EVENTS
EXPATS
Chacala Music Festival
Two Expats in Mexico
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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
March 9 - 15, 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 CARNIVAL MIRACLE GRAND PRINCESS RUBY PRINCESS CARNIVAL MIRACLE NORWEGIAN JEWEL WESTERDAM WESTERDAM RUBY PRINCESS CARNIVAL MIRACLE NORWEGIAN JEWEL MAASDAM CARNIVAL MIRACLE
PASS DATE 3,200 01/03/2017 2,600 04/03/2017 2,600 07/03/2017 3,200 08/03/2017 2,240 08/03/2017 1,266 08/03/2017 1,266 14/03/2017 2,600 14/03/2017 3,200 15/03/2017 2,240 15/03/2017 1,258 21/03/2017 3,200 22/03/2017
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 March Puerto Vallarta welcomes 39, 150 passengers! NORWEGIAN JEWEL RUBY PRINCESS CARNIVAL MIRACLE NORWEGIAN JEWEL
2,240 2,600 3,200 2,240
22/03/2017 28/03/2017 29/03/2017 29/03/2017
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
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Note
editor@vallartatribune.com
H
ere we are in the middle of freaking March – how did that happen? Thankfully Semana Santa is in April this year or I would lose my mind. Last week I went to El Rio BBQ and Bar for the Saturday festivities of Riverfest. Great turn out. Wonderful music. The kids were so happy to be there and lots of pesos were raised. I hear it’s over 150,000mxn which is huge and goes a long way to making life a little easier for those less fortunate. We have a couple events happening in the next while that are worth highlighting here: the Los Mangos Library fundraiser Que Viva El Canto is this evening (assuming you’re reading this Thursday, March 9) at 7:30 pm at the Sheraton Bugamibila. Funds raised go towards supporting the only public library in Puerto Vallarta and its programming. Also starting Thursday, but running all week is the Chacala Music Festival. Thursday evening is showing a number of films that were screened at the Guanajuato International Film Festival, and through the weekend starting in the late afternoon there is live music, art installations, events for children and more. Chacala is about an hour and a half north of Vallarta, on a lovely bay with a very calm and safe beach, excellent restaurants and a dozen or so smaller hotels and vacation rental villas. If you needed an excuse to visit – the festival is a great time. On March 20, the Xuitla Folk Ballet is hosting a fundraiser on March 20th at 6 pm to raise funds for their summer tour where they will represent Vallarta and Jalisco through performances in Estado de Mexico, Veracruz, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. If you have seen them on Friday evenings in the Lazaro Cardenas park, or at the many events they perform at around Vallarta,
you will know that this group of dancers deserves your financial support to continue showcasing their artistic and cultural dance. New and returning advertisers continue to fill the pages of the Vallarta Tribune and we are very grateful for them - because it means we can bring you this paper week after week, for free. Please support the businesses within the pages of the Vallarta Tribune and let them know where you found them. Welcome back Via Anderson who offers Intelligent Movement Therapy for those who suffer physical pain – find her details on page 5. Maadri is a new fashion boutique that specialises in high-quality resort wear located in Plaza Romy in front of Superior Tours – details are on page 8. Jovany Jara of Ropero de Jovany fame, whom we all know and love, is presenting a spectacular private estate sale with many hard to find (particularly in Mexico) treasures on March 10 -13. Details on Page 15. And Roberta Valdez of Allegre Tours joins us again, offering an exciting array of Mexico and Latin America tours with the information on page 6. We have a new regular columnist Paul Kurtzweil who, along with his wife, retired to Mexico about a year ago and writes the popular Two Expats in Mexico blog. Paul has well-researched articles pertaining to life as an expat in Mexico. Join me in welcoming him to the fold. There continues to be many events and activities to attend around town and if you haven’t yet - go explore Marina Vallarta and its’ Thursday Evening Market which runs from 6 pm to 10 pm and features 100’s of vendors selling artisan crafts, jewellery, food, clothing, home accessories and more. Plus there are about a dozen new restaurants along the boardwalk each offering great dining options. Friday we have the Marsol Market by the ‘new’ pier and the wonderful local organic mar-
ket in Sayulita. Saturday is busy with the Olas Altas Market and the new Los Mangos Mercado as well as the Three Hens and a Rooster market. Sunday – head to La Cruz for the farmer’s market along the Marina. Tuesday, we have a huge market in Nuevo behind the Casino that is well worth a visit. Bucerias has the Forever Spring Market on Wednesdays and the Thursday Art Walk. All of these vendors are locals who create wonderful items and when you support them you are putting money back into the local community. More market details can be found on page 34 along with our handy weekly Events Calendar. While here please remember to shop local and tip well (including the baggers in the grocery stores who are working for tips alone). Enjoy the natural beauty of the bay and please don’t litter! With the encroaching summer rains, the less garbage on the streets that can wash into the rivers and ocean, the better. Did you know Mexico is ranked the fifth most biodiverse country in the world? Ranking second for reptiles, third for mammals and fifth for plants; this is a beautiful and verdant country. Happy exploring. Madeline
Dear Editor,
M
y wife and I came to Vallarta in 2001 at Christmas time. We came again in 2003 and 2005. By the third time we knew where we wanted to be in the winter. We fell in love with the city and even more the people. We are now retired and have been coming for January, February and March. Now, we are not sure we can return to PV. The air quality is the problem. We used to be able to see the ocean horizon, towns to the north, and the Sierra Madre mountains. Sadly, the views have changed for the worse and I am having more
Vallarta Tribune Co-Sponsored Study and Prize Drawing What It’s Like to Live in Mexico Closing March 10
Join your fellow expats to let the world know what you think of living in Mexico by answering some questions online in a research study being conducted by Best Places in the World to Retire and co-sponsored by Vallarta Tribune. Click www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3353861/ExpatsInMexico to get started before March 10 to be entered to win great prizes. Let our voice be heard (and enter to win those prizes)!
Learn More about Condominium Laws in Jalisco and Nayarit Legal Responsibility: Vigilance Committee and Administrative Board Members. We are offering 2 free English language sessions on condo laws. Join us to learn more. - Are you having legal, administrative or accounting problems in your condo?
- Who is legally responsible for all the problems that arise? - If you are not a Mexican citizen and are on a Board of Directors or Vigilance Committee, how are you legally responsible?
trouble breathing each year. Please tell me some measurement of the air quality is being done. Many people we know are having similar discussions. Some are looking for new places to stay outside of Banderas Bay. I pity the poor whales who come up for air. You can't change what you don't understand. You can't understand what you don't measure. Please tell me what has been done and what is being planned to understand and deal with the worsening problem of air quality in Puerto Vallarta. Sincerely, Dave and Michele Craigen Snowbirds from Canada. davecraigen@netscape.net
- Do you know your legal responsibility with the decisions the Board or Committee makes every day? - Do you know the immigration requirements in order to be a Board or Committee member? We will answer all these questions and any more you may have about Condominium Law. We are experts in Condominium Law and advise several Condominium Boards in Jalisco and Nayarit states. Avoid legal problems and costly lawsuits. Let us advise you.
Join us: Tuesday, March 14 at 11:00 am, at 290 Venecia Street, Colonia Díaz Ordáz (close to Costco) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Wednesday, March 15 at 11:00 am at 36 Lazaro Cárdenas Street, Colonia Zona Dorada, Bucerias, Nayarit. (Half a block from the Decamaron Hotel.) Duration: One hour - FREE admission Please confirm attendance by sending an email to: gloria@legaladvicevallarta.com or by phone 322 182 3913 www.legaladvicevallarta.com
news
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Mexico welcomed record 35 million international tourists in 2016 By Patrick Clarke
M
exico’s tourism industry is riding high on the heels of a historic 2016. The Mexico Tourism Board announced Tuesday that a record 35 million international travelers visited the country last year. The impressive figure signals a 9 percent jump compared to 2015. To put the increase in perspective, the global industry average is just 3.9 percent, based on figures from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Given the massive visitor growth, Mexico also saw a huge jump in international visitor spending last year, with that figure climbing at a stunning clip of 10.4 percent, according to the country’s tourism board. International tourists arriving in Mexico via air travel grew at a rate of 10.7 percent in 2016. “Mexico’s sustained, fast growth is a testament to the incredible quality and diversity in our tourism
offering and the hard work for the entire industry, both internationally and domestically,” said the board’s CEO, Lourdes Berho, in a statement accompanying Tuesday’s announcement. “Plans are already underway to ensure 2017 builds upon these achievements and that Mexico continues to welcome all visitors and give them reasons to come back again and again.” Berho said that more than 9 million Mexicans are employed by the tourism and hospitality industry. Additional research conducted by the tourism board suggests a
bright future for the exploding destination, with 94 percent of visitors indicating that their visit “exceeded their expectations” and 86 percent saying that they would “like to come back again” in the next six months. Mexico was named the best international destination for family travel at the 2017 Travvy Awards earlier this year, while Puerto Vallarta was named the second-best international destination for LGBTQ Travel. The Mexico Tourism Board aims to reach 50 million international visitors by 2021.
Original: Travel Pulse
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Pendant Supporting Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Now on Sale
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local designer and business owners come together to create unique gift for those who financially support the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter. Thanks to Georgia Darehshori and Casa Karma and to Joyeria Diamante Azul (Blue Diamond Jeweler) for supplying the silver at wholesale costs, Compassion For the Family Inc. are able to offer a beautiful pendant, designed and signed by Alfredo Franco to everyone who sets up a monthly donation to Compassion for the Family Inc. Help support the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter and change the lives of women and children, survivors of domestic violence. Donations can be set up on the
not for profit website CompassionForTheFamilyMx.org. Pay by credit card or by setting up a Paypal account. Donations can also be received at Compassion for the Family Inc., 115 13th Street SE, Altoona, IA 50009. The Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter is working with Vida Reavivida/Compassion for the Family Inc. and Mexican Social Services to provide an immediate, temporary and safe living environment for women and children who are the victims of domestic violence; to prepare them to be financially independent through jobs, education, non interest small business loans; and to assist them in living a life free of violence through profes-
Certified Yoga and Movement Coach Founder of Intelligent Movement Forever yogawithvia@gmail.com Call 322 224 0879 www.intelligentmovementforever.com
sional counseling. For more information, please visit CompassionForTheFamilyMx.org
When i stopped walking at the sea And i looked at the sea Far as human eyes can see When i see a rainbow how beautiful it is Beautiful like the roses
J. CSIKI 2017 Jan. 16
“I feel more relaxed, more alive, more open and less pain after our sessions.” Adrienne R.
MARSOL FRIDAY MARKET BY THE PIER
CADA VIERNES 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
ART ARTE JEWELRY JOYERÍA CRAFTS ARTESANÍA CLOTHING ROPA PASTRY PASTELES HOME DECOR MUEBLES HERBALIST HERBALISTA FOOD COMIDA MUSIC MÚSICA
MARSOL HOTEL BY THE PIER 103 FRANCISCA RODRIGUEZ OLAS ALTAS
PV Chamber Orchestra Performs Eastern European Music
T
I hear i lost my freedom Since i touched her face Since that time there is no peace In my heart day or night That’s how i live in paradise
Lower back pain? Neck and shoulder pain? Poor posture? I can help you get out of pain and move better. 60 minute session only $625pesos
Via Anderson
I LIVE. That i gathered in my dream Walking by the deep sea and Listening to the music that i hear I listen to the waves What they whisper in my ears
Do you hurt when you move?
he Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra and Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV) are pleased to announce two concert performances on Sunday and Monday, March 26 and 27, 2017. Sunday, March 26, 8:00 pm at the American School and Monday, March 27, 8:00 pm, Salon Paraiso in Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta. The orchestra’s program will feature
Eastern European music, including selected Slavonic Dances by Antonin Dvorak and his Symphony No. 9, the “New World” Symphony. The program will also include Rumanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok. Our guest soloists will be the extremely popular band Moruno, comprised of Diego Mateo and Nacho Flores, who will perform Balkan music. Suggested donation: 200 pesos
adults, 100 pesos children and students. Children 5 and under free. This donation will make it possible for 300 students and families to attend the concert for free. It will support the orchestra’s new policy of providing free tickets to music schools, student organizations and other groups who would otherwise be unable to afford these concerts and enjoy the experience and cultural exposure that they offer.
local
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Paradise
My Life In Vallarta
and Parenting
By Lois Ellison
Leza Warkentin
The Hunt
Track-o-thon!
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E
mommyinmexico.wordpress.com
loell87@yahoo.com
hen you live in Mexico, sometimes what seems like it should be a simple task turns into a half day mission. And so it was the other day when my husband announced he was going to realign the metal frame on the door to our bodega (storage unit). All he needed was a few flat head screws. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? He started with the obvious: sorting through the vast assortment of screws in his tool chest. When that came up empty except for tiny ones, he invited me to join him on the short walk to one of our neighborhood hardware stores. As we entered the store, we were surprised to see our 92 year old friend Juan occupying a stool and taking a break from his daily beach vending rounds. While I exchanged hugs and pleasantries with Juan, my husband went to the counter with a small flat head screw he’d brought along as a sample. After some back and forth, it became clear that they did not have any flat head screws. Juan recommended another store just a short walk away and off we went. That shop was busy and we didn’t see any screws on display: their specialty appeared to be electrical supplies. So we decided to try yet another local store. Once again, no flat head screws but this time the man behind the counter very confidently recommended El Progreso, a larger hardware store, across from the Mega supermarket a couple of miles north. In fact he was certain they would have what we needed, as they supposedly have everything. This was an “aha” moment for us; we were familiar with El Progreso. Time to get our car and widen the hunt. Now if you’ve read some of my earlier columns, you may recall that one of the major elements of Mexican culture is the desire to be helpful and always affirmative. If you ask someone for directions, you can easily be sent
on a wild goose chase because the person doesn’t want to disappoint you. So we shouldn’t have been surprised that when we arrived at El Progreso, they had no flat head screws. In fact they don’t sell screws of any type. Zip, zero, nada. This was our fourth strike out. Maybe it was time to head to Home Depot. That’s never our first choice as it is past the airport and a bit of a ride. Plus we prefer to support the local merchants. But here we were, once again empty handed. As we were heading for the door, the woman behind the counter called after us. There was, she assured us, a store that had lots of screws, just around the corner and inland about a block and a half. Hmmm, sounds familiar. Was this just another local not wanting to disappoint or would the fifth time be the charm? Since we were so close and it was a beautiful day for walking, we decided to take one last shot at it. I could read the sign from a block away: Tornillos! With the end in sight, we picked up the pace and entered the small shop. Not only did they have tornillos (screws) they had every type imaginable. Two hours and five stops after starting the hunt, we arrived home, flat head screws in hand and only a few pesos lighter. These adventures may sound tedious to you, but in all honesty, they can be a lot of fun and extremely satisfying when you finally score. Just remember, not everyone who offers assistance has accurate information. Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey. As they say, getting there is half the fun.
