Issue 986, Feb 25 - March 02, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Entertainment

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Memories of Motown

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February 25 - March 2, 2016 Free Issue 986

Art & Culture Hugo Barajas Show

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Real Estate Capital Gains Tax

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Photo Courtesy Madeline Milne

now distributed in sayulita!

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.

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

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 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

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476

Ahoy Cruisers!

Day Ship Passengers 19-Feb MV Voyager 556 23-Feb Crown Princess 3,120 24-Feb Azamara Journey 686 24-Feb Carnival Miracle 2,124 27-Feb Grand Princess 2,600 01-mar Crown Princess 3,120 02-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 07-mar Ruby Princess 3,080 08-mar Crown Princess 3,120 09-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 15-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 15-mar Crown Princess 3,120

Ambulance: 322.222.1533 Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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

In port this month Day Ship Passengers 16-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 17-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376 18-mar Maasdam 1,258 21-mar Ruby Princess 3,080 23-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 24-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376 29-mar Westerdam 1,916 30-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 31-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376

In the month of February Puerto Vallarta welcomes 36,814 passengers! In March 38,566 passengers!

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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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

L

ast Tuesday, as I put the finishing touches on the week’s paper through squinted eyes while resting my head on the desk and trying in vain to cool down my feverish brow, I thought, this isn’t going to be a good week. That’s an understatement! Here we are a full seven days later and I’m still homebound. I don’t know if it was a flu or Dengue but at least the worst has passed. I now have the energy of a slow moving sloth and just thinking of putting on acceptable clothing to go to the office makes me tired.

In a burst of mistaken energy I packed a beach bag and went to Sayulita to see the Mexi-Log Surf competition on Saturday. I lasted about 45 minutes before turning around and heading home. Big crowds in Sayulita and some fun-to-watch athletes. The town of Sayulita continues to make headlines in the international media as ‘the’ new hot spot in Mexico. That’s kind of like thinking raves are still cool – a little late to this party!

Don’t get me wrong, Sayulita is great. It’s the perfect microcosm for a fantastic holiday. You have top-notch restaurants, cute hotels, wonderful shops and plenty of beautiful people to mingle and yoga pose with. Do a hike into the more secluded beaches, volunteer at the animal shelter or take a couple surfing lessons and you’ve got the experience of a lifetime.

This weekend the party moves to San Pancho (just five minutes north of Sayulita) for their annual Music Festival, which runs Friday through Sunday. It’s a mix of local

musicians and visiting artists. It’s always an entertaining time and is a great excuse to check out San Pancho if you haven’t already.

If you are sticking close to Vallarta this weekend, check out the American Legion Fundraiser Chili Cook-off at El Rio BBQ up the Rio Cuale in Paso Ancho.

This beautiful river setting combined with live music, raffles and community spirit is a not to be missed experience. The fundraiser is on Saturday and for $200 pesos it includes all-youcan-eat chili, an order of ribs and the fixings. Monies raised go to support the myriad of community building projects sponsored by the American Legion and Navy League. Assuming I get the strength to put my pants on, I’ll be there and would love to see you there too!

If you are on the north end of the bay, the Amigos de La Cruz Community Players is presenting ‘Girl’s Night Out’ at Philo’s Bar, this group is the only community theater group in the bay and all funds raised go to support the work of Amigos de La Cruz.

There are two shows remaining; a Sunday matinee at 11am and 5pm show on Tuesday March 1st. More details in the Events Calendar.

One of my favourite events of the year is the Annual Art Auction at Los Mangos Library. Held this year on March 3rd, starting at 6pm, you can view the items available and at 7pm begin formal bidding. Hundreds of pieces of art and other items are available and all funds benefit the Los Mangos library.

Hope to see some of you out and about this week. Enjoy your week. Support local.

Safe travels, Madeline

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Old Town Farmers Marke Treat Yourself to a Beach-Ready Origina

By Erin Staley

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

G

et ready for the “make it, bake it, grow it” adventure that is the OTFM-TC! We have 90+ stalls, featuring everything from fresh produce, international foods and live music to woven baskets, Huichol art and chiropractic treatments. And if you're planning to hit the beach in style, be sure to check out the beachready fashions of this week's featured vendor: Teresa Moreno of TY-Bikinis y Más (and More)!

Meet Teresa Moreno

Designer and seamstress, Teresa Moreno, creates some of the most elegant (and comfortable) swimsuits and beachwear you will find in the area, thanks to her teacher and mother, Teresa Chavez.

“My story began in 1990 with my mom,” says Moreno. “She began making dresses and school uniforms for me and my four sisters. She wanted to provide a better life for her children, and began making dresses for members of the community. Adding more skills, she also learned how to make undergarments, pajamas and fancy pieces.”

Chavez was so successful that she opened her own shop. A bank loan helped her to buy sewing machines, and the new entrepreneur hired local seamstresses. An 11-year-old Moreno studied the women at work, eager to

create her own clothing.

“My mom taught me how to make a skirt,” Moreno says. “Soon I was making my own miniskirts!”

At age 15, Moreno designed and crafted her first swimsuit. It was a big achievement, and the teen was smitten.

Any free time was devoted to mastering the machines and helping her mom at the shop. As the business grew, however, it was becoming more difficult for Chavez to leave her family

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 14 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.

and travel the two hours to Puerto Vallarta to sell her designs. The family moved to Puerto Vallarta, and the business continued to thrive.

At age 18, Moreno joined the business full time.

“We had a lot of dreams and endless projects,” she says. “My mom taught us how to take care of the family business, and how to work as a team.” Success was sweet, but when the swine flu scare dried up business, they were forced to close their doors.

et - Tianguis Cultural al from TY-Bikinis y Más

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

Artisan Bakery

New Beginnings Moreno forged ahead, however, not willing to give up her dreams of continuing on with the family business. Relying on faith and the support of loved ones, she began creating her own line of swimsuits and beachwear.

Her goal? To help customers feel incredible in her beach-ready apparel. Moreno became an OTFM-TC vendor, and her new business took off.

Her family jumped in to help, and together they have been exceeding customers' expectations season

after season.

Today, TY-Bikinis y Más continues to be a family business, making clothing that offers comfort and originality to its worldwide clientele.

Treat yourself to a TY-Bikinis y Más original. To learn more, contact ty-bikinis-y-mas(at)hotmail.com, +52 (322) 225-2340, +52 (322) 137-0477 (mobile) or Facebook.

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colective.

We meet in the kiosk every Saturday

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).

through April 30. Participation is by donation.

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 city.

…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.

ChelowVallarta

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

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

Authentic contemporary jewelry

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 322.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

2 photographers win international contest

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ivers and whales, Colima Volcano win in World Press Photo contest Two Mexican photographers are among the winners of the 2016 World Press Photo competition Anuar Patjane Floriuk and Sergio Tapiro were named second and third-place prizewinners respectively in the nature category, Patjane for his shot of divers swimming with whales and Tapiro for capturing lightning during a Colima Volcano explosion.

Whale Whisperers, in which divers surround a humpback whale and its newborn calf in Mexico’s

Revillagigedo Islands, won first prize last year in National Geographic’s Traveler Photo Contest in a field of nearly 18,000 entries.

Ezoic - MND InText Button - under_second_paragraph Mexico News Daily InCopy LinkText End Ezoic - MND InText Button - under_second_paragraph The photograph was taken in January 2015. More of Patjane’s photos can be found on his website.

Tapiro’s entry, called The Power of Nature, caught a powerful nighttime explosion at the Colima Volcano, also known as the

Volcano of Fire. Lightning, ballistic projectiles and incandescent rockfalls were caught in the shot, taken from within the municipality of Colima last December. More of Tapiro’s Colima Volcano photos can be seen on his website. The photo contest is offered by the World Press Photo Foundation, an organization whose goal is developing and promoting the work of visual journalists.

This year’s contest was its 59th and attracted 82,950 photos by 5,775 photographers from 128 countries. Forty-six winners were selected in eight categories.

Whale Whisperers by Anuar Patjane Floriuk.

Overall winner was Australian photographer Warren Richardson for his shot of a man passing a baby through a fence on the

Hungary-Serbia border last August during the European refugee crisis.

Original: Mexico News Daily

2015 Brought Exceptional Growth to Riviera Nayarit

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he percentage comparison from 2014 to 2015 is as follows: 5.7% increase in revenue, 4% increase in occupation, 9.7% increase in room nights and 12.97% increase in passengers arriving by air.

The results of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau 2015 Barometer have detected a marked growth in the Destination.

The revenue for 2015 was US$1,297,430,572, a 5.7%

increase over 2014, representing US$90 million. Hotel occupancy rose 4%, with the yearly average bumping up from 72% to 76%.

There were 3,005,783 room-nights recorded for 2015, a 9.7% increase over the 2014 total. And tourist satisfaction ended the year on a high note with a 9.5 average grade.

1,796,750 people arrived by air in 2015, a 233,050-person increase over 2014, which represented a jump of 12.97%. This

statistic was obtained with information from the Grupo Aéreo del Pacífico (GAP).

The different departments of the Riviera Nayarit CVB worked very hard to create these results.

The Public Relations department worked with 8 agencies from 9 countries. There were 139 actions set in motion to attend 500 national and international media, which resulted in 1,578,816,498 media impressions.

The Groups and Events depart-

ment collaborated with 83 events in the Destination with a total of 50,550 attendees, which directly generated 37,525 room-nights, a 12% increase over 2014.

The Promotions and Sales department undertook 115 actions that resulted in the training of 10,932 travel agents plus interactions with 19,740 end consumers and agents in fairs and expos.

There were 66 Marketing campaigns in 2015 that racked up 8 million impressions. Of note:

the number of followers on social media continues to increase. The Advertising department launched four partnered campaigns and four image campaigns on a national level, plus another 20 partnered campaigns and seven image campaigns on an international level. These resulted in 305,957,380 impressions.

Several programs were also put into place that benefitted the environment, the culture of tourism, safety and tourism signage.

Bank of México hikes rate to support peso FDI Rises to $28.38 Billion in Mexico

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ederal spending cuts of 132 billion pesos also announced this week A surprise interest rate hike and spending cuts were announced this week to address the decline in value of the peso and reduced petroleum revenues.

Bank of México Governor Agustín Carstens said the bank was raising its central benchmark rate to 50 basis points to 3.75% and would also adopt aggressive new measures to support the peso.

The bank will engage in direct dollar sales by calling banks and asking for prices directly, a source at the bank told Reuters.

Also today, Finance Secretary Luis Videgaray said 2016 spending would be reduced by 132 billion pesos (US $7.26 billion), 100 billion pesos at the state oil company Pemex and the remaining 32.3 billion in government programs.

The cuts at Pemex will be proposed to the company’s board of directors next week, Videgaray said.

F The reduction in program spending will not affect security or social development expenditures, he said, but will focus on administrative costs.

Videgaray described the belt-tightening, whose total represents 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product, as a preventive measure.

“In this way, together with the rest of the measures announced today, the message is reinforced that anchoring the value of the national currency will continue to be carried out by maintaining solid economic fundamentals.”

Carstens said volatility in global markets and oil prices continue to put pressure on the peso and

inflation.

Last year, the peso lost 14% against the dollar, a trend that has worsened since the start of the year, having fallen another 11%.

On today’s news, however, it surged more than 4%.

It was also announced that daily auctions of dollars, a measure adopted last March to protect the national currency, would be suspended.

Direct intervention in the market will be employed instead if needed, said the Finance Secretary, a measure the bank took this morning, selling dollars directly in the forex market.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

oreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico rose to $28.38 billion last year, up 25.8 percent from the preliminary $22.57 billion figure registered in 2014, the Economy Secretariat said.

“The 2015 figure is the net result of $32.81 billion in inflows minus $4.42 billion accounted for as reductions in foreign direct investment,” the secretariat said in a statement.

Two transactions stood out among the inflows, the secretariat said.

