Issue 968, October 22-28, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

News Mexico’s Middle Class

October 22 - 28, 2015 Free Issue 968

Dia de Muertos who’s catrina

Food and Drink vallarta’s tacos

Photo Credit: www.rowdychowgirl.com

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 in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. 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. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the 18th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere. EXPORTING PETS: Falling love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. 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 10,000 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 an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance. Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón Rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. 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 (for the U.S. and Canada the 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, then the 10 digit number including area code. 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 newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. 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

PEACEAnimals By Gretchen DeWitt www.peaceanimals.org

he mission of PEACEAnimals is to prevent the future suffering of animals by offering free mobile spay/neuter clinics. Since its founding in May 2013, PEACEAnimals has sterilized over 4,000 dogs and cats annually. A mass sterilization program greatly reduces the number of dogs and cats on the streets being hit by vehicles, poisoned, diseased, starving, abused and abandoned. There aren’t enough homes for all the animals being born. There are several Facebook pages and websites that have photographs and descriptions of dogs and cats that have been lost and/or found, animals that need rescuing and/or fostering, animals for adoption and requests from people who would like to adopt a cat or dog. For local animal information please view the resource tab on our website – www.peaceanimals.org If you see an animal that is sick or injured and are able and willing to pay the vet bill, please contact your vet or one of the vets listed on the resource tab of our website. For emergency vet attention, call: 044 322 180 6624 If you have found an animal and cannot adopt it, in addition to having the animal checked and vaccinated by a vet, please consider taking it to a free PEACEAnimals clinic. Clinic schedules are listed on our website and also on our blog: www.gretchen-pea-

ce-and-pv.blogspot.com There are vets who give discounts to people who rescue cats and dogs. No animal-related organization or group in Puerto Vallarta has the manpower, money or means to rescue, attend to and find homes for the thousands of street cats and dogs in Puerto Vallarta and in the surrounding areas. PEACEAnimals is a Mexican AC and U.S. donations are tax deductible. On how to donate, please see our website.

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

editorial

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

he start of this week was huge for Canadians around the world as we had the chance to remove the despot who was running our country. In record numbers Canadians come out to dethrone Stephen Harper and his Conservative crew. Hopefully Canada will soon right its wrongs and get back to being the country we once were. The new Liberal government made some pretty lofty promises including much needed electoral reform, decriminalization of Marijuana, opening up of Canada’s borders and changes to the visa requirements for Mexican’s wishing to visit Canada. Fingers crossed, they follow through. Here in Puerto Vallarta we have our own concerns, not the least of which is what taco stand to eat at tonight and where to get supplies for next weekend’s Day of the Dead (Dia de los muertos) Halloween festival. (I’m so excited!) I’ve done my research and I’ve found some of the best taco stands in town. In four years here I can safely say I’ve tried less than a couple dozen of them. There are taco stands on every corner and it’s hard to go wrong. Once you’ve found your favourite it’s hard to change. When the hangover demands it - I still drive to the backside of Pitillal for the most divine birria quesadillas anywhere. For the less brave or newbies, there are a couple of Taco Tours in town you can take to whet your appetite. And to wash it all down, a couple of drinking tours as well. Read on. For the big Catrina parade and gathering next weekend, there are some tips on what to wear and how

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

Spanish Bloopers

by Sandra Cesca

T to achieve the gorgeous make-up. I’ll be there with roses in my hair! This Friday I’m heading to Pitayo to paint like a master and drink (too much) wine. Have you done one of the wine and canvas nights that they host? It’s a great event to do with friends and family. All the supplies you need, demonstrations that help you to recreate familiar works (this week is Van Gogh) and wine! Check out their ad in this week’s paper for upcoming dates. Then Saturday, my BF and I are heading to El Cielito (two hours south just past Mayto and Tehuamixtle) for a little R&R. This super charming beachfront resort has the sweetest cabins, and gorgeous views and all for a very affordable price. If you are looking for serene and unplugged - this is the place. Super busy times around here. Hope everyone is staying cool and supporting local! Have a great week! Safe travels, Madeline

his column is for all of us who are still struggling with the Spanish language…and for those who just want to enjoy a good laugh! Although I have lived here seven years, I still make many mistakes with words that sound the same but are entirely different or with the same word that has double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment.

TOPES (SPEED BUMPS)

Today’s story: TOPES (SPEED BUMPS) TOPOPOS (TORTILLA CHIPS) Reader Shirley writes, “We were driving with a friend in his car when we approached the dreaded Mexican speed bumps. I said to the others, we are slowing down to go over the topopos. The others started laughing when I realized I had just told them we were going to drive over some tortilla chips!” Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra.learn. vallarta@gmail.com

TOPOPOS (TORTILLA CHIPS)

Markets and More – Weekly Events Around the Bay

his is a growing list as regularily scheduled events and markets are announced. Be sure to check back each week. If you have an event you’d like to add – email editor@vallartatribune.com Tuesday Malecon Sculpture Tour – 9:30am Hosted by Gary Thompson. The tour starts at the “Millennium” sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon. Wednesday Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta 6-10pm Starting this October 28th Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta.

Recreactiva – 8:45pm – Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening. Thursday Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Friday Marsol Market by the Pier – 9:30 – 1:30 Saturday Three Hens and a Rooster Market From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Sunday Recreactiva – 8am-12pm – the centre lanes of Francisco Medina are closed to traffic and open to anyone wishing to walk, skate, ride from Hotel Krystal to the Sheraton.

