Issue 1034, Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017

CUISINE

charity

Big BBQ’d Burgers

Corazón de Niña

Page 08

Page 33

VallartaTribune.com

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 Year 19 Free Issue 1034

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Juno Heliconians caught at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens Page 04 Featured Property Page 22

ADORABLE DOG FOR ADOPTION Page 15

festival sayulita Page 32

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos to the Ameca River and including Nuevo Vallarta.

BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare within Puerto Vallarta is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board a bus. Hold on to your ticket. This is your proof and insurance should anything happen.

Bus destinations are typically written on the front of the window.

Those with a ‘centro’ sign will drive through downtown Puerto Vallarta and those with a ‘tunel’ sign will drive through the tunnel roads that go behind the city.

TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person unless there are more than four passengers.

Take note of the taxi number on the outside door and where it picked you up. If you lose an item this information will be vital to attempting to get it back.

MONEY EXCHANGE: To exchange money you will need your passport. Best option is to use your bankcard to withdraw funds from any ATM machine.

ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

USING PESOS OR USD: Businesses must their prices in pesos and they may also post the prices in any other currency they choose.

They cannot refuse to accept pesos.

Some service staff may appreciate being tipped in USD and others in pesos. If you are concerned, ask.

TIPPING: How much and when you tip are personal choices and unless otherwise noted a 10-20%

tip on food and beverage and services is standard. Tip the kids and seniors who bag your groceries. They work exclusively for tips. Have change at the ready for musicians and clowns that ride the buses – typically tipping 5 pesos or less. Taxi drivers do not receive tips unless they go to extraordinary lengths.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water (at the source) is certified pure enough to drink. For many who live here long term, we drink from our taps with no issues.

For those on vacation, it may be better to stick to bottled water.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with a rescue animal is easy – and it’s easy to take them home with you. The process is quick and inexpensive. You need a certificate of health from a local vet with the appropriate inoculations, among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo hold of the plane may be your biggest challenge. Contact your airline to double-check their requirements.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you would not walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 15,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded.

There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that the system works much differently here than you are likely used to. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance.

LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM WITHIN MEXICO For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (U.S. and Canada country code is 1), so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number.

CALLING CELL PHONES (FROM A LAND LINE) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, the 10 digit number. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number.

PHONE CARDS Phone cards (tarjetas telefonicas) for use in pay phones can be bought at newsstands and in pharmacies.

Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a tarjeta LADA. CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. Those that do work are often not toll-free. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Emergencies: 911 Red Cross: 065 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Ahoy Cruisers!

NAME NORWEGIAN JEWEL CARNIVAL MIRACLE RUBY PRINCESS GRAND PRINCESS WESTERDAM VEENDAM ISLAND PRINCESS CARNIVAL MIRACLE WESTERDAM MS REGATTA RUBY PRINCESS AMSTERDAM

PASS DATE 2,240 02/01/2017 3,200 03/01/2017 2,600 03/01/2017 2,600 03/01/2017 1,266 04/01/2017 1,140 07/01/2017 2,600 07/01/2017 3,200 11/01/2017 1,266 11/01/2017 684 13/01/2017 2,600 14/01/2017 1,380 16/01/2017

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 Canadian Consulate 322.293.0098 322.293.0099 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

In port this month

In the month of January Puerto Vallarta welcomes 36,576 passengers!

RUBY PRINCESS GRAND PRINCESS ROTTERDAM ISLAND PRINCESS RUBY PRINCESS

2,600 2,600 1,400 2,600 2,600

24/01/2017 28/01/2017 31/01/2017 31/01/2017 31/01/2017

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

Cut out and put near your phone for handy reference

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editorial

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Editor’s

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

I

f you are reading this first thing Thursday, January 26 than I suggest you grab your calendar and pencil in the Los Mangos Library Art Auction which is scheduled for today at 6pm. Here, you will find new and established local and international artists presenting their art for sale and auction with proceeds supporting the fundraising efforts of Puerto Vallarta’s only library.

This is an excellent opportunity to become more familiar with the artists in our midst as well as screaming good deals - all to benefit a great cause.

A quick note that the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival planned for Thursday and Friday is now only on this Friday January 27. It’s taking place in Lazaro Cardenas Park in Old Town from noon-6pm. Open to the public this free event has about 10 local businesses from Vallarta and Bucerias (a town renowned for their fresh seafood) offering traditional and ‘avant guarde’ combinations of ceviche and aguachile (prawn ceviche). There is also live music and other events planned during the day. This will be a great family friendly event that highlights some of Mexico’s most famous flavours.

Saturday, we have the opening

of the new Los Mangos Mercado that features local producers offering for sale prepared foods, beverages, clothing, jewelry and more.

This is a huge boom to those outside of Old Town and a welcome addition to my weekly shopping travels. The new market will run every Saturday in the courtyard of the Los Mangos Library from 9:30-2pm.

I missed the opening of Tony Collantz new show at ART VallARTa because I was on a little road trip but I will be stopping by there before it closes on January 31. Tony is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most respected new artists and his work adorns many walls, apparently even more now, as the show was almost sold out on opening night.

Now that friends and family have left after the holidays, we finally had time to make a quick trip to La Manzanilla where we have family

and friends staying the season.

La Manz, as the locals call it, is a quick three-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta along an almost brand-new highway. Except for a couple kilometers still under construction the road is smooth sailing!

The town is an adorable mix of expat hippy chic and Mexican charm. There are a number of very good ‘trendy’ restaurants as well plenty of beachfront seafood restaurants, taco stands and such. I saw a few cute shops and galleries but we were on a tight schedule and I wanted to check out the near by beaches so I didn’t do any shopping (que milagro!). La Manz felt similar to San Pancho in size and vibe. If you haven’t made the trek this far south, it’s a relatively easy driving or you can catch a comfy bus from the station in Old Town to Melaque (20 kms further) and taxi back to La Manzanilla.

This Week: 3rd Annual Ceviche and Aguachile Festival

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he Third Annual Festival de Ceviche y Aguachile is a celebration of food to bring together local restaurants and foodies for a free, family-friendly event.

Participating restaurants include Puerto Vallarta’s The Beer Box Prime, Cuates y Cuetes, Tuna Azul, Happy Burros, Lamara, Taco Wheels.

This year’s event has two Bucerias restaurants attending the festival, Bob Chelero and Buzzos.

Vendors will be selling various versions of the traditional Mexican dishes, with tostadas priced around $15 pesos each.

This is a food festival that’s celebrating the local cuisine, ceviche and aguachiles, with live music and

folk dancing – making the festival a true Mexican celebration that’s definitely worth checking out.

The event is taking place on Friday January 27 from noon to 6:00pm in Parque Lazaro Cardenas (Lazaro Cardenas Park – Olas Altas and V. Carranza in Old Town). w w w. v a l l a r t a t r i b u n e . c o m / cevichefest

On the way home we stopped in Punta Perula very quickly just to see what we have been missing all these years. This huge crescent beach has a number of islands just off shore (good snorkeling!). On Saturday mid-afternoon there was a total of three people walking the beach. If you are looking for quiet, laid back place to read your book, do a little beachcombing, maybe some fishing or whale watching in a panga - this is the place. There are a number of vacation rentals and little hotels. I doubt you need a reservation outside of major holidays. The same bus that takes you to La Manz will drop you off on the highway here. A short walk or taxi ride will get you into town.

The Vallarta Tribune is a free, weekly publication that is supported by our advertisers and contributors.

If you get a chance please let them know you appreciate their contribution to the local communities in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

There are some small changes to the newspaper - updated welcome information (thanks to some suggestions from our readers) and you can now find all the events listed online at Vallartatribune.com AND you can add your own events to the calendar. The Vallarta Tribune is making strides in being more accessible and a useful reference tool for expats and visitors alike. Our online experience is much easier to navigate and the newspaper distribution is being consolidated to offer more papers in easier to reach places, including at Chac Mool in Chacala! Thank you to Lindy Laing for helping get us to our other favourite beachtown!

That’s it for me this week!

Please remember to tip well. Don’t touch the wildlife. Pick up your litter.

Say no to plastic straws. And hug a tourist (or at least help them if they look lost)!

Safe travels, Madeline

My apologies to Los Mangos Library and those who are using pen in their calendars! Last week I rushed and transposed some important details. The Los Mangos Library Art Auction is Thursday, January 26. It begins at 6pm – do not delay this is a fabulous event for a great cause!

On Saturday, January 28 the first Los Mangos Mercado will kick off at 9:30am – This is a welcome addition to the neighbourhoods surrounding Los Mangos Library. See you there!

Letters to the Editor Dear Madeline, I read with some dismay Virginia Fox’s story about swimsuit shopping, and becoming a mature woman. I am glad she has learned to accept her body and get out and enjoy life and Vallarta’s beautiful beaches.

I would highly recommend she and others feeling the same apprehension about bathing suit shopping to come and visit me at La Sirena Reina - THE place in Puerto Vallarta for women’s quality bathing

suits - in all sizes, 6 to 16, 18W to 24W I work the store myself, and can hardly be considered a waif, and never toss my hair - I am just a normal woman, who likes to help other normal woman find a great swimsuit they can feel fabulous in.

Come and visit me at Juarez 174, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, and see how pleasant and even fun swimsuit shopping can be.

Robina Oliver La Sirena Reina

nature

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Big beautiful butterflies and moths too!

Delights found in Yelapa, Vallarta and San Sebastian

By Moralea Milne Photos by Moralea Milne

T

he nature and beauty of Mexico’s rich and diverse ecosystems seduce me time and time again. I have visited Puerto Vallarta at least ten times in the last five or six years, Oaxaca almost as often and yet, there is a never a trip that doesn’t produce astonishing new and marvellous experiences.

I’m a self-confessed butterfly and moth enthusiast, not by any means an expert, but seeking to capture their beauty and diversity in photographs gives my life meaning and joy. The study of each species, their habitats, and ecological roles brings me a deepening understanding of the critical importance of preserving the still wild landscapes that have nurtured this biological centre of diversity.

Mexico is known to have over 1750 species of butterflies and many more thousands of species of those nocturnal butterflies more commonly known as moths. And where butterflies flourish, so do other equally interesting life forms: dragonflies, orchids, parrots, turtles, wild cats; the list is breathtaking in its complexity.

On my latest, far too short, sojourn to Vallarta, I found thirty different butterfly species within five blocks of my daughter’s home and would certainly have found more if I hadn’t been wracked by the Canadian cold that I had imported with me. Visits to Yelapa, San Sebastian del Oeste and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens provided rich grounds for

A solitary Little Yellow poses at the Vallarta Botanical gardens the hunt, amassing photos of over 80 species in ten too short, cough plagued days.

The combination of mountains, relatively undisturbed dry and tropical rain forests, the river, and flowering plants, gave Yelapa the win for most species and it is on

my list for additional visits at other times of the year.

San Sebastian del Oeste is situated about 1.5 hours east of the Bay of Banderas, a charming former mining town set in the midst of one of my favourite landscapes, a pine forest not so dissimilar from the ones I love in British Columbia’s Southern Interior. There were fewer species here but the area deserves a good long visit, as a balm for the soul if nothing else.

I managed to photograph a stunning American Lady there that was worth the trip by itself. I also noticed a couple of brightly coloured day-flying moths that rivalled the beauty of any butterfly.

No trip to Vallarta is ever complete for me without a stop at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Here I find many obliging species that rest often on the gorgeous floral displays, providing photographic opportunities that even an amateur can capture!

A courting pair of Juno Heli-

nature

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Juno Heliconians caught at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

American Lady found in the forests of San Sebastian

conians were a visual delight as they played out their mating dance on the petals of some fading pink zinnias. A number of butterfly species use the zinnias as a nectar source and a solitary Little Yellow used them to pose in the perfect photographic composition.

Plant zinnias if you’d like to attract butterflies to your yard! Of course as well as a food source, butterflies also need places to lay their eggs and many species are quite particular as to which plant they will use. Junos and a number of other large and colourful species lay their eggs on members of the passionflower family. If you’ve planted passionflowers, do let the caterpillars eat the plants, you’ll

be rewarded with flying jewelled displays, even if the plants themselves look used and bedraggled.

The American Lady I mentioned uses members of the sunflower family as a host plant on which to lay its eggs and the Little Yellow uses the pea family, particularly partridge pea and sensitive plant (Cassia sp).

Whether you are a native Mexican, a transplant or a visitor, you are fortunate to be in a country of ancient lineage, blessed with an astonishing diversity of life forms.

Please take the time to notice the natural beauties the surround you, and do your part to ensure the possibilities for wonder remain far into the future.

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

news

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico names new ambassador to United States Mexico and Canada prepare T for trade talks Peña Nieto, Trudeau chat ahead of meetings next week with US President Donald Trump

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resident Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed during a telephone conversation yesterday to work together to continue pushing for the economic integration of North America, the president’s office said. But Canada may well go its own way to protect its own interests with regard to its trade relationship with the U.S. Both leaders are preparing for meetings next week with the new United States president, Donald Trump, in which trade will likely be the chief topic. Trump has made it clear he wishes to renegotiate or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Saturday that Peña Nieto and Trump would meeting in Washington January 31, a meeting will be preceded by others this week when Foreign Affairs Secretary Luis Videgaray and Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal head to Washington for discussions with members of Trump’s administration.

The president’s office said trade, immigration and security would be on the agenda.

Peña Nieto congratulated Trump on taking office when the two spoke by telephone on Saturday. A statement released by Peña Nieto’s office said the president expressed Mexico’s willingness to work on an agenda that would benefit both countries with a focus on respect for sovereignty and shared responsibility.

The Canadian prime minister’s office released a statement yesterday summarizing the telephone discussion between Trudeau and Peña Nieto. It said they “spoke about the importance of the Canada-Mexico bilateral relationship, and of the trilateral North American partnership.”