ven the youngest children can and should experience the satisfaction of lending a helping hand. As a teacher and a professional, it’s an important to me that even my youngest students come to learn that they can and should help others. I try to tap into that part of them that feels sad when someone else is sad, and cheers along when someone experiences success. This is not always easy, because in the early years most kids feel very strongly about their own personal feelings, and less concerned about almost everything else, including whether the marker will ever come off your walls. At my school, the American School of Puerto Vallarta, part of our curriculum is community service. Each grade level needs to complete one project that will benefit a local organization. We have helped out raising funds and materials for hurricane relief both in Mexico and abroad, the Red Cross, rural schools, animal shelters, and so many more. We have had a glove drive for the local garbage collectors to safeguard them from illness and disease during their day-to-day collections. In our early childhood program, which I coordinate, we have had a successful trike-a-thon project each year where students get on bicy-
cles and tricycles and ride around the track in a fund-raising effort for a rural school. It was an idea I had one day about ten years ago. I tend to get big ideas that seem hilarious and entertaining at the time, but usually aren’t very realistic. Kind of like the idea I had to make a big cement river running through the playground, because a mud river seemed like it would be fun for a day or so. But the trike-a-thon, which was basically 45 children riding on balloon-laden bicycles as fast as they could all at once, was very successful actually, and we pretty much managed to build entire walls, windows, a roof, and completely renovate a bathroom for a rural school that was holding classes (and doing a great job by the way) in a building with chicken wire windows and a raw log for a support beam. And what’s more, our students not only raised the money, but helped decide where it would be directed. We spent weeks projecting large images of the school building and the classrooms for the children and having our three to six-year-olds examine what areas would especially need our help. They would compare the photos to our own classrooms and decide what our trike-a-thon funds should contribute, such as paint, playground equipment, desks, and art materials. The kinder 3 class went to the
Alegre Tours Calendar:
school as our preschool representatives to spend a morning playing games with the students of our sister school, and learned that not only did we all like the same games, but that their playground had different stuff from ours, and therefore was more fun. Our ASPV school families fundraised this past year for a brand new track, inconveniently forgetting that the coolest event of the year would now no longer be possible on the new, more delicate surface. That didn’t stop my EC teaching team, who decided a TRACK-o-thon would do the trick just as well. So our tenacious group of children was presented with a new school to help, this time a local marginalized public school. They examined the photos and decided a new playground, windows and repaired roof was necessary. Then they started using their physical education time to practice running on the track. They got tired. They fell asleep after P.E. almost every day. But they still all made running goals, many of which we gently tried to guide away from, because they seemed unrealistic. A ten lap goal for a five-year-old just didn’t seem quite possible. But we respected their decisions and told them just to do their best. They fund-raised at home with family and friends, over 25,000 pesos worth, and came to track-a-thon ready to meet their sky-high running goals. Their goals seemed, to us, to be beyond their reach. And yet almost every child met or surpassed them, with a determination that I’ve never seen off the Olympic television screen. I think it’s because they have already experienced the satisfaction of reaching far beyond what seems possible. And they already know how it feels to make a real difference. That’s a lesson I hope they never forget.
Alegre Tours
Sept 29-Oct 09-2017 Argentina/ Buenos Aires/IguazuFall/Mendoza Wine Country November 04-11-2017 Cuba Havana and Varadero Beach November 28-December 05-2017 Mexico City/Cernavaca/Valle de Bravo/Xochimilco/Taxco December 15-2017 Mascota/Talpa 1 Day Tour January 13-19-2018 Guanajuato/San Miguel/Leon February 12-15-2018 Tonala Original Special “Shop Till You Drop” Tour Visit Tonala Marketplace and Furniture Expo March 17-24-2018 Merida/Chichen-Itza/Becal/Uxmal
Reservations & Information: Roberta Valdez 951.760.1068 rvaldez714@hotmail.com
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local
Que Paso at UDG CUC Leigh Thelmadatter
104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com
osomadre@hotmail.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
The French, a small Mixe community and blouses
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the movie, ‘Train Drivers Diary’. by Director Milos Radovic, staring Lazar Ristovski. This 2016 movie that I know you will enjoy. The star of the movie, Lazar Ristovski, Will be there. There will be an open reception after the movie. All events during the FICPV are FREE and open to the public. For a complete schedule of all the events go to the official web site. www.ficpv.cuc.udg.mx “The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.” Alfred Hitchcock See you at the movies! Michael
Creative hands of Mexico
Michael Nolan
On Monday, March 13 The FICPV #17 will begin. Join me at 6pm at the Los Arcos amphitheater on the Malecon. I will be hosting the first movie, “El Charro de Toluqilla”. This film was filmed around Guadalajara. Both the Director Jose Villalobos and star of the movie, Jamie Garcia will be at the screening. After the movie Jose and Jamie will take comments and answer questions about the movie. How often do you have a chance to watch a film and then talk in person to the director and star of the movie? It is a great movie and I encourage all to attend. On Wednesday March 15 at 6 pm will be the Grand Opening Gala held at the University’s Main Auditorium. We will be showing
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
n January 2015, a controversy erupted when singer Susana Harp uploaded two photographs onto her social networks: one of a blouse by designer Isabel Marant, and the other with traditional blouses worn by the Mixe women of the small mountain community of Santa María Tlahuitoltepec. This was followed by a charge of plagiarism. The post remained viral until May 2015, and in following month the president of the municipality, Erasmo Hernandez Gonzalez, held a press conference at the Oaxaca Textile Museum, condemning the “cultural appropriation” of the blouse design for financial gain. The issue resurged in the fall when rumors surfaced (including a petition on change.org) claiming that the designer had a patent issued to her by French courts, which would require the native artisans of the town to pay royalty fees in order to create the blouses. This rumor proved false, but it reinforced the sense of urgency among activists and Mexican cultural officials to take steps to protect traditional designs. One issue is that many of traditional designs have no single author and/or date back so far in time that legal copyright protections are very limited or non-existent. A Guardian article from June 17th of that year claims the designs are 600 years old, which would be well beyond the limit for putting designs in to the public domain. Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec (or Tlahui for short) is located the rugged terrain of the Sierra Mixe mountains. It is only about 80km due east of the city of Oaxaca, but it is a world away in both climate and way of life. While the city is warm and dry most of the year, Tlahuitoltepec is higher, significantly colder and receives more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, generating light rain and fog. The only way to reach the town from the capital is by a winding road from Mitla, making the town about 2.5+hours away by car. There is precious little flat land
here and Tlahui, along with other Mixe communities, are settled precariously on ledges on the mountains. The ruggedness of the terrain has allowed the Mixe to keep much of their traditional way of life. Most speak Mixe along with Spanish and many signs are in both languages, or just in Mixe. Isolation also means that individual Mixe communities are distinct from one another. Traditional dress varies quite a bit from community to community, even between those only a few kms apart. For this reason the blouse in question is claimed only by the women of Tlahui, as it is original only to this community, not Mixe women in general. Agriculture is still a basis of the economy, as the area does not see much or any tourism. Almost all of the women, such as Delfina Gomez Martinez, work at making these traditional blouses, along with long, flowing calico skirts and wraparound belts. Some are made for local consumption, but most are made for sale and most of these go to resellers in the city of Oaxaca. The construction of the blouses is interesting. The base material is a light to medium-weight cotton muslin, usually white or off-white, but other colors such as navy blue or black may be used. Although the originally embroidered by hand, modern Tlahui blouses are almost always embroidered using sewing machines. The one at the Gomez workshop is an old 1930s Singer straight stitch only. In a way, this makes the embroidery more impressive as most machine embroidery either looks commercial, such as that on polo shirts, or tacky. One reason Tlahui blouses keep their handcraft appearance is that the designs adapt well to the use of sewing machines. Elements such as
flowers and maguey plants are developed working with how home sewing machines stitch, rather than trying to force them to imitate hand-stitching. For example, elements are interlinked using one or more strands of stitching, eliminating the need to finish an element, tie it off and move onto another section. Elements are small and repetitive, eliminating the need to fill in large areas of empty space. Few elements need to have perfectly straight lines, so small deviations are not a distraction. Elements are mostly found on yokes, collars and sleeves, parts of a blouse or shirt which can have the embroidery done before assembling the rest of the garment or can be done easily on a machine after the garment is assembled. One important aspect of the stitching is that it looks the same both on the inside and outside of the garment. According to Gomez’s husband, some in the town had experimented using commercial embroidery machines, but the long, loose threads on the inside (wrong) side of the garment made the work unacceptable to the community. Whether or not the French blouses were indeed plagiarism, the controversy does underline the need to document and even popularize traditional designs. Where the law cannot protect from imitation, education can help, allowing consumers to know where designs come from and empower them to find authentic pieces, made by true artisans. Hopefully, the controversy can work in the favor of the women of Tlahuitoltepec, raising the demand for their work.
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Comings and Goings Marcia Blondin
marciavallarta@gmail.com Comings… Thursday the 9th, two options are possible but likely the only one with tickets left is the Los Mangos Library presentation of “Que Viva el Canto” at the Sheraton. That starts at 7:30. In town, at Incanto, the just-added second Cello Concert/Benefit, starring Donald Moline, for the Vallarta Chamber Orchestra, begins on the patio on the river at 5:30. (Please see “From Here” for a review of the first concert.) Saturday the 11th, has the “Soul Brothers” at El Rio BBQ-Bar. The Dahl brothers, Chris and Geoff, who just might have been Dan Akroyd’s inspiration for the “Saturday Night Live” introduction to the world of Jake and Elwood Blues and the subsequent movie, “The Blues Brothers”. I have read a great deal about these brothers and am looking forward to their show…again. A year ago, health problems interfered with their plans to be here in Mexico so I hope all you diehard El Rio/Tribute Show fans will join me in welcoming the Dahl brothers to Vallarta. Monday the 13th, has SYNG at the Boutique Theatre – the 20-mixed-voice chorus is presenting “Feel the Love” – proceeds will benefit Alas School of Music and the Boutique Theatre. Suzanne Davis’s Tribute to Carole King at Incanto at 7 pm, and the year’s biggest fundraiser – The Crystal Ball - for the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Choir being held at Casa Karma, starting at 7 pm. Food and drink by Celebrations’ Jim Lee, will ensure interesting, abundant and glorious food and premium liquors being served. Dancing under the stars at Casa Karma nudging up to crashing waves is spectacular and the Men’s chorus will sing, fabulous crystal pieces are being auctioned off with proceeds going to the PVGMC. Formal attire is acceptable but most certainly not expected; the campier your outfit, the better!
Tuesday, March 14th in Vallarta and Wednesday in Bucerias, you can ask all the questions you have about owning a condominium in Mexico. Learned attorneys, Gloria and Laura, will answer questions about condo law in Jalisco and Nayarit states. For more info and to reserve space for this FREE Conference, email gloria@legaladvicevallarta.com Before the end of March, the fiery, brilliant violinist Diego Mondragon returns for his third CK Production concert. Details of exactly when and with whom Diego will be sharing the stage, as soon as I know them! …and Goings Please find my thoughts on “Geo and Lobo” in my column From Here in this issue. With Mardi Gras raging all over town last week a devoted fan base took over El Rio BBQ-Bar for Will Chalmers’ long-awaited Tribute to Neil Diamond. Many of the people in the audience heard Will Chalmers last season, rushed to hear him again when a massive power failure cancelled the concert January 28th minutes before show time. Will flew back the last day of February and had everyone singing to every single song. It was a great op-
portunity for me to listen to the lyrics; I had no idea what a wonderful poet Neil Diamond was in the 70’s; “Play Me” made me cry then Will came by, sat down and sang something bright and cheery. The bus ride home continued the concert with snippets of songs. Thanks, Will, for coming back to El Rio. “Riverfest” is over. Three days spread out the crowd and the love. I went Sunday for wonderful Mariachi, Los Bambinos and ribs. At the start of the day, Kurt Sinner announced that more than $150,000 pesos had been raised for Pasitos de Luz. Bravos to everyone involved.
MAADRI Fine Resort Wear For Women and Men
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he newest fashion boutique in Puerto Vallarta’s popular Old Town, featuring original designs made with the highest quality linen and cotton fabrics, beautiful, unique accessories and more.
Located in Plaza Romy across from Superior Tours Ignacio L Vallarta #228 in Col. Emiliano Zapata Open Tues - Sat 11am- 6 pm or by appt. Call 322.190.0858 Facebook.com/maadripv - One hour free parking.
Olas Altas Farmers’ Market
MeetErik PatFulfer, andDoctor Ramon of Banderas Meet of Chiropractic
SoapBlends
time, in March of 2000. by Mary Stehley By Pat Light Erik successfully passed ou wouldn’t normally expect to find a chiro- all four parts of the National s long as there has been a practor at a farmer’s Board of Chiropractic Exams Saturday farmers market in market but for the past six as well as the Physiotherapy Puerto Vallarta there has years Erik Fulfer, DC has exam. He spent the next been an ever-expanding selection been providing his services nine years in Atlanta gaining of handcrafted soaps and creams as a chiropractor at the Olas experience as an Associate by Banderas SoapBlends. Pat Light, DC, Clinic Director and Altas Farmers Market. co-owner of Banderas SoapBlends Dr. Fulfer followed in owner. In 2010, he followed with her partner Ramon Ortega, says his grandfather’s footsteps his dream to practice in a that the business is really a product who first served in WWII foreign country and along of a hobby gone wild. Ten years ago and went on to chiropractic with his wife Michelle and in Bucerias. To schedule steps away from the famous Pat started making handcraftedtheir soaps daughter Sofia, moved an appointment in PV call Los Muertos Beach. You school in the 1950s. Erik for herself and then some friends and Vallarta. (044) 322-182-5045 or can also find musical instruwas honorably discharged to Puerto then friends and today He thatnow operates Puerto email bahiachiro@gmail. ments, soaps, jewelry, meat from friends the U.S.ofArmy in 1994 hobby has turned into a thriving small waiting sprouts, until the nut last poos and body gels, face and body “Now, pies, ofclothes, com and in Bucerias (044) instead Vallarta’s only mobile chiroafter serving four years in business employing three staff and moment, or after I am swollen and itchy, creams and sugar and salt scrubs. This the 82nd Airborne Division practic service. On Tues- 322-180-7393 or email butters and fermented foods. making of bars of days soaps,and year Biteopen as my from go to moisall natural deodorant, lip balms and I apply Fight the We’re 9:30 megachiropractic@gmail. Thursdays from and thethousands 508th Airborne creams and scrubs every year. dog soap were added to the collection. turizer.” Rave reviews and customer 8:30 to 6:00 he brings 17 com Website: http://www. to 2:00 pm every Saturday Battalion. Each Banderashis SoapBlends “Our business grown every loyalty likefrom this earned Soapthe Banderas first Saturday bahiachiropractic.com years of experience into has After one Erikof earned handcrafted products is made with a year,” says Ramon, “because we have Blends an endorsement in the last The Olas Altas Farmers in November to the New undergraduate degree the comfort of your home, unique blend of nutrient and essential customers returning for their favorite York of Time’s article ‘36inHours Puerto Saturday April.in We’re offers 90 booths with an emphasis on the office, resort or spa. He also Market oils and local Each nutrient andofsoaps.” Among customer Vallarta, Mexico’ . located in the Lazaro and Homeserves the creams north side the “Handmade sciences in botanicals. preparation oil is blended to nourish and enrich favourite is Fight the Bite, a moisturizing “It has been a wonderful Park inexperience Vallarta’s for chiropractic school, he bay on Mondays, Wednes- grown” goodies as well as Cárdenas your skin in a special way and essencoconut oil body cream with an essengrowing this business and participating neighborgraduated from Life Univer- days and Fridays from 9 to prepared foods such as Emiliano Zapata in the Olas AltasFor Farmers’ say tial are blended to take advantage oil blend that keeps mosquitoes hood. only 14Market,” pesos an tamales, tacos, homemade 1 and 2 totial 5 from his office sity oils School of Chiropractic Pat and Ramon. “It’s a labor of love of the benefits of aromatherapy. These from biting. “I tend to be a favorite to any in Marietta, Georgia, the conveniently located inside ice cream, paella, pizza, hour, you can park in the we have metdirectly so many interesting, wonderful ingredients are blended flies sausage and bites”and and garage beneath the Italian pasta the into Mega pesky acrosslittle frominsect the that largest chiropractic instiamazing people from all over the world.” colorful and sensual soap bars, shamsays long-time customer Gayle Hunter. tution in the country at the Flamingos Golf Course and baked goods, all just park.