news

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Robust middle class, more millionaires Nearly 11% of Mexicans are defined as middle class in global wealth report

lthough more than half its population is living below the poverty line, Mexico has a middle class that has proved robust in the wake of financial woes and the number of millionaires is predicted to grow by more than 80,000 over the next five years, according to a report by financial services firm Credit Suisse. Just over 10.8% of Mexicans, or 12.9 million people, are defined as middle class, which the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2015 says means they have at least US $50,000 in assets excluding earnings. It is a sector of the population that is estimated to hold around 40% of the country’s total wealth, equal to $790 billion. Moving up on the wealth scale, millionaires number 122,000 and make up just 0.2% of the population. Meanwhile, 56.7% of Mexicans live on less than $10,000 per year. The number of millionaires is expected to increase by 68% between now and 2020, to a total

of 206,000. Only seven countries — Malaysia, Colombia, Taiwan, Poland, China, Saudi Arabia and Japan — are expected see a higher rate of increase during that period. On a regional level, Mexico is a high flyer in terms of its millionaires, coming second only to Brazil in Latin America, which counts 168,000, a number that is expected to rise to 229,000 by 2020. Mexico is one of a handful of countries that have not seen their proportion of white-collar workers and their families decline since the credit crunch in 2007. Other nations with a similar record are Poland,

Taiwan, Canada, France, India, Japan and South Korea. China has the world’s largest middle class, numbering 108.76 million, the U.S. is second at 91.86 million, followed by Japan with 62.05 million, Italy with 29.4 million and Germany, 28.47 million. The global total of millionaires stands at 33.7 million, most of them — 15.6 million — concentrated in the U.S. In fact, America has almost as many high-net-worth individuals as Europe, which has 10 million, the Asia-Pacific region, 6.5 million, and Latin America, 485,000, put together. Original: Mexico Daily News

New Southwest flights from Houston

on-stop flights to Mexico City, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos Links between Houston, Texas, and Mexico grew stronger this week with new non-stop flights launched by Southwest Airlines. The low-cost U.S. airline began offering daily flights to Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, and twice-daily into Cancún. Southwest used the Cancún flight to inaugurate its new US $146-million, five-gate terminal at

Dropping water levels reveal hidden church

he Nezahualcóyotl reservoir is down 25 meters, revealing 17th-century

ruins Record drought conditions in southeastern Mexico have been affecting farmers for some time now, but the lack of rain has had another effect on a reservoir in Chiapas: an old church has been seen rising from the water. It is not a religious apparition but the effect of dropping water levels at the Nezahualcóyotl reservoir on the Grijalva River, an area that was flooded with the building of the Nezahualcóyotl dam in the 1960s, covering villages, towns and archaeological sites. It was the second time since the dam’s completion in 1966 that water levels have dropped enough to reveal the colonial-era ruins of the town formerly known

as Quechula. The town — and part of the territory of the Zoque people— and its church were built by Dominican friars led by Bartolomé de las Casas in the mid-1600s. The town’s relative importance

was derived from its location on the King’s Highway, a road designed by Spanish conquistadors and still in use until the 20th century. “It was a church built with the thinking that this could be

a great population center, but it never achieved that,” said architect Carlos Navarrete, who worked with Mexican authorities on a report about the structure. “It probably never even had a dedicated priest, only receiving

Hobby Airport, which opened on Thursday. The new facility, under construction since September 2013, makes Houston one of only three American municipalities with two international airports within its boundaries. With its Mexico City connection, the company hopes to transport 4,000 passengers a month between Houston and the Mexican capital. Original: Mexico News Daily

visits from those from larger towns nearby.” “A plague afflicted the nascent town between 1773 and 1776,” he recalled, after which it was all but abandoned. The Nezahualcóyotl reservoir has dropped 25 meters this season, making it the second lowest drop since 2002. That year, water levels were low enough that curious visitors could walk inside the church’s structure. Fisherman Leonel Mendoza recalled that people were drawn to the ruins of the church at the time: “They celebrated. They came to eat, to hang out, to do business. I sold them fried fish. They did processions around the church.” In recent days, besides fishing on the reservoir, Mendoza has been ferrying curious passengers drawn to the rare spectacle of the recently emerged ruins. Original: Mexico News Daily

local

Finding

Your Purpose Rhonda Zarate

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

o you are now in the moment, hanging with your tribe. Now what? Seriously, you have sat on every beach chair, tried every Margarita flavor there is, know each beach vendor’s name and you’re oh, so bored! Ah, life without working was supposed to be carefree, and now you find yourself walking the streets aimlessly, not sure what to do, looking for the next happy hour. Get a LIFE, snap out of it! Do something, get involved. The only difference this time is it’s on your terms - no more 9-5ing it! Make this about you and your calling, let’s find the way to light your way, as long as you are breathing, it’s never too late to make a difference. You might know that you are good for something, but you just have not found out what that something might be. Where does one start? I think it

is a lot of trial and error. You just have to get out there and join in, volunteer, start a new job or project until you find a good fit. I have walked in your shoes, wandering aimlessly from here to there, whining to my friends, “What’s my purpose?” Finally, I found and felt it to be what makes me happy. I found my purpose in helping people. Helping them find their perfect home, helping them to find their hearts desire. It feels good and it is effortless for me. I get that we all have to put money in our pocket to pay the bills, but the purest most perfect way to find a purposefully delighted heart, is to give of yourself when you get nothing but “Joy” in return, no money exchanged, just the gift of giving. Yesterday, for the first time in my life I had a bonding experience with a bunch of Pitbulls. Yes, I have

now added Pitbulls to my tribe and many of them. I simply picked up the phone; called a friend who is the “Animal Whisperer” and asked where my son and I could walk some dogs, she pointed us to “Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.” Boom, the next day, I found myself slipping a collar around my new friend’s thick neck and away we went, him leading, with me trailing behind. You want to talk glee; you should have seen his eyes dancing with delight. It felt good, really good; to do something so out of my comfort zone, bring joy to another living being, simply by going for a walk. They need volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Or just show up with a truck load of dog/cat food, you will be the hero for the day! Another time, I felt good was when I went to a breakfast, hosted weekly as a way of fundraising, by the beautiful children of “Corazon de Nina,” a local orphanage in Puerto Vallarta. Their pride in what they were accomplishing by cooking and serving the most glorious breakfast was a beautiful moment to be part of. This home is for girls and boys that come from high risk situations. On October 23rd at 10:00 am there is another fundraiser at the Marriott Hotel. Come out, support them and find out how you can get involved, or simply come and enjoy the breakfast with your $250 peso donation. Good intentions, breeds good intention. Love is a verb, just get out there and get going my friends. If we all just do a little bit of something, something will become something big and that is the movement of greatness this world needs. We got this. Believe and we can achieve. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose is of life Is to give it away” -Pablo Picasso Until next time. Life is a delicious journey of happiness.

