BY SIOBHÁN GALLAGHER

Editor theplayatimeseditor@gmail.com

I

n just over one week, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival will hit our shores once again, to the delight of many locals and visitors. We’ve covered it from a few angles in this edition, speaking to founders and performers and one thing rings true: this event is a source of pride in Playa del Carmen and it continues to flourish. Take a look at its website to see how the performer list has grown in size and stature through its 15 years of existence, with appearances by legends such as George Benson, Earth, Wind and Fire and John Scofield.

The event is special because it brings together our whole Playa community young and old, locals and foreigners, hardcore jazz fans and curious ears, under the sun and the stars, with the waves of the Caribbean providing subtle background tones for every performance.

This edition is bittersweet as it remembers one of the main organizers of the event, Fernando Toussaint, who passed away earlier this year. There is no doubt that his loss will be felt as he not only regularly performed, but is credited with bringing some of the top international names to the festival over the years. He will not be forgotten however, and his sister Cecilia Toussaint and local group Señor Vitalis will pay special tribute to him during the festival.

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

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

Sales Cell: 984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx

Omar Coral Distribution distribution@meridianmedia.mx

CONTACT US AT:

Photo: Quinta Magazine

Events such as this remind us of the amazing, uniting force that music is. In my eyes, the more we can get of that, the better. In the words of Shakespeare, “If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it”. It has the power to bring thousands of people together and regardless of their differences, it gives them something in common, something to share for a few hours, and remember for years. Whether or not you make it to the festival this year, you can still enjoy the endless benefits of music wherever

you are, and our writers in this edition will help you do that.

If you need cheering up, Sara has the musical recipe for that on page 21; let your pets join in, as Catherine explains on page 22, they will reap the rewards too.

If you don’t make it to the festival or if you can’t get enough, then Andres informs us of a few more musical events coming up in Cancun before the end of the year.

On that note, (I couldn’t resist), I leave you to enjoy the edition.

984 -147 5597 & 147 5571 info@meridianmedia.mx /theplayatimes @ThePlayaTimes playatimes theplayatimes 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.

TPT 10 DAY WEATHER WED 22

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BEACH LIFE

November 22 - December 5 2017

Outdoor Activities for this Fall in Playa del Carmen

The season’s cooler weather provides a chance to get out and explore your neighborhood, among other activities

BY THOMAS LLOYD, FOUNDER OF TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

H

Allan Lockhart and Moli / Photo: North American Standards

Ask Allan

BY ALLAN LOCKHART Dear Allan, I’ve heard that when I sell my condo I may have to pay taxes based on the fluctuation of the peso/US dollar exchange rate. Is this correct?

Dale Hi Dale, Thanks for your question. The answer is yes.

The regulation called the “Reglamento de la Ley del Impuesto Sobre la Renta” covers this topic.

Essentially, if you purchased your condo when the peso was 12 to 1 dollar and now you are selling it at roughly 19 to 1, the government looks at that difference as profit and charges

as the weather this fall changed some of your activities? Going to the beach while it’s a little cooler outside isn’t always a great idea. Neither is going to a cenote and dipping into the cold water. But you don’t have to worry, Playa del Carmen has many more activities to offer!

It is well known that Playa del Carmen is a town filled with lots of incredible places to go and things to do. These activities aren’t limited to the summer season. It’s never cold enough to stay at home, since the weather here is always amazing.

What about a wonderful day taking a walk with your furry friend? The greatest thing about this season’s weather is the fact that your pet won’t suffer with the high temperatures and will actually enjoy the walk. A big plus is having the time and energy to explore your neighborhood; maybe there’s a new café around the corner or an interesting neighbor to meet.

Another great option is going to events, such as the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival that will be taking place from No-

you. Although your purchase price might be in US dollars, that amount is converted to pesos for tax purposes.

For example, if you purchased your property at $100,000 USD when the peso was 12 to 1 and then sold it for $150,000 USD when the peso was 19 to 1, the Mexican government does not see a profit of $50,000 USD, but rather a profit of $1,650,000 pesos. That is $150,000 x 19 to 1 = $2,850,000 pesos less $100,000 x 12 = $1,200,000. So essentially, instead of having a profit of $50,000 USD, you have a profit of $86,842 USD ($1,650,000/19).

As you can imagine, the more the profit and greater the exchange rate difference between purchase and sale, the more you’ll have to pay.

Get out and explore / Photo: Pixabay.com/AOMSIN

vember 30 to December 2. This event will have amazing guests and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary, and the entrance is free! Don’t miss out this great event at Mamita’s Beach Club.

This bicyclefriendly city has a lot of cycling paths that are safe and fun to discover.

In addition to going for a walk and attending events, you can also go for a bike ride all around Playa del Carmen. This bicycle-friendly city has a lot of cycling paths that are safe and fun to discover. You don’t have to go to a specific place, just try to have as much fun as possible! At the end of the ride, you can pick a nice restaurant to have a delicious meal.

To see more benefits of living in the Riviera Maya, download our free guide about this subject here: https://topmre. com/kitlivinginmexico

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BEACH LIFE

November 22 - December 5 2017

Internal green wall / Photo: Wikipedia Commons/Daderot

Green Walls in Playa del Carmen This exterior or interior feature contributes to design and to a healthier environment

BY GREENWAY LANDSCAPING

T

here are many advantages to having a green wall; Mexico City is starting to add them to all the concrete bridge supports. One, for beauty, and the other most important reason is to improve air quality.

This feature is a natural air filter. Imagine the feeling of cleaner air and a healthier environment in your home, at work, on your patio or favorite restaurant.

Another function of these living green walls is to cool the air in warmer summer months (we have plenty of those here in Playa del Carmen). They can reduce wall surface temperatures by as much as 10Ď˝/50Ďž resulting in significant energy savings and AC costs. Bonus, they also help to reduce noise levels.

There are many types of green walls.

1. Indoor Vertical Gardens: Adding a centerpiece of art to your plain wall and helping the natural airflow to your indoor environment.

2. Outdoor Vertical Gardens: Can help distinguish and make your business more noticeable, giving it the wow factor.

3. Succulent Vertical Gardens: Colorful and easy to maintain, fire resistant and great savings on the cost and use of water.

4.

Combination of Real Plants and Fake Plants: For lower maintenance and a cost savings that will still have the benefits of all above mentioned.

Here in Playa del Carmen we cannot always use the same plants as they do in other areas of the country (see our article regarding the salty air in edition 120). There are still many plants available that will work for the look and feel you want in your home and or business.

If you would like to know more about which plants to use and where, please send us an email or message us on Facebook. We love to share information that improves the quality of life and relaxation of our clients and friends.

Advice and quotes are free. greenwaylandscaping@email.com Facebook.com/GreenwayLandscapingMexico/ 984 183-2762

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ART & CULTURE

November 22 - December 5 2017

An Interview with

Martin Ruiz One of the original founders of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival tells us about how the festival was Ûklm inm mh`^ma^k *. r^Zkl Z`h'

BY IAN MACKENZIE

T

he Playa Times: How did you come up with the idea of creating a jazz festival here?

Martin Ruiz: There was a moment when Playa was beginning to receive an increase in tourism, and there was a necessity to give some added value and identity to Playa. There were no famous festivals, unlike other places in Mexico. So we decided to create a music festival that was made specifically for the tourists.