The first, amounting to $2.03 billion, was related to AT&T Corp.’s aquisition of shares of wireless carriers Iusacell and Unefon in the first quarter of 2015.

The second transaction was the sale by Mexico’s Vitro of operations to a U.S.-based company for $2.15 billion, a deal that was completed in the third quarter of last year.

FDI climbed to $4.89 billion in the fourth quarter.

“During the current administration, total foreign direct investment is $99.73 billion, up 61.1 percent from the figure originally reported at the end of the first three years of the previous six-year (presidential) term ($61.89 billion),” the secretariat said.

The biggest sources of FDI were the United States, accounting for 53.1 percent; Spain, with 9.6 percent; Japan, with 4.7 percent; Germany, with 4.3 percent; and Canada, with 3.8 percent.

Some 24.5 percent of FDI came from 74 other countries.

Original: laht.com

news

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Private firms can import fuel April 1 President advances date liberalizing rules on fuel imports

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ore gas stations might be coming sooner to Mexico with today’s announcement to accelerate changes in fuel import regulations.

President Enrique Peña Nieto told an energy forum in Houston, Texas, today that restrictions on the import of gasoline and diesel will be lifted in April rather than next January 1 as planned.

Only Petróleos Mexicanos is permitted to import fuel at present, but that was to have changed next year as one of the elements of the energy reforms. “I want to announce that we will bring forward this opening. Effective April 1, 2016, any company will be able to import gasoline and diesel, which should be reflected in better prices.” He made the announcement during his keynote address earlier this afternoon to the annual IHS CERAWeek conference, an international energy forum.

He described the change as “a decisive action that will trigger strong private investment and allow for intense competition in the fuel sector when prices are

Letters to the Editor

T

his good ending story helps dispel the "unfortunate" stories about airport taxi drivers. Using the "TPV" taxis service from the Airport on a dark evening on Feb 12, my amigo arrived with a suitcase, a jacket and a small carry-on. Unfortunately on arrival at our place, he left the carry-on in the back seat of the dark taxi. Minutes later, having discovered the loss, we had to go back to the airport , as there is no phone number for airport taxis to call.

The Supervisor, Noel, took down the information...said he would contact the cab ,( a grey

freed up completely in 2018.”

Firms other than Pemex have been allowed to open gas stations since the beginning of the year, but they can only buy their products from the state oil company.

Peña Nieto also said the call for bids in the auction of crude oil blocks in deep-water fields in the Gulf of Mexico will be held in early December.

Some observers have suggested the auction should be delayed until oil prices are strong

editor@vallartatribune.com

one....unusual!) and call us the next day.

NO call the next day!

My amigo and I return to the airport to follow up. The Supervisor was not scheduled for several hours BUT, as we were standing there, low and behold, the grey taxi pulls up and the driver presents us with the complete carry-on, as he recognized us.

Unfortunately, we did not get the Drivers name...but we know his taxi number is TPV # 88. Thank you, again. Restores our faith in taxi drivers and made a good vacation, a better one in this great city.

Doug Coulter. Canada.

enough to justify the development costs of the fields. The breakeven cost in deep-water fields is about US $65 per barrel, according to Rystad Energy.

But the president said opening Mexico’s energy industry will

continue regardless. “it is not the time to stop. It is the time to move forward,” he said, later adding that energy reforms have represented a paradigm shift, and “the most important economic change in the country in the last 50 years.”

Following his speech, Peña Nieto was recognized for his “profound leadership” in transforming Mexico’s energy industry with the IHS CERAWeek Global Energy Lifetime Achievement Award. It is presented to individuals who “have made a significant and lasting impact on the global energy future.”

“No country has more profoundly modernized every aspect of its energy sector— from oil and gas, to power and renewable energy, to the sale of refined products — in such a short time,” said Daniel Yergin, confe-

rence chair and vice-chairman of IHS Inc., sponsor of the event.

There was a bit of bright news in Houston today when the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) spoke about the prospects for oil prices.

Fatih Birol shared details from a new IEA report that forecasts oil demand will grow by about 7 million barrels a day by 2021, but producers will only be able to deliver 4.1 million barrels.

Earlier today, Peña Nieto met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott but potentially divisive themes such as border walls and border security were left off the agenda.

Instead, they discussed “continued collaboration and progress” on an energy task force that would encourage innovative, crossborder energy solutions.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

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entertainment Luna Lounge Keeps the Momentum Going With More Amazing Shows on the North Shore

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

By Debbie White

T

his past week at Luna Lounge, was another busy one with more FANTASTIC entertainment! People flock to Monday night's 2 X 1 Rib Special with The New Coyote band. Reservations are now required for this event. The Crazy Bitches continue to draw large crowds on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for their updated dinner/show this season. This is a great show to bring your visiting guests to.

On Wednesday of this past week, WellStrung gave their final sold-out Bucerias performance. These sexy, young string players brought their mash-ups of classical and popular tunes to an adoring audience.

Gaining international attention, Well-Strung is on their way to the top of the entertainment circuit!

On Thursday, Rob Knight brought his show, Elvis, The Concert Years, to the Luna Lounge stage. With a flashy, white, red-sequined suit and all the trimmings, Rob looked very much like Elvis Presley and he had the moves and voice of the "King of Rock n' Roll." His songs for this performance were from Elvis' 1972 Madison Square Garden Show.

Rob delivered a great show and vocally he was fantastic with his Elvis-style deep, rich tones. Elvis used to sing the songs of other artists and Rob shared some of these songs, like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "Proud Mary," "It's Only Words," "Sweet Caroline," "I'm A Stream Roller, Baby" and "Johnny B. Good," "Impossible Dream," and "Please Release Me," just to name a few.

Rob also sang many of the songs that we all associate with Elvis, like, "Poke Salad Annie," "Heart Break Hotel," "Hound Dog," "In the Ghetto," "Jail House Rock," "Temperature Rising," and my favorite, "Unchained Melody."

Rob gave the audience a fabulous show and it was so entertaining that we all hardly noticed that almost three hours slid by. He had amazing rapport with the audience and even got some ladies totally rockin' out as his backup dancers on a song. Rob Knight continues to sell-out his shows around the Bay, so look on facebook for his upcoming shows.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Las Vegas tribute artist, Dean Simmons, entertained the Luna Lounge crowd with two sold-out performances of his Garth Brooks tribute show, The Garth Guy. A third generation country music singer and performer, Dean put on an extraordinary show with the exact look, sound and movement of the infamous Garth Brooks.

Dean's beautiful and talented wife joined him for several songs as well. This show gets my "highest rating" for a tribute performance.

Dean was exceptionally personable and at ease with the audience and his vocals were

comparable to the 'real' Garth.

He performed all our favorites like, "Thunder Roll," "Thank God for Unanswered Prayers," "Rodeo," "Bring Me 2 Pina Coladas," "American Hony Tonk Bar Association," "To Make You Feel My Love" (dedicated to his wife), "If Tomorrow Never Comes," "The Dance" and the signature favorite, "Friends in Low Places." He delivered 2 ENCORE songs, "Until the Sun Comes Up" and "Stand Outside the Fire" to the cheering audience.

Many people danced and sang along to this highly entertaining night of even more songs than I can hope to list. Make sure to see this show when it comes back to the Bay again.

Coming up this week is the sold-out Luna Ruma Show on Thursday night and Kim Kuzma in Acustico on Friday night. Kim and the band put on an incredible show New Year's Eve at Luna Lounge that featured many of the songs from their new CD, Acustico II. I highly recommend this show!

Next week, on Thursday, March 3rd is Paul Fracassi in Legends of the 50's and 60's. Paul is an incredible young entertainer, who is a musical athlete on stage with his amazing choreography and vocals. With backup singers this season, his show is even better than last year. You'll want to see this show if you like the music of that era delivered by a pro!

On Friday, March 4th, Bill Cayley makes his Luna Lounge debut in The Legend in Black, bringing us the songs and stories of Johnny Cash. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

And on Saturday, March 5th, Annette Lafond, returns in my "Pick of the Season" show, Shania! This is my favorite tribute performance and if you like the music of Canadian, country/rock star, Shania Twain, DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!

So the fun and entertainment keeps going through March at Luna Lounge. Stay tuned for more articles and information about upcoming events. Go to http://lunaloungebucerias.weebly.com/whats-on.html for tickets and upcoming shows at the North Shore's 'hot spot' for entertainment, LUNA LOUNGE, BUCERIAS!

entertainment

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“SHANIA” Annette Lafond's award winning tribute to Shania Twain

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he's beautiful, she's talented and she's a dead ringer for country music superstar Shania Twain. And since 1999, she's fooled the eyes and ears of audiences across Canada, the US and Mexico with her wonderful interpretation of Shania Twain in concert.

Of course she has the songs down pat and wears Shania's trademark wardrobe, right down to those impossibly high heels, but there's more to her show than that. Thousands of performances have also allowed Annette to master Shania's mannerisms, stage banter and uniquely Canadian sense of humour.

From Legion talent contests to television shows like Dick Clark's “Your Big Break”, there's been no stopping Annette. Audiences loved her stage presence, friendly, outgoing syle and easy way with a song. Concert promoters took notice too. And it wasn't long before her phone was ringing with a steady stream of booking offers. Over the past 16 years things haven't changed much.

Annette's success has been aided in no small part by her husband Richard who leads their excellent 5-piece band and manages their business affairs. Together, they have toured extensively, playing everywhere from casinos, clubs and rodeos, to festivals, fairs and corporate events.

“Shania” is an accurate reflection of

Shania Twain's musical career as it developed, covering the hit songs her fans all know and love. Whether in concert with her band, or solo in a small supper club, Annette performs each song with style, panache and a touch of humour. And it's not unusual for her to occasionally belt one out while sitting on a red-faced audience member's lap.

Attend one of Annette's shows and you will soon agree that “Shania” is the definition of high-energy, on your feet, crowd pleasing fun!

Merv Buchanan Trend Records Entertainment merv@uvs.com

2016 International WesMex Regatta

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here will be a total of 250 sailboats and 250 sailors competing in the Optimist, Laser (Standard and Radial), C420, Techno 293 and RS:X categories.

The eleventh year of the WesMex International Regatta is ready to set sail from February 25-28, 2016, at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit.

WesMex will be the first competition in the Riviera Nayarit for the 2016 FMV Vallarta-Nayarit Cup, a four-month-long sailing competition in Banderas Bay. This competition is doubly important because it has also been chosen as one of the five national regattas within the Mexican Circuit for the Optimist, Laser, Windsurfer and 420 categories, which will be hosted around Mexico.

WesMex will also be a division tournament for the Mexico sailing team to represent the country in several international youth competitions.

The opening ceremony is on Thursday, February 25th at 5 p.m. The competitions

will start around noon and end right before sunset. The award ceremony will be on Sunday, February 28th after the last heat.

There are nine competitions for all the categories, with 250 sailboats and sailors in the Optimist, Laser (Standard and Radial), C420, Techno 293 and RS:X. The races will take place in Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos and Bucerías.

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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entertainment

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Dwight Blake's "Memories of Motown"

By Debbie White

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uerto Vallarta's newest jazz club is The Jazz Foundation located right on Vallarta's malecon. The club's mission is to promote jazz and other genres of music to visitors and locals alike. The Jazz Foundation is a forum, a restaurant, a bar, a classroom and a stage all wrapped up into one amazing new Vallarta venue. With a location right across the street from the ocean, going to listen to fabulous music there couldn't be more attractive.

On Friday, February 26th, The Jazz Foundation is featuring international recording artist and singer, Dwight Blake, who will present his Memories of Motown show at 8 pm. With a smooth, sexy, sultry voice, Dwight masterfully communicates the music of great Motown artists like, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, The Temptations, Barry White and others.

Dwight Blake was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica in a little town called Rose Heights.