Rhonda is here to help you make a difference in your life. She is dedicated to helping people discover and put into action strategies and resources to create an extraordinary life. She is a Realtor, Business/ Life Coach, Author and Speaker. You can find her at rhondazaratelifestyle.com or check out her Facebook Blog at rhondazaratelifestyle drop her a line and say hello.

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Thanks

for Giving!

By Nicole Martin

3 Ways to give back while you are in PV

arza Blanca’s full-time homeowners are a wonderful mix of US Citizens, Canadians and Mexicans, some of whom live in paradise year round while others are not yet ready to retire in the sun, preferring to pop back and forth to spend as much time as possible at their favorite home away from home. Many Garza Blanca residents realize just how fortunate they are and spend time and money “giving back.” How about you? Do you want to leave an ordinary mark on this world or an extraordinary one? Here are four “GIVE BACK” activities that might fill your days with purpose in paradise bringing you a rewarding experience helping others in need. 1. PASITOS DE LUZ Disabled children in Banderas Bay need your support and the local charity, Pasitos de Luz, can help you to do just that. This non-profit organization is a local rehabilitation center that offers daily schooling to over 120 severely disabled children that come from households experiencing extreme poverty. These children are offered care and rehabilitation activities free of charge. A visit to their facility might just change your life. If you wish to pay a visit or get involved, the charity needs all types of volunteers from people with social media and teaching skills to therapists and doctors, as well as those who could help with collecting and importing aid from outside of the country, such as wheelchairs and other equipment. More information can be found on their web site. http://www.pasitosdeluz.org/. 2. THERAPIES UNITE Therapies Unite was started by a young, passionate physiotherapist from Britain, Laura Brown, who launched the charitable association just over 4 years ago. This valuable non-profit organization works with people of all ages with disabilities, providing much needed rehabilitation services. See some

of their success stories for inspiration. Therapies Unite runs free therapy services that involve activities such as swimming, cycling and dance as well as provides free specialized therapy and medical equipment to those in need. The charity has recently brought three containers of wheelchairs from the United Kingdom but need ongoing support of funds as well as people to help coordinate places for the swimming therapy sessions, studios for rehabilitation etc. More info on their web site. http://www. therapiesunite.com/ 3. ANIMAL RESCUE If you love animals. Did you know that there is an SPCA in Puerto Vallarta? Privately run, this charity hosts two weekly tours during high season where you can visit, cuddle kitties, walk dogs, and meet new furr-ever friends who share a common love of animals. Some of the rescue stories are very sad but once you visit and follow their page and see how to date over 250 animals have traveled from Puerto Vallarta to Canada and the US, you might form part of their support family by donating, fostering, traveling with an animal or networking for their cause. Tours can be booked by visiting their web site www.spcapv.com.

local

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Like Son, Like Mother

hen my son was born, nearly eleven years ago today, he could not have looked less like me. My husband’s Aztec genes took a maquahuitl sword to my wimpy Caucasian ones and into the world came a blackhaired little boy with the loveliest toast-colored skin. I took comfort in his bright blue eyes. It was a fleeting comfort though, because by six months or so they were a deep, thoughtful brown. I never minded this, because obviously I found his dad to be a pretty cute guy. And I’m now sure that I subconsciously chose my husband in order to give my children the gift of beautiful brown skin. The last thing they needed on the Mexican coast was tender hide like mine, quickly and brutally burning, then peeling back to blindingly white again. This is what maternal instinct is all about. Physical features are not the only ways my son and I differ, although people are now saying that we do share similar facial features after all (YES! Put that in your maquahuitl and wield it, mighty Aztec genes!). My boy is the first born and this means his personality tends toward the following: reliable, conscientious, structured, cautious, achieving, controlling. This side of him is fascinating to me, because I was the baby of my family and I wasn’t even reliably unreliable. I always have an inner chuckle when he asks me about a particular waterslide’s survival rate, or requests a new straw for his lemonade once I’ve had a sip, because germs. I know it will annoy him and gross him out if I remind him that we once shared a body, which means the germ ship has sailed (so I usually make a point of it). But the ways we ARE alike matter more to me than just our physical similarities and differences. They are the ones on which we have built a relationship that, as my son gets older and I get wiser, have helped us get past the terrible twos, the freaky fives, the scary sevens,

the… well you get my point. They connect us, and they deepen the bond we share. I’m counting on it, because thrilling thirteen is just around the corner. Just a few of the similarities and interests we share: 1) Love of the written word – from the time he was very small, we have shared an avid interest in books and stories. Some of our best times were spent in The Shire, or in Narnia, or in Zuckerman’s barn next Charlotte’s web. 2) Imagination – Once you’ve done enough reading, you’ll know it’s a good idea to keep your closet closed at night. I still do, and so does the boy. Not only that, we are both very creative worrywarts. We are capable of creating worst case scenarios for every situation. Not as handy a skill as it sounds, although you may want one of us around in the zombie apocalypse. 3) Zombie apocalypse preparedness –see above 4) Need for solitude –After a busy week, we often enjoy quiet time together without actually speaking. One of us might casually wrap an arm around the other while we each take up our own quiet pursuit. If you can call Plants vs. Zombies a quiet pursuit (he needs the practice, see above). 5) Sense of humor – The Boy (tells joke) Me: I don’t get it. The Boy (pauses): Me either. Us: helpless laughter Other Family Members: You guys are weird. 6) Bon Jovi – But then again, who doesn’t like “Living on a Prayer?” (you don’t have to answer that). My son, like all of precious children, is on a journey to becoming his very own self. Someday that journey may take him far from me. And that’s just the way it ought to be, of course. But for now I’m more alive, more grateful, more like the person I always wanted to be, because he chose me to come along (and carry the emergency kit).