What was it like planning the first festival? What kind of challenges did you encounter?

We first had to figure out what kind of music we would be playing. We considered blues music, Caribeño, rock, but we realized that tourists were attracted here by the sounds of Latin music, so we went with a fusion of Latin and jazz for the festival.

Our first performers were friends or recommendations. But by the third or fourth year Fernando Toussaint got involved and, as a musician who was well known in Mexico and internationally, he added another dimension and was able to use his contacts to bring other talent.

What are some of your favourite moments of the festival?

I loved seeing Earth, Wind and Fire perform here. It was also amazing to see Sergio Mendez, who is a musical legend. I couldn’t believe they were performing at this festival.

What do you think that the RMJF has done for the region?

We felt that we made a very good decision that was more conceptually based around tourism, and that it ultimately brings many people here who are able to enjoy big performances from the very best international artists.

Are you surprised at how it has grown in popularity?

We never imagined that in 15 years we would be seeing a top-level festival like this. We began with minor expectations and now the expectations are much greater. So hopefully we are only halfway there.

Perhaps in a few years it will bring greater numbers of people, not only jazz artists, but big name musicians.

What are your hopes for the future of the RMJF? I would like to see more events and happenings based around the jazz festival throughout the downtown area. If you don’t go to Mamitas you may not know what is going on, so it would be nice to have several smaller locations with blues, bossa nova, jazz and Latin all at the same time.

We never imagined that in 15 years we would be seeing a toplevel festival like this.

We began with minor expectations and now the expectations are much greater.

Martin Ruiz Riviera Maya Jazz Festival founder Photo: Martin Ruiz

November 22 - December 5 2017

Pepe Soho, Awa rd -Wi n n i n g Photographer Comes to Playa del Carmen An interview with the owner of Playa del <Zkf^g l g^p^lm ]hpgmhpg iahmh `Zee^kr pah pZl k^\^gmer ZpZk]^] ma^ ikbs^ _hk Phke] l ;^lm Iahmh bg CZiZg'

BY IAN MACKENZIE

W

hat made you choose Playa del Carmen as the place to set up your gallery?

I’ve been coming here for 20 years and Fifth Avenue is one of the three most crowded avenues in the country. I want people to experience my photography, to connect with my work, and get to know the region because a lot of my work is about this region. The photos are for sale as well as on display.

When did you begin your journey as a photographer?

Five years ago. I studied photography in Mexico City at a school in the Colonia Condesa, and then I went to the International Centre of Photog-

Art by Pepe Soho / Photos Pepe Soho Gallery

DISCOVER MEXICO

9

own country, but to have your photo chosen out of thousands from the world’s best landscape photographers - I’m still in a state of disbelief and I am very happy. It’s at an international level, with 27 countries involved, so it’s like the Olympics for photography.

raphy New York. For landscape photography, it is something I learned by going out and spending the maximum possible time in nature.

What motivates you to take photographs?

I had an accident in India and my mental and physical condition deteriorated. To get past this I bought a camera and began taking photographs in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. I forgot about my depression and my physical state and the most important thing for me became my present state while taking photos in nature. I left design and music to focus only on photography.

Tell me about your photograph “Believe.” What is the concept behind it?

This is something that I had planned before going down to shoot it. The angles create a visual effect that makes the ladder appear very close to the mountain. It means that the furthest dreams can actually be much closer than they appear. The only thing that limits us is our minds.

How did this photo end up in the competition for World’s Best Landscape Photo?

They came looking for me and asked if I wanted to enter the competition.

I’m not really interested in competing, but I sent several photos. I sent “Believe” and was surprised to learn that it had won.

How do you feel about the reaction/accolades that the photo has received?

It’s one thing to win a prize in your

If you want to do landscapes you have to wake up very early and go to sleep late. You have to be willing to go to remote areas alone and dedicate your life to this.

Pepe Soho, Photographer

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

In general, you have to step out of your comfort zone, study your subject, and work longer hours than everyone else. If you want to transcend, you have to work hard. If you want to do landscapes, you have to wake up very early and go to sleep late. You have to be willing to go to remote areas alone and dedicate your life to this. You have to love what you are doing.

Find Pepe’s work online here: http://www.pepesoho.com/es/ or check out the Facebook/PepeSohoPhotography page for his gallery.

Underwater Music Culture

BY FLORENCIA CERUTTI There are different types of noises and sounds that many marine mammals such as porpoises, whales and dolphins make. The noises and sounds of whales very much resemble melodies and songs that we humans find harmonious and complex, and thus we call singing.

Odontocete whales - meaning whales with teeth - like sperm whales, orcas and dolphins, use clicking sounds that are thought to be individual rhythms to communicate within each group. They have vocal repertoires known as

dialects when living in pods and those sounds are unique to each pod. Their noises are also used to locate objects like prey and identify the composition, shape, size, speed and direction of an object.

However, the most famous singing comes from the Mysticete whales, which are those that have barbs instead of teeth. The humpback whale and a type of blue whale found in the Indian Ocean are famous for producing the most complex song in the animal kingdom. So complex the singing is, that experts can actually identify notes, sub-phrases

The noises and sounds of whales very much resemble melodies and songs that we humans find harmonious and complex

and even phrases.

When phrases repeat for two-four minutes, it is known as a theme, and a collection of themes turns into a song! And they can repeat sounds over and over for hours or days.

Impressively, groups of whales can be identified within each group through different songs. Humpback whales have distinct songs depending on which ocean they live in and all whales within an area will have the same song and themes that are distinct from those of other groups. They can also

learn new songs, for example, the famous case of the humpback whales from the west coast of Australia that moved to the eastern coast. They had different songs, but the eastern coast whales adopted the new song brought from the west coast whales.

Whether they sing or have conversations, it is amazing to think that other creatures besides humans are capable of such a complex way of communicating. Looking at dolphin and whale societies and behavior always brings up the question of who the smart ones really are here.

The sounds of whales resemble melodies / Photo: Pixabay.com/TheDigitalArtist

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DISCOVER MEXICO

November 22 - December 5 2017

An Ode to Mexico and Vallarta We say goodbye to Frank, our Vallarta correspondent, as he returns to his native Netherlands

BY FRANK VAN DER BURGH

Señor Vitalis and the Jazz Scene on the Riviera Maya

T

he is the last article that I am going to write for The Playa Times, hence my heavy heart.

Not just because I won’t write anymore, but more so because I am going to leave Mexico behind and return back to Holland.

Like so many, I came as a tourist.

Along the way I found myself in love and ended up living in Leon, Guanajuato after settling in Nuevo Vallarta. You could say I lost my heart to a Mexican, but that’s only half true. The country, the places, the weather, the people, the culture and obviously the food have found a place in my heart where they will stay forever. Having traveled from Cancun to Mexico City, from Guanajuato to Chihuahua and from Patzcuaro to Vallarta, it is impossible not to be amazed by the diversity this country has to offer.

Traveling is one thing, but living in the Riviera Nayarit has given me a taste of the ´normal life´ around here. What can I say?

