The Dirty Bitches: From My Point Of View

by Frank Sekercak

The Dirty Bitches name was conceived by one of the drag queens, Diva about 8 years ago. Throughout those 8 years, there have been a series of Dirty Bitches. Hoping not to omit any of them thus far, there was Ida Slapter, Cassandra, Priscilla and now the current Dirty Bitches which include Angelica, Jaqueline, Diva and Marlen.

Angelica has been doing drag for awhile now.  She is a former Miss Paco Paco, and is the sultry, sexy portion of the Dirty Bitches.  Angelica makes a lot of her outfits and does many impressions, including Cher, Mariah Carey and Diana Ross.

             Jaqueline also is a former Miss Paco Paco. Jaqueline entered the Miss Paco Paco pageant with seasoned drag queens and took the title that year.  She is known for her 10 million dollar legs, with a face and body to match.  Among her triumphs are tributes to Tina Turner, Shania Twain and Whitney Houston.

             Diva has been with the Dirty Bitches the longest.  She has performed all over Mexico and in Europe. Known for her wild outfits and outrageous antics, she is always a crowd pleaser.

 Marlen is the newest little bitch on the block.  Marlen is also a former Miss Paco Paco.  She is in tune with the newer singers such as Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne.

             The “girls” have a huge and loyal following from not only Mexico, the United States and Canada but by people literally over most of the world, including, but not limited to France, England, Japan, China, the Netherlands and Africa.

 I am amazed at the number of people, when I travel and have on a Dirty Bitches tee shirt, stop me and let me know that they have seen the Dirty Bitches at one time or another.

  They have an equally huge following from the straight segment of not only locals in Puerto Vallarta, but again, from all over the world.  Everyone from grandmothers to ministers, former drag queens to TV and movie personalities have seen their shows.

             This latest move to Club Manana is a giant step for the girls. After many sleepless nights and countless conversations and meetings they felt it was time for them to move on………..and up to a venue more fitting to their talents and more in tune to their future.

             Peter Deep of Club Manana has stated that he is thrilled to have the Dirty Bitches on the Club Manana roster of talent that is showcased in this large, diversified complex in Puerto Vallarta.

 Their shows begin on Sunday, January 17th on the new rooftop of Club Manana…beginning at 8.30 p.m.  The shows will run on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, all at 8.30 p.m. with no cover charge.

             New dance routines, costumes and attitudes are promised to all the followers of the Dirty Bitches.

 As the MC of the Dirty Bitches show, I, Frank, have agreed to go along with the Dirty Bitches to Club Manana.

 

 

Guadalupe Church Crown – The Heart of Puerto Vallarta

Recently the Mayor of Puerto Vallarta, Javier Bravo donated a total sum of one million pesos in order to support the finishing phases of the remodeling that is taking place at the Guadalupe church crown. This structural remodeling is an integral part of the revitalization program of the downtown area. The Mayor stated that it was essential to remodel this church because it served as an iconic monument of Puerto Vallarta. The church has been a distinguishable monument of Puerto Vallarta which has also been recognized internationally. For this venture Javier Bravo had the collaborated efforts of the government officials and also the members of local tourist associations.

The Mayor also reported that the Guadalupe Church has served as one of the main tourist attractions for years. Not only has this church gained monumental popularity over the years, it is also one of the most beautiful sights to behold in Puerto Vallarta. Hence, it has been both the timeless beauty and also the momentous popularity of the church that has propelled the government to take active steps in remodeling it.

Carlos Terres is in charge of the entire revitalization program and often mentions details of his work. He has made the reconstruction of the Church carefully and beautifully. He has also used a base made of synthetic stone which is now applied to the stainless steel structure of the Church.

 

“El Pianito” Piano Bar – Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta

No stranger to the spotlight, Ron Pass has an extensive background as a performer.  After years of involvement in regional and community theater, Ron’s first “paying gig” surfaced when he performed weekly as a singer and pianist at a resort near his college campus in central New York State.  After graduation, Ron left New York for Washington, DC for graduate studies in Political Management.  Ron worked in the political field for a few years, the highlight of which was a staff position with the Clinton Administration in the East Wing of The White House.  Despite the thrill of the political world (which included the Clinton’s cat Socks taking daily naps on his fax machine). Ron’s love for music kept him busy moonlighting weekly as a piano man at neighborhood bars and clubs.  In January of 2000, Ron followed a job offer to “The Big Apple,” New York City.  In addition to working full-time as a Project Manager at a health insurance company in lower Manhattan, Ron serenaded crowds weekly as a singer and pianist at a neighborhood restaurant.