He was raised by his mother and started singing in the church with junior and youth choirs and other groups. While attending high school, he realized he had a passion for the piano and at 17 years of age quickly learned to play and has been playing ever since. Dwight is very passionate about music and loves performing. He believes that music touches people’s hearts in so many ways and that there's no boundary or limit to where music can take you. Dwight gained

much of his early performance experience from playing and singing with different bands and genres of music in hotels and resorts in Jamaica, like the Sandals, Ritz Carlton, Ibero Star and Holiday Inn. While working on cruise ships with the Caribbean band, Real Vybes, he ventured into solo performances in lounges, singing with the show bands and doing theater shows with the production cast.

For the past few years, Dwight has performed as Headliner on cruise ships and in entertainment venues around the world.

Dwight's shows are incredibly popular with standing-room-only at many of his shows.

He has a wide range vocally and is known for his versatility. Dwight performs pieces from the deep voiced Barry White to Luther Vandross and even Philip Bailey from Earth Wind and Fire.

Dwight Blake calls Puerto Vallarta home, but continues to tour the world as an extraordinarily accomplished singer and musician.

From cruise ships to large arenas, Dwight is in high demand as an artist and his Memories of Motown is an exceptionally entertaining show.

To find out more about Dwight Blake and his music, go to the 'Dwight Blake fanpage' on facebook where you'll also find videos of Dwight performing.

Come out on Friday, February 26th at 8 pm to The Jazz Foundation, located on Calle Allende, Puerto Vallarta Centro, and hear the fabulous sounds of Dwight Blake in Motown Memories.

Letters to the Editor editor@vallartatribune.com

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e know there are some killer deals to be had in Mexico.... leather belts and fantastic cowboy boots come to mind.... as do tequila and mescal. An even better deal is veterinarian fees, especially for Canadians. There is a plethora of Vets in the Colonial Zone of Puerto Vallarta but my favorito is Good Care, a shop that opened recently on Calle Madero just east of Insurgents. It is owned by a young woman named Claudia who was trained in Nayarit. Vets in Canada won't even look at your dog or talk to you until you drop down your credit card. I was quoted 450 bucks to have my Chihuahua's teeth cleaned, my wife paid 493 bucks for the same with a couple of teeth pulled.... 5 years ago ! Here in Vallarta it cost me 28 bucks! That was an ultrasonic cleaning. Trimming of nails, including the dew claws was a couple of bucks.

The cost differential really hit home when Snooker Doodle got pregnant. We paid 284 dollars for an exam and X-ray on our Applehead Chihuahua. Here it cost me $28 can (18U$) and an Ultrasound is the same. Big difference in vaccines too; Rabies here is $10

as opposed to $70 and a multiple like parvo/ distemper was $14. Even our American friends can't believe the outrageous fees we pay north of the border.

Should you fall in love with one of the local mutts, it is reasonably easy to get them home.

The only real prerequisite is proof of rabies vaccination and a Certificate of Health with you as well. They are less than $20 dollars (as opposed to $80+ up north). Incidentally the local SPCA-PV is always looking for people to simply accompany rescue dogs to Canada and the US. Everything is taken care of, you need only take the dog onboard and drop it off at the other end. They have a booth every Saturday at the Farmer's Market in the Lazaro Cardenas plaza abutting the malecon in Vallarta Viejo, and can be contacted with the same name on Facebook. Anyway, Snook and I have to head back to BC soon, don't want her whelping here as WestJet only allows one dog per person per flight. Air Canada and Alaskan Air also allow pets in the cabin, under the seat if they are under 10lbs.

- Thomas Lockhart

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

New Shows Premiere at The Palm Cabaret!

Paco ojeda plans a star-studded tribute to ‘Grease’ and Kim Kuzma celebrates annie lennox in ‘diva’

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ith special guest performers in the latest installment of his very popular Musical Tribute Series on February 27 at 4:00 p.m. And Kim Kuzma celebrates the music of Annie Lennox in her all new show ‘Diva’ for a limited run of five shows only beginning February 27 at 9:30 p.m.

Paco Ojeda Presents: ‘The Palm Does Grease’ According to producer and Vallarta Lifestyles Editor Paco Ojeda, ‘The Palm Does Grease’, has been brewing for a long time.

Released in 1978, the film version starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John took the world by surprise, shattering box office records and annoying the entire Hollywood machine, particularly those who had little hope for the film during production. Both the film and the original stage version of Grease, specifically the Chicago stage production, are rich in historical detail and context, making them ideal for storytelling at The Palm. The stars aligned, literally, during the month of February, with great visiting talent in Puerto Vallarta, including Amy Armstrong, Coco Peru and Kevin Levesque—a.k.a. Miss Conception, who will collaborate with local talent Kim Kuzma, Bohemia Viva and Piel Canela, among others, to celebrate many of the songs from the film and stage versions of Grease. Paco and his special guests will recreate some of the most iconic songs from the popular musical, and share interesting stories surrounding the original productions. Coupled with video snippets from the 1978 film and a recent live TV broadcast, this will hopefully encourage the audience to reconnect with the musical in one way or another. ‘The Palm Does Grease’ will have only one performance on Saturday, February 27 at 4:00 p.m. A full house is expected, so please reserve early.

Kim Kuzma ‘Diva’ Celebrating The Music of Annie Lennox For a young lady graduating high school in 1982, when the Eurythmics first emerged from the UK as a popular new music group, Annie Lennox became a

big influence on Kim Kuzma and who she wanted to be when she grew up. Now, Kim is very excited to do a new show based on the hits, and lesser known songs of Annie Lennox’s career.

“It’s the lesser known songs that really interest me, for their melodies are haunting and very moving” - Kim Kuzma Beginning Saturday, February 27th at 9:30 p.m., Kim will be joined by Jean-Guy Comeau accompanying her on piano.

Jean-Guy’s immense talent and willingness to rearrange some of the songs melodically is a refreshing change from the norm. Kim will highlight some of the vocal dynamics demonstrated by Annie Lennox with her soaring vocals, whimsical lyrics and unique arrangements.

This show will be very different from Kim’s popular and ongoing Acústico show, and she’s excited to allow the true essence of her voice to be heard in a more intimate format and setting. Kim will cover some of the classics such as ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’ and ‘No More I Love You’s’, and, as people have come to expect from Kim’s Acústico performances, she will again ‘mashup’ some of her Annie Lennox favorites to create some fun musical surprises! This

show is limited to 5 performances only Feb 27, Mar 11, Mar 18 @ 9:30, Mar 1 - @ 7:00, Mar 22 @ 4:00 Matinee.

-- Now Playing at The Palm

‘A Tuna Christmas’, starring Tracy Parks and Terry Dale Parks, resumes performances by popular demand on Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m. and continues through Mar. 29 at 7:00 p.m. Argentine duo, Bohemia Viva, continues to soar in popularity with their own show featuring sizzling Latin rhythms and beautiful harmonies. Next show Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m. Kim Kuzma and her ‘Acústico’ live band, with their original Latin and pop “mashups”, plays every Sun. & Wed. at 7:00 p.m. all season. Amy Armstrong stars with Bohemia Viva in ‘Spanglish II’ and in her all new show ‘Mama’s Big Ones’ The Life and Music of Cass Elliot (see calendar). And Miss Conception’s all-new extravaganza ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’ plays Mon. and Thurs. at 9:30 p.m. all season. Due to the popularity of all of these shows, reservations are highly recommended.

Coming Soon

Returning Feb. 29 is actor/ producer Alain Perreault in his new show, ‘My Broadway, Anyway’,

a cabaret performance with a personal glimpse into the musical theatre world. Alain will once again welcome some special guests and will be accompanied by Jean-Guy Comeau at the piano. And Zoë Lewis is a band in a body! She makes her Vallarta debut at The Palm in ‘Vaudeville to Vallarta’ and plays gypsy jazz, jump jive, Latin grooves, swing, international folk, funk originals, and more on anything from the piano to the spoons, beginning March 2 - 22.

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 a.m. daily (322-2220200). A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.

ThePalmPV.com.

You can also find the Palm on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ThePalmPV/

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Bill Cayley is

“THE LEGEND IN BLACK”

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arrah’s Casino, the famous entertainment venue in Las Vegas, was searching for an outstanding tribute artist to compete head-to-head with the best performers on the strip.

They found exactly what they were looking for... in Canada. And it wasn’t long before their prize find, Bill Cayley, from Port Dover, Ontario, saw his name in lights, alongside the most famous entertainers on the planet.

Bill Cayley’s “Legend In Black” Johnny Cash tribute was already an established attraction on the North American concert circuit, when the people from Harrah’s came calling. He had the chiseled features, the gravelly voice and the powerful stage presence of a no-nonsense performer used to playing everything from casinos to cattle auctions.

They were impressed and knew they had found what they were looking for. The Legend In Black turned out to be an excellent investment for Harrah’s show room.

Bill Cayley masterfully re-creates the signature sound of the “Tennesse Three”, taking audiences back to the birth of

rockabilly music, where a young Johnny Cash got his start. Featuring over 30 songs, the show covers the most popular entries in the legendary Johnny Cash song book, including popular favourites like “I Walk The Line”, his first #1 hit, the hilarious “Boy Named Sue” and of course “Folsom Prison Blues”. In the words of one journalist, “I would

almost go to prison myself, just to see this show”. Popular throughout Canada and the US, the Legend In Black will appear for the first time in Mexico at the Luna Lounge in Bucerias and at El Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho. Details are available on each venue's web site.

Merv Buchanan merv@trendrecords.ca

14th National Charro Championships Puerto Vallarta

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he biggest and best Charro event in Banderas Bay is from March 3rd through 6th, with 21 of the best charro teams in Mexico who will gather at the Miguel "Prieto" Ibarría Rodeo Grounds in Puerto Vallarta to compete in the 14 Campeonato Nacional de Charro (14th National

Charro Championships.)

In addition to the rodeo, festivities include the traditional "Maleconeada," a parade that starts off at Parque Hidalgo, (at the beginning of the Malecón) and ends at Los Arcos del Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. You’ll also enjoy free live music and dance perfor-

mances, plus roping demonstrations and other activities.

The Lienzo Charro Rodeo Grounds are located on Mexico Avenue, directly behind the Central Camionera (Bus station) and in front of UNIVA (University of Atemajac) near the Convention Center.

Pro Sayulita’s 11th Annual Fiesta Set for March 16th

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ro Sayulita's 11th annual Fiesta is just around the corner! Pro Sayulita's work includes initiated and support police, ambulance and fire protection, lifeguards, refuse collection, recycling, improving traffic flow, Sayulitanimals, Campamento Tortuguero

Sayulita, and many beautification projects. And, because Pro Sayulita is an all-volunteer group every peso raised goes directly to Pro Sayulita's programs. Fiesta ticket includes cocktails, a tasty Don Pedro's dinner, dancing, a live auction (best shopping of the season) and more.

And it all takes place at the beautiful and romantic setting of Don Pedro’s Brisa Mar Palapa with its incredible view of our town. Save the date and purchase your tickets now at the Friday Mercado del Pueblo, La Hamaca, and Don Pedro's for only 900 pesos.

Reggae Festival Features Marley’s Son Ky-Mani

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riday, March 25, Puerto Vallarta will host a huge Reggae Festival on featuring Ky Mani Marley, the son of legendary musician Bob Marley.

The music festival will be held at the Flamingos esplanade (behind

Mega Comercial Mexicana), and will feature several renowned international artists, including Kassiano, Konfrontation Band, La Yaga, and the Englishman Maurice Profeile Band, among others. The event will begin at 4 pm with a DJ

that will set the mood with Reggae classics, and the bands will start playing at 6:00 pm.

Pre-sale tickets start at $280 pesos and are now available at Farmacias Medisim or online at VallartaTickets.com.

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From Here

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

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hat gorgeous coffee table book Arte Vallarta is available at Javier Niño’s Gallery on Lazaro Cardenas between Constitucion and Insurgentes. It is beautifully done – go and look at it! And buy a couple.