It’s a place where every single weekend feels like a vacation, where afternoon walks on the beaches are more the rule than exception, where ice-cream always seems to taste better and where everybody greets you on the street. It’s a place which can sometimes be

Señor Vitalis / Photo: Instagram.com/alexandercri

BY MELISSA MÉNDEZ ORANTES

Photo: Agency

frustrating, but has the enjoyable slow, laidback attitude to life that everyone in coastal areas seems to have. It’s a place where having socks on your feet can make you overheat, where you can never ever have enough tacos de camaron, and the next adventure is always looming around the corner.

So for now I have to say goodbye to Mexico, but rest assured this country has definitely not seen the last of me.

Becoming a Non-Resident of Canada for Tax Purposes

BY MEXLAW Most Canadian provinces now have a marginal tax rate of 53.5% of worldwide income.

Mexico has a flat tax rate of 30%. Canadians can retain their citizenship and any benefits while shedding their residency. It is a popular misconception that Canadians must cancel all ties with Canada. In fact, Canadians can keep some ties with Canada.

The CRA will initially consider only three factors to make this determination. If there remains a doubt, they will then consider other factors. Those are: • Does the individual reside permanently in a country that has a tax treaty with Canada?

• Does the individual have a permanent home available in Canada?

• Does the individual have a permanent home in the new country?

Canadians residing in Mexico can successfully argue that they are a non-resident Canadians if they are registered to pay taxes in Mexico.

Myths Related to Being a Non-Resident “If I cease to be a non-resident, I will have to renounce my passport.”

FALSE: Residency and citizenship in Canada are two different legal statuses. You can retain your Canadian citizenship if you cease becoming a resident. Furthermore, if you change your plans, you can return to Canada and elect to become a resident once again.

“If my spouse and children are living in Canada, then I cannot renounce my residency.”

FALSE: Having a spouse, a common-law relationship or dependents residing in Canada will weigh in the decision but will not be a determining factor.

“I must break all ties with Canada.”

FALSE: A Canadian citizen can maintain some ties, including utilizing banks or credit cards, membership to clubs and even own property and still be considered a non-resident of Canada.

“If I reside outside Canada for more than 183 days, I am considered a non-resident.”

TRUE: If you have resided outside of the country for more than 183 days, cumulatively, over the previous 12 months then you are “deemed” to be a non-resident Canadian. It can be contradicted by evidence demonstrating that you are a resident and that it was not your intention to be considered a non-resident Canadian.

“I need permission from Canada to cease becoming a resident.”

FALSE: There is no such requirement. The purpose of notifying the CRA of your residency status is only to determine the taxes that are payable on property owned in Canada and that you are presumed to have sold before changing your status.

“I will lose my pension if I live abroad.”

FALSE: Although you may no longer contribute to your pension funds, you will not lose them.

“It is difficult to notify CRA of non-resident status.”

FALSE: It can be done by filing the last Income Tax Declaration in Canada and selecting the option indicating that this is their last tax report in Canada, as they will consider themselves non-residents for the future.

For the full article and information to determine if you qualify to become a non-resident of Canada, see: https://mexlaw.ca/ becoming-non-resident-canada-tax-purposes/

Señor Vitalis is a jazz-funk trio from Playa del Carmen. Its members are Zoar Miranda on drums, Bernardo Ron on guitar and Luis Ernesto López on bass. This year they will be playing at the fifteenth edition of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, which will pay tribute to Fernando Toussaint, the founder of the festival who recently passed away. I asked them some questions about their musical career, about the jazz scene in the Riviera Maya and about their participation in the festival.

Tell us about the band and the creative process.

We have been playing together for 14 years in projects such as Aguamala, Ramash, Chivo Azul and BBMamut, although Señor Vitalis was officially born in 2016 due to a combination of musical ideals. Our creative process is democratic in terms of the contribution of ideas for the development of songs that bet on groove, funk and, of course, jazz. This year our first album will be released.

What challenges does a jazz band face in the Riviera Maya?

It has challenges and advantages like any other original project. The disadvantage is to

be far from the capital of the country where the jazz scene is strongest. The advantage is having the most important jazz festival in the country, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.

In general, we believe that the jazz scene in Mexico is super vibrant, and is in one of its best stages. There are very interesting projects and musicians like Toño Sanchez that are standing out internationally. This encourages all of us to have a greater projection.

What do you think about the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival?

It’s a festival that has grown very quickly. But it is also a party that we owe to Fernando Toussaint, since he had the vision to create something extremely important for music and for the people of the Riviera Maya.

Regarding this year’s festival, we have mixed feelings because we knew Fernando very well. For us he was a mentor and a great friend. We hope that this edition of the festival will be carried out with the respect and the quality that it deserves. And in the same way we expect that to continue with the same force in the future, since the main purpose is that the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival becomes a celebration of Fernando’s legacy as we enjoy high quality music next to a beautiful beach!

November 22 - December 5 2017

DISCOVER MEXICO

11

Korto Circuito: Reggae with Chetumaleña Identity

BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO

Visit Maya Bacab / Photos: Daniela Hernández Álvarez

The Queen Bee of the Riviera Maya Meet Daniela Hernández Álvarez, the enterprising young founder of Maya Bacab - a local business bringing sustainability to the Maya communities, and bringing honey of the gods to the local market

BY SIOBHÁN GALLAGHER

W

here are you from?

I was born in Guadalajara. I decided to move because I didn’t know what to do with my life after college. I was going to live for four months in Playa del Carmen and those became four years.

Where did the idea for this project come from?

I traveled to Maya communities in Carrillo Puerto where I discovered melipona bees and learned about Maya culture. When I traveled to Carrillo, I reconnected with nature and our awesome cultural heritage and I felt a responsibility to do something about it. The melipona beekeepers were very kind when they opened their legacy to me and I felt inspired.

Then I realized I was focusing only on meliponas, but being a melipona beekeeper is something you dedicate yourself to out of love only, not for business. So, I met Don Carlos Hau, a super beekeeper, and he taught me about apis mellifera bees (stinging bees) and that’s how Maya Bacab really started as a sustainable project.

Tell me about your melipona bees and Maya Bacab Melipona bees are native, stingless bees from America. What I love about meliponas is not only their importance for the pollination of crops and our environmental balance, but all the cultural traditions behind this little, but huge species.

Melipona honey is essential for traditional Maya medicine. It is also accompanied by Maya ceremonies of gratitude for the harvest of honey and a request for preservation of jungle.

With these values, Maya Bacab was born - to revalue Maya cul-

ture through sustainable production and the commercialization of honey. Bacab refers to Maya gods that surround the beehive and the Earth; they are guardians of bees.

What kind of products do you have?

Pure honey, melipona honey, our Syrup of Gods (a Maya recipe of honey, royal jelly and pollen), propolis extract, pollen, honey with vanilla, royal jelly and honey soaps. Next year, we hope to add honey with cacao, new syrups and beauty ítems.

What are the benefits of your products?

• Natural honey is antiseptic, probiotic, and strengthens the immune and digestive systems.

• Melipona honey is better for eyes (cataracts, conjunctivitis, carnosities), skin diseases, allergies, and asthma.

• Pollen is one of the best superfoods; it contains all the amino acids the body needs and prevents/helps rheumatism and anemia.

• Honey with vanilla provides antioxidants and is an antidepressant. It also treats menstrual problems and stomach pains.