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Located in Park Lazaro Cardenas, Old Town in Puerto Vallarta. Find us on Facebook at Olas Altas Farmers Market.
@
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!
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Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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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
An embarrassing problem – urinary incontinence!
T
he subject of “urinary incontinence” is not something one likes to chat about while out socializing, having a cocktail, and sitting under a palapa. Regardless, it is a very real and common dilemma for many! We are so lucky to now have a urologist that specializes in this! Dr. Habid Becerra. I thought I would ask him a few questions about this. What is urinary incontinence? This is a problem with the bladder and sphincter control. It’s the uncontrolled leakage of urine. Severity ranges from an occasional leak when one coughs or sneezes to having the urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong that there is no time to get to the bathroom. Does this happen to both men and women? Yes but it occurs more often in women. Pregnancy and childbirth can damage the muscles of that support the bladder (pelvic floor). Shifting hormone levels at menopause is another reason. For men, prostate problems can also lead to bladder control issues. Aging, medications, nerve damage and other
medical conditions can trigger this. If I pee when I laugh, does that mean I have it? Yes, it is called stress incontinence and results when the pelvic floor is weak or when the outlet muscles aren’t strong enough to control urine flow. This is common in women who have had many children, being overweight, smoking and chronic cough are also risk factors. Is there a cure? Most of the
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
patients can be cured and others can achieve a significant improvement in their quality of life. Treatment options for urinary incontinence range from simple steps one can take at home, changes in lifestyle all the way to surgery. There are several other non-invasive treatments for urinary incontinence. Treatment depends on the patient’s bladder control problems. Treatment is very individualized. Healthcare Resources does a wide variety of monthly screening clinics (from skin to feet) and we are pleased to be starting a new one with Dr. Becerra on this. He is completely bi-lingual, huge plus! Watch for the details in the April newsletter. If you would like an appointment with Dr. Becerra, just send an email to us and we will schedule. As well, if you did not receive the March newsletter, please send an email request. Many of our clinics are filling quickly and we have some great speakers programs lined up as well! Here’s to a stress-free week!
Two Expats in Mexico Paul Kurtzweil www.qroo.us
Paul Kurtzweil (Q-Roo Paul) is a former lieutenant from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. During his 25-year career, he received numerous commendations to include two of the agency’s top honors: a Meritorious Service Medal and a Medal of Valor. In 2015, Paul retired and moved to Mexico with his wife. He now spends his day’s blogging from the beach.
Afraid to Use an ATM in Mexico? Here’s Another Option
I
n the last two weeks, I’ve been inundated with emails and messages from readers reporting that their debit cards were skimmed while using ATM’s in Mexico. A popular alternative is to wire the
money to yourself via your cell phone and then pick it up at a designated bank or store location. After researching several different transfer services, I think Xoom.com is the most user-friendly, secure and reliable service out there. Xoom is a service of PayPal, one of the world’s largest Internet payment systems. How Does it Work? Xoom can transfer money to you
VENECIA 290 COL. DIAZ ORDAZ Fluent English Spoken
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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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11 directly from your bank account or from a credit card. I recommend using the bank account because credit card companies often charge you a cash advance fee to use this service. To arrange the transfer, you access your Xoom account online or via their mobile application. You select the amount and the location where you’ll be picking up the funds. When choosing a location, I recommend using a bank because the transfer limits are higher per transaction. Once you’re notified that the funds are available, you pick up
MICHOACAN MAGICO
Butterfly Bliss
by Virginia Fox
vfox650@gmail.com
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.”
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your money by showing the transfer number and your identification. It’s that simple. If you already have a bank account in Mexico, this service is an inexpensive way to transfer money from your bank account back home. The fee per transfer is $4.99 USD. Exchange Rates The exchange rate given is updated periodically during the day and you can wait until the perfect moment to arrange your transfer. Once you click on it, you’re locked in at that rate. Let’s Wrap This Up Even if you plan on relying solely on ATM’s while in Mexico, you might want to consider setting up a Xoom account as an emergency backup. If your card is skimmed and deactivated, you’ll still be able to get money without having to panhandle. A note about the main photo: Some of you might be wondering why I used a picture of the beach for this article. Well, there are two reasons: 1) this was my view while I was working on it yesterday, and 2) I thought it would look nicer than a picture of an ATM machine.
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
’ve always believed in reincarnation. “I wish I knew what I’ll be after I go,” my mother said in her final days. Five weeks after her passing at 104, I awoke one morning to a brilliant butterfly vision dressed in purple, red, and gold, speaking in my mother’s voice: “Don’t worry about me. I’m having a ball up here.” “Want to join five other expat couples wintering in Mexico to see the sacred monarch butterfly retreat in Michoacan?” Reggie and Kristen asked. “We’ll leave from Sayulita, and spend three nights in the historical towns of Morelia and Patzcuaro.” The five-day trip in a private van with a professional driver required two days of eight-hour travel and an unknown numbers of steps to climb. Cal and I are in our seventies, what Mexicans call the “Third Age.” Slowing down is not an option and traveling is a huge priority. We eagerly said, “Yes!” “You’re going to Michoacan?” friends asked their eyes wide. “The media says it’s a violent cartel area.” “Are we crazy?” we ask Gustavo, our Mexican brother. “Troubles are not in tourist destinations,” he says. “This is the most productive state in Mexico. You’ll love it.” Day One – Monday: I’m seeing 8:00 am for the first time. Bernardo, our driver, greets us with a big smile and loads our one bag per person into the back of a brand new white Mercedes Sprinter. We claim our seats for the eight-hour drive to Morelia, agreeing to have lunch outside Guadalajara with frequent bathroom stops for stretching out backs, knees, original and replaced body parts. For the group aged 68-83, stopping often is a must! Pulling onto the highway, we realize Bernardo speaks little English and has never been to any place on our itinerary. Kristen, fluent in Spanish, takes on the
translator role, and everyone with IPhones quickly accesses their Google maps. Lurching with the van navigating curvas peligrosas (dangerous curves) en route to Guadalajara, I’m struck by the abundance of red and white flowered crosses and elaborate peaked roof shrines on roadsides honoring loved ones lost in accidents. Personalizing the highway, I feel loss and grief passing every hand-constructed monument. Soon after lunch, a uniformed armed guard flags us down at a checkpoint. Peering cautiously inside the van, he asks, “Where are you from?” “United States, sorry,” we say reflecting our country’s state of chaos. “I’m sorry too,” he smiles. “Hasta la vista” he waves us off knowing if these gringos are carrying drugs, they’re for blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and motion sickness. Passengers doze, play on iPhones and gaze at the splendor of Mexico’s central valley’s “bread basket.” Fertile farmland plots grow blue agave cactus for tequila, sugar cane, avocados, beans, strawberries, corn, and citrus fruits framed by mountains topped with dramatic cotton fluffs of cumulous clouds. “Best growing soil in the country,” says Gustavo with pride. Pulling into unspoiled historic Morelia, the government seat of Michoacan, we help Bernardo navigate the narrow congested streets, passing Los Juaninos Hotel and cathedral plaza by mistake, marveling at Bernardo’s ability to magically back up the van to the door. “See you at 8:30 am for the Sanctuario de Rosario,” Kristen tells Bernardo. “No, no, no,” he says emphatically, indicating he’s going back to Vallarta that night. A frantic conversation confirms miscommunication with his company and Bernando will indeed, be our driver for the trip’s
duration. Dining within a stunning architectural restaurant mixing stone with contemporary art, we breathe in our new surroundings, authentic Mexico, its history respected and protected. No alarm clock is needed the next morning as we’re awakened at 7:00 am by loud clanging tones of the cathedrals’ carillon bells, a revered religious monument featuring a pipe organ from Germany with 4000 pipes, that if played to capacity would collapse the church. Excitement overcomes exhaustion as the “Intrepid Twelve” dressed in down jackets, wool scarves and thick cotton sweaters, lumber onto the van for the three hour trip to the “Sanctuary de Monarca de Rosario. Colorful orange, yellow and blue houses encircling historic church centers pop out of the broad valleys. White awnings cover buildings on level plateaus protecting young plants from predators. Morelia’s city side is a magnet for graffiti. Winding up the mountain to 6,500 feet, we pass through a small village scrubbed clean of any tags, like the entire town has gone thru a car wash. Jolting over unmarked topes slows our pace from super paved highways, passing a school with a colorful mural with historical Mexican figures, a field filled with a Tianguis Mercado, and a restaurant promoting birria & lengua (tongue) tacos. Reaching 10,000 ft., oyamel fir trees begin to dominate the landscape as we climb the last few miles to the sanctuario. We stop to pick up Roberto Hernandez, an indigenous native and official area guide and continue driving up into the sacred park, learning the miraculous story of the annual monarch migration from Canada and northern USA. The monarchs we see now in Michoacan will be leaving in March to migrate. They have been in Mexico since November after starting their journey south in October. These are usually the sixth generation, the so-called ‘Methuselah generation’, since
the other five generations of their ancestors usually live only about a month. During their stay in Mexico they hibernate in gigantic colonies on the special oyamel fir trees, unique to this small area, high in the mountains of central Mexico. During their migration north, they mate and lay their eggs on milkweed plants in northern Mexico and southern United States. The eggs hatch and emerging caterpillars consume milkweed leaves providing them with a substance toxic to their predators. After only a few days they form the chrysalis or pupa in which they metamorphose into the gorgeous orange, black and white magnificence we know as monarch butterflies. Inside the park, facing the unpaved steep hill, and daunting steps beyond, Roberto says, “We’ll go as slowly as you need. It will take us about an hour to get to the top. It’s worth it. Remember, if a butterfly lands on you, no touching.” Climbing over steps and crevices, determined to get to the top, we remind ourselves, “It will be worth it.” And it is. As we ascend, the numbers of magical monarchs begin to grow. Groups gather to drink in ground puddles like humans over coffee in a cafe. Roberto shows us the nectar from a trumpetlike red flower that nourishes the monarchs. Growing swarms of golden butterflies fly freely in peace and harmony the further we head up into the forest. When we finally reach the top our conversation stills, we are in the monarch’s shrine. Millions of golden wings glittering in the sun, huddling together painting the fir trees orange. Searching for mates in a delicate dance of life, reproduction and death. Breathtaking. Miraculous. Peaceful. I feel my mother’s presence, not wearing the golden winged monarch cloak, but hovering in her unique butterfly glory. Internalizing this miracle each in our own way, we slowly make our descent in silent celebration. That night, sinking into our luxurious four-poster bed, I check my Fit App - 11,547 steps. It’s not about steps. We’re experiencing this priceless gift of travel to nature’s endangered species, unspoiled centuries old cities, and meeting indigenous people, where a handshake and a hug connects us all. Cradled by the day, falling asleep comes easily to the rhythmic glide of golden wings.
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Mex-ology: A Spirited Romp Around the Romantic Zone By Anita Draycott
H
aving spent the better part of my winters in the Puerto Vallarta area for the last decade, I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert on the subject of where to dine and imbibe. Last year I had a great time on a Taco Adventure with Vallarta Food Tours. So, this year, I decided to expand my local knowledge by joining their Mex-ology tour. It’s a three-hour romp that explores Mexico’s native spirits (tequila, mescal raicilla and more) via handcrafted cocktails paired with tacos and snacks. At 3 p.m. at Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, our group of six met our guide, Amanda, an enthusiastic and well-informed young gal born here. One of my favourite restaurants in town, Joe Jack’s celebrates local cuisine in an unpretentious environment. We were served a mini martini made of smoky mescal, ancho chili and pineapple juice. It slid down very well accompanied by a Baja-style fish taco. After introductions, Amanda declared, “The taco can be the boss of you, or you can be the boss of it.” She then demonstrated how
to eat (and not wear a taco). Fold it in half, hold horizontally, elbows up, bite boldly). Cautioning us to watch our steps, we ambled up Basilio Bandillo to the Vinos América liquor store where our guide pointed out some good quality tequila and mescal. Next, at the Mexican Candy shop, we tasted several sweets, including dulce de leche, and a small shot of Mexican eggnog, called rompope spiked with brandy. We awkwardly traversed the swing bridge over the River Cuale
and stopped in front of a stall selling handmade, intricately beaded jewelry and decorative items made by the Huichol Indians. Amanda explained that Puerto Vallarta has a rich history. In the 1800s the River Cuale was used to transport minerals mined from the Sierra Madre Mountains. It wasn’t until the 1960s when John Houston and his celebrity crew arrived to make the film The Night of the Iguana, that PV became a tourist destination. The paparazzi flocked to what was then
a small fishing village to record the goings on of Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor, who was having a fling with Burton at the time. On Libertad (across from the HSBC bank), we nipped into the Vallarta Factory for some raicilla (Mexican moonshine, circa 140 proof) served in tiny terracotta cups with slices of chili-sprinkled oranges and delicious sopes. Vallarta Factory is a good place to know about. Their terrific lattés are made Italian-style and they sell delicious chocolates, roasted Mexican coffee beans and hand-rolled cigars. Back over the swing bridge, we headed towards the beach and sipped cucumber/jalapeno margaritas at Bar La Playa on Lázaro Cárdenas, a watering hole that Amanda advised serves some of the most innovative cocktails in town and PV’s best margarita. Can’t argue. Amanda also explained that most Mexicans don’t drink margaritas. The story goes that the drink was invented for a “gringo” named Margaret to mask the flavor of tequila that she did not like. Amanda passed around some watermelon/tequila Jell-O shots and then we were off to El Cuñado, a stand that has been serving carne asada beef tacos with avocado and other homemade salsas for more
than 45 years. It’s just in front of Archie’s Wok, a restaurant serving Asian fusion food. Archie, now deceased, was the private cook of film director John Houston during the making of Night of the Iguana. “You won’t need dinner reservations after our tour,” said Amanda. No kidding. She then led us to Maia restaurant on Púlpito where we drank a wonderful concoction of passion fruit and raicilla served with yummy duck tacos. Just as the sun was preparing to sink into the Bay of Banderas and turn the sky magenta, our moveable feast ended on a sweet note with Mexican coffees and desserts at the Vista Grill on Playa Los Muertos. I highly recommend the Vallarta Food Tours’ Mex-ology adventure as it covers parts of town you may never have visited and offers a sampling of delicious and different styles of snacks and cocktails. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to munch and mingle with locals and expand your culinary horizons. Book your tickets online at www. vallartafoodtours.com or call 322 181 7196. Anita Draycott is a freelance travel journalist from Toronto who has chosen to spend her winters in the Puerto Vallarta area for the past decade.
