Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Full Feeds

Punta Mita Living 02

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:29:24 UT

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Punta Mita Living is a specialty publication designed with the homeowners and visitors of Punta Mita, one of Mexico’s most prestigious residential developments, in mind. Punta Mita is situated on the most westerly point of Banderas Bay, in Riviera Nayarit, just 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Each issue features outstanding photography of Punta Mita’s picturesque vistas, resorts and private residences, along with ideas on how homeowners can become even more involve in this community. Punta Mita Living is published twice a year (summer and winter).

In this Issue:

Jack Nicklaus Inaugurates the new Bahia Golf Course
The revered master returns to Punta Mita

Relaxing in San Pancho
A perfect day trip, only 20 minutes north of Punta Mita

Three tropical fruits explored
Meet papaya, tamarind and prickly pear

Up-close with Chef Yann Giacomoni
Creating luxurious dining experiences at St. Regis

A Tribute to Gordon Edwards
Artist Profile: Alejandro Mondria
Surfing with Greg Warnick
Punta Mita Land and Seascapes, a Photo Essay
Punta Mita Homes Featured in Architectural Digest
Plus our regular columns with helpful information for Punta Mita homeowners

Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas Partner in Solidarity

Juan Pablo Hernandez & Paco Ojeda — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:36:19 UT

The recently-opened Teatro Vallarta served as backdrop for an official ceremony carried out March 5 in which Bahía de Banderas mayor, Hector Paniagua Salazar and Puerto Vallarta Mayor, Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz, signed a conurbation treaty that will bring great benefits for tourism, economic, cultural and social development for both municipalities. Thanks to this agreement, both municipalities will be able to become eligible for federal resources.

The ceremony was also attended by official representatives of both municipalities, businessmen, students and members of the general public who witnessed this historic event. The new alliance will receive over a hundred million pesos in federal funds for the construction of two new bridges over the Ameca river. Further programs and specific projects will be announced by both municipalities in the ensuing weeks.

Vallarta Chamber Orchestra Presents Season Finale

Paco Ojeda — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:19:05 UT

The Vallarta Chamber Orchestra will offer its final performance of the season on March 21. Comprised of talent from all four corners of the globe, key among the members is composer and clarinet player John Robertson.

The featured soloist for the evening, violinist Mary MacLachlan, will be accompanied by the orchestra in her performance of Felix Borowski’s Adoration. The composition was originally written for violin and piano, but, thanks to Robertson, the piano accompaniment has been orchestrated; elevating the lushness and warmth of the entire composition.

Additionally, the March 21st program includes Robertson's oeuvre, borrowing themes from the rich musical culture of Mexico in a composition entitled, Mexican Fantasy. Works by Mozart, Schubert and Aaron Copland round out the program. The concert will take place at the American School / Colegio Americano on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 8 pm. This is an open seating, outdoor concert. A donation of $100 pesos per person is suggested. Students and children free. For more information, email to vallartachamberorchestra@gmail.com.

Window for Puerto Vallarta Downtown Remodeling Extended

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:11:38 UT

Municipal Tourism Director Jose Luis Diaz Borioli announced a two-week extension to use a 28 million peso grant in the third stage of Puerto Vallarta's downtown remodeling. "Since the source of this grant was federal, we had a short window of opportunity to implement it. Thanks to the extension, we can continue with the project," said Diaz Borioli.

The city official also announced that an additional 25.4 million grant has been earmarked to continue with phase four of the remodeling project after Easter. This phase extends from Hotel Rosita southbound to Isla Río Cuale, and three blocks inland from the Malecon. "Other agreements are being considered with Telmex (Telefonos de Mexico) and Telecable to bring their cabling underground," added Diaz Borioli.

Finally, Diaz Borioli remarked about complains voiced by the local community as to the resason this work is carried out during high season. "Unfortunately the fiscal resources available through federal and state funds do not understand about seasons. They are ‘use-it or lose-it,’” he explained.

Eric Roberts Stars in Syfy Channel Production in Puerto Vallarta

Juan Pablo Hernandez & Paco Ojeda — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:34:40 UT

Eric Roberts and a member of the crew

American actor Eric Roberts is in Puerto Vallarta starring a movie that will premiere on the Syfy Channel produced by Academy Award-winning American producer Roger Corman. The film's story revolves around an experiment that brings a strange, half-shark, half-octopus creature to life. The production’s tentative title is Blood Coast, but it could be changed to Sharktopus.

Mexican actor Hector Jimenez, famous for his supporting role in Nacho Libre, and local actor Julian Gonzalez are also involved in this project. Vallarta Film Festival founder Robert Roessel is participating as co-producer through his independent company Cine Club Vallarta. It is important to note that recently-appointed Puerto Vallarta mayor Salvador Gonzalez is strongly supporting a new Film Commission, through which projects like this have come to fruition, along with the visit of the Mexican soap opera La Loba’s cast and crew to produce some scenes in our city.

Who is Eric Roberts?

