Search results matching tag 'Community '

Paula Liebe Launches "The Queen's Trilogy" with Playa del Carmen Rotary

435836 — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:21:00 GMT

Last Tuesday, the Playa del Carmen Seaside Rotary Club had the honor of hosting the official launch of The Queen's Trilogy, a series of autobiographical novels penned by well known Playa resident, business owner, yoga teacher and performer Paula Liebe. I have known Paula, casually, for about 7 years. As members of the Playa del Carmen real estate community, our professional paths would cross occasionally. Socially, the expat community being quite active, we would often rub elbows at the same events and parties. We share many of the same friends. But it was not until the last year or two, that her emergence as a singer/performer really grabbed my attention. I was impressed, of course, by her talent but even more so by her complete dedication to developing and honing her craft. As Paula is also a skilled marketer, I have made every effort to support her promotional efforts, posting her upcoming events on the blog and the Riviera Maya events calendar. When my daughter decided to audition for the role of Cosette in Explayarte's production of Les Miserables, I immediately sought out Paula to lend her skills as a vocal coach to prepare her for the try-outs. By know, you all know how that audition turned out and Paula was instrumental in that success. (Thank you Paula!!)

For those of you who know Paula, you know she is no shrinking violet, no delicate fern, nobody's idea of wallflower. (Forgive the botanical references. I am writing al fresco in the yard.) Everyone who meets Paula can tell she is a force to be reckoned with. Everything she attempts, she tackles head on 110%. She is a person who makes you think twice. She is interesting and smart and you can just tell she's got some juicy back-story, a compilation of intriguing life experiences that all put together create the Paula we all know today.You can't help but be curious...to want a peak behind the curtain.

And this is exactly she affords us, the reader, with The Queen's Trilogy; a privileged look at the unique situations and circumstances in the life of a fascinating woman. During her spirited presentation, Paula offered us all a tantalizing taste, reading excerpts from her books, sharing poignant moments from her youth and some eyebrow raising teasers from her early days in Playa del Carmen. None of the names have been changed because no one is innocent. Scandalous? Perhaps. But, as Paula explains, it was more likely she would lose friends for the truths she reveals about herself rather than other people.The cover art alone which depicts the author naked, perched on the rim of a martini glass executing an advanced yoga pose, might in itself be scandalous. I think when you read the books, the significance will reveal itself. I would be remiss in not mentioning that at very least, Paula is a person that one might actually WANT to see naked as opposed to the hirsute trolls who seem to find me on the beach in Tulum.

*shudder*

But I digress.

If the excerpts we heard and the protagonist are any indicator, this series should be a "must read", not just for Playenses but for any expat, any woman, anyone who enjoys a good story told by a good story-teller. I feel certain we have this in Paula Liebe and The Queen's Trilogy.

I've got my books on order from Amazon and I can't wait for them to arrive. (Don't let me down Amazon Global Shipping!) Until I can give you my review of the series, here are some thoughts from my dear friend and local yoga teacher Ellen De Jonge:

"I read all 3 books in a short period of time. You are kind of forced to read them all because after reading book 1 you simply need to get your hands on the other books.
A fascinating style of writing brings you easily into the real life experiences of Paula. The Queen´s Trilogy got it all. Honesty and raw go hand in hand. I laughed many times, I lifted my eyebrows lots of times and sometimes had the feeling of being part of her sadness and her road to finding love. Paula finds a way to let her love and curiosity for life and spirituality shine through the heartbreaking periods of her life. A brave woman, an even braver book!"

To get your copy of The Queen's Trilogy in paperback or for Kindle visit Amazon.com.
To get your copy for iPad or e-reader visit lulu.com.

To contact the author, email TheQueensTrilogy@gmail.com or call +52 1 984 130 9823.

Explayarte's "Les Miserables" Packs the House at Xcaret!

435836 — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:57:00 GMT

Last week, Playa del Carmen's Music and Performing Arts School, Explayarte presented its full scale production of the award winning musical, Les Miserables. The show ran for three nights to packed and overwhelmingly enthusiastic audiences in Xcaret's Foro Abierto. This is the 5th Explayarte production that I have seen, my 4th as a corporate sponsor and the 3rd that Cat has participated in. I think it's fair to say that I am no longer what anyone would consider objective about these shows and the production company! Anyone who has been anywhere within earshot of me for the past few weeks has heard me wax effusive about the school, the leadership, the teachers, the curriculum, the production process and the level of talent that Explayarte demonstrates and shares not only with our children but with everyone who makes the effort to come out and support these shows.