Giving back to the Community: Tennessee Edd

hen we met Edd Bissell on our first day in La Cruz, he extended his hand and with a hearty handshake, he says, “I’m AAy-ehhd, where y’all from?”. We bonded instantly as he shared what brought him to La Cruz, that he now calls home and how he’d be surprised if we didn’t end up doing so too! It’s been six years now; I guess he knew things we didn’t. Edd tells you how it is - whether you want to hear it or not. He’s a self-confessed, Redneck and proud of it. He makes me laugh out loud but Edd’s true self is revealed through his kindness to one teeny, Rancho community called San Quintin. Every conversation includes a plea for help for his town, starting with the school. He just wanted to see kids get an education. As they graduated he wanted them to go on to higher education and it’s happening! No child had gone past sixth grade before Edd took a stand, now several have graduated and some have gone on to higher education. “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime,” was pertinent with Edd’s ‘project’ as he calls it. Successful at accumulating donations of clothes, computers and even money, he realized people had to ‘earn’ what they received, so he helped the kids set up a thrift shop. Most of what is donated goes into the thrift shop. The profits go to the kids’ education. Their education extends to more than just book learning. Edd makes sure they take part in all that goes into running a store; the renovation, the economics, the sales, etc. When asked what inspired him and what keeps him going. “I was going to Sayulita and Patricia, my cleaning gal, hitched a ride to her parents place in San Quintin (where she was raised). On the way she told me that Alonso (her husband) wanted to move back to the village and so did her three kids, BUT she was not keen on the idea because of the location AND primarily the lack within the village school. I asked her to see it; it was less than pitiful in my opinion. The schoolyard was atrocious, inside was equally bad, so it started there with a broom, a mop and some paint! Alonso spear-

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Life

In La Cruz By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

headed the efforts, because I was REALLY an outsider. Luis was the teacher the second year I helped out the school. I had asked for a bilingual teacher and he was it in the whole system; lucky for both of us I suppose. With him, I was able to turn the school from a baby-sitting facility into something of better value — But it was difficult!! To start with there was no parental support. None! And after sixth grade the full school expense is on the family, no government help. We help pay school fees, bus fare,

books, pencils, paper, etc. We try to give them money for any extra activities that might come up”. If an old gringo, with a drawl and absolutely no Spanish language skills can do all the above and more… consider one small thing you can do today… and tomorrow… and next week… and, and, and! As Edd’s says “The school is well, kids are fine, all is welllllll. All in a days work”!

Read the long version at www. VillaAmorDelMar.com

día de muertos

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

World’s largest group of Catrinas in Vallarta D uring the upcoming Día de Muertos celebrations running from October 28th – November 2nd, Puerto Vallarta businesses have banded together to create a fun festive five-day fiesta with altars, street parties and an attempt at breaking the current Guinness World Book record of the most Catrinas in one place, currently held by Mexico City with 500 Catrinas in attendance. Now, I’ve been out for Halloween in Puerto Vallarta a number of times and have seen my fair share of Catrinas. I’m sure if we all pull together we’ve got this record beat. But for those of you who don’t know...

Who is Catrina?

Día de Muertos is approaching and as a lot of Catrina-inspired looks are surfacing online, we would like to share a little history on the Catrina before we show you some amazing looks you could copy for a fantastic Day of the Dead look. La Calavera Catrina, also known as "Dapper Skeleton" or "Elegant Skull" is a 1910–1913 zinc etching by famous Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada. Originally called "La Calavera Garbancera," the image depicts a female skeleton dressed only in a hat befitting the upper class outfit of a European of her time. She is offered as a satirical portrait of those Mexican natives who, Posada felt, were aspiring to adopt European aristocratic traditions in the pre-revolutionary era. The original leaflet describes a person who was ashamed of his Indian origins and dressed imitating the French style while wearing lots of makeup to make his skin look whiter. This description also ties to the original name "garbancera," which became a nickname given to people of indigenous ancestry who imitated European style and

denied their own cultural heritage. Posada drew this to explain and rescue the folklore of worshiping the dead, hence why it's used as a Día de los Muertos image. How do you achieve this look? Quite a few friends are asking this question on Facebook and I can tell you, the best thing is to check out YouTube video tutorials on Catrina Make-Up. There are dozens of excellent ones that break it down easy. As for a costume – don a black dress, a lacy shawl, a wreath of flowers and you’re good to go! Here are some photos for inspiration. Highlights of the Upcoming Dia de los Muertos Events as supplied by Bill Hevener of the Comite de dia de muertos PV 2015: Friday 1. Community Interactive Altar in Lazaro Cardenas Park opening at 10am. Since most of us can't visit our family cemeteries, we have created a community Altar in the park for you to decorate. There will be free traditional items to decorate

and remember or bring your own. 2. Friday Night Music Festival outside the cemetery at 7pm in 5 Decembre neighbourhoos, you can purchase fresh flowers and candles to decorate the cemetery.

Saturday 3. Break the Record for the most live Catrinas in one place. The record is held by DF 500 Catrinas. Let’s break it for Puerto Vallarta! We have invited the city to join us

Saturday, October 31 at 8 pm by Hotel Rosita to march to the Pier in los Muertos in Zona Romantica for the count This will be followed by a beer and music festival on Francisco Rodriguez at the pier.

