[email protected]

Transcription

[email protected]

387
www.pvmcitypaper.com
Issue 387
Saturday 2 to Friday 8
April - 2016
April - 2016
2 387
Need to Know
manners to present the check before it is
requested, so when you’re ready to leave,
ask «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill
will be delivered to you.
MONEY EXCHANGE: Although
you may have to wait in line for a few
minutes, remember that the banks will
give you a higher rate of exchange than
the exchange booths (caja de cambio).
Better yet, if you have a «bank card»,
withdraw funds from your account back
home. Try to avoid exchanging money at
your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the
worst rates.
I
f you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region,
but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help.
If you look at the maps on this page, you will note that PV (as the locals call
it) is on the west coast of Mexico, smack in the middle of the Bay of Banderas
- one of the largest bays in this country - which includes southern part of the
state of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south.
Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madre mountainsthe Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific.
Hurricane Kenna did come close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched
down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 kms north of PV.
The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands,
thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.
AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers
POPULATION: Approx. 325,000
inhabitants
CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with
an average of 300 sunny days per year.
The temperature averages 28oC (82oF)
and the rainy season extends from late
June to early October.
allowed under certain circumstances
but fishing of any kind is prohibited.
Every year, the Bay receives the visit
of the humpback whales, dolphins and
manta rays in the winter. During the
summer, sea turtles, a protected species,
arrive to its shores to lay their eggs.
FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo
hosts a great variety of animal species
such as iguana, guacamaya, deer,
raccoon, etc.
ECONOMY: Local economy is
based mainly on tourism, construction
and to a lesser degree, on agriculture,
mainly tropical fruit such as mango,
papaya,
watermelon,
pineapple,
guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.
SANCTUARIES:
Bahía
de
Banderas encloses two Marine
National Parks - Los Arcos and the
Marieta Islands - where diving is
CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is
the legal currency in Mexico although
Canadian and American dollars are
widely accepted.
Index
BUSES: A system of urban buses
with different routes. 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 the town. Do not enter
a taxi without agreeing on the price with
the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a
hotel, you may want to check the rates
usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you
know which restaurant you want to go,
do not let the driver change your mind.
Many restaurateurs pay commissions to
taxi drivers and you may end up paying
more than you should, in a secondrate establishment! There are 2 kinds
of taxi cabs: those at the airport and
the maritime port are usually vans that
can only be boarded there. They have
pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs
are yellow cars that charge by the ride,
not by passenger. When you ask to go
downtown, many drivers let you off at
the beginning of the area, near Hidalgo
Park. However, your fare covers the
ENTIRE central area, so why walk 10 to
15 blocks to the main plaza, the Church
or the flea market? Pick up a free map,
and insist on your full value from the
driver! Note the number of your taxi in
case of any problem, or if you forget
something in the cab. Then your hotel or
travel rep can help you check it out or
lodge a complaint.
TIME ZONE: The entire State of
Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the
area of the State of Nayarit from Lo
de Marcos in the north to the Ameca
River, i.e.: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías,
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San
Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo
De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita,
San Blas, etc. are on Mountain Time,
i.e.: one hour behind PV time.
TELEPHONE CALLS: Always
check on the cost of long distance
calls from your hotel room. Some
establishments charge as much as U.S.
$7.00 per minute!
CELL PHONES: Most cellular
phones from the U.S. and Canada may
be programmed for local use, through
Telcel and IUSAcell, the local carriers.
To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322,
then the seven digit number of the
person you’re calling. Omit the prefix if
dialling a land line.
LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is
usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants
and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters,
maids, etc. depending on the service.
Some businesses and offices close from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or
later. In restaurants, it is considered poor
April - 2016
WHAT TO DO: Even if your allinclusive hotel is everything you ever
dreamed of, you should experience at
least a little of all that Vallarta has to
offer - it is truly a condensed version of
all that is Mexican and existed before
«Planned Tourist Resorts», such as
Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, were
developed. Millions have been spent to
ensure that the original “small town”
flavor is maintained downtown, in the
Old Town and on the South Side.
DRINKING WATER: The false
belief that a Mexican vacation must
inevitably lead to an encounter with
Moctezuma’s revenge is just that:
false. For the 21st year in a row, Puerto
Vallarta’s water has been awarded
a certification of purity for human
consumption. It is one of only two
cities in Mexico that can boast of such
accomplishment. True, 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.
On the other hand, most large hotels
have their own purification equipment
and most restaurants use purified water.
If you want to be doubly sure, you can
pick up purified bottled water just about
anywhere.
EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and
American tourists often fall in love with
one of the many stray dogs and cats in
Vallarta. Many would like to bring it
back with them, but believe that the laws
do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If
you would like to bring a cat or a dog
back home, call the local animal shelter
for more info: 293-3690.
LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good
beginning would be to take one of the City
Tours offered by the local tour agencies.
Before boarding, make sure you have a
map and take note of the places you want
to return to. Then venture off the beaten
path. Explore a little. Go farther than the
tour bus takes you. And don’t worry this is a safe place.
Editorial / Sound Off
Editorial
This is repetitive, I know, but I feel I must
do something I don’t do often enough, and
that is to express a big Thank You! to all our
contributors, readers and advertisers (whose
number has grown every week this season!)
The latter provide our sole source of income
– which allows us to offer you the Mirror
free of charge.
And again, if you visit those who have put
their faith in us by advertising in the Mirror,
please tell them you saw their ad here, so
they’ll know their money was well spent.
Only thus can we continue to provide you
–for free- with as much interesting content
as we can gather every week to fill the space
we have.
Your Comments
[email protected]
Dear Editor,
Reglamentos at work over Easter – what a
joke!
I am staying in a condo on Santa Barbara with
a great view of Los Muertos beach and Calle
Malecón. Over Easter, I got to see first-hand
what the Reglamentos do … NOTHING.
Good Friday morning, I watched the staff at
Mantamar Beach Club dig in posts and rope off
the beach so there was just a small walkway along
the water. Then, for the majority of the day, a
Mantamar staff person chased off anyone who
tried to sit in the roped off area – many, many
Mexicans were chased away. Late afternoon,
two Reglamentos showed up and stood for about
30 minutes looking at the roped off area and
what was happening. They then just wandered
off without doing or saying anything.
The music volume from Ritmos Beach Café
and Mantamar Beach Club was unbearable both
Easter Friday and Saturday - blasting from noon
until well after dark. Friday afternoon, I called
Reglamentos to complain four times about the
Also, I thank the many of you who have
complimented us on our publication.
We intend to continue fulfilling your
expectations, as the only English-language
publication featuring all the local news
“that’s fit to print”.
One word of caution regarding this issue: it
covers April Fools’ Day, so do be careful with
what you believe and what may be aimed at
“fools” in these pages.
In the meantime, on behalf of all of us at
the PV Mirror City Paper, I wish you all a
most pleasant stay in our beloved town.
Stay safe, happy and healthy, and may God
bless us all.
Allyna Vineberg
Publisher / Editor
PV Mirror City Paper
volume of the music from both Mantamar
Beach Club and Ritmos Beach Café (Green
Chairs). The thumping from both places was
deafening. Each time I spoke to the same
(male) Reglamentos and each time he said he
would send someone over. Two Reglamentos
showed up at Mantamar and again looked at
the ropes, then stepped over them and headed
through the crowd at Ritmos Beach Café
(Green Chairs), never entering Mantamar.
Much to my dismay, the two Reglamentos
came out of Ritmos/Green Chairs onto Calle
Malecón with a security guard, shook hands
with him and left. No change in the music
volume at either Mantamar or Ritmos Café. I
called the Reglamentos again and got the same
person. I said I watched your two Reglamentos
do nothing about the roped off area in front of
Mantamar and then walk past the thumping
music at Mantamar and go into Ritmos Beach
Café and walk through but the volume has
not changed, in fact it has increased. He was
surprised nothing had changed and said he
would call them again.
I continued to watch the two Reglamentos
on their leisurely walk along the beach to the
pier, never to return. I called again to the
Reglamentos to complain and got a young
woman who said “no comprendo” and hung
up. The thumping music continued until well
after dark.
Continued on Next Page...
April - 2016
387
3
Spring FORWARD !!
The time has come!
Most of Mexico will be setting its clocks
ahead one hour at 2 a.m. the night of SaturdaySunday, April 2-3 (including our State of
Jalisco and the southern part of Nayarit),
officially marking the start of Daylight
Saving Time for 2015.
Most of Canada and the United States
already changed to Daylight Saving Time a
few weeks ago. Sunrise and sunset will be
about 1 hour later than the day before and
there will be more light in the evening.
Do not forget to set your clocks ahead one
hour before going to bed on Saturday night,
especially if you’re traveling!
4 387
Sound Off
There was a presence all weekend by the Reglamentos on the beach
- particularly around Mantamar Beach Club and Ritmos Beach Café,
however, no music levels ever diminished nor did any ropes come down
... they just watched and texted on their phones. I am writing this on
Sunday around 5 p.m. and the music volume is THUMPING.
Reglamentos … what a joke!
M. S.
Editor’s Note: For our readers who are not familiar with
“Reglamentos”, which means regulations in English, this is the
municipal department in charge of enforcing the city’s regulations.
Dear Editor,
I complained over 2 months ago regarding the discharge of smoke and
toxic fumes coming from the Pizza Place at 164 Rodolfo Gomez. Luis
Melgoza gave me some contacts in the Government that could solve this
problem but to no avail. I also contacted the Mayor’s office twice with
proof that the toxicity was harmful to our health. When the owner of the
Pizza Place heard I had visited the Mayor’s office, she just laughed and
claimed she had a powerful friend in that office and all my complaints
were being ignored.
Is the welfare of so many visitors and condo owners being ignored
to satisfy one national? This does not help the tourist industry of our
beautiful city.
Publisher / Editor:
Allyna Vineberg
[email protected]
Contributors:
Joe Harrington
Stan Gabruk
Krystal Frost
Giselle Belanger
Ronnie Bravo
Tommy Clarkson
Luis Melgoza
Gil Gevins
Harriet Murray
Catherine Beeghly
Todd Ringness
Gabriella Namian
Gary Beck
Helena Paivinen
Office & Sales: 223-1128
Graphic Designer:
Leo Robby R.R.
Webmaster:
Ray
30-year visitor to PV
PVMCITYPAPER.COM
Dear Editor,
“Pascua!”
Online Team
Cover Painting:
From time to time you have letters about fraud in PV.
One continuing fraud is carried out by Telecable month after month.
Cable users pay their monthly fees for a service which is incredibly poor.
We currently have 11 channels with no sound, and it has been that way
for months. Of course when the wind blows over 10 MPH the 4 major
US channels disappear. This has nothing to do with their takeover by
IZZI but hopefully they can fix the service.
by Señor Fox
www.romamexico.com
PV Mirror es una publicación semanal.
Certificados de licitud de título y
contenido en tramite. Prohibida la
reproducción total o parcial de su
contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin
previa autorización por escrito del editor.
An important notice
W. D. M.
The PVMIRROR wants your views and
comments. Please send them by e-mail to:
Dear Editor,
[email protected]
I just couldn’t help but respond to the complainers this week ...about the
bikes, about Reglamentos, about the pizza place using the sidewalk, about
the noise. I, too, spend my winters here and I love every moment. I am a
guest in this beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta, and I thank the lovely people
of Mexico for sharing it with me, with a smile, with good service, with
kindnesses every day that I am here. Yes, I hear the barking dog across
the street, the big bang fireworks, the hustle and bustle on the streets and
walkways, and I occasionally have to plug my ear as I walk by some of the
bars, but I just smile to myself and say, this is Mexico and I love it.
I walk the Malecon almost everyday. I find myself having to dodge
around people who are looking one way and wandering the other, and
those walking 4 abreast who for whatever reason refuse to yield, and
those who have suddenly stopped to gape and gossip, and I’ve had to
dodge leashes from inattentive dog owners, and sometimes I cross the
street when I didn’t plan on it, because something is in the way.
April - 2016
250 words max, full name, street or e-mail
address and/or tel. number for verification
purposes only. If you do not want your name
published, we will respect your wishes.
Letters & articles become the property of
the PVMIRROR and may be edited and/or
condensed for publication.
The articles in this publication are provided
for the purpose of entertainment and
information only. The PV Mirror City
Paper does not accept any responsibility or
liability for the content of the articles on
this site or reliance by any person on the
site’s contents. Any reliance placed on such
information is therefore strictly at such
person’s own risk.
Note:
To Advertisers & Contributors and those
with public interest announcements,
the deadline for publication is:
2:00 pm on Monday of the
week prior to publication.
Sound Off
I observe the bike lane (which is marked) on
the Malecon, but I notice that almost no one
else does. Bikes are a form of transportation
to and from work, and for pleasure, as are the
skate boards and roller blades.
Isn’t it nice that the local citizens have such
a beautiful place to ride – I bet they wish the
tourists were more considerate about not walking,
wandering and stopping in the bike lane – so they
didn’t have to dodge all those people. Perhaps
someone could suggest that Reglamentos ticket
the tourists who are clogging up the bike lane
and creating a hazard to the riders.
When I go home, the police will ticket anyone
riding on the sidewalk, the zoning Nazis will
chase away the entrepreneurs who are not
properly permitted, and neighborhood services
will break up noisy parties and the trash truck
will always be on time. Everything is regulated,
taxed and costs more. And I will sigh and think
to myself, only 7 more months until I am back
in beautiful Vallarta.
Barbara James
Dear Editor and friends,
It was a convoluted trip, and my fault for the
bad planning. Still, I’m always thrilled to see
all of you, under whatever circumstances. Our
visits may indeed have been too brief, but they
were oh so sweet.
I was impressed with the caliber and many
choices of venues and shows in PV, and very
glad I don’t have to compete with them! Like
a broken record, I’m proud to say again: if it
weren’t for you, I’d never had made it. We
share fond memories that will last a lifetime, at
least for me.
And kudos to Ken and Kerrie Sebryk for
their long-deserved success with their Boutique
Theatre. Bravo!
Dinner Sunday night at Casa Kimberley was
great, even more so the Mariachis - top drawer,
the whole shebang! Like everything else
Janice takes on, the makeover is nothing short
of amazing. Elizabeth and Richard might even
be pleased with Janice’s rehab, but I have my
doubts. In their own accounts over the years,
Liz and Dick never waivered from claiming
they loved their PV “retreat” just as it was,
rustic, not at all like the polished eloquence of
their other “homes”. To that end, I think PV
lost an iconic landmark. Imagine Mt Rushmore
with a facelift - Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan,
Clinton. The National Park might be where it’s
always been and called Mount Rushmore, but it
ain’t the same. Still, it’s better the property be
in Janice’s hands and care than left abandoned,
falling apart, then likely razed. So, if you
haven’t gone yet, you should. Stunning!