The CD Release party for Moruno was such a success all I can say is, catch Moruno at El Patio de Mi Casa on Guerrero every Saturday night. This brilliant Gypsy Jazz Trio will be hitting the Big Time soon so see them while you still can!

My dear friend, Alain Perreault, appears at The Palm February 29th at 4 pm. His show is all about Broadway his way however, by show time, he will just have returned from London, England, after seeing probably every single show that took place on a stage in that city. His enthusiasm is contagious and I can’t wait for this matinee - his third installment. He is such a star.

Thursday, March 3rd is the next tribute blow-out at El Rio BBQ-Bar. The Legend in Black, Johnny Cash starring Bill Cayley. See everybody there – get your tickets fast!

A few weeks back, I commented on milestones – Sean Moore’s 55th birthday party, in that case and the importance of observing/ celebrating them.

Okay, here is my milestone: In the morning of February 26, 1991, I boarded a plane in Vancouver, B.C. Five hours or so later, I stepped onto the hot tarmac in Puerto Vallarta, my new home.

It took five years from my first visit in 1986 to extricate myself from friends, family, jobs, cats (a hard decision), a husband (not so hard), my home. (Actually, it had not been ‘home’ for a long time, rather the place that kept me out of the snow.)

Five years to be reunited finally and absolutely to my soul that had stayed behind in ‘86 and waited for the rest of me to catch up.

And now two and a half decades have passed! Days here and there falling together into months and then nearly a third of my life has been spent living in Vallarta. It still

amazes me, my blessed fortune.

People often ask if I have had any regrets. No, none.

And then there are the changes that Vallarta has gone through. I could bore all of you to tears with the comparisons of this and that and what used to be where and who used to do what and on and on ad-freaking-nauseum. I made a promise to myself in 1986 on the flight back to Canada after my first visit to Vallarta that if I EVER managed to get back here and never had to leave, if I could really LIVE here, I would make changes in my life. I have honoured that promise every single day for 25 years: I will not walk by a setting sun if I can stop and watch and bid the sun farewell with thanks, to take gentle care of Vallarta’s land, her river’s and the sea.

And her streets no matter how loud or cacophonous they can become. To wake each morning with thanks and before sleep, the same. To care for the Vallartenses, the Patas Saladas that have taken such good care of me.

To never, ever, take for granted my life in this remarkable city.

With every insane new building project, we gain an extra monarch butterfly or humpback whale or Olive Ridley turtle. When Febrero Loco is so bloody hot remember Hurricane Patricia was headed straight to destroy us then turned away at the last minute. It is living yin-yang, balancing, balancing.

Puerto Vallarta is a mystical, magical place. No amount of cement can cover or mask or destroy that magic. Many people can’t/don’t care to see it and that’s okay. Vallarta has always had her lovers held close by. New ones are added almost every day, the blessed ones…you know who you are!

So, there will be a celebration on the sand at Langostino’s, February 26, 2016, from 6 to 9 pm. Colette is making a special drinks/appetizer menu for my guests so, to old friends and new ones, stop by if you can, give me a hug and tell me how smart I was 25 years ago and we’ll watch the sun go down together.

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Spanish Bloopers

by Sandra Cesca

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

Today’s story: CASCADA (WATERFALL) CASADA (MARRIED)

CASCADA (WATERFALL)

A reader writes in: These two words are pretty easy. A waterfall is a cascade. But somehow I still say “Ellos son cascada!” when I really mean “casada!”

Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra.learn. vallarta@gmail.com CASADA (MARRIED)

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Wellness

Paradise

Latina

and Parenting

Marcella Castellanos

Leza Warkentin

info@wellnesslatina.com

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

The Gift of Music

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grew up in a household where music education was highly valued. I took piano lessons from an early age and added singing later on. I majored in music in college, with my emphasis on voice. Because of my own musical past, and because my husband is a professional musician, we always expected our own children to take up music in some form.

When I was about thirteen, I witnessed a little boy in a mini tuxedo go up to the front at our church, take out a violin, and play in a way that cannot necessarily be called music. But it was so adorable that I vowed that someday my own little boy would do the same (except he would obviously be brilliant).

Once I had children of my own I realized that it is likely bad parenting to force your child to play an instrument just because you saw a cute thing once.

However, one day while we were building with blocks, Mozart playing in the background, my four-year-old son asked me what that instrument was called. I told him it was a violin, and he said that he was going to play the violin. I immediately began hunting down both a teacher and a store that sells mini tuxedos.

The one thing that I didn’t really think about is that the violin is considered to be one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

From what I can tell, it’s kind of like learning to pat your stomach and rub your head at the same time but with a very particular and unnatural way of holding your fingers and while desperately trying not to sound like you are murdering a domestic animal. My son actually picked up this skill before he was expected to write his name legibly.

He’s continued to learn the instrument, thanks to a brilliantly gifted teacher, Mary MacLachlan.

And the rewards are plenty: - The music he makes now very often sounds quite beautiful.

- He’s inspired his talented dad to take up the instrument, and watching them play together is better than seeing him play in a little bow tie and smoking jacket.

- Learning the violin has actually made this kid even smarter than he is already (you can find well-documented research all over the place on the cognitive benefits of learning to play musical instruments).

Still, it certainly has not been without its trials and tribulations.

It’s never stopped being difficult to learn, and there are times when we’ve all wanted to throw the violin under a large, fast Vallarta bus with a very aggressive driver.

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration in order to keep the violin-love alive.

A friend of mine, whose son is also taking violin lessons (from my husband, actually), picked up some tickets to see the violin and cello quartet, Well Strung.

She asked my son and I to go with them to their last Vallarta show of the season at The Palm Cabaret last Saturday.

We went, even though it didn’t start until 9:30pm and my son was concerned about a late bedtime (I’m not going to lie,

he’s not always your ordinary eleven-year-old).

What we found there was the breathtaking end game we were looking for; four grown men having more fun with music than kids with a giant refrigerator box.

There was a silly, irreverent rendition of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman”, there was a saucy instrumental to Brittany Spear’s “Toxic”, there was Radiohead’s rebellious “Creep”; there was Leonard Cohen’s haunting “Hallelujah”. There was even Bach mashed up in a surprisingly effective way with Taylor Swift.

My son forgot to check the time because he couldn’t take his eyes from the stage. Both he and his friend not only left with fresh ideas for their Gavottes and Etudes, but with new reasons to keep practicing their scales: because it looked really fun and really cool to be that good. I have never set out to create professional musicians out of my children. I believe deeply in the benefits of learning a musical language, even if they don’t play for the rest of their lives.

And I believe deeply that, when children realize what rewards and joys can result from a lot of hard work, they will apply it to their lives in the most marvelous of ways.

Self-care in Sayulita

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id you remember to take care of yourself?

It's sometimes easy to forget as we're looking after loved ones or we're working too hard towards our goals. But it's important. Taking care of our mind, body, spirit is not only good for prevention of illness, it also keeps us connected to ourselves and the world around us so that we can continue to do what we love and reach for our goals.

I encourage you to take a few moments to think about what taking care of you today would look like. Would it be getting in touch with a friend you haven't spoken to in a while? Would it be going to a new place you haven't been to even if it's just across town? How about focusing on some writing in your journal or adding some nourishing foods into your diet this week? Perhaps spending time with your pet or visiting a museum might do the trick. Or strike up a conversation with a stranger. Many times these spontaneous conversations produce a smile or two and maybe even an opportunity to help, listen or simply connect with someone else.

This weekend I needed to break my routine a bit to do something a bit different. I didn't go too far, nor did I do anything too dramatic or extreme, just a short trip to Sayulita about an hour and a half by bus from where I live in Vallarta is all it took. And that was exactly what I needed : A healthy dose of sun, color, art, strolling around the shops, flea markets - a few little splurges, cafes and good conversation with a friend is what filled my gas tank up. When I returned home, I felt more nourished from the inside out and had more vigor to start my Monday.

So ask yourself, what do I need to do today to take care of me? You may just know the answers inside to keep yourself well, happy and

harmonized if you just stop to listen to the answer.

If you would like to take a journey with me into a holistic transformation of wellness, I'm excited to be offering Transform to Wholeness in 28 days, a program that you can do from the comfort or your home. Visit www.wellnesslatina.com or Click here for details.

I'm a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach. My mission is to empower you to become the best version of yourself so that you are unstoppably fulfilling your dreams!

I help you incorporate, mind-body work, plant-strong nutrition, fun Latin movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to feel like the amazing, vibrant, WHOLE person you know you are this year download my FREE Smoothie Slimdown or visit www.wellnesslatina.com.

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Truckloads of Food and Fun

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new fun food adventure just landed in PV, FOOD PARK PV. A central open air seating area is surrounded by shipping containers ingeniously turned into food vending venues.

A wide range of menus are available and one container was even turned into a full service bar.

FRIENDS OF PUERTO VALLARTA ANIMALS will be hosting the 3rd annual PAWS FOR THE CAUSE benefit on Wednesday evening, March 2 from 6 to 10 p.m.at the Food Park.

An evening of food, fun, music and prizes all for the benefit of local shelter animals. FRIENDS OF PUERTO VALLARTA ANIMALS is a support group for Centro de Acopio Animal, otherwise known as the City Pound.

The volunteers of this group contribute in various ways... walking, feeding, and bathing the dogs. And some work in the cattery and clean litter boxes. We also help out with grounds upkeep at times. The most important element of our work is socializa-

tion of the animals with an aim to make them adoptable.

Centro de Acopio Animal is a government run animal shelter, the first NO KILL shelter in Mexico.

The city provides the facility and staff, but has little or no funds for food and medicines. That is where FRIENDS OF PUERTO VALLARTA ANIMALS steps in taking care of the medical bills that accrue due to veterinarian care for critical cases. There are also programs for sending animals to Canada and the U.S. Join the fun and support a great cause with an entertaining evening of food and fun. FOOD PARK PV is located at Francisco Medina 2450 (between Puerto de Luna and the carnival). Tickets are 350 pesos and are available at Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, Marsol Hotel Friday Market (9:30 a.m. To 1 p.m.

Fridays), Adriana Riestra Design Interiors (322)209-2159 or online at www.friendsofpvanimals.com. Also available at the entrance to our event.

Annual Becas Ball Celebrates Oaxaca

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uelaguetza, the theme of this year´s Ball, “is the most representative festival of the State of Oaxaca. Guelaguetza in the Zapotec language means to cooperate. It is attitude, an inborn quality, a feeling the Zapoteca people have in loving their neighbor, a feeling of fraternity, of sharing nature and life.”

The evening will be held at the Westin Regina and will begin at six p.m. with cocktails provided by the Four Seasons Hotel, Punta Mita.

The dinner, under the direction of award-winning guest chef, Gerardo Sandoval, will be Oaxacan-themed.

The evening´s entertainment will feature Oaxaca-style folkloric dances by Xiutla ballet and live music for dancing by Odisea.

Many of this year´s Becados will be attending and will be introduced.

Also attending will be some of the former Becados.

In addition to the exciting entertainment, there will be a silent auction featuring art work, jewelry, a cooking class by local gourmet chef, Mavi Graf, hotel stays, green fees at Vista Vallarta and Libitu golf courses, and dinners at these and other fine local restaurants: Café des Artistes, Kaiser Maximilian, Trio, Vitea, Sonora Grill, River Café and Benitos.

Tickets are 1,700 pesos per person. For further information and to purchase tickets, please contact: Suzanne Erikson at 221 5599, Terry Prill at 221 5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregoso at 221 0789.

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Natural Gourmet Vanilla

Discover

We invite you to experience the real flavor of the world's original vanilla, Reyna Vanilla.

Available at the following locations: Tlaquepaque Handcrafts Avenida México #1100

Farmacia Olas Altas Olas Altas #465

VSN Health Food Store Constitución #204

Farmacia Central Mercado Juárez #226 Centro

Butterfly of the Week

Texan Crescent (Anthanas

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exan Crescents are small (approx. 1.5 in or 4 cm) butterflies found throughout Mexico, in many different types of ecosystems.