• My favorite is the Syrup of Gods; the combination of honey, pollen and royal jelly gives you energy, improves memory and rejuvenates cells and skin.

Tell us about your tours.

Our tours are part of our commitment to raise public awareness of the importance of bees for the environment and to create experiences involving real cultural activities.

The first one is a tour of the jungle in Leona Vicario, a community on the Cenote Route. You get in touch

with nature and learn about vanilla plantation, its history and pollination. We visit the melipona bees and you’ll learn secrets we’ve discovered working with them. It’s my favorite part of the tour. And let’s not forget about the cacao plants, where chocolate comes from. At the end, we thank the Gran Yaxché (Great Ceiba).

It’s a new and simple concept to experience Mexican traditions and the Maya culture that we are so proud of.

Our second tour is a challenge for visitors who are not afraid of bees. We give you a suit and take you inside the beehives to see how bees live and the honey-making process. There is so much work behind a jar of honey, for the bees and beekeepers.

What are your future plans for Maya Bacab?

Bees and Maya communities changed my life and my whole perspective about nature, respect and cultural values and I want to share that with the world. A main goal for next year is to start training new beekeepers to reproduce bees while developing an economic activity. Part of our tour sales fund this project.

Also, we want to start a reforestation plan to contribute to restoring the Maya jungle.

And of course, we want to take Maya Bacab products all the world.

I know it’s going to take us many years, but I think every great project started with vision and a lot of heart.

What would you like our readers to know about the Riviera Maya?

The Riviera Maya is far more than beach and sun. So, take a car and get into the wild of the jungle, get dirty and just ask people what they do. It is fantastic that “awesome” is part of the simple and traditional routine of many communities.

Sometimes Mexicans (especially those who are not from the Yucatan Peninsula) forget that we are all part of the Caribbean. That sea of crystalline turquoise waters from the beaches of Cancun, Cozumel and the Riviera Maya reaches places filled with tourists. The Mexican Caribbean also has history, tradition, culture, and its own way of being. And, of course, it also has music!

This Caribbean identity is lived daily in Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo and the hometown of reggae and ska bands, as well as other Caribbean genres such as punta, soca and dance hall. These genres originated in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. This music arrived in Mexico through Chetumal and the border area of Belize back in the 1960s. Since then, these genres have rooted themselves in the local populations and become a part of their identity.

Following this tradition, Korto Circuito (Short Circuit) leans towards these genres, although as they themselves demonstrated in their performances, they do not want to be pigeonholed. They have proven their quality when playing other styles. This is why they have been invited to many festivals featuring reggae and ska acts, touring the interior of the country with great success and acceptance.

The group is composed of Hilario, Miguel, Santiago, Eder, Mario, Ernesto and the vocalist, Siddhartha.

This music arrived in Mexico through Chetumal and the border area of Belize back in the 1960s. Since then, these genres have rooted themselves in the local populations and become a part of their identity.

Today, after more than 10 years of work and four recorded albums, Korto Circuito have become a benchmark in Caribbean music. Their great contribution is that, unlike the Chetumaleño groups of yesteryear, they compose their own music and write their own lyrics. The band states that “Sometimes it will sound more like ska, and sometimes more like reggae.

Each one contributes something until it is to everyone’s liking.”

The music of Korto Circuito is for having fun, dancing and having a good time. However, their lyrics have evolved and reflect not only their age, but their cultural identity. They speak of the discrimination that goes on in our society, the interests and concerns of young people and, of course, love and romance.

To learn more about the band you can follow them on Facebook and watch their videos on YouTube.

Sea turtles are peaceful animals / Photos: Xcaret

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La Mata Roberto tells us about his journey in music and ahp a^ ^g]^] ni Z f^f[^k h_ ma^ L^¶hk ?kh` l house band in Playa del Carmen

BY ROBERTO LIRA

“

More than 17 years in La Mata, the official band of Senor Frog´s, Playa del Carmen”.

My relationship with music began when I was very young and was somewhat influenced by my bohemian family. In my house there was always music present; whether it was my mother singing as she cooked, my brothers in rehearsals or at family gatherings, there was always someone playing the guitar while the others sang.

Piano and music lessons were my first childhood steps taken in this environment, ultimately leading to being part of a small high school band. From there it went to a slightly more professional level, beginning with performances at the local town bars. That gradually led me to tour for many years throughout the different states of the nation, playing in well-known bars and festivals.

I decided to take a break from all the travel and intern at a music production school for almost two years.

Then one day, the phone rang: it was my friends, from my first real band.

They wanted me to come and sing with them in Playa del Carmen.

I arrived in Playa in early 1998.

The intention was to stay for several months, which have turned into 20 years. It was a real paradise and it has captured me with its very special magic.

Since that time there have been many changes in the city, as well as

Roberto with La Mata / Photo: Roberto Lira/La Mata

in the band. I have been fortunate to sing with very good musicians and meet some excellent people in the local bars and neighboring municipalities and at various festivals.

Music has been my passion, my life. It has been very kind to me and has given me wonderful moments. I have shared stages with different national and foreign artists and I have met many beautiful people that are fun and interesting.

It was a great experience to have participated in the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival at the invitation of the great Fernando Toussaint.

I have been part of Señor Frogs’ home band for 17 years! It is where I have spent awesome times and I’m still making noise there, it is like my home.

I think Playa needs more cultural festivals such as the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. It could be a world music fest, a theatre festival or regional music and dance, because in Mexico we are fortunate to have an abundance of wealth in this regard.

This area in general is beautiful and deserves to be recognized culturally and artistically. I thank my heart to this Maya land that greeted me with open arms and has tried me for all these years - thank you, Playa.

TEL: (984) 879.35.53 / CEL: (984) 131.82.53 / www.facebook. com/lamataband / www.myspace. com/lamataband

F/ Photo:

November 22 - December 5 2017

CANCUN

Cancun - USA Connection: Easier Than Ever

BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III 2017 is almost over and it was a great year for us.

There were some troubles and negative press during the year, but Cancun and the Riviera Maya still stand as the biggest tourist destinations in Mexico, both nationally and internationally. Cruise tourism helps a lot, but we all know the important economic spillover comes from people flying straight to Cozumel, Chetumal and Cancun. Many stay here while others go visit the many wonders that we have close by - Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Ruta de los Cenotes, and of course, Playa del Carmen.

A completely new fourth terminal was inaugurated a couple of weeks ago, specially designed for international arrivals and departures.

Live music in Cancun / Photo: Andrés Mendoza Del Valle III

Live Music in Cancun to Say Goodbye to 2017 A round-up of the musical events Cancun has offered, and has yet to offer, in 2017

BY ANDRÉS MENDOZA DEL VALLE III

I

t is true to say that Playa is better known for its music festivals than Cancun. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and BPM (we’ll miss you) are huge events on an international scale.

Probably those two fests are the biggest music references in the area. But don’t be deceived, Cancun always offers big live music shows. There is practically one every weekend and most of them are solo presentations by artists from the Latin and international pop music industry.

Only a month and a half away from the New Year, there is still a bunch of great events to catch.

