Issue 974, Dec 3 - 9, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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Entertainment BRIAN DE LORENZO

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December 3 - 9, 2015 Free Issue 974

Riviera Nayarit Christmas charity

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Community STEPHANIE FINCH

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courtesy OTFM

welcome

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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.

December 3 - 9, 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

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... MANGO

by Janice Gonzalez

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

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hat an adorable little guy!

Mango gets his name from the mango colored spots on his fur. He is a beautiful Chihuahua mix, weighing about 8 pounds, and just two years old. He

is the perfect lap dog you can take with you anywhere. He is good with other dogs, and is a bit nervous around new people but quite loving after he has been introduced. He has been completely dewormed,

is current on all vaccines and has been neutered. If you are ready to give little Mango the forever home he deserves, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application

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

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December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

L

ast weekend the who’s who of Puerto Vallarta attended the annual SPCA de PV fundraiser ‘An Evening Under the Stars’ at the newest offering from Janice Chatterington - Casa Kimberly. The recently renovated former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is now a luxury boutique hotel with a traditional Mexican restaurant, The Iguana.

The evening was kicked off with an unveiling of a bronze sculpture of Richard Burton by local artist Jim Demetro, and a fabulous painting of Elizabeth Taylor by Bill White that greets each guest as they enter the dining room.

There was a silent auction, a lively auction by renowned auctioneer Robert Burkheimer and returning guest speakers along with delightful Steve Dale music by the La Joya de Mexico Mariachi group and a delicious dinner of escargot, beet and tomato gazpacho and the most perfect piece of beef my husband has ever eaten. If this evening is one to judge the new restaurant by, it will soon be rated as one of Vallarta’s top dining establishments.

This week is the start of the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which runs from the 1-12th of December. Festivities and processions during the first twelve days of December each year involve tens of thousands of Puerto Vallartans

and visitors, who pay homage to commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. According to tradition, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, and to this day it is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe which was constructed at the site of the miraculous appearance. (If you think traffic is bad in Vallarta over 5 million believers visit the basilica in Mexico City during this time.)

Starting in front of Woolworths the procession heads down Juarez Street to the church, where a special mass is said. The evenings are filled with costumes, music, dancing and lots of great food and handicrafts are for sale along the side streets.

This is a wonderful event not to be missed. Wear an elastic waist though as the snacking goes on all night long!

Have a great week everyone!

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SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez

Madeline From the 1st to 12 of december Because of the Guadalupana peregrinations take care when driving downtown Closed from 4:00 pm

W

e just love our visitors to town and the sanctuary.

They are all so very generous.

The Balsiger family recently visited the sanctuary and gave their tour guide, our imitable volunteer Robin McCaffry, a donation of 700 pesos. Good friends Suzanne Deaton and Darryl Rhoades donated $100 US. Thanks so much to everyone!

And don’t forget to stop and see us at the Farmers Market each week.

Come and spend a rewarding

afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary.

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.

Are you ready to get involved?

Pack your bag for an amazing afternoon at the SPCA! Please bring water and any treats you might enjoy during your visit.

Sharing food with the animals is prohibited. We encourage you to bring your camera.

Take as many photos as you like, and share them with us and your social media community.

Old Town Farmers Marke

By Erin Staley

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Bring the OTFM-TCHome for the Holidays

eed to WOW your loved ones this holiday season? Visit us at the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural this Saturday to start your Christmas shopping. We have over 90 “make it, bake it, grow it” vendors to help you “wrap up” this year's shopping list.

Authentic Gifts from Mexico

Capture the spirit of Mexico with handmade Pre-Hispanic instruments, Huichol art and traditionally woven items. We even have hand-rolled cigars from Cigar Don Martin.

Fashion-Friendly Clothing and Accessories We offer locally designed and made clothing for all ages. Check out the original, shabby chic clothing designs of Siruela Ropa de Autor.

Then stock up on custom made bikinis and resort wear, elegant white fashions from Laura Lopez as well as party dresses for girls.

Embellished sandals, jewellery, bags, wallets and purses – enhance your wardrobe with handmade must-haves. New to the market this season is the beaded collection from Frida Kahlo Necklaces. Each piece is a conversation in-the-making!

The Artistic Touch

Puerto Vallarta is known for its artists, and we have them in spades. Choose from world-class ceramics, sculptures and paper mache figures. While here, pick up a museum-quality clay piece from Tomas Esparza Leon of Barro Brunido. His works have been shown in distinguished museums and galleries around the world.

Then check out Melly Milagro's colourful photo-on-board pieces.

Each photograph was taken by the artist during her travels.

Treat Yourself

Pamper yourself with American-certified chiropractic adjustments as well as massage treatments from a licensed therapist.

We also have a wide variety of natural body products to rejuvenate the mind and body.

Love yoga? Starting this Saturday and every Saturday for the rest of the season, join us for

yoga classes in the kiosk (9:3010:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colectivo. Participation is by donation.

Eats & Sweets

Get this season's farm-to-table produce from Ranchito Del Mar, Hortalizas Palomera and Campo Verde Organic.

Small World Probiotics offers fermented foods and natural vinegars to improve digestion, immunity and bowel health. Choose from a variety of sauerkraut flavours and fermented vinegars.

Pura Chia's locally grown black and white organic chia seeds make a great addition to your favourite salad, Greek yoghurt or homemade dips – all of which are available at the market. Then try these other delicious artisan foods: • Berries • Bagels, artisan breads, Mexicanand French-style breads (glutenfree options available) • Nut butters • Traditional British fruit and meat pies • Flavorful cheeses • Homemade dressings, salsas and moles • Pickles • Organic coffee

Gift-Giving Extras

Don't forget the extra touches: wine gift bags, all-occasion greeting cards and freshly cut tropical flowers. Don't forget your furry pal.

We even have organic pet treats!

International Food Court

Hungry? Head over to our International Food Court – now in its new location across from the beach.

We're serving up Thai, Taiwanese, homemade sausage in a bun, traditional Mexican food served in clay pots, tacos, empanadas, burritos and pozoles. There is lots of room in the bleachers behind the food vendors to enjoy your lunch and the live music.

Prefer vegan options? Try our tasty hamburgers, al pastor and falafels. All items go perfectly with refreshing agua fresca (flavoured water) and fresh coconut water.

The “sweet stuff” includes: • Candied nuts • Sweet breads • Peanut brittle • Chocolate-covered bananas • Cakes • Cookies • Artisan chocolates • Sticky buns

Meet the Market

The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the market.

You’re Invited!

We’re open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7 to April 30, 2016.

We’re located at Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. For only 12 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

et - Tianguis Cultural

Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm

Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-137-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

Artisan Bakery

…where bread is an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

Get Involved!

Interested in becoming a new vendor? Stop by the information booth for an application.

For the latest in market news (both in English and Spanish), visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook (Old.Town.Farmers.

Market.PV).

Tel. 224-6670 Cel: 322-116-9908

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

news

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December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

IMF: Mexico’s Economy Mexican Peso resists inflation Holding Up

By Benjamin Bain Eric Martin

M

exico’s economy is holding up amid a complex global situation, the International Monetary Fund said, concluding that the country continues meeting the requirements to qualify for the $65 billion standby line of credit approved in 2014.

The Bank of Mexico and Finance Secretariat released a joint statement on Tuesday outlining the results of the IMF Executive Board’s annual review of conditions relating to the granting of the two-year flexible line of credit to the country.

These lines of credit are granted only to countries that have “sound macroeconomics and a solid policy framework,” the central bank and the

secretariat said, adding that a review was conducted after the first year.

The IMF conducted a far-ranging review and found that Mexico had uninterrupted access to financial markets on favorable terms, adequate reserves, sustainable debt levels, low inflation and a stable and sound financial system.

The Mexican government expects the economy to expand between 2 percent and 2.8 percent this year, thanks to domestic growth.

Mexico’s economy grew by 2.1 percent in 2014, up from the 1.4 percent rate registered in the prior year but well below the official target of 3.9 percent.

Laht.com

Mexican Top Court Rules in Favor of Gay Marriage

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he First Chamber of the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice ruled in favor of two gay couples Wednesday as it declared an article of Jalisco Civil Code, which prevented gay marriage, as unconstitutional.

The gay couples - two men and two women - approached the court after they were prevented from getting married in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.

The First Chamber found Article 258 of the Jalisco Civil Code to be

discriminatory as it restricted matrimony to union between a man and a woman.

It ruled that Jalisco state authorities could not deny conjugal rights and benefits to gay couples seeking to marry.

In June, the Supreme Court had upheld the validity of gay marriage and declared laws prohibiting homosexual unions as discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Laht.com

Oil hedging could mean $6-bn windfall Average price has been $30 less than the contract price of $76 a barrel

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exico’s oil hedging strategy could earn the country a hefty US $6-billion payout, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.

That strategy entailed locking in the price it received for oil during 2015 at $76.40 a barrel, while the average price so far, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the hedging contract, has been $46.61 per barrel.

The contract, which cost Mexico $773 million, covered 228 million barrels and runs from December 1, 2014 until the end of this month.

The strategy was effective in maximizing petroleum revenues.

“This was a very good move from the risk-management perspective to lock in a higher price than they would have gotten just on a spot basis,” said Joydeep Mukherji of Standard & Poor’s in New York.

If Bloomberg’s analysis is correct, the payout would surpass the record $5.1 billion Mexico received in 2009 following the plunge in oil prices that year.

The $6 billion estimate does not include fees.

Mexico’s is one of few countries to carry out such a hedge.

Original: Mexico News Daily

B

y most traditional economic gauges, little is going right today for Mexico. Growth is sluggish, oil exports are falling and credit markets have started to dry up.

Yet beneath the surface, a surprising and little-understood transformation is ushering in one of the country’s most important developments in years: the peso’s age-old link with inflation has been broken. No longer does a plunge in its value trigger an automatic surge in consumer prices. In fact, the most recent data suggest that it causes almost no inflation at all.

It may seem like an obscure, wonky topic -- "pass-through" is the term used by analysts -- but it’s hard to underestimate the significance in an emerging-market nation like Mexico that’s trying to climb into the ranks of the world’s developed economies. First, it protects the purchasing power of consumers in a country where about half the population lives below the poverty line. What’s more, it gives central bankers the kind of policy flexibility they never had before. Without having to worry about inflation, they can avoid the classic trap that afflicts so many developing nations: having to raise interest rates and choke off economic growth every time financial turmoil causes a selloff in the currency.

It’s a transformation that Mexico’s top officials began touting over a year ago. Economists and investors, though, were skeptical. As Credit Suisse Group AG’s Alonso Cervera says, "we had to see it to believe it." Now they have. Over the past 12 months, as the peso plunged 17 percent against the dollar, Mexico’s annual inflation rate fell to a record-low 2.3 percent from 4.2 percent. Bank of America Corp. says the currency’s impact today is almost imperceptible, with each 1 percent decline in its value fueling less than 0.05 percent of inflation. Two decades ago -- when consumer prices soared over 20 percent in just four months after the government devalued the exchange rate -- the peso-to-inflation ratio was 10 times higher, the bank estimates.

"They slayed the inflation dragon," said Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s Alberto Ramos.

Theories abound as to what’s behind the shift. Many of them lean toward the ethereal and conceptual: It’s the result of Mexico’s hard-won inflation credibility over the past two

decades; or because the country doesn’t target an exchange-rate level, allowing the peso to move freely in both directions; or because the central bank was given its independence from the government.