They lay their eggs on low lying members of the Acanthus family which generally have colourful, tubular flowers such a wild petunias, flamingo plants, black-eyed Susan vine, shrimp plants and others. These delightful small butterflies are quite common, but information on them is not. A paucity of information on most butterflies found in Mexico is more the rule than the exception. Still, I am grateful to find out any facts, particularly their identification and their larval food plants

k

ssa texana)

The Real BBQ

Find us. You’ll be happy you did.

Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach www.elriobbqbar.com elriobbqbar RED = Pantone PMS 485 C BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C YELLOW = Pantone Yellow C

The Real BBQ

Find us. You’ll be happy you did.

Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach Felipe Angeles #245, Col. Paso Ancho • Ruta 04

elriobbqbar • www.elriobbqbar.com • 322.222.2510 RED = Pantone PMS 485 C

BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C YELLOW = Pantone Yellow C

by Moralea Milne

riviera nayarit

18

every 4 years (Feb. 29th) we would lose almost six hours every year.

That means that after 100 years our calendar would be off by about 24 days. …in a nutshell!

Saturday the 27th is a fundraiser for Wayland, co-owner of the Octopus Garden in La Cruz.

Wayland had a terrible accident falling off a roof and sustaining a neck injury a few years ago this spring. His healing is coming along as he continues therapy. Wayland

San Pancho Music Fest Reminder… is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26, 27 28.

Amazing music, vendors, food = Good Times! https://sanpanchomusicfest.wordpress.com/ John Ozzello Memorial Food Band and Humanitarian Aid / Luna Lounge Coming up on March 5th there will be a Talent Show Fundraiser “Bucerias’ Got Talent” that is benefiting the families from Tecuani who suffered greatly from the hurricane. It takes more than a just a few months to recover from a disaster like this and we need to continue to give aid. Celeb Brittany Kingery will be one of the judges, and I hear she will also be singing during the break. The top prize is valued at 3000 pesos. There will also be a 50-50 drawing. If you would like to enter call Maureen at 322-174-2359. There will only be 100 tickets sold. Get yours at Luna Lounge, Ixta restaurant or La Postal. ALL proceeds will go to the

has helped so many throughout the years. Let us return that favor.

Tickets are 300 pesos per person for a wonderful Mexican Buffet hosted by Alfredo and Marychuy, with live music performance by special guests Latcho and Andrea (The Blond Gypsies), and other musicians that will jam into the late evening. There will also be Hawaiian dancers to entertain us.

I heard that the last Mexican Buffet was amazing!

J.O.M.F.B.H.A. !! See ya there!

That’s all the room for now folks!

Please check the allBucerias.com and allLaCruz.com calendars, and for the new and ever changing status of plans every day here in Mexico, check our Fbook page for all the latest at https:// www.facebook.com/allrivieranayaritfun/ ….why not give us a LIKE? Have a FUN week! For questions or comments please write me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

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

H

ey everybody! What a fun week! Organized by Katrina Liana, the Sunset Market in La Cruz was a huge success last Saturday. What a fun afternoon it was walking around seeing lots of friends, tasting free samples from local restaurants and finding out about more of the local businesses in La Cruz. Andy Barrow from the Vallarta Yacht Club was serving up delicious shrimp and fish ceviche and fabulous margaritas! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to some very talented folks on stage, with a play at the end which was also fun.

Kudos out to all! Love those views at the La Cruz Marina!

Then I was off to the Rhythm and Ribs annual fundraiser in Bucerias for the Manos de Amor (Bucerias Children’s Orphanage) event. It was packed! John Forget MC’d the event for the evening.

They had plenty of ribs and drinks with great success of selling raffle tickets for all sorts of goodies, and the 50/50 draw, where local Bucerias friend Gary won over 12,000 pesos and the other half of course going towards the needs of the children. Thanks to all of the volunteers who made it all happen!

I was a lucky girl on Sunday… nothing better than being out on the bay… with an invitation to go sailing on the bay on a beauty of a boat called Ocean Light with Captain Justin and friends. Ocean Light is a 70 foot wooden boat that is a replica from the 1800’s. Justin has been busy restoring Ocean Light and when it’s ready for ocean tours I will let you know! Thanks for the perfect Sunday, Justin. I feel so grateful!

LOT’S MORE FUN coming our way for the last week of February, which by the way is a leap year this year. Why an extra day? Leap year days are necessary to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth’s revolutions around the sun.

It takes the earth about 365.242189 days, or 365 days, 48 minutes and 45 seconds to circle once around the sun, which is called a tropical year. Without an extra day about

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

riviera nayarit

19

Bucerias Art

Life

In La Cruz

District Beat

By Cindy Bouchard

By Gordon Mayer

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

Introductions

W

hen someone truly loves their job it shows. When their passion becomes their business, the joy they share with others is profound. My character story today is about two people who I feel truly honored to call friends.

They resonate their love of life, their joy of living in paradise and especially their love of being on the water, with all they come in contact with.

Jamie Jones and Dave Pletz are so darn nice! They go above and beyond the call, in so many ways.

I love the name of their yacht; Sea Renity, which speaks about where they feel most serene… the sea.

They moved mountains so they could charter it here in Mexico and the process was worth it as they adore sharing their watery world with others. Being on the ocean and experiencing the whales, dolphins, turtles and more is the best of Banderas Bay. When I say experience… Dave and Jamie not only do their darndest to find whales for their clients to watch they also have a sounder where you can hear the whales communicating with each other. Having had that experience ‘up close and personal,’ it gave me chills. I’ve had many guests who requested charters on Sea Renity and got exactly what they wanted.

Sometimes timing or budget doesn’t allow what a guest might be looking for. I’ve been very impressed when Jamie and Dave created a custom tour so my guests received the trip they desired. Every time they come back beaming; “We loved Dave and Jamie!”

I first met them at Britannia Pub where we were celebrating my hubbie’s birthday. I had gotten a huge cake and the majority of it was leftover; Jamie offered to take it to the kids at the Manos de Amor orphanage where she and Dave donate much of their time. They also help the kids at the Loving Arms Orphanage and they in the cold weather months they drive into the mountains giving folks in need clothes and

blankets. Their love overfloweth!

Both Canadian and originally from Alberta; Dave is a veteran boater with over 30 years of experience.

He knows his boat inside and out and holds no compromises on the safety of Sea Renity and its passengers. Their captain is a fully licensed, bilingual, local resident with years of experience on the water who has spent his life on the bay and knows it and its rich history. He will keep you safe and comfortable for your entire experience aboard SeaRenity.

Sea Renity is a 31ft twin engine cruiser with seating for eight passengers and two crew. She is well equipped with a bathroom; private area for resting or changing; cabin dining area; fresh water rinse down shower; multi media music system that accommodates iphone or usb flash drives; on board hydrophone for listening to sea life down below; snorkel equipment; deep sea fishing gear; floatation jackets; sun shade for upper seating area and a padded sun deck out front. She cruises along at 23 knots to get you anywhere on the bay. Call Jamie or Dave to create your private tour leaving from the Marina Riviera in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: 322 116 2526. To learn more about their life in Mexico; http://www. villaamordelmar.com/blog/

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

L

ife has a rhythm, measured in time and tempo in the instant and the constant. At times it is steady and slow, pacing us through the days, other times racing, whisking us away from danger or , if we are fortunate, driving us to new heights, new experiences, fantastic sights and sounds. Life can set the cadence, or we can choose to bring things that will bring interest and complexity that sets our lives dancing. Art is one of those things, bringing to us the gamut of rhythm, a wealth of experience to move us and sway us. Some have said art is life and life itself is art. I agree and so, having found a vestige of art in a town called Bucerias, I want to share the rhythm and bring those moments that move us to any and

all. Welcome then, to the Bucerias Art District Beat.

Take a walk with me from your comfortable accommodations into the artistic heart of Bucerias, the Bucerias Art District. Here you will find a warm welcome as tourist, nationals and artists interact along **Lazaro Cardenas** the backbone of the BAD. Choose your tempo as you pick up on the excitement of the artists eager to share their works or find a relaxing patio in one of the many restaurants dotting the BAD landscape. Sip something hot or gulp at a refreshing cool drink as you sample some of the best cuisine in Riviera Nayarit and enjoy the feeling of belonging, of community.

Community, the dance of people nodding and greeting, introducing

and talking makes the BAD a place of peace. Rhythms abound for you to taste and test as you wander at your tempo through the BAD. Press on down the **L.C.** towards Centro and find colours leaping out and vendors stepping into your rhythm hoping to catch your eye with a souvenir or memento. Cross the “Kissing Bridge” and pause for a romantic ‘dip’ with your partner or take a moment and let the romance gently swing you. Across the bridge you’ll find the market with its pulse and push and the Centro beat.

Returning as you linger into the evening, the soft light of the galleries and restaurants will draw you to their warmth as the tempo slows and the community seems to join hands around the stimulating art and effervescing conversation.

Let the illumination of the colours and shapes the artists and artisans have created fill your eyes.

Speak to the creators and feel the inspiration flow between you. You are dancing now to unique and fascinating rhythms as individual as you are and as universal as the heartbeat we all share.

Come along and feel the rhythms as we explore and dance in the BAD.

About Gordon: Always happy to support anything to do with creativity and community, Gordon has enjoyed many tempos and rhythms as a classically trained percussionist, writer and successful businessman. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario Canada and being fortunate enough to have travelled extensively, he has seen many cultures and communities.

But none has gripped his heart as much as the Riviera Nayarit and Bucerias.

Now dancing to the beat of love and laughter with his partner Teri, Gordon loves to share how remarkable and beautiful life can be by any means available to whomever will listen.

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art & culture

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Hugo Barajas Continues at Galeria Pacífico

G

aleria Pacifico will hold its second cocktail reception to feature the new work of Hugo Barajas on March 2 during the Wednesday Art Walk in the Historic Zone downtown. The artist will be present during this 6:00 to 10:00 PM event that always draws a crowd of enthusiasts who have been collecting Barajas during the ten years his work has been represented by Galeria Pacifico.

One of the most notable aspects of this artist is his interest and ability in so many techniques and materials with which to create his vision. This exhibit includes both cast bronze and clay sculptures; monotypes mounted on board and sealed with an acrylic medium; oils on linen, some of which are mounted traditionally on stretcher bars while others are attached directly onto tropical wooden planks; images made by attaching steel or bronze filings to linen with resins; and fused glass, some of these being large disks of color supported by steel bases while others hang from above on wires. Hugo also works in a variety of sizes, with the smallest monotype being only 8 by 10 inches and the largest painting measuring over 4 by 11 feet.

This largest piece portrays the heads of three giant bulls peering over the tops of office buildings in an urban center. This cityscape could relate to his period of painting in Montreal, Canada, while the bulls might be said to bring the focus to his home town of Guadalajara, Mexico, where he first started as an artist. Hugo´s training began at sixteen when he apprenticed at a stained glass workshop and later worked at an etching and engraving studio as well. Although took art classes at a university, he also studied graphic design and worked for several years as a designer for magazines and newspapers in Guadalajara. Before and during his first years as a full time artist, Barajas also worked part time as a model for ten years through an agency that now represents his fifteen year old daughter.

Hugo splits his time between residences in Bucerias and Guadalajara. He is currently preparing entries for an invitational exhibition at the prestigious Rufino Tamayo Museum in Mexico City and organizing for gallery projects in San Francisco, California. Barajas´exhibit at Galeria Pacifico will be mounted through March 29, but the gallery always features a significant display of Hugo´s work in their spacious second floor location at 174 Aldama, just 100 feet up from the Malecon ocean promenade and the Cervecería Union.