But the latter will depend largely on Donald Trump, whose statements regarding trade have emphasized the importance of trade deals that are favorable to the U.S. Remarks yesterday by Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. indicate a possibility that Trump’s protectionist platform could well splinter the accord, the Financial Post reported.

David MacNaughton said Canada will consider bilateral trade measures during NAFTA negotiations, which could mean moving ahead without Mexico. “I can’t speak for the Mexicans,” he told reporters in comments echoed by Canada’s trade minister. “We will cooperate on trilateral matters when it’s in our interest and we’ll be looking to do things that are in our interest bilaterally also. Some of them may be within NAFTA, some may not be.”

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

he head of the North American Development Bank, Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernandez, will be Mexico’s new ambassador in Washington, the Mexican government said last Friday.

Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the appointment in a statement that also said Mexico’s current ambassador in the United States, Carlos Manuel Sada Solana, will become undersecretary for North America. Sada represented Mexico at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Gutiérrez’s appointment requires ratification by the Mexican senate.

In his new job, Gutiérrez will face Trump’s promise to build a border wall and deport thousands of immigrants.

Prior to his post at the bank, Gutiérrez served as Mexico’s undersecretary for

North America and undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean.

He has been the managing director of the bank in San Antonio, Texas, since 2010.

It offers low-interest financing to projects aimed at improving environmental and living conditions in communities along the U.S.Mexico border, such as water supply and waste treatment improvements, identified

by its sister organization, the Juárez, Mexico-based Border Environment Cooperation Commission.

The bank was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement and began operations in November 1994 with capitalization from both countries. Trump has said he wants to renegotiate the agreement known as NAFTA. Eligible projects must be located within about 62 miles north of the Arizona, California, New Mexico or Texas boundaries with Mexico, according to the NADBank website. Eligible projects for Mexico must be within 186 miles south of the U.S. border in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Sonora and Tamaulipas.

-Associated Press

Puerto Vallarta to get flights from Finland Weekly flights expected to bring visitors from other Nordic countries as well

M

exican tourism officials are hoping a new flight from Finland to Puerto Vallarta will help open a new

market.

Finnair will begin offering weekly flights next November from Helsinki, the Mexico Tourism Board has announced.

The Sunday flights, which will operate from November 19 until March 18, 2018, mark the first time in history that a scheduled, non-charter flight flies from Europe’s Nordic countries to Mexico during the winter season.

The airline will use an Airbus A350 for the 12-hour flight, whose fare will run between EUR 400 and 700 (US $425-$750).

Puerto Vallarta tourism spokesman Luis Villaseñor said it is hoped the new service brings visitors from Sweden, Norway and Russia as well as Finland. Nordic countries have never been a significant source of tourists in Mexico, said Villaseñor, who hopes to see that change.

He predicted that the flight’s frequency could double in the 2018 season if results were favorable.

The Mexico Tourism Board sees the Nordic countries as representing a strong growth opportunity. The region offers a potential 40.7 million tourists, of which Finland accounts for 21%.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

What to do if you see a turtle laying eggs Maintain a minimum 10m distance If you take photos, don’t use a flash Don’t block the turtle from returning to the ocean Don’t step on or dig around the nest area Report it to the Department of Ecology at 322 160 3279

Enjoy this miracle of nature!

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local

New Year’s Resolutions: New Bylaws for your HOA?

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano Farias

roberto@ortizdemontellano.com

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano is a Mexican-Licensed Attorney at Law with over twenty years of professional legal experience. He started his own practice in Puerto Vallarta two years ago. His areas of expertise focuses primarily on Real Estate Law, Business Law and Estate Planning. www. ortizdemontellano.com

Why do I need a Notary Public if I’m buying property in Mexico?

If you have been through any legal or bureaucratic process in Mexico, you probably have noticed that here we love our paper.

Because our legal system is Civil Law everything must be written in order to be proven and valid. Also, contrary to what happens in AngloSaxon countries, it is part of our culture to have a certain degree of distrust when engaging in any transaction and therefore we need to document everything and provide as much formality as possible to that transaction.

This is why here in Mexico if you are buying real estate, your purchase contract must be signed before a Notary Public and granted in a public deed.

So what is the difference between a Notary Public in Mexico and a Notary Public in the U.S.?

Here a Notary Public is a person empowered by the Mexican government to validate and give formality to certain acts. Even though the basis of this role is the same as in the US (to certify that someone’s

signature is on a piece of paper), in Mexico the Notary has a more extended field of work because by law the use of a Notary is mandatory if you are executing certain contracts or performing certain acts. In Mexico, a Notary Public must also have a law degree and they must pass something similar to a bar exam to be granted a Notary license. All real estate transactions in Mexico that exceed a certain amount, must be performed before a Notary Public.

The Notary Public is neutral.

They won’t represent either buyer or seller. Notaries are required by law to verify certain facts regarding the transaction brought before them (such as if there is a lien on the property that is being sold), but it is not the role of the Notary to negotiate the terms of a contract with your counterpart or to provide you with legal advise on your transaction.

The Notary represents the state government and must act in an impartial manner according to what is established in the Notarial Law. You must be aware that here in Mexico we have different kinds of Notaries.

Most of them are competent, knowledgeable and they follow the law, but every now and then you can find those who don’t exactly fit into that description. If you are buying property in Mexico, choosing the right Notary is extremely important because your investment will be protected and therefore you will have peace of mind.

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

cuisine

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Flipping Out Over Big, BBQ’d Burgers

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ost New Year’s resolutions these days involve doing less of something such as promising yourself to do less dining out or spending money. The New Year’s resolution for the Vallarta Tribune is the exact opposite of that.

To do less dining out, we say, “Table for four, please!” Eating healthy in

2017? “Wheel that dessert cart over to this table, por favor.”

While most people are promising to trim back this year, we’re planning to take it up a notch with this new column called XXX. In it you will find reviews for restaurants, both established and new to the scene, listicles (think of any Top 5 article), recipes, and upcoming events (Hello, 3rd Annual Ceviche and Aguachile

Photo courtesy of Joe Jack’s Fish Shack Facebook

By Matt McCue

Festival!) that any foodie would appreciate attending.

We’re extremely lucky to live in a city with such a diverse restaurant scene, with some exceptionally talented individuals creating worldclass dishes and dining experiences for the locals and tourists to the area.

This column will introduce you to the chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs that are creating memorable dining experiences each day.

It’s the mission of this author to search the restaurant scene for the underappreciated talent hiding within the Puerto Vallarta area, so that you can discover restaurants that may not otherwise be found. Our focus is on providing a reliable and transparent directory for our readers to use to plan amazing dining experiences - that means that advertisers won’t be the only establishments to receive favorable treatment within this column. Live vicariously through the Vallarta Tribune to keep your New Years resolution in tact, and follow us into kitchens of some of the restaurants that call Vallarta home.

In the humble opinion of this author, life in Puerto Vallarta couldn’t exist without a few places to go for a superb burger. We’re talking thick and

juicy patties that are flame-kissed to perfection.

When one has a hankering for a burger with all the fixins’, more than a few places instantly come to mind.

Thankfully, you won’t find a clown, a king, or a tuba solo (inside joke for the Canadians) at any of the following restaurants.

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, Derby City Burgers, and El Torito Sports Bar and BBQ House - all located in Old Town - are famous for their superior burgers. Las Adelitas, located behind Costco, dishes out a solid burger (among other great BBQ’d dishes), however, they lose a couple points for serving generic ketchup in Heinz bottles. C’mon, guys.. you ain’t fooling anyone.

Inside the Hotel Zone’s Plaza Genovesa you’ll find the expat favourite, Blake’s Restaurant; and nearby in Plaza Caracol is the Guadalajara chain, Cuarto de Kilo (translates to ‘quarter of a kilo’, a reference to their 8oz patties). The Marina has the Argentine grill Taco Tango, with a BBQ strategically-placed right at the entrance to their restaurant (look for their ad in this issue with a coupon for a free margarita); and The Beer Box Prime, which boasts an extensive selection of Mexican microbrews and Mezcals to accompany your meal.

Vallarta isn’t all about taco stands (although we have our favourites) or grilled fish on a stick; there are plenty of places in town when only a burger will cut the mustard.

Hopefully this list will help you discover your new favourite burger joint in PV.

Olas Altas Farmers’ Market This week at the Farmers’ Market you will find great things!

Meet Karen Mical Designs

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ARO

s Alta arket s a l O ZA ers’ M RAN R Farm A OC U VEN

STIA

BA S You can also connect with Karen Mical Designs at +1 (603) 898 5488 US and +52 (322) 113 2191 Mexico and at karenmical@yahoo.com.

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AD IO B

IGNACIO L. VALLARTA

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PINO SUAREZ

aren and David Mical design beautiful and colorful beads made from polymer clay and turn them into stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

Karen and David have been artists for many years working with water colors, stained glass and leather. They discovered they had a passion for polymer clay and playing and experiment with it. Now that they’re retired and are living their dream in beautiful Puerto Vallarta for the past four years, the Micals enjoy the relaxing lifestyle of “sitting on their terrace and making beads.”

They are not painted, “We take the raw clay, mix the colors for each series then make canes and sheets of clay with different techniques to make the beads,” explains Karen. “The finished beads are baked at low temperatures and then polished on a buffing wheel. Once they are baked they are durable and light weight.

The beads are then assembled into jewelry.”

In their fourth season at the market the Micals feel they are very fortunate to be doing what they love. They create new pieces every week, wowing their customers with color combinations, design and the comfortable fit of each unique piece.

“We have so much fun meeting new people from all over the world,” says Karen. “Our friends always stop by to say hello and now you can, too! Stop by to visit us this Saturday and pick out your favorite one-of-a-kind piece.”

I L LO

Located in Park Lazaro Cardenas, Old Town in Puerto Vallarta. Find us on Facebook at Olas Altas Farmers Market.

Olas Altas Farmers’ Market With 88 booths of “Handmade and Homegrown” the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market offers live music, tacos, tamales, meat pies, jams and jellies, pizza, Thai food, peanuts, sprouts, cheeses, bagels, Mexican crafts and jewellery.

We’re open from 9:30 to 2:00 pm every Saturday from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in April.

We’re located in the Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. For only 14 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath the park.

@

Basilio Badillo 326 Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 322.223.3889 www.banderassoapblends.com

Tel: (322) 159-6649 tu_postre@yahoo.com

Cakes, cookies, sweet breads, sticky buns, etc.

We make gluten free and sugar free items too!

Pasteleria y Reposteria/Bakery

Cell. 322 134 4162 MEXICO, (952) 583 0329 USA & CANADA info@muchococo.com www.muchococo.com

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Paradise

From Here Marcia Blondin

W

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

marciavallarta@gmail.com hat are you doing for Valentine’s Day? I have a great suggestion!

Right inside the main entrance to Galerias Vallarta, there will be an art exhibition’s Grand Opening. Join me in congratulating artist Francisco Partida for putting this show together. Look for an interview in The Tribune next week.

The Third Annual Guadalupe Church Benefit Concert took place last week.

It was glorious! To listen to some of my favourite Baroque composers in that environment – soaring ceilings and rarified air - was so moving. Every performer professional, and giving their magnificent gifts of music – for free – was amazing. I haven’t heard how much money was raised to help repair our beloved church but will let you know when I know. This free concert was the brainchild of Canadian David Boz of Victoria, B.C. and, according to those in attendance there were significantly more people this year than last and certainly more than the first year. That being said, I plan to help this group of mostly Canadians do this again next January and hope to have the church steps holding the overflow.

I would have loved a program to have as a keepsake of such a beautiful evening, but there were no funds for printing. Next year… I briefly have to thank Shanti Doelger who pushed me to come to listen (she played the organ beautifully). Also to David with whom I would like to speak more before next year’s concert. David

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

plays piccolo trumpet that I have heard in recordings but had never heard solo, live.

(Just FYI, a piccolo trumpet is half the size of a regular trumpet and an octave higher – a sound I immediately tie to baroque music, right after the harpsichord.) Thank you to all the performers and to all who attended and pitched in some money to keep Guadalupe beautiful.

(Here’s a thought to throw out to Paco Ojeda: how about next January doing a night on the piccolo trumpet for your Music Appreciation series “El Placer de Escuchar”? Thought number two: perhaps invite David Boz; he will quite likely be here.)

The other very cool thing I did last week was go to Nathalie’s party. It was ART VallARTa’s Opening Night to celebrate the artwork of Tony Collantez. The show will run to January 30th and if you are “in the market” for one of Tony’s masterpieces I suggest you get there pronto! Half his paintings were sold by the end of the first night. They will remain, I assume until THE DOOR closes on the exhibit.

Friend and fellow columnist in The Vallarta Tribune, Michael Nolan was there. We grabbed a few minutes to chat – his Guadalajara University Radio Show has doubled to two hours. It’s called Good Morning Wake-up Show. Hear it in English, Saturday, 9 am, 104.3 FM. If I had a radio I would listen; that’s it, From Here!

Playing All Day

B

eing an educator of young children and the coordinator of the American School of Puerto Vallarta’s early childhood program, I often hear people commenting on how great my job must be, in that I just “play all day”. In my own, cozy little mind, lives a tiny creature with a very sarcastic bent to its character and a talent for wicked comebacks.

It clamors to respond to this comment.

But I’m a very nice Canadian who really doesn’t like embarrassing people, so I punch the creature down and answer with a smile and a “you bet!”

In reality, I do many things, most of which cannot even be loosely interpreted as playing.

I am the Director of the Efficient Flow of Classroom Traffic, the Mediator of All Things Contentious Including Who is Actually “It” for Tag, the Facilitator of the Heated Debate on Topics which Seem to Be Going Nowhere Whatsoever, the Teller of What Had Better Be Interesting Stories, and the Wizard of the Three Second Shoe Tie. And yes, we do play. We play a lot. Most people are in two schools of thought regarding play in our early childhood programs of today.

On one side we have the people who would agree that play is essential in our preschool classrooms because children love to do it.

After all, childhood is as fleeting as a young mother’s time alone in the bathroom, and they should be allowed to enjoy it as long as it lasts.