Yes, I plan to see you again next season.
And definitely before Easter!
Lots of love...
Ed Hutmacher
Owner of the former Santa Barbara Theater
Dear Editor,
I just got back from a month in PV. We spent
a lot of time at the Swell and almost the first
person to greet us was the Muffin Man. “I have
banana muffins!” He remembered us from last
year! This guy walks the beach 7 days a week,
up and down in the blazing sun to support his
family. Always a smile on his face. He’s one
of the highlights of our trips PV every year.
387
5
International Friendship Club
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
MONDAY
Bridge Lessons 9 a.m. free to members. Guests $50 pesos.
Spanish Lessons - Intermediate 1,
Intermediate 2, Advanced, Tourist Spanish.
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
Please go to IFCvallarta.com activities
calendar for class times & details
or call 222-5466.
Bob Wheeler
Market days around the Bay
Every year, local vendors and businesses gather to sell their goods at those markets, ranging
from local grown organic fruit and vegetables, homemade yogurt and cheeses, jams, local
honey, soaps and lotions, fresh cut flowers, jewelry, shoes and clothes, art creations, etc.
Mondays - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bucerías Monday Market
at the Art Walk Plaza
Wednesdays – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. –
Three Hens and a Rooster Market –
466 V. Carranza
Thursdays - 6 to 10 p.m. Marina Thursday Night Market
along the Malecon of Marina Vallarta.
Fridays – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sayulita Market near the entrance
to the town on Revolución.
Fridays – 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marsol Market in the lobby of the
Marsol Hotel, by the Pier
Saturdays – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. –
Three Hens and a Rooster Market – 466 V. Carranza
Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. –
Old Town Farmers’ Market at Lazaro Cardenas Park
Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Lo de Marcos Market
Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. –
Artisans’ Market in Nuevo Vallarta behind the OXXO by Villa Varadero
Sundays – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. La Cruz Sunday Market along the Malecon of the La Cruz Marina
Great fun, tons of samples and treats …and a great way to support the LOCAL economy.
April - 2016
6 387
Within PV
By
L
ast weekend’s holiday visitors
made quite an impact on our
city. Personally, I truly enjoy the
throngs of beach-seeking tourists
arriving from all over this great
country. Myriad minivans packed
tight with coolers, towels, chairs,
food, and people... all with various
floatation and other devices of
amusement strapped to their roofs.
The collective energy from these
guests brought festivity to our town
and beaches, and likely millions
of pesos to local businesses and
entrepreneurs.
I am always amazed at how
fast the streets get cleaned every
morning, especially during Semana
Santa. Most every morning Miss
Daisy and I walk up the Isla Cuale
where the vendors are setting up
their shops and faithfully sweeping
up all the leaves that fell during the
night.
This kind of clean up happens
nearly every day all around town
by dear ones who appear to be city
workers armed with fierce brooms.
Todd Ringness
I often observe volunteers pitching
in to clean up. Miss Daisy and I
were inspired last week to “give
a hoot” and we tidied up a little
stretch of beach that we frequently
run around on. A small price for
any of us to pay to better enjoy
these splendors that surround us.
Speaking of splendor, my
beautiful wife Sandra Gaye and
I had the chance to finally try out
the burgers at Seasons PV. Holy
guacamole! Honestly, my juicy
bacon cheeseburger with crispy
fries served on a wooden platter
was outstanding.
You know it’s good food when the
recollections linger for days, and
you simply NEED to return! The
portions are generous and could be
shared for lighter eaters. Seasons
PV is near the corner of Aquiles
Serdan and Vallarta just over the
southbound Rio Cuale bridge in
the Romantic Zone.
The winter season continues its
wind down, courtesy of an early
Easter. Many of the all-season
shows have ended or will end in the
coming days. If you’ve not been
able to see some of these shows,
now is your chance. But be warned,
because it’s not uncommon for
many final shows to be sold out, so
get your tickets as soon as you can.
The very positive feedback
and support for my Tales of the
Iguana project continues to
be overwhelming. I am more
determined than ever to do what
I can to ensure that the legacy
of John Huston’s film keep its
rightful place in history. I believe
the making of The Night of the
Iguana is the single most important
event to put Puerto Vallarta on the
map, and into our hearts forever.
If you are reading this in time,
I invite you to join us at the final
encore presentation of Tales of the
Iguana, Saturday, April 2nd at 6 p.m.
at the Boutique Dinner Theatre
above Nacho Daddy on Basilio
Badillo. Tickets are available at
the door, for only $150 pesos.
We are wrapping up our third
year with VallartaTickets.com
and this year has actually been the
most challenging since we started.
This was mainly the result of my
determination to introduce multiple
currency payment options.
Vallarta Tickets was launched with
one fundamental purpose: to serve
you... to make it easier for you to know
about and enjoy the phenomenal
entertainment, events and tours
that our town offers. So you might
imagine the conflicts that came our
way when this wasn’t possible with
the overwhelming complications
that came with our new system. You
or someone you know may have
experienced frustrating challenges
buying tickets online this year, and
for this I am deeply sorry.
The very good news is that many
of you did press through, and
we are so very grateful for your
support (hugs included!) I also
want to express my deep gratitude
to my partner Isel Celis, who
April - 2016
served as our client/event partner
liaison this season.
She also
looked after our half-price ticket
outlet on Saturday mornings (thank
you Cassandra Shaw!) Truly,
without Isel’s instrumental support,
VallartaTickets.com would likely
have gone offline. But together
with our faithful customers and our
hard working event partners and
talented performers, we made it!
THANK YOU!
Vallarta Tickets will go offline for
the season on Saturday, April 2nd.
This will allow us to regroup and
implement some new strategies for
next season. If you are a customer
or on our mailing list, you will be
among the first to hear some VERY
exciting announcements in the
coming weeks.
Looking ahead to the summer
season, Kelly Trainor from the
American Consulate’s office tells
us that the 12th Annual Altruism
Festival will take place on Sunday,
May 8th at the CasaMagna
Marriott in Marina Vallarta. This
is an enormous outdoor food and
entertainment event that generously
benefits 20 local charities with
hundreds of thousands of pesos,
and is not to be missed if you are
in town.
This is a great time of year to
be generous, as many people and
most charities prepare for the
traditional summer downturn. I
try to tip a little more when dining
out, and do what I can to support
local businesses and charities. I
encourage you to do the same, if
you are able, and I hope you have
a great week. Blessings upon you!
Todd Ringness
Todd Ringness along with his wife Sandra
Gaye are the founders of Vallarta Tickets,
a Canadian online ticketing agency serving
the Banderas Bay region and beyond. You
can usually see this man about town, or
you can email: [email protected]
Within PV
P.V. Garden Club’s Commemorative Tile Program
P
uerto Vallarta Garden Club - Beautifying
Vallarta - plants, maintains and improves upon all
the beautiful primavera trees and bougainvillea
throughout the city. Our gardener, Eduardo, is seen
in the photo with our invaluable Treasurer, Matthias
Vogt, recently installed several commemorative
tiles on Basilio Badillo and I.L. Vallarta.
Since the PVGC’s inception 5 years ago, tile
sponsorship has been a major source of funding
for our many projects.
Lately there has been an upswing of interest,
as evidenced by a recent letter to the editor. If
you would like to make a tribute to your love
of Puerto Vallarta, or Mexico, your loved ones,
grandchildren, etc., we encourage you to contact
us. Tiles can be purchased for Basilio Badillo and
the Pier Street for $5,200. pesos, or in the Mercado
area for $3,200. pesos.
Please contact the PVGC’s tile chairman, David
Kamp at [email protected] to arrange your
text, design and location.
When completed, as you pass your tile
installation, you will not only have the pleasure
of seeing the declaration of your sentiments, but
knowing you made a big contribution to the beauty
around you.
Don’t worry if you’re leaving town soon. If you
order now, you’ll have the installation to look
forward to upon your return.
Annual First of April Parade
(PVBS) This year, the Annual Puerto Vallarta
“First of April” Parade will be bigger, longer and
more spectacular than ever. This year, the parade
will start promptly at 4 p.m., and is expected to last
until after 8 p.m. This 4-plus-hour spectacular is free
to the public.
Marching bands, floats, helium-filled balloons and
riders on horseback are customary in parades, and
this parade will have lot of all of them,
BUT, this year, the Annual Puerto Vallarta “First
of April” Parade will include: (1) The Precision
Mariachi Drill Team, a group of 88 mariachi players
that has won international recognition not only for
their music, but also for their precision marching and
formation drills; (2) The world acclaimed Dancing
Elephants of Pakistan - a team of 16 Indian Elephants
that will entertain the crowds while dancing the
foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha and rumba; (3) The Flying
Wall-enders, who will parade a three-story high, 85foot long trapeze rig the entire length of the parade
route while 6 members of their troupe perform on
the trapeze without a safety net; (4) The 1,000-Man
Doctors’ Marching Band, the largest marching band
in the world, comprised of over 1,000 men and
women, all of whom have doctorate degrees; and
(5) The entire 2016 graduating class of the Barnhum
and Balley Clown College with over 425 clowns
who will entertain and delight parade watchers of all
ages with their antics.
The parade will start promptly at 4 p.m., and will
proceed along I. L. Vallarta from the Rio Cuale, all
the way to Calle 5 de Febrero.
This annual parade is once again being brought
to the Vallarta Community, free of charge, by the
Committee for Vacuity and Obtuseness in Vallarta.
April - 2016
387
7
Beyond PV
8 387
April Fools’ Day History
T
he history of April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day is uncertain, but the
current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of
the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and
New Year’s Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year’s week) to
January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only
informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more
rebellious, refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on
the last day of the former celebration, April 1.
These people were labeled “fools” by the general populace, subjected to
ridicule and sent on “fool errands,” sent invitations to nonexistent parties and
had other practical jokes played upon them.
The butts of these pranks became known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April
fish” because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common
practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continued
on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to
Britain and Scotland Later on, the English folk would kick fools’ day up a
notch. In 1698, in Great Britain, several people were given finely printed free
tickets to the Tower of London to witness “Washing the Lions”.
In the 18th century, the celebration was introduced to the American colonies
by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April
Fools’ Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating
the holiday in its own way.
In Scotland, for instance, April Fools’ Day is devoted to spoofs involving
the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are
known as April ‘Gowk’, another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the
“Kick Me” sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance. In Rome, the
holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god
Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as “Roman Laughing Day.”
The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on
one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.
No matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don’t be surprised
if April fools fall playfully upon you.
(Source: www.april-fools.us/)
April - 2016
Airline Directory
AEROTRON
226-8440
AIR CANADA 01 800 719-2827
AIR TRANSAT 01 800 900-1431
ALASKA
01 800 252-7522
AMERICAN 01 800 904-6000
CONTINENTAL
See United
DELTA 01 800 266-0046
FRONTIER
01 800 432-1359
INTERJET
01 800 011-2345
SUN COUNTRY 01 800 924-6184
UNITED
01 800 864-8331
US AIRWAYS 01 800 428-4322
AEROMEXICO 01 800 021-4000
SOUTHWEST 01 800 435 9792
WESTJET
01 800 514 7288
Beyond PV
387
9
From the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter
D
omestic violence is the leading cause of death in women. Every
five years as many women are killed by their intimate partners as
men, and women killed in the Viet Nam War… 54,000.
Micro Loans - Economic independence is key to a woman’s
success in permanently separating herself from an abusive
relationship or entering into another abusive relationship. A noninterest business loan program was started in the shelter a couple
of months ago. The first two participants were able to purchase
materials, make their products and sell a number of their products
before leaving the shelter. They left the shelter with several months
of income. We recently received a $25,000-peso donation to help
finance the program. Thank you, Dean and Mitch!
What a Drag! - February was the day of the big event, which
was a great success thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of many fine
people, including Ray and his team who organized the event, Danny
and his crew at Act II Stages, the fairy drag mothers, the contestants,
the sponsors and everyone who attended. What a great example of
how a community can reach out to those in need!
Chili Cook-Off - Our wonderful friends at the American Legion
Post 14 Puerto Vallarta hosted their annual Chili Cook-Off. Many
local restaurants and the community as a whole showed their support
for the American Legion, Torpedos, American Football, DIF New Life
Home for Young Boys and the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter. A big
thanks to the American Legion and the great community support!
Food Sponsors Needed
Proper nutrition is indispensable. Many women and children
who show up at the shelter suffer from malnutrition and anemia.
It’s essential that they be provided with a nutritious and balanced
diet. Feeding 28 to 40 people runs about $3,000. U.S per month.
Please consider helping to cover this expense with a food or a cash
donation.
Healthcare Sponsors Needed
Many women and children arrive at the shelter with internal and
external parasites, medical issues and malnutrition.
Of course, every cold or flu case is quickly shared among all of the
children. Medications and medical expenses are currently running
between $200. and $250. US every month.
Our website - www.compassionforthefamilymx.org - has been
updated and is now available in Spanish and English. Please check
it out.
One time and recurring donations can be made through
PayPal on the website, by sending a check to Compassion for
the Family, 115 13th Street SE, Altoona, IA 50009 or by writing
[email protected] Donations received from
U.S. or Mexican citizens are tax deductible.
April - 2016
10 387
Beyond PV
Art show sheds light on plight of rivers
A
lthough Mexico enjoys a high international
ranking for investments in renewable sources
of energy, the situation is far from green when
considering the country’s rivers: most have
become de facto sewers, whether they are in
rural areas where they run freely or in urban
areas where they have been systematically
tubed. But the plight of Mexico’s rivers is
getting wider attention through art, often an
efficient and popular conduit for bringing
environmental issues, such as Mexico City’s
water issues, to the fore.
The photography exhibit Ríos, or Rivers, by
Eniac Martínez opened on March 16 in Mexico
City’s Centro de la Imagen, offering a critical
registry of faulty hydrographical planning in
Mexico, as well some evidence of the bounty a
river can provide.
Martínez’ project has been six years in the
making. Originally focused on the three border
rivers, the Bravo, or Grande, in the north, and
Suchiate and Lerma in the south, the exhibition
was intended to highlight pollution and the
overall “bad water planning rampant in the
country.”
The scope gradually grew to encompass the
largest possible number of rivers and thanks to a
scholarship granted to Martínez by the National
Creators’ System, he was able to travel to 20 of
the 32 states to photograph them.
“After three years, I established a central,
four-way premise: the life of the river, the life
of [humanity] in the river, the death of the river
and the death the river causes.”
Despite having an enviable wealth of rivers,
“the states couldn’t care less about what happens
to their watersheds. Great cities crossed by rivers
are blessed, like Paris or London with the Seine
or the Thames, they are vibrant places. Here in
Mexico the rivers have been tubed. The ecosystem
is deteriorating with every passing day and it
seems like nobody wants to make it work.”