Eric Anthony Roberts came to notoriety in 1978, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the film King of the Gypsies. In 1985 he earned both a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in Runaway Train. His television work includes a recurring role on the NBC drama Heroes. His sisters, Julia and Lisa Roberts, along with daughter Emma Roberts, are all actresses.

Teatro Vallarta was Officially Inaugurated

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:08:28 UT

Puerto Vallarta Mayor Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz and Jalisco's Tourism Secretary Aurelio Lopez Rocha attended Teatro Vallarta's opening night on March 6, where excerpts of the new Fandango dance and music show were also presented. "It is a pleasure to be a witness to this project. They invested 130 million pesos for the rescue and refurbishing of this venue in very challenging economic times. The least we can do as local authorities is to give them all our support," said Gonzalez Resendiz.

Gonzalez Resendiz also explained that this theater generates 150 direct jobs, plus international projection for the city. This is why he believes that this project will create significant economic growth for Puerto Vallarta. Engineer Ubaldo Lozano Medina, in charge of this theater, said that after two years of hard work it was possible to realize this dream. Lozano Medina also thanked the Mayor for partnering with this cultural project.

Riviera Nayarit Hotel Occupancy Rebounds with Copa Mexico Regatta

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:52:31 UT

The Nextel Copa Mexico Regatta Bicentennial edition is giving good results in promoting tourism for Riviera Nayarit with a 90 percent hotel occupancy during the week of February 28. This was announced by Nayarit Governor Ney Gonzalez Sanchez in his speech at the opening of a new golf course in Litibú, the sixth in operation in Riviera Nayarit.

"The Copa Mexico regatta allows us to be known worldwide. Now we are known in Luxembourg, in France and a lot of countries that we could not imagine before. They know where Riviera Nayarit is because their boats are competing," said Ney Gonzalez. The governor also acknowledged the commitment of Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, who visited our destination on two occasions in less than a week to announce major investments in infrastructure.

After the opening ceremony, Calderon and Gonzalez flew to Marina Riviera Nayarit where they met Jalisco's Governor Emilio Gonzalez Marquez to board a ship for the last race of the Mexorc category. Later, President Calderon witnessed the signing of a conurbation partnership between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas that took place in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Trip Report: Exploring El Tuito’s Surroundings by Bicycle

Paco Ojeda — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:07:14 UT

Some folks seize a good opportunity when they see one. Such is the case of Alain and Lolo, owners of Jardin del Tuito, a cozy bed & breakfast in El Tuito, only an hour south of Puerto Vallarta (www.jardindeltuito.com). Taking advantage of the rolling terrain that surrounds this peaceful town, they recently purchased half-dozen mountain bikes to offer cycling tours to their guests. One of the tours was created in conjunction with Don Tino Carvajal of Mariscos Tino’s fame. Don Tino and his family own Hacienda El Divisadero, a beautiful old-style hacienda in the heart of the mountains (www.haciendaeldivisadero.com). We were invited to try out the tour, which included a moderately-paced, 1-hour bicycle ride, a visit to nearby petroglyphs, along with explanations about the local flora and its medicinal uses. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious Mexican-style grilled buffet along with margaritas and raicilla, which is produced at the Hacienda. Feel free to explore the following photo gallery, which includes captions about the entire experience!

All Set for the 6th Perroton in Puerto Vallarta

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:22:30 UT

Los Mangos library is set for the sixth edition of the annual “Perroton” canine extravaganza on March 28, which will feature several innovations this year. One of them is the dog race to be held at 8:00 am from the Fluvial Vallarta neighborhood to Los Mangos library, where the party will commence once the competition is done. The race will have five different categories which will have attractive prizes for winners in each category.

The families and their pets will also enjoy beauty and custom pageants, along with “Disfrazate de tu Perro,” or Look Like your Dog, where contestants will try to resemble as much as possible to their pet. Winners will be chosen by the audience. Several performances will take place, along with food, drinks and gift sales.

It is important to note that this event is for charity. All proceeds will be used by the PV Animal association to support the local Animal Shelter, a government institution in need of several items and a better facility for improved care of stray animals in the city. PV Animal is also responsible for promoting adoptions and sterilization with the support of various media partners.

For more information about the sixth Perroton, visit www.pvanimal.com or call 293-3690.

Exciting Navy League Charreada for All!

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:57 UT

The Puerto Vallarta Navy League invites everyone, members and non-members, Mexican nationals and expats, to a traditional Charreada - rodeo - with the performance of the best charro teams in Jalisco, on March 20 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. This charro event will be held at the Lienzo Charro Miguel "Prieto" Ibarra in Puerto Vallarta, a popular rodeo located not far from city's downtown and the Marina area.

The charreada is a traditional Mexican celebration that developed out of the herraderos - branding - and rodeos - round-ups - of colonia Mexican haciendas. It is held at popular ranches in all areas of Mexico and southwestern United States. All participating charros must be certified by associations in the Federación Nacional de Charros.