Others are a bit more tangible: greater competition in the retail industry is making it harder for companies to pass the higher cost of imports onto consumers; the country’s sluggish consumer demand, and weak overall economic expansion, are accentuating that trend. Gross domestic product has grown at an annual clip of less than 3 percent this year, not even half the long-term goal that President Enrique Pena Nieto set when he pushed through legislation to open up the energy and telecom industries.

That last point, of course, would be more of a negative than a positive, a reflection in part of the sluggish growth and almost non-existent inflation plaguing much of the developed world. But if higher inflation has become something that policy makers are trying to foster nowadays in the U.S., Europe and Japan as part of their pro-growth strategies, fighting inflation remains the focus throughout much of emerging markets. Just look at Mexico’s neighbors. Brazil has raised interest rates 16 times in the past 2 1/2 years in a futile bid to shore up the currency and curb an inflation rate that’s topped 10 percent.

And in Colombia, where the peso’s dropped 30 percent, the central bank has boosted borrowing costs seven times since last year.

Mexico, by contrast, has held its benchmark rate at a record-low 3 percent since last year. Policy makers are quick to highlight the

feat. The central bank released a study this month showing Mexico has the lowest pass-through ratio among major Latin American countries. And in an August op-ed piece in Reforma newspaper, central bank Governor Agustin Carstens declared that the peso-inflation link is, by and large, dead. (Weeks later, the peso touched a record low of 17.3 per dollar, the result in part of declining international prices for the country’s oil exports.)

While this marks a milestone for Mexico, "it’s not the moment also to do a victory lap," said Ramos, the Goldman economist. If the expansion is more robust the next time the currency sinks, inflation could react differently, he warned.

Luis Jorge Turati has had an up-close view of the peso’s transformation over the years.

His family has owned eyeglass shops in Mexico City for almost 100 years. Back in the 1980s and ’90s, Turati remembers raising prices on the frames he imported following devaluations. Now, he says, shoppers will turn elsewhere if he lifts prices. "Basically we’re absorbing it," he says, after reeling off a litany of possible factors driving consumers’ new behavior. One on his explanations went roughly like this: After years of living in a low inflation environment, Mexicans can more easily spot price increases and, as a result, are more likely to balk at forking over the extra cash.

That’s actually something of a classic textbook argument. And it’s an idea that the central bank touched on too in this month’s inflation study. Add it to the list of theories dedicated to the end of passthrough in Mexico.

Original: www.bloomberg.com

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SAT Makes Big Changes to Retorno Seguro program

by Yucalandia ccording to this latest very-good report by Mexican Lawyer Lic. Spencer McMullen: Aduana - SAT is no longer processing Retorno Seguro applications in the regional Aduana-SAT offices. They have shifted the process to their Mexico City office, and raised the requirements.

For readers who don't know about Retorno Seguro permits, they are the permit we use to legally take any foreign-plated vehicle out of Mexico - like when our TIPs expire ... or when we convert to Residente Permanente visas and can no longer have a TIP vehicle.

Here's Spencer's latest report: "We went to present another retorno seguro on Tuesday of this week (November 24, 2015) and had it rejected.

The rules changed and the new ones took effect Monday, November 23, 2015. (Aduana-SAT) will now only accept them in Mexico City, and only after they receive all the papers. There are new forms and they now require the vehicle titles to be translated officially into Spanish. Aduana-SAT now has 15 business days to respond and ~ The new requirements stipulate that the applicant or their legal representative must personally pick up the retorno seguro permit in Mexico City.

Prior to this we were getting them done at the SAT offices in Guadalajara and Zapopan, and we usually would be able to turn them around in 3 to 5 business days from the time the person signed papers at our office. Now the cost will be much higher and logistically it will be more difficult for people to plan their trips as they will need to submit the papers week in advance and not have much idea of when the retorno seguro permit will arrive (as the permit is only good for 5 business days), needing to be ready to go at a moments notice for a few weeks.

Effectively this will stop all retorno seguros (for 2015) as the holidays are coming soon, (government offices will be closed) and the delay in getting permits may be longer until we get a handle on how thy will apply the new regulations.

SAT-Aduana also now want proof of address, but what if a person rents?

They also now want a notarized power of attorney, so now people will pay extra for that ... plus they now ask people to attach their tourist visa: What if they are Mexican or temporal or permanentes?

We must also now provide a copy of the Banjercito receipt: What if nobody kept it, as most people throw them away?

We will file a complaint with PRODECON, as this new policy will wreak havoc and make it difficult if not impossible for people to comply and if they can then the cost will be thousands of pesos extra. For now we are trying to sort out the new regulation and things that they did not provide for so that we can give people answers and help ease them into the new system.

"4.2.20. Para efectos de lo dispuesto en el artículo 183, fracción II, segundo párrafo de la Ley, los propietarios de vehículos de procedencia extranjera que hayan sido importados o internados temporalmente a territorio nacional en términos de las reglas 3.4.6. y 4.2.7., y cuyo plazo para el retorno haya vencido, podrán presentar una solicitud mediante escrito libre en los términos de la regla 1.2.2., utilizando el formato "Solicitud de autorización para el retorno de vehículos extranjeros con permiso de importación temporal de vehículos vencidos, de conformidad con la regla 4.2.20.", ante la ACAJACE, cumpliendo con lo establecido en su instructivo de trámite.

El beneficio señalado en la presente regla, no será aplicable cuando la autoridad haya iniciado el ejercicio de facultades de comprobación.

Lic. Spencer McMullen: "I make good things happen. 765 7553 (Jalisco), US 805 683 4848 " See more details at our main article on Importing Cars and Driving in Mexico: Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico Original: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan

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December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

In a Tropical Paradise

T

he other day I was in the car with my family, driving my son to his violin class. My husband had to drop us off at the lesson and then go back across town to our house so he could get to work on time (across town once again). I was thinking about how I would have to take the bus back home with the kids, in the dark, and how I would probably rather eat a handful of gravel.

My phone beeped. It was the mom’s chat from my son’s class

at school. A mom was concerned (writing in capital letters, actually, so starting to panic) because her daughter said the kids had to finish a novel tonight for a test tomorrow and she hadn’t started it yet.

I turned to my son, the voracious reader, and asked if he was ready for the test. He told me that he hadn’t been able to find the book and that he had definitely already read the first of fifteen chapters.

I knew then that it would take a great deal of effort not to jump

out of the car at the stoplight and tell them I’d see them all on the flip side. Because otherwise, as Robert Frost said, there would be “miles to go before I sleep.”

But then I looked up, saw the sunset, and realized the following: - Vallarta is so beautiful in the evening - I am raising my children in a tropical paradise - I still want to jump out of the car, but a little less so We all know that raising kids is not an easy task anywhere you are. In Winnipeg, for example, my brother’s kids are involved in at least as many activities as mine are, in every part of the city. But for half the year, they have to plan every venture with a twenty minute window set aside for putting on winter clothing and starting the car in order to warm it up.

When my husband and I decided to raise our children in Vallarta, we had visions of beach sunsets every night and the children playing in the sand at our feet.

We didn’t think ahead to the challenges of opposite work schedules and tae kwon do classes three nights a week. Our lives with small children were wonderful, lots of family time and meandering walks with our dogs on the Isla Rio Cuale.

But at a certain point, I stopped seeing the palm trees, because I was behind the wheel, racing to pick up my son from drum lessons so my daughter could finish her

Spanish reading at home while I made some sort of dinner.

And it’s tragic, because if I saw the palm trees then I could have taken a selfie with one and instantly have sent it to my brother who had just finished shoveling his driveway.

So I decided right then, in our little car, to end every complaining sentence with “in a tropical paradise”. Because I don’t want to forget that, even in the everyday busyness and chaos of family life, I have much for which to be grateful.

And even if I’m still scrubbing socks (I’m not, but even if I were), I’m doing it less than a mile from the beach. Check it out: - I am driving back home like a sweaty maniac to retrieve my daughter’s ballet shoes which we forgot this morning….in a tropical paradise.

- I am on my hands and knees looking under the couches for a lost flip flop because not one of our pairs of shoes are on speaking terms… in a tropical paradise.

- I am singing along to One Direction’s latest hit because if you can’t beat em… in a tropical paradise.

- I am picking up another prescription for the tropical disease my husband picked up…. Um. Well. No. Sometimes it doesn’t really work out.

But you get the idea. Give it a try the next time you reach for the door handle. I guarantee that most of it is all about the right perspective.

VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Whimsical collaborations at Kathleen Carrillo Gallery

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ndy Marcus and Kathleen Carrillo have been collaborating in a life partnership for over 20 years with all the ups and downs that relationships bring, but when it comes to their artistic collaborations, there is never a question regarding one another’s creative genius in the sculptures and one of a kind custom furniture pieces they create together.

Their process usually begins with an experience they might have had in life together and the idea then brews between them. Andy began building furniture back in the 70’s in Brooklyn New York and had a small one of a kind custom furniture gallery on Staten Island for many years. The pieces he created were developed to work in very small spaces, as New York living required this. Kathleen has been painting and creating her many collections on canvas. It occurred to them that their respective talents could be amazing if they combined them. Low and behold, they were so right! They have been collaborating for over 15 of the 20 years they have been together. The Kathleen Carrillo Gallery is located at 325 Constitution in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, right next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company and has just created a charming sculpture garden, which is sprinkled with the many works that Andy and Kathleen collaborate on. The sculptures have a whimsical presence and feel as if they are dancing. You will find hanging cabinets, Lighted “Heart Shrines”, a life sized whimsical Mermaid coming up from the deep with a boat on her head as a hat, and a beautiful Grand Guacamaya, which is a tropical bird that Kathleen and Andy see flying through the canyon along the Rio Cuale by their home in the jungle.

The photo is entitled the “Keepsake Cabinet” and has a whimsical Asian quality which was influenced by their recent trip to Japan. Andy and Kathleen are now accepting commissions for one of a kind hand painted furniture. To contact them for additional information you can

vallartashoppingdirectory. blogspot.mx/

go to their website www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com or visit them in their gallery in Old Town. Hours are Monday through Saturday and they participate in the Southside Shuffle every other Friday. Next Shuffle will be Friday evening December 4th, from 6-10.

MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

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Brian de Lorenzo

By Marcia Blondin

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first heard Brian de Lorenzo sing almost exactly a year ago at the Palm Cabaret on Olas Altas here in Puerto Vallarta. It happened during a packed house for Paco Ojeda’s sensational Birthday Tribute to Bette Midler. On my way out of the theatre, Brian and I exchanged business cards and a quick chat then I headed straight to Tracy Parks, the Entertainment Director of The Palm and mentioned how great it would be to sit through an entire show listening only to Brian de Lorenzo’s exquisite tenor. Guess what, Vallarta?

Another wish is coming true: Brian’s show opens at The Palm December 4th at 7 pm.

I had the opportunity to sit quietly with Brian this past weekend in the comfort of his and husband John’s rental just off Los Muertos Beach.

He is as easy to talk to as he appears at ease on stage; completely without artifice and/or pretension. Our conversation began with and revolved around love; he spoke warmly of his family and especially John with whom he has shared close to half his life.

And has married twice! The first time outside of Boston, Massachusetts, without legal sanction but Brian did sing at that Unitarian service. The second time, same place, no singing but legally and happily bound together.