Dia de Muertos Events October 28th 5:30 pm – Join the Season opener of the Artwalk on this self-guided tour of galleries and alters. Enjoy live music at Café des Artiste. October 29th 5:00 pm – Starting at 5pm in Park Hidalgo there will be many events including: YouthOrchestra – Iglesia del refugio, Conference on the history of death in México, Film Festival showing "Macario" and restaurants offering special menus for the holiday. October 30th 9:30am – beginning at 9:30am there will be the unveiling of flower carpets around downtown. 10am – Unveiling of interactive alter in park Lazaro Cardenas 10am – Decorated boats will sail from the pier in honour of deceased captains 7 -10pm – Beer and Music festival in the 5 de Deciembre Cemetery October 31st 10am – Paint your own Dia de Los Muertos skull in the Cultural Centre on Isla Cuale 12:00 pm - Children´s Films at the Cultral Centre 6:00 pm – At various locations around town Face painting for Record Guinness of Catrina's 5:30 pm – Leaving from the Cemetary of 5 de diciembre the Catrina parade with giant puppets and Folk Dancers “Vallarta Azteca” 6:30 pm – At the Hidalgo park Folk dancers “Mixcoatl”, from the state of Aguascalientes 7:00 pm – Starting at Hotel Rosita Silent march with "Catrinas y Catrines" 7:00 – 10:00 pm - Pier street hosts the Music and Beer festival 8:00 pm – Catrina Get-together to break the Guinness Book of World Record 10:00 pm – Head off to various clubs and bars for Catrina and costume contests November 1st 6pm – Park Lazaro Cardenas hosts a number of events including the Festival of Angels, the Bread, sweets, and food festival, the Xiutla dancers, and showing of the Movie “Libro de la vida” 7-10pm – The street the pier is on will again host another beer and music festival November 2nd 11:30am – In the main plaza Exhibition of “Las catrina de Lupe” by Karla Moreno productions 6pm – Starting at the 5 de Deciembre cemetery to the Municipal market – parade 7-10pm – Street party at the Municipal market

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Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... Daisy by Janice Gonzalez

e rescued this sweet little lady and her five puppies when neighbors noticed the family eating from garbage and apparently living in the streets. All the puppies have found homes so it’s now Daisy’s turn. Daisy is a lovely Lab mix, probably two and a half years old. She weighs 50 pounds. Daisy is quite social and just loves people. She is also very sweet and cuddly. Daisy is good with other dogs too as long as they know she is the boss! She has been dewormed, fully vaccinated and spayed. Now she just needs her forever home. If you think Daisy would be the perfect companion, email us at spcapv@ gmail.com for an applications.

food and drink

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

'Tacopedia': A Mouth-Watering Tour Of Mexico's Taco Culture By Tove Danovich

Adam Wiseman/Courtesy of Phaidon

Isais Quijano/Courtesy of Phaidon

hile it's hard to find a person who doesn't at least like tacos, they don't always get the respect they deserve. According to Déborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena, authors of Tacopedia, an impressive new tome, the taco is a focal point not just of Mexico's cuisine but of its culture, too. "Mexicans eat them so often that the expression echarse un taco, to grab a taco, is synonymous with eating," they write. The phrase Le echas mucha crema a tus tacos, or "You add a lot of sour cream to your tacos," means that someone thinks a bit too highly of himself. To celebrate this food, the authors spent four years exploring the culture, history and variations on the taco — defined simply as "a maize tortilla wrapped around food." The final book, a best-seller in Mexico, has now been translated. With over 100 recipes, profiles of taco-makers, and eye-popping illustration and photography on every page, Tacopedia doesn't just teach readers to appreciate the taco — it makes them hungry, too. Though people tend to concentrate on the fillings more than the

The name of these tacos, “cochinita pibil,” tells you what’s inside: young pig cooked in an oven pit. It’s a traditional Mayan dish that originated after the Spanish conquistadors arrived, bringing pigs with them.

A woman prepares tortillas at Kinich Restaurant in Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico. The average Mexican consumes 135 pounds of tortillas per year.

wrap, there is no taco without the tortilla. And there would be no tortilla without the discovery of a process called nixtamal. By boiling maize in diluted lime (that's quicklime, not the green citrus) and letting the kernels stand overnight, the mixture gained enough malleability and cohesion "to hold a shape when mixed with water," something maize flour and cornmeal on their own cannot do. It also increased the tortilla's nutritional value by making more protein, calcium, and niacin available for human digestion. Today, "the poor spend

almost ten percent of their food and drink budget on tortillas; the rich only 3.1 percent," Holtz and Mena write. This process, and the taco itself, go back a long way. According to Holtz and Mena, "The taco was invented between 1,000 and 500 B.C. as a kind of edible spoon." Much like a spoon, the taco can hold a seemingly endless number of foods. Not counting the taco's cousins — enchiladas, quesadillas or tlayudas (kind of like a taco pizza that uses a fried or baked tortilla as the crust) — Tacopedia

lists 16 variations on this dish. There are the familiar seafood tacos, the slow-cooked barbacoa (traditionally, lamb or mutton cooked overnight in an oven pit in the ground), the slow-cooked, shredded pork carnitas. For the more adventurous, the authors give an introduction to head-meat tacos and insect tacos: grasshoppers, white and red maguey worms, the jumil bug, or ant larvae. Then there are the varieties that depend on the way they're made or sold. Tacos de canasta, or basket tacos, for example, finish cooking

after their seller heads out the door. In one method, the tacos are layered in a woven basket that's been lined with plastic to retain heat. The tacos are coated with pork rind fat, covered with raw onions and oil and then enclosed in the basket "so the tacos start to sweat," the authors write. Though there are many combinations of fillings, traditional ingredients include mashed potatoes, refried beans, pressed pork rinds, and various salsas and spices. They stay warm for hours and are a lunchtime favorite. Though tacos may be Mexican in origin, there isn't an archetypal "Mexican taco." Visit Baja California and you might be treated to smoked marlin tacos. In Chiapas, try pito tacos, which Tacopedia describes as being "made with the flowers of the flame coral tree, fried in breaded patties, and served with red tomato broth." The small state of Querétaro might serve up beef crackling tacos, filled with beef offal and fried in pork lard. The neutral territory of the tortilla makes a welcoming home for the country's many regional specialties. Perhaps that's why for Mexico, the taco has become a defining dish. Original: npr.org

Eating (and drinking) your way through Vallarta By Madeline Milne

xploring Vallarta’s tacos stands is a culinary experience not to be missed and there are excellent stands on just about every corner in this city. Look for the busiest and you won’t be disappointed. Now if you are a little nervous about jumping into this taste bud fiesta, consider taking one of the guided Food Tours. There are a few available with the two most popular being Vallarta Eats Food Tour and Vallarta Food Tour. Says TripAdvisor reviewer and long-time Vallarta resident Tim Longpre about the Vallarta Eats Tour, “It was an excellent tour and Memo was excellent. I have been living here for 11 years and had only been to 3 of them. I learnt things about tacos that I did not know, and again been enjoying for many years. Very organized and a must do tour, eating at the best of the best, and not tourist at all. Loved it and will recommend it to all my clients for sure.”