Through his 104-photograph exhibit, and an
upcoming companion book that includes 90 of
those photos, Martínez wants people to “bear
witness to this dichotomy, and to reflect about
the life and death in the rivers. These are not the
best photographs, but those that communicate
something.”
“The common policy is that citizens,
businesses or authorities can discard their
waste into the rivers,” says Martínez, offering
the example of the El Salto river in the state of
Jalisco, “considered a paradise in the 1940s.
But, since the 1960s people have been dumping
their garbage there and, of course, nobody does
anything about it because everyone gets a little
money out of allowing it.”
The photographer tells of his visit to the
National Water Commission, Conagua, where he
interviewed several doctors. He was interested
in getting involved in the commission’s
surveillance and monitoring of the rivers
and their watersheds, to which the officials
responded, “We do not go to the rivers.”
“It is ludicrous for an organization dedicated
to water to ignore what is going on with the
rivers,” lamented Martínez.
An example illustrates the lack of attention:
“There is an oil spill in the Coatzacoalcos River
and it is the boatmen who are cleaning it, not
specialists. We never hear about these news
stories, about the true situation of water in this
country.”
Healthy rivers are the exception in Ríos: “I
walked to Chinantla, in the northern mountain
range of the state of Oaxaca. The Santiago river
is a place without garbage, it is a healthy river.
That its people bathe there using soap isn’t
important because, in a way, that’s a natural
relationship. People live on the river.”
The exhibit at Centro de la Imagen will include
a lecture by Martínez on Wednesday and will
also be offering guided visits before it closes on
July 10, after which it will tour the country.
Several of the photographs included in Ríos
can be seen online at eniacmartinez-rios.com.
(Source: mexiconewsdaily.com , Milenio, La Jornada)
April - 2016
Team wins 9 medals
at RobotChallenge
The prowess of Mexican students in the
field of robotics has been put to the test
once again on the international stage, and
the results are a surprise to no one, not even
their competitors.
A team of nine students from the Poza
Rica Institute of Technology (TecNM) in
Veracruz participated in the 2016 edition
of the RobotChallenge championship and
brought home more medals than any other
team. RobotChallenge is one of the biggest
competitions for self-made, autonomous
and mobile robots worldwide, and is
celebrated yearly in Vienna, Austria.
Students Israel Ortiz Hernández,
Cristóbal Calva Díaz, Eduardo Bracho
Mora, Christian Vázquez Gallar, Luis
Cortés Hernández, Jonathan Salcedo Cruz,
Alexis Hernández García, Ángel Antonio
de la Cruz de Aquino and Abner Juárez
Jiménez earned nine medals in total: two
gold, four silver and three bronze, more
than any other competitor.
Of the 13 categories in the competition,
the Mexican students participated in six.
Their biggest local opponent, the
National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), along
with teams from Poland, Turkey, Romania
and Austria, will be the challengers to beat
in the upcoming international matches to
be held in Colombia and Ecuador in April.
Enrolled in the engineering careers of
mechatronics, mechanics, electronics and
computational systems, the students are
part of the 200-member TecNM Robotics
Club, and are advised and assisted by four
faculty members.
In its 2016 edition, RobotChallenge
brought together over 2,000 different
robots from 56 different countries.
(Source: mexiconewsdaily.com, La Jornada)
The 7 Arts
387
11
Hit comedy ‘Princesas Desesperadas’ returns to The Palm
for two farewell performances
The smash hit stage comedy,
Princesas Desesperadas (Desperate
Princesses), will be presented in
Spanish by Perro Bravo Productions
for two farewell performances April
1 & 2 at 9:30 p.m. at The Palm.
‘Once upon a time, in a very
prosperous, peaceful and rich
kingdom, four beautiful princesses
lived in big castles married to their
handsome princes.
Some fifteen
years after their supposed “happily
ever after”, the four princesses who
married for love, now find themselves
only four Desperate Princesses.’
So goes the premise of this hilarious
comedic stage adventure, featuring
four well-known Disney Princesses:
Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty,
who band together and commiserate over cocktails
about their dilemmas, after their fairytale love lives
have fizzled. What happens next is a fast-paced
comedy full of witty one-liners and juicy gossip,
where dramatic secrets and broken dreams are
revealed.
Inspired in part by the popular television series of
US origin, Desperate Housewives, and a huge success
locally, selling out at The Palm last season and Teatro
Vallarta last November, it was written for the stage
in 2007 by Mexican playwright Tomás Urtusástegui.
Directed by Ramiro Daniel, the play stars Cesar
Daniel Bravo Ramirez, of the critically acclaimed
2015 local production of Equus. Also starring Juan
Carlos Ramirez, Juan Pablo Hernandez Salcedo
and Cesar Trujillo. Now in its third successful year,
audiences are still clamoring for more, but according
to producer Alain Perreault, this is the very last
time to see the Princesses on stage. Last year, each
performance of the Spanish version sold out, so best
to reserve early (see link below).
The Palm is well-known for
bringing high-quality, cutting-edge
entertainment to Vallarta.
Inside
you’ll find an intimate 90-seat cabaret
with outstanding sound and lighting,
creating the ambiance of cabarets
from days gone by. Two shows are
Princesas Desesperadas, la exitosa
comedia presentada en español por
Perro Bravo Producciones, volverá a
The Palm el 1o y 2o de abril a las 21:30
para dos actuaciones de despedida
final.
‘Había una vez, en un reino muy
próspero, pacífico y rico, cuatro
hermosas princesas vivían en grandes
castillos casadas con sus apuestos
príncipes. Unos quince años después
de su supuesto “felices para siempre”,
las cuatro princesas que se casaron
por amor, se encuentran siendo ahora
sólo cuatro Princesas Desesperadas’.
Así va la premisa de esta comedia
hilarante, que cuenta con cuatro
conocidas princesas de Disney:
Blancanieves, Cenicienta, Bella y la Bella Durmiente,
que se unen a compadecerse de sus dilemas, después
de que sus vidas de cuento de amor han fracasado. Lo
que sucede después es una comedia trepidante llena de
ingeniosos chistes y chismes jugosos, donde se revelan
secretos dramáticos y sueños rotos.
Inspirado en parte por la popular serie de televisión
de origen estadounidense, Amas de casa desesperadas,
y un gran éxito a nivel local, esta comedia fue escrita en
2007 por el dramaturgo mexicano Tomás Urtusástegui.
Dirigida por Daniel Ramiro, es protagonizada en las
producciones por Cesar Daniel Bravo Ramírez, Juan
Carlos Ramírez, Juan Pablo Hernández Salcedo, y
César Trujillo. Ahora en su tercer año de éxito, el
público está pidiendo a gritos todavía más, pero, según
el productor Alain Perreault, esta es la última vez para
ver las Princesas en el escenario. Por favor, consulte el
siguiente enlace para más información del programa en
el Palm. El año pasado, cada actuación de la versión
española vendió a cabo. Se espera que los boletos
tendrán una gran demanda de nuevo, así que es mejor
reservar con antelación www.ThePalmPV.com
scheduled nightly seven days per
week, with matinees at 4 p.m. for
select shows through early April,
2016. The Palm is located at 508
Olas Altas in the Romantic Zone on
the south side of town. Tickets may
be purchased online and at the box
office (222-0200). A full calendar
of performances, information and
online tickets are available at www.
ThePalmPV.com.
You can also
find The Palm Cabaret and Bar on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/
ThePalmPV/ Saturday 2 to Friday 8
April - 2016
Now Playing
Amy Armstrong & Bohemia
Viva perform music and comedy
in ‘Spanglish II’ through April 3.
Bohemia Viva will have a special
reception before their final show
on April 2nd at 6 p.m., show time:
7 p.m. ‘Miss Conception Goes to
the Movies’ - All live singing and
high-energy dance numbers with
Vegas-worthy original costumes,
Mondays & Thursdays at 9:30
p.m. through April 4th.
Kim Kuzma stars with her
live band of talented musicians
in ‘Acústico’, Sundays &
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. through
April 3rd. Kay Sedia ‘Taco Kisses’
- drag performer, comical stories
and live singing parodies now
playing through March 31st at 9:30
p.m. Luna Rumba, Latin fusion
and Gypsy-Flamenco, whose final
show for the season is Friday,
April 1st at 7 p.m.
12 387
The 7 Arts
Broadway, family drama, and more Boutique Dinner Theatre
Favorite PV performer launches ‘Timeless’ show
By
N
Catherine Beeghly
EW! Two new shows added
- Thursday, March 31st and
Saturday, April 1st - “Mark Zeller
Sings”. “A brilliant solo
performance” is what the
New York Tribune said about
singing sensation Mark
Zeller.
Zeller has been
an actor and singer on
Broadway,
off-Broadway
and in regional theater.
He is also a director and
playwright now developing
three scripts. He performed
in his first Broadway show
at the age of 19. He is
performing in Puerto Vallarta
with his musical director,
New York pianist Woody
Regan.
The Hartford
Courant praised Zeller’s
voice as “Large, passionate,
and consummately human.”
And the New York Times
gave
this
praise, “A
distinguished performance
blending worldliness with a
rare godliness.”
Saturday, April 2 “Tales of the Iguana” - Join PV
columnist Todd Ringness as he
hosts a unique journey back in time.
This show is being brought back
after selling out far ahead of time
in March. “Tales of the Iguana” is
a fascinating look at the motion
picture that transformed Puerto
Vallarta from a sleepy seaside
village into a thriving international
resort. This preview performance
features selected key scenes from
the film, as well as intriguing
behind the scenes footage and
photos. Your host will also share
some of the legendary stories that
surround the shooting of the film
in Mismaloya. John Huston’s The
Night of the Iguana was adapted
from the stage production written
by Tennessee Williams.
The
film stars Richard Burton, Ava
Gardner, and Deborah Kerr. It
garnered three Oscar nominations
and secured one win for Best
Costume Design in 1964.
But it was the steamy behind
the scenes action that lured
the attention of the media, and
subsequently the world. Elizabeth
Taylor was enjoying a torrid love
affair with Richard Burton during
the making of the film. Both
Hollywood A-listers were married
at the time, and glimpses of the two
together in a tropical setting were
highly sought after. The result was
an irresistible scandal that made
worldwide headlines, and focused
the international spotlight on a
town that would never be the same
again.
Tickets are $400 pesos for the
3-course dinner-and-show package,
or $150 pesos for show only.
Instant e-tickets are available for
a small service fee at
VallartaTickets.com or
by phone at 222-9192.
Tuesday, April 5
- LAST CHANCE!
- The hit show closes
for the season, from
the
one-woman
sensation,
Mikki
Prost. “Where The
Boys Are: A Tribute
to Connie Francis”
is the popular original
show.
Learn more
about the incredible
life and career of
singing
sensation
Connie Francis, while
looking back at catchy
songs from yesteryear,
like “Lipstick On Your
Collar.”
NEW! Wednesday,
April 6, and every
Wednesday at 7:30
p.m. - “Timeless” - an
original new musical evening, stars
singer Mikki Prost, accompanied
by Victor Vega.
Boutique
audiences will recognize the name
Mikki Prost, the creator and star
of her popular live tribute shows
to Patsy Cline and Connie Francis.
Her newest show is a treasured
collection of songs from her past
shows, as well as shows she and
Vega have performed together.
“Victor will be delighting you with
his beautiful guitar solos,” Prost
said. “We’ll also be teasing you
with a few songs for next season’s
show.” With Victor’s vast musical
history and teaching experience,
April - 2016
About The Boutique
Dinner Theatre
P
uerto Vallarta’s only dinner
theatre, The Boutique offers
exciting evenings of dinner-anda-show options.
The theatre is host to many
entertaining events, located
upstairs at Nacho Daddy’s,
287 Basilio Badillo. Delicious
3-course dinners are served at 5
p.m., with the shows at 6 p.m.
Diners can choose a steak,
chicken, or vegetarian meal, or
order from the Nacho Daddy
“Mex-Tex”-style menu. Tickets
can be ordered for dinner and
a show, or the show only,
at www.vallartatickets.com, or
by calling 1 562-336-4552. You can also stop by in person
to pick up your tickets at Nacho
Daddy daily, from 11 a.m. to
closing. Check for ongoing
updates and fun facts from The
Boutique Dinner Theatre and
Nacho Daddy’s on Facebook.
he will be showcasing a different
talented student each week.
Mikki Proust and Victor Vega will
encourage song suggestions from
the audience, to be presented at the
following week’s show.
April 21 to 30 - “The Tomorrow
Box” - A heart-warming, funny
and ultimately illuminating family
comedy-drama by one of Canada’s
leading playwrights, will be
directed by Ralph Hyman. It’s
about the revolt of a previously
compliant farm wife, against the
high-handed behavior of her wellmeaning but authoritarian husband.
The play brings engaging new
insights to a vital topic: women’s
liberation.
Written by Anne
Chislett, the play’s exploration of
family life will appeal to a wide
audience.
The 7 Arts
April - 2016
387
13
14 387
The 7 Arts
Act II Entertainment
reports record breaking season
Act II celebrates its most successful season yet and prepares for its 3rd Spring /
Summer season with two new shows: 20th Century Crooners starring Paul Fracassi, Hasten Down
The Wind starring Brittney Kingery, and the Opening Night of Karaoke Thursday, April 7th
Act II Now selling tickets ONLINE at www.actiientertainment.com
Playing This Week
Saturday - April 2
Elviz Martinez,
All of Me 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 4/3
Opening Night 20th Century Crooners starring
Paul Fracassi 7:30 p.m.
Monday 4/4
Opening Night - Hasten Down
The Wind, Linda Ronstadt
Retrospective starring Brittney
Kingery 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 4/6
20th Century Crooners starring
Paul Fracassi 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 4/7
Opening Night of
Karaoke Party 7 p.m.
In its third year Act II has
found its groove and closes the
winter season for the first time
with its future secure. This was
to be the defining season for Act
II. With owner / partner Danny
Mininni taking on the role of Red
Room Artistic Director as well
as managing partner and Artistic
Director for The Main Stage
theater, would the task prove to
be too much? “As we close out
our third winter season, we are
happy to report a 300% increase
in sales”, reports Danny. With
36 new shows and more than 600
performances, Act II has come a
long way in just one season. What will the Spring / Summer
season bring to Puerto Vallarta?