MARINA VALLARTA I CASUAL LUXURY ALONG THE MARINA DINING - SHOPPING - SPAS - VACATION RENTALS
THURSDAY EVENING MARINA MARKET
Every Thursday evening from 6pm - 10pm Experience the best in local creative artisans, gourmet and organic foods, jewelery, clothing, souvenirs and much more! Until the end of April! ENTRANCE TO MARINA VALLARTA
LOS CHATOS
TACO TANGO STICKY FINGERS
By Madeline Milne
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elebrating sixteen years this March 14, the Whale and her calf sculpture that greets visitors to Marina Vallarta and those heading further into town, is one of the dozens of the unique and interesting sculptures you will find throughout Puerto Vallarta. Octavio Gonzalez, one of the most accomplished artists in Puerto Vallarta, took over four years to complete the piece. You will also recognise his work in the famous Dolphin fountain on the Malecón. Inaugurated on March 14, 2001, the Whale and her calf is a humpback whale with its calf depicted swimming through the warm waters of the bay. Cast in bronze, the ‘Dancing Whale’ took over four years to complete and weighing over 12 tonnes
it’s almost 9 meters tall and 13 meters long, making it the largest sculpture in the Vallarta area. The artist, Octavio González Gutiérrez, has said that the piece represents the family and its importance, honouring the mother as the central anchor of all families, and who devote themselves unconditionally to their children. Smaller replicas are found in the sister cities of Mission, Texas and Highland Park Illinois, in the USA. At the 15th anniversary of the original Whale and her calf, a new whale sculpture by Octavio González was installed in Marina Vallarta, at the end of Popa St., across from Nima Bay and 4 Sapori Restaurant. Marina Vallarta was originally developed in the late 1980s and at the
4 SAPORI
BEERBOX PRIME
LA FEDERAL
LAS ALCATRACES
CALLE MASTIL VALLARTA ADVENTURES
Iconic sculpture greets you in Marina Vallarta
PORTO BELLO PEPE’S
PASEO DE MARINA
“The Whale and her calf” (Vallarta Whale) by Octavio González Gutiérrez, 2001
time was one of the first mega developments in Mexico. Today, it is enjoying a resurgence in popularity with a number of new trendy restaurants and shops opening as well the ever-growing Thursday Evening Artisan Market that lines the entire boardwalk from 6-10 pm each Thursday evening from November through April. Marina Vallarta is quiet and well maintained residential neighbourhood with some of the most popular oceanfront hotels, such as the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, and The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta. The 400+ slip marina and boardwalk offer great dining, shopping and people watching.
4 KATRINAS
STARBUCKS
CALLE POPA
KIOSKO D’S ROUTE 66 BRASIL STEAK HOUSE SABOR A MEXICO RINCON DE BUENOS AIRES BACHA’S LIGHTHOUSE
CALLE TIMON FAJITA BANANA OXXO COFFEE CUP LAS PALMAS DORADAS
FEATURED THURSDAY EVENING MARKET VENDORS
LA TERRAZA DI ROMA
www.kimberlyrei.com Instagram: Kimberly Rei 322 150 5189
CALLE ANCLA COLDWELL BANKER
PASEO DE MARINA SUR
CHAPPY’S
REMAX MASTER BAITERS CAFE TACUBA
CALLE VELA Instagram:KimberlyRei 322.150.5189 KimberlyRei.com
BOHEMIAN BUTTERFLY DESIGN
Store and Studio - Marina Vallarta A4 (Near Chappy’s Sports Bar) BohemianButterflyDesign@gmail.com BohemianButterflyDesign.com
This map is not complete, nor to scale, but it’s a handy list of the most popular restaurants and shops along the marina.
MARINA MALECON/BOARDWALK: EACH THURSDAY EVENING 100’S OF VENDORS SET UP ALONG THIS MALECON FROM 6-10PM
MED&SPA
TINTOQUE
EL COLEGUITA
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From F Here Marcia Blondin
marciavallarta@gmail.com
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his week’s column is dedicated to two completely different – both historical - musical events. First one, “Geo and Lobo” was held March 1 with the second, “Solo Concert with Cellist Donald Moline”, March 6. Both were held at Incanto.
Historical Concert I In February 1991, I moved from Canada to Vallarta. That same year, a violinist from Texas named Willie Royal hooked up with a German guitarist from Bavaria, called Lobo but properly - Wolfgang Fink. I heard them play often and late; keeping me awake at night… Together “Willie and Lobo” took Vallarta, then the world, by storm. Touring, recording and always returning to Mexico to play, surf and then after more than a decade, they went their separate ways. Jump forward to 2016, not quite a year ago, Geo Urich, Fernanda Fenton and Luna Rumba produced a Benefit Concert for Willie whose treatments for Alzheimer’s disease were draining Willie and his wife Alison’s finances. A show was launched at the Palm Cabaret; actually two shows back to back with Willie performing briefly with Luna Rumba. The Palm was packed to the rafters with lots of us in the audience who knew Willie and Lobo from the start. At the end of the first show, Andrea Kast of Latcho and Andrea, and I leaned on the wall outside the Palm and wept together. She and Latcho had played with Willie and we knew we had just watched a farewell performance. It was: Willie passed away Christmas Day 2016. Because of their kindness, Alison and Willie told Geo and Fernanda they were going to send a statue someone – years ago had carved of Willie and Lobo. A gift turned up in Geo’s hand last month but it wasn’t the statue; it was Willie’s violin. Geo couldn’t even play it at
first – Willie had modified it so much. That was the first challenge. The second one was learning to play with Lobo. The concert started with Lobo solo – his huge hands moving like lightening over his guitar – his weathered face in a perpetual smile. The theatre erupted in applause for Lobo and then Geo came out for the second number, holding Willie’s violin. The rest of the night passed in a blur – Geo and Lobo had less than a week to play together before the concert – what they played was magic. Afterwards, Geo told me the story of expecting the statue and receiving Willie’s violin, the difficulties he had in deciphering what to do with it. Until he, Geo, let go and let Willie’s spirit guide him to play Willie and Lobo songs. Geo worked hard and played the best I have ever heard him. And Lobo- like a fine wine, just keeps getting better and better. Historical Concert II Late afternoon on the Rio Cuale – the terrace of Incanto full of well-dressed men and women interspersed with the musicians – distinct in their somber, proper all-black clothing. Four young students played music while hors d’oeuvres were passed; a challenge to hear them from where I was sitting; it’s outside where the city buses win for being the loudest. What I did hear was wonderful. It isn’t only Vivaldi they play but that’s a story for another column. Now for the concert – which took place upstairs in Incanto’s piano bar. Extra seating was arranged, no drinks were served during the performance, terrace windows were closed, talking stopped, Jean-Guy Comeau took his place at the piano and Donald Moline took his “dependant minor cello” in hand and the two of them began. Jean-Guy and Donald played music written for cello and piano – definitely historic in
estivities will include the premiere of The Lost Bird Project, a documentary by creator and sculptor Todd McGrain, who will participate in the Festival Taking place at the Vallarta Botanical Garden and the University of Guadalajara’s Puerto Vallarta Campus (Centro Universitario de la Costa, or CUC) the upcoming Vallarta Bird Festival 2017runs from March 10 - 12, 2017. A highlight of this year’s Vallarta Bird Festival will be the Mexican premiere of Todd McGrain’s poignant documentary, The Lost Bird Project, an account of how he managed to install memorial sculptures of birds driven to extinction by human actions in the locations where these particular species once thrived. The documentary will be screened twice; first at the University of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta Campus, on Friday, March 10, at 1 pm; then at the Vallarta Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 11, at 11 am. The artist will be present at both screenings, and will be available to answer questions about his ongoing projects, and the possibility of a similar installation in Puerto Vallarta, commemorating an extinct bird whose former range included the mountains of Jalisco. Mexico is the only country in North America not yet graced by one of Todd’s evocative bird sculptures. Mexico’s now extinct endemic Imperial Woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis) would be an excellent candidate for a memorial sculpture, and Jalisco’s pine forests, such as those that begin along the fringes of the Vallarta Botanical Garden, were at the heart of this majestic bird’s former range. With any luck, Todd will find sufficient inspiration to create a sculpture in coastal Jalisco, and the Puerto Vallarta community will see the value in investing in such a memorial to
Vallarta’s musical repertoire. Before I get too far – because tonight’s recital was sold-out, there will be another performance IN THE THEATRE at INCANTO, 7 pm, Thursday, March 9. It will be another benefit for the six programs (three that are currently underway) for IAMPV – Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta. Now back to the concert. Donald Moline is not just a master cellist with a Grammy award, he was very much at home telling the history of the pieces he and Jean-Guy were about to play. His lively sense of
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Vallarta Bird Festival 2017
Vallarta Bird Festival 2017 March 10, 8 am • CUC Campus Birding on Campus (Meet up at the entry to the Reptilario) March 10, 1 pm • CUC Campus Screening of Todd McGrain’s “The Lost Bird Project” Mini Auditorio de Rectoría, CUC Campus March 11, 8 am • Vallarta Botanical Garden Birding in the Forest (Meet up at parking lot, 8 am) March 11, 11 am • Vallarta Botanical Garden Screening of Todd McGrain’s “The Lost Bird Project” Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids March 11, 1 pm • Vallarta Botanical Garden Birding by Ear Workshop Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids March 12, 8 am • Vallarta Botanical Garden Birding in the Forest (Meet up at parking lot, 8 am) March 12, 11 am • Vallarta Botanical Garden Presentation of Conservation Initiatives Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids
nature. The Puerto Vallarta region is home to a host of bird diversity with over 300 species within just an hour or so from downtown Puerto Vallarta, and over 500 species within a fivehour drive from here. During the annual Vallarta Bird Festival, this abundant avifauna is observed, studied, and celebrated by an increasingly enthusiastic group of local residents and international visi-
tors. The Vallarta Bird Festival 2017 includes the activities described below, available to the general public. Activities at the CUC campus are available free of charge, and those at the Vallarta Botanical Garden are available for the standard $150 peso admission fee. For more information about the Vallarta Bird Festival 2017, please call (322) 223-6182.
humour had us laughing out loud – he is the antithesis of a stuffy classical musician. His humour is as kind as his voice. One of their encore pieces, written by Dvorak from his opera Rusalka, is one of Donald’s favourites; he told me about it last week, of the sea nymph singing softly to the moon. His cello, only using the “A” string, barely whispered the unrequited love. Beautiful. The second encore was a tarantella that swept everyone up in a joyous, warm embrace, a standing ovation and a rush to the stage to congratulate Donald
Moline and Jean-Guy Comeau. Thank you gentlemen for an historic evening beautifully played. For Tracy Parks who gave Incanto for this IAMPV benefit; for those who attended, thank you. We need music of this extraordinary character in Vallarta – the talent is here, the teachers are here; all that’s lacking is the money for instruments. Then a good grand piano and a place to put it. The last two requests come straight from the Grammy winner himself, Donald Moline. Let’s make it happen!
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Navy League Hosts Two More U.S. Coast Guard Cutters
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uerto Vallarta has become the port of choice for the U.S. Coast Guard over the past few years. These great young men and women, who assist us all with “Search & Rescue” and safe navigation throughout the Pacific, have also taken on the mission of assisting the communities that host them, such as Puerto Vallarta. The Puerto Vallarta Navy League A.C. has been kept busy recently by the arrival of two Coast Guard Cutters. First was the “McCormick” coming into port last Wednesday. The ship provided nine volunteers, who along with several volunteers from the Navy League spent the afternoon painting and repairing the RISE (Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza) facility. RISE provides care, lodging and schooling for young local children, most with psychological problems. This facility is self-contained with its own kitchen, dormitory, and even a computer room for the use of older children. When work was done, RISE prepared a wonderful lunch for all volunteers, along with some very happy memories. That evening, the Navy league hosted a reception at Murphy’s Irish pub for the crew of the McCormick, to thank them for their generous donation of time and energy while in Puerto Vallarta. The Navy League had hardly rested when a larger, second Cutter, the Sherman, arrived in port the following Saturday morning. The
Sherman crew was immediately challenged by the local Mexican Navy Base to a soccer match. Of course the Mexican sailors were victorious! On Monday morning, thirty sailors from the Sherman joined Navy League volunteers for a full day of work at Corazon de Niña to complete the painting of the facade and interior spaces of this facility. They also transported a very heavy glass table top to a location in the Marina where Corazon de Niña will open a new store in the near future. While the Sherman sailors were working, the Navy League also installed a security camera system at Corazon de Niña so that the Director, Melissa Canez can keep track of their nearly 40 young children. When all work was done, Melissa and her children produced a luncheon for the volunteers, fit for a king. The sailors left well fed but tired, and insisting they will soon be back to do another project. That evening, the Navy League hosted another reception for the crew at Murphy’s Irish Pub, to show our appreciation for their contribution to the PV community. Along with their financial partner, Intercam Bank, Navy League volunteers take pride in helping non-profit and community facilities, both physically and financially. For more information, you can contact Carol Smith, President of the Navy League, at 322-2931268, or 322-137-4902 (cell)
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Private Estate Sale
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hen was the last time you went to an estate sale where inimitable works of art from internationally known artists were being sold? Ever attended an auction where precious Asian artifacts were being sold for a faction of its current market value? I mean, whole sellers don’t have better sale events than this! Come join me and Ropero de Jovany as we host the estate sale for one of PV’s beloved residents, Sid Goodman. Having an art collection spanning more than five decades, Sid has always had a passion for the arts. Through the years, he has become a regular at some of the America’s most notable galleries in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Cleveland. He carefully decorated his home and office with colorful, unique and wellknown pieces. Sid’s fabulous 435m2 home is well dressed with artistic mediums such as: Kieff bronze sculptures, Shemi acrylics paintings, Toulouse-Lautrec lithographs and Hershman ilfochrome triptychs just to name a few!