Hugo Barajas Wednesday

March

02

nd

Art Walk / Camino al Arte COCTAILS 6-10 PM

Exhibition through March 29th

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artwalk

Centro Historico: Home of the ArtWalk

P

uerto Vallarta has long been recognized as one of the most important art markets in Mexico and each week you can enjoy a personal glimpse into the galleries and artists during the Puerto Vallarta ArtWalk. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate, in a single night, the great variety and quality of artistic works available to the public.

Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, Mexican traditional forms of art produced by emerging artists as well as many of the great masters of the Mexican and International art circuit prove that there really is something for everyone. Whether you are a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, you are bound to experience something wonderful and unique as you explore the ArtWalk galleries.

Every Wednesday, from 6pm until 10pm through to the end of May the participating galleries in the ArtWalk offer exhibitions and cocktails to the public. With all of the galleries associated with ArtWalk located in Centro Historico, walking from one gallery to another is an easy, enjoyable experience and a great way to truly experience the vibrancy of Puerto Vallarta.

You choose which gallery to start in and how long you stay at each. As a special treat, many of the exhibiting artists attend the ArtWalk to greet the public and explain more about their body of work.

PARTICIPATING GALLERIES: COLECTIKA GALERIA WHITLOW CORSICA I CORSICA II LA PULGA ART GALLERY SHEOL ART GALLERY GALERIA PACIFICO CABALLITO DE MAR THE LOFT GALERIA GALERIA DE OLLAS

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

expat

22

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Does your Executor like Carnitas?

Register To Vote In The Us Primaries And General Election From Mexico

I

t is not too soon to think about registering to vote in the 2016 US primaries and the November 8, 2016 general election from here in Mexico. Some states require you to re-register every year if you live abroad or will be abroad during election periods.

On March 1st and on March 3rd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Democrats Abroad Mexico – Costa Banderas Chapter members will be available to help you register to vote in your state’s primary and general elections. We will be set up at The International Friendship Club located at Libertad 105, Puerto Vallarta. We can assist people in signing up to become a member of Democrats Abroad, assist them in voting in Democrats Abroad’s Global Presidential Primary, or help them register to vote in the last state in which they voted.

If you are NOT already a member of Democrats Abroad via registering on the website, you MUST bring proof of residency (i.e. Perm or Temp card, CFE bill, copy of lease, etc.).

If you would like to vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary online you must first be a member of Democrats Abroad which can be done by going to: http://www. democratsabroad.org/join. Then once you are a member, you can request your ballot by going to: http://www.democratsabroad.org/global_presidential_primary. If you would prefer to register to vote in your state’s primary and the general election and receive your ballots here in Mexico, you can go to: www.votefromabroad.org. Please request both an FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) and a FWAB (Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot). This system is set up to assist people regardless of their party affiliation.

The exceptions to this process are those who last voted in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina because their primaries will come before the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary.

If you last voted in Iowa or Nevada (two of the

states that hold caucuses), you must be present at your caucus center to have your vote count.

OR…you can vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary by being a member of Democrats Abroad and requesting your ballot from the comfort of your home computer by going to: http://www.democratsabroad.org/ global_presidential_primary.

If you last voted in New Hampshire or South Carolina, and you wish to register and receive your ballot for that state’s primary, please do so today by going to www.votefromabroad.org and complete the forms (the Federal Post Card Application – FPCA and the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot – FWAB) necessary for re-registering. Or, you can always vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary either online or in person on March 1st and March 3rd. You should have your ballots sent to 2163 Lima Loop, PMB 130-375, Laredo, TX 78045. Let us know you’re doing so, by emailing tjensen1942@hotmail.com and we’ll call you when your ballot arrives.

It's important to remember that you may vote for a Presidential candidate in either the Democrats Abroad (DA) Global Presidential Primary, or your home state’s primary or caucus. When you vote in DA’s Global Presidential Primary, you may not vote for a Presidential candidate in your voting state’s primary. You may, however, still vote in your home state’s primary for US House and Senate candidates and for other down ballot races as determined by your local election official. If this is the case, go to www.votefromabroad.org to fill out and submit your FPCA and FWAB in order to receive your state’s ballot at our special mailbox here.

As members of Democrats Abroad we are committed to each and every U S citizen around the world who is living abroad to exercise their sacred right to vote, regardless of party affiliation.

BE AN ABSENTEE VOTER NOT AN ABSENTEE CITIZEN

Biblioteca Los Mangos is pleased to announce its

Y

ou are a prepared person.

When you moved to Mexico, you sat down and made sure that your Will (which you wrote out some years ago in the states, when you married) reflected that you had purchased that shiny gem of a villa, where you now hang out and enjoy beautiful sunsets --and maybe even spin Sinatra records while wearing Tony Bahama shirts.

You feel good as your papers are in order. Well, on paper, that is.

One of the key decisions made in a Will is the designation of the Executor (or Executrix, if a “she”).

This person will be in charge of marshaling your assets, tallying them up, paying your debts, and distributing your remaining assets according to your wishes.

Does that person even know how to get to Mexico? I know, I know…but you may get the point.

If you own assets in Mexico that comprise part of your estate, your executor had better be able to, willing, and frankly interested in getting his or her hands wet down here. I believe that a “remote” executor could be a recipe for disaster and could lead to dissipation of assets.

You could say “I can appoint someone local I trust to deal with this” --and that could be part of the

solution. But beware: the Executor of a U.S. person may acquire responsibilities with regard to the Estate with federal (and state) taxing authorities…your Executor must know what those are.

Perhaps you can consider appointing a “main” executor and a “secondary” executor “boots on the ground” here in Mexico to coordinate whatever needs done here, one with overall responsibility and the other vested with authority to perform locally. Some acts by the executor have to be done personally, or best understood if seen firsthand, and the expense of several trips by the executor could put a dent even in larger estates, not to mention delay.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The Will you drafted back in your stateside days may not be best suited to meet your current needs.

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.

Are you selling your home?

Looking for an edge over the competition?

XVI ANNUAL ART AUCTION

M

arch 3, 6 - 9 pm, at the library, on Francisco Villa 1001, a few blocks away from Fluvial Av. At six o’clock, guests will be welcome to visit Los Mangos Berenice Starr Hall, where they will be able to peruse the works of art and assorted gift certificates that will be available for sale and auctioning, to benefit the library. The formal bidding session begins promptly at 7 pm In addition; the event will feature live music, raffles, delicious

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Exposure is the key to selling fast and for the best price.

Advertise your property with the Vallarta Tribune in print and online!

food and beverages, donated by generous sponsors. Individuals looking to participate can: Donate works of art, Gift certificates, Services or as Volunteers Call 224-9966 or Email: Maria Jose Zorrilla

marzoral@hotmail.com and Gabriela Garcia gael2119@hotmail.com for more information.

Items can be delivered to Los Mangos from 9 am to 2 pm, Mondays through Saturdays.

Over 50,000 readers each month with delivery from Mismaloya to Sayulita and the only paper distributed at the airport in International arrivals.

Contact editor@vallartatribune.com to learn more!

real estate

23

Selling your property in Mexico with a U.S. “Super Dollar”.

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano

roberto@ortizdemontellano.com

W

hen you grow up in a country that has the richest nation in the world as neighbor, becoming aware of the exchange rate between both currencies becomes part of your life. I’m not sure if this applies to Canadians, but for sure it applies to us Mexicans. Our economy is still dependent on the U.S. economy. Many things in our internal economy are ruled by the U.S. dollar, and many transactions in Mexico are priced in U.S. dollars. For us the price of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican pesos

has always been a sign of how our economy is doing. We have seen here an expensive U.S. dollar many times before and you learn to become very cautious when it comes to engaging in transactions priced in U.S. dollars, because eventually they can cost you a lot of money.

So if you are foreign and you have property in Mexico, can a strong dollar make you lose money?

The expensive dollar that we have seen in the past months

(in Mexico economists now call it the “Super Dollar”) is a global phenomenon and not exactly a sign that the Mexican economy is not doing well, but more of a sign that the U.S. economy is out of its recession. However, it can still affect you if you are planning on selling your property here in Puerto Vallarta due to the Mexican Capital Gains Tax. How? Let’s make some numbers.

Even though transactions in Mexico can be agreed and

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

contracted in U.S. Dollars, for tax and legal purposes the amount to be paid has to be converted into pesos at the official exchange rate published by the Mexican Central Bank for the date in which the payment is done.

So let’s say that you bought your property in Mexico five years ago and you paid USD$200,000.00 for it. Back in 2011 the exchange rate was around MXN$12.00 pesos for USD$1.00 dollar, so in Mexican pesos you paid MXN$2,400,000.00 pesos.

If you want to sell now in 2016 for sure you want at least to get the amount you paid for your property (meaning the USD$200,000.00), but in pesos that amount is now much higher because the exchange rate, which is around MXN$18.00 pesos for USD$1.00 dollar, meaning that you are selling your property for MXN$3,600,000.00 pesos. That’s an increase of 50%.

Therefore, selling your property now at the same price you bought it, still means for the Mexican

Government that you have a 50% capital gains on the price. In the example I was mentioning above, for tax purposes you would have a gain of MXN$1,200,000.00 pesos which are USD$66,666.66. To that amount, and depending on your resident status, you might be able to apply deductions, but in the end you will probably still have to pay some amount for capital gains tax (about 35% of the final gain).

So if you have interests in Mexico, now you are aware of one of the ways a volatile exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican Peso, can impact your patrimony.

see if you can find out about their respective track records.

Let the agent show you some properties that YOU want to see, not just the ones that are listed by their agency. Beware of an agent that tries to isolate you. If they are resistant to letting you do your own research, say “adios” and move on.

If you’re interested in purchasing in a development, it is important to choose an agent who is not the representative for said development. That way you can be assured that the agent is negotiating in your favor, and that there

is no conflict of interest. You want someone to fight for you, and not the developer.

We have some amazingly talented and experienced real estate professionals in Puerto Vallarta, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one to suit your needs.

Next week we’ll look at some of the legalities that a foreigner will face when purchasing in Mexico.

You can contact my office anytime at 322-209-0832 the agents and staff of G3MEX Real Estate Group are always available to help you with your real estate needs.

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

Steps for Purchasing a Property in Puerto Vallarta Pt 1: Choosing a Real Estate Agent

By Miguel Fernandez miguel@g3mex.com

I

n the next several weeks I’ll look at all of the ingredients that go into purchasing a property safely and intelligently in the Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit. This week we focus on choosing a real estate agent.

So you’ve been to Mexico a number of times, and you’ve decided that investing in a property in and around the Bay of Banderas would be perfect for your lifestyle, offering a blend of a beautiful climate, the ocean, mountains, and the types of recreational and social activities that suit your lifestyle.

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is who to trust to help your in your quest to find your own little piece of paradise. Seeing that you may not have any personal or professional contacts within the local business community, you'll tend to rely on information that you hear from other people living hear

in Vallarta. This is a great place to start, as who knows better than a current property owner the pleasures and pitfalls of ownership!

Find out who helped them purchase their property, and how the transaction went. Was their agent helpful, honest, and accessible? If so, you might consider choosing that agent to assist you in finding a property.

This is a crucial decision, as you will entrust a lot to the agent. As a foreigner purchasing in Mexico, you will rely upon them to guide you through the legalities of ownership; in finding an attorney; drafting the contract and protecting your personal and financial interests.

In Mexico Real estate agents are not licensed, regulated, or monitored. Anyone can sell real estate and anyone can open a real estate office. In light of this, it is essential that you ask around

and do your homework. The agent should be a member of our local Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI) From the AMPI Website: “AMPI has published ethical and fiduciary standards that its members are required to maintain. Those standards provide some assurance that the often complex process of a real estate transaction is less likely to go awry through a lack of due diligence on the part of the real estate professionals.”

Go around and interview some potential agents. Find out about their background, training, education and how long they have been in business.