If there is one thing Act II has
learned over the last two summers
is that the year ‘round expat
community is getting larger every
year with more and more expats
staying all summer. It will be the
goal of Act II to cater to the needs
of those who live here year ‘round
on a fixed income. Act II will be
producing more budget-friendly
events, starting on April 7th with
its famous Act II Karaoke Party
every Thursday, starting at 7 p.m.
with Happy Hour 2x1 drinks served
from 6 till 8 p.m. Other fun events
will be our new Movie Music Sing
Alongs with hosts Alfonso Lopez,
Act II Entertainment’s Musical
Director, and Voice of Vallarta
alum, Marsha Ward Ross - starting
Tuesday, April 26th with a cocktail
hour at 7 p.m. This evening will
also include Stand Up Bingo
benefiting the PVGMC - Puerto
Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus. Look
for more exciting shows and
activities to be announced soon. Saturday 2 to Friday 8
April - 2016
Brittany Kingery
Hasten Down The Wind A Linda Ronstadt Retrospective
with Brittany and
her 6-piece band
Opening Night:
Monday, April 4th at 7:30 People have compared Brittany
Kingery’s voice to that of the
legendary Linda Ronstadt for
years. And the similarities don’t
stop there.
Like Ronstadt,
Brittany Kingery’s repertoire
has expanded to include pop,
rock, country, jazz standards, and
Spanish language songs. And like
Ronstadt, Brittany has some show
tunes chops too, having studied
and earned a degree in musical
theater in Manhattan. An awardwinning vocalist and songwriter,
Brittany is plenty busy with her
own music, completing a season of
shows at the Red Room in Puerto
Vallarta, working on her third
album and readying for a 50-date
North American tour beginning
next month.
Her admiration
for Ronstadt has led to “Hasten
Down the Wind”, a Ronstadt
retrospective she developed with
her co-writer / producer Rob Hill.
Her performance of “Hasten Down
the Wind” on Monday April 4th at
the Red Room Cabaret is a onenight-only preview of the show.
Brittney Kingery is the one show
NOT to miss, quickly becoming
The 7 Arts
a Red Room favorite.
Never
before has Vallarta seen a talent
like Brittney’s. With her sold out
houses, it’s no wonder that this
3-time Horizon Tropic Rock
award winner has taken Vallarta
by storm selling as many Award
winning CDs as tickets. Her music
is addicting and you will find
yourself singing her songs long
after the show has ended. Brittney
and her band have a chemistry and
together they are a Vallarta hit you
will see for many years to come. Paul Fracassi th
20 Century Crooners - Opening Night
Sunday, April 3rd at 7:30
Be the first to preview Paul’s
new show for the 2017 season:
20th Century Crooners.
Paul is giving a select few of you
a peek at the new show he will be
bringing to the 2017 season. Paul
has taken on Frankie Valle, Frank
Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Elvis and
many others with huge success.
Now Paul plans on wowing Puerto
Vallarta by taking on the greatest
crooners of the 20th century: Frank
Sinatra, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett,
Dean Martin, Bobby Darin,
Smokey
Robinson,
Michael
Bublé, Tony Williams of The
Platters, Andy Williams, Harry
Connick Jr., Perry Como, Nat
King Cole, Bing Crosby, Stevie
Wonder, Louis Prima, Al Martino,
Mel Torme, Barry Manilow…
Paul Fracassi, the Jersey
Kid of Toronto, Canada, has
managed to create a big fuss up in
Canada as a previous “Canadian
Idol” finalist and, soon after,
Puerto Vallarta fell in Love with
this new singing sensation in
his shows Walk Like A Man and
Legends of the 50’s and 60’s. His
vocal range has been compared to
the great crooners of the American
songbook and especially the high
vocal range of Frankie Valli.
Paul will be performing his 20th
Century Crooners April 3, 6,10
and 13th before leaving PV for his
Summer tour.
All of Me, starring Elviz Martinez
Saturdays, April 2 & 9 at 7:30
Elviz Martinez has captured the
heart of Puerto Vallarta and The
Red Room with his sexy looks and
his sultry voice, he is planning on
giving All of himself. Returning
for his third season at Act II. In
this show, Elviz will expose
himself in a way he has never
done in the past. He will share his
stories, take on Bobby Darin and
new songs never before preformed
in public. Once again joined on
stage with his Musical Director,
Bob Bruneau, together they give
you everything they have. Act II Karaoke Party
Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
Join us Thursday April 7th at 7
p.m. for the biggest party of the
summer. The Encore Bar is the
place where expats meet ‘n greet
every single Thursday. It all starts
at 6 - 8 p.m. when we start the 2 x
1 drink special. At 7 p.m., we start
387 13
what has become the best place to
be all summer long. Join Carol
Smith, Alfonso Lopez and other
guest hosts each week and watch
your friends sing a song as you
cheer them on.
Coming in April...
Movie Music Sing Along with
your hosts Marsha Ward Ross and
Alfonso Lopez. You will get a
song book and we will sit around
the stage and sing along with some
of the best movie musicals in the
history of cinema. Opening Night:
April 26th.
Act II Entertainment STAGES complex is located on the 2nd floor at 300 Insurgentes (corner of Basilio Badillo &
Insurgentes). Tel.: 222-1512. Go to www.actiientertainment.com to purchase tickets and for show details. Box office
open daily at 11 a.m. with a 2nd box office location across the street from Garbo’s on Pulpito street in the Romantic Zone.
EXPRESS
Eye exam and lens tting by specialists
Contact lenses and Large collection of modern
European frames
We are your best option in quality and prices!
Francisco I. Madero #396
SERVICE
(Corner of Aguacate)
Tel. (322) 223 2995 [email protected]
April - 2016
16 387
The 7 Arts
Nina DiGiovanni: Mosaic Artist
By
N
Gary Beck
ina was first fascinated with
color in childhood as painting,
drawing, stained glass, ceramics and
music as well. She won first prize in
science show in elementary school
for her explorations on the color
spectrum. While in her early 20’s, she
was a language and linguistics student
in Barcelona, Spain, her mother’s
birthplace.
She was completely
captivated and seduced by mosaic
art from Gaudi, Miro, Picasso and
Spanish art. Later, she studied mosaic
in Ravenna, Italy, which was the
Byzantine capital of mosaic.
By 1992, Nina had started her own
mosaic business in Vancouver while
studying then earning a graduate
diploma in sculpture. She worked
with hot glass [blown glass] and had
shows across the United States and
Canada. She also had architectural
commissions for commercial and
residential installations.
In 2007, she took a break from
mosaics and studied painting at the
Instituto Allende in San Miguel
Allende, Mexico. In Oaxaca, she had
her own studio, gallery and school
and taught at Taller de Artes Plásticas
Rufino Tamayo. She has presented
shows throughout Mexico, including
at Gallería Dante for three years, two
solo shows, one duo with Jean Gabriel
in 2014 and one with two other women
in 2013 in Puerto Vallarta. She was
featured in a group show at Galería
Uno in April and Sept 2015, will
return to town briefly this summer,
and hopes to return permanently in
January, 2017.
Nina states that she chose Puerto
Vallarta for the wonderfully friendly
people, climate, the art scene,
breathtaking sunsets and soft gentle
welcoming environment. The area is
very inspirational for her. Mexico is her
second home, since her mother’s family
[Spanish-Austrian] were refugees of
the Spanish Civil war in the 1940’s.
Both pieces at Tre Piatti Restaurant
(292 Lazaro Cardenas 292, Tel.: 2222773) were deeply influenced by the
area’s landscape and history. She
wanted to put her work there because
of the Italian-Mexican connection [her
own] and the chance to have a venue
to show and offer her creations at more
affordable prices, avoiding a gallery
mark-up. Nina’s work is incredibly
labor intensive with the larger pieces
taking months to complete - labors of
love. Judith Dominguez, a well known
art photographer in Puerto Vallarta,
documented the work for Nina,
plus another of the “Chakra” series:
stainless steel with mosaic insets. The
“Tree of Life” is set in a dual landscape
of jungle and sea with a PV sunset
painting the sky rose and purple while
the moon hangs in the tree.
Her tapestries of treasures are eclectic
combinations of found objects from the
Bahía de Banderas environs including
April - 2016
shells and stones from Destiladeras
Beach, marble offcuts from local stone
shops and glass cullets [pedazaria]
which are re-fired throwaways from
glass factories in Guadalajara. The
“Tapestry” holds treasures, to wit
scuba divers finding various secrets
around the twin seahorses.
Nina relates, “I have always been
mesmerized by color, understanding
that which is inexpressible in words,
such as in music. Whether I am
working in mosaic or paint, I find I
am drawn intuitively to create works
which reflect energies and moods
rather than depict images. I work with
color, line and movement to convey
meaning which goes beyond the image.
In the mosaics and glass pieces, I am
especially cognizant of the effect of
light-embedding pieces which refract
and reflect light. Sometimes I feel as
though I am a conduit for expression
of other realms, whether they be part of
the unconscious or another dimension.
These pieces seem to have a life of
their own, reflecting my lifelong
fascination with glass and stone and
how the interplay of opaque and
translucent materials holds a duality of
the physical and spiritual on one plane
in a balanced juxtaposition.”
Contact info: [email protected]
www.ninadigiovanni.com Vancouver
tel.: 1-778-840-0907
The 7 Arts
La Pulga
La Pulga Art Gallery, founded in 1981 in Mexico
City, now established in Puerto Vallarta, offers its
customers options and techniques on artwork, oil on
canvas, assemblages, prints and sculptures, mostly
from Mexican artists.
Located in the downtown Vallarta art galleries district at 230 Leona Vicario. Tel.: 222-2996.
Actually showing at La Pulga: Lucero Isaac, Maribel Portela, Javier Manrique.
LUCERO ISAAC
“Trivia Art – deco” - Assemblage
Time is circular, things cannot come from nothing.
What exists may be transformed, but it cannot become anything. Human beings, because of their creative abilities, are able to transform their environment.
During the time of Parmenides, there was, however,
a more fluid relationship of man with Nature and
the Cosmos. Twenty-first Century man is alienated
from nature, literally, out of the world. Maybe this is
why today we have never been so artificial.
JAVIER MANRIQUE
“Tierra, mar y cielo” – oil / canvas
Javier Manrique is an interdisciplinary artist whose work encompasses a broad spectrum of the visual
arts, from frescos to digital images.
Manrique lives and works in both the United States and Mexico. His primary residence is Project Artaud, one of San Francisco’s pioneering artist com-
Known primarily for her boxes and assemblages,
Lucero Isaac was born in Mexico City. She was raised in a family attracted to the arts; her grandfather
was an antiques dealer and a curator. Her first incursion into the world of art was as a dancer.
Lucero began work as an art director and set designer for films, her work has been the subject of
solo exhibitions at the Galería Honfleur, Mexico
City (1988); The Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe
New Mexico (1991). She also participated in several
important group exhibitions, including “Women in
Mexico” National Academy of Design, New York
City (1990); Encountering the Others, Universitat
Kassel, Germany (1992).
MARIBEL PORTELA
“Cazadores y recolectores” - Ceramic
Aldama No. 174 Centro
2nd Floor / Piso
Tel.: (322) 222 1982
Fax: (322) 222 5502
The Greek philosopher Parmenides argued that
everything has always existed.
www.galeriapaciﬁco.com
galeriapaciﬁ[email protected]
April - 2016
387 17
munities, and he maintains partnerships with graphic
workshops and painting studios around Mexico.
In 2014 Manrique exhibited Sobre la Fotografía
(On Photography) at the Instituto de Artes Plasticas in Xalapa, Veracruz and at the Casa Principal in
the port of Veracruz, Mexico. His most recent solo
painting exhibitions in Mexico were “Tierra, Mar y
Cielo” (“Land, Sea and Sky,”) at the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, Veracruz University, in 2012,
and “Soy donde estoy” (“I am where I am”) at the
Fundación Sebastián in Mexico City in 2013.
18 387
Map
April - 2016
Map
April - 2016
387 19
20 387
The 7 Arts
Attention,
opera lovers!
La Traviata
at Teatro
Vallarta
Teatro Vallarta’s first presentation
in April will be La Traviata by
Giuseppe Verdi.
This is an opera in three acts,
sung in Italian, with a duration of
approximately 3 hours, including 2
intermissions.
La Traviata is regarded as one of
Verdi’s finest operas, and Richard
Eyre’s traditional staging is one of
The Royal Opera’s most popular
productions. The opera tells the story
of the Parisian courtesan Violetta
Valéry, one of opera’s greatest
heroines, based on the real life
courtesan Marie Duplessis, who died
in 1847 aged just 23.
In this revival, Violetta is sung by
Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva
in her debut with The Royal Opera,
following her successful appearance
as Violetta at the Glyndebourne
Festival.
The transmission will take place
at 12 noon on Saturday, April 2nd
with English sub-titles, and again on
Monday, April 4th at 6 p.m. with
Spanish sub-titles.
The next presentation in April
will be Boris Godunov, by Modest
Mussorgsky, an opera in four acts
sung in Russian, with a duration
of approx. 3 hours including one
intermission.
Richard Jones and Antonio Pappano
renew their creative collaboration
April - 2016
with this new production of
Mussorgsky’s historical masterpiece,
here seen in its compact 1869
first version in seven scenes. The
originality of the composer’s vision
of Pushkin’s play about Tsar Boris
Godunov – who reigned over Russia
between 1598 and 1605 – was too
much for the management of the
Imperial Theatres, who demanded
changes that were incorporated in
the second version of the opera, in
which Boris finally had its premiere
in 1874.
Many commentators,
nevertheless, prefer the integrity
of the original, which makes few
concessions to operatic conventions.
Keenly awaited will be Bryn Terfel’s
assumption of the title role – one of
the most complex characters in opera
– while John Graham-Hall appears as
the crafty Prince Shuisky and John
Tomlinson as the vagabond monk
Varlaam.
The transmission will take place
at 12 noon on Saturday, April 30th
with English sub-titles, and again
on Monday, May 2nd at 6 p.m. with
Spanish sub-titles.
Teatro Vallarta is located at 184
Uruguay, downtown. Tickets at
$250. Pesos are on sale at the wicket
at Teatro Vallarta, the Ticketmaster
center in Liverpool and via
Ticketmaster.com.mx Info: 2224525 and 222-4475.
The 7 Arts
By
Joe Harrington
Puerto Vallarta’s British Spy
Occasionally I run into an ancient
acquaintance of mine wandering
about Old Town or standing on Los
Muertos Beach staring at the Bay
of Banderas. He spent his career
in Britain’s MI5’s Secret Service
– a.k.a. James Bond’s old outfit.
Lifetime habits are hard to turn off
just because someone gives you a
watch and a boot out the door. His
real name is Paul Vernon Barnaby
Smithe. When I write about him, I
shorten that to PVBS.
I saw him on Easter. As usual his
face, suntanned a deep brown with
wrinkles like crevices on a walnut,
faced the beauty of the ocean and
the eternal march of waves. I asked,
“Seen any good movies lately?” I
waited, knowing the answer would
come in short, clipped sentences with
heavy British accent.
‘Cabin Fever’. Horror flick. Gore.
No name actors. Enough blood to fill
the elevator shaft of the hotel where
Jack Nicholson went insane.”
