PVRPV BLOG

The Indigenous Wixarika Community have been presenting the fifth annual Wixaritari Indigenous Festival 2010 at Plaza Caracol since March 7th and will be there until the 21st where they will have various activities like dances, ceremonies, music, lectures, and for the very first time they’ll be projecting the movie “Venado” (Deer), a documentary  about the pilgrimage of over 3 thousand kilometers that the Wirraritarie people do in order to show the importance and the presence of the youth in their communities, in addition to achieve compliance with the Western world.

Guadalupe Flores Flores, Officer of the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (CDI) in Jalisco also lets us know that this same group has just returned from a trip to Europe where they visited 6 countries and 18 cities and they have chosen our beautiful Puerto Vallarta to present to the world they culture and way of living.

Maris Kilk 

This Friday, March 12th at 9pm you are welcome to Studio Leno Morfin to meet the huichol elders don Custodio Rivera and mama Chali. For the joy of having them around we will bless the good moment and call Studio Leno Morfin now also opened to public. Cultural events coming soon. Studio visits and workshops with previous registration. 
 
This time cosy night with special guests. Will be art, will be fire, will be traditional huichol healing. You can bring some snacks to share. We will offer a hot fruit ponch. This time no alcohol.

For a cleansing with don Custodio registrate by mail or by phone 322 1751629 (appointments possible til Monday 15th).

             Studio Leno Morfin – Emiliano Carranza 588, Centro – Puerto Vallarta, México – Tel: (+52) 322 222-2864  skype: marisskypes – e-mail: mariskilk@gmail.com - website: www.lenomorfin.com

Experience the ultimate in luxury when you stay at this 2 level penthouse in the prestigious Residencias Molino de Agua, brought to you by PVRPV Puerto Vallarta Vacations.

Private heated rooftop jacuzzi, state of the art stereo sound system throughout the entire Penthouse and spectacular views of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta await you in Casa Penthouse Vallarta.

High end furnishings and artwork grace this luxurious 3 bedroom 3.5 bath penthouse. This unit features many extras, such as a high end automated lighting system, remote controlled window coverings, and even a computer for your use.

When you arrive you will be welcomed with Margaritas and Mexican chips and salsa. Maid service is 6 days per week, and included in her services is breakfast made to your order.

This luxury penthouse features 3 master suites all equipped with king size bed, 400 thread count satin sheets, and  flat screen televisions with DVD players.

The Green Room on the upper level features Blue Ray DVD player, ensuite bath with jacuzzi tub and 23 inch flat screen television in the spa-like bathroom, and balcony doors leading to your private balcony with heated jacuzzi and furnished lounge area.

The downstairs master suite, the Blue Room, also features private balcony and ensuite bath with jacuzzi tub.

The Purple Room features a private balcony and private ensuite bath with walk in shower.

The gourmet kitchen features everything one might need during their stay. Blender, coffee maker, microwave, dishwasher, purified water system and more are available for your use, including a complete dinner service for twelve people.

The living room also features a 52 inch flat screen television and state of the art stereo surround sound system, available throughout the penthouse.

The main level balcony features an outdoor living area with spectacular views of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. From this balcony you can also enjoy cooking your favorite meal on the BBQ gas grill while sipping your margarita.

No detail or expense has been spared for your stay in the luxurious Casa Penthouse Vallarta in the prestigious Residencias Molino de Agua, presented by PVRPV Puerto Vallarta Rentals. Rates range from $82 to $148 per person for this luxury property, depending on the season.

Check out PVRPV’s Casa Penthouse Vallarta’s original profile:

http://www.pvrpv.com/puerto-vallarta-los-muertos-beach-penthouse-casa-penthouse-vallarta.html

Yavette Holts-O’Shea – peacemexico.org

Be more than a tourist! Sample the many lifestyles of the Bahía de Banderas on PEACE Real World Home Tours.

Unlike other home tours, PEACE Real World Home Tours showcase upward focused, authentic pueblo homes where big world visions start small, together with multimillion dollar estates where the smallest details take your breath away.

It’s a real world view of the Bahía de Banderas as it evolves, combining a healthy combination of diverse communities. To really know the heart of this place, you have to scratch deeper to see more than what’s on the surface. What’s beautiful in the pueblo is also beautiful in the villa. The spirit of good will and the effort made to live and enjoy the richness of this idyllic region is the unifying factor.