On the other side we have people who would agree that play is good and should happen, but that nowadays we need to prepare our children for life and also for primary school, and that the children’s educational time should not be completely spent playing, especially if parents are going to pay for it.

So there should be some evidence that work is being done in addition to some fun on the playground.

I would like to throw my hat into this ring with a third viewpoint. What if play was not only a fun, relaxing part of childhood?

What if play wasn’t just a way to unwind?

What if, in actuality, play was the vehicle through which a young child viewed and interpreted her world? What if play was the way a young child learned best? What if, weird as it might sound, play is a child’s work? This is, indeed, the findings of a great deal of current research being put into practice around the globe in many early childhood programs, and one that you’ll find in my own kindergarten classroom. You’ll also find me, sometimes in the middle of a busy bakery where students

have built themselves an oven, a Mixmaster, and a pastry cutter out of cardboard and toilet paper rolls. Sometimes I’ll be found outside in a cardboard box igloo that students created with the help of an architect and an experienced igloo builder (my dad).

Very often I won’t be able to shake your hand because mine will be covered in paper mache paste, paint, or sand, or all three, depending on the current investigation we are conducting.

You see, play can be purposeful, an intentional medium that educators use to spark the children’s curiosity and imagination.

It can be a tool used to inspire a reluctant writer to create a blueprint for a castle that we then work on together, or a list of materials they need in order to build a veterinarian’s x-ray machine. It can be a way to motivate children to dig into texts to learn about the first men who walked on the moon so we could take a trip ourselves outside on the playground.

It can be a looking glass that helps interpret confusing concepts to a young child for whom language doesn’t come as easily as it does to others.

To be honest, my job would be a lot easier if I could hand out some things to trace and a book to fill out. If I could just read a story or two, hand out some stickers and then send them out to kick the ball around, I would probably have a lot more free time after school.

But I choose, instead, to teach children the way they learn, which take a lot of planning, investigation. It usually makes a very big mess. But the pay off, in spades, are students who seek answers to problems even when they don’t have to and a happy, loud, busy classroom where we learn because we really want to know.

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QUE PASO AT UdG CUC

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Finding Your Happy

Michael Nolan

Rhonda Zarate

104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

Michael Nolen is the host of ‘The Good Morning Wake Up Show,’ which is broadcast as part of the University of Guadalajara’s 104.3 FM radio station at the CUC campus in Puerto Vallarta.

Every Saturday at 9 AM

Rhonda Zarate is a Life Coach, Speaker & Author. You can find her book “Find Your Happy Planner” on Amazon. Check out her website, rhondazarte.com to see what she is up too.

Wishing you a happy day!

Never Presume You Will Have A Tomorrow

M T

he spring semester is in full swing with over 5000 students enrolled. There are always lots of big events and this year will be no exception. The FICPV 17 (International Festival Cinema in Puerto Vallarta) will run from March 13 to 24.

This years featured country is Germany.

Free Classes For Seniors Enrolment for the 2017 SUAM classes is now open and classes begin soon. The University of Guadalajara, Coastal Campus (SUAM PROGRAM) was created in 2012 with the main objective to integrate and educate senior citizens in the region. It is designed to offer academic, intellectual, recreational and artistic courses and the opportunity for social interaction for people over the age of 60.

SUAM offers to meet the particular needs of the individual users and offers courses and workshops in a variety of different and interesting areas, such as Art and Culture, Computing and Languages, Humanities, Health and Psychology.

SUAM courses and workshops: Generally courses are about 20 hour’s in duration and are spread over two and a half months. Students can spend 2 – 4 hours each week depending on their objectives and the contents of the course.

Schedule: 9am to 2 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm Saturday.

SUAM offers the following classes and activities: Health, Tai Chi, Yoga, Nutrition Humanities, Family Law Wonders of the world: Art, History, Literature, and Nature.

Regional architecture and the Western Mexico Mountains.

Natural richness of the Bay of Banderas Poetry and reading workshops Computing – Basic and intermediate levels Languages- Basic and Intermediate level English and Spanish

Dance, Drawing and Painting, Creativity with recycled material.

Cooking and Popular culture.

For more information contact the SUAM Program At 322 226 2200 EXT. 66290 or 66304 or suam@cuc.udg.mx If you are one of the many people who want to take beginners or intermediate Spanish, Dr. Cecilia Shibya PH.D and her staff encourages you to enroll ASAP. You can enroll at ceciliasshibya@hotmail.com CINEMA CUC As many of you know every Wednesday and Friday at 1pm the UdG shows movies in the air-conditioned auditorium.

The ones on Wednesday have a musical theme, and on Friday the movies are from around the world.

On February 1 we will be showing a 1970 concert by THE DOORS with lead singer Jim Morrison. And later in February we will be showing concerts of Diego el Cigala, Muse and Led Zeppelin. For a full listing go to the UdG CUC web site: www.cuc.udg.mx Please if you have any questions email me at 104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com Till next week, “Remember: Y’all is singular. All y’all is plural. All y’all’s is plural possessive.”

y heart is happy and sad all at the same time. A beautiful friend passed in the middle of the night last week.

Isabelle was in her late eighties; she lived a grand life full of beauty and heart. She was as stubborn as the day was long; full of laughter and kindness twinkled from her eyes. She was the mother of a chosen sister of mine and loved her large, adoring big beautiful family that she bragged about any given a chance.

We will forever be grateful for her gifts she shared with the world role modeling on how to do life just right.

The gift that I was not expecting that touched my life today was when I sent word to my son›s that she had passed. I was shocked at how quickly both my boys responded spontaneously from their hearts.

One said, « he would be mad at me if I died, so don›t do it!» The other said,» he actually would rather choose to die before me as he could not stand the thought of losing me.”

Well, let me tell you if any of you have raised teenage sons, a text like that can almost have a Mother fall off her chair in shock! I sat dumbfounded staring at their words. First of all that they thought like this, secondly that they said it out loud, and lastly, they felt it? My heart was moved beyond words.

My thoughts shifted back Isabelle and a deep sense of gratitude for her parting gift to me that this conversation would never have happened if she had not been in my life. Then I thought I needed to prepare my sons for my

undoubted passing, never anything anyone wants to think about.

We all know that life is a magnificent gift that each of us cherishes. Someday that gift will be called to be given back. I am not sure why we all think, that this will never happen to us or anyone that we love?

Well, it does, sometimes too early, too late or too often. It never makes a lot of sense to anyone.

The pain that comes with it can just be shattering to one›s little heart, almost too much to bare but we all seem to get through it. Time does heal that initial pain; I am not sure if it ever goes a way it just dulls.

What does make sense, what I do know for sure is we all are given the gift of knowing.

The knowing that we all are on borrowed time!

Yes, we all know this but keep messing around with petty disagreements, or being too busy, juggling too many balls in the air.

We can spend too much time on social media instead of picking up the phone to call your loved ones.

The good news is, if you are reading this you are alive, and it is NOT TOO LATE. Do make the call. Do knock on the door. Do whatever it is you need to do to fix whatever needs fixing in your life. Tell those who you love that you love them. Make time to spend time with the ones who are important to you.

It is as easy as that.

This, my friend, is something you will never regret. Unspoken words that you chose not to say will be an opportunity that will never pass your way again.

Homework: Make the call. Take action to ensure everyone who you love knows what they mean to you.

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events Mercado Los Mangos Opens This Saturday

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Y

ou're invited to join us on the opening day of Puerto Vallarta’s newest outdoor market, Mercado Los Mangos! Gates will open on Saturday, January 28th at 9:30am at Biblioteca Los Mangos

located at Av. Francisco Villa 1001.

The market runs until 2 pm each Saturday. Mercado Los Mangos is a “buy local” market offering a great selection of locally produced artisan products. Live music and

entertainment, a food area with international dishes made on site and a children’s craft tent will make Mercado Los Mangos the “place to be” for kids and kids at heart.

“We are very excited about

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13 the upcoming opening day,” says Adriana Garcia, Executive Director of Biblioteca Los Mangos. “Many of the vendors are veterans of Vallarta's market scene, and have spent years serving high quality foods and products. They'll continue to do that at Mercado Los Mangos, but with a focus on the locals in our surrounding neighborhoods.”

Stop by this Saturday and connect with the following vendors: Artisan Foods & Beverages - You'll love the pure quality and health benefits of Imperial Bee's organic honey.

- La Vaka Gorda is dedicated to the artisan creation of its plain and flavored Greek Style Yogurt - Amp up your entrees with Muy Green's chimichurri , tzatziki and sweet pickles.

- Productos Tonan serves up rich and savory guacamole, pico de gallo, chilli sauce and totopos.

- Quench your thirst with Refresca Aguas Artesanales' natural fruitand herb-flavored waters.

- Saluday's granola and granola bars will help you get a jumpstart on the day.

- Top your sandwich or eat them straight from the jar. You'll love the

pickels and vinegars of Tizate.

Baked Goods - Decadent and hand baked, O croissant's baked goods are a must-have.

- “Heavenly” – that's what we use to describe Pavovla Pasteleria's sweet and savory baked goods.

- Sweet Vibes Artesanal Bakery brings nutrition and deliciousness to the table with its variety of sweet goodies.

- Nobody does flour tortillas and buñuelos like Tortillas de harina "La Regia.”

Desserts - Helados YOYOMO blends fresh fruit and natural flavors to create its yoghurt, milk, and water-based popsicles.

- La Nieveria's ice cream is all-natural and handmade for the creamiest flavor and texture.

- Xocodiva's individual chocolates and confections are hand-crafted daily using only the freshest local ingredients and high quality chocolate.

Fashion & Accessories - Fun and funky, Calicó's jewelry will turn any outfit into a conversation piece.

- Dressart offers one-of-a-kind

dresses and accessories handmade for Gypsy souls.

- SASSY's clothing and accessories adds the “fashion” to “fashionista”!

Food Made On Site - Indulge in the tasty flavors of Taco Tango's Argentinean food.

- Tortillas, quesadillas, corn pizza and corn chips – watch how Todo Maiz makes these Mexican favorites. Then dig in and stock up!

Pets - Care for your four-legged best friend with Alquimiate's dog treats, shampoo, insect repellent and heathy oils.

- Keep your pet comfy and cozy with plush beds from Ganeshop.

Mercados Los Mangos will be open every Saturday from 9:30am-2pm through the last Saturday in May 2017. Cash and debit/credit cards will be accepted.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, pick up an application at the library or email mercadolosmangos@gmail.com. For questions, contact Adriana Garcia at +52 322 224 99 66.

For a complete list of library classes, events, and services, visit bibliotecalosmangos.com.

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Salon I-III

Salon VI-VIII

10:00

Reflux Disease – I Have Heartburn!

Dr. Armando Joya

Focal Treatments in Prostate Cancer; The New Way to Cure Dr. Carlos Garcia

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Heart Disease in Women; New Concepts in Prevention and Management Dra. Laura Garcia/Dr. Adolfo Curiel Chronic Illness & Discovering the Actual Source Dr. Omar Morales Why Acupuncture?

Mari Torres

Aging & Hearing Loss; What You Need to Know and How to Prepare Dr. Diaz-Nuñez & Dra. Christina Boover Beauty & the Breast Dr. Miguel Saldaña

Everything You Need to Know About Hip Problems Dr. Alberto Marron Ozone – Non-surgical Option for Back Problems Dr. Manuel Hernandez

Oral Health Enemies Dr. Octavio Lomeli

Medical Matters Pam Thompson

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

Pamela Thompson operates HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a multi-faceted, independent, resource network that is here for your total health and well-being. We offer assistance to help find a physician, hospital and diagnostic service for any healthcare needs. www.healthcareresourcespv.com

Upcoming Medical Matters Event and Other Matters

W

e are in the home stretch preparing for Medical Matters 2017! Save the date! This is an opportunity to have a chat with healthcare providers from the Banderas Bay area. We have eighteen speakers this year, a record amount and running three rooms simultaneously of speakers is going to be a huge challenge but we can do it (thanks go my stellar group of volunteers!). I urge you to plan your day ahead of time and during the day take a break to enjoy a meal at one of the several restaurants at the Hotel Marriot (with a discount as an attendee!).

Please know that this event is for all nationalities. Some people think because the US flag is on the flyer, it is only for US citizens.

Not true!

The Canadian Consular Agent, Adam, will be there as well (and we welcome him!).

This year (new!) we will have drawings for prizes for those attending the event. If you have something that you would like to donate for a drawing, please contact me.

There are many with colds/flu right now and many who say they have been sick for a month or so but for whatever reason, chose to self-medicate or ignore their symptoms.

By the time they see a proper physician,

they have developed pneumonia and end up being hospitalized. Please people, don’t wait too long!

We continue our interview from last week with Christina Boover, our audiologist as she tells us about her charity, which is called “Speech, Hearing and Balance Institute”.

She says: “I’ve been travelling to Vallarta, Honduras and Nicaragua since 2008.

We have developed several programs at schools and orphanages to dispense free/ used hearing aids to people that cannot afford proper care. Here in Puerto Vallarta, I have worked with children and veterans.

The generosity of one person (Murray Macham) who collects hearing aids from all over Canada and sends them to my Colorado office has helped so many people here!”

If you have a hearing problem, need hearing aids or a hearing test, we urge you to contact Christina! Her office is located at Vallarta Medical Center.

Does anyone else feel like this is the busiest “high season” we have had in many years?

It surely feels like it. I know we are all crazy busy but if we take a moment to assist a tourist we see that has that “lost look” standing on a corner with a map it would be nice – myself included.

Awhile back, I did an article on “Pick Your Passion” – explaining the need for a group of volunteers to assist in various situations with patients. I am so very pleased to say we now

12:00

1:00

2:00

3:00

We Be-Lung Together – Lung Disease and Current Treatments Dr. Alejandro Rios

It’s All About the Face!

Dra. Nasheilli

have a very small group of kind-hearted folks who are doing this and we are becoming organized.