PVBS always does this to me,
meaning oblique references to a film
without telling the name. Took me a
moment to realize he was referring
to a scene in The Shining were blood
gushes out of the elevator. “Not too
fond of horror movies,” I said.
“How about Sci Fi?” he asked.
“Just watched The Fifth Wave.
Fantastic. Clever. Ending derivative
of Star Wars.”
Once again I groped through the
maze of cobwebs in my old brain
and asked, “You mean begging for a
sequel?”
He studied me like one might study
something distasteful and said, “Of
course. What else could I possibly
have meant, you mundane moron?”
A glutton for punishment, I asked,
“Seen any other movies?”
“Western. Natalie Portman. Jane
Got a Gun.”
I gushed, “Great actress. What’s it
about?”
“Ravenous revenge.”
I asked, “You recommend all three
movies?”
“Are you dedicated to being
dazzlingly doltish? Why mention
them if I didn’t?”
Feeling like an idiot, I changed the
subject. “Any local news that hasn’t
broken yet?”
He dropped his voice to a whisper,
the kind of hushed hiss I felt he’d
developed as a spy because it
echoed with the tones of conspiracy.
“Michael Douglas and Catherine
Zeta Jones are talking about a
remake to Night of the Iguana.”
My heart took a little boost in beats
per minute as I asked, “Here in Puerto
Vallarta?”
He looked at me with scorn.
“Where else? You think Paris? Not
many iguanas running about the
Eiffel Tower. You always dumb as
a jackass. Don’t answer, that was
rhetorical.”
Bells started ringing in my memory
and not church bells, more like the
sirens of a cop car. Why dawned on
me. “You tried to sell me this bull
a couple of years ago. I remember
checking it out. Douglas and his wife,
around a decade ago, did consider
a remake, but changed their minds.
What are you trying to pull?”
He grinned, “April Fool, you
incompetent imbecile.”
I felt like slugging him, but he was
even older and more decrepit than
myself. “Thanks for wasting my
time,” I snarled. Turning to leave, I
asked, “Those three movies, are they
really any good or was that bull too?”
April - 2016
387 21
He grinned a Mona Lisa grin.
Disgusted at being the butt of PVBS
once again, I went home and Googled
all three flicks. I discovered Rotten
Tomatoes Meter results:
Cabin
Fever = 0%; The Fifth Wave = 15%;
Jane Got a Gun = 35%. It dawned on
me that if I hadn’t caught PVBS in a
lie I would have wasted six hours of
my life watching dumb films.
On another note, I was going to
watch Batman Versus Superman:
Dawn of Justice last weekend, but
my run in with that evil Brit made
me cautious so I did what I never
do and checked Rotten Tomatoes
before going to a movie and writing
a critique.
This turkey received a dismal 20%.
One review tells it all. Mick LaSalle
of the San Francisco Chronicle,
wrote: “Snyder set his story within
our modern world and attempts to
fashion a kind of commercial on the
media and the current geopolitical
situation. What he has crafted instead
is a grotesque expression of modern
emptiness.”
I guess PVBS actually saved me
a couple of hours. Not that I’ll ever
thank him.
Joe Harrington
Is an internationally published true crime
writer and documentary filmmaker.
Send comments or criticism to
[email protected]
Artwork by Bob Crabb.
22 387
Good Bites
Dear Editor,
Sicily’s culinary heritage …in PV
Cuisine is a reflection of a
place’s culture. Some would
suggest that cuisine is a culture
unto itself. Now that Sapori
di Sicilia has moved to its new
location at 414 Olas Altas, more
of us will be able to enjoy the
delicacies prepared for us by
Sicilian Chefs Luca Cisca and his
lovely wife, Alice.
Sicilian cuisine shows traces of
all the cultures which established
themselves on the island of Sicily
over the last two millennia.
Although it has a lot in common
with Italian cuisine, Sicilian food
also has Greek, Spanish, French
and Arab influences.
When most people think of
Italian food, pasta and pizza
come to mind. But Sicilian
cuisine, and the Mediterranean
Diet, transcends these ubiquitous
culinary delights. If you plan to
go on a diet, go for Sicilian food.
The use of apricots, sugar,
citrus, sweet melons, rice, saffron,
raisins, nutmeg, clove, pepper,
pine nuts, cinnamon (along with
fried preparations) is a sign of
Arab influences from the Arab
domination of Sicily in the 10th
and 11th centuries.
Normans and Hohenstaufen
influences are also found, such as
in the fondness for meat dishes.
Later, the Spanish introduced
numerous items from the New
World, including cocoa, maize,
peppers, turkey, and tomatoes and
other produce. In Catania, on
the east coast, initially settled by
My husband and I have discovered a jewel of a restaurant. Just one
month old, it is situated in the Aramara district across from Centrocity
Plaza along Prisiliano Sanchez road. On the side street Viricota, you
will find Mochi, an Asiatic cuisine with a little Mexican touch.
The owner is very friendly, the service attentive and the price very
reasonable. They are waiting for their liquor license which should be
available in the next few months.
It is always fun to discover new places and I hope you enjoy this
lovely restaurant.
Felix and Colleen
Dear Editor,
Greek colonists, fish, olives, broad
beans, pistachio and fresh vegetables
are preferred instead. Much of the
island’s cuisine encourages the
use of fresh vegetables such as
eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes,
and fish such as tuna, sea bream, sea
bass, cuttlefish, and swordfish – all
plentiful around the Bay of Banderas.
Pasta in the West may first have
been worked to long, thin forms in
Sicily around the 12th century, as the
Tabula Rogeriana of Muhammad
al-Idrisi attested, reporting some
traditions about the Sicilian
kingdom. At Sapori di Sicilia, it is
all handmade.
Of course, Sicily is also
renowned for its seafood. Wait ‘till
you try Chef Luca’s!
Next time you’re in the mood for
some great food, do drop in to this
newest establishment on Olas Altas.
You won’t be sorry!
Buon appetito!
After a show at Act II Entertainment, we stopped in for dinner at
Roberto’s. Such a convenient very good spot to go after a show!
I had the seafood casserole with garlic and Mary had pompano
baked in foil with veggies and shrimp. We had a blast and so did the
room - totally full! Bravo, Roberto!
Check out this hot spot for fresh seafood – 283 Basilio Badillo.
Open every day, for dinner only.
Gary Beck
Bucerías
to stage
16th Oyster
Festival
Some five thousand oysters will
be served, 150 kilos of fried fish,
450 kilos of fish ceviche and oyster
salad, in addition to a great cultural
program of music, a contest to
establish the largest oyster and the
crowning of the new queen.
Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, at 12
noon on the Playa El Punto beach,
the 16th edition of the Annual Oyster
Festival will be held in Bucerías,
Nayarit, an event realized by the
divers for the coastal communities
and their visitors. As has become
April - 2016
tradition, the divers will compete to
see who has the largest oyster, and
the winner will receive a brand new
scuba diving gear.
“We have always wanted to
organize a family event and honor
our fellow divers who are no longer
with us. We want more space so
that more people may enjoy the
event more, perhaps with chairs
instead of tables. We hope that
all who will visit us will enjoy the
event,” said Modesto Avalos, a
spokesman for the divers.
Vallarta Stars
Jade Payton
By
O
Helena Paivinen
nce you meet her, you will never
forget her. Her essence is larger than
life. She takes up space in her living,
powerful, palpable energetic space.
As she once told me: “I want people
to stand their own ground and take
their full place in this world.” Her
passion lies in knowing who one is,
not giving up and living authentically.
She is an artist, always has
been. Her chosen work now lies
in Abstract Expressionism. If you
know Jade Payton, you will know
that her art reflects who she is.
Abstract Expressionism has been
described as volcanic, having fire.
It is unpredictable. Nothing bores
Jade more than vanilla type living.
She breaks the mould and when you
first encounter her, all you see is a
tall proud woman with spiky snowcolored hair, bright red lips and a
large open smile.
Jade was born in Baltimore. Her
early life was not easy. Like Abstract
Expressionism, which arose after
WW II, Jade arose from her own
battles. Her earlier life was full of
ordered conformity, dictatorship and
abuse of all forms: “I was constantly
told I was this and I was that, I did
not know what I liked, only what I
was ‘supposed’ to like.” She tells me
that her first independent choice came
in her teens, at nineteen years of age,
when she chose her own sexuality.
As an adult, Jade traveled to
foreign places such as Afghanistan
and Pakistan. For the first time, she
began to see America through the lens
of different cultures. She became an
adventurer, an explorer, and by her
own admission, a wild woman. She
says: “I prefer imperfections than
dictated perfectionism.” Her life was
finally that of her own making; not
one mandated by the norms of others.
“I paid my dues,” she said as she
reflects on her past.
During one of our first meetings,
Jade and I talk about the book,
“Women who Run with Wolves.”
She tells me her copy is tattered and
torn, its pages heavily marked. If
you know the book, you will know
the writings are strongly influenced
by Carl Jung. Little does Jade know,
that one of her artist heroes - Jackson
Pollack - had undergone Jungian
analysis. Abstract art, like Jungian
work, is not direct; myths, archetypes
form the basis of the story. Abstract
art, as someone once said, “captures
the glorious spirit of the sea rather
than all of its tiny ripples”; it implies
expression of ideas concerning the
spiritual, the unconscious and the
mind.
With this in mind, one could
say that Abstract Art is akin to the
Jungian approach; something which
obviously resonates with Jade.
Some in the ‘know’ have told Jade
she would most likely arise as the
next Jackson Pollack. She chuckles
at the comparison but makes certain
to clarify that her method is different:
“When I read about Jackson Pollack,
his work is described as dramatic and
wild.” As Jackson did, Jade puts her
entire being into her work. When
you see her art (shown at Dante’s
Gallery), the colors reach out and
her work is full of movement. It is
in these ways that Jade’s art parallels
Jackson.
As I research further, I find
Jackson Pollack believed the journey
toward making a work of art was as
important as the work of art itself.
Art critic Harold Rosenberg stated,
“What was to go on the canvas was
not a picture, but an event.” Abstract
art has been described as rebellious,
anarchic and highly idiosyncratic;
it is a “visual language to create a
composition which exists with a
degree of independence from visual
references in the world.”
Jade loves abstract painting, it
allows full expression of all that she
believes. When I ask about her art,
Jade tells me: “nothing in life stays
the same, in my abstract work nothing
stays the same, it is constantly
moving, it is a real link to life… I love
the explosion of colors, it is orgasmic;
I see molecules coming together to
tell a wild story.” When Abstract
Expressionism first arose, the canvas
April - 2016
387 23
became a gesture of liberation from
value - political, aesthetic and moral;
it was a liberating signal for artists of
this era. Abstract artists do as Jade
has done with her life: they move
away from conventionality.
An important predecessor of
Abstract
Expression
includes
surrealism, an art form which Jade
loves. At Art VallARTa, Jade recently
completed a one-woman show. She
called it “Evolution”.
The title was to reflect the evolution
of her life. In her life, she evolved
from tradition and conformity
to liberation and independence.
Abstract art also evolved; it evolved
from romanticism, to impressionism
to expressionism. I am certain Jade
did not think of this when naming her
show. As I mentioned earlier, some
in the ‘know’ of the Puerto Vallarta
art scene say that Jade is an emerging
star. Given her life, what she has
overcome and experienced, I would
say, she has already, arrived.
Vallarta Voices
24 387
Evangelization
of Puerto Vallarta
(Part 2)
By
Gabriella Namian
“So, where do you do your
groceries”?
“Depends on where you live. If
you’re in the Marina and you have
no car, you have a few options: (1)
walk to the Marina Plaza to the
Comercial Mexicana or take the
bus to the Soriana’s (the big one is
in Plaza Caracol, formerly Gigante
and the smaller one -which I preferis near the Port Authorities and a
couple of stops after the Liverpool
Shopping Mall; (2) Walmart (right
after the Liverpool Shopping Mall);
(3) Sam’s (you need a membership
card; (4) Costco (membership
card needed); and finally, (5) Ley,
downtown. And if you buy a lot, a
taxi is so cheap here!”
“Which one is the best?”
“They are all great, amigo,
and remember one thing: on
Wednesdays, they all have a oneday sale where veggies and other
stuff are at great discounts!”
“Yes, but do they have the same
stuff that we use?”
“And what do YOU use, my
friend?” I replied, starting to get a
bit annoyed…
“Well, meat, fish… can you trust
their freshness, and hygiene?”
“Are you serious? In supermarkets
here, everything is fresh. And by
the way, have you noticed everyone
serving you that they all wear gloves
and, in most cases, face masks? I did
not see this too often in Montreal! I
told you before that all meat, cheese
and cold cuts counters are so clean
here that you can lick the floor!”
“Anything different than what we
have back home”?
“Hmm… not that I am aware of
except eggs taste better, so does
the meat but the fish and seafood…
yum; they are all organic. As for
fruit, I do try to encourage the local
growers and buy their strawberries,
blueberries,
blackberries
and
raspberries (if you cannot go to the
Aramara open market and they have
everything from meat, fish, fruit,
veggies) a few streets from Sam’s,
then you can get them during the
Mercado week either downtown
or at the Marina). There might be
other open markets but this is the
only one I have been to so far. In
general, do try the supermarkets’
guavas,
papayas,
cantaloupe,
watermelon and bananas - which
are locally grown.”
“But I still didn’t see…”
“Look, I do think that all
supermarkets are very well stocked
here; just look at the yogurt variety –
nothing like at “home”! And if you
happen to need something out of the
ordinary, there are specialty stores
that cater to everyone’s needs and
tastes (such as phyllo dough, polenta,
etc.) Just look in the PV Mirror or
better still, if you see baklava being
sold at open markets, ask where you
can get it, etc. Incidentally, I have
asked the Comercial/Marina store
manager to bring in fresh dill (in
Spanish it’s called eneldo) and guess
what? Okay, it took 3 years but now
it’s available!”
“What about using your ATM
card here?”
“I’m using mine all the time
because you get the latest and best
exchange in pesos, but please, try to
use a machine that is inside a bank;
the others are charging an arm and
leg for withdrawals.
April - 2016
No use bringing U.S. dollars and
going to the bank; no use either in
bringing cash with you when your
ATM card or credit card can be used
right here in Puerto Vallarta!”
“What about cards being cloned?”
“Hey it happens everywhere!
Would you believe my card was
cloned right at my own bank’s ATM
at the Montreal Airport? You have
to be careful; use any ATM but
preferably within a bank”.
“What about booze?”
“What about it?”
“Where do you buy alcohol?”
“Supermarkets, and there is a fine
wine / alcohol boutique on Basilio
Badillo in the Romantic Zone on the
south side of town. Also, there is
Europea in the Marina with wines
and alcohol, as well as some other
grocery items, a fine cold cuts
and cheese counter, fresh bread,
ciabattas, croissants, chocolatines
… to name a few.”