This year we saw performances from Ricky Martin, Bonnie Tyler and Cheap Trick, among others. We also had performances from Marcus Miller and the fabulous Esperanza Spalding as part of the Oasis Jazz Fest. And that wasn’t the only fest we held. Cancun Blues Festival had its first edition and the Coral Choir Fest Coral-Cun held its fifth. 2017 also saw the birth of what could easily be the best music festival in the near future: Festival Internacional de Musica Cancun

(FIM). The festival has potential, so hopefully private initiatives and the public administration will continue to merge efforts to make it possible every year.

Only a month and a half away from the New Year, there is still a bunch of great events to catch: • November 22, El Chapo de Sinaloa at Beto Avila Baseball Stadium: Do not confuse him with El Chapo, the infamous drug lord. El Chapo is a great example of one of the most popular genres in Mexico: Norteño music. He’s so popular he’s probably going to sell out the whole stadium, so if you like country music and want to be part of a 100% Mexican experience, get your ticket now.

• December 2, Tecate Location Cancun at Autodromo de Cancun: This event powered by Tecate brings two of the current most popular artists in the Latin scene: Mexican rock band Zoe and Chilean pop-folk singer Mon Laferte. The Knocks, an electronic music duo from New York, will be closing the event with a DJ set.

• December 29-30 Backstreet Boys at Moon Palace Cancun: What better way to say goodbye to the year than reliving your high school days watching the Backstreet Boys live and direct in this fantastic venue.

Despite receiving over two million international tourists a year, and as the fifth most visited place in this continent and 32nd worldwide, Cancun’s airport was a little messy and slow when it came to checking-in, especially when flying internationally.

Finally, those days are over. A completely new fourth terminal was inaugurated a couple of weeks ago. It is specially designed for international arrivals and departures and is based on a successful test model of the latest CDMX airport terminal. It finally gets rid of the custom forms and the “traffic light” system when checking in your luggage. It uses the latest X-ray technology to scan your luggage. so no more opening your bags at the airport after you spend two hours packing them like a pro. No, sir! Let’s just wait to see which destinations and airlines get to use these new facilities, hopefully one of yours.

Here is more great news for flight tourism: Southwest Airlines announced earlier this month new routes from the US to Cancun beginning next year.

From Indianapolis, Columbus and New Orleans, direct flights to Cancun will start in the spring (some of them will be daily services) and in the summer they’re every day. The San Antonio - Cancun connection will be back also. Stay alert for their official schedule announcements starting in April. cancunairport.com southwest.com/international

New flights to Cancun / Photo: Pixabay.com/Free-Photos

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16

TPT FOODIES

November 22 - December 5 2017

Mushrooms of Mexico Do you know the varieties of this versatile protein?

BY CATHERINE PAWELEK.

N

o Sleepy or Grumpy here, but like the seven dwarfs, we could give names to the tastes and smells of mushrooms. From Smokey, Earthy and Woody to Buttery, Rich and Meaty, and my favorite, Nutty. All of these wonderful flavors can be found in a variety of mushrooms and although the wild mushroom season in Mexico has more or less already passed, there are still enough choices to satisfy the palate.

I have always thought that they are the foundation of the earth, where trees, moss and life grow. When we talk about their magical, mystical character we’re referring to their sponge-like ability to absorb the flavor profiles of the sauces, herbs and spices that we serve with them, and not the hallucinogenic qualities.

Add a few mushrooms to a classic pozole or caldo de res to make it your own. To any dish that already has beans as an ingredient, the addition of mushrooms will give it an explosion of flavors. Think the yinyang of food combos.

Let’s take a short and deeply flavored journey through this wondrous world and come spring,

6th Annual National Mezcal Fair Mezcal tasting at La Perla / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

BY IAN MACKENZIE

Mushrooms have many varieties / Photo: Pixabay.com/cocoparisienne

we will eagerly make additions to this list.

Champignons (Agaricus) or button mushrooms are plump, dome-shaped and one of the world’s most recognized mushrooms, ranging from thimble to fist-sized. Sautée in browned butter with a touch of garlic, paprika and cilantro. Top a tortilla with this mixture, and some Oaxacan cheese. Oh my!

Duraznillos - The word rolls off the tongue, just like the French version, the chanterelle. Bell-shaped and a pale yellow, with a slightly chewy texture, these are best used in soups, sauces and rice dishes.

Pambazos – Similar to a cepe or the Italian porcino. The fresh

mushroom should be sliced and added to a dish to give it a hint of pungency, while the dried variety should be reconstituted in liquid and imparts a more concentrated flavor.

Morillas – Like the French morel, they belong to the expensive truffle family, albeit at a fraction of the cost. They have a dark brown color and a spongy, honeycombed cap. Perfect in a sauce over a pork or lamb shank or steak due to their strong and nutty flavor.

Now, head to the numerous markets (mercados) or vegetable or grocery stores with basket in hand and stock up on this so versatile fungus.

On Friday, October 27 I attended one of my favourite reporting assignments of 2017: the Sixth Annual National Mezcal Fair, held at La Perla Restaurant. Our hosts for the evening were La Europea and tonight their purpose was to teach the public about this uniquely Mexican alcoholic drink and try out several brands.

This was not my first visit to La Perla. It was here where I was first introduced to the drink pulque, another of their specialty alcoholic beverages. Like tequila, mezcal is made from the agave plant, which is native to this county and grows in many parts of Mexico.

The unique, fermented product that we enjoy today first came into being after the conquistadors arrived; the result of much experimentation with the plant.

The origins of the word ‘mezcal’ are Nahuatl, translating to ‘oven-cooked agave.’

So how does one drink mezcal? In

a previous article I wrote about the art of drinking tequila, and the same applies to its strong, smokey-flavoured cousin. It’s consumed straight, and not all in one shot. You first take in its aroma through your nose and hold your breath, followed by a mouthful. Hold it for a second or two, swallow, then open your mouth and exhale, letting the fumes escape. It actually feels like they could be flammable.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Mexico does export this product and it is growing in demand. Currently the United States and Japan are the main buyers. Mezcal may not be as popular as tequila, or as well known outside of the country, but it certainly is distinctly Mexican.

Now that I’ve hopefully piqued your interest, why not have an evening of mezcal tasting with your friends?

Check out La Perla’s Facebook page: Laperlapixan for more information about their menu and hours of operation.

November 22 - December 5 2017

TPT FOODIES

Chocolate Tamales (Tamales de Chocolate) One of the most traditional and ancient cooking techniques used in Mexico is steaming, and tamales are kings in Mexico.

BY LILY ESPINOSA

T

amales: sweet or salty, wrapped in cork husk or banana leafs, choose your favorite, we love them all!

Ingredients 300g corn flour nixtamalized (nixtamalizada) 180g rice flour 125g unsalted butter, 125g vegetable lard (Inca is the kind in Mexico) 30g cocoa powder 3 small spoons baking powder 50g cocoa seeds 2 packs of corn husks Milk, as needed

Photo:Agency

Preparation Soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes the two packages of corn husk.

Once they are soft, drain and reserve.

Roast the cocoa seeds in a pan until the skin cracks easily. Remove all skins, grind the cocoa seeds partially with a mortar, and reserve.

In a big container, add the butter and vegetable lard and knead them until you get a creamy consistency. Add the corn flour, rice flour and baking powder, mix

well and start adding the milk, until you have a spreadable consistency.