Vallarta Food Tour in addition to their downtown Vallarta tour offers one in the nearby community of Pitillal that truly gives you a glimpse of Mexico’s authentic taco culture. During the 3.5-hour tour you will visit eight authentic tasting locations and receive a behind-thescenes look at the neighborhood, with visits to important landmarks. It’s a great way to explore the area and all the amazing food we have to share with you. Tripadvisor reviewer Butterfan says, “We have been coming down to Vallarta for 7 years now and I learned more in 3 hours from Ricardo Lopez than I did in all that time I spent here previously. Ricardo was not only an expert on local food, he is an expert historian. We learned about different regions in Mexico, the history of Vallarta and the food was amazing! I would do the same tour again it was so good. Can't wait for the Pitillal tour! So, what are you waiting for? Get eating! Some of the top suggested Taco

stands from members of the Facebook group: Everything you Want and Need to Know about Puerto Vallarta: Marsha: Our favorite is Las Marineras. We've been going there for 9 years. It is just north of the Prisciliano Sanchez/Aramara Farmer's Market. The owner, Sylvia, has been in business for 30+ years and her stand is always busy. Paul’s suggestion of "Las Gueras" diagonally across from El Brujo on Venustiano Carranza at Naranjo was very popular. The popular El Carboncito on Honduras (or Taco Alley, as I like to call it) got a huge number of likes and shout-outs by members. Kevin suggested: El Flaco is our fave but I know we will find some just as good when we are there full time. Their El pastor we had for 3 straight winters then made a mistake last winter and ordered pastor quesadillas. OMG so yum. Now we get. 2 tacos and 1 quesa-

dilla each. So glad we made that mistake! Their salsas are to die for but watch out for their hottest as its nuclear. Flaco is by Plaza Romy. Close to Twisted Palm martini bar. Licia mentioned one of my personal favourites - La Tia on Honduras. The shrimp burritos are huge and only 40 pesos. And there’s a spicy marlin soup (saltopatras) that will cure whatever ails you. My favourite is a carbon taco stand in 5 de Deciembre on the corner of Guatemala and Jamaica, across from the plastics store. The lines can be long but it’s so worth the wait. The hand made tortillas are soft and buttery, the meat so tasty and the sauces are spectacular. There’s a smaller taco stand across the street that suffers (or benefits) from sharing a corner. I always think, maybe I’ll try his tacos, and then I don’t. For those of you looking for something a little stronger there are also a couple of relatively new

tours that are offering Tequila and Mezcal Tastings including Vallarta Tequila Tastings and the Vallarta Food Tour guys are offering a new tour called Mex-ology. At Vallarta Tequila Tasting, their spirits expert, Ricardo will amuse and educate you while you learn about Tequila. They have three different tasting experiences, including one that features the flavours of smoky Mezcal – yes, the one with the worm in it. You can book a private tasting or join other adventurous guests in broadening your palate. Mex-ology is a 3-hour walking tour that takes you into the heart of the Mexican Cocktail, exploring Mexico’s native spirits and their deep-rooted cultural ties. Featuring five tasting locations carefully chosen to highlight the best of the best Mexican Cocktails, made only from Mexican spirits including Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, Mexico´s signature beer cocktailthe Michelada, and more! Sounds like fun doesn’t it?!

sustainability

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Sustainable Building From shipping container to luxe villa in the exclusive Amapas neighbourhood By Joel Hansen

uerto Vallarta architect and owner of Max T Living and Design Joe Sanchez believes sustainability is not just a buzzword, and it doesn't have to come with a certificate. Sustainability can be achieved, can be affordable and can improve ones quality of life. That's Joe’s story and you can see it in all of Max T Living’s projects. His career began in Chicago with high rise design, but in recent years his projects have focused more and more in his hometown of Puerto Vallarta. For years Sanchez had been working on a development concept called M.E.S.H. or modular ecologically sustainable habitat, designed for off-grid coastal use. The concept called for standard 20 foot ISO shipping container and recycling it into a comfortable dwelling for up to four people. Complete with kitchen, bathroom, storage and even a small pool. The product deals with several issues that are becoming essential to our continued way of life, most important is access to fresh water, and the second is affordability of sustainable housing. The goal was to create a habitat that not only filters water but also captures and stores it. Rainwater is collected in drums that can also act as the habitats foundation. The fresh water pool is the main source of non-potable water, and is recycled and filtered with very basic but effective and affordable slow sand filters, and ultraviolet light. The concept was solid, but Sanchez felt to achieve the level of success he envisioned, he would need to create a platform for his product. He shopped the idea around and found the perfect partner who believed in Joe’s passion and drive. Together they started Max T Living Systems through which Nemi Eco Villa was born. Sanchez reasoned he could perfect his concepts and the Villa would serve as a showcase for just what is possible with sustainable design. Nemi Eco Villa is set into the mountains above