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On his way to work on the morning of September 11, 2001, Ron was exiting the subway underneath the World Trade Center at the moment it was struck.  Spiritually moved after witnessing first-hand the horror of that day, Ron decided a life change was in order and abandoned his career in project management to pursue music full-time. (For a detailed account of Ron’s 9/11 experience, go to WWW.RONPASS.COM.)  On November 24, 2002 he began a new career as a piano man with Carnival Cruise Lines.  Ron has entertained thousands of vacationers in his piano bar ever since and has been honored with placement on the inaugural start-up teams on four of Carnival’s new ships.

 Pianito Sofa

A native of Geneva, New York, Ron obtained a BA from Hobart College and a MA in Political Management from George Washington University.  He studied voice with Mollie Steele and Meredith Hudson and piano from Zelia Dunbar, Joan Martin, and Michael Salimirs.  Ron lives in Las Vegas and maintains family roots in upstate New York.

 Pianito

Ron is currently here in our beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the winter season; working as a featured entertainer at the new “El Pianito” Piano Bar, part of the famous Club Mañana family of venues.  If you are in town, be sure to drop into El Pianito to sing, clap, and laugh along with Ron.  El Pianito is located in the “Old Town” Zona Romantica neighborhood at Basilio Badillo #284.  Ron’s at the 88’s from 9 pm until 1 am, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

U.S. CONSULAR AGENCY, COMMUNITY NETWORK BREAKFAST

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit for January!! COME AND JOIN US…

When? January 15th, 2010

09:00 A.M. (Jalisco Time) 

Where? VALLARTA YACHT CLUB – Paradise Village

Nuevo Vallarta

Call for directions: 297-2222

 Cost? $90.00 pesos includes full breakfast and tip!

 Why? The U.S. Consular Agency Community Network Breakfast is a place to network, make new friends, greet old ones, promote your business-charity & find out what’s going on in the Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta!

 What else? This month, we ask that you “Bring a Thing” to support The Bucerias Bilingual Cultural Center.  Needs include: bilingual dictionaries, English language workbooks, bond paper, glue sticks, pens, pencils, colored markers, highlighters, lined notebooks, toilet paper, soap, paper towels.

 Are you a newcomer to area? If so, we have a special group of people to meet you, chat with you and welcome you!

 MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! – lailworth@yahoo.com

 Questions & Comments to Kelly Trainor: consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx

 Everybody is Welcome…

Please pass this on to your friends!

 

Christmas at Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport

Dear Friends,

            As many of you are enjoying this holiday time with friends and family, I want to share with you my incredible experience this past week with the children from Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

            Let me tell you about last Saturday.  I had an email a few days before from Sol Martinez Maciel, our wonderful administrator at the Refugio, saying that we had the opportunity to take some of the children to the airport to board a real airplane; however it had to be at night.  I was told to be at the Refugio on Saturday at 8:00 P.M.  By 9:00 we had 30+ children and Madre Chuy (who never joins us on trips) ready to go on a special large bus provided by the Marriot Hotel.  We arrived at the Marriott at 9:30 and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas movie in Spanish.  Now, please bear in mind that our children at the Refugio are generally in bed by between 7:00 and 8:00 at night.  MANY fell asleep during the movie. 

            At 11:30 P.M. we woke them all up and re-boarded the bus, bound this time for the airport.  Upon arrival we slowly made our way inside and toward the security gates.  Part of the way there we were informed that the flight that had promised to “welcome us aboard” was arriving from Edmonton, Canada 1 ½ hours late due to adverse weather conditions in Edmonton.  We continued our SLOW journey toward the gate with children bouncing between being wide awake and wired from the excitement and exhausted from the late hour.  It was quite comical to see the reaction of many of the travelers waiting by the gate as they “panicked” with the thought of these 30 children accompanying them on their flight this late at night.  

          At 12:30 A.M. the jumbo Air-Transat flight finally landed – then we were informed by the crew that we needed to wait while the plane was cleaned before we could board (por que? one might wonder).  At 1:00 A.M. we ascended the stairs, took our seats, fastened our seatbelts, and closed our eyes for our “pretend flight” to Canada, the North Pole, or any other destination in our minds.  This, of course, was the first experience for all of the children with 1) being at the airport, 2) being on a real airplane, and 3) being up that late at night, AND 74 year old Madre Chuy got to go on an airplane for the first time too. 