During a visit to Vallarta a few years back, Brian and John saw

the name “Paco Ojeda” mentioned somewhere, pursued the unlikelihood of it being the very same friend from Boston with whom they had lost touch and, guess what again, Vallarta? Their lost friendship was rekindled and remains today.

I was curious as to why – given the amazing popular music of his youth – has he been so attracted to singers, make that crooners, like Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and, of course, Francis Albert Sinatra. Brian says there was no family influence, no

It’s Alain’s Broadway!

By Marcia Blondin

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is show will involve bow ties, vodka martinis and quite possibly oysters on the half shell if he can find some; he won’t share. The oysters, I mean. The songs from Broadway? West-end tunes? Tales of bumping into divas in unlikely places? He will be delighted to share all of those! I could show you Facebook messages that go like this: “OMG! You’ll never guess who sat down next to me this afternoon at______!!!” These anecdotes he will share with his engaging smile that will have you smiling along with him long before he gets to the punch line. lain Perreault cannot help but be enthused in normal conversation; put him on a

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stage, give him an audience, let him sing (and probably dance!) then all I can say is: prepare yourself to be royally charmed and entertained.

Alain does not know how to do anything in half measures.

(That alone will ensure his audiences at The Palm a GREAT time.) I should say first, Alain is a very good singer as you will soon hear. I say that only because I think of him firstly as an actor then as a director – as both he is astonishingly good.

Alain has been to Broadway (and don’t forget LONDON!) so many times and has seen so many shows and loves everything about big live shows with singing that I think he has simply absorbed all of it and now HAS to share or he will

burst. It will be brilliant; he can do no less.

Alain says he will “take the audience on a personal journey revealing what it feels like to see a Broadway show for the first time.”

I, for one, can’t wait…having never been in NYC to see one and, as I understand, we will be treated to snippets of more than a dozen fabulously famous Broadway shows. Alain has surprise guests lined up in the wings and will be accompanied by Jean Guy Comeau.

Mark your calendars – this is Alain’s single performance this year! “My Broadway, Anyway” starring Alain Perreault at The Palm Cabaret on Olas Altas, one show only: Monday, December 7th, at 4:30 pm.

stacks of Sinatra 78’s, 45’s or LP’s in the house growing up.

And, Brian favored Barbra Streisand’s earliest works – before she was incredibly famous. He loved listening to her soul singing as opposed to her powerful voice.

In the videos I have watched on

Brian’s website, I do truly believe his is an “Old Soul” and manages with his face, body language and crystal clear tenor to not just sing words that hold great yet simple messages, but to believe. His respect for the lyrics is profoundly moving.

His two shows this week at the Palm celebrate the Italian American – as is Brian – known as Frank Sinatra who was born 100 years ago on December 12.

And, I know for a fact he has some surprises in store for his audience that don’t include Mr Sinatra or Cole Porter.

I am daring to hope for at least one surprise song titled “Flight” – so beautifully done on video; I cannot imagine a dry eye in the house if he does, indeed, sing it. That may very well put Mr de Lorenzo on the spot but not nearly pushing the envelope as hard as my describing a dream of him singing Freddie Mercury…

I will have a review of Brian’s opening night in this space next week but please don’t wait! Brian has only two shows: December 4th, Friday and Sunday the 6th, both at 7 pm, at the fabulously intimate Palm Cabaret on Olas Altas.

In the meantime, check Brian de Lorenzo’s website and do listen to some brilliant recordings including the very first Sinatra song Brian sang in public “In the Still of the Night”. See you at The Palm Cabaret this Friday. www.briandelorenzo.com

Costa Banderas Democrats Abroad

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ecember Film Series Wednesday’s at 7pm at the International Friendship Clubhouse. Documentary interviews with Edward Snowden.

Poitras’s documentary about the National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden is subtle, artful and unnerving: an eyewitness political thriller dramatizing the confrontation, in an ideologically confused and technologically tangled age, between the individual and the state. Citizen Four won the Academy Award for best documentary last year. (113 min.)

DEC. 16, 2015 I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS. Starring a luminescent Blythe Danner, A widow and former songstress discovers that life can begin anew

at any age. (92 min.)

Tickets are available at the International Friendship Club MondayFriday from 9 am to 1:30 pm. IFC is located above the HSBC bank just north of the Rio Cuale in el Centro, Puerto Vallarta, where the streets Insurgentes, Libertad, and Miramar all come together at the curve.

Come up the stairs, and the Clubhouse will be on your right side.

Tickets are available for a donation of 60 pesos in advance and 70 pesos at the door.

Doors open at 6 pm. Refreshments will be available. Looking forward to seeing you this year!

For further information, you can contact Tobe Jensen tjensen1942@ hotmails.com Or Millard Mott kite70@hotmail.com

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Latcho and Andrea: The Blond Gypsies Bring Flamenco Music to the Bay By: D.White

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bout 19 years ago, I had just completed a yachting job and was searching for a place to live on the North Shore.

Through friends in La Cruz, I was encouraged to attend a small music gathering, That's where I encountered Latcho, a free-spirited, German musican who had arrived in the area after living and playing music with Spanish gypsies. When I heard him sing and play, I knew I was in the presence of awesome, musical talent. Andrea, his music and life partner, also joined Latcho in Mexico and together they have carved out an impressive niche for themselves in the ever growing and expanding Puerto Vallarta music scene.

These 2 superb musicians are sleek, well-dressed and refined, yet retain their wild gypsy hearts that pour out in their amazing music! Enjoy the untamed power of real inspired Gypsy Flamenco Music. Fast-paced or romantic,

they create an authentic sound that is simply irresistable. Latcho and Andrea's music takes influences from around the world and back through time. Both passionately play and sing, as they authentically produce the mysterious and moving sounds of gypsy flamenco.

To trace the origins of this amazing sound, you have to go back some 30 years to El Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter of Granada, Spain, where Latcho lived and learned how to play Spanish guitar from the masters of Flamenco. Touring with his band Lailo, Latcho played with Antonico Reyes, a member of the Gypsy Kings family and other notable musicians of the time in Europe.

He met his partner Andrea, (a Flamenco dancer and guitar playing member of the all-girl group ChicaBouM) while they were both touring Europe with a wild-west show. Later they travelled and performed with a circus.

They experienced real gypsy life and have lots of stories to tell!

In 1996, Latcho and Andrea decided to leave Europe and relocate to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, when lifelong friend Lobo (of Willie & Lobo fame) touted the area as paradise. Since then, Latcho and Andrea have been performing throughout Mexico, United States and Europe.

Puerto Vallarta is thrilled to welcome back, Latcho and Andrea: The Blond Gypsies for a number of special performances this season.

All season, Latcho and Andrea have regular weekly performance dates at the following restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended.

Every other Monday, 8-10:30pm, Sandrina's, Bucerias Thursdays, 7-10pm, Don Pedro's, Sayulita Fridays, 8-10pm, Black Forest, La Cruz Latcho and Andrea are also available for private events. For more information about this fabulous duo, go to their website at latchoandrea.com.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

IMMEDIATE OPENING BILINGUAL FEMALE, GREAT OPPORTUNITY WITH STARTUP COMPANY:

Top executive seeking bilingual female * Who is a team leader and athletic, possesses an outgoing personality, enjoys life and having fun, comfortable on the water/boating/biking and in casual beach attire, with super social media and organizational skills. * Ability to work and communicate with Americans and Canadians a must. * Flexibility time wise is most important overnight or extended trips with clients part of the job description.

Send resume to email address : pvbikecoop@gmail.com Interviews will start Thursday Dec 4, 2015 in Boca de Tomatlan.

Contact info provided when resume is vetted.

Salary based on definable individual skills.

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Holiday Comedy, Broadway, and ‘Jazz, Blues & Booze’ at The Palm

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ocal favorite entertainer Sol Rose presents his all-new music and comedy show, ‘Jazz, Blues & Booze’ with special guests all season. Theater-goer extraordinaire, actor/director Alain Perreault presents a cabaret performance with a personal glimpse into the musical theatre world. And from The World Famous Comedy Store, Chelsea Lately, and Showtime, the hilarious Shawn Pelofsky returns with her holiday stand-up comedy show.

Sol Rose: ‘Jazz, Blues & Booze’ Sol Rose is in his element with a new show full of jazz and blues standards, as only Sol can sing them. His newest show is titled ‘Jazz, Blues & Booze’ and is chock-full of the audience par ticipation, asides and antics you love from the velvet voiced Sol, who is also a local restaurant owner (for over 10 years!) at Cafe Bohemio, around the corner from The Palm in Zona Romantica Sol is best known for his unabashed, over-the-top showmanship, crazy outfits and passion for enter taining.

A variety of special guests will join Sol on stage throughout the run, which includes several matinees and late

night shows to keep his diverse fan base happy.

Jazz, Blues & Booze’ features music from past and current jazz, blues, soul and pop music greats, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Duffy, and Christina Aguilera. Throw in some female groups from the 60’s, outrageous drag numbers, and some stand-up 60’s comedy acts and overthe-top costumes, and you’ve got a classic Sol Rose show!

Sol will play throughout the season. His first performance will be on December 5 @ 9:30 pm and then December 8 & 10 at 7:00 pm. Visit the link below for future shows, more information, and online tickets. Tickets for Sol Rose (only) may also be purchased at Cafe Bohemio.

Alain Perreault - My Broadway, Anyway.

Well known to the Puer to Vallar ta’s ar tistic scene as an actor, singer and also as a producer and director, Alain Perreault brings to The Palm his brand new show, ‘My Broadway, Anyway’, a cabaret performance with a personal glimpse into the musical theatre world.

With an appealing selection of Broadway songs, complemented with compelling

storytelling, riveting personal anecdotes, surprise encounters with Broadway stars, and scene reenactment, he’ll take the audience on a personal journey revealing what it feels like to see a Broadway show for the first time, and cultivating a lifelong passion.

Accomplished pianist Jean Guy Comeau will be on hand, along with surprise guest stars, to help create an intimate experience where quirky storytelling and outstanding musicianship go hand in hand.

‘My Broadway, Anyway’ begins December 7 at 4:30 pm.

Comedienne Shawn Pelofsky: ‘Here Comes Shawna-Claus; Stand-up Comedy To Jingle Your Bells’ From Showtime, Chelsea Lately, NBC’s ‘Community’ & Atlantis Cruises, returning to The Palm this season is funny gal Shawn Pelofsky starring in her hilarious stand-up comedy show, ‘Here Comes Shawna-Claus; Stand-up Comedy To Jingle Your Bells’.

Shawn will blow you away with her high-energy physical comedy, outrageous impersonations and intimate knowledge of pop culture, all with a fun holiday t wist. Her ability to nickname and work a crowd is legendary among her fans, and she was a big

hit again last season at The Palm.

Shawn is now a regular at The World Famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. And when she’s not touring or performing for US troops in places like Afghanistan, Bosnia, Bahrain and Guantanamo Bay, Shawn performs weekly on their infamous Main Room stage. Her television and film credits include NBC’s ‘Community’, Showtime’s ‘Lip Service’, Chelsea Lately, The Gossip Queens, Pretty Hur ts, Comics Unleashed, and The Tonight Show on NBC. Shawn Pelofsky comedy begins December 11 at 9:30 pm through December 19.

