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Encouraging Blood-letting If you’re a normal, hot-blooded human, consider donating some at the upcoming blood drive February 11. From 8 am to 2 pm, the major health installations will be involved in the annual campaign, including the Mexican Red Cross of Puerto Vallarta, the Fire Department, Protección Civil, Regional Hospital, ISSSTE, Servicios Médicos Municipales and private hospitals such as San Javier, CMQ, Medasist, Amerimed, Las Palmas and Versalles. Building up the local blood bank is an annual drive in preparation for the busy week of Semana Santa (Holy Week), when the heavy vehicle traffic from around the country invariably puts human lives in jeopardy. Limitations for donations include those with communicable diseases, with surgery within the previous 8 months, under current medical attention, with tattoos, with problems of high blood pressure or hypertension, with earrings (males), who are pregnant, who are menstruating, who are diabetic and who have imbibed alcohol within the previous 72 hours. If unsure, a checklist will be offered prior to the safe and sanitary procedure that takes about 1 to 3 hours of your day. The life you save may be your own.
RISE for Hope Coming Up A spectacular event is planned to raise money for Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) at the Hotel Molino de Agua on Saturday, February 19. This adults-only fifth-year fundraiser will have 40 participating restaurants with two full bars on the premises serving margaritas, piñas coladas, beer and wine. Live music, a presentation of folklore dance troupe Xiutla and, finally, four fashion shows (Viva Divas, Coussart, Barbara Eager swimsuit collection and La Bohemia) will round out the fun. A silent auction, raffles, wheel of fortune and door prizes should keep the action going. Tickets are $450 pesos per person, including all you can eat and drink. Call Sudy Coy at 222-5765 or the IFC at 222-5466 for further information or tickets.
Third Vallarta Cup Announced At a recent press conference, the Vallarta Cup Soccer Competition was announced for May 18 - 22. In its third year team enrollment is expected to increase by more than 20% from last year’s 55 teams, including seven teams from Puerto Vallarta. In last year’s competition, 13 categories comprised teams from nine Mexican states in what is a growing tourist, sporting and cultural event. Regional director of tourism Ludwig Estrada Virgen expressed the importance of the event during a month when hotel occupation is at a low ebb. This year, categories for men’s teams will be based on age: up to age eight; up to 18; and three adult categories, 35, 40 and 45 being the cutoffs. Women’s teams will have no age differentiation. Teams will be eliminated in the round-robin method, with the first drawing held on May 18 after the registration. Held in the gardens of Hotel Pelícanos, the reception will be a carnival with music, shows and an expo of products. Prizes will range from $6,000 to $7,000 pesos and a winner’s trophy. Pre-registration closes one week prior to the event. For more information, check vallartadeportes.com or call the Agustín Flores Contreras Stadium at 222-0640 or 222-0490.
Kids' Cycling Competition Scheduled he Cycling Club announces the upcoming kids’ competition this Sunday, February 6, at 8 am. Centered at Plaza Las Glorias on Fco. Medina Ascencio, the race will follow the main avenue to the old Corona factory and back. To enter, kids are required to have a cycling helmet, gloves, the uniform of their club or group and, at registration, the entrance fee of $10 pesos each. Enrollment will be closed one hour before the race begins. Categories are based on age and distance: 4 - 5 years, 200 meters; 6 - 7 yrs, 500 mts; 8 - 9 yrs, 2km; 10 - 11 yrs, 8km; 12 - 13 yrs, 15 km; 14 - 17 yrs, 20 km. The first three places will receive prizes in the boys’ and girls’ categories, while the first place in each category will also receive a champion shirt and new pair of riding gloves. For further information, contact the Sports Office at the Agustín Flores Contreras Stadium at 222-0640 or 222-0490.
Opinion: Reflections on Parking As the mayor moves forward with the plan to build two parking structures downtown, the dissension of some local businesses has brought some of the issues to light. Possibly the prime issue for those who have studied it for more than a minute is that parking lots in themselves will not solve the problem of downtown traffic. Paramount is the restructuring of local transportation, including both buses and taxis. A healthy percentage of parking spots are taken by taxis, while buses pass through downtown nearly empty at most times of the day. An alternative that has been suggested many times is a satellite bus stop, such as Hidalgo Park, where further transportation could be taken to cross through the downtown zone, thereby limiting the actual number of buses allowed through it. In fact, several have suggested that buses not be allowed farther than the Mega Comercial. An attempt was made early in the present administration, but the golf carts used for transfers seemed to ignore the seriousness of the issue. A combination may be the best answer: provide decent parking for those with vehicles, satellite parking for those with vehicles who prefer not to drive downtown, satellites for bus transfers and, finally, a reassessment of taxi zones and preferred parking.