Sid’s private collection also expands to the exquisite and fragile world of Cybis porcelain sculptures and delicate Steuben glass works. In addition to the gallery of artwork found nowhere else in Vallarta, there’s also a cache of mind-blowing ancient Asian artifacts, some dating back to the Ming dynasty! These precious antiques range from hundred year old Shan Buddha figures and centuries old decorative Japanese and Chinese pottery. As we make our way to the kitchen, you will find an assortment of culinary valuables that would make any chief, dinner party host and guest “ahhh” with joy. The cookery menu will consist of (but not limited to) classic T & E Dickenson silver cutlery for starters, followed by an assortment of 1970’s vintage Hellerware collectables and finished with an array of delightful yet practical utensils/knacks that will surely add both charm and simplicity to any kitchen. As with any estate sale, each item has been categorized and documented, most of which have its own certificates of authenticity so you can be sure that the validity of your purchase is guaranteed authentic. Sid wishes to down size and feels that these precious pieces require a second lease on life.
Should you need help in coordinating an estate, moving or special sale….Give us a call, we are here to help. We, as professional liquidators, specialize in appraisals, vending and organizing all the details pertaining to your selling event. With that being said, we’ll see you at Sid’s place so don’t forget to bring your wallet! Seller / Company: Jovany Jara (Ropero de Jovany) jovany@roperodejovany.net / +1(323) 386-1678 Whatsapp Where: Condomino Ventana del Mar #3 Carretera Barra de Navidad 735 Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Private Showings: (Appointment Only) Friday, March 10th & Saturday, March 11th / 10am – 2pm Open House: Sunday, March 12th & Monday, March 13th / 10am – 2pm
Estate Sale
PRIVATE COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS, COLLECTABLES & HOME DECOR
March 10th - 13th, Puerto Vallarta An extraordinary collection of outstanding artwork as well as other highly collectable offerings. The selections, offered on behalf of the estate of a prominent Puerto Vallartan collector were acquired over the course of several decades offer an exceptional and unique opportunity to purchase.
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec ◆ Charles Schulz ◆ Kief Antonio Grediaga Calman Shemi ◆ ◆ Lynn Hershman Leeson ◆ Alexandra Nechita By Appointment ~ Friday & Saturday ~ 10am - 2pm Open House ~ Sunday & Monday ~ 10am - 2pm Condominio Ventana del Mar, #3 Carretera Barra de Navidad 735, Puerto Vallarta Whatsapp: +1-323-386-1678 Email: jovany@roperodejovany.net
Estate Sale 15.13X16.29.indd 1
Jovany Jara
3/6/17 3:38 PM
real estate
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Featured Property of the Week
Sophisticated glamour overlooking the bay PARAMOUNT BAY 409 3 Bed, 3 Bath, 2,713 Sq. Ft. $ 460,000 USD
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his exquisite “signature” corner unit features a spectacular view of the bay and town and numerous upgrades. The kitchen is truly a work of art with custom cream Italian cabinetry, solid granite counters and designer “mirrored” sink reflecting the spectacular views. Master suite offers a “spa - like”
experience with walk-in closets, double sinks, tempered glass shower and modern, “ovaline” tub. Some of the special features: marble floors and bathroom countertops, and all top of the line stainless steel appliances included, custom granite wet bar and barbeque on the spacious outdoor terrace.
A spectacular 200 foot long heated infinity pool and pergola sundecks are surrounded by tropical gardens. “Doggie Park”, state-of-the-art gymnasium. Walking distance to the popular shops, galleries, restaurant and beaches of the romantic zone. w w w. b o a rd wa l k re a l t y p v. c o m / properties/paramount-bay-409/
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
THIS WEEK AT THE BOUTIQUE
Broadway stars of PV dazzle at Boutique Don’t miss ‘SYNG!’, U.S. presidents, Patsy Cline
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n Monday, March 13, “SYNG!”, the Banderas Bay mixed voice chorus, presents “Feel The Love,” a “joyous boutique of choral favorites,” as a fundraiser for The Boutique Theatre. Twenty singers deliver a program to please everyone’s musical palettes, showcasing the versatility of the chorus through its love of music and performing. Hear numbers from the Beatles, the Big Band era, spirituals, ABBA, and more. A recent audience member said, “We loved the program variety, chorus members’ joy of signing, and appealing audience choral favorites.” The evening is a fundraiser for The Boutique and Alas Escuela de Canto. “The Best of Broadway” is a musical review, starring Puerto Vallarta performers, directed and crafted by Ralph Hyman. It performs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, through March 18. The show is a nostalgic look at
personal growth journeys recognizing fear, pain, love, fun and laughter. “Embedded in all our struggles, we can find the beacons leading to the transformation to happiness, joy, and harmony in life,” Hyman said. He has more than 55 years of experience acting and 30 years directing. Hyman will also direct the play “Ripcord” at The Boutique, showing from April 13-22. Mikki Prost, the tribute artist
who creates her own shows, brings back her popular evenings about country legend Patsy Cline. “Crazy for Patsy” performs Wednesdays, March 15, 22, and April 5. Note: Wednesdays shows start at the special time of 7:30 p.m., with the
dinner, optional, served at 6:30 p.m. Mikki Prost does her own research, compilation, costuming, and narrating for her shows, and is beloved for her professionalism and the special rapport she creates with her audiences.
She delights in making herself available afterward to talk with fans, and pose for photographs. On Friday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, Mikki Prost will offer her one-woman tribute to singer Brenda Lee, “Little Miss Dynamite.”
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE Joe Passion's tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis By Merv Buchanan merv@uvs.com
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1 year old Jerry Lee Lewis, aka “The Killer”, has enjoyed a 7 decade career as a flamboyant, pedal to the metal piano player in both rock'n'roll and country music. From “Great Balls of Fire” to “Rockin' My Life Away” in rock'n'roll and country hits from“Another Place, Another Time” to “Would You Take Another Chance on Me”, he has had some 30 Top Ten hits and sold millions of records. But his greatest success by far has been on the concert circuit, where he still “packs'em in”. There is a lot more to Toronto based actor, singer, musician Joe Passion than his “piano pounding” reputation might indicate. He is a brilliant entertainer, with a magnetic personality. And as talent buyers from Amsterdam to Branson are quick to point out; “the guy puts on one Helluva show!” As a boy, Joe taught himself to
play guitar and piano. But hearing “Great Balls Of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis was, in his own words, “a
huge, life-changing experience”. The piano became his instrument of choice and he soon built a repu-
tation as an entertainer who could fill a room and leave a crowd yelling for more.
Joe’s flamboyant piano playing style owes as much to his love of acting as it does to Jerry Lee’s influence. Like a good stage play, his show is designed to get people laughing, clapping and singing along. And it works very well. Joe says “poundin’, kickin’ and bustin’ up a piano gives a rock’n’roll show some drama”. No kidding! No sleepy cocktail lounge performer, when Joe Passion is on stage, there’s always a “whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on”. Included in the show are “Great Balls Of Fire”, “Breathless”, “Wild One”, “High School Confidential”, “Whole Lotta Shakin” and many more. He appears at The Piña Colada in Guayabitos on March 22, The Luna Lounge in Bucerias on March 23 and at El Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho on the 25. *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the prior written consent of the author.
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By Merv Buchanan merv@uvs.com
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eneath Tim McGraw's trademark black cowboy hat is an accomplished entertainer, astute businessman and a remarkable humanitarian. His twenty-four number one singles, from “Indian Outlaw” to “Humble and Kind”, multiple “album of the year” awards, and star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, are a testament to one of the most successful country music stars of all time. His concerts tours, together with wife Faith Hill, have taken him from Memphis, Tennessee to Madison Square Garden. His $89,000,000 2006 tour gross was the highest in the history of country music. So it comes as no surprise that he has inspired a cadre of tributes, the best of these being Las Vegas entertainer Adam Tucker. Tennessean Adam Tucker began entertaining “the folks back
entertainment
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Adam Tucker is VEGAS MCGRAW home” as a child, driving friends, neighbours and teachers crazy with his constant “singin' and carryin' on”. But as he grew up, he became good enough to turn his vocal abilities into a career. With dogged determination, he worked his way up from school dances, to honky tonks, to a spot on Charlie Daniels' shows, eventually opening for top stars, on national concert tours. For Adam Tucker, Las Vegas was always “the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow”. As he says “the opportunity to perform close to an audience, in a comfortable setting, with state of the art sound and lighting support, is far more rewarding than working arenas”. The years paying his dues on the concert circuit finally paid off in 2010 when he landed his first contract to perform on the Vegas strip. Now a full time resident, he is a regular fixture in Las Vegas showrooms where he has built up a loyal following.
“Vegas McGraw” is an outstanding tribute show that Adam Tucker is understandably proud of. “I'm not trying to be Tim McGraw” he says. “I'm just an entertainer who looks and sounds a lot like him and I make every effort to do him justice”. Tim McGraw fans who attend Adam's sold out shows seem to agree. Songs featured in the Vegas McGraw show include “Indian Outlaw”, “Everywhere”, “Don't Take The Girl”, “Refried Dreams”, “I Like It I Love it”, “Live Like You Were Dying” and dozens more. Vegas McGraw travels to Mexico for the first time for shows at El Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho on March 18 and at The Luna Lounge in Bucerias on March 19. More details are available on the venue web sites and here in The Vallarta Tribune. *Copyright 2017. No part of this material may be used in any manner without the prior written approval of the author.
SPCA of Puerto Vallarta ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... By Janice Gonzalez e got this report from Mark McCoy at the farmers market: “The SPCA thanks Dave and Pat for collecting $2000 pesos in donations while working on their tan at the beach in Puerto Vallarta. At the Farmer’s Market we are also welcoming the weather transition from winter to summer. With the increase in temperature comes the increase in demand for a cold bottle of water, which we just happen to sell. Not only do we sell water for four times what it costs us at Costco but many of our customer’s tell us to keep the change as a donation. We have had more than one visitor give us a $200 peso bill for a $10 peso bottle of water and when we proceed to go thru our zip lock of peso coins, looking for $180 pesos in change, the customer sometimes tells us to just “keep the change.” Thanks go to our very busy volunteers Doreen and Michelle who spent last Saturday as volunteers at the Olas Altas Farmer’s Market.” Thanks for the report Mark. Come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanc-
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tuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. 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. To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. Please be aware that our adoption fee within Mexico is $1,500 pesos. To make donations via PayPal,
charley
by Janice Gonzalez
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harley is an energetic two year old Lab mix a bit less than 51 pounds. He has a great disposition and enjoys playing with other dogs but can
select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/. You can drop off any donations
be a bit toy possessive. With his energy level, we think Charley would do best in a home with older children. He has been neutered, dewormed and given all his vaccines. Now he just needs to
for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. Get involved…rescue, adopt,
find his forever home. We recommend an active family who take Charley on long walks and hikes. If you are interested in Charley, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.
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.
Frankies has gone crazy! 10% off from 5-7pm. Dine in only. No shared plates
Pizzas 20% off 9-11 pm
Valid with this coupon Valid from Mzo 9 - 15, 2017 Open from Monday to Saturday from 5-11pm Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romรกntica 223 2267
10% Off
With This Coupon
Unique Design, Handmade in Mexico Accessories, Clothing, Crafts ... Agustin Rodriguez 267 Downtown PV 2229033 & Rodolfo Gomez 108 Romantic Zone 2229360 Catedral Boutique Artesanal @CatedralBoutique
VALLARTA’S FIRST BALLROOM
LEARN TO DANCE Walk in.....Dance out! Enjoy Vallarta’s Night Life
To Its Fullest Learn To Dance Today 3 Private half hour lessons $20.00 1 Hr group Lessons U.S.! 1Hr Practice Party “per person” (Regularly Priced at $90.00) E n j o y O u r F r e e M a r g a r i ta B a r a n d A/C (W i t h L e ss o ns ) *N o P a r t n e r N e c c e s a r y *
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479 Juarez St. Down Town (2 Blocks East Of The Boardwalk) Phone Mex +52-322-292-0026 Phone Usa 618 553 0518 BOLERO - SAMBA - RUMBA - TANGO - MERENGUE - MAMBO - SALSA - BACHATA - WALTZ
WALTZ - VIENNESE WALTZ - - CHA CHA CHA - SALSA
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TWO STEP - PASO DOBLE - TANGO - MERENGUE - MAMBO - SALSA - BACHATA - WALTZ
international friendship club
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VERY CARING PEOPLE
Help for disabled children and their families is provided in PV by Mexicans and by donations from many caring donors. Can you help? By John Warren
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magine, for a minute, that you are not enjoying a pleasant holiday away from the cold and frozen north and that you cannot afford to buy a beer on the beach or eat at some of the great restaurants here. Imagine, instead, that you are very poor, have a tough time buying enough food for your family and your only daughter is so mentally or physically disabled that she needs full time care. You must provide that care, which, in turn, means you are unable to work. There is no way that you will ever be able to claw your way out of poverty. That was the situation for many families with disabled children in Puerto Vallarta until 1999 when Yolanda Sanchez opened Pasitos De Luz, officially named Mamas Unidas por la Rehabilitacion de sus Hijos A.C. (Mothers United for the Rehabilitation of their Children A.C.). Its mission is “To offer comprehensive care, totally free of charge, to disabled children from low-income fami-
lies, enabling these children to live better lives.” Now, 120 families each week can have their children looked after from early morning to late afternoon, Monday to Friday, for free. Each child has different needs and Pasitos offers a range of services that include physiotherapy, nutrition and dietary assistance, special education, hydrotherapy, hygiene, occupational therapy, recreational activities, daycare and workshops in art, dance and music. It is a very happy place to visit and all are welcome. Until recently, Pasitos could neither keep the children overnight nor offer much-needed respite to the parents so, at the end of each day, the parents picked up their child and returned to their humble homes. Some of the challenges faced by families in the poorer
Only Six Tours Left
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he IFC Home Tours will run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to the 29th March and then they will be finished for another season, so if you would like to see four spectacular, interesting and hidden homes in different parts of Puerto Vallarta this a friendly reminder to get your tickets soon. Tickets (only $600 pesos) are available in advance at the IFC clubhouse (above the HSBC bank on Insurgentes at the bridge) between 9:00 and 1:30, Monday to Friday and at www.ifctoursforvallarta.com . The tours start at the Sea Monkey Restaurant at 10:30, which leaves you time to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast beside the ocean before your luxury bus leaves for the three hour tour of the homes. Our knowledgeable and friendly
docents will keep you safe and entertained and are available to answer any questions about the homes or life in Puerto Vallarta. All of the profits from the tours and from the other activities of the club are used to support our cleft palate program and to support about twenty charities in PV, so you’ll have a good time as well as be helping others. All of the homes are opened to the International Friendship Club (IFC) by their owners who enjoy being able to give back to the community. Visits to some of the homes require the ability to walk on cobbled streets and to climb up and down stairs, so wear appropriate footwear for your own safety and comfort. Remember…only six tour dates left!