For years, I have heard people lament that there is no culture in Playa del Carmen. No museums, no dedicated performance spaces, art galleries, few opportunities to expose our children to the arts in a meaningful way. I'm pretty sure that not a single person who attended any of these performances can deny that we are blessed to have music theatre of this caliber to enjoy and even take part in! As I looked back into the audience each night, I was really pleased to see so many families and even better groups of teens and almost teens who had come to see the show together. Certainly the timing of the production, falling after the overwhelming success of the star studded major motion picture, must have had an affect on attendance. Above that however, in the weeks and days leading up to the show, the energy and excitement surrounding the final rehearsals and the performers was absolutely palpable. It had to be infectious as nearly everywhere I went I could overhear people talking about the show....what night they were going....who they knew in the show....would be like the movie. It was this infectious excitement and anticipation that packed the house each night and had the audience leaping to their feet and cheering

If you were unable to make it to the show, here's a little taste of what you missed. If you saw the show, this will help you to relive some of your favorite moments from this amazing and very emotional production.

April 28 Kid's Day at La Ceiba Park!

435836 — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:58:00 GMT

It's Kid's Day this Sunday at La Ceiba Park!

Bring your family for FREE games, Mexican fair, prizes, and lots of fun! The activities will be from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at the park, located at 1st Street South and the corner of Avenue 60 in Ejido neighborhood. For more information please visit Parque La Ceiba on Facebook.

Animal Welfare Reform Coming to Quintana Roo?

435836 — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Over the past few days, I have been helping to solicit online signatures for a campaign to reform the current animal welfare laws in Quintana Roo. As many of our readers are English speakers, we have had the document translated so that everyone can keep up to date with these initiatives and, hopefully, lend their support to this movement. The petition is somewhat lengthy but worth reading through in its entirety.

If you have not already signed the petition, I urge you to do so. The wheels of change here turn slowly. Yucatan State recently enacted new legislation for animal protection and see no reason why Quintana Roo should not follow their lead. Lend your name to this cause HERE.

Thank you to Lisa Love Juliot for translating this for me on such short notice.

______________________________________________________________

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF INITIATIVES IN QUINTANA ROO:

1. REFORM THE STATE ANIMAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION ACT

2. CRIMINAL CODE PENALTY FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

The law for animal protection, as it is written now, for the State of Quintana Roo, is obsolete because it does not address the general concern for the many situations arising from interactions between humans and animals which our society calls for change, based on a legal framework consistent with reality. Thus, aware of the need for legislation to ensure and guarantee the fundamental rights of all living beings, we presented October 4, 2011 the proposed reform initiative to the law for Animal welfare and protection to Quintana Roo, which was recently analyzed by the body of the Congress of Quintana Roo and given permison be presentes as a draft opinion and may be voted on next month in May of 2013.

This initiative aims to:

-Have an ethical, inclusive and applicable law.

-To promote good Government practices that are efficient, responsible and congruent with the use of public resources.

-Involve the State's intervention in different levels of Government.

-Promote a participatory society among citizens.

-Count on budget allocations for the implementation of the law.

-Convert Quintana Roo into a destination at the forefront in the field of animal protection.

This reform includes among other proposals:

1. Elimination of the method of electrocution as a population control for dogs and cats and replace it with permanent, massive, extensive, systematic and free sterilization programs.

2. Incorporation of Animal welfare and protection content in the State educational system.

3. Prohibition of shows that promotie animal abuse.

4. Prohibition of the sale and exploitation of animals in public.

5. Regulation of the use of working animals.

6. Creation of a Fund as well as a Board of Trustees for Animal welfare and protection.

7. Regulations on the transfer, trade, alienation, capture and slaughter of animals.

The State of Quintana Roo requires legislation that is directed towards an improvement in animal protection and an initicative that will require its correct application and enforcement of all proceedings of municipal regulatory adjustments to infiltrate the daily conduct of all sectors.