Aeromexico Inaugurates Service from San Diego Inaugurated with a torrent of water from three fire trucks, Aeromexico’s new flight to San Diego departed January 13 with 53 passengers, a 50% load. Despite lack of promotion efforts because of the mid-season inauguration, Aeromexico expects an 80% passenger load during the season, but the flight will continue year-round. Some eight years ago, the route was cancelled due to changes within the system. Already, the flight is receiving local promotion from San Diego, evidenced by travel networks with special prices on the Internet.
New Art Galleries Open Three new art galleries have opened in Puerto Vallarta the last month. The impressive Galería Córsica, operated by Jean-Pierre Renucci and José Villavicencio, just opened their third location, this one across from the entrance to Café des Artistes at Guadalupe Sánchez 735, offering more wall space and a garden at the back for the sculptures and paintings of their top-quality Mexico City artists. Nearby on the same street, Galería Portus opened at Guadalupe Sánchez 703, with paintings of a classical-modern mixed media. In the South Side, Galería José Marca opened at Lázaro Cárdenas 326, presenting the paintings of master José Marca himself, faces and characters that will perhaps remind you of your own family or friends.
Cooking Class at Café des Artistes The exclusive Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor at Café des Artistes just became more accessible with special classes open to the public January 25 - 27, 9 am - 4 pm, $6,000 pesos per person. This first workshop, called “The Fun Cocina de Autor with Thierry Blouet,” will open the amazing state-of-the-art kitchen to experience with your very own hands. The morning classes will prepare you for getting your fingers “into the dough,” while the final touch will be tasting your product at a sit-down meal with a wine tasting. Thierry Blouet, co-founder of the annual Gourmet Festival, is also a member of the Culinary Academy of France. Limited to 25 people, contact Lidia Huerta at 222-3228 for reservations or further information.
Patrons of Downtown Organize In an unprecedented move, the Historical Patronage of Downtown Puerto Vallarta has been formed by a number of local businesspeople. With an opening fund of nearly $2 million pesos approved, half from the municipality, the project will be able to not only advise but also take action on downtown improvements. This new association, led by Abel Villa of the Buenaventura hotels, will focus on improving the image of downtown, influencing local transportation routes, reviewing building codes and regulations, monitoring facades and business signs, as well as finding a way to work together on such an important project for the future of the city. Announcements of decisions are expected soon.
New Year's Occupancy Rates Cause for Celebration Even Vallartans were surprised to hear that Puerto Vallarta ranked third in the nation for New Year’s holiday visitors, right behind Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Even surpassing Nuevo Vallarta’s 88%, Vallarta’s 90.48% was 5.4 points over the same period last year. Data is collected by Datatur, operated by the secretary of tourism office. Figures from early December showed 46.31 for Puerto Vallarta and 57.31 for Nuevo Vallarta, indicating a major increase in tourism.
Port Ready for Expansion With a 28% increase in cruise arrivals for this coming year, the local port authority announced partial approval of funding for the expansion of the port. Last year’s total of 210 arrivals will increase to 249 by the end of this year. Funding assistance was obtained from the secretary of transportation for the purchase of the adjoining parcel of land necessary for the expansion project. This project will allow three piers to safely moor cruise ships of up to 300 meters in length. The final cost is estimated at $180 million pesos, about $120 million already authorized. Statistics indicate that 90% of cruise passengers visit the port when moored at the dock, while only 60% do so when the ship is anchored in the harbor.
Cellist Raises Roof Puerto Vallarta was honored by the visit of virtuoso cellist José Ramón Serrano at a fundraiser concert at the Church of Guadalupe. The founding director of the Orquesta de Jóvenes (Youth Orchestra), “Manuel de Falla” of Granada volunteered his time as a benefit for further funding of the church roof project. To open the event, the youth choir sang a medley of Christmas songs. Master Ramón Serrano was accompanied by pianist Alejandro Villareal. The program included selections from Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, Bach and Ponce, among others. At the cocktail held afterward on the street right in front of the church, Alberto Topete of the cultural department expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to host such events during the course of the year.
Flavors of Nice Arriving in Vallarta Festival fever returns to Puerto Vallarta with the announcement of the upcoming Flavors of Nice. The special mini-gourmet festival is the brainchild of the Jalisco secretary of education in the search for excellence for food and beverage students. Five chefs from Nice, France, arrive in Puerto Vallarta on January 20 for workshops for the students of CECATI, the tourism school downtown. Hosted in part by the Holiday Inn, workshops take place in the hotel as well as at City Hall. The public is invited to a conference at the Holiday Inn Saturday, January 22, 9 am - 1 pm to include seven local chefs. During the three-day festival, classes, workshops and tastings will be held throughout the city with a final gala dinner at La Petit France, one of the sponsors. For further information, check www.cprimo.com/festgastro or call Irene, the coordinator, at 225-1851 Ext 4.