We can always use a few more hearts

Salon MexicoCozumel No More Living with Incontinence: Current Trends in Treatment Dr. Habid Becerra Diabetes; New Technologies in Treatment Dr. Roberto Gutierrez Spider Veins – Unattractive but Treatable!

Dr. Hector Escoto Addictions and Substance Abuse the True Challenge in Pain Management Dr. Felipe Martinez Lack of Forgiveness – The Effect on Your Body Jean Martin New Technologies in Cataract Treatment Dr. Rodrigo Gonzalez

and hands so if you are willing to spare a few hours now and then, please let me know.

Have a very kind-hearted week!

VENECIA 290 COL. DIAZ ORDAZ Fluent English Spoken

Francisco I. Madero # 396 (Corner of Aguacate) Tel. (322) 223 2995 eye-metrics@hotmail.com Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Mega Comercial Bucerías 2A (Frente a Cajas) Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit Tel. (329) 298 0760 eye-metrics@prodigy.net.mx

Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Dental implants Dentures Go to www.pvsmile.com.mx for address and directions

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local

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Comings SPCA of Puerto Vallarta and Goings

By Janice Gonzalez

M

ore exciting news about our upcoming fundraiser “Beauty and the Beast” on February 8th. Last week we reported that we will be viewing some of the gorgeous couture of Designs by Maracuyá as well as Cassandra Shaw Jewelry. Now we want to tell you about a few other participants you are going to LOVE! If you have been to the Olas Altas Farmers Market we are sure you are familiar with the lovely handbags from Claudette Johnston Leathers. She will be joining us along with Angela Lovett and her unique ethnic jewelry (Angela Lovett Designs).

These accessories will be gracing the scrumptious flowing designs from Alison Barnes (Visualize Dreams).

In between fashion shows we plan on having a few of our “beasts” take a turn around the floor and say hello to our guests. This is after all what the fundraiser is all about!

Stay tuned until then for news of works of art and other beautiful things available as part of our silent auction.

We got this report from Mark McCoy at the farmers market: “Yogi Bear is the featured dog for this January in our SPCA

Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

Annette Lafond as Shania Twain

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

GINGER

TREND ENTERTAINMENT Comings…

Friday – the wildly anticipated opening of Incanto’s Theatre for the Luna Rumba’s Production called Duende takes place. Tracy Park’s opened his new Piano Bar last week to a packed crowd of well-wishers and friends. I have not seen inside the theatre space recently and will have to wait until “Duende” takes the stage – and Vallarta – by storm, Friday night at 7 pm. This show is nearly sold out and has been for some time but call them at 322 223 9756 and ask! Coming up next week, dear friends Latcho and Andrea and the amazing Spencer Day. Saturday in Vallarta is like every Saturday all over the world – busy with shopping first, during the day, and being entertained at night. This weekend, the 28th has the opening of Mercado Los Mangos at our public library from 9:30 to 2 pm. It is a very good location for an outdoor Market and I wish them all the success in the world. This Market is just one more (brilliant) way to earn money for all the changes that are in the planning stages for the library (that receives money ONLY from private donations – that means you!). Best of luck to Library Executive Director Adriana Garcia; truly a hands-on administrator.

calendar. If you would like to have your pet or pets featured in our 2018 calendar send me an e-mail at mmccoy777@aol.com. Or stop by and see us at the SPCA table in the Olas Altas Farmer’s Market. You can also get one of the last few 2017 calendars.

We thank Jo-Anne Nilsson-Andrews for the bag of brand new dog leashes and dog coats which we will put to good use at our sanctuary. Our sanctuary is along the Pitillal River and often there is a very cool breeze flowing down the river as the sun comes up over the mountains.

Thanks to our volunteers Doreen, Brian and Bill.”

Come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Reservations to visit the sanctuary need to be made in advance.

To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv.com/home or on Facebook.

Saturday night at El Rio BBQ-Bar stars Will Chalmers in the Neil Diamond Tribute. Last season, Will packed El Rio with super-fans of all ages. Everyone sang along with much encouragement from Will who is as engaging off-stage as on. I remember last year leaving Will’s show and asking Kurt Sinner, the owner of El Rio, what he thought about the Tribute. Kurt looked at me like I was a bit nuts and said: “That WAS Neil Diamond!”

…and Goings A quick note from Merv Buchanan, Impresario of Trend Records in Canada, about Kathy Thompson’s Tribute to Bette Midler: “Kathy was an absolute knockout”. Well then…WOW! Too bad for us that don’t live in Bucerias and have quick access to the exclusive alwayssold-out performances at the Luna Lounge!

Annette Lafond enchanted Shania Twain fans last weekend at El Rio BBQBar. There wasn’t much space left on the dance floor for her sensational Tribute. Annette’s husband Richard came on stage and the two sang a couple of beautiful love songs. Shania Twain fans left smiling and happy.

W

e have been told this girl is darn near perfect! Ginger, a Lab mix, is about two years old and a tad over 35 pounds. She has the most loving and friendly temperament. Ginger is low energy and very patient so would make a wonderful family dog as she is also good around children. She loves to play with other dogs and is very sociable, even sharing her toys with

other dogs of all ages. Ginger is even okay around any felines she encounters. Ginger has been spayed, dewormed and fully vaccinated. Now we just need to find her that special forever home.

If you and your family are ready for a loving companion animal, you can’t do better than this girl. Contact us at spcapv@gmail. com for an application.

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events

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

events

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Visit Kathleen Carrillo South Side Shuffle Block Party Gallery this weekend!

By Steven Miller even years ago a group of Puerto Vallarta merchants created something called the South Side Shuffle. The merchants were the owners of some of our finest shops and galleries, all located on a two-block stretch of Basilio Badillo on the south side of town. The South Side Shuffle quickly became a hit with locals and visitors alike. By popular demand it was scheduled twice a month, on alternating Fridays. To this day it is generally considered to be the most fun shopping extravaganza on the Mexican Riviera.

On Friday, December 3 (from 6pm to 10pm), Vallarta will be celebrating the third Shuffle of the new season, and it promises to be the biggest and best yet.

All of the seventeen participating businesses will be offering complimentary cocktails. As well as a few fun surprises, creating the kind of festive atmosphere everyone can enjoy.

Although this two-block stretch (200’s and 300’s) of Basilio Badillo (and the half block of Constitucion

S

T

he Kathleen Carrillo Gallery will be open for the Southside Shuffle on Friday, January 27th from 6-10pm with two special guest artists and of course a line up of some of your favorite collections.

Come by for a cocktail and browse one of kind accessories!

Local artists Claudette Johnston and Angela Lovett invite you to an exclusive Trunk Show at Kathleen Carrillo Galleries on South Side Shuffle night. C Johnston Design creates custom leather handbags, as well as hand-dyed Japanese Shibori sarongs and handbags.

Angela Lovett Designs creates one of a kind semi-precious gemstone and modern ethnic

jewelry. Both Angela and Claudette will donate 10% of the evenings’ sales to benefit the PuRR Project – Puerto Vallarta’s no kill feline rescue shelter. We hope to see you there!

Kathleen will have two of the newest works of her Friends and Divas Collection.

Both were finished in the last two weeks. She also has some new beach umbrella paintings that are a must see.

These pieces are smaller in scale and affordable prices.

All in all a great evening to celebrate the arts in their many dazzling forms. Lets celebrate the Feminine energy and the good life in Puerto Vallarta!

Street adjoining it) has some of the finest shopping in Mexico, the new and improved South Side Shuffle has several great additions, especially in the area of entertainment.

Joining the Shuffle this year are two of Vallarta’s premiere entertainment venues.

The first is Nacho Daddy’s & The Boutique Theatre: a blues nightclub, Tex-Mex Restaurant and dinner theatre all under one roof.

Then, up the street is Act II Stages, presenting an entire panoply of international performers of every stripe.

In addition to some of the best shopping and entertainment in town, the Shuffle can also boast four fine restaurants: Di Vino Dante, with its incredible wine list; Puerto Nuevo, with its wonderful seafood; Basilio Beber y Comer, with its great blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; and the aforementioned Nacho Daddy’s with its terrific Tex-Mex kitchen.

One of the greatest things about the Shuffle is its compactness. All seventeen businesses are located

on a two-block stretch of Basilio Badillo, and a half block of Constitution Street. Everything is close, so walking to every business is not a problem. But time is. There is so much to see, four hours is really not enough. So, for folks with specific interests, we have tried to squeeze all seventeen businesses into a few categories to help you decide where to focus your attention: GALLERIES: Ambos Galeria, Art Vallarta II, Galleria Dante and Kathleen Carrillo Galleries.

JEWELRY STORES: Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, Cerroblanco Gallery, Shazel Jewelry.

FOLK ART AND COLLECTIBLES: Banderas Bay Trading Company, Lucy’s Cucu Cabaña, Peyote People.

ENTERTAINMENT: Act II Stages, Boutique Theatre, Nacho Daddy’s.

DINING: Basilio Beber y Comer, Di Vino Dante, Nacho Daddy´s, Roberto’s Puerto Nuevo.

FASHION: Colecion La Bohemia, Tonalli Tienda.

All the businesses on this magical stretch of Basilio Badillo and Constitucion streets have

international friendship club

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Take a Peek

F

antastic seascapes, Mayan artwork, secluded gardens and million dollar homes. The IFC Home Tours has them all. Thanks to the generosity of many homeowners around Puerto Vallarta the International Friendship Club (IFC) has been able to offer our unique service to visitors and residents where we take you on comfortable, air-conditioned buses to four homes each tour.

Not only do you have a wonderful three hour tour but all of the profits from the tours are used to support the IFC’s cleft palate program, the Women’s Shelter of Banderas Bay, orphanages and other organizations for a total of more than 20 charities in this area.

The tours run on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and leave from the Sea Monkey Restaurant at 10:30, so a good plan is to have breakfast on the beach there before you board our comfortable air-conditioned buses.

But seats are limited and it’s better to buy your tickets ($600 pesos) online at www.ifctoursvallarta.com or at the IFC office, located at the northeast corner of the bridge where Insurgentes crosses the River Cuale. It’s open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 1:30.

Each tour visits four homes around the hills and coastline of P.V. and some of them require walking on hills, cobbled streets and steps, so make sure that your hips, knees and feet are capable of handling those conditions.

Trip Advisor, www.tripadvisor.com , has 300 ratings as “Excellent”. So check out what others say about us, buy some tickets and take a peek behind the walls of the real Puerto Vallarta.

You're my Juan and only!

Advertise your Valentine's events in the Vallarta Tribune Deadline: January 30 & February 6th

Publishing: February 3 & 10

Special rates and online promotions!

Email: Editor@vallartatribune.com

Open Wide!

By John Warren

O

ne of the many beautiful things about living in Puerto Vallarta is the beautiful smile that Mexicans give to us and to each other. “Your perfect smile is someone’s heartbeat!

Keep your smile perfect,” is an important message when it comes to looking after your own teeth as well as those of your children.

But in many rural areas no dental care is available and when children do show up for their first dental exam they have an average of between 11 and 13 cavities. Their smiles are no longer perfect! These children and their families live away from the roads and the bus routes.

They live in small villages in the jungle, where they eke out a living by raising crops or along the coast in fishing villages where the only transportation is by boat.

Boca de Tomatlan is a fishing village that’s a 30 minutes bus ride south of Puerto Vallarta and serves even smaller settlements including Las Animas, Quimixto, Los Juntas-Los Veranos, Mismaloya, Yalapa and Pizota. It is the place where the International Friendship Club (IFC) and one of Boca’s residents have established a dental outreach program to keep smiles perfect.

Christina Martell, is an ex-pat American who has lived in Boca De Tomatlan with her husband for eleven years and during that time noticed many of the local children suffer from a total lack of dental

care. Three years ago she found a dentist in Puerto Vallarta, Dr. Gerardo Mijares Valles, who would provide almost-free dental care to any schoolchild from Boca who Christina could drive to his clinic. It was agreed that he would provide a free examination and cleaning for the kids and that they would pay him 40 pesos (2 $USD) for each cavity he filled.

The International Friendship Club (IFC) agreed to pay any shortfall between Dr. Gerardo’s regular schedule of payments and the amount he recovers from the kids.

If the children are unable to pay the full amount, IFC covers the shortfall.

Teachers, parents and children know that every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 Christina’s vehicle will be leaving Boca for a trip to the dentist, that Dr. Gerardo will ask each of them to “Open Wide” once they are sitting in his dental chair and after the ordeal Christina will provide pizza at Costco before the drive home to Boca. Parents know that all the children will be safely back there by 8:00pm. Dr. Gerardo also instructs the children about dental hygiene and the need to brush their teeth every night and morning with toothpaste. However, toothpaste is expensive for these families and baking soda is the cheaper alternative.

As well as providing free transportation to the dentist in Puerto Vallarta each week Christina also became very concerned that there was no community health or dental

care in the village and decided to press for change. As a result of her efforts, and the support of Rotary Club Sur in P.V. and of the local ejido council, a community clinic has been built in Boca to house the dental clinic, two emergency hospital beds and doctors’ offices.

The money was raised through a 3-for-1 financing program for community projects that exists between Mexico and the USA. An Immigrant Club in California raised funds there and the three levels of Mexican government have matched these funds. It has been a great effort in co-operation.

Now, however, the dental clinic in Boca consists of a bare room.

There is no fan, air-conditioner, light fixture, dental chair, x-ray equipment or supplies that are necessary to practice dentistry. But the International Friendship Club (IFC) has committed to donate $60,000 pesos to buy the equipment necessary and to get the clinic up and running.

IFC is able to support this dental outreach program in Boca de Tomatlan and more than twenty charities and other programs only because of the generosity of the homeowners who open their homes to the IFC Home Tours every Tuesday and Wednesday morning, the generosity of the visitors who pay the $600 pesos to take the Home Tours and the hours and hours that many volunteers give to the club. The kids in Boca and clients of the other IFC charities thank you.