Start to make the tamales by spreading two spoons in a corn husk, like if you were spreading butter on toast, from the center to the top of the leaf. Sprinkle some ground cocoa seeds and close the tamal by overlapping both sides of the corn husk and fold the rest. In a steamer, cover the bottom with corn husks, arrange the tamales vertically, and cover with more corn husks on top of the tamales. We have to prevent water from entering the tamales at the moment of cooking or they will be very soft.

Close your steamer, and on high-medium heat, let them cook for about one hour. They are ready when you can easily get them out of the husk. Enjoy with a nice coffee and great friends!

If you have questions, especially about the wrapping, please send me an email to riverakitchentulum@gmail.com and I will gladly reply to you!

Follow us on our social media for more traditional Mexican recipes.

Lily Espinosa, riverakitchentulum.com Mexican Cooking Classes and Culinary Tours

Making tamales with friends / Photo: Rivera Kitchen Tulum

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18

ENTERTAINMENT

November 22 - December 5 2017 edition of the Superfood Festival Playa del Carmen. The Superfood Festival wants to introduce local and powerful foods to the body, bring youth, maintain health and share knowledge. DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A BASKET OF SUPERFOODS! Plaza Paseo Coba, Av. Aviacion, Playa del Carmen.

Facebook/SuperfoodsFestival2017 MATH WITH MUSIC (Session 1), Wednesday, November 22, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In this course, the musical language and its relationship with mathematics will be briefly taught, performing basic arithmetic operations. The course is designed for the learning of addition and subtraction in children from 6 years to 9 years. Once the course is started there will be no more registrations. Recovery fee $140 pesos per child (single payment for the four sessions).

Maximum quota 12 children. Registration will be at the planetarium ticket office from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Cash only. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/MathwithMusic

NOV 22 - DEC 5

2017 By: Crystal Mitchell

SPECIAL EVENT Playa del Carmen 7 YOGA CLASSES TO HEAL AND BALANCE ENERGY AND EMOTIONS (CLASS 6), Wednesday, November 22 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. This sequence of 7 classes will help you balance your energy and emotions. In this series you will learn to focus on making aware the healing energy that lives within through Yoga postures, Meditation with mantras fo-

cused on healing (for ourselves and others), Pranayamas designed to release emotions, and cleansing the chakras and aura. Limited space. $400 pesos until October 18th. $500 pesos after October 18th. Palapa Suuk, Avenue CTM between Calles 5 and 10. Facebook/7yogaclasses SUPERFOODS FESTIVAL 2017, Saturday, November 25, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Arthumus and Diosa Organics are hosting the 2nd

MATH WITH MUSIC (Session 2), Thursday, November 23, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In this course, the musical language and its relationship with mathematics will be briefly taught, performing basic arithmetic operations. The course is designed for the learning of addition and subtraction in children from 6 years to 9 years. Once the course is started there will be no more registrations. Recovery fee $140 pesos per child (single payment for the four sessions).

Maximum quota 12 children. Registration will be at the planetarium ticket office from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Cash only. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/MathwithMusic COSMIC JOURNEY, Thursday, November 23, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join an astronomi-

cal journey from inside the Digital Dome. Visit some of the planets and moons of the Solar System, stars close to the Sun and Exoplanets. Discover our Milky Way and other galaxies, until we reach Laniakea, the galactic supercluster to which we belong. Enjoy this unique enveloping experience, narrated live by the astronomer Dr. Vicente Hernández.

Recommended for over 10 years. Recovery fee $ 50 pesos per person. The ticket office is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Cash only. Sayab Planetarium Avenue Paseo Central between Avenue Kanthena and Avenue 125. Facebook/CosmicJourney THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER, Thursday, November 23. Make your reservations for the three course meal of creamed soup, roasted stuffed turkey and gourmet dessert. Cost is $420 mxn or $26 usd. Carboncitos Calle 4 a few meters off of 5th Avenue located at Hotel Cielo.

Facebook/CarboncitosThanksgivingDinner NIGHT OF STARS, Saturday, November 25, 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Celebrated since 2009, is considered an astronomical festival with a direct impact on the population of different ages. Guided observation of the night sky through telescopes installed at strategic points throughout the country, which facilitate the visibility of the stars.

These are some of the activities: workshops and demonstrations, conferences, photographic exhibitions, observations with the naked eye and with telescopes, projection of documentaries and films, and a concert.

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

Facebook/NightOfStars Please consult our website for a complete list of events: http://www.theplayatimes.com/calendar/

Dating or a Serious Relationship in Playa del Carmen? Part I Ginger explores the attitudes towards romantic relationships among members of the LGBT community of the Riviera Maya

BY GINGER M.

A

re you dating or currently in a serious relationship?

What are the thoughts of the LGBT community of Playa del Carmen on this topic?

We now live in a society where everything goes faster; people are more focused on their studies and careers, and want to travel the world. But where do we stand in terms of personal relationships? I asked around and got very interesting answers.

The Riviera Maya is known for its vivid nightlife and some might think this is to blame for a lack of serious relationships and love. Mainly gay guys shared that point of view because they’ve been looking for love and have found no-one but party animals or one-night standers.

We know partying is a big part of life in Playa, but it is not all of it.

As a very touristic region, people tend to come and stay for a short time, usually a year or less. This is the challenge that we face. People want to enjoy their time here by partying in addition to other tourist activities. Travelers will usually only want to have multiple dates while they’re here, while others might go for open relationships.

Travelers usually have an open

Mike’s Movie Madness Mike reviews Thor: Ragnarok

BY MICHAEL RENOUF

The 25-40 year old community from Playa / Photo: Ginger M.

mind about life and realize that life is too short, so they cherish it as much as they can. They’re nomads, enjoying every single moment, and it’s a real thrill.

Others may want to hang on a little longer and have a more stable lifestyle. They want partners with whom to share their life adventures.

Generally speaking, as people get older, they want something serious.

It is not just a myth. While inquiring on Riviera Maya soil, I came to the conclusion that locals aged 30 to 50 are generally looking for something more serious. They have lived their multiple short love stories over and

over again and they have come to a point where they want to share life with someone special.

To conclude, times have not changed, they have evolved. People now put their career first, while in my parents’ days they got married first. People are looking to hold on to their freedom as long as they can until they get to a stage where they want to settle down. Does it mean they are really letting go of their freedom once they settle down? Let’s get a closer look at both sides in part II (Dates) and III (Serious Relationships) soon with testimonies from our beloved LGBT Playenses.

Thor: Ragnarok is the third film in the Thor franchise, which stars Aussie Chris Hemsworth in the lead role.

In my last review (Rush) he played a charismatic British racing driver. This time he portrays a charismatic Norse god. Director Taika Waititi comes at this film from a more comedic angle than the previous two. It is a bold move that pays off and a huge improvement on Thor Dark World, the second instalment. The director also plays the likeable Korg which he states is based on a typical Polynesian bouncer – large and heavy, but funny and friendly.

In the acting department all of the lead actors such as Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) put in decent turns. The best performances for me come from Hemsworth, Karl Urban (Skurge) and Cate Blanchett as Hela the Goddess of Death. The antipodean actress manages to portray Hela, Thor’s sister, as both menacing and sexy.