Puerto Vallarta on a challenging build site and proves sustainability and luxury can co-exist and prove perfectly his concepts. We found a few minutes to sit down with Joe to discuss what Eco-building means to him and how Mexico is doing when it comes to sustainability. What attracted you to incorporate sustainable building practices into your designs? I have always been fascinated with the idea of sustainability. It’s incredible to think how much we can actually provide for ourselves; from electricity to filtered water. We are living in a time where we are seeing an expiration date on natural resources we have taken for granted. As an architect and designer, a large amount of what I do is problem solving, so it was a natural fit for me to begin developing concepts that incorporate sustainability with everyday living. As a Canadian, the environment and sustainable construction and design are a concept that most Canadians are familiar with, but how have your designs and concepts been received in Mexico? Initially, people could not understand the big picture of Nemi. It’s difficult to visualize a concept, especially one so unusual, which is why I knew it was important to see this through. It has been extremely well received. It can be very surprising to find out how many ways we can be sustainable and not feel like we have given something up. What are the views of the Mexican government when it comes to sustainable building? Are they offering incentives or encouraging green building? Mexico is becoming more progressive with sustainability and putting some good laws on the books. As a builder, I know trees here in Puerto Vallarta are highly protected, and may only be cut with special permits, and even

construction waste is regulated, so they certainly have respect for the environment and are instituting practices to protect it. What are the most pressing challenges while building green in Mexico? Maybe one of the most difficult challenges the lack of sustainable providers. There is not a surplus of sustainable vendors, so a lot of collaboration and creativity needs to be involved when implementing certain ideas and concepts. What inspired you to build Nemi Eco Villa? The true inspiration to Nemi was my son. The world is changing so quickly, and I see a shift in what may truly be important when he is a young adult. We are from Chicago, so we did not learn how to grow our own food, or manage our waste, but these are things that may be crucial for him one day, and I want to be able to teach him, and now our daughter, how to be self reliant. I know that at Nemi Eco Villa recycled shipping containers played a key role in your design. Are you satisfied with shipping containers as the "foun-

dation" of your construction? Or are there other options and processes you are considering on future projects? Shipping containers can be a great resource for construction, and I am extremely happy with how they work structurally and esthetically. This project truly started in the US, where shipping containers are plentiful due to an imbalance of import/export, where in Mexico, it’s not the case. So I have created a similar pre-fabricated structure from lightweight concrete that may work better in Mexico and other countries where containers aren’t the best option. People say that sustainable building costs more. How do you respond to that? Sometimes it does. Take for instance solar panels. They are costly and it takes years to get to the point where they have paid for themselves. But once they have, they are ultimately less expensive. Same thing with LED lighting, but we need to start looking at the long term and not the immediate. What would you recommend to someone if they want to build green in Mexico - where should

they begin? It’s important to remember it does not have to be all or nothing. The place to start is determining what way sustainability can best work for you. Maybe a green roof where you can garden, or a grey water recycling system to avoid water waste. There are so many ways to be ‘green’ and we can help you define your needs, and create a sustainable living environment. Anything else you would like to add? Sustainable design has become hijacked by commercialism and the term “green design” has become synonymous with “high end”. Regulating industries have contributed to the high cost by establishing systems of profit for their accreditation as well as complicated the process of approval, to a point that the average consumer cannot afford nor has the capability to do this. Our goal at Max T Living Systems is to help make these concepts reality and make them accessible to everyone. To contact Joe and his team or to book a stay at Nemi Eco Villa Visit: www.maxtliving.com www.nemiecovilla.com

entertainment

Lola Beltrán - Mexico’s Greatest Ranchera Singer

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Events Around the Bay

By Fred Jacobs

ola was born in 1932 in Rosario, Sinaloa. She was known as “Lola La Grande” (Lola the great). She perfected the Ranchero style of Music (akin to Country and Western style of the USA). This style of music was derived by the music from Mexican ranches and usually backed by Mariachi. The music became popular in the 1930’s as a protest against the boring melodies played by the upper classes. Lola started to sing as a teen in her local church choir. After she finished secretarial school, she moved to Mexico City to follow her real passion of becoming a singer. There was already plenty of competition for singers, so Lola decided to try from the inside. She became a secretary at the number one radio station in Mexico. After a year in Mexico City, she won a singing contest and eventually was “discovered” by a radio announcer at the station. Lola’s talent was natural, but so was her determination to succeed. Today, it would be almost impossible to be discovered from behind a secretarial desk. Lola was not only beautiful but intelligent. She had the sense to pick the songs that suited her voice and she was rarely wrong in her choices. Most of her songs were about patriotism. She gravitated towards a talented song writer named Jose Jimenez and together, she recorded hundreds of his songs. Her main competitors for this style of music came from men, such as Vincente Fernandez, Jorge Negrete and Javier Solis. Lola eventually built up international fame and went on to sing for five decades. She recorded 100 albums and appeared in fifty Mexican musical movies from 1947 to 1982. She was known for her elegant gowns and shawls, her exquisite jewelry and fur pieces. While she was a favorite of the working classes, she also managed to please the upper income folks as well. She gave concerts for farm workers, presidents and royalty alike. She performed for Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon of the USA, Brezhnev of Russia, Queen Elizabeth, King Juan Carlos of Spain, President De Gaulle of France and of course,

If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com. October 23rd Corazon de Nina Fundraiser Breakfast CasaMagna Marriott 10am $250 donation Tix at Carols Boutique on Basilio Badillo October 27th - November 2nd Day of the Dead – City of Puerto Vallarta Display of altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale municipal market, ending with a folk festival with charros, catrina contest and fireworks. October 28th- 6pm to 10pm Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta. Held every Wednesday until May 25, 2016. October 29 – November 2nd The 4th Word Congress of Cultural Psychiatry Congress theme - Global Challenges & Cultural Psychiatry: Natural Disasters, Conflict, Insecurity, Migration and Spirituality November 7th Grand Opening! The Old Town Farmers Market opens for the season. Open every Saturday from November to April between 9:30 am and 2 pm at Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. November 11-14th 60th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish fishing tournament www.fishvallarta.com November 16-22nd Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival Celebrating 21 years. Specially priced menus. Visiting chefs. One week of culinary adventure. www.festivalgourmet.com presidents in Mexico. Many leaders of society came to adore her as well. She was the first ranchera singer to perform at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, the premier opera house and concert hall in Mexico. She also sang in the Olympia Music Hall in Paris, the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and the Conservatory of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). In 1995, she was honored by the Mexican government, when she was featured with her own postage stamp as part of a series of popular radio idols in Mexico. Linda Ronstadt even compared Lola’s singing to that of Billy Holiday and Pearl Bailey. She was happily married to Alfredo Leal, a matador and later an actor. They had a daughter and

a son together. Unlike her contemporaries, her home life was stable and little drama was ever heard surrounding them. Soon after recording her last album, ”Disco del Siglo” she suffered a fatal stroke that ended her brilliant life much too soon. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 64. She was laid out in state, at the Rotunda of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, so that her admirers could say goodbye to her. That is an honor extended to only the most acclaimed artists of Mexico. This honor was given to her in appreciation of her being a true ambassador of Mexican music and culture all over the world. Fred Jacobs is the writer of three books and a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta.