You may even ask to speak with a former client to find our how satisfied they were with their interactions with the agent. Too, find out which notaries and attorneys the agency works with, and

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vallarta food tours

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

A Moveable Feast: Go on a Taco Crawl and Graze with Friendly Locals

By Anita Draycott

H

aving spent the better part of my winters in the Puerto Vallarta area for the last decade, I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert on the subject of where to dine well in PV. However, until last Saturday, my culinary experiences here had never included street tacos. I had always been attracted to the delicious aromas wafting from the taco stands all over town, but I wasn’t sure about the food standards and cleanliness and I sure didn’t want to suffer from a case of Montezuma’s Revenge.

When I read about Vallarta Food Tours, “An Evening Taco Adventure,” I signed up. Who would know better then the Vallarta food experts about where to enjoy good street food? Our group of five met our guide, Manuel a young fellow from Guadalajara, at the Cevicheria El Guero at the corner of Madero and Constitucion. Manuel gave each of us a brochure including all eight stops that we would make that evening, a map and additional restaurant recommendations.

Each of the stops has been chosen for the variety and quality of the food as well as the stories about the folks who run them.

Guero, for example, began as a small ceviche stand on the street in 1999. Now they run a casual restaurant specializing in seafood.

We were served delicious breaded mahi mahi fish tacos with all the fixings–crunchy cabbage and a

variety of sauces, including picante homemade house recipe and a chipotle mayonnaise. At Taco’s Don Juan they specialize in slowcooked head of cow. This means you can have eyes, lips, cheeks, tongue and more.

A couple of the more adventurous folks opted for the eyes and said they were delicious. Most of

us less adventurous types opted for tender beef cheeks served with chopped coriander and onions.

Manuel informed us that the last city permits for taco stands we’re issued about 30 years ago.

Most folks who have the precious permits keep them in the family. I don’t really understand how these vendors can make much of a profit as the average taco price ranges from 12 to 30 pesos. Keep in mind that each one is cooked to your order on the spot.

And they always come piping hot with a variety of delicious sauces and condiments. Tacos are arguably the best bargain in town. Probably my favorite version was the beef volcan at Tacos Memo. Senor Memo and his wife, Maria, are located on the corner of Basilio Bandillo and Aguacate.

Memo sears marinated beef over a mesquite wood grill and serves

6

it on toasted Maria-made tortillas.

One of the sauces was a complex secret recipe from grandpa and the condiments included pickled vegetables, radishes and beets.

Absolutely delicious. The taco food adventure covers two neighborhoods: Emilio Zapata and 5 de Diciembre.

We walked off a few calories by taking a hike across the River Cuale on the swing bridge and then up stairs into Gringo Gulch.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes for this moveable feast as the cobblestone streets are definitely not suited for flimsy sandals or high-heels.

Our next stop was the Patio de mi Casa on Guerrero Street where we stopped for a shot of mezcal served with orange slices sprinkled with crushed dried worms and chili powder.

Manuel informed us that Mexico has 29 kinds of agave cacti and that the mexcal we were drinking comes from the Oaxaca area where it is slow cooked over fire to give it a smoky flavour. Next we headed to Lolita’s, the oldest restaurant in Puerto Vallarta on Avenue Mexico.

Original owner, Lolita, started serving food out of the front room of her house in 1935. Eventually they turned the house into a restaurant and her family has taken over the business.

One of the specialties is pozole, a stew of hominy and pork. Again, garnishes and sauces zip up this dish that Manuel informed us is often served in Mexican households at Christmas time. I must say it was the best pozole I’ve ever eaten. But go easy on the Lolita’s red sauce. It packs a punch.

At El Carboncito on Honduras a huge crowd gathered, cervesas in hand, around the grill where the chef was serving up popular tacos al pastor. This dish originally developed in central Mexico as a result of the adoption of the Lebanese

shawarma or Greek gyro.

Pork is marinated in a combination of spices and then slow roasted on a vertical rotisserie with a piece of fresh onion and pineapple on the top. The folks at Carboncito are open from 7 PM to 4 AM and sell about 1200 tacos al pastor each day. So if you’re wondering where to go for a snack after a night on the town, this is the place.

Who knew that marlin could be made to taste like bacon?

That’s what we discovered at La Tia Mariscos, also on Honduras.

The chef smokes his marlin and then cooks it to crispy finish. It can be served inside tacos or in a delicious seafood broth. Our movable feast ended on the sweet note at Julio’s Churros at the corner of Uruguay and Peru. Here Julio and his wife cook spirals of dough in a huge pot of bubbling oil. The hot Mexican “doughnuts” are then cut into chunks and tossed in sugar and cinnamon. Forget about the calories; these are too good to pass up. I highly recommend the Vallarta Food Tours’ Evening Taco Adventure as it covers parts of town you may never have visited and offers a sampling of truly delicious and different styles of tacos and other treats. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to munch and mingle with locals and expand your culinary horizons.

Book your tickets online at www.vallartafoodtours.com or call 322 181 7196.

Anita Draycott is a freelance travel journalist from Toronto who has chosen to spend her winters in the Puerto Vallarta area for the past decade.

entertainment

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Elvis Presley – The King of Rock-n-Roll

By Fred Jacobs

E

lvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in January 1935. Elvis was actually a twin, but his identical twin brother died during birth. The family always seemed to be struggling, often relying on neighbors or government help for food. For his first 15 years, Elvis lived in largely African-American neighborhoods, which would influence his musical career.

At the age of six, Elvis started school but was a shy child. One teacher encouraged him to enter a singing contest after hearing him sing. Elvis finished 5th in the contest, but it was the first step to what would become. A few months later Elvis received his first guitar for his birthday, despite him really wanting a bicycle. Two uncles gave him basic guitar lessons and a classmate taught him chord techniques.

By 6th grade, Elvis was bringing his guitar to school daily. He played it and sang during lunch time, often teased as being trashy and that he played “hillbilly music”. The classmate that taught him chords, also had an uncle with a weekly music show on the local radio station.

Elvis was given his first “break” at the age of twelve when he got two on air performance chances. The first, Elvis was struck with stage fright, but the second time was a success.

The family continued struggling and the following year, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee and lived in rooming houses for the next year. Memphis had a thriving Blues scene and Elvis was mesmerized by it. In his new high school, he hooked up with several classmates and formed an informal group playing local stages. Elvis’s look was evolving as well, and he started using Vaseline in his hair.

In the 1950’s anyone could pay for an hour of studio time and get a test record made-even at the local drug store. Elvis chose to pay extra and have one made at Sun Records studio, to supposedly make a test record for his mother.

Surely Elvis hoped he might get “discovered”, but after two attempts at Sun, there was still no interest from the studio as they specialized in black artists.

Six months later, while working as a truck driver, again Elvis tried making a private recording of “That’s All Right” with two other blues musicians. This recording

got noticed and three days later was played on air by a popular Memphis DJ. Callers started flooding the station, asking who the singer was. Within weeks, they performed at the Bon Air Club in Memphis with Elvis still using his “child-sized” guitar.

During the instrumental parts, Elvis played guitar and had a unique leg shake. The leg shake was one part trying to keep rhythm and one part nervousness, but the girls screamed with delight. His unique onstage style was born and Elvis grew more comfortable and confident on stage.

A few months later, Elvis got booked on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and the manager thought Elvis was just “not bad”. Two weeks later, Elvis appeared on rival show “Louisiana Hayride” which broadcast on 198 radio stations in 28 states. This led to regular appearances on Hayride, non-stop regional touring and making a name for himself from Tennessee to Texas.

In January 1955, Elvis met and was signed by legendary manager Colonel Tom Parker. Within a year, Parker got RCA to sign Elvis to a recording contract and the rockabilly hit single “Blue Suede Shoes”

was born. Colonel Parker was determined to make Elvis a star and he managed to get Elvis on a national TV broadcast from New York in January 1956. This led to appearances on “The Steve Allen show” and three times on “The Ed Sullivan Show”-this was the start of “Elvis-mania”.

But Elvis-mania reached a crisis in 1958, when Elvis was drafted into the Army. Fans cried when his pictures came out joining the army and film showed his famous hair being buzzed off. Parents and teachers cheered at his being drafted, as they saw Elvis as a “menace to society”.

In the later part of his two year military service, Elvis met the young Pricilla. They had a seven year “courtship” and married in 1967, with daughter Lisa Marie arriving the following year. Sadly the pressure of being married to Elvis was too much for the younger Priscilla and they divorced after just six years, in 1973.

The timing of the divorce also signaled the start of a downward spiral for Elvis. Later in 1973, Elvis twice overdosed on drugs. Despite this, his tour schedule was ramped up to 170 concerts a year through 1976 and his onstage appearance

showed the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Often “he was not understandable onstage.” Summer in Vegas concerts would even be twice daily. Despite his failing health, all concerts whether in Vegas or on tour, were always sold out.

Sadly this pace, drugs and alcohol took its toll and on the eve of another tour, Elvis was found dead in his home on August 16, 1977. The world mourned in an unprecedented manner. Over 80,000 people lined the funeral procession. Elvis was laid to his final rest beside his mother at Graceland.

Elvis released his first full album titled “Elvis Presley” in 1956, which was a mix of country, Rockabilly and pop. Between singles and albums, Elvis recorded over 700 masters in his career, including live concert albums. In all its reported Elvis achieved 38 top ten hits and 18 number 1 hits. Between 1956 and 1969, Elvis stared in 31 films.

Many were forgettable films, but always a great showcase for his music and fan favorites.

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

26 If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email

events calendar

editor@vallartatribune.com.

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 & Neuter.

February 25 Sing Along and Support the PV Gay Men’s Chorus at Garbo Piano Bar on Pulpito St. in Old Town 7:00-8:30 p.m. Kenny Luchs in his 15th year at the Piano. Host: Rick Vancil. Special Guest Star Sol Rose. No cover or minimum.

Tickets on sale for the Chorus’ March 19th fund-raiser “A Night At Studio 54”.

March 2 3rd Annual “Paws for the Cause” hosted by Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals. 6:00pm to 10:00 pm at Food Park PV. Food, Music, Prizes. Tickets: 350 pesos, purchased from Cassandra Shaw Jewelry or at the Friend’s booth in Marsol Hotel Friday Market 9:30am-1:30pm. More info: FB/ Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals

February 27 Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser at El Rio BBQ from 1-5pm hosted by the American Legion in support of their many fundraising activities including the Banderas Women’s Shelter. $200 donation includes all you can eat chili, order of riblets, music, prizes and more! Tix at the gate or Steve’s Sports bar or at dennis2rike(at)hotmail.com

March 3 Los Mangos Library Art Auction Bid on hundreds of unique pieces of local art in support of Puerto Vallarta’s only library. Viewing beings at 6pm, bidding at 7pm.

Free.

February 28 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Girl’s Night Out 11am Matinee at Philo’s Bar. Banderas Bay’s only community theater group puts on this fun, fast paced tale in support of the Amigos de La Cruz.

Tix David Hibbard dchibb@live. com and Patricia Spencer spencerp@live.ca

March 5 5th Annual Riverfest at El Rio BBQ Music festival - 7 bands, exhibits, bbq buffet plus paella, silent auction, 50/50 and more. $80 peso donation at the gate or advance purchase VIP patron ticket for $750 pesos. 12pm to 7pm New this year - patron table sponsorship! All proceeds to Pasitos de Luz. Information at the Pasitos table at The Old Town Famers Market January 2 and 9 or email Barb condo211@yahoo.ca

March 1 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Girl’s Night Out 5pm at Philo’s Bar. Banderas Bay’s only community theater group puts on this fun, fast paced tale in support of the Amigos de La Cruz. Tix David Hibbard dchibb@live.com and Patricia Spencer spencerp@live.ca March 2 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s at 4:00 pm All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm Bingo bags over 1400 pesos,

March 4 Annual Becas Ball at the Westin Regina.