neighbourhoods of PV include unsafe living conditions, are often in scary neighbourhoods run by drug cartels, they suffer from the lack of clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, have no electricity and most homes are totally inaccessible to wheelchairs. Recently, with the amazing generosity of donors in Canada and here Pasitos has been handed the keys to a wonderful new facility, Casa Connor, located a short drive from the original facility in Pitillal. The new facility is named for Connor Vanderveen who died when he was 15 from a very rare genetic condition called Hunter Syndrome. His body was missing an enzyme that normally breaks down certain molecules and this meant he suffered permanent, progressive damage affecting his appearance, mental development, organ func-
tion and physical abilities. There’s no cure for Hunter syndrome so treatment involves management of symptoms and complications. It’s awful. In Canada, the medical care for kids with disabilities is exceptional; there are resources available for educational and rehabilitation opportunities as well as family respite. But this is not the case everywhere. With a focus on serving and enriching the lives of children with physical and mental disabilities in the Puerto Vallarta area, Casa Connor is committed to providing services and facilities to allow these kids to receive all the love and therapy they require. In partnership with Pasitos de Luz, Casa Connor has built and donated to Pasitos a larger facility to accommodate the demand, as well as overnight
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
respite services and accommodation for volunteers. Peter and Teena Oudman are Connor’s grandparents and when he died they vowed to make this world a better place. They dreamt of building a castle in Puerto Vallarta where children with disabilities could feel magic in their lives every day. Their dream is now a reality. What was the cost to Pasitos De Luz to build this wonderful, new facility? Nothing. Nada. Casa Connor was built through the generosity of Peter and Teena Oudman and their family and an amazing number of people who gave time, effort and funds. Some of those donors who made the dream come true include Eagle Wings Foundation, Bachas Restaurant, Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta, Now Amber Puerto Vallarta, Brian Collins family, Weenings family, Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church in Calgary and many more other donors. You, too, can help by becoming a monthly donor. If you can afford $25/month or more please visit http://www.pasitosdeluz.org/ campaing and discover how you can change a child’s life. The International Friendship Club (IFC) has provided monthly financial support to Pasitos De Luz for many years and our members appreciate all the help that is made possible to these kids by the staff, volunteers and donors of a great organization. You can support IFC by taking an IFC Home Tour. (See separate article) www.ifctoursforvallarta.com
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shopping
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
South Side Shuffle Block Party By Steven Miller
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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, March 10 (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
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
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Broadway Star Eric Krop, ‘Tapestry Live’ A Carole King Tribute by Suzanne O. Davis and Latcho & Andrea to play Incanto
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ocalist and songwriter Eric Krop has made a name for himself as one of the most preeminent young vocalists on the pop and musical theater scene, performing in Godspell on Broadway, headlining several cabaret performances at top NYC and L.A. venues, and appearing in equity theater productions nationwide. Recently, Eric has focused his energy on songwriting and recording, partnering with Grammy Award nominated saxophonist and pianist Erica von Kleist. He has also released two recent pop singles. Eric will be joined by Musical Director and accompanist Nate Buccieri. Nate is four-time MAC Award and Bistro Award winning singer/songwriter, pianist/composer, and improv artist. Eric & Nate make their Vallarta debut March 13 at 7:00 and play through March 25. Tapestry Live starring Suzanne O. Davis has been touring throughout Canada and the U.S. Suzanne’s expansive career includes
playing with many world-class performers including; America, KC & The Sunshine Band, Eddie Money, Taylor Dayne and more. Suzanne loves Carole King’s songs, understands the nuances of her singing and piano playing, and emulates them beautifully. Tapestry Live plays two nights
only March 13 & 14 at 7:00 as a special ticketed event in the piano bar. (CK Productions) On Thursday, March 9 a second fundraiser benefiting the Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta and the Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Vallarta will be held at Incanto.
The Student String Quartet begins at 5:30 on the riverside terrace, followed by a solo-concert by Grammy Award winning cellist Donald Moline at 7:00. This second event is nearly sold-out as of press time, so interested persons should reserve quickly. Grammy Award nominated
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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
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Country Music star Ty Herndon is currently playing March 6 18. Latcho & Andrea The Blond Gypsies play March 14 & 28 at 7:00. Their authentic gypsy flamenco is the real deal. Mondays for Happy Hour is Stolie at 5:00 with a show at 8:00. Pianist Jean-Guy Comeau (Jay-Gee) and singer/ guitarist Gabriel Reyes also appear in the piano bar on select dates. NYC’s Michael McAssey presents catchy cabaret tunes Tues.- Sat. at 8:00 & 10:00. Luna Rumba’s DUENDE plays every Friday at 7:00. And BINGO with Pearl benefiting the Los Mangos Literacy Program will be held on March 18 & 25. Tickets 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). Phone them at 322 223 9756 for reservations.
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Tina Turner World Class Singer Part One – The Early Years
By Fred Jacobs ina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in the backwoods of Tennessee. Tina was actually born on the farm where her father worked over-seeing sharecroppers. Tina’s family moved to Knoxville during World War II where her parents worked at a defense factory. During this time, Tina was being raised by her strict, religious grandparents, who were the deacon and deaconess of a Missionary Baptist Church. When Tina was young, she sang in her Baptist church and already stood out from the rest of the choir. When Tina was just 11 years old she was already working as a housemaid for a family. Around this time, her mother left without warning, reportedly to escape an abusive marriage. When Tina was 13, her father remarried and moved to Detroit. Tina and her sister were again sent to live with their grandparents. Tina described her high school years as being a true tomboy. She was on both the cheerleading squad and the female basketball team. When she was 16, her grandmother died and she was sent to St. Louis to live with her mother again. After her graduation, Tina worked as a nurse’s aide at a Jewish Hospital and dreamed of becoming a nurse. Around this same time, Tina and her sister began to frequent nightclubs in St. Louis. It was by chance that one night at “Club Manhattan”, she first saw Ike Turner and his band, the “Kings of Rhythm” perform. Tina was impressed by the band’s music and by Ike’s talent, claiming his music put her “into a trance.” One of those nights at the club, 18-year-old Tina was given a microphone by the drummer during an intermission. Ike heard Tina sing and asked her if she knew more
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Where Is This?
Find 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
Sandra Cesca
you might not find on your own. Photo: Prickly pear cactus pads, called Nopal, are full of taste and nutrition. After the spines are removed, steam them whole and serve with rice and chicken mole or eat cut up in a cactus salad or with scrambled eggs, soups or in a breakfast smoothie.
www.puertovallartawalkingtours.com
songs. She was allowed to sing that night, and became a guest vocalist from then on. Ike then taught Tina the points of voice control and performance. Tina’s first studio recording was in 1958, singing backup under the name “Little Ann”, on the Ike Turner song, “Box Top”. In 1960, Ike wrote an R&B song, “A Fool in Love”, originally for his bands’ vocalist Art Lassiter. But he failed to show up to the recording studio and Tina eventually was allowed to sing the song after much pleading to Ike. Ike agreed to use her voice as a “dummy vocal”, with the intention of erasing her vocals and adding Lassiter’s at a later date. The demo actually received decent airtime on St. Louis radio stations. Local St. Louis deejay Dave Dixon convinced Ike to send the tape to a friend who was president of R&B label, Sue Records. They were impressed with Tina’s vocals, later stating that her vocal had a funky sound. The company bought the track and paid Ike a $25,000 (around $210,000 in today’s money) advance for recording and publishing rights. The record company also convinced Ike to make Tina “the star of the show.” It was at this point that Ike Turner renamed Anna Mae
Bullock “Tina”. It’s been said that Ike renaming her was intended to keep her from running off and making a name for herself. Ike Turner felt that, if Anna Mae Bullock left him, he could replace her with another singer and have her perform as Tina. “A Fool in Love” was released in July 1960 and became an immediate hit, peaking at number two on the Hot R&B Sides chart and number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 that October. Their second hit, “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” (1961), reached the top 20 and earned the duo a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock and Roll Performance. In 1964, Ike & Tina left Sue Records and signed with Kent Records and the following year, they signed with Loma Records, (part of Warner Bros. Records) and run by Bob Krasnow, who had also become their manager shortly after they left Sue Records. Between 1964 and 1969, Ike & Tina signed with more than ten labels and had a string of moderately successful singles. Next week we’ll look at legendary music producer Phil Spector arriving in Ike and Tina’s life and their explosion into the big leagues. 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
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Like a Phoenix, Taste of Lo De Marcos goes on!
Due to an untimely February storm the Taste of Lo De Marcos has set a new date of Sunday, March 12, 2017
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ust like the Phoenix, the event regrouped, reorganized and is ready to take flight! So please come join in the fun. The Taste of Lo De Marcos will be held Sunday, the 12th of March 2017 as a Fundraising Event from 3:00 until 8:00 pm at The Centro de Fiestas, which will be transformed on for this Gala Event — The 4th Annual Taste of Lo De Marcos! The event will feature live music from 3:30 until closing. With a Special VIP Section where reserved seats may be secured in advance for just $100.00 pesos each. Caravan from San Pancho will open with World music from 3:30 to 5:30pm. The talented Rumba Flamenco Guitar duo of Latcho and Andrea, The Blond Gypsies will delight the crowd from 6:00 until 8.00pm. Hang on to your hats folks, this is going to be an event to enjoy! A tip to the wise, your dancing shoes might also be called for. In addition to the music, the event features foods from restaurants located in the Pueblo of Lo De Marcos with meals and snacks ranging from casual to Five Star Dining and several Artisanal Booths with unique handcrafted items for purchase. The proceeds of the event will be donated equally to The Amigos de Lo de Marcos, A.C. who provide service and funding for many of the non-profit groups in this coastal town and to Citizens Actions Committee of Lo De Marcos whic is responsible for organizing the traditional and cultural events of the year — such as religious festivities and government Holidays. The “Comité de Acción Ciudadana” as it is called in Spanish, is essentially the body that is responsible for the social events of the town which are intended for the public’s benefit. The group´s President, Juan Ventura is grateful for the support given to the Pueblo of Lo De Marcos by The Taste of Lo De Marcos event. Reservations for seating can be made in advance by emailing GalvanRealEstate4@gmail.com or calling 327 275 0233.