Coming soon Coming soon to The Palm, Vallar ta favorite singer-songwriter Spencer Day returns for his third season with his new Holiday Show, ‘A Rebel Without A Claus’, December 14 - 20. “Something for everyone” says Day, “Including some Christmas songs”.

Then watch for the return of the Dir ty Diva herself, Amy Armstrong, in her new music and comedy show, “Spanglish”, with special guests Bohemia Viva! Amy Armstrong begins December 21 at 9:30 through March 1. Now playing at The Palm, Kim Kuzma with

her LIVE band in ‘Acústico’ on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:00 pm all season. Sizzling Argentinian duo, Bohemia Viva!, and the classic stage comedy and sequel to last season’s smash hit ‘Greater Tuna’ is “A Tuna Christmas’, starring brothers Terry Dale Parks and Palm Enter tainment Director, Tracy Parks, who also directs.

The Palm is well-known for bringing top notch, cutting-edge enter tainment to Vallar ta. Inside you’ll find an intimate, completely refurbished 90-seat cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting, creating the ambiance of cabarets from days gone by.

Shows are scheduled seven days per week with t wo different shows nightly through April, 2015.

The Palm also offers matinees at 4:00 p.m. on selected shows.

The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica.

Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, and at The Palm’s box office, open at 10:00 am daily. A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV.com.

You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.

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Rob Knight Performs Elvis Tribute Shows All Season By: Debbie White

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alling all Elvis lovers.... you are cordially invited to experience three exciting and very different Elvis Presley tribute shows, performed by Puerto Vallarta favorite, Rob Knight at the newly renovated Boutique Theater in Old Town.

In his Elvis Inspirational Gospel show, Rob highlights the beautiful inspirational, spiritual and gospel songs that Elvis loved and turned to during the trials and tribulations in his life.

This Is Elvis showcases a collection of the most audience requested songs during Rob's Elvis tribute performances over the past 3 years.

And in Elvis The Concert Years, Rob Knight performs the Best of The King of Rock 'n' Roll's Songs from the 1970's concert years.

Rob's Elvis tribute performances use high tech state of the art equipment, a professional computerized sound system and the highest quality professional pre-recorded music available. Rob's stage

wardrobe features all professional reproductions matching as close as possible the suits and costumes that Elvis wore.

Rob Knight is a professional, award winning Elvis Tribute Artist from Edmonton, Alberta who now lives full time in Puerto Vallarta. He is the Pacific Northwest Division 2014 Winner of The Elvis Tribute Artist Award. Rob takes great pride in performing his tribute shows in and around the Puerto Vallarta area.

Rob Knight's Elvis Tribute shows provide great entertainment value and a memorable trip back in time with the great music and persona of Elvis Presley.

Rob Knight is also scheduled to perform 2 dinner shows this season at Luna Lounge in Bucerias. Elvis: The Birthday Special will be performed on Jan 8th at 6:30 pm and also features Dino Macris. On February 19th, Rob returns to Luna Lounge with another dinner show called Salute to Elvis Presley (Originally printed in Vallarta Daily and reprinted with author's permission

Flowe of the Week

by Sandra Cesca

Senna / Flor de Vela (Spanish) Senna alata

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andlebush or Ringworm Tree. Native to Mexico, this plant is an interesting ornamental as well as important medicinal bush, growing to 4 meters. The leaves close in the dark; the yellow flowers look like candles; the fruit pod is up to 25 cm long. The cinnamon flavored bark has tannins used for henna skin and hair dye; as a thickening agent in the food industry; as a purgative, laxative, dieter’s tea, herbal elixirs and tonics for various conditions, including fungal skin infections (ringworm) and hemorrhoids. The leaves and flowers are used in Thai and Lao cuisines. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Garden’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Farmer’s Market on Fridays.

Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

Diners familiar with Hacienda San Angel's stunning views, outstanding cuisine and topnotch service will feel right at home at The Iguana, the new Mexican specialty restaurant at the new Casa Kimberly Hotel; the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that have recently undergone a meticulously luxurious renovation.

Reservations only - 322 222 1336 Open for dinner 6-11 pm Zaragoza 445, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta www.casakimberly.com

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Finding

Your Purpose Rhonda Zarate

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

Revolution of Loving Ourselves

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he other day a friend and I were guests at a cocktail party. A woman approached us, whom neither of us had met before; she asked, “How old are you two?” I rapidly shot back “90 and 89.” My friend set the record straight, 46 and 47. The woman then stated “she did not know what to believe “and turned and walked away. Flabbergasted, we wondered how old did she think we were, did she think 37 & 38 or was

it 57 & 58?? This aging thing is new territory for me, I did not know if we should be flattered or insulted.

Later that night I started studying my face, was it the face of 37, 47 or 57 year old. I thought, damn girl, is it time for an oil change, a tune up, or maybe a complete rebuild?

Where does one start with this process and when does one stop?

There is no manual for this kind of stuff, lots of chatter, hearsay, opinions but no actual manual. We

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

all have seen others who pioneered ahead of us, thinking they needed to kick things up a notch, only to become someone who has to wear a name tag so we know who they are.

How does one find the happy medium? People who you have known to be relatively normal, are now taking 100 selfie pictures just to find their best angle for their Facebook profile picture. Girlfriends used to get together to have Tupperware parties, now they are gathering for Botox parties. People used to trade baseball cards, now they are trading Plastic Surgeon cards.

Please don’t let me paint the picture of myself as some puritan, because I can easily slip into this crowd, chattering with the best of them, I am not saying it’s all bad, it does have its place sometimes, it’s just knowing for what reason are you doing this?

A person can start this process with negative chatter, being ruthless with them steam rolling right over their own self-esteem.

Things can get out of control, you can start to lose your beautiful

authenticity, lose your unique little quacky duck way.

You can start comparing yourself to every other beautiful duck in the pond, valuing their special beauty over your own. Second guessing all the beauty you have to share with this world from the magnificence within to our outward shine.

This feeling of less than, starts to chip away at your self-esteem, you start to lose your grounding, start second guessing yourself, forgetting who you really are.

Well friends, let’s band together, and stop this crazy making.

Let’s declare from this second on, we are starting a REVOLUTION against self-sabotage, self-abuse and comparing ourselves to others!

Can you imagine an Orange, moping around all day wishing she was an Apple, really? We would say, “Buck up Orange, get a grip, you’re an Orange, get over it, and get on with it, your never ever, going to be an Apple, no matter what and NO you can’t be a Pear either!”

All of us have special gifts; brains, beauty, musically gifted,

teaching and more; why can’t we celebrate being uniquely different?

When we ground ourselves into realizing how special we are, and let that sink into every cell in our body, we can then be free to celebrate ourselves. Being one of the privileged ones who keeps aging in a healthy body is the most beautiful life to live.

Cheers to our new found Revolution! Cheers to making choices that make us feel good!

No one can ever compete with you because only you, can be your lovely you. Do things that make your heart happy, practice being kinder to yourself and everyone else in this beautiful world we all live in.

Homework: Every morning, look in the mirror and say, “I love you, I really love you.”

Rhonda is a REALTOR, Author & Motivational Speaker. She is dedicated to helping you find your right and perfect “Lifestyle.” You can find her at www.rhondazaratelifestyle.com or check out her blog on Facebook Rhonda Zarate Lifestyle & Real Estate. Drop her line to say hello.

petroleum products around us, our water, processed food and so much more. You can detox you body by eating clean, consuming supplements that help you flush toxins out such as pure grade citrus essential oils and use machines such as this ionic foot detox.

This foot bath combines water, sea salt, oxygen, and hydrogen to release toxic elements, helping you feel rejuvenated. The bath turns colors depending on what organ or system in your body needed the most detoxification.

Holistic Bio Spa offers many other services such as Scio Quantum Biofeedback for allergy testing, blood analysis and reduction of stress; sixty minute aromatherapy and full body massage which can be therapeutic, diamond touch, deep tissue, prenatal or reflexology-foot massage.

They also have a an array of supplements and superfoods to

compliment your healthy lifestyle.

My experience at this naturopathy office was that it is a very clean and professionally run wellness center with a goal to help you feel your best.

Peace, love and colon hydrotherapy.

I'm a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach, who is passionate about natural, plantbased living, sustainability, animal welfare, and eating avocados. I can often be seen walking my dog Mambo, dancing salsa or doing yoga under a tree.

My mission is to empower you

to be the BEST version of yourself so that you can do more of what makes you feel ALIVE with the people you love! I work with busy women and a few awesome men, who want to be healthy, radiant and abundant through incorporating plant-strong nutrition, fun movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health.

If you're wanting to feel more vibrant and youthful again quickly but in babysteps you can download my FREE guide "Revamp, Reset Your Body in Three Days by clicking here or visit my website at www.wellnesslatina.com

Wellness

Latina

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

Holistic Bio Spa

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ocated in the back of Plaza Marina in Vallarta, this little gem of Zen is easy to miss because it's a bit difficult to find, but once you do, it's an oasis you don't want to leave.

Run by Zoli Haritai, who grew up in Hungary in the 60's, he was inspired by how certain people appeared and acted younger than others in their same age group due to what they were eating and how they were living, this captivated him and prompted him to pursue a life-long devotion to naturopathy.

Holistic Bio Spa opened just a couple of years ago and it is filled with state-of-the-art equipment combining thousands of traditions of natural healing arts.

I recently went in and received colon hydrotherapy which is a method of inserting large amounts of water infused with oxygen and a micro-current to flush out toxins from the body.

It can also relieve inflammation and edema, improve metabolism, expel parasites and in general promote a sense of well-being among other benefits. Which is just how I felt - all cleaned out!

Another detoxing machine available is the ionic foot detoxes.

Toxins are everywhere as we live in unprecedented times of having contaminants floating in the air,

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South Shore

Temptations

By Nicole Martin

Green Luxury Living - Interview with Joe Sanchez from Nemi Eco Villa

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o much is happening on Puerto Vallarta’s south shore: New 5-star hotels, gorgeous residential condos, stunning beachfront homes, trendy beach clubs and gourmet restaurants to mention just a few. The trend also seems to be moving towards more sustainable living and environmentally conscious development. In this vein, Nemi Eco Villa caught my eye as it is an luxurious eco friendly, small density project made of shipping containers. Read more about how Joe Sanchez and family have made their dream a reality on our south shore!

Where are you from and how long have you been in Puerto Vallarta?

I was raised in Chicago but my family is from Mazamitla and Ciudad Guzman, both are towns here in Jalisco. I spent my summers in Guadalajara, and many family vacations in Puerto Vallarta. From a young age I had plans of relocating to Puerto Vallarta, knowing it would be a good fit with my background.

In June of 2007, my wife and I thought Puerto Vallarta would be a good place to do a project, and we planned a trip the next month.

By the end of August that year, we had closed on our first property and by early 2008 we were living here full time.

What is your building background?

My building background began with my father. He was one of the first Mexican builders in the Chicago building industry. His dream for me was that I went to college; so much so, he forbid me to work in construction when I was younger for fear I would

prefer the money to an education.

As an architect, my background really began with art. I have been drawing and keeping sketchbooks since I was really young. I enrolled at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in their early college program for oil painting classes.

I also had a fascination with science, and thought architecture was a perfect marriage of art and science.

I attended the University of Illinois at the Chicago Campus, where I graduated from the School of Architecture with distinguished honors. I also attended The École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Versailles, in Versailles, France. The gardens at the Palace of Versailles is where my affinity for landscape design originated.