Similarly we asked them to decide the "Iniciative of Animal abuse in the criminal code of Quintana Roo" because violence against animals is a tool of reliable prediction of interpersonal violence, animal cruelty is therefore a clear indicator of violence and abuse of people and an indicator of crimes that can be committed in the future against the society; proof of this is in the study presented in May of 2004 by the Secretary of Public Security for the Federal District Government, which pointed out that 87% of criminals, thieves and sexual predators, admitted to having burned, hanged or stabbed animals. Therefore, it is a fact that these acts of violence are not separate, but they are part of a cycle, proven by the FBI, which has a unit dedicated to studying this connection and to use as evidence for predictive purposes and research. These studies should serve to alert authorities, teachers, social leaders and parents, about the importance of animal cruelty as a potential indicator of dysfunctional family relationships and future antisocial and aggressive behavior against people.

In this way, we seek to go one step further in the administrative modernization of the State, by looking for the most suitable legal mechanisms to achieve the purposes that we have set for acting fairly according to the legal framework and with all measures within our reach, to satisfy the demands and needs of the population.
Therefore, we ask that both initiatives be decided next month, May 2013, and that you "vote in FAVOR" of them so that these inicitavies are not left behind by yet another administration and so that we can generate the long-awaited changes that our society demands.

SINCERELY

COMMUNITY OF QUINTANA ROO

To:
Manuel Jesus Aguilar Ortega, Delegate
Lark Maribell Herrera Pavón, Delegate
Luis Alfonso Torres Llanes, Delegate
Leysdi Soledad fleet Medina, Delegate
Marylin Rodriguez Marrufo, Delegate
Juan Carlos Pereyra Escudero, Delegate
Lourdes Bautista leydi Pech, Delegate
Jorge Enrique Elias Nahim Aguilar Cheluja
Leslie Berenice Baeza Soto, Delegate
Patricia Sanchez Carrillo, Delegate
Demetrio Celaya Cotero, Delegate
Mariana Anahi Aranda Arjona, Delegate
Cristobal Castillo Novelo, Delegate
Oscar Alfredo Velázquez pillar, Delegate
Linda Saray Cobos Castro, Delegate
ENA Miriam Gamboa, Delegate
Armando Palomo Miguel Gomez, Delegate
Telma Yolanda Cervera Villanueva, Delegate
Mauricio Morales Beiza, Delegate
Lucelly Marianela Roldán Carrillo, Delegate
Ramon Loy Enriquez, Delegate

Mr./Mrs. Delegate, on behalf of my family, I want to have an ethical, comprehensive, operable law and a consistent, efficient and accountable use of public resources by the Government to promote: the sterilization of dogs and cats, animal welfare education, responsibility and care of pets, the application of sanctions for animal abuse and neglect, as well as the participation of the State and society.

This initiative aims to:
-Have an ethical, inclusive and applicable law.
-To promote good Government practices that are efficient, responsible and congruent with the use of public resources.
-Involve the State's intervention in different levels of Government.
-Promote a participatory society among citizens.
-Count on budget allocations for the implementation of the law.
-Convert Quintana Roo into a destination at the forefront of the field of animal protection.

This reform includes among other proposals:

1. Elimination of the method of electrocution as a population control for dogs and cats and replace it with permanent, massive, extensive, systematic and free sterilization programs.
2. Incorporation of Animal welfare and protection content in the State educational system.
3. Prohibition of shows that promote animal abuse.
4. Prohibition of the sale and exploitation of animals in public.
5. Regulation of the use of working animals.
6. Creation of a Fund as well as a Board of Trustees for Animal welfare and protection.
7. Regulations on the transfer, trade, alienation, capture and slaughter of animals.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

News in the Fight to Keep Exotics Off of 5th Avenue

435836 — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:36:00 GMT

Today's online edition of the Playa del Carmen newspaper La Respuesta featured an update about the fight to keep exotic animals from being exploited to the tourist trade in Playa del Carmen. Those of us who have been a part of the process, sending letters and petitions to PROFEPA and SEMERNAT will not be satisfied with the comments issued by Carlos Rafael Muñoz Terab, Secretary of Ecology and the Environment.

What follows is a translation of the article posted online today:

After praising the work of the Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection (Profepa), the Secretary of Ecology and the Environment (Sema), Carlos Rafael Muñoz Terab, recognized that while federal law allows permits for owning exotic animals the display of these specimens will continue on Fifth Avenue.