“Any other restaurants in the
Marina that you like?”
“Ah… plenty, but I will mention
one for now: “Rincon Buenos Aires”.
Although they are highly specialized
in grilled meats, their menu is quite
varied and in some cases even
vegetarian-friendly (salads and
pizzas baked in their newly built
brick oven and to die for). Try
their half deboned chicken grilled
to perfection, their pulpo campeche
(octopus) that melts in your mouth,
even the seafood pastas. Then, of
course, there are the different cuts of
meat and if you do not know what to
pick, they will bring a tray with raw
meat you can choose from. They
also have specials every day. A real
‘embarras de choix’!”
“Well, I have to leave now and go
get me some munchies… talk to you
later!”
“Hasta luego, my friend, and try
to learn a few words in Spanish; you
have no idea how Mexicans will
appreciate it!”
(to be continued)
Vallarta Voices
By
H
Anna Reisman
appy April Fools’ Day to
y’all! Do not believe all you read…
But, this is also the weekend when
Mexico catches up with the rest
of North America by setting its
clocks forward one hour before
going to bed on Saturday night,
and that’s not a joke! At least, the
two-week long Easter holidays and
accompanying madness are over.
It’s been hectic these past couple of
weeks, hasn’t it?
The throngs of tourists, the crazy
traffic, the shows, the fundraisers,
show closings, friends leaving after
a few months in our little corner of
the earth, cramming in as much as
possible in their last few days… I
don’t know about you, but that’s
the way it’s been at my end.
I don’t remember the last time
I went for three weeks without
sharing my life with you. Mind you,
I really didn’t have much worthy
of sharing, all personal stuff. On
the other hand, I want to thank my
readers who sent me emails telling
me that they missed my blather,
asking if I was all right because this
column wasn’t published. I’m fine.
I just kept on getting squeezed out.
The following is what I had handed
in, plus some updates.
Did you ever notice that
regardless of what country or city
it is, the longer you live in any one
place, the more little nooks and
crannies you discover, all within a
few blocks’ radius of your comfort
zone? I’ve never lived in the same
house for longer than ten years,
until I moved here, to our beloved
Puerto Vallarta. This summer will
mark 22 years for my uninterrupted
love affair with my home, and this
town.
I
have
discovered many
little gems over
the years, some of which I’ve told
you about …and some not. But
there are also the ones that are
transient, the ones I don’t share with
you because they’re only there for
one day of so. I’m referring to the
pick-up trucks laden with all sorts
of stuff, everything from colorful
fresh fruit, veggies and juices,
to equipal or beach furniture, to
homeopathic products, …and
beautiful bonsai trees of different
species planted in volcanic rock
bases. They were there again these
last couple of weeks. I parked my
car on Venustiano Carranza (the
street that comes out of the little
tunnel on the south side of town,
where those vendors always park)
and went to look at them, again,
even though I knew I wouldn’t
buy any as I really don’t have
room for any more plants. I don’t
even ask how much they cost any
more. I just walked around the
man’s truck, admiring the artistry
and patience obviously involved
in each and every one of his items.
Of course, he was no longer there
the following day, replaced by
someone selling round, lusciouslooking watermelons and mangoes.
The day after, it was sweet potatoes.
“Spring is here, the grass has
riz, I don’t know where the birdies
is…” Yes, the vernal equinox was
a few days ago and the nights have
been getting increasingly warmer.
We’ve had some beautiful sunsets,
but they’re going to become truly
spectacular as we near the “rainy
season”. When I first moved down
here, it used to start the third week
of June, like clockwork, but over
the last few years it has become
impossible to predict the weather.
That goes for our entire little blue
planet… But I won’t go into the
“climate change” topic today.
We received a “letter to the
editor” that came in too late to
publish. The author wrote: “I was
just rereading a back issue and
thought I would comment on your
remarks about people waiting too
long to get a copy. Surely this is
an opportunity to increase your
readership if you can just find a way
to service the untapped demand.”
It made us laugh. Sure, there is a
way… getting more advertisers!
Every issue costs money, honey.
The Mirror has already broken
all its previous records regarding
circulation numbers, but all were
based on weekly advertising
revenue.
Last Friday evening as my
friend and I were distributing this
paper to the condo towers along
the road to Mismaloya, we were a
little surprised –and saddened- to
notice that many of their owners
and renters had already left for
the season. Indeed, this year has
brought a very unusual “high
season” for Puerto Vallarta – way
too short. Used to be from midDecember to mid-April, mas o
menos, but not this year.
I bumped into a very dear friend of
mine at K’rico (in Los Mercados).
April - 2016
387 25
I hadn’t seen him in quite a
while, so I decided to have my
daily espresso and croissant with
him instead of rushing back to my
computer. As we were commenting
on how short this season was, he
told me something I found rather
strange: An acquaintance of his,
who lives here year ‘round, decided
early on that she would no longer
associate with her snowbird friends
because saying goodbye to them
at the end of each season was just
too painful for her. To each their
own, yes, but personally, I would
never give up the pleasure of those
friendships, no matter how sad I am
today, and every year at this time.
I
just
hope
that
more
establishments have recognized
the value of putting money aside
for a rainy day – of which we will
be having many. Unfortunately,
many don’t. There is an “instant
gratification”
mentality
that
prevails here, which results in all
too many local businesses closing
soon after they open. Not good for
anyone.
I wish you a great week. May
your Mirror always reflect a happy,
healthy you.
Hasta luego. [email protected]
Health Matters
26 387
Attention Deficit: Misdiagnosed and
co-occurring mental health issues
By
I
Giselle Belanger
n my previous article on Attention
Deficit Disorder or (ADD), I described
many of the classic symptoms and
discussed the fact that so many adults
still suffer with it and were never
diagnosed or treated as children. In
fact, “up to 60% of children retain
their symptoms into adulthood”
(Regina Bussing, M.D. and John M.
Grohol, Psy.D., “Attention Deficit
Disorder: An Introduction to ADD/
ADHD” Jan. 6, 2012: web page:
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/
adhd/). As they grew up with the
ADD/ADHD, they developed other
symptoms and problems along the
way, which resulted in misdiagnoses
and complications as the other
symptoms manifested.
It is very common to experience
depression, anxiety, and learning
disabilities, to be diagnosed with
“Oppositional Defiant Disorder” at
school-age, and later, be diagnosed
with either “Bipolar Disorder” or
“Borderline Personality Disorder”.
It is especially important to note that
a very high percentage also develop
addictions. The medications for such
disorders may have helped a little,
but not enough. The person then
feels even more discouraged. ADD
may be an underlying cause of much
of your pain and suffering!
Here is an excellent example I
pulled off the (www.medscape.org/
viewarticle/558594) internet of a
woman who spent a lifetime being
misdiagnosed and consequently not
getting better. She had tried many
different medications to treat the
various symptoms of depression and
anxiety and had been in and out of
therapy to deal with the behavior
problems and mood swings, all of
which negatively affected her job
RN, LCSW
and her marriage. Needless to say
she had spent a lifetime suffering
with symptoms that mimicked other
mental health diagnoses and was
finally correctly diagnosed with ADD
and given the correct medication.
A woman agreed to her husband’s
request for psychiatric consultation
to discuss her accident and resulting
job loss. Upon questioning, the
psychiatrist established that her
depressed mood preceded both her
accident and job loss. She reported
that her earliest contact with the
mental health system was as a child.
In fourth grade, the patient was
seen by a psychologist to address
her “persistent separation anxiety”.
Throughout middle school she did
poorly academically and underwent
educational testing.
She scored
very high on the IQ examination
and her teachers and counselors
were perplexed by the discrepancy
between her daily performance and
overall aptitude. As she aged, her
problems continued. In college,
a psychologist informed her that
she had “Borderline Personality
Disorder”. Subsequent psychiatric
diagnoses
included
“Major
Depressive Disorder”, “Bipolar II
disorder”, and “Dysthymia”.
Misdiagnosed and co-occurring
Unfortunately, this may sound
all too familiar. Because so many
of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD
(“attention deficit disorder with
hyperactivity”: note: throughout
the article, I will only refer to this
disorder as “attention deficit” or
“ADD” because not everyone has
the hyperactivity component) mimic
other mental health disorders, it is
often misdiagnosed and therefore
mismanaged. Needless to say, this
can become extremely frustrating
over the years and leaves the person
feeling different, wondering why
they don’t fit in, and can’t act the way
everyone else does. It also makes
them feel guilty for not being able to
better manage their behavior, or excel
in school or their job. Basically, they
feel damaged, like they will never be
“normal” and it often leaves them
hopeless.
Similarly, symptoms of attention
deficit and other problems such
as depression and anxiety, and
Borderline Personality Disorder, can
and do overlap and occur together in
many cases, thus creating a layering
of issues over the years which require
careful examining.
Depression may actually develop
and be caused by years of struggling
with ADD. However, uncovering a
lifelong pattern of underachievement,
procrastination, and inability to
complete tasks, is essential in
discovering ADD as an existing
condition before depressive symptoms
ever presented themselves. Sleep
disturbance is another diagnostic
symptom of depression, which also
commonly occurs with attention
deficit, because they have rapidly
changing thoughts and ideas, which
interfere with them falling asleep or
staying asleep. Again, discovering
that this problem was present long
before the depression developed, is
very helpful diagnostically.
Bi-polar Disorder is a combination
of depressive and manic episodes and
is often misdiagnosed in someone
who actually has ADD, and especially
ADHD, instead. This is because
the “mania” can mimic ADD. The
similar symptoms include: impaired
attention, distractibility, restlessness,
mood swings, rapid speech, and
“flightiness” or “scatteredness”. The
diagnostic difference is the duration
of the apparent mania which can
last for weeks or months, while with
ADD, they only last for a few hours
or a few days.
As always, establishing that the
symptoms of ADD were present
April - 2016
since childhood is very important
in preventing such a misdiagnosis.
It is extremely common to meet
adults who have been unsuccessfully
treated for Bi-Polar and once they are
properly treated for the ADD, they
improve greatly.
Anxiety and OCD (obsessive
compulsive disorder) - “Generalized
Anxiety” has many overlapping
features with ADD.
Feeling
anxious, restless, worrying a lot,
and panicking, are all pretty typical
symptoms of both disorders.
However, people who only have
generalized anxiety do not display
the other tell-tale signs of ADD such
as impulsivity, disorganization, and
attention deficit.
Sometimes a person with ADD will
develop certain habits that may seem
like OCD, although it is indirect
response to their ADD. For example,
they may need to remind themselves
in a very vigilant methodical way to
do something like turn off the coffee
pot or put their keys in a certain place
every time in order not to lose them.
Obsessive thinking and worrying
have developed in direct response
to a lifetime of disorganization and
unpredictable impulses in order
to survive and compensate for the
attention deficit traits.
In conclusion, ADD might be a the
crux of many other problems that
have developed over the years and
although the treatment; medication
and therapy you received up until
now may have been beneficial, it was
never enough or it felt like something
else was still wrong or off. Do not
underestimate the psychological
impact on your self-esteem and
self-worth, nor the tremendous
impact on your personal and social
relationships.
Giselle Belanger
RN, LCSW (psychotherapist) can be
contacted at: [email protected]
Mex cell: (322) 138-9552
or US cell: (312) 914-5203.
Health Matters
By
Krystal Frost
Complementary therapies…
who... what …and why not?
W
ith new therapies inundating
the practice of medicine and
the continual development of
modern technological advances,
it is becoming difficult to
distinguish between therapies
that are beneficial or adjunctive
and those that are detrimental and
unfounded.
Moreover, because
most physicians in the WEST
are trained through allopathic
pathways, there is minimal
emphasis on complementary,
traditional treatments and nutrition
that may enhance recovery from
illness or surgeries.
Having said that, here is short list
of what’s available around town
and who does what and what they
call themselves.
Industrial Medicine is practiced
largely in the west and first world
countries. It is understood that the
practice of medicine falls within
the realm of Western medicine.
This type of practice, generally
found in medical institutions,
hospitals and taught in university
medical schools, is categorized
as allopathic, which leads to the
expensive and time consuming MD
or PHD degree. The practice and
knowledge of medicine focuses on
treating symptoms.
The physical body is fragmented
into systems and organs i.e.: high
blood pressure is treated and
controlled with medication rather
then addressing the underlying
causes of the high blood pressure.
If an organ becomes diseased,
the therapy indicated is surgery
to remove the organ, or part of it,
rather then regenerate and restore it
on a cellular level.
Diagnostics are based on lab
testing and imaging devices. Most
of us believe in this and pay a lot
of money for insurance to support
this belief.
Osteopathy is a system of
health care based on treating the
whole person and is, therefore,
a
more
holistic
approach.
Osteopaths originally considered
the musculoskeletal system as
primary in the pathophysiology
of illness, and used manipulation
of this system to correct “somatic
abnormalities” thought to cause
disease.
Homeopathy is a system of
treating illness based on the law
of similar (that like cures like) to
promote health and healing by
stimulating the body’s defense
mechanisms
and
restoring
homeostasis when that natural state
is threatened by disease.
These substances include plant
and animal extracts, and may
be combined with vitamins and
minerals, as well as with small
doses of traditional medicinal
agents.
Naturopathy
shares
with
homeopathy the goal of treating the
causes and effects of illness through
naturally occurring mechanisms.
Naturopaths believe in the body’s
ability, as a whole, to heal itself
through the use homeopathy, herbs,
oral vitamins, massage, physical
therapy, and lifestyle counseling
on diet and nutrition to repair the
body. Naturopaths consider their
treatments as complementary to
industrial medicine.
Eastern
and
Traditional
Medicine is a broad term that refer
to indigenous, East Indian, Tibetan,
Japanese, and Chinese and all local
and traditional herbal knowledge
and therapies helpful in healing
and re-orientation. These share
philosophies about the energy
system of the human body and the
necessity of balance and harmony.
Sometimes outside unseen forces
come into play in the healing
process.
Holistic medicine is a positive
approach to health that focuses on
the state of the whole individual,
and it explores all aspects
of a person’s health: mental,
environmental, social, cultural,
psychological, and physical. It
aims to balance the mind and the
body with external forces to help
the body heal itself. Therapies
encompass yoga, biofeedback,
megavitamin therapy, acupuncture,
and other means to help achieve
restoration, wholeness, and greater
April - 2016
387 27
health. It, too, is often incorporated
as an adjunct to western medicine
and surgery.
Complementary
medicine
is a broad term used to describe
any therapy that, like holistic
medicine, may use megadose
vitamins, spiritual healing, herbal
preparations, magnet therapy,
and acupuncture - among other
therapies - to promote health and
recovery from illness or trauma.