After graduation, I worked with several firms in Chicago, including Lowenberg and Associates, where I was the lead designer on the Park Alexandria, a 32-story high-rise building at the age of 23.

I went on to be part of the design team for the Lakeshore East development that was one of the largest in the county at the time.

Up until that point, my work had been focused on the design side, and I really felt that building was necessary for my architectural development. At 26, I decided to be as involved in the building process as design, and opened my own design/building firm, where I have worked for myself ever since. My work in Chicago was varied, and I added developer to my roles, but it wasn’t until working here in Puerto Vallarta that I could really combine architecture, building, and landscape design.

How was the idea of Nemi Eco Villa born?

Nemi is the evolution of a concept, one that started with sketches on the beach in Conchas Chinas 8 years ago. At the time I was in love with the idea of dropping an off-grid home right on the beach. Architecture as a product intrigued me.

When my wife was pregnant with our first child, my view of the world shifted. I began to think of a future where resources will be limited, where things we take for granted might not be so readily available to my son and his generation, and the idea of creating sustainable architecture became my new mission.

The more I researched the more I realized how much we can get from natural sources and older technologies, less damaging to the environment, and even from waste: Ocean water desalination with solar thermal evaporation, biological sand filters for water filtration, and a biodigester for the creation of gas and electricity. My interest moved to more biological architecture, and to contrast this organic process, what better than a steel box.

Shipping containers are amazing building blocks structurally, and their size allows for easy transport. They have become very popular to work with, but using a container just for the sake of using a container defeats the purpose.

The idea is to challenge designers and builders to think outside the conventional and to evolve the building process to make use of more sustainable resources, and new building technologies. To put my theories to the test, I had to try it myself. So I built a prototype in Chicago from a shipping container.

A completely off-grid tiny-home we call the Mesh (modular ecolo-

gical sustainable habitat). It took several years, but we brought it here to Puerto Vallarta, and it’s now the Chicago Pod at Nemi.

A luxury villa is 180 degrees from where I started, but it became obvious to me that for the mainstream to embrace sustainable concepts, they would need to see it as a luxury, not a sacrifice. I also thought that being able to experience a fully sustainable living experience temporarily, on a vacation where you tend to be more open minded, would create more converts to the green movement.

What is your greatest challenge as a builder in the tropics?

The greatest challenge is the raining season. You never really know how bad it’s going to be, it creates a lot of unknowns that have a big effect on construction schedules and budget. Heavy rains can also change the soil condition of your project very quickly; you really have to plan on being out of the ground by the time the rains start. Another challenge is finding materials to withstand the salty air. I strive to find products that are sustainable, and don’t need constant replacement or up-keep.

What does your future hold?

Our company, Max T Living Systems, is about to begin a new development in the downtown area. Prefabricated homes built using steel frames and clad with conventional materials that in themselves are sustainable. The next project is a departure from the shipping container. Mexico does not have the surplus you find in the US due to trade imbalance; therefore it’s not truly a sustai-

nable or recycled product here in Mexico. We are also working to implement on site trash processing in our developments, by means of separation of organic waste to be used to supply gas and power to the inhabitants, and non-organic for recycling.

We are lucky to be here in Mexico as we have more creative freedom than the US or Canada because here the construction industry is not as rigid. Off grid and alternate construction methods are not allowed in many cities in the US due to zoning restrictions.

Our prefabricated modules are designed to be indistinguishable from conventional construction but have the added benefits of pragmatics such as building schedule and sustainability, nearing a net zero mark for efficiency in power consumption and energy production through solar power.

Your opinion on construction growth in the south shore?

Development can be a polarizing topic here in Puerto Vallarta.

Many people would like to see the town return to its former self.

But that is not realistic in a city that lives and dies on tourism and the construction industry. Development brings jobs and valuable investment dollars.

I think a lot of people have taken on a personal mission to stop development, as they don’t see it as “responsible” unless it is low density. The reverse is actually true; high-density low footprint projects are what is responsible, as this has a lesser impact on the environment than the sprawling developments you see in suburbia.

The new highway will inevitably bring much more development to the south shore, arguably one of the most picturesque areas in Puerto Vallarta. I embrace it and see it as a positive opportunity for our beautiful city. I believe new developments need to be contextual, innovative and sustainable, and I hope to see projects in the south shore that put a positive spotlight on innovative sustainable design and development.

The Real BBQ

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BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C

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Find us. You’ll be happy you did.

Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach www.elriobbqbar.com elriobbqbar

riviera nayarit

18

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

H

ola a todos! Thanksgiving is behind us with Christmas coming up, which means the Christmas fundraisers are getting into gear. There are many families who can’t afford to purchase food for the holiday, new clothing or other personal items for their children, much less toys for Christmas.

There are also the orphanages that need your support. There are many ways to support the nonprofit organizations. You can donate your time helping, baking or working one of the fundraisers. You can purchase tickets to the fundraisers and one can also donate monies. Or all of the above!

The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank Along with the dispensas of food they give out (all year around) they are also doing something special this season and adding treats of baked goods. They are hoping that there will be enough people out there who bake Christmas goodies, and who would be willing to bake a little extra so they can give them to the needy in our communities.

YoYo Mo’s in Bucerias has agreed to be a ‘drop off’ location for the goodies that people are donating.

Also, Sandi (Director of JOMFB)

will be happy to pick up any from you directly. Send her email to rsnystrom@hotmail.com when the baked goodies are ready. It is ideal to have them dropped off at Yoyo Mo’s by December 15th. The team is hoping to have enough to provide for the 395 dispensas they distribute during December. There will also be a “Happy Elves Bake Day” at YoYo Mo’s with volunteers who are packaging all of the goodies into individual packages as well as doing extra baking on the 16th. If you can help, let Sandi know as they will be starting to bake/package at 10am.

Huge thanks to Glenn and Tanya for the use of the space and the ovens.

YEA TEAM! The Bucerias Christmas Children’s Program…For Children’s Sake!

This organization has been providing holiday joy in the form of presents to the less fortunate local children for over 22 years. 1200 gifts will be given out by volunteers to a long line of children. I have actually volunteered for this, and giving out the gifts is so amazing.

The little children’s faces and eyes light up with joy that opens your heart wide. It only takes about 30 minutes to hand out 1200 gifts…

Wowow! It’s amazing. Santa Claus

and Mrs. Claus are also there to give candy to the kids as they leave.

Their annual fundraiser will take place at the Drunken Duck (again, and thanks to Glen and Tanya!) on December 7th from 2 to 6pm.

There will be holiday merrymaking complete with live music for your pleasure. 70 wonderful raffle prizes that have been donated by local restaurants, spas, jewelry, artisans, tours etc. as well as fun raffles for bottles of fine tequila and whisky.

Villas del Sol will also be auctioning off a one-week stay in a luxury 2 bedroom 2 bath along with food and beverage for 2 people, a value of $1800USD and a beautiful door prize donated by local artist Luis Borsan! You can purchase tickets at YoYo’s, the Drunken Duck or at the next Amigos de Bucerias meeting which is on the first Saturday of each month at Ixta restaurant, or at the door on Dec 7th if there are any tickets left.

Amigos de Bucerias Breakfast Meeting This next meeting will be on December 5th at Ixta Restaurant, 500 Lazaro Cardenas in Bucerias.

You do not need to be a member to attend. Signing in begins at 9am, a delicious sbuffet breakfast for 100 pesos at 9:15, with the business meeting to follow.

They need a head count for breakfast to know how much food to order, so please make a reservation (if you want breakfast) by Thursday, 6pm if possible to AmigosdeBucerias.com with the pertinent information of names, number of people and number of breakfasts. You can purchase an annual membership for 250 pesos that helps support all of the Bucerias Amigos projects.

Thank you from the Amigos committee.

Nana’s House Ladies Fundraiser. Another fundraising project event for the needy children is Nana’s House (www.nanacasa. com) on December 4th at 6pm.

Nana’s House is an orphanage in Tepic housing 40 children. The cost is s only 150 pesos.

There will be fabulous prizes with auctioning wonderful paintings along with a 3 day 2 night getaway to Punta Esmeralda for 6 people! It will be a fun night for all of us ladies!

For more information call Michelle at 329-298-6333 or you can also FB her a message at Michelle Espinoza Barreda.

As always, there is too much fun to list! Please check the calendars at allBucerias.com and allLaCruz. com. The beaches are awesome

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

San Pancho Extends Open Invitation to Art Workshops

T

he Circo de los Niños and the Bodega Danza are offering circus workshops for babies, kids and teens, ballet classes for all ages, Bharatanatyan for beginners, Hip-Hop and Acro Yoga.

San Pancho, the Riviera Nayarit’s Culture Capital, is hosting more art workshops during the month of December in an effort to continue promoting culture and the arts in this very special microdestination in the Riviera Nayarit.

There are different workshops open to the public throughout the year at the Bodega del Circo de los Niños and the Bodega Danza, perfect for everyone from kids to teens to adults. Classes are held at different times during the mornings and afternoons.

Circus and dance workshops for children include Beginner’s Circus 1 and 2 for kids eight years and up; Baby Circus for kids four years

and up; Baby Ballet and Ballet 1 for kids five years and up; and Jazz for Teens for kids ages 12 and up.

The new dance classes for teens and adults are Bharatanatyan for Beginners and Ballet for all levels.

Specialty workshops include Acro Yoga for adults and Hip-Hop Saturdays for kids and teens.

For details on times and hours for each class as well as fees, registration including specialty workshops, please contact the Circo de los Niños coordinator, Glades Castro Parra at cell phone 322 779 1519 or email circodelosninossp@gmail.com. You can also visit the Circo de los Niños Facebook fan page https://www. facebook.com/circodelosninosdesanpancho to stay updated on the goings on in this magical spot in the Riviera Nayarit. Their official website is http://circodelosninosdesanpancho.mx/.

right now.Especially one of my favorite beaches, Destilideras beach; located about 3 minutes outside of La Cruz on the Punta Mita Hwy. It is also known as Nahui Beach, where the Nahui Beach Restaurant is located. Delicious cuisine, loungers,

chairs and umbrellas on a private cove make your day perfect! Look for the Nahui Beach sign on the left.

For any questions you can contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com Have a super week and see ya on the playa!

riviera nayarit

19

December 3 - 9, 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

New faces in town.

Our intention is to keep his dream alive. Thanks, care, peace, love, and happy holidays.”

This season’s weekly schedule looks like this:

P

eople have been asking about what will happen to Philo’s bar. Greg Bloom and Rock & Roll Donnie Watters have stepped up to help Maria, Philo’s love, to carry on what Philo created in La Cruz.

I asked them both how they met Philo.

Donnie: It was around 14 years ago when I showed up for an open mic on a Thursday and Philo opened his door to me. He was instrumental in helping me with my music aspirations and introduced me to the La Cruz lifestyle and most of my closest friends that I hold dear today.

My function at Philo’s Bar is to work with the entertainers and special events. I have played music in the area for many years now. People call me Rock & Roll Donnie. Not so bad eh?

Greg met Philo about 14 years ago after he met Donnie who told him about a neat place in La Cruz.

He and Philo both came from Northern California.

