Best of Vallarta 2004
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BIGGEST Contributor of Public Sculpture:
RAMIZ BARQUET
Contributing more public art to Puerto Vallarta than anyone else, prolific sculptor Ramiz Barquet installed yet another work here in December, this time at the new DIF offices in Aurora. DIF’s purpose to protect the family, the sculpture depicts exactly that, a mother, father and their two children.
Back in 1978 he gave us the first of his six contributions, the much-loved “Nostalgia,” a couple gazing out to sea on the Malecon that we have enjoyed for 26 years now. Later he added "The Fisherman," "The Shark," "The Juggler," "The Pelican," and "A Boy, a Book, and the Future," which graces our public library.








MOST "Let-Him-Be-Successful" Community Leader:
GABRIEL IGARTÚA
When times get tough, a leader is needed to guide and unite, to give hope and to start everyone working together on common goals and strategies. Puerto Vallarta and the people of Vallarta are in need of that leadership, and, whether he likes it or not, that responsibility (or burden!) has been placed on the shoulders of Gabriel Igartúa.
Recently elected president of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel & Motel Association and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board (FIDETUR), Igartúa is that knight in shining armor we are all looking for to increase visitor flow to our destination. But it just doesn’t work that way; he can’t do it alone. It takes teamwork, and, fortunately, Igartúa is a team player.
Former US president John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” The same applies here; it is us, the people of Vallarta, who need to come together and actively support Igartúa by becoming involved in Vallarta’s marketing and promotion. The onus is on us.



BEST Charity Event Organizer:
JERI GRANT
From day one, this high-energy, take-charge advertising sales rep has done the lion’s share of making the annual Fiesta Blanca fundraiser happen.
In support of Vallarta’s AIDS organization, her interest isn’t the fabulous garden party per se, but having the funds to be able to raise awareness about this devastating infection. The second-highest rate of AIDS in Mexico is right here in Jalisco.
"What I’m really stoked about," she says, "is that we've not only been able to provide medicine and counseling, but to teach prevention in the businesses, schools and churches."

MOST Missed Restaurateur:
CHICO PEREZ
Oh, how he loved life, its wine, women and song. And, most of all, this pioneering restaurateur – creator and owner of Chico’s Paradise, Senior Chico’s, La Fonda and other successful and unique dining spots – loved good food.
Passing away in February at 61 due to diabetes-induced kidney failure, his gourmet predilection and outgoing, nurturing personality fit perfectly with the hospitality industry.
He started out at one of the best places to work in the ‘60s, the Posada Vallarta, now the nh Krystal, where at first he was a waiter and then maitre d’ before venturing out in the ‘70s to create the popular Chico’s Paradise.
These were Vallarta’s Golden Years, with tourism growing by leaps and bounds and fabulous parties to attend. But no one threw better ones than he did, often lasting three days, invitations reading, “Day One for singles; Day Two for families; and Day Three for whoever’s left standing.”
“He could walk into any kitchen, unearth what was there and transform it into something incredible,” says his brother, Luis Pérez. “And that was his magic.”