The Real World Home Tour visits 4 exclusive homes, from luxury to modest, where you will see from the inside out both the differences and similarities in the lifestyles of the locals and the expats who make up this rich community. Includes transportation, light lunch, and a souvenir sports water bottle. You can even redeem your ticket for discounts at the PEACE store.

PEACE Real World Home Tours

Every Friday (January 22 – April 2)

Ticket sales open at 9:15 am from Bucerías Centro

Tour bus leaves: 10:30 am – Returns by 2:30 pm

Tickets: $450 pesos ($35 USD)

Includes transportation, tour map and souvenir water bottle

100% ticket proceeds support PEACE actions in communities around the bay

For reservations or more info contact: yavette@peacemexico.org 

 Have a look at the original story posted in Banderas News: 

http://www.banderasnews.com/1001/vl-peacehometours.htm

Keith May, Executive Director
Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum

Photo Copyright © 2010 – www.OceanFriendly.com

I am often asked by people wanting to plan a whale watching adventure how they can ensure that they are choosing a responsible whale watching tour operator for their trip. The first thing to do is to spend some time at our online non-profit website to learn what constitutes responsible whale watching both for authorized tour companies and private boat owners. At the Forum you will find the federal regulations designed to ensure safe environment for the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) while observing these great creature in the wild. Additionally, you’ll find a listing of all boats and tour companies that have been given permission by the wildlife authority SEMARNAT to provide whale watching tours to the public. If a boat isn’t listed it’s simply not authorized and you should choose a different tour company.

That is the technical way to choose who will take you on this adventure of a lifetime. But, I’ll ask you to choose with your heart. Do a little extra homework and ask the questions that really matter. Is the company participating in the Fluke Identification Program for Banderas Bay? Are the profits from the money you’re paying going toward research that will help to protect and better manage the Humpback whale species? Will research findings be shared with other researchers around the world? Do they provide life vests, first aid kits and all required safety equipment onboard? If the answer to any of these questions is “no” keeping on looking for another company.

Then I urge you to check online at www.TripAdvisor.com and see what others are saying about the tour company that seems to be the most interesting to you. The travelers that post their comments at TripAdvisor are nothing if not honest. Lastly, check the reviews of the three companies that we at The Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum consider to be among the best of the best. All of the guides with these companies are working researchers that fund their research by conducting whale watching adventures for tourists and this is how they pay for their research. The boats are smaller thus providing a more intimate atmosphere and you’ll have the knowledge of a competent scientist right at your finger tips. You would be surprised to hear some of the things I hear other guides telling people out on the water. Sometimes they just make things up or have all the fact and figures completely wrong. Whale watching is not an inexpensive activity. If you’re paying that much for the adventure of a lifetime at least make sure that you’re getting accurate information from trained professionals and not bad information and bad booze that’s going to give you a hangover tomorrow morning.

So, now you’ve chosen the company that will take you out to see the whales. What’s next? You will proceed to the company’s website and inquire about available dates. Once a date is confirmed you’ll generally be ask to pay online or drop off your payment at their offices. Once payment has been made you’ll receive your confirmation and information about the location of the pier, what time to meet, what to bring, etc.

On the morning of your departure you’ll be given a briefing about Banderas Bay and information about the Humpback whales before you board the boat. Throughout the trip more information is given depending on what behaviors you’re observing at any given time throughout the trip.

By choosing the right tour operator you’ll know that you have done all you can do to help ensure the safety of the whales and yourself. But, you’ll also be directing your money toward important research programs that have been established here in Puerto Vallarta.

I have the great fortune to meet people from around the globe that come to Banderas Bay to vacation. Some come specifically because of their love for the Humpbacks. Others come on the tour to check whale watching off their list. No matter your reasons for coming don’t come thinking that you’re just going to be seeing whales. If you come with your heart open and allow the magnificence of these creatures to feed your soul with beautiful impressions of love and beauty you can be assured a transformative experience like no other!

Do yourself a favor and plan your whale watching adventure today! Happy Whale Watching!

To learn more about responsible whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, please visit our non-profit website at www.PuertoVallartaWhaleWatching.org

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.