The storyline finds Thor on an

alien planet, forced into a gladiatorial battle against his old friend Hulk. He needs to win this conflict to get back and defend his home planet of Asgard from his evil older sibling and the threat from Ragnarok. To do this he has to try and team up with others, but is his adopted brother Loki trustworthy?

As well as strong acting and directing, we are treated to some excellent special effects. Keep your eyes open in the play scene for cameos from Matt Damon, Sam Neill and Hemsworth’s older brother Luke. Of course, Stan Lee shows up at some point in the film. As is usual with Marvel films you need to watch the incredibly lengthy credits to get to the hidden post-credit scene. This time you need to watch all the way to the end for a second one. In my last review, Chris Hemsworth was unlucky to miss out on star of the show, but this time I cannot deny him that honour. Thor: Ragnarok is a fun way to spend two hours. I would give this film a steady seven, but I think if you are a comic book fan you may well change that to a mighty nine.

20

ENTERTAINMENT

November 22 - December 5 2017

OHL Classic at Mayakoba 2017 B_ rhn p^k^g m _hkmngZm^ ^ghn`a mh Zmm^g] ma^ HAE <eZllb\ Zm FZrZdh[Z mabl r^Zk% p^ `bo^ rhn Z mZlm^ h_ ma^ ^qi^kb^g\^ Zm ma^ ^o^gm maZm aZl lhf^mabg` _hk ^o^krhg^

BY IAN MACKENZIE

T

he OHL Classic returned to Mayakoba from November 9-12. In addition to the outstanding golf on display by PGA TOUR professional players, there was much to admire about the organization of the event by the many employees and volunteers. This was my second year in attendance so I knew what to expect, but there are many things worth pointing out that made these four days of golf such a memorable experience.

Transportation for the day always began at Lot 11 where we would always find a van ready to take us to our destination. Our driver was a sixyear veteran of Mayakoba. We never had to wait more than five minutes

for someone to get us over to the golf course or back to our vehicle at the end of the day with speed, efficiency and professionalism. This was a welcome treat early in the morning and after a long day on our feet.

Golf is what we were there to see and we were fortunate to see some of the world’s best in action. For students of the game it was the chance to view up close and learn a few pointers about technique. As we moved around each hole and game was in play, a volunteer would hold up a sign reading SILENCIO. The spectators in the area would drop to a whisper as everyone’s attention was focused on the players in action. Golf is very much a walking game, and it was a great

The OHL Classic proved once again that it is more than a competition aimed at golf enthusiasts; it´s a unique blend of quality sport, outdoor fun, natural beauty and entertainment.

way to work up an appetite making the rounds of El Cameleon.

The food trucks parked around the golf course proved to be invaluable for those of us who were out there on foot. We found ourselves at one near the eighth hole, whose owner Edgar can usually be found selling his fish tacos on 38th Street in downtown Playa.

El Pueblito, the main entrance to the tournament was once again a great place to unwind after four days of spectating intense competition.

With several stalls serving food and drinks and live music, it was a lively atmosphere enjoyed by families and friends of all ages.

The OHL Classic proved once again that it is more than just a competition aimed at golf enthusiasts.

For those who live in the Riviera Maya or are visiting the region, it is a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful properties in the area, spend a few different days out with family and friends, and meet new people from all over the world. The event is a unique blend of quality sport, outdoor fun, natural beauty and entertainment. I’m already looking forward to next year!

Four days of golf / Photo: Ian MacKenzie

Renato with Arnold Schwarzenegger / Photo: Renato Lopez

A Lifetime of Music

BY TEENA CLIPSTON A few editions ago we met Renato Lopez, international musician, music industry giant, and co-founder of Wah Wah Beach Bar in Playa del Carmen.

Over the next two editions we will delve deeper into his musical career as recounted by him in interview with me.

Renato has sold millions of hit records throughout his musical career. He was the Artistic Director and producer for CBS, Columbia Records, RCA VICTOR, and Vice President of Walt Disney Records

- Disney Music Publishing for Latin America. He was inducted into the Mexican Encyclopedia of Rock for his exceptional musical career. Today, at 71 years of age, he continues to rock on as co-founder of Wah Wah Beach Bar, and leader of his band, The Jam Session Combo.

His musical path began early in his childhood and was greatly influenced by family members. His grandmother was the first Mexican to sing the opera of Puccini’s Giaconda, at la Scala de Milan, Italy. His musician grandfather was the Dean of Music, at the National

Conservatory of Mexico. The pair gave birth to Renato’s father, who became an accomplished singer and was awarded the title of Tenor of Mexico City.

“My father became the tenor of Mexico City. He was touring the world singing; he went to LA, to the MGM studios and sang for Clark Gable, Lana Turner, Jennifer Jones... He was a great singer. Then he lost his voice. And he became a composer and recorded a lot of songs that were very popular.

In the beginning, I didn’t play guitar - you know the New Kids on the Block, it was like that. I started learning to play guitar afterward, and suddenly we had a band called The Thunderbirds. And then we had a band called the Hurricanes. And then

it was The Sinners, one of the members died, and we decided to rebuild the band.

I became the new singer of The Sinners, and RCA Records signed us.

“The Sinners soon after left for the US. And I started playing with a band called Factory, for about a year, then joined the Tequila band.

“Richie Triujeque who plays with me at Wah Wah - he is still my guitarist – was the leader of Tequila in those days. He came to me and he said, ‘Hey I have a problem, I have a contract to go to Europe, but four of the guys in the band can’t go, so why don’t you join the band?’ Where? To Sweden. At the time I had a wife that was Swedish. And she was pregnant.

And she was also in Sweden. You can’t think of better timing than that.

And of course I said I am in. May 20, of 1970, we took off for Sweden.

The company was called Flamingo Music. Flamingo Music managed the Spotniks, Sunny Girls, Satanic Girls, The Gimmicks, The Moon Lighters, and Tequila Brass which was our band. They also had solo artists, and then there were two guys Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, who were, at that time, a duet.

They ended up forming the famous group ABBA. We toured with them when they were single artists across Europe.

After one and half years in Sweden, our band disbanded, some of the guys had to go back to Mexico, because they had families there. I already had a son and a daughter with my Swedish wife.

So I talked to the management again, in Sweden, they said bring whoever you want, or we can get new musicians here and form the Tequila band again.

So, here I go with a new contract. We created a second generation of Tequila.

We stayed there seven and half years, traveling Europe like crazy. We recorded an album together, and I recorded as a solo singer.”

Renato then returned to Mexico and continued his career as a musician and producer. Years later he became CBS Artistic Director, Head of the Artistic Department at RCA VICTOR, and Vice President of Walt Disney Records and Disney Music Publishing for Latin America. Join us next week to hear about that part of his career and what brought him to Playa del Carmen where he still resides today.

Read the full interview in the Entertainment section: www.theplayatimes.com

November 22 - December 5 2017

HEALTH

Be Your Best Friend – Not Your Worst Critic

BY SARA JONES

Music is good for health / Photo: Pixabay.com/rawpixel

Improve your Mood with Music Music can have many positive effects on our health and wellbeing

BY SARA JONES

H

ow do you improve your mood?