Sunday March 6 Oldies but Goodies Show and Dinner. Includes live music of the 60s, 70s and 80s by the Music and Art Institute at Secrets Vallarta.

Three course dinner and national drinks. $450 pesos or $27 USD. Event includes a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds to Pasitos to Luz. Tickets: Pasitos table at Old Town Famers Market February 20 and 27, La Posta, Deja New or at Secrets hotel.

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

March 11 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at the Marriott Casa Magna. Tickets are available at Carol’s Boutique, Basillo Badillo #250, 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon & Boutique, Paseo de la Marina #165. 322/221-3256.

March 13 Book launch at Espacio Pachamama, in Sayulita at 8pm for Robert Lewis’s new book, Days of Shock, Days of Wonder, a memoir about his confrontation with the spiritual and cognitive dissonance of the 9/11 age. The launch will include music, art, documentary film, and handcrafted vegan food and chocolates.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

Wednesday March 16 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm. and bingo .at 4:00 pm Bingo bags over 1400 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 & Neuter Tuesday, March 15 Mystical Evening - 6:00 p.m.

The Mystical Evening Fundraiser held at Daiquiri Dick’s is in support of the Purr Project. Tarot cards, consult the I Ching, have your caricature drawn—all while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a glorious Vallarta sunset! Raffle prizes! Tickets: $400 pesos and include tarot and I Ching readings, a caricature sitting, two drinks, and an array of yummy appetizers.

Get your tickets now at Daiquiri Dick’s or at exkhan@usfamily.net.

Wednesday, March 30

Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm. Bingo bags over 1400 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 & Neuter.

April 13 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at Coco’s Kitchen 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789

charity

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Bad News and Good News The movies will be shown at the IFC clubhouse, located at the corner of Libertad and Insurgentes (above the HSBC bank) beside the Rio Cuale in downtown.

The club holds its movie night every Monday evening. Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00.

The cost of 50 pesos is laughably modest and includes free popcorn.

More bad news. The IFC lecture series will finish next Friday.On Thursday at 7:00pm, John Warren will be discussing the availability of a physician assisted death for residents of Canada and the USA in a talk titled Dying with Dignity: Perspectives on the Right to Die movement.

On Friday at 10:30 am Dan Grippo’s book review of Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics of Latin America provides a disturbing new understanding of a war that has spiraled out of control--one that people across the political spectrum need to confront now.

Are you stretched out at the pool or the beach paging through the Tribune? After you’re done with that come on down for a IFC Home Tour and/or some intellectual stimulation. Everyone is welcome.

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA REMAX - MARINA VALLARTA FAJITAS BANANA - MARINA VALLARTA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS PLAZA PARADISE - NUEVO VALLARTA CONSULATE OFFICES DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ PHILOS RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ CHOCO BANANA - SAYULITA

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FC has got some really bad news for you. The IFC Home Tours that that started on 17th November are available for only three more weeks and you certainly don’t want to miss them. The air-conditioned, docent-guided buses leave the Sea Monkey Restaurant at 10:30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, take you to four beautiful homes in town and as far south as Mismaloya. You’ll be back at the Sea Monkey by 1:00ish. Tickets are limited and its best to book a day or two before either at our office (address above) or online at www. toursforvallarta.com. The tours are consistently rated as “Excellent” on Trip Advisor.

All of profits from the Home Tours, your entrance fees to the movies and lectures (see Events at www.ifcvallarta.com) and other club activities are used by IFC to pay for our cleft palate program for children, our dental program in Boca de Tomatlan and to fund food programs and educational initiatives provided by many different registered charities in P.V. The good news is that we have a wonderful selection of Leading Ladies being screened at the IFC Clubhouse. The movies involved are classics that have stood the test of time. We are featuring many excellent actresses of the past including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Kim Novak and Ava Gardner. Some of the mere males involved with these ladies are James Stewart, Cary Grant, Harry Belafonte and Richard Burton. They’re not too shabby either.

Carmen Jones, a Broadway musical from 1953 leads the list on 29th February. The music is by George Bizet and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein ll. Conceptually, it is Bizet's opera Carmen updated to a World War II-era African-American setting and I’ll bet you come out of there humming “Beat Out Dat Rhythm on a Drum.”

The next week’s choice is Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief.

Rotten Tomatoes rates this movie at 95% and says “It may occasionally be guilty of coasting on pure charm, but To Catch a Thief has it in spades, as well as a pair of perfectly matched stars in Cary Grant and Grace Kelly”.

On March 14th we show an Audrey Hepburn comedy from 1954, Sabrina. Wealthy brothers, William Holden and Humphrey

Bogart, compete for the affections of their chauffeur's innocent daughter in this seductive Cinderella story. How can you not enjoy Audrey Hepburn?

Vertigo will be shown on March 21st. Heralded as one of director Alfred Hitchcock's finest movies, released in 1958 and starring Kim Novak and James Stewart, it weaves an intricate web of obsession and deceit.

Two excellent actresses star in our selection for March 28th, "Suddenly Last Summer", the 1959 film starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn and Montgomery Clift. The film is based on the play by Tennessee Williams with screenplay by Williams and Gore Vidal and is rated 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you have never seen The Night of the Iguana with Ava Gardner, Richard Burton and Deborah Kerr and you spend any time at all in Puerto Vallarta, you must see it now. Not only was Elizabeth Taylor lurking around town during the movie’s production but the movie launched P.V. from being a small fishing village to the city on the bay that we all love and enjoy. It’s our finale of 2016 and runs on 4th April.

FREE G

By John Warren

28

healthcare

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Pain Relief Without Surgery

P

rolotherapy is a proven nonsurgical procedure that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to strengthen joints weakened by trauma or arthritis, that is available in Puerto Vallarta at the newly opened Vallarta Medical Centre.

Prolotherapy (aka Regenerative Injection Therapy – RIT), also known as ligament reconstructive therapy or sclerotherapy, is a recognized nonsurgical procedure that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to strengthen joints weakened by trauma or arthritis. Joints weakened when ligaments and tendons are stretched, torn, or fragmented, become hypermobile and painful. Traditional approaches with anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery often fail to stabilize the joint and relieve pain permanently.

The Hackett-Hemwall technique involves using a safe and simple base solution containing dextrose as the primary proliferant, along with an anesthetic (procaine or lido-

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

caine), that is given into and around the entire painful/injured area (many injections vs only a few injections.)

Prolotherapy is a natural non-drug, non-surgical treatment has the unique ability to directly address the cause of your pain by repairing the weakened joints, resulting in strengthening and stabilization of the joint. When the prolotherapy solution is precisely injected into the site of pain or injury, prolotherapy creates a mild, controlled inflammation which stimulates the body to lay down new tendon or ligament fibers, resulting in a strengthening of the weakened structure.

When the joint becomes strong, pain can be relieved.

Joints are where two bones come together to provide movement. Joints are held together and stabilized by ligaments and tendons. Ligaments are composed of semi-elastic tissue which connect one bone to another bone in a joint.

Tendons are the located at the end of a muscle and connect the muscle to the joint. When the muscle contracts, the joint moves. Cartilage is found between the joints and provide a protective surface and cushion to the bone and the

joint. It is the goal of prolotherapy to rebuild and strengthen the joint by treating the ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

Many body parts can be treated at the same visit, which is nice for patients who have multiple painful joints or more complex chronic pain, such as from a trauma, as well as for patients who travel to us from out of the region or country. Sometimes additional proliferants may be added to the base solution, to make the solution stronger, depending on the individual case. Most treatments are given every four to six weeks to allow time for growth of the new connective tissues.

We are often asked how many treatments are needed. This is dependent upon the person’s overall health status, the extent of the condition, injury, tear, or arthritis. In our clinical experience, as well as in our research, we find the number of treatments that helps a person attain their goal averages 3 to 6 visits.

Prolotherapy can provide the relief that is not found with other forms of pain management such as acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy and pharmaceutical (drugs). Prolotherapy should always be considered with chronic pain conditions that involves tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Prolotherapy should always be considered when surgery is recommended.

Prolotherapy is also an effective treatment for sports injuries and should be considered as a treatment for Sports Medicine.

Here in the Puerto Vallarta area, Dr. Edgar Plantillas Delgadillo, Orthopedic Surgeon at the Vallarta Medical Center offers these treatments for clients looking to reduce chronic pain.

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

Bathing Beauty

I

f you have not had the chance to check out the “Bathing Beauties” at the Kathleen Carrillo Gallery yet, be sure to pop in to her studio.

You will find her women come in all shapes and sizes.

She shares that she has been doing series about women for her entire career and explains that it has been a lifelong journey to empower the feminine principle through her work.

In the latest bathing beauties there is a wonderful sense of sisterhood,

humor, love and joy. Kathleen says, “No matter what age, shape, size, color or place we are coming from we are all “Divas”, but of course we must KNOW we are divas."

Kathleen shares that she has explored many different stages of her own personal development and obsessively expressed it on canvas.

The beauty, the strength, the intuitive woman, the woman’s ability to surrender with power. It all shows up in the colorful and expressive canvases she shares with her audience.

Along with the Bathing Beauty Collection there will be some of her Jungle Magic Collection and Architectural Whimsy Collection.

Make sure you stop by and share a glass of wine and enjoy this gallery. It is not to be missed.

Located at Calle Constitucion 325, just off of Basilio Badillo, next door to the Bandaras Bay Trading Company. www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com, U.S. 858 261 8129 Mex. 322 222 6719

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Fine Art and Furniture

Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

Home Tours!

Supporting local charities Home Tours depart every Tue. & Wed. at 10:30 a.m. from Sea Monkey Restaurant (just south of Rio Cuale and Molino de Agua condos on the beach at Aquiles Serdán)!! $500 pesos

Tickets for all tours go on sale at 9 a.m. the day of the tour at Sea Monkey Restaurant.

For advance ticket purchases and more details go to : ifctoursforvallarta.com or call

(322) 222 5466

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.

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.

Artwalk – In the historic center of 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.

THURSDAY Bucerias Artwalk from 7-9pm Calle Lazaro Cardenas Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am-2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm SUNDAY Live Music in the Main Plaza, Vallarta – 6pm La Cruz Farmers Market – 9-2pm

games

Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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Feb 25 - March 2, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations

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

Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@ gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas.

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

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285.

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

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocor nejo@ hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta From the Old Town Farmers Market this past week, we hear from our friend Lynnette: “We’re very happy to report that everything is going well at Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town Farmers Market. The sun shines, temperatures are up, vendors “make, bake and grow” their products and best of all, there are many, many visitors and locals who come around to browse and buy.

The square was packed to capacity and our SPCA stand was very busy. Several visitors came to tell us of their own rescued pets and a couple offered to take dogs for us to Canada for adoption.

If anyone is in town right now and going to DENVER any time soon, we have gorgeous kitty SAL, who has been adopted there and needs a ride with you. Just get in touch with SPCA, details in the newsletter.

Sales of tee shirts and tank tops soared this week, as did bumper stickers and the few remaining calendars.

We had a new volunteer this

week, Karen, from Calgary. Glad to have you on board, Karen, even for a short time. Thanks to our regular volunteers, Doreen, Brian and Mark (missing Chris, get well soon).” And, thanks for your report Lynnette!

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.

Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@

GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers. com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more.

Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally 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

By Janice Gonzalez

gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv.

Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

To make donations via PayPal, select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.

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

Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com

grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.

In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com International Friendship Club Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www.ifcvallarta. com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta.

Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea. org 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

For a complete list visit www.vallartatribune.com

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight...

BLAZE

What a good boy! Meet Blaze, a three and a half year old Labrador mix who weighs a little over 35 pounds. Blaze has the sweetest temperament and is a bit cautious when making new friends. He is good with other dogs and you will enjoy taking him for long walks as he is good on leash.

Blaze is also a lover boy and enjoys snuggling with his people. He has been neutered and is current on all his vaccinations. Now he just needs a forever home of his own. If you would like to adopt this gorgeous guy, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.