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            Then, with the familiar “Ho, Ho, Ho,” we realized that Santa was onboard too.  He generously distributed gift bags, a stuffed animal, and bags of CANDY to each child.  Sol and I exchanged looks of panic, and she calmly announced to the children that this candy was for the next day, not now – PLEASE, no sugar highs this late at night!!!   By 3:00 A.M. we were all back on the bus returning to the Refugio with virtually everyone asleep.  When we arrived back, we quickly took shoes off and gently nudged all to bed as quickly as possible. 

            One might wonder how the holidays could get any better than this.  If you believe in the “Magic of Christmas” for others, as I do, please consider sending a donation to these wonderful children right away.  Donations sent by December 31st to the US or Canadian Foundations will be tax deductible for 2009.  With all donations of $150 or more received before January 31st you will receive “A Time to Give”, our 2010 Refugio calendar. 

Thanks, and FELIZ NAVIDAD,

 Chris Amo
President
Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation

www.childrens-shelter-of-hope-foundation.org

 

Tropicasa Realty & PVRPV Join Forces – Puerto Vallarta

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Two leaders in their industries announce partnership

 P R E S S  R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 28, 2009

Press Contact: Patrick Harrison – 322-223-1374 or patrickinpv@gmail.com

 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – For over a decade, Tropicasa Realty has been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate.  Having opened in 2005, PVRPV (Puerto Vallarta Rentals Premier Vacations) is today one of the largest vacation services and property management companies in Puerto Vallarta.  Today, these industry leaders announced a partnership where PVRPV will become the preferred provider of Rental and Property Management services for clients of Tropicasa Realty. 

“We understand the importance of having a full-service Rental and Property Management team dedicated to a seamless level of customer service,” exclaimed Wayne Franklin, President of Tropicasa Realty.  “After listening to our client’s needs and an exhaustive search and review process, we felt that PVRPV was the best fit.”  “The fit was a natural for us,” added Tim Longpré, President of PVRPV.  “We are a growing company where technology and customer service is important.  Both PVRPV and Tropicasa are dedicated to the highest-level of customer service while offering the latest in user-friendly technology.  We are excited about being able to offer our Preferred Rental and Property Management services to Tropicasa’s extensive client base.” 

Tropicasa’s clients will immediately be able to take advantage of the many benefits and client service features offered through PVRPV, including a complete array of concierge services, full property management and vacation services with over 400 live online properties to choose from.   For more information contact Tropicasa Realty at 322-222-6505 (in Mexico) or calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.  

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 TROPICASA REALTYSince 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate.  Tropicasa Realty is the region’s representative for ”The Leading Agents of the World” and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with NAR and AMPI.  Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office – Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas or in their San Marino Office – San Marino Hotel at Rodolfo Gomez 111-4. While in PV they can be reached at 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

PVRPV – Tim Longpré, President of PVRPV (Puerto Vallarta Premier Vacations), moved to Puerto Vallarta from his native Toronto, Canada in 2004 after having worked 11 years in banking.  His company, one of today’s largest vacations services and property management companies in Puerto Vallarta, currently has 25+ employees.  Their website profiles in excess of 400 properties located from Nuevo Vallarta to Mismaloya.   PVRPV also manages approximately 80 properties throughout Banderas Bay.  All PVRPV Property Management clients have the piece of mind knowing that their properties are well taken care of in their absence. Tim and his PVRPV Team have worked hard to create this successful company.  Anyone that knows Tim, knows that his standards are higher than the norm and that his services are provided with professionalism, honesty and Integrity. PRVPV can be reached online at www.pvrpv.com, by calling 322.222.0638 or by visiting their offices at Pino Suarez #210 corner with Francisco I. Madero.

 

Try a bit of Puerto Vallarta: Víctor’s Bar & Grill – Old Town PV

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Hola amigos!

 Víctor’s Bar & Grill is located in a beautiful hangout neighborhood, in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, right next to Olas Altas, also known as, the Romantic Zone and within just a few steps from Los Muertos Beach.

In our menu, you will find excellent food from our ½ pound, 100% beef hamburgers, our thin crust Pizzas made from scratch with delicious mozzarella cheese and our home-made sauce, to our highly recommended and delicious chili dogs, excellent meals, appetizers like chicken wings, Mexican tortilla soup, mixed salad and much more!!!

We also have a variety of beers and liquors to compliment your meal perfectly.

At Victor’s Bar & Grill everything is homemade and served with care by the owner and his family using the most fresh and premium quality ingredients.

 

Come visit us at:

PINO SUAREZ #232 Col. Emiliano Zapata

Tel. 2 23 94 24 email= victorsbarandgrill@live.com 

You will not believe the enjoyment your palate will experience! 