Such a question might elicit a range of responses. You may receive answers such as: talking to a close friend or family member, going for a walk, exercising, cuddling a pet, getting a massage, etc. Sooner or later you’re bound to encounter the response ‘I listen to music’.

When listening to music you enjoy, whatever it may be, your brain releases dopamine.

Dopamine is a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter that is released by the brain during a pleasurable activity. Yes, that includes sex, drugs, gambling, food and all manner of pleasures, both good and bad! In one study researching “moving music and dopamine release” David Huron, a music cognition researcher at Ohio State University, Columbus reported that “the findings suggest that, like sex and drugs, music may be mildly addictive”. Well, I’m happily addicted!

The benefits of music include: Enhanced creativity – lose yourself in music and you may just find a solution to a challenge you’re facing or inspiration to try something new.

Improved workouts – music can motivate us to achieve better results in our workouts, lift more, run faster, and com-

plete those last two push-ups.

Spiritual wellness – listening to divine mantras can be profoundly calming and uplifting. This is a practice that I have recently been introduced to and thoroughly enjoy.

A good friend of mine recently entered a tennis tournament. The morning after her first match I asked her how it went. She told me with such enthusiastic venom how terribly she had played, how pathetic her performance was and how embarrassing it was that she’d even entered. She said she was so annoyed at herself that early that morning at her regular tennis lesson she had just hit the tennis balls as hard as she could to work off her bad mood. Now bear in mind that my friend is one of the most supportive, caring and loving friends one could possibly have. I said to her “Be kinder to yourself. You know, if this had been anyone else you would never use such harsh words. You would tell them how great it is that they took part, that just entering the competition was an achievement in itself.”

She immediately realized what she’d done and knew that she would never speak to someone else like that, that she would always try to help others see the positive in the situation.

When asked “Who is your worst critic?”, most people will put their hand up and admit that they themselves are their own worst critic. How often do you admonish yourself for not being better, faster, stronger, kinder, calmer, thinner or fitter? Why do we speak to ourselves in a way we would never address even those we may dislike, let alone our friends?

What if we changed things around and spoke to ourselves the way we would our best friends, with support, love and encouragement?

We are responsible for looking after ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Let your inner voice be your strength and your guiding light rather than your worst critic and source of self-doubt. The first step is always awareness, and like everything, it will take some time for this to become a habit. Next time you become aware of criticizing yourself, simply replace the criticism with a compliment or caring words of support and encouragement. Think of something you would say to a friend you love and care about who found themselves in that situation. After all, you love and care about yourself, don’t you?

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com

When listening to music you enjoy, whatever this might be, your brain releases dopamine.

Recollection of memories – music can take us back to a time and place almost as powerfully as our sense of smell can.

Relaxation – calming music can help to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Combine this with some deep breathing and focus on being mindful and the benefits may be almost as good as meditating.

Induced sleep – listening to music with binaural beats can help your brain relax and help you fall asleep more easily.

Sara Jones Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant, Speaker and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com

Who is your worst critic? / Photo: Pixabay.com/Jill111

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ANIMAL WELFARE

November 22 - December 5 2017

Monkey Business Facts

BY NASH

Animals appreciate music too / Photo: Pixabay.com/DigiPD

The Effect of Music on Animals It is a well-known fact that feel-good music like Motown, reggae, and classical music played in animal shelters is calming for dogs and makes them less aggressive

BY NASH

W

e all have different preferences in music.

It moves us in different ways, whether it is calming, or makes us happy or even angry and irritated. Music is therapeutic; it evokes memories and emotions, good and bad. We all react differently to different melodies, and animals are no different. Whales and birds sing their own songs and other species make beautiful music, especially during mating season.

But do animals appreciate human tunes? Many do. Elephants have been known to dance to classical music, and there are many articles about cows that enjoy relaxing music. The University of Leicester researchers discovered that cows produced 3% more milk when they were listening to music by REM, Simon & Garfunkel and classical music, as opposed to hard rock music.

It is a well-known fact that feelgood music like Motown, reggae, and classical music played in animal shelters is calming for dogs and makes them less aggressive.

Upbeat music makes us feel happy and calm music lowers our heart rate; it only makes sense that it has the same effect on all animals As long as it is not heavy metal or hard rock, which causes an increase in anxiety.

Leaving music on during your absence will help calm a dog who suffers from separation anxiety.

Quick facts about the Spider Monkey • Their tail is used for balance, and it acts an extra limb with a hairless tip grooved like fingerprints, allowing them to grip and glide from tree to tree only holding on by their tail.

• Monkeys are excellent seed dispensers. Since they swallow fruits whole, the seeds are eventually passed, dispersed and fertilized by the feces.

• They can be dramatic. They growl or bark when threatened and vigorously shake the tree branches or break a branch off and let it fall to scare off the trespasser. They may even go as far as urinating or defecating on the would-be intruder.

• Babies intertwine their tails with their mom’s tail like a seat belt as they glide from tree to tree.

• Spider monkeys can travel 40 feet in just one swing, and they require vast stretches of jungle for foraging and play.

• They are incredibly strong and unpredictable.

• Females are typically the leader of the troop. They map out the best routes for

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foraging to ensure a variety of food and raise the young.

Although monkeys do not make suitable pets, many are captured and bred for the pet trade. Typically they are abandoned once they mature and prove hard to handle.

They are known to be thieves, so keep your eyeglasses, phones and other easy to grab belongings safe from their reach.

Although humans are their most significant threat, spider monkeys are eaten by snakes and big cats.

Sadly monkeys are still sold to laboratories where they are used for testing and suffer painful experiments which typically lead to death.

According to PETA, the US imprisons more than 105,000 primates in laboratories each year.

The spider monkey is listed on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. One species is listed as vulnerable, five as endangered and three are critically endangered. Humans have caused suffering to spider monkeys through captivity, hunting, capture for laboratories, the pet and entertainment industry and of loss of habitat.

Cats, as with many things in life, seem to be indifferent to music.

For the especially spoiled or even abused and nervous cats, there is specifically developed music created by researchers which is cat approved. These tunes soothe and alleviate anxiety.

These days there is music available which is specially produced for almost any animal, designed to reduce stress by a holistic method. It seems that chickens prefer classic music, Happy Egg Co. egg farmers and University of Bristol researchers found that the hens produce more eggs when they listen to classical music. Find out more here: soundcloud.com/ happyeggs/sets/top-of-the-flocks-relaxing-tracks-to-set-feathers-a-flutter Source: www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/03/06/285314648/ secret-life-of-cows-part-deux-milking-mood-music.

Spider monkeys are incredibly strong / Photo: Pixabay.com/4038246

SOS El Arca S.O.S el Arca is a non-profit, no-kill dog shelter in Playa del Carmen. We are privately funded, with no financial support from the government. We have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over 2000 injured, abused and abandoned dogs from the streets and the local dog pound, and we have

about 200 dogs in our care at all times. The dogs stay with us until we find them a forever home.

S.O.S is fundraising and working towards building an in-house veterinary clinic, enabling us to save on medical care and offer free sterilization to those in need to help control

the overpopulation and neglect of street dogs in Playa. If you love dogs, volunteer at the shelter providing socialization for the dogs. If you wish to volunteer, adopt or donate food, cleaning supplies or funds, please email info@ soselarca.org or WhatsApp: 984-132-0583.