19

Creative

local

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

hands of Mexico Leigh Thelmadatter

osomadre@hotmail.com

From royal seats to Mexican restaurants: Equipal chairs

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ost Americans who go regularly to Mexican restaurants have very likely seen these, but may not know what they are called other than “Mexican chairs.” The name “equipal” derives from the Nahuatl word for chair, but not just any chair, but those fit for persons of status. Legend says that Montezuma had his own equipal, brought from this area, but the truth of this story is in doubt, as the Aztec Empire never extended this far west.

The center of equipal chair production is the town of Zacoalco de Torres, about an hour south of Guadalajara. It’s a world away from the sprawling city, still in touch with its rural roots.

The traditional materials used in its production are from this area, although deforestation has meant bringing wood from farther away and the introduction of others.

There are two traditional woods for the chair. “Palo dulce” (kidneywood tree) is used to make the base of the chair as well as frame for the seat, both in an elongated “D.” The criss-crossed slats which define the chair (and related furnishings) are made from a wood “posa panal” (can’t find a translation for this one). This wood is distinguished with two tones: a light beige with a streak of reddish cedar-like color, although some slats can be all red. These are traditionally carved with machetes to have notches on both ends, so that they can be tied with the other slats and onto the two D frames. They are somewhat weight bearing, but more decorative then functional.

Traditionally, the slats were tied with ixtle, a strong fiber derived from maguey leaves, but almost all chairs today are tied with synthetic cord, that artisans assure is equal in strength. The resulting knots are covered in one of two ways; they are either covered in a black resin or long thin twigs or wood are placed over them.

Leather is used for the seat and

back and usually has at least some padding. The leather on the seat does not bear the entire weight of the person; there is also a web of cord work extending from the seat frame as well.

Equipal manufacture was originally limited to the making of one style of chair, with a back that curved around to create short armrests.

Over the past decades, the market has expanded what these craftsmen make, from various styles of chairs, to sofas, tables and even desks, bookcases and more. It is important to note that the use of criss-crossed slats remain identifying, still forming the base of seats and tables and as decorative elements for other kinds of furniture.

About 300 families are involved in the craft in some way, with most workshops located on or around Rayon Street, just west of the town center. Zacoalco has not made this industry a tourist attraction. We had to ask around a bit as the tourist office in the municipal hall was closed on a Saturday, but people were happy to help us and to point us in the right direction.

It’s a little bit of a walk before arriving, but the artisans’ area is a pleasant neighborhood, still lacking in pretentiousness. Here you can peek into workshops as doors are generally open and see people working with little regard to who might be passing by. However, those who politely knock and ask to chat are quite welcome.

A well-built chair generally last about 20+ years. Usually the leather gives out before this, which is replaceable, though older craftsmen in town complain that they cannot get leather of the same quality or thickness anymore. This reflects one problem with the chair’s popularity, pressure on raw materials.

Newer artisans are experimenting with other kinds of hard woods, but the less-scrupulous are substituting cheaper and less-durable

At the Jesus Osorio family workshop in Zacoalco, with the maestro.

materials. Like all other handcrafts, it pays to know what you are looking

for and to ask questions. Good craftspeople have no problem

showing you their workshops and processes.

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A

s the world becomes more connected, the global workforce of people who work online is no longer tied to a traditional office setting. The first wave of detachment saw companies permitting employees to work from home but once the realization that there’s no difference in working from home or working from a co-working space in your favourite vacation destination sets in, the concept of a “working vacation” starts to look less like an oxymoron and more like a good idea.

Vallarta CoWork, which opened in the summer of 2016, has put the city of Puerto Vallarta on the map as an ideal destination for a working vacation.

As defined by Chase Buckner, a co-owner of Vallarta CoWork, “A co-working space is, at its core, a quiet office environment where people can benefit from shared amenities like air-conditioning and fast internet, but the real magic is in the community the space creates and how it connects to the larger movement of Digital Nomadism.”

“Digital Nomad” is the phrase that’s been coined to describe a new and rising population of untethered workers who travel the world, working all the while. Digital Nomads come in all shapes and sizes, commonly working in fields like online marketing, programming, and customer support. Many of them work as consultants, therefore ridding themselves of both the traditional office and the traditional boss.

“Geographically liberated is a phrase I like to use to describe what’s happening,” Buckner says.

local

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Vallarta CoWork sparks influx of Digital Nomad “The appeal is to be able to earn a living from wherever you want and once you successfully make that jump, you start looking for destinations. Tropical paradises are usually pretty high on the list and when you combine the beauty of the Bay of Banderas with fiber-optic internet and the central time zone, Puerto Vallarta becomes an ideal location.”

Vallarta CoWork has multiple fiber-optic internet lines and broadcasts wifi with speeds of over 100mbs. It’s colorful/hip decor and industrial strength air-conditioning create a laid-back yet professional environment, and its location (just behind the Malecon on the Rio Cuale where Downtown meets Old town) puts you within walking distance of countless restaurants, bars, and beaches.

The space also hosts monthly “mixers” where members as well as the general public can come and learn from guest speakers about topics ranging from online marketing and social media to an overview of international tax rules and regulations. Miguel Guerrero of Vallarta CoWork commented, “The mixers are an excellent opportunity for working vacationers and transient digital nomads to mingle with the local community.

We’re setting up weekly Spanish classes to encourage a deeper level of cultural interaction as well.”

Find our more about Vallarta CoWork at vallartacowork.com

This week’s featured property

Paramount Bay 503 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,356 sf. $553,000usd

O

ne of Puerto Vallarta’s premier condo complexes, it’s an eight minute stroll down to Los Muertos Beach.

Walk to the Malecon and downtown. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful pools in Vallarta. This is a designer unit with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the city. Beau-

tifully furnished with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, 24-hour security, gym, deeded parking, support staff includes a building administrator and maintenance engineer, gardeners, maintenance staff and 3 full time maids for the public areas. Strong and well-funded HOA. No little bitty closets

and cramped floor plan here, 2,357 square feet of marble floors and high ceilings. This is where you live when you retire in style. Listed by Boardwalk Realty www.boardwalkrealt ypv.com/proper ties/paramount-bay-503/

entertainment

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

“ONLY THE LONELY” Michael Danckert's thrilling tribute to Roy Orbison Merv Buchanan, merv@uvs.com

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ven as a young teenager, Roy Orbison knew his future would be as a rock'n'roll singer. To combat his nearsightedness and white hair, caused by childhood illness, he bought a pair of horn-rimmed glasses and dyed his hair black, giving himself the unique look later popularized by fellow Texan Buddy Holly. In 1954, he recorded his first record, called “Ooby Dooby”. It wasn't an immediate hit, but he was a patient guy.

He honed his skills as a singer, guitarist and songwriter. In 1960, his patience began to pay off and by 1964 he had placed 22 songs in the Top 40. He went on to enjoy the popular recording star's life he had imagined as a youth, until his death in 1988.

Re-creating the look, sound and mood of a Roy Orbison concert is no job for amateurs. It takes the vocal range of an opera

Merv Buchanan, merv@uvs.com

singer and first rate guitar playing.

Talented Michael Danckert, from Toronto, pulls if off amazingly well.

On stage, his quiet confidence and incredible four-octave voice bring the late star back to life in a seemingly effortless way.

As a teenager, Michael spent countless hours working on his playing technique. The payoff has been a successful career as an in-demand, top drawer musician and singer, at home in any situation.

Over the past 15 years, Michael has wowed Canadian audiences in locations as diverse as Legions, concert halls, casino lounges and corporate venues.

One of the toughest challenges facing any tribute artist is choosing the right songs. Some performers forget that their audience came to hear the songs they know and love. Not obscure, difficult songs that serve only to show off the performer's vocal prowess or musicianship. No Matter how easy a song is to perform, or how many

times a performer has done it, if it was a hit, one can be pretty certain it's one the audience is expecting to hear. In this case, the old showbiz saying “give'em what they paid for” rules.

Michael Danckert knows the songs Orbison's fans want to hear. That's why his show includes dozens of his hits. Songs like “Pretty Woman”, “Only The Lonely”, “Running Scared”, “Crying”, “Uptown”, “In Dreams” and newer hits, like “California Blue”. As a seasoned entertainer, Michael knows his material and most importantly, knows his audience, which is why they return to his shows time after time. Michael will perform his Roy Orbison tribute for the first time in Mexico on February 2nd at The Luna Lounge in Bucerias and February 4th at El Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho. Details on their web sites. *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the prior written permission of the author.

“ABBAMANIA” THE ABBA SHOW”

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t's impossible to overestimate the impact Swedish recording stars ABBA, featuring lead vocalists Agnetha Faltskorg and Frida Lynkstad, have had on pop music. For almost a decade during the 70s, ABBA, the first recording artists from a non English-speaking country to regularly top the world's record charts, owned the airwaves.

ABBA's breakthrough came when their song “Waterloo” won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.

Soon a string of international hits, including “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Fernando”, “Voulezvous” and many others followed.

To further underline the immense popularty of ABBA's music, all written by group members Benny Andersen and Bjorn Ulvaeus, “Mamma Mia” was transformed into an enormously successful stage play and movie. And on Eurovision's 50th anniversary, “Waterloo” was voted the best song in the contest's history.

When entertainer Marie-Claire Marshall launched The ABBA show in London, England in 2005, she had no way of knowing how audiences would react to it.

But from day one, the Corona, California native's exciting tribute

to the Scandinavian recording stars has been a smash hit, continuously touring the concert, casino and supper club circuit across the USA and Europe, as well as Australia, South Africa and the Middle East.

Songs featured in the show include “Waterloo”, Dancing Queen”,

“Voulez-vous”, “Knowing Me Knowing You”, “Fernando”, “Mamma Mia”, “Chiquitita”, “SOS”, “ The Winner Takes All” and many more.

And since ABBA's songs are great to dance to, the dance floor is usually packed, with the grega-

rious Marie-Claire and her singing partner Julianne Ruck often joining the dancers.

On Sunday, February 5th and Monday, February 6th, The ABBA Show will be presented for the first time in Mexico, at The Luna Lounge, in Bucerias. For details on

this special, exclusive appearance, please check the venue's web site www.lunaloungebucerias.com, or the ad in this paper. *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the advance written permission of the author.

24 The Boutique this week

entertainment

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Where singing shines boutique showcases variety of entertainment

By Catherine Beeghly

D

ana Zeller-Alexis stars in a one-woman cabaret show, “Women on the Edge,” January 26 through February 11, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. She and her husband Mark Zeller, who is directing the show, have long careers on the stage around the world. Her work in “Mrs. Dally Has a Lover” earned this review: “She enters the heart of the character, etching out the perimeters of her character like a skilled jeweler.”

She also won a Dramalogue Award for best actress in that role. Some of her favorite roles have been “Shirley Valentine,” Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” Sonya in “Uncle Vanya,” and Mama Rose in “Gypsy.”

A newly formed professional vocal octet, the Vallarta Vocalista Ensemble, will perform at the Boutique February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25. “The Rhythm of Life” is the show’s theme.

The singers are all Vallarta residents:

Suzanne Kirkpatrick, Kathy Overly, Jean-Guy Comeau, Steve Fulmer, Judy Radke, Carl Timothy, Sharon Baughman-White, and Davíd White (left to right).

“Where The Boys Are: A Tribute to Connie Francis” returns. Mikki Prost brings back her standing-ovation tribute show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 and 15, and March 1.

Here’s what reviewer Gary Beck had to say about the show: “Mikki wrapped us around her musical finger, and we

grew in awe … Mikki not only sang tremendously, as if she was indeed Miss Francis, she narrated the story of her beginnings, and the paths she took along the way … to the top of female singers.”

From a Trip Advisor reviewer: “Wow! The Boutique Theatre is tiny, so everybody gets to sit right up front.

The singer’s voice is huge, both powerful and beautiful, and she delights in sharing her extensive knowledge about Connie Francis with her audience. Everybody was singing along to ‘Who’s Sorry Now?’ and ‘Stupid Cupid’ and having a great time.

I’ve not seen a better performance of this type, even in Las Vegas.”

Blues legend Tim Williams is returning with his one-man storytelling and music show. The Canadian guitarist and singer will give two performances, February 28 and March 14.

“The Best of Broadway,” directed by Ralph Hyman, will perform Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March 2-11.

Luna Rumba Productions’ “Duende” is a hit!

Duende is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill band. Duende is infused with extraordinary musical talent, creativity, art, dance and hybrid instruments which leads to the quintessential, avant-garde musical experience.”

Deb White

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pening to sold-out shows for every concert this season, Duende is quickly proving to be a musical/artistic phenomenon. Three members of the famous Luna Rumba Band have put together a program that explores the very spirit of music; blending genres such as Flamenco, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Classical, Spanish and Gypsy into a fusion that is a joy to witness.

Geo Uhrich plays five-string Violin, Flamenco Guitar and Guitar Synthesizer, Luis Rascon plays fivestring Cello, Bass, Flute, Percussion and a 3,000 year old instrument called the “Duduk”. Lilly Alcantara plays percussion, mandolin and is an wonderful dancer.

It is amazing to hear how much sound these three performers put out!

Their secret is in the use of synchronized double looping, which allows them to play and record and play back - in real time; creating complex harmonic structures that sound like there are up to eight musicians on the stage!

There are no backing tracks everything is done live.

Duende is performing every Friday night on the main stage at

the new “Incanto” club in downtown Puerto Vallarta and selected days in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle at Octopus Garden. www.lunarumba.com

The Boutique is looking for actors for a new comedy, “Soapicide,” and for a specialist to help run lights and sound in future shows. To learn more, email catherinebeeghly@gmail.com The Boutique Dinner Theatre offers exciting evenings of dinner-and-a-show options.

The theatre is located upstairs at Nacho Daddy, 287 Basilio Badillo. Delicious three-course dinners are served at 5 p.m., with the shows at 6 p.m. For information call 322-728-6878.