4th Chacala Arts and Music Festival 2017
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he 4th Chacala Arts and Music Festival will be held from March 9-12, 2017 at the Puerto de Chacala, Riviera Nayarit. This is a free celebration organized by the Chacala Cultural Foundation with the support of donations, sponsors, artists and the attending public. There will be concerts, music and science workshops, dance presentations, art expos, cinema, a culinary pavilion and much more. It will be take place at the Palmar de Chacala, the town square, the ChacalArt residence and other nearby sites. Artists on stage include Hector Guerra, Jade 420, No Soy Frida Ni Tu Diego, Gypsy Rumba, the Mariachi Tradicional Juvenil and Infantil, Leiden and Patitos Feos, to mention but a few. Five schools and the Tepic Science Museum are participating actively this year, and there will be children and teens from other institutions as well. Besides the current festival, the foundation works year round to provide workshops on drawing, engraving, cinema, photography, music and other art-related topics both for children and adults living in Chacala and its surrounding areas. www.chacalamusicfestival.com Schedule: Thursday March 9 - Starting at 5.30pm El Jardín Elementary Pacific Jazz The Diver * Neiwa * El Jardín Kindergarten The Memory of Turtles* The Palm In The Cypress & Friends Friday March 10 - Starting at 5.30pm Amado Nervo Elementary No Soy Frida Ni Tú Diego Jade 420 Hector Guerra Saturday March 11- Starting at 4pm Colegio Patria High School Traditional Youth Mariachi Youth Dance Troupe El Nayar Moruno Gypsy Rumba LEIDEN Sunday March 12 - At the town plaza starting at 4pm “Kermés” - Fun Fair Kids Folk Dance, Las Varas Patito Feos - Kids Music Workshop Patitos Feos - Performance Winston Coronel * Guanajuato International Film Festival
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
BEACHFRONT LIVING IN BUCERIAS
PALMAS 11 Now is the time to buy the beachfront property of your dreams! PALMAS 11 BEACHFRONT CONDOS in BUCERIAS
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he newest development about to begin in Bucerias is a beachfront condo project just north of Los Picos and it be using all of nature’s elements as it provides a 6 story, 12 condo unit project with underground parking, two pools, one on the roof and one by the beach, beautiful slate stone rock walls, fountains and patios with artistic Mexican decor everywhere. The two bedroom, two bathroom condos, with overlooking patios to the wonderful ocean views will begin at $399,000 USD, while offering $100,000 savings for the first four lower level condos sold‌ The owners are working with an experienced local builder and architect that is involved with other stunning developments in the area all along the coast. Construction is slated to begin before the end of the 2017 calendar year. Rich Barnes, Real Estate Broker/Investor, has been visiting Mexico and the Bucerias area for many years and has developed a true love for this country. Rich married a lady from Mexico City, Elizabeth and together they have a beautiful daughter. Rich is a partner in a Bucerias home, which they renovated and now have for sale. Rich will use his extensive real estate background to help with this team of investor partners. Rich has 35 years of sales with 16 years of broker experience and has sold over 700 homes. Rich has years of experience taking care of people in all walks of life, guaranteeing your trust in who you are dealing with. Armando Luis Solorio, Bucerias business owner and real estate partner and investor, is the local connection, with his ownership of the SUNSHINE BAR in Bucerias, and local ties, brings the Mexican flavor to the project. Armando also owns properties in the Bucerias area, bringing a solid background of experience and knowledge to the project. Armando and his family are extremely well received by the locals and also the foreign visitors as a likable and helpful people. Armando recently completed a project that included the first automated car wash to be opened in Puerta Vallarta. He is also the co-creator of Buzo, the diver in the Bucerias Town Plaza. The creative energy and knowledge Armando brings to the project will reverberate in the PALMAS 11 project. Armando goes above and beyond to help his fellow man and this allows him to be the perfect resource when it comes to serving his community and our condo buyers/investors. Ron Rezash, and with his wife Julie, of 28 years, along with 3 sons, Trevor, who is currently 23, working full time while achieving his MBA at UW Milwaukee, Grant, 21, Milwaukee Firefighter and EMT, and Logan 17, High School National Honor Society, senior, ready to attend college on a baseball/ academic scholarship are excited to be a part of this great new development. Ron has spent 20 years acquiring and rehabbing properties and currently is part of a company holding millions in real estate in the SE Wisconsin area. Ron is extremely involved in his community as he was the co-founder of a successful charter school in Milwaukee, IDEAL Charter School, which continues to be a top school in the area. He also was named YMCA Volunteer of the Year twice, while overseeing a very successful not-for-profit organization, the Milwaukee Angels. Ron brings a background to the project that ensures success; he has always shown the ability to go the extra mile in all he chooses to do. Feel free to contact any of us for questions regarding our wonderful project, condo purchases and/or investment opportunities. Armando MX cel 322 185-3832 Rich US 414 899-8146 Ron US 414 698-1135
LIMITED LIMITED PRESALE PRESALE DISCOUNT DISCOUNT ON 44 UNITS UNITS ON SAVE SAVE $100,000usd usd $100,000 STARTING STARTING AT AT $399,000usd usd $399,000 BED 22 BED BATH 22 BATH 1600sf sf 1600 148sm sm 148
RICH BARNES BROKER-OWNER 414-899-8416 RON REZASH BUILDER-OWNER 414-698-1135 ARMANDO LUIS (MX CELL) 322-185-3832 PALMAS11CONDOS@GMAIL.COM TRUSTED REALTY EXPERTS - 700 HOMES SOLD
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
March Heats Up With More Tribute Shows at Luna Lounge Bucerias By Debbie White
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arch is another incredible month of food, fun and entertainment at Luna Lounge Bucerias. This past week, we enjoyed The Legend of Johnny Cash with artist Phil Bauer bringing us all the hits of this iconic musician. The crowd went wild for the music and there was nonstop dancing throughout the evening. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night starting at 7 pm, Luna Lounge Bucerias features the allnew Crazy Bitches (drag) dinner show with Miss Diva Divine and her gals! These shows are in high demand, so book ahead of time. And coming up this week, don’t miss Soul Man: The Blues Brothers on March 9 and 10. Direct from Germany, this breathtaking show starring another set of ‘blues brothers’ will amuse and entertain with the personas and music of those lovable brothers from the classic
comedy! Jeff Fairchild and Ken Levine tour the world bringing these lovable characters to life! Back by popular demand, international headliner, Dwight Blake returns on March 11 with Memories of Motown. He is once again accompanied by his band, “The Funk Brothers.” Dwight brings the music of the “Motor City” to life with each of his fantastic
performances! Internationally renowned star, Suzanne O. Davis brings her Carol King: Tapestry Live show to Luna Lounge on March 12. Tapestry is one of the best selling albums of all time and the music is truly extraordinary. Don’t miss this one! A Special St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is planned - this is an epic event every year – don’t miss
it! On March 19 America’s top Tim McGraw tribute, starring Adam Tucker, will be featured. Straight from Las Vegas, Adam is known as the “Vegas McGraw.” And he’s a dead-ringer for the real one! Joe Passion brings us “Great Balls of Fire” on March 23. This special tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis includes a pounding piano and all the great hits of this musical icon. Returning on March 26, Joe
Passion is back with “All You Need is Love: The John Lennon Tribute.” We’re really looking forward to this one! And the final tribute show of the season is the “Garth Guy” on March 30 and 31, featuring the music and look of America’s most loved country star, Garth Brooks. Dean Simons is fantastic as Garth Brooks and he puts on an incredible show. The audiences went wild over this show last season! Luna Lounge is venturing up north to Guayabitos to The Piña Colada Restaurant for weekly shows in March. You’ll see: The Crazy Bitches Drag Show on March 13, The Jerry Lee Lewis Show on March 22 and The Garth Brooks Show on March 29. Go to lunaloungebucerias.com to purchase tickets or see Linda Gibbs at Casita De La Peñita to pay cash for tickets. Visit lunaloungebucerias. com to book your tickets or send an email to: hugh@ lunaloungebucerias.com if you have any questions. Luna Lounge is located at Av. Mexico #27, Bucerías, Nayarit.
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Natural at Organic Love Restaurant
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or a lot of people coming to Mexico (and the beach) it means eating well and drinking abundantly. Food and service is cheap compared to most places, so why not eat the steak dinner and have chicken nachos for breakfast? We crave meat to satisfy the carnivore in us all. But, if you really want to take your stomach along for your journey down south you should let it enjoy what is remarkable about this climate here. I’ll let you in on a secret; It’s not the cows. When you first taste a mango that you have picked from the tree and not one that has travelled a couple of thousand miles in a container, you will realize why you should try something a little different from what you are used to. To eat organic, which is this popular modern concept, is really just growing stuff like it was done before we had engineers and chemists maximizing the yield from the fields. In La Cruz, there lives a woman who truly believes in the organic
future, she cooks with vegetables and cheese that she buys at the local market on Sundays, all organic and handmade. She scours the aisles at the supermarket for organic products, preferably made in Mexico. She collects the best ingredients the bay, the state and the country has to provide and transforms them into absolutely amazing food, comparable to the best restaurants in the most modern cities around the globe. And we have it right here in this sleepy little village. In her restaurant and smoothie bar you can get a taste of the Mexican sun and the sweet deliciousness that only a tropical climate can give. You can enjoy various breakfast plates including
eggs from a local farm that doesn’t feed their chickens corn because it might be GMO. For lunch you can enjoy her homemade bread. She found a Mexican supplier of high quality organic flour, so this bread is also made as natural as possible, and you can taste it. This wonderful whole wheat bread turns into the most delicious sandwiches filled with different vegetables, both fresh and pickled. Three days a week she offers dinner with a reservation and every week a new menu. So come on down to Organic Love in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, located just in front of Philo’s Real Estate Office. Who is this person that cares so much about you and the food you eat? Alef Alfa Astral!
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Plan now for Events around Riviera Nayarit Events in April
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n Open Water Swimming Tournament, the 6th Capoeira and Batizado Festival, the Oyster Festival, the 2nd Cuisine of the Sun Festival, the State Bodyboard Competition and the Children’s Fishing Tournament. April is vacation month, meaning Easter Week and Holy Week, not to mention the Judea en Vivo (the representation of the Passion of the Christ), children’s month and the month the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) offers a variety of activities for everyone through its Groups and Events desk. Open Water Swimming Tournament (April 1) One of the most intense competitions in the Destination takes place in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It’s quite the show to see the swimmers break the line and race to be the first to reach the finish. This competition is now an official part of the Global Swim Series (GSS). 6th Capoeira and Batizado Festival (April 7-9) San Pancho welcomes some of the top exponents of this martial art as they present workshops, batizado ceremonies and everything relative to this culture. Oyster Festival (April 23) One of Bucerías’ most iconic
events is the yearly Oyster Festival, which celebrates local divers with a popular feast that showcases the sense of community shared by the locals. They elect a festival queen, search for the largest oyster and offer visitors a delicious selection of dishes. 2nd Cusine of The Sun (April 26-29) At Villa La Estancia Flamingos, the star-studded event curated for the second time by Food Network celebrity chef and USFOODS culinary specialist, Penny Davidi, Brings together some of the biggest names in the food and wine industry. Including elegant dinners, beachside BBQs, poolside degustations and much more. State Bodyboard Competition (April 28-30) Competition that brings together the local exponents of this type of surf in the main beach of San Pancho, a modality that is a little more fun because of the maneuvers, it becomes a little extreme according to the conditions of the sea. Children’s Fishing Tournament (April 30) Once again the Riviera Nayarit CVB celebrates children with a recreational sports event, where they can learn fishing techniques in a family environment at the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
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Fun on the
Living
Riviera Nayarit
In La Cruz Cindy Bouchard
Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com
cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com
Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com
Savor delicious pizza made with heart at Casa Hule, in La Cruz.
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hen Casa Hule moved last season there were many who thought they were gone and that created quite a ruckus! Max, Rocio, and that marvelous wood-fired pizza oven are alive and well in their new local at #55 Coral. Max is Italian, from Turin, the capital city of Piedmont in Northern Italy, which is known for its cuisine. Growing up at the base of the Alps, he was a mountain man. Max says “It’s funny how life goes, in 2003 I met my wife Rocio, an Argentinian from Buenos Aires, in the middle of the desert in San Luis Potosí, Mexico!” They settled down in that region where their two children, Julieta and Vicente, were born. Max was inspired to build his first brick oven and started baking bread and making pizza. They used to visit Sayulita to work during the high season. In 2013 they came to Nayarit with the idea to open a pizzeria. Max explains, “Our friend, Cat Tibo, told us about the village of La Cruz and the town’s beautiful Marina. On a Saturday morning we came to look around and saw a brand new ‘For Rent’ sign on Langosta. The moment we entered, we immediately fell in love with the place and its majestic rubber tree, Hule in Spanish; the name of the restaurant was born ‘Casa Hule’ and our adventure as restaurant owners began!“ They built a clay oven and made many other modifications, opening in the low season. The first few months were tough but they quickly built a Mexican clientele from the village and from the Canadian and American expatriates. They spent three years in that location. The striking atmosphere wasn’t enough; the State’s sanitary regulations couldn’t be satisfied due to its rustic natural environment; always open to the outdoors. They’re very happy with their new
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
location, Max is especially pleased “I built my third oven and it’s the best so far! Little by little, we’re creating a cozy atmosphere. However, the most important thing for us is that the quality of food remains the same. We make everything ourselves from the freshest ingredients daily. The food is handmade from traditional recipes: tomato sauce, dough, and fresh pastas. My wife, Rocio, can’t keep up with the production of our pesto and chimichurri sauce that she sells at the La Cruz Sunday Market. Even though my wife and I were raised in cities, we have always liked small & quiet villages and that’s why we’ve found ourselves home right here in La Cruz.” Max learned to make the real Neapolitan pizza with an Italian friend who had a restaurant in Germany, at that moment, he knew it was his passion. He also has a real passion for music. “My best friends in Italy are dedicated musicians and introduced me to different genres and moods. I love creating my own playlists for the restaurant.” Though water sports have no pull for Max he told me he has always been very athletic and was lucky to find a very good group of friends who he gets to enjoy playing tennis with. Shy and quiet, Max is always delighted to serve you with his knowledge and passion in the art of making traditional Italian cuisine. “I promise my wife and daughter will compensate with the conversation!”. For reservations and to be part of the success of their life journey at their home-based restaurant; 329 295 5087.
ey Everybody! Another adventure for me! I may be one of the luckiest girls, or perhaps the folks in Mexico are such kind, heart-centered people, or both! My jeep had another issue. I’m driving along and all of a sudden the car starts to overheat, the battery light comes on and the power steering goes out! YIKES! I am just coming from Nuevo Vallarta on the Highway and cruise into the Pemex station, which was perfect, as I also needed petrol. When the gas attendant (Wilber) and I look under the hood the large fan belt is off. This is the belt that much makes the entire car run! We discover that a wheel is not moving, and I need a new one. Wilber asks me to move the car out of the station over to the car wash area. He just happens to have a 1/2“ socket wrench and takes the part off for me, calls his taxi buddy Gade and away I go to Auto Zone for the part, hoping they have it! Sure enough, they have the part for only 129 pesos! I purchase the part along with some colorful tool towels they have on special for Wilber. Back to the Pemex, where it takes Wilber about five minutes to put the part and belt back on. I pay for the taxi and tip both generously, along with the nice towels for Wilber. Thanks guys! I LOVE living in Mexico! TIME CHANGE: Mark your calendars! We are coming closer for the time change and ‘Springing Forward’ here in Mexico. We do things a little differently here in Mexico. While the U.S. moves their clocks on March 12. In Mexico on Sunday, April 2 move your clocks one hour ahead. I really enjoy the longer days and gaining the extra hour! We are still in the peak of high season and Semana Santa is not until April 16 this year.
FUN Abounds around the bay and beyond. Every Thursday evening is the Bucerias Art Walk, 7-9pm with 17 locations of art to visit. Enjoy the stroll and meet the artists! Live music in Bucerias at Esquina 22 Wed, Friday and Saturday. They also have a great happy hour Mon-Fri for drinks and food. One thing I really like at Esquina 22 in Bucerias is they are consistent with great food, making it fresh with every order. Zoe Wood performs singing and on guitar every Thursday at Tescalama in La Cruz. What talent! New to Tescalama is Reggae Madness with LaFuska at 7:30 every Sunday. Coming up at Octopus Garden on March 20 is Mystic Mantra with Sonny Davis. Come and raise your vibration! The Blonde Gypsies at the Black Forest in La Cruz every Friday…make a reservation! Sandi Nystrom with The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank and Humanitarian Aid gives thanks to everyone for a fabulous season! “I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who has supported the food bank this year. Our organization is now providing just under 500 despensas per month. It is with the help of you, that we are able to do this! All of our events were SOLD OUT! For the past eight years, YoYo Mo’s has been our #1 supporter. Glenn
and Tanya go above and beyond and we are so happy they are part of the food bank team. Gary is our Raffle King and we can’t thank him enough for everything he does. Maureen and Dave Leslie as well as Gillian Jones collected the raffle prizes for our whale watching fundraiser. This season, we officially welcomed two people to our administration team. Keith Montgomery-Ashwood is now officially our Entertainment Manager. Gwen Leather-Baer will be filling two roles in our administration team as our website manager, as well as the Children’s Christmas Program Manager. Thanks so much to the both of you for joining our team. Lauren Wallace created a website for us this season also. Thanks Lauren! If you are interested in taking a look at our website, please go to: www. BuceriasFoodBank.com.” The totals are in for the season. Being transparent is a big part of being a nonprofit organization and Randy Nystrom sees to all of the number crunching. YoYo Mo’s: 23,270 pesos, Whale watching fundraiser: 83,800 pesos, Beatles Tribute: 42,350 peso, WestJet Villas del Sol raffle: 60,000 peso, Happy Day Sock Hop: 46,700 peso, Private Donations: 15,350 peso. GRAND TOTAL: 271,470 pesos! WOW!! That is so incredible and means so much for so many! Sandy also states, “Thanks so much to all of the people who volunteer, support, and encourage the food bank. It makes all the difference in the world to us! With the help of our community, we hope to continue providing food to the needy in the North Bay for many years to come.” NOW is the perfect time to purchase the casa or condo of your dreams. The interest rates are low, saving you a ton of cash. I know of a new beachfront property in Bucerias coming our way; Palmas 11. I have heard they are going to be fantastic. Folks, it’s difficult to get all of the news into one article. Please visit our Fbook page at https://www.facebook.com/allrivieranayaritfun/ for more events, fundraisers and live music. Give us a LIKE as well! As always, if you have any questions email me directly to Cat@ RivieraNayaritFun.com If you would like to see your Riviera Nayarit business in the Vallarta Tribune email me at CatPVTribune@Gmail.com. Thanks everyone. AHO!