Major Public Works Scheduled for 2005 In a recent announcement, Mayor Gustavo González Villaseñor specified the public works scheduled for 2005. Already begun are the extension of the Malecón from Los Arcos to the pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River and the paving of the highway from Ixtapa to Mojoneras. Another major project includes the construction of bridges on Fco. Medina Ascencio and additional laterals to create a more fluid traffic flow. Two new parking areas are proposed, one at the Benito Juárez Park next to the pedestrian bridge, a project which will be concluded along with the current Malecón extension, while the second one in downtown Hidalgo Park remains in the limbo of controversy. The current city dump will be closed and a new landfill location will take its place. The entrance to Rio Amazonas will connect Fco. Medina Ascencio with Fco. Villa to create a thoroughfare. Additional projects in the nearby townships of Ixtapa and Las Palmas are primarily related to traffic movement. Total cost to the city of these works will run upwards of $93 million pesos. Additional funding is sought from state and federal levels.
Fashion Fundraiser Held at El Set El Set was the scene of a recent fundraiser hosted by the International Friendship Club (IFC) to benefit Project Busca un Amigo (Look for a friend) of Pitillal. Busca represents the equality and dignity of children with paralysis, guided by Lorena Camarena of the Westin Regina Spa, who attended with Maripepa González. Westin sales manager Sudy Coy MC’d the event, which included raffles for spa and hotel nights and other prizes, bringing in a total of around $3,000 USD. The double fashion show was hosted by the Viva Girls and Divas and La Bohemia. Coming fundraiser events include an art lecture on January 26 and a casino night on January 29. For further information, contact IFC at 222-5466 or Yvonne Ward at 228-0050.
United Airlines Flies to Puerto Vallarta for the First Time uerto Vallarta greeted United Airlines’ maiden flights from San Francisco and Denver this week, increasing travel options for tourists arriving from the United States. Airport officials greeted passengers and United representatives with mariachi, refreshments and other amenities. Upon arrival, United’s GM in Mexico City Carlos H. Bragado declared that Puerto Vallarta “is a very popular destination among US travelers.” As far as the possibility of adding flights originating elsewhere in the US, he mentioned that this is a strong possibility that will depend on the success of these initial routes.
Whale Watching Season Officially Begins Although some early “birds” began arriving mid November, whale watching season officially began this week. By the time it ends in mid January, an estimated 250 whales migrating from as far as Alaska will have entered Banderas Bay. While Puerto Vallarta visitors can benefit from this spectacular perennial phenomenon from the shore, many tour operators offer a closer look. The Wildlife and Natural Resources Department (Semarnat) suggests caution when choosing a whale watching tour operator. Only a select few (23 in Puerto Vallarta) can obtain an official permit, and only after undergoing a special training program.
Los Muertos Pier Restricted The pier at Playa los Muertos, used primarily for departures of the water taxis carrying passengers to points south along the coast, is scheduled for reconstruction. Although the technical study has not been completed, safety factors required action after the attached loading dock began to list slightly several months ago. Larger tour boats, previously allowed to pick up passengers at the dock, must load all passengers at their normal boarding dock at the Maritime Terminal. Water taxis departing for Quimixto, Majahuitas, Yelapa and Las Ánimas are allowed to load passengers in groups no larger than five at a time in order to prevent further weight stress on the dock.
Music of Agustín Lara Coming to The Palm In a very personal evening of music called “Remembranzas de Agustín Lara,” international pianist Salvador Ávila López shares the stage with local singer Verónica Muniz. Agustín Lara, considered by many to be the Gershwin of Mexico, was the subject of Ávila López’s latest CD in 2002, with which he has traveled extensively not only in the Americas but in Europe and Asia as well. The accomplished pianist makes annual trips to Havana, where he is treated as royalty and recognized in the street for the music he brings each year. This native of Chihuahua, cousin of local actress/director Tencha Ávila, currently appears in venues in Oaxaca when not on the road. Vero Muniz has already received accolades in Puerto Vallarta as one of the most-promising young actresses, named best actress by the department of culture. Performances are scheduled for 8 pm Wednesday, January 12, and Saturday, January 15, with a suggested donation of $100 pesos per adult, $50 for students and teachers. Call (322) 222-3022 or The Palm at (322) 223-0155.
Airport Readies for Expansion As the New Year gets underway, the airport once again experiences the stress of heavy departures after a busy holiday period. The lines and disorganization of the baggage and departure areas highlight the need for the projected plan for expansion. Since this same period last year, the international airport received record numbers of over 3 million passengers, about a 10% increase. Several airlines serving Puerto Vallarta plan for increased arrivals, adding to the recent addition of United Airlines with its service from San Francisco and Denver. Finalized plans for the actual restructure will be announced shortly, and the construction project is expected to begin this month.
Presents for the Needy To celebrate the Day of Kings (Reyes Magos) January 6, the local chapter of DIF (Desarrollo Integral Familiar, or family development) has begun distributing presents to a number of Puerto Vallarta's outlying colonias for this special day, a tradition in Mexico. Due to the number of families on public assistance, the program will continue all this week to conclude on January 7. In total, more than 2,000 toys and gifts will be given to needy children. The Day of Kings is counted as the twelth day of Christmas, the giving of presents symbolizing the gifts of the Magi.
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