On Mondays, enjoy free Nacho Daddy Karaoke from 7:30-11 p.m., with your hosts in song, Fast Eddie and Catherine Beeghly.

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Incanto welcomes Duende, Latcho & Andrea and Spencer Day

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he new cabaret showroom at Incanto opens Friday, January 27 at 7:00 PM, with the premier of Luna Rumba Production’s “Duende’. A mix of Latin, rumba, and flamenco with a fiery twist, Duende is described as “A mysterious force that everyone feels, but no one can explain.” Geo Uhrich, Luis Rascon and Lilly Alcantara merge melodies, interesting fusions, and a touch of classic masterpieces with new tones and rhythms. It is something special that you have never experienced before. Duende plays Fridays at 7:00 through early April.

On alternate Tuesdays, beginning January 31 at 7:00 through March, Latcho & Andrea, The Blond Gypsies transport their audiences musically off the beaten path to a real gypsy fiesta on the beach in Southern Spain. With the music, the fire, the dancers, and the shouts of olé!, you’ll surren-

der to the sights and sound of authentic gypsy rumba flamenco.

This is the world where Latcho & Andrea became first known as the “Blond Gypsies”, playing side by side with members of the internationally famous Gipsy Kings family.

Their performances are both musical and spiritual, and continue to enchant audiences throughout Banderas Bay. Singer-songwriter Spencer Day returns to Vallarta with new songs and classic favorites.

Vallarta fell in love with Spencer four years ago, and his originally penned material and clever covers have garnered him many fans in Vallarta. Raised in a small town in Arizona, his mother influenced him to become the singer and musician he is today.

His world-wide popularity continues to soar with credits including Birdland in New York,

the Hollywood Bowl, the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival, and The Craig Ferguson Show. Spencer Day is widely regarded for his music that blends compelling melodies, smart lyrics and lush arrangements. He will appear February 1 -13.

Singer-songwriter, Stolie, will have a CD release party/show for her new album, Follow me, on Sat. Jan. 28 at 7:00. In the piano bar is NYC cabaret legend Michael McAssey Tues.- Sat. at 8:00 & 10:00. Jean-Guy Comeau (Jay-Gee), also plays various evenings in the piano bar for happy hour 5 - 7:00.

Tickets, a show calendar and more information are available online for all upcoming shows at Incanto’s website: www.IncantoVallarta.com.

Box Office opens at 10:00 am daily. Incanto is located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale) in the old Bianco space. Phone 322 223 9756 for reservations.

The World on Your TV El Mundo en su TV is offering an internet streaming device that allows almost all TV channels in the world (over 100 from the USA, thousands from Europe; over 80 countries in total), that are being streamed live, to be available on your TV, with no monthly fees.

about everything on our website at www.elmundoensutv.com. If you are interested in our device, that is completely portable, please contact us to offer a demonstration of the capabilities.

We offer to demonstrate the unit in your house or condo, free of charge. If You would also have almost all live you wish a demonstration in our office, sporting events, all movies and all TV that is free of charge. series. Again, with no monthly fees.

The purchase price is 100 USD or the The most important aspect is this is exchange rate of the day. If you decide completely internet-based; you have to to purchase it with a personal installahave 7 Mb/S of speed, more is better. tion and demonstration, the additional In my office, we only have 7 Mb/S and charge is only 200 Pesos. it works fine.

If you are unsatisfied after 7 days, I will With 10, it is like watching TV, Period. refund your entire amount paid. The I also offer a complete manual of how installation charge is not refundable. to truly enjoy this experience, as well as instructions on how to even make Tel. 221 0111 Local 20, it better for you. We provide YouTube Las Palmas 2, Marina Vallarta. videos, as well as written instructions todd@remaxinpv.com

w w w. e l m u n d o e n s u t v. c o m

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

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By Bonnie Mott bonmott@hotmail.com

M

ore than a million people turned out on Saturday for Women’s Solidarity marches in all 50 of the United States of America. It is reported that there were even marches in all seven continents.

Thousands of women demonstrated their commitment to women’s rights in Mexico City.

Over 500 people gathered in each of the communities of Puerto Vallarta and San Pancho, many dressed in white, carrying signs with messages of support for women’s rights and human rights.

In San Pancho, the international celebration began with a march through town. At the central plaza, the program was kicked off with drummers, Copal incense, and chanting.

Numerous homemade signs were proudly held aloft, with more than 500 passionate women, men, children and families joining to exalt messages of support for women’s rights and human rights. Contingents from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, Lo de Marcos, La Cruz, Chacala, La Penita, Tepic, and other Mexican locations were represented along with ex pat residents and visitors from more than 15 US states, Canada, along with a group from Argentina.

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Commitment, Compassion and Solidarity in San Pancho and Puerto Vallarta In Puerto Vallarta, more that 500 people gathered in a moment of silence in front of Los Arcos as well as a number of speakers urged everyone present to continue with the momentum generated by the days events in defeating misogyny, racism, violence and more.

Love, hope and refusal to go backwards from the rights women have obtained over the years were themes of the day focusing on supporting the Women’s March in Washington D.C. Tobe Jensen, Chair of the Banderas Bay Chapter of Democrats Abroad proclaimed “Women’s rights are human rights,” and urged the attentive audience to all commit to political action.

“It was a magical day,” Marilyn Hall, an expat from Texas said. “I’ll never forget this.

It was wonderful to experience the commitment of some many young, old, women, men, Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, and people from all over the world.”

To watch a video of the Puerto Vallarta event visit: youtu.be/JepBZrjABRs

Puerto Vallarta, Jal

San Pancho, Nay

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riviera nayarit

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Organic Love - Healthy food for the soul

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n the little organic kitchen & shop located in the quiet fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, owner and operator Alef has made a promise to present a healthy, tasty and nutritional alternative to our neighbors, friends, guests and to whomever ventures into this village.

At Organic Love, located at Calle Delphín 14 it’s possible to eat tasty and exciting flavors and feel confident that you are eating natural and with great respect towards our planet.

This newly opened restaurant offers breakfasts with eggs that are locally produced on an organic farm and vegetables that are farmed in our area and grown naturally without chemicals, as well as plates of organic yogurt and fresh fruit served with homemade granola and gluten-free seeds.

Perhaps most well-known for their large variety of fresh drinks, hot or cold, smoothies, juices and homemade kombucha as well as a variety of coffee drinks, they have anything you might desire to start your day, to have the energy to get through your day, something sweet to end the day and even something to help cure that hangover so you can enjoy another day at the beach.

For your lunch Organic Love offers a whole wheat bread that they make in their

kitchen. They mix bread flour with whole wheat flour and add flax seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, Himalayan salt and a whole bunch of Mexican compassion, then slice it in half and fill it with calabaza fried in organic coconut oil, avocado, pickled cabbage and a selection of seasonal vegetables and organic salads.

Another delicious dish offered is a fusion of an Italian pesto and spirals of lightly fried zucchini. This dish is a favorite among the regulars because it’s truly a vegan alternative to eating a pasta.

Look no further for something to satisfy your sweet tooth. There is an ever changing selection of desserts, cakes and cookies, oftentimes vegan and gluten-free.

Organic Love is proud to have the best quality in ingredients with the majority of items used in the kitchen having been farmed locally and when it’s possible they will select organic. They strive to take care of every detail from the earth to the plate so that everything is cooked and prepared to maintain the freshness and the nutritional value.

Be sure to visit this charming new dining spot to learn even more about their efforts.

Easy to find they are located in La Cruz just across from Philo’s Real Estate Office

Where Is This?

Sandra Cesca

F

ind out on a guided walk around historic Vallarta with Puerto Vallarta Walking Tours. Stroll the cobblestone streets, typical of Spanish Colonial architecture, while absorbing the sights, smells and sounds of daily life. Visit markets, historic buildings, and workshops. Get immersed in the culture while exploring areas you might not find on your own. Photo: This outdoor wood-fired oven bakes bread, cookies and muffins several days a week. One of the many cottage industries in and around Vallarta, it has supported this family of two sisters and two brothers for over 35 years. www.puertovallartawalkingtours.com

riviera nayarit

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Luna Lounge Thrills Audiences

By Debbie White

E

ach new week, Luna Lounge Bucerias thrills audiences with their exciting dinner shows! People just can’t get enough of all the fabulous entertainment offered at this north shore venue. On January 19, the gorgeous Annette LaFond returned for a second season with her Shania Live show featuring the music and persona of Shania Twain. With the look and incredible voice of Shania, the audience loved her performance!

On January 22, Kathy Thompson showcased, The Bette Midler Tribute, featuring the music and feisty persona of Bette Midler.

We enjoyed hearing our favorite Bette songs along with seeing that lovable personality of the one and only, Divine Miss M. The Neal Diamond Tribute show, Solitary Man, returns for two

amazing performances on Thursday and Friday, January 26 and 27. The show on the 26th is sold out, but there are still a few tickets for the 27th.

New to the Luna Lounge stage on Sunday, January 29 is The Everly Brothers’ Golden Hits Show starring John Sharkey and Michael Damekert.

Enjoy the smooth sounds of music like, “Wake Up Little Suzy,” “Crying In the Rain” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.”

On Thursday and Friday, February 2 and 3, Michael Dankert brings his fantastic Roy Orbison Tribute, featuring favourite songs like, “Pretty Woman,” “Only the Lonely,” “It’s Over” and “Crying.”

The shows on the 2nd and 3rd are now sold out but don’t despair a third show on Wednesday, January 31 has been added.

On February 5 and 6, AbbaMania comes to the venue with all

the greatest hits from the international musical phenomena, Abba!

You’ll love reliving all your Abba favourites.

The Rod Stewart Show debuts at Luna Lounge on February 9.

Doug Varty presents the exciting songs of this music legend.

Doug’s New Year’s Eve Brian Adams Tribute was a huge hit with the audience; so don’t miss his high-energy, professional tribute to Rod Stewart.

And definitely don’t miss international headliner, Dwight Blake, in Memories of Motown on February 11. Dwight has graced the stage at Luna Lounge for several seasons and is always a favorite with his spectacular Motown sound.

On February 12, Amberly Beatty returns with When Girls Ruled!

This show features the music and persona of stars like Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis and more. And you won’t want

to miss Samira, who is back this season by popular demand on February 16 and 17 with her high-energy show, Truly Tina. She’ll show you some action with her impressive dancing and singing of Tina Turner favorites.

The Dozen Divas Show takes the stage at Luna Lounge on February 18th with a tribute to twelve amazing musical stars presented by Dorothy Bishop.

With quick costume changes and dead-on impersonations, you’ll definitely want to see this performance!

The Cher Show, Believe, debuts on February 19 and 20, presenting Kara Chandler, who looks and sounds like the real Cher!

On February 23, Dave LaFame returns as Tom Jones.

The Tom Jones Show is outstanding entertainment and you›ll like the way Dave reminds you of this sexy star! Danny B, Cana-

da’s Master of the Blues, brings his entertaining show to the venue on February 25.

And on February 27, see The Best of Bobby Darrin, starring Dave LaFame. You’ll hear all the hits and have all the fun of a Bobby Darrin concert!

Luna Lounge continues to present exciting shows each week through the end of March.

And don’t forget each Tuesday and Wednesday night starting at 7 pm, the all-new Crazy Bitches (drag) dinner show with Miss Diva Divine and her gals!

Get your tickets early, since most dinner shows sell out quickly.

For more information about the shows, please visit lunaloungebucerias.com. For questions or tickets, send an email to: hugh@ lunaloungebucerias.com.

Luna Lounge is located at Av. Mexico #27, Bucerías, Nayarit. Tel. 329-298-3242.

riviera nayarit

30

Vallarta Body Bugs and Tropical Conditions

by Virginia Fox v@vcfox.net

Virginia Fox is a Writer, Performer, Producer and Storyteller. Her free flying fictional stories share a slice of life with a humorous twist. She is currently working on an anthology of her fondest memories, “Moon Lady’s Wild Rides.”

W

hat’s wrong with you?” my friend, Janie, asked me over coffee. “I think I’ve got some kind of stomach bug. The kind that’s going around Vallarta,” I answered. Every year body bugs and unexplained conditions attack Vallarta “snowbirds” and residents causing stiff necks, total exhaustion, banos huddling and stomach cramps. Hours later I’d extracted facts from Google and “fluff” from my own free-spirited head. I conducted personal experiments in bars, on the beach, in my home and other unscientific labs. Here are a few findings according to Dr. V, an unfiltered writer with absolutely NO medical knowledge or credentials.

so favorite friends. Partying every day and night leads to stomach stress, dehydration, throbbing temples and thoughts of social suicide.

Treatments: Among ex pat paranoia is the fear that Mexican bartenders in collusion with waiters, overserve gringos. Visitors report memory lapses, nodding heads for “mas,” and claiming “it was the bartenders fault.” Every bar

Stiff Necks “This is a nasty condition mistakenly deemed a forerunner to “Hunchback Hump” preceding that osteoporosis bend depicted in storybooks by old women, large noses, babooshkas, and canes. Most women of a certain age swallow massive amounts of calcium daily to prevent splintered bones and the hump of “old crones.” Stiff necks are a Vallarta related condition, endemic to this region and many colonial villages throughout Mexico.

Contributors: Two little words I tell myself every day I step out of my one floor condo are “Look down.” I’m asked, “Did you see that house on Aldama with the beautiful courtyard and the water feature?” or “Did you see the new restaurant on Pulpito?” I may have walked past them 100 times, but have never seen them. I am looking down. Unexpected steps in stores, uneven sidewalks cracks, and precarious cobblestone land mines in streets wait to catch and turn your ankle when you least expect it.

Belly Bulging.

I first saw the symptoms for this unpleasant condition when I mistakenly looked in the mirror standing nude in a profile position. Feelings of disgust, disbelief, and fear followed a look at my stomach once flat, now bulging. This shape was not mine and I had no idea where it came from.