Bottom line
It seems to me that the best path
to regain and promote the wellbeing
of the home that houses your soul
is to do what you feel comfortable
and secure with. Many times it is a
combination of styles that suit your
life style and personal philosophy.
Also stick with any choice for
at least a month before you jump
into another therapy or medical
modality.
Complementary and traditional
therapies are not quick fixes.
Remember how long it takes to
develop symptoms of unbalance and
consider it might take some effort
and time to get your balance back.
One thing for sure: Your body is
perfect and strives to be so.
Krystal Frost
For questions and comments Cell: 322 116-9645,
Email: [email protected]
28 387
Gil Gevins’ Page
It’s about time
By
D
Gil Gevins
r. Milton Fleeting was one of
the youngest scientists ever to win the
Nobel Prize. He was, as the saying
goes, in the prime of life. He was
blessed with a devoted wife and two
nearly perfect children.
With all that, Dr. Fleeting was an
intensely unhappy man.
The source of his misery lay in
the crippling feeling that everything
was rushing by so rapidly; that the
constellation of circumstances which
composed his life would soon be gone.
Forever! And this feeling, that his
existence had been set on fast-forward,
only grew stronger with the passing of
each (seemingly) shorter day.
Perception, Dr. Fleeting decided,
was what it was all about. Time could
not be slowed. Time, for all anyone
knew, did not actually exist. The issue
was cognition. What he needed to
do was slow down the perception of
time. Only then could he subdue his
crushing anxiety.
Conveniently, Dr. Fleeting was
the world’s foremost neuroscientist.
Cognition, perception, the chemical and
electrical interactions which drove the
functioning of the human brain were
precisely his field of expertise. He set
to work. Funding was not a problem.
Since he’d won the Noble Prize, he’d
been drowning in money - thanks
largely to the Pentagon, which was
always open to new ways (no matter
how far-fetched) of making their troops
into more efficient cannon fodder.
After four years of intense labor,
Fleeting was ready. First, he tried the
procedure on Phil, a laboratory rat. Phil
spent hours staring off into space, but
seemed otherwise unaffected. What
was going through the rodent’s mind?
Was it having a weeklong fantasy
involving Hilda, the brunette sexpot in
the next cage? Or had the procedure
turned his subject into a wee whiskered
vegetable? He’d never know.
Fleeting decided to perform the
procedure on himself. Hadn’t this
been the point from the beginning: to
slow down his subjective perception
of time so that he did not feel as if he
were going to drop dead in the next
fifteen minutes?
Describing the procedure would be
pointless: no one would understand the
arcane technical jargon. Suffice it to
say that on the third day of injections,
electromagnetic bombardments and
subcutaneous implantings, Dr. Milton
Fleeting found himself sitting in the
large subject’s chair looking out the
window of his laboratory and thinking,
“The experiment has failed.
My
awareness has not changed in any way.”
Then he noticed the edge of an
object enter the frame of the open
window. At an unbelievably slow
pace, the fragment grew in size.
Eventually, it became apparent to
Fleeting that something was “passing”
outside his window. After what felt
like an hour, the object resolved itself
into the form of a flying pigeon. In
the time it took the pigeon to “fly” out
of view, Fleeting could have silently
recited the entire Manhattan phone
directory - or at least, the White Pages.
The experiment had succeeded!
Fleeting would win a second Nobel
Prize, joining the likes of Marie Curie
and Linus Pauling! Fleeting sat for a
while luxuriating in the afterglow of
his success. Then he became aware
of his need to go to the bathroom.
Objectively, the short walk to the WC
took thirty seconds. Subjectively, it
felt to Dr. Bremen like several hours.
Then his bowels “moved”, with the
speed of an advancing glacier. Fleeting
was ecstatic. His death was now many
subjective centuries in the future! He
was practically immortal! Finally, he
could relax and enjoy his life. Three objective days later (to
Fleeting it had felt like many months),
he was sitting stone-still in the subject’s
chair at the laboratory. He did a lot
of that these days: everything took so
long, it was easier to do nothing.
The phone rang. Each ring lasted
as long as a Beethoven sonata. When
the receiver had finally made the long
long journey to his ear, he discovered
that it was his ex-wife on the line,
bitching as usual about… something
- each word lasted so long, it was
difficult to put them all together and
decipher her meaning.
Evelyn had always tried his
patience: thus the divorce. But now,
with Fleeting’s altered relationship to
time, each whining word prolonged
itself in his consciousness forever!
Did he really want to spend the next
month listening to his ex-wife bitch
incomprehensibly into his ear?
It finally dawned on Dr. Fleeting that
not only would the pleasurable aspects
April - 2016
of life be subjectively prolonged, so
too would the rotten parts - they would
also drag on and on and…
Fleeting was seized with panic.
As Evelyn continued to drone
interminably into his ear, sounding like
a stuck bass pedal on a church organ,
he dropped the phone, rose in stages to
his feet and began the long trek to the
window. As he walked in ultra slowmotion, his mind was racing all over
the place. Mostly, it was imagining
with what mind-numbing slowness all
the horrors of life (toothaches, kidney
stones, Walmart) would prolong
themselves in his awareness. And
what about his slow-to-arrouse wife?
Subjectively, satisfying her just once
would take weeks!
He realized that what he now had
to look forward to was not endless
joy, but rather eternal tedium. The
procedure irreversible, he began to
feel the tendrils of despair. Then he
succumbed altogether.
The amazing length of Dr. Fleeting’s
epic voyage across the room gave him
ample time to weigh the pros and
cons of his dire decision - from every
possible angle. Finally, he reached
the window. He felt as if he’d been
walking for a week.
He jumped.
The laboratory was located on the
seventh floor. On the way down, Fleeting’s
entire life flashed before his eyes… with
six floors still to go! Then the life of his
parents flew past… five to go!
Two floors above the sidewalk,
Dr. Milton Fleeting, having mentally
reviewed everything back to the
dinosaurs, decided to continue on until
he reached the Big Bang.
But right around the birth of the
Milky Way Galaxy, he ran out of time.
Gil Gevins
Is the author of four hilarious books,
including the cult-classic, PUERTO VALLARTA
ON 49 BRAIN CELLS A DAY, and the sidesplitting novel, SLIME AND PUNISHMENT.
Signed copies of all Gil’s books are available
at his wife’s wonderful shop, LUCY’S CUCU
CABANA, located at 295 Basilio Badillo,
or as E-Books on Amazon.
Legal Matters
Ask Luis
By
Luis Melgoza
Dear Luis: I am at a loss to find any
knowledgeable lawyer in this city who agrees
with you regarding the qualifications you have
published pertaining to renting in the Restricted
Zone. They all simple shrug off the inquiry
by saying “it’s in your fideicomiso,” or “it’s
your right as the trust beneficiary.” Website
after website designed to provide confidence
to prospective buyers regarding the use of a
fideicomiso, clearly and freely state that one
is able to rent or lease property held in trust
in the Restricted Zone. My confidence is in
your knowledge, but you do seem very much
outnumbered.
How does one contact the Foreign Relations
Secretariat Legal Department as you suggested
in issue 384? Are you able to direct your readers
to a government website for precise information
concerning the rights and restrictions of a
fideicomiso in the Restricted Zone?
I am asking specifically about the use of the
property. As for the taxes and fees, there are
those who think they are avoiding any and all
legal problems by “partnering” (calling it a
consignment) their properties with a locally
licensed commercial entity to front the payment
of the fees and taxes in an attempt to mask
the trust beneficiary’s rental gains. But if the
property is not allowed to provide income in the
first place, this “partnering” approach becomes
an obvious money-laundering conspiracy.
Dear Reader:
Here you will find all
contact information for the Foreign Realtions
Secretariat’s Legal Direction: https://directorio.
sre.gob.mx/index.php/oficinas-centrales/
direccion-general-de-asuntos-juridicos.
The permits issued by the Secretariat are either
for residential purposes, or for non-residential
purposes; never for both.
The information on the Foreign Relations
Secretariat official website (how to apply for a
NON-RESIDENTIAL fideicomiso permit: http://
sre.gob.mx/aviso-de-adquisicion-de-inmueblespor-sociedades-mexicanas-con-clausula-deadmision-de-extranjeros-en-la-zona-restringidaque-se-destinen-a-un-fin-no-residencial, and, how
to apply for a RESIDENTIAL fideicomiso permit:
http://sre.gob.mx/permiso-para-constituir-unfideicomiso-en-zona-restringida
—both
in
Spanish) is just as crystal clear as the Foreign
Investment Law; both clearly distinguish between
residential and non-residential use. So is the
language in the permits to constitute a fideicomiso
issued by Foreign Relations, invariably.
These are the Foreign Investment Law directly
applicable articles:
TITLE TWO, CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 10:
Pursuant to Section I of Article 27 of the Political
Constitution of the United Mexican States,
Mexican companies with foreigners exclusion
clause or which have executed the agreement to
which said provision refers, may acquire title to
real estate in Mexico.
For companies whose by-laws include the
agreement provided by Section I of Article 27
(of the Constitution), the following shall apply:
I. They may acquire title to real estate
located in the restricted zone, intended for
non-residential purposes, and must give notice
of such acquisition to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, within sixty business days following the
acquisition date; and
II. They may acquire rights to real estate
inside the restricted zone intended for residential
purposes in accordance with the provisions of
the following chapter.
CHAPTER II: Restricted zone real estate trust,
ARTICLE 11: A permit from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs is required for credit institutions
to acquire, as trustees, rights to real estate located
within the restricted zone, when the purpose of the
trust is to allow the use and development of such
property without constituting ownership rights
in respect thereof, and the trust beneficiaries are:
I. Mexican companies without foreigners
exclusion clause in the case provided from in
Section II of Article 10 hereof; and
II. Foreign individuals or foreign entities.
ARTICLE 12: Use and development of real
estate located in the restricted zone shall be
understood as the rights for the use or enjoyment
thereof, including, if applicable, the obtainment of
fruits and products and, in general, any revenue
resulting from profit operation and exploitation
through third parties or through the trustee.
It is easy for both lawyers, laypeople and
websites, not thoroughly cognizant of the
Foreign Investment Law, or of the subject matter
of their professional activity, for that matter, to
treat articles 10 and 11 as if they were a single
article, thus discarding “if applicable” that
separates residential use from non-residential
April - 2016
387 29
use in article 12. It is not an excuse for providing
incorrect advice, of course; particularly when
their livelihood depends on it…
On the other hand, if all of them were to give
advice strictly following the letter and spirit
of the Law, the purchases of real property by
foreigners would drastically drop and there goes
their lifestyle. These purchases by foreigners
have inflated real estate pricing in the Restricted
Zone for decades, to the point that many
properties here are priced much higher than
similar properties in Hawaii’s prime areas, for
example; hard to believe as it is.
Regarding the money laundering conspiracy
between beneficiaries of residential fideicomisos
and commercial entities, you are partially correct.
It is not only those, but every person and entity
attempting to hide taxable income is, in fact,
engaging in money laundering; even if the
fideicomiso is authorized for non-residential use.
As I wrote in PV Mirror #384: “The Law is
with the hoteliers. I just hope that they don’t wise
up and start demanding that Foreign Relations
revokes the offenders’ fideicomiso permits.”
Because if they do, none of those lawyers
that shrug off the inquiry by saying “it’s in
your fideicomiso,” or “it’s your right as the trust
beneficiary” would be able to mount a defense.
Luis Melgoza
Is a former PRI (Mexico’s ruling party) Head Counsel and
Legal Adviser to the Mexican Congress. Although retired
from the legal profession, he is a highly respected consultant
for both the foreign and Mexican communities in Puerto
Vallarta. Luis’ PVGeeks is the premiere wireless high-speed
Internet provider in Puerto Vallarta. For Internet service,
you can reach Luis at: [email protected]
30 387
Calendar / Directories
April - 2016
Real Estate
387 31
VIEWPOINT
By
Harriet Murray
Cultural differences
This material on cultural differences was used for a monthly educational
course for AMPI Vallarta, Compostela, and Nayarit real estate agents
A
lthough the three countries that make up North America are physically
close, Mexico is simply a different country than her northern neighbors. Mexico
has a different history and a different culture. Mexicans have their own ways of
doing and looking at things. Each Mexican’s beliefs, expectations and codes of
personal and social conduct are so different as to be from a different world. Of
course, from their perspective, YOU are from a different world. To successfully interact with a Mexican, it is necessary to enter the world of
the Mexican, and be aware of the fact that your assumptions about how things are
done, often are not true. The following comparison table provides a summary of
major cultural differences.
Mexico is moving in the right direction, working to raise the real estate
standards to protect buyer and seller interests. AMPI (our National Real Estate
Association) plays a key role in the real estate industry in Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico, working closely with local, state and national governments. Our local
AMPI Association is leading the country in developing and implementing real
estate standards. To become members of our local AMPI Association Real Estate professionals
sign our By-laws that require our members to follow our Ethical Code of
Conduct; to use our contract forms, which have been legally vetted to protect
buyers and sellers; to have the option to participate in and comply with our
MLS Rules and Regulation along with using the shared database. Our By-laws,
Code of Ethics, MLS Systems, Contracts and our other systems are constantly
improved upon through the expertise and experience of our members.
I recommend that each potential buyer or seller of Mexican real estate conduct
his own due diligence and review.
Harriet Cochran Murray
Can be contacted at: [email protected]
April - 2016
Fish Tales
32 387
“Summer” fishing in March
with Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish!
By
Y
Stan Gabruk
ou know I can’t figure it out, we
have winter species in the bay like
Jack Crevalle, Needle Fish, Sierra
Mackerel. Then we have the summer
species of Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo and
Sailfish in the same waters at the same
time. Yes, folks this is El Niño with
its scrambled egg approach to fishing.
We don’t know what to expect on a
weekly basis, but we do know there
are big fish at El Banco and Corbeteña.
We have Sailfish around the Marietas
and Punta Mita area with Rooster fish.
Then we have freak fishing situations
like Blue Marlin being boated in the
Bay. So fishing right now is like a
trend we should ride and not get too
much into the why it’s happening now,
just keep reeling!