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
SEX PLEASE WE’RE SIXTY AN AMERICAN FARCE by Michael Parker & Susan Parker
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
Sex, please we’re
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hen deciding to attend this event and write about it I had to consider my 26-year-old niece who was staying with us. I suggested she do something on her own rather than go to this old-persons play and she unequivocally said, “I want to go!” Imagine my terror, what would she tell her friends and family back home? It delighted me when I looked over and she was clapping, her head thrown back in laughter; she loved it! The name itself conjures up ‘old-people’ add to that ‘sex’… UGH. Not so, from the first words spoken I knew it was a great script! Community theatre at its finest! The acting was fabulous. Tom - who only jumped in at the last minute when another actor had to drop out - playing Henry, reminded me of Tim Conway (referencing the Carol Burnett show). The audience was cheering and chortling all the way thru. This play should be mandatory for all men who have or will have menopausal woman in their lives. In the most delightful way imaginable the difference between men and woman of a certain age was clarified! A sweet line to explain what a woman goes thru; “My hormones are in charge and my mind is only along for the ride!” Bud the stud, cracked me up; “We’re talking about SEX. What do ethics and morality have to do with it?” A whole lot of funny, a little bit cynical and an abundance of sexy! Sex, Please We're Sixty by Michael and Susan Parker was produced by the Amigos de la Cruz Players. The cast members deserved the rambunctious standing ovation on their performance, truly a wonderfully talented group who gave life to the hilarious characters and the authors' brilliantly funny play. David Buchanan as Bud “the Stud” Davis; Sherry Jacobs as Charmaine Beauregard; Velma Howells as Victoria Ambrose; Becky Grewer as Mrs. Stancliff; Tom Jacobs as Henry Mitchell; Marilyn Diduca as Hillary Hudson; Lorraine Maisonneuve- stage manager/prompter; Patricia Spencer- director/producer; Judy Dell'aire – props; Executive Producer/sound & lights, David Hibbard; Event Manager- Linda Randall; set artist - Lena Bureau; stage/set builders, Rick and Linda Byam, Bub Schmidt. And a community full of volunteers!
Left to right: back. David Buchanan as Bud "the Stud" Davis, Lorraine Maisonneuve- stage manager/prompter, Patricia Spencer- director/producer, Judy Dell'aire - props, Sherry Jacobs as Charmaine Beauregard, Front row: Velma Howells as Victoria Ambrose, Becky Grewer as Mrs. Stancliff, Tom Jacobs as Henry Mitchell, and Marilyn Diduca as Hillary Hudson. Missing: Executive Producer/sound &lights- David Hibbard, Event Manager- Linda Randall, set artist - Lena Bureau, stage/set builders- Rick and Linda Byam, Bub Schmidt.
All proceeds/profits go to Amigos de la Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C., a registered charity doing many great things in the community of La Cruz including; recycling, children's dental program, summer camp for children, medical assistance for the needy, literacy enhancement project in the elementary school, highway and street beautification/ cleaning, equipment for emergency responders (firemen and ambulance), equipment for the English classes, community theatre and entertainment in La Cruz, and a new project of a children's library at the elementary school. Always outstanding service from the host restaurateur, Langosta DIEZ, who went above and beyond to provide a scrumptious dining experience for all! Kudos to everyone!
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e sixty – A Review
riviera nayarit
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
T S E W E THE N R AND BA S T R T SPO N A R U A T S E R Z U R 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
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TESCALAMA
Happy Hour: Everyday from 5:00-7:00pm 2x1 National Drinks, Beer Buckets 5 Bottles for $100 Pesos Half Price Pizzas on Wednesday Live Music: Zoe Wood every Thursday 7-9pm Reggae Madness with La Fuska Every Sunday @7:30
SPORTS! SPORTS! MORE SPORTS! It’s Here MARCH MADNESS NCAA Basketball This Week March 9,10,11 and 12th Conference Championships March 13: Selection Sunday March 14 &15: First Four Play In Games MARCH 16-18: 1st & 2nd Round Regionals!
SEE ALL THE ACTION AT TESCALAMA!
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
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! March 9 Que Viva El Canto – Fundraiser for the Los Mangos Library 7:30 at the Sheraton Bugambilia. Featuring arias and popular music. Tix $450 at the door or purchase at Los Mangos Library. March 11 Vallarta CelticFest at Murphys Pub. This pre-St. Patty’s Benefit Proceeds from these events will benefit the Playground in Vista Hermosa through the American Legion, the Navy League, the Jay Sadler Project and DIF Vallarta. From 3pm – 2am. Live music, Celtic food. March 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. March 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 March 15 Pre-St. Patrick’s Party - Murphy’s is again the place for traditional music
and food, 12 to 4 p.m. 250 pesos, A full menu of authentic Irish dishes, including: beer stew, mashed potatoes, corned beef & cabbage, fish & chips, salad and dessert. Live music, Raffle and a 50-50 Drawing from 2 to 4 p.m. Proceeds from these events will benefit the Playground in Vista Hermosa through the American Legion, the Navy League, the Jay Sadler Project and DIF Vallarta March 15 Purr Project Bingo Margarita Grill – Basilio Badillo 5pm Fundraiser for the kitties of Vallarta. 3 bingo cards $100mx March 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 March 17 Shabbat Services sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community will be held at 6:30 pm at Casa Carmen on Calle Jesus Langarica #129. Please email if you would like to volunteer to read. Join us for dinner following the service. RSVP by March 14 PVJC email: helth1@ sbcglobal.net March 18 RISE 2017 Fundraiser Dinner Celebracion para los Ninos! From 5-9pm at Now Amber Resort in downtown Puerto Vallarta. $800 pesos VIP$1200 Sofiarobles@gmail. com for tickets and more details. March 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. March 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 March 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 March 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
March 9 - 15, 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
Olas Altas Market Saturday 9:00 -2:00pm Runs until April 29th in Park Lazaro Cardenas Three Hens and a Rooster Market Saturday 9 – 1pm and Wednesday 9-1pm Year round at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Emiliano Zapata Bohemio Artisans Co op. Every Wednesday and Sunday 10-2 625 Lazaro Cardenas, Old Town. Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Friday 9:30 – 1:30 pm Year round at Marsol Hotel Lobby in Old Town.
March 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
Mercado at Los Mangos Library Los Mangos Saturday 9-2pm
March 28 SAIL AWAY at La Peska Restaurant - La Cruz Marina To benefit Amigos de La Cruz de Huancaxtle, A.C. Contact Patricia Spencer for tickets spencerp@live.ca More information at www.amigosdelacruz.org
NUEVO VALLARTA
March 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.
Forever Spring Wednesday 9 - 1 pm along Lazaro Cardenas
Marina Vallarta Market Every Thursday evening until the end of April along the boardwalk in Marina Vallarta. 6-10pm
Riviera Nayarit Farmers’ Market Tuesday 9-2pm Tianguis Artesanal Nuevo Vallarta Parking lot at the Business Center; Saturday 9-2pm in the Marina Nuevo Vallarta
BUCERIAS LA CRUZ
La Cruz Sunday Market Sunday 10-2pm Over 200 vendors. The bay’s largest market along the Marina Riviera Nayarit
SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO
Mercado del Pueblo Friday 10-2pm on Revolucion Street Great local and organic market with many vendors available only here. Mercado del Sol in San Pancho at the Plaza del Sol Tuesdays 10-2pm
LO DE MARCOS, GUAYABITOS, CHACALA AND LA PEÑITA
The Tianguis Lo de Marcos is held on Luis Echeverría street Saturday 9-2pm The Chacala Cultural Market in the main Plaza. Saturday 9-1pm Guayabitos Market on the main plaza in town Monday 8-1pm La Peñita Market on its main plaza. Thursday 8-1pm
shopping
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
Marsol Friday Market by the Pier
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ne of the Marsol Friday Market’s finest assets is Gabriel Reyes who entertains us every week. He sings traditional and current Mexican songs and plays classical guitar. His voice soars up to the high ceilings and floats into the air outside catching walkers-by unawares. They follow his voice into our bustling marketplace – what an introduction! The other great draw is the incredible aromas of soup and other goodies being prepared in our Food Court, which is located on your left
from the front entrance, just past Gabriel. Perogies, Asian pot stickers, tortilla soup, snack foods and more. Monica’s Italian breads, her new Limoncello – try some and take a liter home. Kim is baking angel food cake and her amazing soft peanut butter cookies this week. There’s a very narrow window for angel food cake – it cannot be made when the humidity is high and it isn’t so we are all in luck! Kim also has a ‘flourless’ chocolate cake; what it may lack in flour she makes up by
tripling the amount of chocolate. Has to be, to taste that good! Dark roast coffee is finally here from Chiapas. See Alan and Ausel. The medium roast is always available and is not quite as robust. By the way, Ausel’s family grows the coffee and roasts it in a brick oven on their ranch then they ship the coffee to Vallarta to be ground, packaged and sold. Look for them. And be sure to try a cup before you buy. The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 to 1:30 pm.
Three Hens & a Rooster Market News
J
eanine and Barbara are sisters and founders of Three Hens and a Rooster Market. They both share a deep affinity for cooking and between the two of them there is a veritable feast waiting for our visitors to take home. They make amazing casserole dishes like chicken with fettuccine and lasagna that’s at least four inches thick. Jeanine makes a Buffalo salad that is layers of mostly veggies – colourful,
delicious and healthy. Where the two of them excel, however, is baking cakes, scones, strudels and bars loaded with chocolate fudge-i-ness. Lisa Love, author of two books and tile painter extraordinaire and maker of gorgeous patchwork wall hangings, also makes lovely, comfortable pants for women. Lisa sews bags for the SPCA Vallarta so buy a couple and support our local animal shelter. Ticker would love to arrange your next deep-sea fishing expedition so look for him – he is right next to
Gloria Sue who keeps us all stuffed with Jewish Comfort Food and on the other side of her you will find Alex who makes more than two dozen types of sausages by hand; delicious and frozen to take home. We have coffee, peanut brittle, gorgeous scarves made from bamboo fibers that feel like silk, shoes, clothes, handbags, paintings and jewellery. Three Hens & a Rooster Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town.
Sylvie Scopazzo & Solange Scopazzo.
Ron Spencer, Tammy Carruthers Prust y Amy Armstrong.
Riverfest 2017
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his past weekend a three day fundraising extravaganza took place at El Rio BBQ and Bar for the kids of Pasitos de Luz. While official numbers have not been announced an estimated 150,000 pesos was raised through food and beverage sales, silent auction, donations at the gate, raffles and a couple 50/50 draws.
Alex Daoud.
Attendees danced to some of Vallarta’s most popular bands, ate El Rio’s Famous BBQ, paella by Barcelona Tapas and Italian foods by Pasta Fresca. Over 100 silent auction prizes were donated by local businesses around the bay. If you missed it this year, don’t worry, they’re already planning on next years event!
Colette Zarry y Bill Makley and friends
VALLARTA SHOPPI
for shows & times visit
www.BTPV.org
...come play with us!
Tickets available -Vallarta Tickets -Theatre Box Office
287 Basilio Badillo in Old Town 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
THIS SPACE IS FOR YOU CALL US
225 4982 Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talaver a, Saltillo, Mosaico
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.
599 Juarez, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 206 2536 sales@colibridesignvallarta.com
Are you selling your home? Over 50,000 readers each month with delivery from Mismaloya to Sayulita and the only paper distributed at the airport in International arrivals. Contact editor@vallartatribune. com to learn more!
Tel. 225 4982 Ext 115 Imprenta de Tribuna de la BahĂa
ING AND SERVICES
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Clothing and Accessory Vendors Enhance Mercado Los Mangos By Paco Ojeda
F
olks who have taken the time to visit Mercado Los Mangos, the recently-founded Saturday market at Biblioteca Los Mangos, have discovered a little secret: they can enjoy a fulfilling breakfast or lunch—or both!—while meandering from one vendor booth to the next. The abundant mango trees that were once part of a large plantation in this area of Puerto Vallarta give the neighborhood its name, and provide visitors with comforting shade while they enjoy their day. Food-related vendors aside, Mercado Los Mangos is also attracting an increasing variety of creative individuals that design and produce their own clothing and fashion accessory lines, such as Mark and Donna Schons, the couple behind Bohemian Butterfly Design. The Schons first arrived in Puerto Vallarta last year to work with the women of New Beginnings, a non-profit organization. Donna, who had been in the wholesale gift business for over 12 years, discovered her creative talent as a designer and graphic artist, but
found her true calling in her mid forties: making jewelry. She dedicated her talents to designing a unique jewelry line that catered to women like her—creative, free-spirited, and passionate about leading an authentic life. With Mark by her side as best friend, confidant, husband and business partner, Donna brings to Puerto Vallarta a fresh new look and design, with inspirations from their travels through Mexico, fused with Bohemian, Native American and Southwestern styles. They produce all their unique items at their Marina Vallarta studio, which allows for the creation of new designs on a weekly basis, making shopping at their Mercado Los Mangos booth a unique experience, week after week. Mercados Los Mangos is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm through the last Saturday
in May. It is located at Av. Francisco Villa 1001 in Colonia Los Mangos, just before the turn to Costco. Interested in becoming a Mercado Los Mangos vendor? Pick up an application at the information booth on Saturdays. You will also find plenty of copies of the Vallarta Tribune and P.V. Mirror. Questions? Email mercadolosmango(at)gmail.com. To learn more about Biblioteca Los Mango’s academic and cultural offerings for children and adults, please visit BibliotecaLosMangos.com.
www.vallartatribune.com
OLD FURNITURE, NEW BEGINNINGS WE PICK IT UP AT YOUR DOOR!
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
charity
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March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com
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. You can find all of our local charities online at 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
& Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com Welch amywelchpdx@ comcast.net Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio
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.
Hello, we are here, to ensure your well-being.
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.
We have come to Puerto Vallarta now to offer you the best healthcare and well-being that our 45 years of experience can provide.
Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@ hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – 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.
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CROSSWORD SOLVE!
games
March 9 - 15, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com