Entrance cost is $250 pesos for adults and $50 pesos for children under 12 years. Traditional Mexican food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information or purchase tickets, email to NavyLeague@prodigy.net.mx. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Mexican Sailor Tania Elias Calles Sets New Guiness Record

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:02:23 UT

Mexican sailor Tania Elias Calles set a new Guiness record sailing from Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, to Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in just four days and nights. Guiness officials followed the path of Elias Calles, approximately 1,600. The distance, exact time, travel along with Riviera Nayarit and Bahía de Banderas names, will enter into the famous record book.

27 year-old Tania Elias Calles was greeted in la Cruz de Huanacaxtle by authorities and her excited parents. During her tour on the boat she was followed closely by another vessel among whose passengers were correspondents of Televisa, one of Mexico’s most important television networks, who covered the event in its entirety.

Four Seasons Hosts Annual Art and Philanthropy Gala

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:50:05 UT

Local women and children will exhibit their one-of-a-kind hand-made artwork in the second annual Art and Philanthropy Gala on March 12 at the Four Seasons, Punta Mita. This gala will benefit Manos Unidas por la Mujer (United Hands for Women), an organization that empowers local women through instruction on how to make unique handicrafts, and helping them gravitate toward financial independence by providing business resources, education and training. Manos Unidas is one of the four programs under the broader umbrella of PEACE, a nonprofit organization that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, animal well-being and community engagement in the southern region of Nayarit (www.peacemexico.org).

"The time and skill it takes to produce this artwork is truly amazing," said Molly Fisher, Director and Founder of PEACE. "This event allows the women and children to showcase their products and provides essential funding for PEACE to continue these programs." The Mexican themed evening includes cocktails and Mexican buffet, live music by Frijoleros, art exhibition, silent and live art auction. Tickets are $1000 pesos per person. For more information, contact Nicole@peacemexico.org.

Destination:PEACE Launches to Provide Volunteer Vacation Opportunities

Paco Ojeda — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:57:36 UT

For many, being able to combine a relaxing vacation with local cultural and social volunteerism is the best way to get away from one’s responsibilities and nurture the mind, the body, and most important, the soul. Destination:PEACE, a new organization that couples volunteer opportunities in Banderas Bay (www.destinationpeacemexico.com) has just been launched by Katherine Fisher. If the organization’s name rings a bell, this is no coincidence. Her sister, Molly oversees PEACE Mexico, a nonprofit organization which focuses on education, entrepreneurship, animal well-being and community engagement (www.peacemexico.org).

Destination:PEACE’s premise is simple: spend a week vacationing in Banderas Bay, and specifically in beautiful Punta Mita, thanks to a partnership with Ayia Luxury Condos; spend a few hours a day volunteering in surrounding communities, coordinated by PEACE, and make a difference. Destination:PEACE has already announced the dates of their upcoming vacations for the remainder of the year:

April 24-29
May 22-27
June 19-24
July 24-29
August 29-September 2
September 18-23
October 23-28
November 13-18
December 11-16

Visit www.destinationpeacemexico.com to learn more about this unique opportunity to be a part of, and contribute to the richness of our destination. And if you are a Facebook user, becoming a fan of their page will give you access to a beautifully produced video that explains their concept.

UPDATE: You can now watch the Destination:PEACE video on YouTube!

Duramed Futures Golf Tournament Comes to Riviera Nayarit

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:34:04 UT

From March 26 to 28, Riviera Nayarit will host the second Duramed Futures Tournament 2010. Organized by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) the event will be attended by the best young golfers in the world. The Duramed Futures Tournament will take place at El Tigre Golf Course, located in Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta. $150 thousand USD will be offered in prizes.

The Duramed Futures Tour is also considered an excellent training ground for LPGA players. Stars such as Mexico's Lorena Ochoa have emerged from this event. In this edition, the players competing for the title are Pernilla Lindberg, Mina Harigae, Cindy LaCrosse, Jean Reynolds, Misun Cho and Jennie Lee.

Pet Heaven New Kitten Nursery is Ready

Juan Pablo Hernandez — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:14:58 UT

Imagine placing fragile, scared and often immune deficient kittens within a population of adult cats of all sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments. Pet Heaven, a no-kill cat shelter located just outside of Puerto Vallarta on a ½ acre parcel of land, is proud to announce that the clinic remodeling has been completed. They now need to stock the clinic with the basic medicines, supplies, instruments, etc. And once stocked, their first surgeries will include sterilizations of some of their newer residents.

This project, which is already in progress, involves the remodeling of one of the bungalows on the land into a kitten-only home. The plans include an indoor area where these kittens can nestle down into baskets lined with warm towels to sleep, as well as a yard area where they can be outside, see the adult cats, but not be in contact with them due to double fencing. When a kitten in this area reaches the age of 6 months old, it will graduate out—and into the adult population.

Pet Heaven’s in-progress Kitten Nursery is looking for help and support by way of donations, which can be earmarked for either the continuing construction of their Kitten Nursery, or purchasing the essential stock of goods for the clinic. For more information, visit www.petheavenmx.org.