Last week the fishing was great,
this week it’s even better. But that’s
not to say it’s perfect, it’s still work,
nothing is automatic. But just having
Big Black Marlin in the area is reason
enough to get excited. To have
Yellowfin Tuna in the neighborhood
in what is barely spring is a gift from
the heavens that should be taken
advantage of, amigos. And right
now! Corbeteña rocking again with
Blue Marlin to 500 lbs., no real Black
Marlin here (next week), Sailfish
(Owner of Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle)
are back in town and picking up in
numbers around 100 lbs., Cubera
Snappers to 65 lbs., Yellowfin Tuna
Footballs at 50 to 65 lbs., Wahoo for
the lucky at 60 pounds plus. Jack
Crevalle and Bonito are a given. With
tons of Skip Jack Tuna in the area and
the abundance of flying fish, Goggle
Eyes and Bullet Bonito fish are spread
out like last week. And like last week
the production fishing ships (Seiners)
out of Mazatlan are nowhere to be
found, thank the fishing gods! FYI,
to get to the Sailfish and the Tuna you
have to be 15 miles or so Southwest
of The Rock. Use this info wisely. El
Banco is all this with larger Yellowfin
Tuna anywhere from 65 lbs. all the
way up to 200 lbs., Black Marlin
starting at 350 lbs. all the way to
over 600 lbs. have been boated this
week. Yellowfin Tuna from 80 to 200
lbs. just north of the high spots. The
areas in between these two famous
locations are alive as well. So don´t
just sit on the high spots or circle
Corbeteña, have plenty of fuel and go
on the hunt, this is spring fishing like
you’ll probably not see again until
another nutzy El Niño year, so get out
there and have some fun. If the wife
complains, blame me.
El Moro is cooking with Wahoo,
Bonito, Jack Crevalle and Sierra
Mackerel. Wahoo are just hanging
out and not many are targeting this
highly desirable pescado (fish).
Almost impossible to target, those
boating these fish are basically lucky
the razor sharp mouth didn’t cut the
line. But luck is part of fishing and
we’ll take all we can get. Sailfish
are in the area as well with some
Rooster fish, but not many. Around
the Marieta Islands, on the back side,
there have been small, baby-sized
Dorado, throw them back. Rooster
fish are here as well in the 40-lb size
range, larger at the Anclote Reef
off Sayulita. Rooster fish are hot
then cold, but your best chances are
around the Sayulita shoreline and
especially around Anclote. Lots of
Sailfish in the area and about 18 miles
off the point you’ll start to see Marlin
and more Sailfish. So the 8-hour trips
are working well.
Inside the bay, it’s insane. Jack
Crevalle to 50 lbs., Sierra Mackerel
over 30 lbs., a Blue Marlin and
Sailfish was boated off Los Arcos in a
freak event. Bonito to 40 lbs., Snook
and Snapper in front of the river
drop offs and the list goes on. Great
action in the bay for the younglings
and grown-ups alike. Have fun and
a 4-hour trip is worth its weight in
smiles and good times. Four people,
four hours, $320 bucks, that’s only
60 dollars per person and I’ll throw
in the bait!
April - 2016
This week we’ve seen high visibility
blue water temps hang at 79oF which
is a middle ground all the local
species are able to ¨live¨ with. About
the only species missing is Dorado
and they should be back in the area
hopefully soon. The Red Tuna Crabs
and one-inch squids have moved out
with the tide and the Tuna are still
here. Skippies are everywhere and
large, but not taking baits so that’s a
challenge when the bait won’t bite!
With the super abundance of flying
fish, if running lures - and you should
run one lure - it should still be the
deep blue with silver markings. If
this doesn’t work move to petroleros
with purple. The Bite is happening a
little earlier this week so be sure to be
on the water early.
Shared boats for 8 hours targeting
Dorado have been very popular (½
Super Panga, 2 person max. per half
the boat)! Just fire me an email so I
know when you’ll be here and we’ll
do the rest. The Downtown Store
on Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes
is open for the season. Call Chris (El
Centro Mgr) at (044) 322 112-9558
for fishing, tours or T-shirts, amigo.
I am still in Marina Vallarta so take
your pick. YeeHa! We are also
Smoking your fish, we keep half, but
man is this stuff good. Call Chris for
details at my El Centro store. Contact
us about a week before coming to PV
so we can get you set up early on a
shared boat!
Until next time, don’t forget to
¨Kiss Your Fish¨!
Master Baiter´s is located in
Marina Vallarta between docks A
and B on the boardwalk. Email
your questions to me at: CatchFish@
MasterBaiters.com.mx
Web
page:
www.MasterBaiters.com.
mx , Local Phone at: (044) 322 777571 or if roaming: 011 521 322
779-7571 cell phone direct. Come
like me on Facebook: http://www.
facebook.com/pages/Master-BaitersSportfishing-Tackle/88817121325
The trade name Master Baiter’s ®
Sportfishing and Tackle is protected
under trade mark law and is the sole
property of Stan Gabruk.
Hi-Tech
Apple treats… early!
Apple held an event on its
Cupertino, California, campus last
week. This in itself is not news,
but what was announced did make
news. The theme seems to have
been “smaller is in”. After years of
pressure to make bigger iPhones and
iPads, Apple has added new products
bucking that trend.
First up, the “iPhone SE” was
announced for pre-order immediately
and shipping date of March 31. The
“SE” apparently stands for special
edition. What’s special about it?
Well, it’s been designed for those
who want the latest internal power,
but don’t want the larger sizes of the
current 6s (4.7” screen) and 6s Plus
(5.5” screen).
The iPhone SE comes in the 4”
screen size that was the standard size
in the iPhone 5/5s. Many owners of
iPhone 5/5s have held off upgrading
to 6/6s because they like the smaller
screen and less bulkiness compared to
the newer iPhones. Has the “phablet”
(phone/tablet) revolution come to an
end? I doubt it, but Apple listened
to its customers and is just giving us
another option.
So how does the internal power of
the iPhone SE stack up compared to
the 6s? The specs on paper show the
same A9 processor in both, reportedly
the same 2GB system RAM, and
same screen resolution in both.
The rear camera is the same 12MP
camera and the fingerprint sensor is
there as well. In general it does seem
a lot of the iPhone 6s is packed into
the size of an iPhone 5/5s.
The iPhone SE is 10% narrower,
12% shorter and weighs 22% less than
the iPhone 6s. The iPhone SE has
the same aluminum body and color
choices as the 6s. The overall screen
size of the SE is 27% smaller than the
6s, but does maintain the same 326
ppi (pixels per inch) resolution 6s.
Ok… price. Full price (no contract
pricing) for the iPhone SE starts at
$399. US for 16GB and $499. US
for 64GB storage (no 128GB version
available for the SE).
The current iPhone 6s 16GB runs
$649. US for 16GB. Let’s not forget
the iPhone 6 is still available for $549.
for the 16GB model, but the iPhone 6
processor is a generation behind and
only has 1 GB system RAM.
So what exactly are you giving
up for the decent price saving of SE
vs 6s? Screen size is the biggest
Solution to Sudoku on page 35
Solution to crossword on page 35
concession, but some smaller features
are missing. The SE front camera is
only 1.2MP compared to the 6s 5MP
front camera. The SE is also missing
the “3D Force Touch display”. The
battery is smaller in the SE, but with
less screen size, the usage time is
actually a bit better for the SE.
This is the second time Apple
has tried to make a “lower cost”
iPhone. The iPhone 5c (a major
failure for Apple) had a plastic back
and downgraded internal hardware.
This iPhone SE may have hit the
right combo of price savings without
sacrificing important performance for
consumers.
Next up at last week’s event was the
new iPad Pro 9.7”. The original iPad
Pro 12.9” is still available, but so is
the $799. US starting price for 32GB
storage. The new iPad Pro 9.7” is
not meant to compete with the bigger
version, but I think is more to replace
the current iPad Air 2 (9.7”).
With much of the same internals, the
9.7” iPad pro has the same processor,
and even a better 12MP camera (vs
8MP camera) than the 12.9” model.
The 9.7” system RAM is reduced
to 2GB from the bigger 4GB RAM.
Same aluminum design and colors,
screen pixels per inch, 4 speaker
audio. Prices start at $599. US for
32GB storage, $749. US for 128GB
storage and $899. for 256GB storage.
This is the first time a 256GB storage
option has been available from Apple.
Apple is also continuing to sell
the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2, dropping
the prices to $399. for 16GB storage
April - 2016
387 33
and $499. for the 64GB storage WiFi only models. So if in the market
to get a new iPad, the 9.7” iPad Pro
seems to be a good bang for your
buck. If budget and light usage is
more your speed, then the iPad Air 2
and it’s reduced price, is a good value.
Although not many clients or people
I know in general, have jumped on
the Apple Watch bandwagon, I should
mention the main announcement from
this category.
Apple announced the starting price
for the Apple Watch now at $299. US
down from the originally entry level
$349. US.
Whenever prices get reduced while
maintaining important specs, we as
consumers all win. Let’s hope 2016
brings more of this philosophy, from
other manufacturers as well.
That’s all my time for now. I hope
you all had a safe and happy Semana
Santa. If you’d like to download this
article or previous ones, you can do so
at www.RonnieBravo.com and click
on “articles”. See you again next
week... until then, remember: only
safe Internet!
Ronnie Bravo
Ron can be found at CANMEX Computers.
Sales, Repairs, Data Recovery,
Networking, Wi-Fi, Hardware upgrades,
Graphic Design, House-calls available.
www.RonnieBravo.com
Cellular 044-322-157-0688 or just
email to [email protected]
Nature’s World
34 387
Planting Roots
in Mexico
By
Tommy Clarkson
African Iris
Dietes bicolor (sometimes
confused with, or
incorrectly called, Dietes
vegeta, Dietes Moraea
and Dietes iridioides )
Family: Iridaceae
Also known as Spanish
Iris, Peacock Iris, Butterfly
Iris, Fortnight Iris,
Bicolor Iris, Yellow Wild
Iris, Evergreen Iris and
Peacock Flower
(I seem to have a numbskull knack
for picking out plants that I like and
want to incorporate into the Ola Brisa
Gardens plant family about which
little has, heretofore, been written.
The African Iris is just such a species!
Beyond that, like so many tropical
plants I’ve learned over the course of
my studying and growing them, there
is significant misunderstanding and
debate as to their proper botanical
place and name. )
Horticulturist Dr. Douglas F. Welsh,
of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service,
states that “Confusion over (the) correct
naming of these African plants occurred
when the large plant group known as
Moraea was split and renamed: those
with evergreen rhizomes were now
Dietes, and those having corms were left
in the Moraea group.”
The genus name “Dietes” is comes from
the Greek word “dis” meaning twice and
“etes” means an associate and refers to
the position of this genus between its two
relatives, Moraea and Iris.
(Ya’ got all of that? It may be on
the mid-term test or, at the very least,
a conversation starter for your next
block party!)
If nothing else, any plant that is
liked by bees, butterflies and birds has
got to be OK with me! The African
Iris is such a plant.
At a more basic and down home
level, the Dietes family is comprised
of some six species of rhizomatous
herbs that originated in the tropical
environs of southeastern Africa.
Tough little, self-seeding characters,
they are quite resistant to pests and
gardeners alike being difficult to
remove from their adopted terra
firma home once they’ve fully set
up residency! Beyond that, they it
germinates easily and can tolerate a
wide spectrum of growing conditions.
The small, beautiful flowers last
but one day, however – fear not others follow throughout the year.
The flowers close by midday except
on overcast days (and Irish holidays
I may choose to observe)! These
dainty, profusely blooming, small,
pale yellow, bi-sexual flowers feature
a dark brown spot at their base.
The Dietes bicolor will bloom less
vigorously in wetter environs or where
the evenings are warm. Yet it can
withstand short periods of cold weather.
Typical of Irises, its sword-shaped
leaves are arranged in an equitant
(fan shaped) manner. These ¼ to 3/8
inch (.4 – 1 cm) wide linear, grasslike leaves range from 24 to 48 inches
(60 – 120 cm) tall.
Plant them where they can enjoy full
or partial sun and water moderately.
Down below, they generally prefer
sandy, loamy and silty soil but, in all
reality, are not all that fussy as to soil
type in which they are planted.
Like Banana or Hibiscus plants, when
a stem has stopped flowering it should
be cut back to the ground level.
As to purported uses of the African
Iris, infusions made from the inner
Barely a day old and this
African Iris bloom is already
starting to curl up!
We have since moved ours
to where it can receive a bit
more sun each day.
Its thick, wide linear,
grass-like leaves range from
24 to 48 inches tall.
part of the rhizome, taken orally
or via in enemas, is thought to treat
dysentery; in some cultures, the
rhizomes are used during childbirth
or for hypertension; and, ground
April - 2016
rhizomes are ingredients in tonics for
ailing goats. (I kid you not!)
Regarding folklore - calling this a
Rain Iris - some folks believe that the
flowering of this plant presages rain.
In Africa, some subscribe to the belief
that if one had been to a funeral or
entered a house with a corpse, it was
imperative that they chew the African
Iris rhizome and spit on the ground
so s to cast out bad luck. Failure
to do so, the belief so went, that an
immediate member of one’s family
would soon die.
The African Iris can be effectively
used as a border plant, beside pools,
mass planted, or strategically placed
in an oriental garden. One might
wish to seek out a plant of two of
the larger flowered White Wild Iris
(Dietes grandiflora) and plant them
in a complementary manner.
As regards some of its relations,
Detes vegata presents itself in large,
grassy clumps with numerous three
inch (7.62 cm) pale yellow flowers
marked with yellow and violet. The
cultivars called ‘Orange Drops’ and
‘Lemon Drops’ are actually Dietes
hybrids. The Dietes iridioides, is
rather similar in appearance to the
Dietes bicolor but has blue or purple
streaks emanating from the center of
the flower.
Bottom line: Interesting plant!
Tommy Clarkson
In Manzanillo, visit Ola Brisa Gardens,
Tommy and Patty’s verdant, multi-terraced
tropical paradise nestled on a hill overlooking
the magnificent vista of Santiago Bay.
Leisurely meander its curved, paved path,
experiencing, first hand, a delicious array
of palms, plants and flowers from all over
the world. Or, e-mail questions to him at
[email protected]
For back issues of “Roots”, gardening tips,
tropical plant book reviews and videos of
numerous, highly unique eco/adventure/
nature tours, as well as memorable
“Ultimate Experiences” such a Tropical
Garden Brunches and Spa Services, please
visit www.olabrisagardens.com
https://www.facebook.com/
olabrisagardens?ref=hl
Brain Teasers
387 35
The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle
by Michael Langwald / Will Shortz ©New York Times
Solution to Crossword
on Page 33
SUDOKU!
Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle.
The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each row,
column and group of squares enclosed by the bold lines (also called a box). Each
box must contain each number only once, starting with various digits given in some
cells (the “givens”). Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of
each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience.
It is recommended as therapy because some studies have suggested they might
improve memory, attention and problem solving while staving off mental decline
and perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Solution to Sudoku on Page 33
April - 2016
387
April - 2016

[email protected]

Transcription

Similar documents

Puerto Vallarta

Park Royal Los Tules Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta

available - Sol y Luna Real Estate

PUERTO VALLARTA

rented - Sol y Luna Real Estate

Casa Lagos Fluvial $ 4,300,000 mxn. Amenities

17•09•11

2016 Caribbean Classic full page ad copy - NSSA-NSCA