 

Have you met Nina yet right here in Puerto Vallarta? The women with many talents

Written By: Javier Castañeda

Photograph By: Paco Ojeda

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The first time I tried Nina’s cookies was back in  1993 when  a good friend of mine gave me a sample of her baked goods I instantly became addicted to her cookies because they were homemade from scratch and they are certainly the best I have ever tasted  within Mexico especially in Puerto Vallarta. Year after year when I would return I would actually seek Nina  to order some cookies for my family  and friends while we were on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.  My family has nicknamed her the COOKIE LADY .

However, since moving to Puerto Vallarta  from Vancouver , British Columbia last year. Nina has grown to be LA BODEGA DE NINA who now offers a variety of items, from an excellent  wine selection  which is her passion to all sorts of baked goods and sausages.  I have been able to sample along with my co-workers , friends , roommates and family other delicacies for example her CARROT CAKE AND CARAMEL NUT TART, which  will certainly give anyone an orgasm just like Meg Ryan in the movie When Harry met Sally. Her  BROWNIES AND SCONES are delicious. Her homemade ITALIAN SAUSAGE IS  YUMMY  and really good.

Of course trying out all of her fanfare comes with a price. I have gained  ten pounds  but I have savored it immensely and after these holidays I will go back on working on getting in shape again. All of Nina’s prices are very reasonable and Nina offers free delivery – just try to place your order one day in advance. Nina is currently offering every two weeks a Wine Tasting at bite me! beach club located right infront of the Blue Seas Resort & Sap, next to the Blue Chairs. For more information please visit the PVRPV Blog.

Email: nbgoodhope@yahoo.com

Cell Phone: (044) 322-289-6434 / (044) 322-136-1076

Fax: 224-8140 

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English Classes at PVRPV – Rentals and Property Management in Puerto Vallarta

It’s my pleasure to announce that the PVRPV English Classes resumed on Tuesday December 15th, 2009.

English classes are open to the public in general and the classes will take place in our main office, Pino Suárez #210, Col. Emiliano Zapata.

At this time, the classes are being offered every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The total cost is $20.00 pesos per class.

Remember that this small donation will help benefit different non-profit organizations.

A few retired teachers have offered their services and they are volunteering their time to help with this cause.

If you know of anyone who is interested or if you want to send someone to us, please contact us at info@pvrpv.com or call our office at: 222.0638/222.9694/222.7011.

Thanks and we wish you all Happy Holidays!

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Andale Restaurant Celebrates 30 Years in Vallarta

Looking for some real Mexican fun in Puerto Vallarta? Then Andale is the place for you! Lively music, delicious food, ice cold margaritas made from the finest tequila and an electric party atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re at the biggest fiesta in town!

 In just a couple of weeks, Andale will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for early-morning and post-nightclub breakfast, lunch, lazy afternoons and lively evenings, so whether you’re out shopping, meeting friends, returning from the beach or planning a party, it’s the only place to be! 

 At their prime Zona Romantica location on Olas Altas, you can enjoy their famous sizzling fajitas, served with flour tortillas and the essentials; salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Rip open a rack of ribs, smothered in barbecue sauce. Put some fire in your belly with their spicy chili or fill it up with a succulent burgers and steaks with tasty toppings, fresh salads and decadent desserts. 

Andale’s choice of cocktails is so extensive it almost embarrassing. If you like your drinks sweet or sour, sharp or soft, they have a cocktail to suit your taste and fuel your party spirit. And if it’s a drop of the Mexican holy water you’re looking for then look no further than Andale’s bar; tequila is their thing!  And, of course, don’t forget about their world-famous Andale donkey appearing nightly around 9pm. 

On Monday’s, around 2pm, feel free to join Andale’s in feeding children in Colonia Magisterio, one of the poorest areas on Vallarta.  Hundreds of families live in shanties made of materials found in the nearby municipal dump.  Many of the families have no access to running water or sanitation and many of the children are forced to work to help their families rather than attend school.  Andale Restaurant and Andale’s on the Bay has teamed up with some great organizations, local businesses and caring volunteers to really make a difference in this extremely poor neighborhood.  

To receive regular Andale and Andale’s on the Bay updates on special offers and events, including their 30th anniversary celebration in February, log on to www.andales.com and join them on TWITTER or FACEBOOK.  We encourage you to use their new social networking sites to meet friends, send shout outs to the great staff and to post your favorite Andale photos in preparation of their 30th year in Puerto Vallarta.

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