“So I said, lets go meet this Philo guy. From the first minute we met we just hit it off. We became very close friends for the rest of

his life. He was one of the greatest souls I have ever encountered in the 63 years I've been alive. I have a background in this business and I’ll be in charge of the bar and restaurant.”

Both Donnie and Greg just want to do right by Philo.

Donnie said,“What I mostly want to try to do, is help continue on in Philo’s tradition and help Maria and Greg through this difficult time. I am sure anyone who knew Philo cherished his

friendship and I know if the shoe was on the other foot, he would have looked after each one of our own families and personal affairs; business or otherwise... that was the kind of person Philo was.

All of us at Team Philo’s appreciate your kindness and courtesy and your continued support of Philo’s memory and of Maria.”

Greg’s words: “Cindy, I’m really interested in just keeping Philo’s bar… Philo’s. I want to keep his legacy alive and what we’re doing

is not about us, but about Philo.

So I'm not interested in people hearing about me.

I would like them to know that Philo's will continue, in the same goodwill and sprit that Philo created and work so hard for; A community center with its forum to benefit the community; A gathering place for friends and visitors to get together and play or listen to great music; A place to eat, drink, and be merry. All of which was what Philo created Philo's bar for.

Monday nights: Willem’s ‘Loosey Goosey’ open mic night.

Tuesday's feature: Philo’s ‘All you can eat ribs’ and occasional special dishes.

Wednesday nights: split between the Luna Rumba Band and the Rockin’ Rhythm Roosters.

Luna Rumba concerts start Dec. 16th tickets are available from Gloria's shop located right across the street from Philo’s.

Thursday nights: the New Coyotes band.

Friday Nights; Paul carries on Philo’s tradition with the Mexican Shuffle band; featuring Leon, Peggy and George on the squeezebox and Rhythm Roosters drummer Ross on drums. Paul will also invite other musicians to come up and play.

Saturday night: Ajim and Alesandra play with the Mexican Shuffle band and Carlos the drummer.

Sunday: Brunch begins next week featuring Mimosas and Gin Fizzes.

For more on Philo and what he created in La Cruz; http:// w w w. v i l l a a m o r d e l m a r. c o m / characters-philo-hayward/

Open Auditions in La Cruz

A

migos La Cruz Players are holding open auditions for our 2016 presentation of “Girls Night Out," a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. The script and characters will be tweaked to reflect the local area.

Four women, on their way to an evening at the theatre, stop for

dinner at the establishment owned by the ex-husband of one of them.

Between the salad and entree, he ends up dead. Each has a reason to wish him dead; perhaps one did more than wish. Perhaps it was one of the other guests. Only unwinding the plot will tell which one is the murderer.

There are seven adult roles: 1 Male, 4 Female, 1 Drag Queen and 1 non-speaking On Stage Hand (male or female).

Show dates are February 23, 24, with a Matinee on the 28 and tentatively March 1.

Auditions will be held Monday and Tuesday December 14 & 15 at

Philo’s in La Cruz at 3 pm. Please come on time and be prepared to stay for the full audition.

If you have any questions or you do not arrive until after December 15, please contact Director Becky Grewer at buceriasbecky@gmail. com or cell phone 322-168-5369.

This is a fun way to help your

community as funds raised go to support Amigos de La Cruz.

Even if you are not interested in being on stage, there are many ways to be involved behind the scenes.

Come to the auditions and find out how you can help and join in the fun!

real estate

20

10 Reasons to Choose

Colonia Emiliano Zapata West

By Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell fabien@g3mex.com

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about local properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group email: Fabien@g3mex.com. G3MEX is currently looking for talented agents to become part of our team.

T

he colonia Emiliano Zapata is probably one of the most accessible and vibrant areas of Puerto Some. It goes by many names: Old Town, Downtown and, of course, the Romantic Zone.

A big and busy colonia which runs from the Rio Cuale to the North; down to Basillo Badillo on the South (now known as the South Side); to the fabulous Emiliano Zapata Mercado on the east, and of course down to Los Muertos beach on the west.

Because of the big size and

varied character of Emiliano Zapata we think it’s wise to divide it into two distinct parts: Emiliano Zapata East (East of Calle Insurgentes), Emiliano Zapata West (which runs from Insurgentes down to the beach with Basillo Badillo and the Rio Cuale on either side. This week we focus on the west side.

Here are some of our favorite reasons for choosing Emiliano Zapata West: 1. Terrific accessibility. You don’t need a car, the streets are flat and easy to traverse. There’s

fantastic bus and taxi service. In fact, owning a car in this neighborhood is not even worth the hassle.

2. Everything is here. Need a haircut? Shoes fixed? Key made?

Prescription filled? A pancake?

An espresso? A roasted chicken?

Within an 8 block square area every need or desire that you might have will be easily satisfied.

3. Great budget conscious dining. Here are a few of our personal favorites: Pollo fried (be sure to check out the 1 and ½ chicken special on Tuesdays) Casa

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fantasia (best shrimp burrito), Fonda Dianita (there’s always a wait for some of the best comida corrida around), Page in the Sun (excellent coffee, books and carrot cake), and the Pancake House for an always generous and satisfying breakfast.

4. Need a drink? Bars galore.

Catch a game and try the artisanal brews at Los Muertos Brewery, or buy a bucket of beer for next to nothing on the beach. And for the strongest and tastiest margarita around swing.

5. Need some gourmet snacks? Xocodiva and Vinos America, over on Basilio Badillo, have superb gourmet offerings.

6. The Old Town Farmers’ Market. This seasonal local treasure brings together the finest cuisine, arts and crafts, produce and live music in Parque Lazaro Cardenas. Open Saturdays during the High Season.

7. Planning a special evening out? Some of Vallarta’s finest restaurants are in Emiliano Zapata.

8. Live entertainment and music. Fun spots include the true treasure of Jalisco, wandering

bands of Mariachis!

9. Staying healthy and happy.

There’s a spa located on virtually every corner, so you can seek out constant pampering. Emiliano Zapata is also home to some excellent yoga studios and gyms, to help you get back in shape after all of the eating and drinking that you’ll be doing. And don’t forget the numerous juice stands where they make revitalizing drinks to order.

10. Need a place to stay? Los Arcos on the beach is a classic favorite, and for the more budget oriented there a plethora of more inexpensive accommodations.

And as far as the real estate market goes, it’s literally exploded with new condo developments going up right and left— making Emiliano Zapata the new hot spot for investing in Puerto Vallarta.

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about local properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group email: Fabien@g3mex.com.

Or visit us in our new office in Old Town on Calle Amapas, right near the Hotel Emperador.

community

21

Stephanie Finch, a Real Miracle Worker

A

s Hurricane Patricia approached the state of Jalisco on October 23rd, weather sources warned of its possible devastating effects up and down the coast, including Puerto Vallarta. Residents like 27-year-old Stephanie Finch, her husband David and their three children did what many of us did, stocking up on food and water and preparing our homes and businesses as best we could for the storm's impact.

Fortunately, we who live in Puerto Vallarta were spared. Families to the south of Vallarta, particularly in rural areas and small towns like Chamela, Punta Perula and Emiliano Zapata were not so fortunate. Many families lost everything to the storm, their houses along with all their personal belongings.

Many were left with just the clothes on their backs. Stephanie, among others, started organizing relief efforts and collecting supplies the following day.

What were the first relief efforts that you became involved in?

The morning after the storm we made calls, sent e-mails and set up over 15 collection points throughout Vallarta. The following day my husband and I, along with several other volunteers, headed down south with three vehicles loaded with relief aid visiting more than 13 towns, taking food, water, medicine, tents and a variety of supplies for the families whose homes had been devastated by the storm.

How quickly did the relief efforts begin to meet those needs?

Within 36 hours of the hurricane our relief efforts reached the families affected by the hurricane.

Within a week we started delivering roofing and other construction materials.

Who else got involved in this grassroots relief effort and what were those first days like?

None of our efforts would have

been possible without so many individuals stepping up. I can’t begin to name them all but here are a few. Don Pickens, owner of Casa Cupula, Danny Mininni, International Relief Teams, Ray Drew, Julie Guerrero from No Way José! Restaurant, David Delavari from Marketing Leads and his wife Karina, John Swanson and Boardwalk Realty, Jesus Reyes, Bob Price from Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Ferreteria Rodriguez de Vallarta and Randall James to name but a few.

We were the first ones to reach the most affected towns with relief aid. Numerous communities were temporarily isolated as roads were rendered impassable by floods, so the supplies we delivered were lifesaving to some. We didn’t see others taking aid until several days after the storm. Many of the towns we’ve continued to visit with supplies have not been assisted by anyone else even a month after the storm.

So far we have distributed relief aid to over 1,000 families (food, water, medicine, clothes, shoes, etc.), and over 10 tons of wood, tools and other building supplies to families that were most affected by the storm.

As the holidays approach, what can people do to continue to help support the families who lost so much?

There is so much to be done, still. We are kicking off a school supply, kids' clothing and toy drive at El Rio BBQ • Bar on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 2 p.m. Over the next few weeks we'll continue to help take Christmas to the children that won’t have it otherwise. We also want to thank all who have help by providing a day of music and camaraderie at El Rio. And finally, what would you most want people to know about Hurricane Patricia Relief?

“Patricia punished the poor" it's been said, and that's the reason mainstream media has dropped its coverage. The few possessions many families had were taken away from them. It has become our mission to help improve the quality of life for these families and to help them better prepare for the eventuality of another hurricane.

These families need our help and together we can continue to make a difference.

For more information: brighterfuturepv@gmail.com or on Facebook BrighterFutureBuildingCommunities Stephanie Finch and Starbuck's personnel collection donations.

Continuing to help kids in affected areas.

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

travel

22

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

To Las Animas

By Gala Milne

W

e’d planned to make it to the trailhead for 8am.

Segmenting the day into calculated activities had seemed a good idea the night previous.

A brisk hike in the morning, back on the beach for the afternoon sun and early evening bargaining before meeting newly arrived Vancouver friends for our final night of margaritas on the malecon. A well-packed day to make up for our week of lizard-like behaviour.

Having been my third trip to Vallarta, I realize now that my experiences have been almost entirely confined to the sand and the shops. I’m not complaining about the Vitamin D or the artisan textiles, but I guess I'd forgotten about the jungle lying in wait just outside the city’s reach.

The two hours of shaded weaving ocean-side walking path from Boca de Tomatlan to Los Animas was a welcome surprise.

We woke up late, a triumphant win for our remnant tequila hangovers, and didn't arrive in Boca until noon. Coffee from the conveniently located OXXO quick mart supplied us ample energy and the bouncy bus ride out of Vallarta primed our eyes for something new.

There are about 50 flat wide steps leading down into the town.

The corner store supplies a mean canned cocktail and just beyond that is the blue river and the little bridge with the wayward signs and the dusty donkeys and the artists’ residence and then you're on your way.

Despite the trail’s relative ease, the start is slow when you’re an amateur photo-taker toting three

types of camera. Each serve their own vital purpose: The Canon heavyweight for magazine-ready portraits, the disposable kodak for that vintage-loving hipster inside us all and, of course, the smart phone pocket cam for those instauploads. Luckily, you won’t find free wifi on this trail or the destination. But if you look close enough, you might see a Dingy Purplewing catching some shade or the intricately cross-stitched home of a jeweled arachnid waiting for a meal in the midday sun.