November 20th-21st RisingHop Vallarta Festival 2015 - An event to enjoy craft beer Craft Beer + Food + Local products + Live Music + Ludoteca 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm at Puerto de Luna All Suites Hotel November 28th SPCA de PV fundraiser At the remodeled Casa Kimberly, former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Tickets are $120 US or 1950 pesos. Contact Janice@Haciendasanangel.com to get your ticket. November 20-22 10th annual i Madonnari Chalk Art Festival & Contest will begin at 9am in the Municipal Plaza, and continue until Sunday, November 22 at 7 pm. December 5, 2015 10TH ANNUAL PET PICNIC at Daiquiri Dick's Fundraiser in support of PeaceAnimals from 11am - 1pm $350pesos at the door.

culture

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Interview with Rodolfo Aguero, Owner of the Starving Artist Gallery By Alex Gomez

HY DID YOU COME TO VALLARTA? Long story short, I was looking for a place that had a beach and friendly people, I had a bad experience with a past relationship and was forced to leave the US because of that, no regrets, just bad decisions people make in life. I don’t regret it though, now I don’t really want to go back, I love Puerto Vallarta and its people. I live in paradise. I never thought living here would be so rewarding. WHAT DID YOU DO TO GET A START HERE? DID YOU ALWAYS INTEND TO HAVE A GALLERY? The first few years were really tough and I had no idea what “low season” meant, and I had with jobs that only required help during “high season”, so it was a little bit hard, then I got used to it, and made a plan to gather as much money as possible to create an exposition and see how I would be received as an artist. Finally I was able to gather some money and start painting, I created six pieces that were initially supposed to be presented at House der Kunts, a recently opened gallery here in Vallarta, but life had another plan for me, and I had an opportunity to present my work at an earlier time at a restaurant opening. I was really broke and I thought it was worth the try. So I did and I was able to sell two of my pieces. It was a good turnout, and at this event I met two incredible people. They have always there for me constantly inspiring me and supporting my work, their names are Darrel Rumsey and Mel Maeda. They presented the idea of opening a gallery, which had never even occurred to me on my own, so that is how the Starving Artist Studio Gallery was created over three years ago. It was never my idea to have a gallery because I thought it was too hard to run it, and I was always broke. I don’t have much money now either, but I have enough to keep running it and have an ok life. WHAT IS IT THAT DRIVES YOU TO HAVE YOUR OWN GALLERY? Having the Gallery is more of a hobby to me, it is dedicated to create fun, to be an open space for emerging artists, where they can hang out and paint and learn,

I don’t think too seriously of it. Everything I do there has to be fun. IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED IT TO BE? It is more than what I expected, it has given me motivation to keep on growing and hopefully motivate others. WHAT KINDS OF HOMOPHOBIA HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED? None, I wonder what my victims think about my heterophobia? WOULD YOU SAY YOU’VE BEEN BLESSES OR CURSED BY BEING GAY, OR BOTH? I am not too sure, I feel I have been blessed because I was able to get an education. I am able to think for myself and appreciate the good things in life, and I always do my best to become better. The majority of people I know, I don’t describe them as gay, but well educated. Most of the people I have loved have been very creative and rebels, especially Alberto Guzman and Exton Sigholz.

HAVE YOU REPRESENTED THEM IN YOUR GALLERY? Yes! It would be a crime if I didn’t; they are very talented and hungry for innovation. They inspire me to keep on moving forward. WILL YOU TELL ME WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO NAME YOUR GALLERY THE STARVING ARTIST? Thank you! Well I was hungry and sad! No food, no money, no inspiration. The logo is two eyes dripping tears. DO YOU LOOK FORWARD OR BACKWARDS MORE? I look forward more, I know time in this life is limited so I always try to live and love to the fullest. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO MAY WANT TO BE AN ARTIST AND/OR OWN THEIR OWN GALLERY? Don’t be like me and don’t listen to me! Work hard even if there is no instant reward, because there will be, be patient, Love, don’t listen to anyone but yourself, and speak

up. Stand for your beliefs even if it is only you standing. Ah and one last thing, please be humble, don’t wear the crown ahead of time. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR MOTHER’S DEATH NOW FEEL FREE. I would love to talk about her, my mother, Silvia Inzunza, died a few years ago, and it has been a little hard for me. She was and is an inspiration to my life, she had an intense personality that helped at keeping all of her children disciplined, but she was also a true fighter. I don’t think I would have accomplished much if it wasn’t for her teachings and unconditional love. We kept really good communication regularly, I could say she was the person that kept our family united. Now she is gone but she lives in my heart and I always try to take advantage of everything that she taught me. When life gets hard I talk to her and ask for guidance. She died in front of her classroom,

because of a heart failure; she was a university teacher in NMSU. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? My work is a combination of various styles, like Minimalist, Pop and Abstract. It is challenging being a minimalist artist, I have to set my own standards and limits. I know some people don’t consider it real art and sometimes the public puts it down, but I don’t care. If they think it doesn’t require any talent to create such pieces, they are probably right, but I do know it requires good taste and a lot of balls to willingly spend time creating something that you know will take longer time to be recognized. I am not in the Art Walk because I don’t think you should need a map to find me. I’d rather invest the money in good wine for my guests and having nice wine glasses. On Facebook: TheStarvingArtistStudioGallery Calle Pipila 245, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta

This one is for you Danny Sheckter - RIP

brain teasers

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

Oct. 22 - 28, 2015 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. Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688. Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754. COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, Contact: cez@ rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.fundacioncorazondenina.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities.

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familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 Proyecto Pitillal, Busca un Amigo, A. C. - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-0976. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com