Treatment: Avoid looking into mirrors without being fully clothed. Mirrors distort images and you will never see what you once did. To add some hope, I’m going to share some secrets about combatting the Battle of the Bulge that winery owners don’t want you to know.

Findings: At home consumer lab tests were conducted over two weeks limiting consumers one week to drinking Vodka and no wine, versus one week consuming Vino Blanco or Tinto and no other alcohol. Measuring waistlines following each week showed a significant link between vino and the bulge indicating wine has a hidden ingredient affecting belly bulging, regardless of whether the grapes were stomped last year and cost less than lunch, or winners of elite tasters’ awards.

Lab rat drinkers did quietly admit to a “few more pours” in party paradise.

Cure: Denial is the best ingredient for the cure.

Switch to vodka or iced tea or accept your battle of the bulge is here to stay.

Visitor Revenge.

This invasive bug often invades residents following lengthy visits from favorite, and not

on every corner will offer a the “Hangover Cure,”2 for 1 at Happy Hour. These drinks are guaranteed to help reset your head for the next round. If exhaustion is paralyzing your body, tie yourself to your bed, mask your face with ice cubes and eye patches, and lie in a prone position for 12 hours. Swear off drink and food other than water, electrolytes and dry toast. “Visitor Revenge” may also be called Revenge,” a caused by acute jealousy. Visitors go back to work and snow.

Residents go bask in sun and surf. Many award winning books have been written on the subject hidden under the weighty title of “setting your boundaries.”

Cure: Like the books say, set your own boundaries. Buy a studio, not a penthouse. Live in PV in the Summer.

Treatment: Massage therapists and chiropractors promise relief. There is no cure for stiff necks and tunnel vision in Mexico Not looking down while walking leads to arms and limbs in casts. Backbend stretching exercises on top of your bed may help, allowing your cushy mattress catch your ungainly moves.

Your alternative is to smoothly roll in a golf cart around gated communities, golf courses on both sides, wearing a rubber arm band with a message you didn’t choose encircling your wrist.

Stomach Bug Symptoms: Gas, that embarrassing uncontrollable release of body air followed by an easily identifiable “tooting” sound. “Passing gas” often results in walking buddies and unknown grocery shoppers backing quickly

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

down aisles, waving their hands like fans while grimacing. Or worst of all, a young punk saying, “You farted, Gramma.” This gassy side effect of a “stomach bug” becomes more pronounced as we age according to Deedee, a teacher of low impact aerobics. “Teaching a class of adults over 60 can sound like an out of tune horn section,” she says. You may have an urgent need to be near “Los Banos” at all times. As Lizzie described her personal relationship with a recent bout, “my cheeks got a lot of exercise.” Lizzie wasn’t talking about her face.

Treatment: Stay near the banos and away from public spaces. I’ve just recovered from that mysterious “stomach bug,” in which I spent the first 24 hours resting and sleeping, drinking water only with a side of jello and broth, demanding lots of service and sympathy. Day Two: I wanted to isolate but Charlotte and Jimmy, close friends from California, were leaving the next day. How could I say “goodbye” without leaving the safety of bed and banos?

We staged a “Frida night.” Lying upon embroidered textile pillows atop our four poster bed, my husband, Cal, served Charlotte and Jimmy cocktails and snacks sitting on chairs surrounding my throne. I moaned about food and drink deprivation and basked in their attention. A fitting farewell.

Day Four: I couldn’t stand being inside anymore, though I still felt fragile.

Not wanting to miss a dinner out with Stella and Blake, two entertaining Texans funnier than Comedy Central’s best show, I slowly pulled on loose fitting clothes and a blast of makeup. Blake dominates every room he enters, from his largess of salt and pepper hair with a tiny protest pony tail and piercing onyx eyes, to his perfected Texas drawl which he ramps up for storytelling. This night my belly rolled in laughter, not senile cramping swapping stories back and forth as fast as a ping pong match. I lapped up a half plate of risotto with a highly unusual mix of beets, corn and Brussel sprouts, vegetable bits the cafe needed to use before they perished. I awakened in the morning like a freed caged animal, totally cured.

Results: The obvious conclusion from this scientific experiment is that social immersion often leads to killing the “PV stomach bug.” And with a unanimous decision, all scientists agreed ……. “laughter is indeed the best medicine.”

(I repeat….I am a humorist with zero medical knowledge. If you are really sick, email Pam at Healthcareresourcespv.com or go to your nearest hospital.)

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riviera nayarit

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

H

ey Everybody! MUSIC IS IN THE AIR! It’s been a super fun week out and about with music at the top of my agenda, beginning with SONNY Davis Mystic Mantra, which was an amazing boost of higher frequencies through his intentional heart centered music. Mantras are a terrific way to raise ones vibration through the heart space. Talented musician friends that joined him on stage: Aurora Paa who sang Mantra with Sonny, Kristian Pentangeli on percussion, Geo Uhrich on violin, Danny Marquez Ortega (from Tatewari) on bass, Charly Peña on a variety of flutes, and saxophone. Also, about six cats joined to listen on the roof top; a sold out show! For the Mystic Mantra schedule you can contact Sonny Davis on FaceBook, or SonnyMusic.Net MORE MUSIC with The Blonde Gypsies (Latcho and Andrea) was a delight as a friend and myself went on Friday to the Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz. Latcho and Andrea are from Germany. Latcho Bartelsen began his journey learning “gypsy music” by actually following a band of gypsies! They perform their real life music which is infused with the stories of their lives and travels in Europe, mainly France and Spain. Latcho’s amazing lead guitar combined with his beautiful vocals and storytelling; Andrea’s rhythm guitar and castanets and vibrant energy sets the stage for an international musical delight.

Combine that with the ambiance of the Black Forest Restaurant feasting on German cuisine makes for the perfect evening.

MORE MUSIC AT THE BUCERIAS FAIR Nothing says music in Mexico like the Bucerias nine-day festival that is going on right now. Strolling around the fair on Sunday evening there had to be at least five or six bands all playing their music at the same time, not to mention some of the booths playing their music. There is nothing unusual

about this in Mexico. It’s part of the fun culture here. There are at least 300+ booths with just about everything you can think of for sale as well as the fun games and food. I purchased a beautiful necklace from the Rasta booth, where two beautiful artisans create their jewelry. The fireworks go off every night, with the biggest show at the end of the festival.

The Blessing of the Boats this year was on Tuesday Jan 24th. The pangas are decorated at the La Cruz Marina, and then they motor over as a group to the Bucerias Beach.

One at a time, each panga drives up onto the beach to be blessed by the priest for a safe and prosperous year. The schedule for all of the events is posted in Bucerias at the Church in the town square.

The festival always lasts for a few extra days due to the fact they can’t leave until they are allowed into the next town they are going to. The fireworks are usually whenever the shows are over on stage. Enjoy the end of the Bucerias festival!

Thanks so much for tuning in this week.

For any comments or questions please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com . For Energy Medicine Healing treatments email me at Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com and if you’re interested in advertising with the Vallarta Tribune, as we reach 50,000 people each week, please email me at CatPVTribune@Gmail.com AHO!

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

SEX PLEASE WE’RE SIXTY AN AMERICAN FARCE

The 4th Festival Sayulita Is Knocking It Out Of The Park

by Michael Parker & Susan Parker

C

COMEDY DINNER THEATRE FOR CHARITY DATES: FEBRUARY 28, MARCH 1, 5, 7, 8 2017 TIMES: 4 evening performances, 1 matinee on Sunday, March 5 LOCATION: Restaurante Langosta DIEZ, La Cruz Centro DONATION TICKET PRICE: front row table reserved 800 MXN, general table 500 MXN, theatre seating 250 MXN PROCEEDS GO TO: benefit Amigos de La Cruz de Huancaxtle, A.C.

To buy tickets and for more information visit:

www.amigosdelacruz.org

AMIGOS

DE LA CRUZ

PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. w w w. a m i g o s d e l a c r u z . o rg

afé Tacvba and Nortec Collective are headling the Jungle Live! Concert, where they expect four thousand more spectators than last year.

The 4th edition of the Festival Sayulita, Film, Spirits, Music & Vida, is ready to go from February 1-5, 2017—and it’s going to knock it out of the park. There’s plenty of heart and soul going into it as the goal is not only to promote this Magical Town and the Surfing Capital of the Riviera Nayarit, but also to raise funds for a future cultural center, this according to a recent press conference where they laid out all the details of this event. For starters, they’re expecting a crowd of anywhere from seven to eight thousand people.

Festival organizers Gabriel Villarrubia and Alonso Aréchiga, together with Richard Zarkin, Public Relations Manager for the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented the updates for this year’s event and made it clear that nearly every event is free.

Music The Jungle Live! concert is, without a doubt, the most highly anticipated event of the week, as it’s being headlined by the famous Café Tacvba along with Nortec Collective, Troker, Sotomayor, Burton and

Sayulita’s Los Gatos Negros. They will take the stage at Las Quintas Trujillo and doors will open at 1 p.m.

Tickets cost MX$490. The concert is on Saturday, February 4.

Film Over 50 features, shorts and documentaries will be projected on a giant screen on the beach. Everyone is welcome to this free event, though there are paid packages available for access to a sofa, food, drink or a souvenir.

Spirits As happens every year there’s plenty going on in the culinary arena. Standouts include the Pairing Dinners on Thursday, February 2 at 6 p.m. One of the concepts is to create pairings with Mexican spirits such as tequila, mezcal and raicilla, creating new libations and mixes.

Vida There are plenty of sports to be enjoyed as well, including surfing, Stand Up Paddle, boxing, races, riding, yoga and the famous Borracho FestStretch to get rid of the hangovers. Kids will also have their special day on Friday, February 3, with rock music and games made just for the little ones.

Check out the program, places, ticket sales and much more at www.festivalsayulita.com/

events

33

Corazon de Niña Gets a Fresh Face

By Bill Liggett

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

T S E W E THE N R AND A B S T SPOR U R ANT R ESTA RUZ C IN LA

FU LL MEN U GR EA T V IE W HAP P Y H OU R LI VE MUS IC SPOR TS

C

orazon de Niña, a shelter for at-risk children, last week received a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the building compliments of the Puerto Vallarta Navy League, Intercam Bank and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active.

The Active was in port for three days for provisioning and a bit of R&R, and took time out to perform this community relations project under the direction of the Navy League.

The Navy League and Intercam last year joined forces to conduct community improvement projects throughout the Puerto Vallarta Region.

Often these are with the help of visiting Coast Guard and Navy ships, and other times using only local residents and Navy League/ Intercam members. They have a

long list of potential projects awaiting completion, so expect to hear more about these needed improvements to community properties in coming months.

Now that the Coast Guard and Navy view Puerto Vallarta as their port-of-choice on the West Coast of Mexico, the Navy League and Intercam should be able to accelerate the number of completed projects throughout 2017 and beyond.

Special thanks go out to Melissa Canz and the children of Corazon de Niña for providing a delicious lunch for all painting volunteers.

We’d also like to thank local builder Miguel Vasquez for providing much needed scaffolding and Jon Murphy for handling a reception for crewmembers of the Active at Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Malecon.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TESCALAMA Happy Hour: Everyday from 5:00-7:00pm 2x1 National Drinks, Half Price Pizzas on Wednesday Live Music: Zoe Wood every Thursday 7-9pm SPORTS! SPORTS! MORE SPORTS!

SUPER BOWL LI Sunday, February 5th Reserve your table now!

Food & Drink Specials!

FOR ALL YOUR SPORTS AND EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT High def big screen TV’s and the best audio system around! Don’t miss anything! Open 7 days a week!

5 T V’S

329 295-6083 FB/Tescalama La Cruz tescalamalacruz.com

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charity

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com.

Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C. contributing to the quality of life in La Cruz through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax Deductible. www.amigosdelacruz.org Contact Amy Welch amywelchpdx@comcast.net Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes.

Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio. com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org

Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students.

Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285.

CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer.

Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town.

Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers. com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty.

Job creation, education, emergency & more.

Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@ 4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another.

Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com International Friendship Club - Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www.ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Puerto Vallarta Navy League AC – Distributes toys to needy children on Three Kings Day, constructs playgrounds in underprivileged areas, assists with transportation of donated medical and educational supplies and equipment from US donors, organizes work groups to do painting and light repair work for other charities, schools and government facilities. Contact: Carol Smith (322)137-4902 New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more.

299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org Purr Project – no-kill feline rescue located near Puerto Vallarta providing homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal of adopting them out to loving homes, sterilized, vaccinated and disease free. www.purrproject.com PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org

entertainment

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Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Sean Penn Actor, Filmmaker, Political Activist

By Fred Jacobs

S

ean Penn was born in Los Angeles, California on August 17, 1960. His parents were actor/director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan. Despite his bad boy image onscreen, his early and school years were relatively calm.

He went to high school at Santa Monica High School and he began making short films with some of his childhood friends, including actors Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen, who lived near his home. Sean was never a fan of the Hollywood pomp and ceremony he witnessed growing up, but admired the industry in which he grew up in.

In 1974, Sean’s father was directing some episodes of the “Little House on the Prairie” television series and that’s where Sean got his first onscreen exposure as an extra. In 1981, Sean got his film career started with the actiondrama “Taps” (1981), where he played a military high school cadet.

Appearing with George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton was no small feat for his first big screen role.

In 1982, Sean got the lead role in the hit comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), in the role of surfer-stoner Jeff Spicoli. His character helped popularize the word “dude” in pop culture. In 1983, Sean landed the starring role in the drama “Bad Boys”. The role would be his first tough guy role.

In the film, Sean played an Irish-American hoodlum from Chicago, whose crimes involved snatching purses, vandalism, and getting into brawls. The film earned Sean very favorable reviews and launched his career as a serious actor.

In early 1985, Sean met pop star Madonna and after a short romance ended up marrying her in August of that year. This would be the start of a highly toxic and

public four year marriage. Allegations of alcohol abuse and physical violence were common for the couple. One famous incident in the news was when Sean was arrested for assaulting a photographer on a film set.