We cracked our canned cocktails under a humid canopy of green. Our legs were hungry for hiking and the heat misled us to thinking we’d worked up the sweat ourselves. We wandered past a

beach of bikini-clad men on a boat cruise and up a secret staircase back into the jungle. When we came upon the next beach, it was so pristine with silky bronze sand and turquoise waters and seemingly untouched by humans that we thought we’d better leave it as it’d been found. The majesty of the sight had stunned us. In retrospect we likely we should have stopped for a breather here…

Unless you’re travelling with a local’s knowledge, it’s hard to know what lies beyond your sight.

For this adventure we were well equipped with a hand-drawn map with a long squiggly line that took us from downtown Vallarta to the most glorious and peaceful playa of our week-long adventure in

PV in just a few short hours. We rejoiced for much longer than originally planned with micheladas, fresh guacamole and an oceanside massage while people floated in parachutes in the sky above.

A five-minute boat ride took us

back to the start of our hike and despite being a few hours behind schedule, we still managed to meet with our pals for dinner on the malecon and a night of dancing at La Bodeguita. I should have known that no one needs a watch in this town.

VALLARTA TRIBUNE 829 Feb 25 - March 3, 2013

The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain

Plants

2000

Mammals

80

Birds

300

Amphibians and Reptiles

23

Butterflies

85

500

50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico.

We propose the area to be designated a

Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,

Without the Mountain...

There is no future

health care

24

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

The Affordable Care Act (‘Obamacare’) and the New Expat in Mexico

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Vallarta’s newest private hospital I

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

A

s is often the case, much of the general information available out there applies to the regular, U.S. resident. Special rules, often hard to find, apply to expats. Sometimes the regular rule has pitfalls that exist solely because the person no longer lives in the U.S. The Affordable Care Act requires individuals to have qualifying health care coverage for each month of the year, qualify for a coverage exemption, or make a shared responsibility payment when filing their federal income tax returns.

General lore leads folks to believe that individuals living abroad are not subject to these rules. Well, they are. An important exception exists, but it may not apply to the ‘new’ expat. This may come as a surprise, come tax return time, or in the context of a notice from the IRS later on.

There is an exemption for U.S. citizens who are not physically present in the United States for at least 330 full days within a 12-month period. Those “absentees” are treated as having minimum essential coverage for that entire 12-month period regardless of whether they enroll in any health care coverage.

Also, U.S. citizens who are bona fide residents of a foreign country (or countries) for an ***entire taxable year*** are treated as

having minimum essential coverage for that year and are not required to have ACA coverage or make the shared responsibility payment.

As you can see, there may be a “gap” between the time you relocate abroad and the time you qualify for one of the exemptions above. It is important to keep that in mind to avoid an unpleasant surprise later on.

If these conditions sound familiar, it’s because they are ‘borrowed’ from the part of the IRS code that deals with foreign exclusions of foreign income, and the tests to qualify for it, the physical presence and bona fide residence tests. But one does not need to claim foreign income exclusion to qualify for the

Obamacare shared responsibility payment exemption. Compliance is reported with the federal income tax return on IRS form 8965.

When you move overseas, consider keeping your existing coverage or take the payment due into account until you qualify for the overseas resident exception.

Forewarned is forearmed!

Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico.

He can be reached at tax@ orlandogotay.com.

Medical Matters for US Citizens in Mexico

J

oin us for a panel discussion about issues that expatriates often face when in need of medical care in Mexico. Get an update of current efforts affecting the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.

Receive an overview of medical resources and insurance options, physician referrals, and assistance with obtaining regular and emer-

gency treatment in Mexico. Hear personal experiences and recommendations regarding interacting with local and U.S. public and private medical systems.

Moderator: Paul Crist. Panel Members: Pamela Thompson-Webb, Health Care Resources PV; John Wilson-Bugbee; Susan Wichterman.

Where: ACT II Theater Red Room 300 Insurgentes, Corner of Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta When: Tuesday December 8 2-4 PM FREE of charge. ALL are welcome!

Sponsored by the Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad

n recent years Medical Tourism has flourished in Mexico and specifically in Puerto Vallarta.

With a number of excellent private hospitals and doctors offering the most popular services, Medical Tourism is a viable option for thoe searching for safe, affordable proedures outside of their home country.

What could be better than recurating in a tropical paradise while your troubles are taken care of?

Thousands come each year to Puerto Vallarta for medical and dental care.

The newest private hospital in Puerto Vallarta just opened its doors last month in the old Cornerstone location on Avenida

Los Tules across from Plaza Caracol. This central location provides easy access and offers around the clock care with nineteen specialties, fifty rooms and 100 professional, caring staff to handle everything necessasry to ensure your well-being.

Along with emergency services they also offer general surgery, bariatric surgery and plastic surgery. In addition they offer cardiology care, obstetrics and gynecology, hematology and gasternerology.

They are located at Av. Los Tules 136 Díaz Ordaz, 48310 Puerto Vallarta and you can call 322-178-3000 or visit them online at vallartamedicalcenter.mx

charity

25

December 3 - 9, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

There Is Some Pain In Paradise

By John Warren

H

ow lucky can we get, living here in a tropical paradise on the Bay of Banderas?

But what’s it like if you’re a kid with no parents, no education and living on the street? How do you feel if you’re disabled and have no money for medical treatment? It happens.

Members of the International Friendship Club (IFC) know that not everyone is as lucky as we are and they passionately believe that helping local people and contributing to local charities must be a core commitment of the club. As well as administering IFC’s own social, medical and educational programs the club provides financial support for 17 state-registered charities, including the Fundación Corazón de Niña and Clinica de Rehabilitacion Santa Barbara.

UNICEF estimates there are one hundred million street children in the world. Forty million of those children live on the streets of Latin America and too many live in this area of the Bay of Banderas, with our cruise ships, grand hotels and fine dining.

But, thanks to Fundación Corazón de Niña, there are thirty-eight fewer street kids today: twenty-seven girls and eleven boys.

In Mexico, the demand for residential care facilities for at-risk chil-

dren outstrips the resources available and government funding is grossly inadequate. Corazón gets no government support and relies on donations from residents and visitors to Puerto Vallarta for its existence.

IFC helps out as much as it can.

The children and youth at Corazón de Niña come from unimaginably difficult circumstances and have to meet three important criteria before being accepted. Each child must have the basic social skills required to interact adequately with staff and residents, must express a desire to be at Corazón and be willing to learn, grow and contribute

to the Corazón family. Where applicants demonstrate these criteria, every effort is made to find the resources needed to support them and bring them into the family. But, for every four applications received only one is accepted.

You can visit the home and enjoy a guided tour of the Corazón facility and hear the story of Corazón by visiting any Tuesday morning from 10:00am to noon. A delicious brunch is offered as part of every tour. The tour and the brunch costs $200 MXN per person (minimum donation) To reserve your tour, please email Corazón at admin@corazondenina.

mx. The address is Calle San Luis Potosi #355, Colonia Primero de Mayo, Puerto Vallarta.

Clinica de Rehabilitacion - Santa Barbara is a local, non-profit rehabilitation clinic with the mission of providing a better quality of life to physically challenged children and adults with limited resources.

Katy is one of its success stories.

Katy can now walk today thanks to Clinica Santa Barbara. The future didn’t seem so bright for her a few years ago. She was born with infantile cerebral paralysis affecting her arms and legs. Resources were scarce. She lives in a one-parent

family with her brother. It seemed impossible for her mother to get treatment for Katy’s handicap due to the cost of rehabilitation and her low income from cleaning houses and growing vegetables.

The Clinica Santa Barbara agreed to treat her for free. The treatment involved almost 600 sessions over a four-year period (2 to 3 sessions per week). Was it successful? You bet! Today Katy is 6 years old and can walk!

Katy is just one of the patients benefitting from subsidized and free treatment.

Clinica Santa Barbara provides high quality physical therapy care for patients suffering from physical or brain diseases, victims of accidents, or children born with malformations. The clinic has a policy that low-income patients pay just a small contribution towards the cost of their treatment and some who have no money pay nothing at all. The clinic relies on donations to finance the subsidized and free treatment it offers to about 35% of its patients and IFC is pleased to help.

These are just two of the many charities supported by IFC. You can help too by taking one of IFC’s fabulous Home Tours. It’s a great way to see some lovely homes, knowing that all profits from the tours go to support homeless children and those that need medical help. Tickets and more information is available at http://www.toursforvallarta.com

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Mexico’s butterflies: The Gold-spotted Aguna

By Moralea Milne

E

very time I visit Puerto Vallarta there are a number of things I must do, sample some homemade ice cream (Oaxacan Kiss is a new favourite), indulge my sweet tooth with a few hot, cinnamon-coated churros and most importantly, explore the butterfly habitats of whichever area I am in. Soon I am jettisoning my friends and family and spending many happy hours engrossed in a search for butterflies.

With my much abused, chipped and worn camera in hand, I stealthily attempt to capture their form

and beauty within a digital image.

Stealthily because they can sense my presence from metres away, too distant to enable a clear image.

To make photographing them more challenging, some species never seem to alight for more than mere seconds, or they show remarkable cunning in evading my lens, just barely peeking around the side of a tree trunk or under a leaf. Still, that is the beauty of any passion, surmounting challenges, executing a flawless task, learning more than you knew before.

With butterflies the thrill is in accomplishing the perfect, evocative photograph; in the identification of the species (often impos-

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sible to do); in learning the secrets of their lives, "which plant do they use as a host on which to lay their eggs?"; and on sharing that information with others.

Recently I photographed what I believe is a Gold-spotted Aguna, not a butterfly gifted with extraordinary beauty, but one that has a more subtle resonance when captured in just the right circumstance.

Agunas are members of the Skipper family, a vast array of generally small, nondescript but fast-flying butterflies that have hooked antennae.

The Gold-spotted Aguna lays its eggs on legumes, particularly in the Bauhinia family of trees, shrubs and vines, some of which are known as orchid trees.

Like many skippers, the young caterpillars are green with a prominent, reddish head, the older caterpillars becoming paler as they mature and move into their astounding transformation to their butterfly form.

With over 1750 species of butterflies, Mexico has a great number of planet Earth's butterfly species, as well as thousands of moth species, many which rival the bejewelled magnificence of their day flying cousins.

Whether it is birds, butterflies or botanical wonders, Mexico has provided me with a wealth of photographic opportunities, although the talent and skill to capture their beauty and ephemeral nature is another matter entirely!

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I

t’s not even December and the fishermen are already reporting whale sightings in Banderas Bay. They’re here! The humpback whales are back!

There’s no doubt the warm waters of the Mexican Pacific are a favorite winter vacation spot for these magnificent creatures, who travel for their annual December through March stay. Their visit is much anticipated by the hundreds of tourists that come to view Nature’s “celebrities.”

Every year these cetaceans visit Banderas Bay to give birth or reproduce, a ritual that involves a serenade by the males as well as a graceful marine ballet. At the end, the female—larger than the male— decides who is the chosen one.

This encounter between these gigantic mammals is an amazing spectacle for visitors to the Riviera Nayarit, as they perform amazing stunts and can, at times, propel half their bodies out of the water.

And for an animal that’s 12 to 16 meters long and weighs between 30 and 40 tons, that’s no mean feat!

The gestation period for this species is around 11 months, so

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Humpback Whales Putting on a Show

some whales arrive already heavy with calves, seeking shallower, warmer water without any strong currents to give birth as comfortably as possible.

Humpback calves tend to be very playful and love to leap out of the water, happy to be alive and in the Riviera Nayarit. The mother waits until the baby feeds and is

strong enough to travel before heading back to the frigid north.

These friendly animals are a must-see during your visit this winter and are one more example

of the wonderous nature that surrounds the Bay of Banderas.

Watch the video: h tt p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=CX4Sy-6gSfU

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Events Around the Bay If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com.

December 4 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at La Palapa Restaurant. Tickets available at Carol's Boutique, Basillo Badillo #250, Zona Romantica #250, 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon & Boutique, Paseo de la Marina #165, 322/2213256.

December 4 Fundraiser for Pasitos de Luz, Casa Connor – The Life, Masterpieces and Humanity of FRIDA KAHLO At the Sheraton Bugambilias 6-10pm $900 pesos includes dinner, show and live music.

December 5 10th Annual Pet Picnic at Daiquiri Dick's Fundraiser in support of PeaceAnimals from 11am - 1pm $350pesos at the door.

December 6 River of Art 2015 6:30pm Oscars Restaurant Isla Cuale Art for sale from more than 50 juried artists, adult and youth professional performers, over 25 premium raffle and silent auction items in Vallarta’s biggest art extravaganza. Proceeds from art sales, raffles and donations benefit Colina

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free spay and neuter clinic. Art for collectors and fun for all ages. One afternoon only!

December 8 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 9 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

Wednesday December 9 Bingo at Nacho Daddy's at 4:00 pm Bingo at Nacho Daddy's will be every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm. Bingo bags over 1000 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout

bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

December 11 3rd Annual Luau on the Beach with a special Polynesian dance performance by Academia Danza de Moorea $300 pesos - very limited tickets 5:00 p.m. at the Sea Monkey Restaurant in support of the 150+ kitties in the Purr Project December 15 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 16 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aqui-

lles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 17 In support of the Vallarta Garden Club, kick off the Christmas Holiday Season at the Botanical Gardens with a sing-along featuring talented Puerto Vallarta musician Bob Bruneau and our own chanteuse, Suzanne Kirkpatrick.

December 23 Bingo at Nacho Daddy's at 4:00 pm Bingo card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm.

Bingo bags over 1000 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

January 19 Fiesta Blanca will be the Vallarta Garden Club’s biggest event of the year. It will be a dream in white, flowers, candles, table clothes, and all the glitter and glamor you’ll want for an elegant evening. A leisurely cocktail hour, auctions, music, and a seated dinner at Oscar’s on Isla Cuale.

Dolores Hidalgo is a true home of handmade ceramic tile manufacturing, with dozens of ceramics houses making tiles and pottery that is called Talavera. Many of the manufacturers in Dolores Hidalgo have used the word Talavera either in their names or on their wares for centuries prior to the new “Denomination of Origin” protections being put into place.

Tile and ceramics from Dolores have long been sold around the world and in Mexico as Talavera.

Indeed, it is the most commonly recognized form of the craft.

Fortunately for them, by their very lack of government certification, the artisans of Dolores have been freed from the requirement of using out-dated technology. This allows many of them to sell far below the price-points of their Talavera Poblana competitors by using modern methods of cleaning and preparing the clay, modern firing and a wide range of glaze colors. They take pride in staying true to the old-world feel, by using hand molding & painting techniques. There are even a few freelance mural painters who sell their work through little shops in the town. Volume sales also help in keeping costs down, as many tile houses can produce a large quantity in short order.

The American Southwest is a major market for this type of Talavera, as is much of Mexico.

Quality varies from modest to the very finest, but style and creativity abound. Some very dedicated and passionate tile makers are pioneering glazes, finishes, reliefs and sculptural surfaces. The concept of tile as wall-covering is one cutting-edge format currently being explored. International designers are also seeking out the top tile houses to bring their own visions to life.

Highlighting an interesting twist in the back-story, Padre Miguel Hidalgo, the ‘Father of the Mexican War of Independence’ himself, had a clandestine pottery business in Dolores Hidalgo before the start

of the war, when the Spanish authorities did not allow the local making of pottery. Its closing by the colonial government and other economic oppressions were some of the reasons he and his parishioners started the rebellion.

The artisans of Dolores Hidalgo and the rest of Guanajuato, continue to produce some of the finest tiles and ceramics on earth.

Their attention to detail, quality & trendsetting design make them unique in their field. So, who is to say what is Talavera? It’s all beautiful. Nothing is ever as it seems in Mexico, and no one should expect it to be. That’s one of the reasons to love it.

Originally published June 2014, Vallarta Tribune

A TALE OF TALAVERA

By Thomas Swanson and Marianne Menditto www.ColibriDesignVallarta. com

T

he name Talavera was brought to Mexico from Spain in the early colonial days, as one of the earliest forms of out-sourcing. It signified a traditional style of pottery that was being produced in Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain. Since its transplant to Mexico it has grown be mean much more.

The first Talavera style pottery and tile of Mexico, was manufactured in and around the city of Puebla de los Angeles, in the State of Puebla. The industry flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries after the Spanish authorities chose Puebla to be the exclusive manufacturing region for ceramic pottery in Mexico. This new product was given the name “Talavera Poblana” to distinguish it from the Spanish Talavera. The only other fine ceramics allowed to be sold in Mexico at the time were imports from China or Western Europe.

Today, there are only a handful of officially designated Talavera Poblana pottery houses in Mexico, all of them in the Valle de Puebla.

In 1998 the Mexican Department

of Economics assigned a NOM certification to Talavera Poblana, similar to what we see on a bottle of Tequila, by which their product’s legacy was to be distinguished. NOM stands for “Norma Oficial Mexicana” and is a set of standards, a kind of collective copyright. In the case of Talavera Poblana, it requires that the working methods, the clays and the glazes adhere to the age old traditional methods developed almost 500 years ago. This was part of a program called “Denomination of Origin”, designed to protect Mexican artisanal and culinary patrimony from the effects of globalization. The certification of authenticity is given in the form of a hologram sticker. Their works are certainly divine and the ceramics makers who are part of this elite group must undergo strict periodic inspections.

However, this is where reality transcends politics and tradition.

There is another place where the manufacture of Talavera pottery is profuse. The rivers cutting into the plains around Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato bank some of the finest and cleanest clays in Mexico, the quality of which can only be surpassed in Saltillo, Coahuila.

Although as yet not recognized as such by the Mexican government,

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John Huston – A True Legend for Hollywood and Vallarta

By Fred Jacobs

J

ohn was born in 1906 in Nevada, Missouri. His father was an actor in Vaudeville and later movies. John’s mother was a sports magazine editor. His parents divorced when John was just 6 yrs. old and John spent much of his youth in boarding schools.

Summers were spent either travelling with his father on the Vaudeville circuit or his mother on the car racing circuit. Time with his father pulled John to the acting side.

He grew up to become a 6’2” tall young man who had tried his hand as an amateur boxer, newspaper reporter and short story writer. In his world travels he even joined the Mexican Army Cavalry as an honorary member. Despite trying many different jobs, movies kept interesting him. John spent several years in Mexico and already had begun writing plays.

In 1931, John returned to the US and Los Angeles. His father was under contract at Universal Pictures and John got hired in the script department for Universal for the new “talkie movies”. One film that John’s dialogue was used in, was directed by none other than Willy Wyler. The two would become close friends and Willy mentored John in the film-making process.

John gained a reputation as a hard-drinker during his first years as a writer in Hollywood.

John later got a contract with Warner Brothers as a screenwriter and co-wrote on major films such as Jezebel and Sergeant York. This writing period even gained John two Oscar nominations in writing.

His success in writing gave him leverage to get Warner to let him try directing a movie. John chose to remake “The Maltese Falcon”, which had been a box office flop twice already for Warner. The budget for the movie was minimal as the studio had low expectations.

The film would star Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and even co-star John’s own father Walter Huston. John both wrote the screenplay and made his directing debut. The film was called the “best mystery thriller of the year” and earned three Oscar nominations-Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. This lead to John becoming a much sought after director in Hollywood.

In 1942 with World War II in full swing, John joined the Army Signal Corps and with the rank of Captain,

he directed and produced three films about army life. Some call the films the “finest made about WWII”. He rose to the rank of Major and received the Legion of Merit award for "courageous work under battle conditions.” Unfortunately, all of his films made for the Army were controversial, and either not released, censored, or banned outright, as they were considered "demoralizing" to soldiers and the public.

After the war, John returned to Hollywood and began making some of the most important movies of the 20th Century such as: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), The African Queen (1951), The Misfits (1961), The Man Who Would Be King (1975) and of course The Night of the Iguana (1964) filmed here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Filming the movie here was not easy in those days. The set was

situated behind a remote beach cove just south of what is today Mismaloya. It was a 100 acres of wild jungle. It was compared to the Garden of Eden. In those days there was no highway to get there.

Actors and crew stayed in Puerto Vallarta and had to shuttle back and forth daily to the set by boat, along with the equipment.

John fell in love with Puerto Vallarta so much so, that he bought a house here. Along with the

movies’ star Richard Burton, who famously brought his future wife Elizabeth Taylor, all three brought the world spotlight to the small village of Puerto Vallarta. There is no doubt that the publicity from the movie, and the media frenzy of the prolonged presence of the scandalous Burton and Taylor, started the rise of Puerto Vallarta in the Sixties as a tourist town.

John’s personal life was littered with failed marriages. In total, John was married five times and had five children. One child is the famous Angelica Houston, who, to this day still visits Puerto Vallarta annually and carries on her fathers’ love for our city.

A life-long heavy smoker, John was diagnosed with emphysema.

By the last year of his life he could not breathe for more than twenty minutes without needing oxygen.

He died on August 28, 1987 By living in the area for many years John had contributed a lot to the popularity of Puerto Vallarta.

In 1994 a statue of him sitting in a director’s chair was placed in the Rio Cuale Park. He left a lot of great unforgettable movies and his Friday night poker games with his pals at rotating fancy homes in Vallarta, became legendary here.

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

30 Markets and More – Weekly Events in Banderas Bay If you have an ongoing weekly 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.

IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos. ($30USD) Riviera Farmers Market – Nuevo Vallarta from 9am-2pm WEDNESDAY Forever Spring Farmers Market - 50 Lazaro Cardenas, opposite Sandrinas, Bucerias 9am-1pm Three Hens and a Rooster Market on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 9am to 1pm IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos. ($30USD) Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta 6-10pm Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta.

Recreactiva –Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening starting at 8:45.

THURSDAY Live Music and dancing in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Puerto Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm Saturday – Artisans, organics, food Live Music in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm SUNDAY La Cruz Farmers Market – La Cruz Marina 9-2pm Recreactiva – 8am-noon – 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.

games

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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 p e r fo r m e d . l a n d o n 5 12 0 . 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. compassionfor thefamily. 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, c a s a h o ga r _ m a x i m o c o rnejo@hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling.

Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@ 4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from highrisk situations.

Donations & volunteers always welcome!

Totally selffunded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care

centers for single mothers.

2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol.

Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@ fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friend-

sofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A c ay ro _ 13 @ h o t m a i l . c o m grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@ live.com International Friendship Club - Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www. ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta.

Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org 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 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 s u z y n a t i vevo i c e s @ a o l . com

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS CONSULATE OFFICES

DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS BREAKER´S BEACH BAR - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ OSO RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