Madonna has said privately that, “the passion and fireworks between them were unlike anything she’s ever experienced, before or since.”

The couple finally divorced in 1989, but friends say Madonna is still in love with Sean to this day.

While all this personal drama was going on, Sean had a string of well received roles in various movies. But in 1990’s, Sean hit the big leagues, with a string of outstanding performances. Sean would play a racist murderer on death row in the drama “Dead Man Walking” (1995) opposite Susan Sarandon.

Sean would be nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor for the role and Susan would go on to win an Oscar

for Best Actress.

Sean was again nominated for an Oscar for his comedic role as a jazz guitarist in the movie “Sweet and Lowdown” (1999). He received his third nomination after portraying a mentally handicapped father in “I am Sam” (2001). Sean finally won his first Oscar for his role in the drama “Mystic River” (2003).

Sean then took a career risk and took on the role of real life gay rights icon and politician Harvey Milk, in the film “Milk” (2008).

The film was a hit with critics and would earn Sean his fifth Oscar nomination and second Oscar statue.

Sean married actress Robin Wright in 1996 and would have two children with her, before divorcing, remarrying and divorcing her the final time in 2010. Sean’s outspoken political views and activism, has gotten him in hot water more than once. In December 2002, Sean

visited Iraq to protest the Bush Administration’s apparent plans for a military strike on Iraq. In June 2005, Sean made a visit to Iran, pretending to be a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle. He even attended a Friday prayer at Tehran University while in Iran.

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Sean founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which has been running a 55,000 person tent camp there. Sean was also a fan and friend of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and even called for the arrest of those referring to him as a dictator.

Closer to us down here in paradise, Sean has made news recently in Mexico. A day after Mexican officials announced the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in a bloody raid, Rolling Stone Magazine revealed that Sean had conducted a secret interview with El Chapo just prior to his arrest. The

goal was to talk about producing a biographical film about Guzman.

El Chapo apparently did not know who Sean Penn was, but he reportedly loved the idea of a film about himself.

The interview was criticized by some, including the White House and Mexican authorities who were seeking to question Penn over the interview, which had not been approved by either the American or Mexican government. Sean Penn’s meeting with Guzman and its circumstances are under investigation by the Attorney General of Mexico.

Sean Penn has given us no shortage of great onscreen performances as well as real life drama over the years. What is next, is anyone’s guess.

Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of three books.

Where can I find the Vallarta Tribune?

Over the past month we have been making small changes to our distribution locations; hopefully making it easier for you to find a copy. The Tribune will be available for pick up at the tourist offices in the main plaza as well as in Park Lazaro Cardenas, in Puerto Vallarta. You can shop and pick up

a copy of the Tribune at the Friday Marsol Market, the Saturday Olas Altas Market and at the Amigo’s de La Cruz table at the La Cruz Sunday Market. In addition to all of our advertisers, look for the Vallarta Tribune in restaurants, resorts, galleries and salons around the Bay of Banderas and north into

Sayulita and San Pancho. We distribute 10,000 copies in high season from Mismaloya to San Pancho each week.

Marina Vallarta: Benittos, The Coffee Cup, Re/Max, San Javier Hospital Nuevo Vallarta: Eddies, Barracuda’s, Nopalitos, US Consulate,

Chasers Sports Bar Bucerias: Mark’s, Sandrina’s, Yo-Yo Mo’s, Luna Lounge, Esquina 22 La Cruz: Oso’s Oyster Bar, Octopus Garden, Tescamala Sayulita: Don Pedro’s, Punta Sayulita, Choco Banana, Sayulita Wine Shop San Pancho: Hotel Cielo Rojo

VALLARTA SHOPPI

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

for shows & times visit

www.BTPV.org

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014

...come play with us!

Tickets available -Vallarta Tickets -Theatre Box Office

287 Basilio Badillo in Old Town

31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

Box Office Phone: 044-322-728-6878

English Spoken Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay Real Estate * Trusts * Wills * Inmigration * Civil Criminal Specializing in Immigration.

Real Estate. Condominium Law

Cell. 322 278 6694 felixzaratelawyer@gmail.com

DIGITAL AND PRE-PRESS

PRINTING

For all your printed needs Business Cards, Brochures, Menus, Flyers, Magazines, Calendars, Invitations, Books and more!

WE CAN PRINT YOUR IDEAS! Service available in English.

Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talaver a, Saltillo, Mosaico

Tel. 225 4982 Ext 115 Imprenta de Tribuna de la BahĂ­a

599 Juarez, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 206 2536 sales@colibridesignvallarta.com

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Three Hens & a Rooster Market News

D

id you know that Three Hens is super celebrating Wednesdays? Not only is there a slightly scaleddown Market in the morning, on Wednesday evenings you will find Pop-up Dinners with doors opening at 6:30 and dinner served at 7 pm. Since reservations are an absolute must, phone 187 0450, cell 322 164 8689 or email miremaden@icloud.com The exciting menus change every week, of course, so give Miren or Octavio, formerly of Esquina de los Caprichos, a call to find out what’s happening next Wednesday night!

Mama Vallarta’s Jewish Comfort Food is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9 to 1 offering up fried chicken, great salads, and different specials every day she’s open.

The food at Three Hens is always extraordinary – whether it is fettuccine by Jeanine and Barbara, angel food cake straight from heaven via Kim, fabulous lasagna bites and other Italian specialties by Monica (terrific bread!). Pat – when she is not sewing plus-size tops and skirts – is making different kinds of fudge and salsas.

Fabulous Fabric Fellow, Bill Kelly is ALWAYS sewing – creating colourful pillows, cushion covers, aprons, cooling ties and the odd scarf, just because. Carol-lynne returns from her quick trip to Canada. You can visit her ‘Tattered Couture’ Boutique upstairs, right next to the gallery of amazing painter Edwige.

Three Hens and a Rooster Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466.

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

I

n the busy hustle and bustle of the Marsol Market, there is a small space of calmness and quiet – her name is Kathryn. Kathryn is psychic – and before you dismiss that entirely – spend a few pesos and a few moments of your time… and have her read your cards.

The days of ‘gypsy’ mumbo-jumbo are long gone (one hopes) and with Kathryn, you will encounter a truly lovely woman who has the extraordinary ability to plow through your energy field (they are complicated) and come up with suggestions or affirmations – whatever you need – to improve your life. While it is said all people have this innate ability, very few pursue and embrace this complex calling. Kathryn can and does; she is amazingly intuitive.

There is nothing quite like the smell of tortilla soup cooking!

With the on-shore breeze wafting through the Market all day long, the aroma was intense and made everybody hungry.

Add to that our slightly coolerthan-normal temperatures and Karen LaForge had a big job on her hands warming everyone up! Take some home for later.

All of this and so much more: furniture, paintings, artisans, clothing, Italian food, books and jewellery priced from 10 pesos to ???!!! Tours, fabulous music provided by Gabriel Reyes and warm welcomes to all from our vendors.

The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 to 1:30 pm.

OLD FURNITURE, NEW BEGINNINGS WE PICK IT UP AT YOUR DOOR!

2 x 1 on all Food from 4 to 6 pm with this ad

A true neighborhood bar!

The “CHEERS” of PV with daily specials, all the sports, live music, pool table, events and much more!

Aquiles Serdan # 625 Col. Emiliano Zapata Phone: 223-4006 michael@quepasavallarta.com quepasavallarta.com

LET YOUR DONATION OF GENTLY USED FURNITURE / HOUSEHOLD ITEMS HAVE A HUGE IMPACT THROUGH US! WE MAKE DONATION AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, PICKING IT UP AT YOUR DOOR AND ISSUING A RECEIPT ON THE SPOT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! YOUR DONATIONS ALLOW US TO PROVIDE A SAFE, STABLE, LOVING HOME FOR 24 GIRLS - ALL FROM HIGH RISK SITUATIONS INCLUDING ABANDONMENT, ABUSE & EXPLOITATION - WHEREIN THEY NOW HAVE A SENSE OF PERMENANCE, ACCESS TO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION PLUS ONGOING COUNSELING, MEDICAL/DENTAL ATTENTION AND MORE

BY DONATING, YOU ARE HELPING US CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY ONE GIRL AT A TIME!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 224 9209 322 217 2401, 322 180 8086 CASAHOGARCORAZONDENINA@HOTMAIL.COM WWW.FUNDACIONCORAZON.MX

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events

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Events Calendar Have an event you want to promote? Email the details: Where, When, Who and What by Monday 5pm to Editor(at)VallartaTribune. com to be included in that week’s paper.

All events can be found online at www.vallartatribune.com/events NOW ADD YOUR EVENT ONLINE – FREE ONLINE LISTINGS! January 26 Los Mangos Library Art Auction Doors open at 6pm Live Auction, Fixed Price Room, Live Music, Snacks and Beverages Bibliotecalosmangos.com January 27 Ceviche and Augachile Festival Lazaro Cardena Park 12-6pm Taste samples of these iconic Mexican dishes. Live Music and events.

January 31 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com January 31 Corazon de Nina - Humanitarian Tour and Brunch - 10:00 am Calle San Luis Potosi 355 - RSVP to admin@corazondenina.mx or call 322/224-9209 January 31 Free Malecon Sculpture Tour.

Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30am in front of the Millennium Sculpture by the Hotel Rosita on the north end of the Malecon.

Meet local artists, learn more about the vibrant artistic community we have in Puerto Vallarta.

February 1 Purr Project Bingo Margarita Grill – Basilio Badillo 5pm Fundraiser for the kitties of Vallarta. 3 bingo cards $100mx February 1 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 7 Free Malecon Sculpture Tour.

Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30am in front of the Millennium Sculpture by the Hotel Rosita

on the north end of the Malecon.

Meet local artists, learn more about the vibrant artistic community we have in Puerto Vallarta.

February 7 Purr Project Fashion Show Daquiri Dicks, Old Town PV – 10:30am February 7 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 8 Champagne brunch at The Iguana - Casa Kimberly. Spring fundraiser for the SPCA. Contact spcapv@gmail.com for more details.

February 8 Charity Bingo at Nacho Daddy Cards on sale at 3pm – Bingo starts at 4pm Live music by Stolie from 3-4pm Fundraising for Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic February 7 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 9 Casa Connor Open House New facility donated to Pasitos de Luz 9:00 am to noon Return transportation provided from Sam’s Club at 9:00 am February 13 Medical Matters. Annual day long conference with seminars on health and wellness open to the public. Hosted by Pamela Thompson.

More information forthcoming.

February 14 Free Malecon Sculpture Tour.

Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30am in front of the Millennium Sculpture by the Hotel Rosita on the north end of the Malecon.

Meet local artists, learn more about the vibrant artistic community we have in Puerto Vallarta.

February 14 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com

February 15 Purr Project Bingo Margarita Grill – Basilio Badillo 5pm Fundraiser for the kitties of Vallarta. 3 bingo cards $100mx February 15 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 21 Free Malecon Sculpture Tour.

Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30am in front of the Millennium Sculpture by the Hotel Rosita on the north end of the Malecon.

Meet local artists, learn more about the vibrant artistic community we have in Puerto Vallarta.

February 21 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 22 Charity Bingo at Nacho Daddy Cards on sale at 3pm – Bingo starts at 4pm Live music by Stolie from 3-4pm Fundraising for Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Farmer’s Markets

M

ost Farmers Markets run from November through April, though a couple are all year round. Typically they start about 9am and end between 1 and 2pm. Each is a little different and all of them are fabulous!

PUERTO VALLARTA Saturday 9:00 -2:00pm Olas Altas Market Runs until April 29th in Park Lazaro Cardenas Saturday 9 – 1pm and Wednesday 9-1pm Three Hens and a Rooster Market Year round at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Emiliano Zapata Wednesday and Friday 9 – 1pm Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Year round at Marsol Hotel Lobby in Old Town.

Thursday 6 – 10pm Los Mangos Mercado Saturday 9-2pm Marina Vallarta Market Every Thursday evening until the end of April along the boardwalk in Marina Vallarta.

NUEVO VALLARTA Tuesday 9-2pm Riviera Nayarit Farmers’ Market Parking lot at the Business Center; Saturday 9-2pm Tianguis Artesanal Nuevo Vallarta in the Marina Nuevo Vallarta

BUCERIAS Wednesday 9 - 1 pm Forever Spring along Lazaro Cardenas

February 22 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com

LA CRUZ

February 28 Free Malecon Sculpture Tour.

Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30am in front of the Millennium Sculpture by the Hotel Rosita on the north end of the Malecon.

Meet local artists, learn more about the vibrant artistic community we have in Puerto Vallarta.

SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO

February 28 IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 stunning Vallarta homes. Leave Sea Monkey Restaurant on the Malecon at 10:30am - 3 Hours. $600 pesos www.toursforvallarta.com February 28 SEX PLEASE, WE’RE SIXTY Dinner Theatre at Langosta Diez Restaurant, La Cruz To benefit Amigos de La Cruz Contact Linda Randall for tickets raylin1970@ shaw.ca

Sunday 10-2pm La Cruz Sunday Market - over 200 vendors. The Bay’s largest market along the Marina Riviera Nayarit

Friday 10-2pm Mercado del Pueblo on Revolucion Street in Sayulita. Great market with many venders available only here. Much is organic and local.

Tuesdays 10-2pm Mercado del Sol in San Pancho at the Plaza del Sol

LO DE MARCOS, GUAYABITOS, CHACALA AND LA PEÑITA Saturday 9-2pm The Tianguis Lo de Marcos is held on Luis Echeverría street Saturday 9-1pm The Chacala Cultural Market in the main Plaza. (Opening Nov.19) Monday 8-1pm Guayabitos Market on the main plaza in town Thursday 8-1pm La Peñita Market on its main plaza.

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CROSSWORD SOLVE!

games

Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

E S C A P E T O Y O U R O W N PA R A D I S E CASA ALEMAN $1,199,000 USD

Breathtaking views, 4 BR, 4 BA, Private luxury, 2,267 sq. ft., MLS 10308