He argues that it is currently "difficult" to exhibit exotic species without proper authorization, since noncompliance implies a sanction, confiscation of the animal and up to imprisonment for the offender, the official went on to comment, that for these reasons it is considered that "most have the corresponding authorization".

"I do not agree that nothing has been done about this issue, it seems to me that historically, Profepa has done a tireless job on Fifth Avenue of trying to enforce the law as it applies to the specimens of wildlife that are displayed: the wildlife law establishes the possibility of ownership of a species with do process, if there is “proper handling" and if it is specified as, “no problem", said the official, who added: “As much as we try to enforce the law, it is necessary that people make an official complaint against those who do not comply with the law, that is the remedy for these illegal practices and to obligate those who have permission from Semarnat to give the animals proper treatment”.

He admitted that the agencies are understaffed and remarked that, "the best staff are citizens, they are the best tool". “However”, said Muñoz Terab, "a complaint against an activity must be proven".

"It is difficult to attend complaints, the agencies are understaffed, and it is important to understand the legal process, if there is no evidence we can not take action", and added:
"I insist, the the only solution is to be informed of who has permits for ownership. At this stage it is difficult to own and exhibit an exotic species without permission".
Carlos Rafael Muñoz insisted that "as long as federal law allows ownership of these species, this situation will continue, the activity will continue".

While it is somewhat encouraging to see this issue being raised by the media and addressed in some way by government officials, we at BuyPlaya believe that the best way to combat this type of activity is economically. Do not have your picture taken with any of the exotic animals being displayed on 5th Avenue and please do your best to educate other travelers to also avoid these vendors. It is a simple matter of supply and demand. Trade in exotic animals is expensive. If we can eliminate the demand, there will be no reason for these people to continue in this business. Please share this information on TripAdvisor, playa.info, In the Roo, LocoGringo and any other place where travel and destination information is exchanged.

The original piece on Diario Respuesta can be found here.

Sunday Service with Lighthouse Church!

435836 — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:48:00 GMT

You're invited to celebrate your faith and fellowship with others at Lighthouse Church!

Lighthouse Church has a Non-Denominational Christian worship service in Tulum on Sundays at 10:00am and will be gathering for service in Playa del Carmen at 6:30pm starting April 21st. Lighthouse offers ministries for women, men, and children, as well as involvement in a number of missionary organizations in the community. For more information about the church and directions to church services, please visit their website or look for their page on Facebook.

Rotary Club Rubber Ducky Regatta in Cancun MOVED to May 12th

435836 — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:28:00 GMT

****The Rotary Club Rubber Ducky Race has been postponed until May 12th!!****

On May 12, Rotary Playa del Carmen Seaside will be participating with other Quintana Roo Rotary Clubs in the Grand Rubber Ducky Regatta! First prize is a house in Cancun!!! Additional awesome prizes include a motorbike, home appliances, furniture packages, flatscreen TVs and much more!

Be sure to buy your Rubber Ducky to participate - $120 pesos each! Ducks are available locally from Rotary Club members. Email pdcrotary@hotmail.com for more info or inquire on the Rotary Club Facebook page.

You don't have to be in Playa del Carmen to participate in the Rubber Ducky Regatta! You can get in the race from anywhere in the world by adopting a duck or ducks! Each duck adoption is $10US or $120MX. A PayPal account has been established for easy payment via credit card. There is no limit to the number of ducks you may adopt!

Once you adopt and make payment, your Rubber Ducky race number(s) and a photo of your souvenir duck(s) will be emailed to you! If you like, give us your address and we will mail them to you when a Rotary member returns to the US/Canada.

Be sure to check the Facebook page - Rotary Playa del Carmen Seaside - on May 12 as fun photos and the race results will be posted. Ducks have been adopted from all over Canada and the US. Don't miss it! Proceeds from Seaside Chapter's sales will go toward ongoing projects and providing computers, learning software programs and essential school supplies to Playa del Carmen's less fortunate school children! Read HERE for more information on these important Rotary programs.

April 21 5K Run for Ak Lu'um!

435836 — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:52:00 GMT

Buy Playa invites you to the 4th Annual Run for Ak Lu'um 5K Spring Race!

The race will be down 5th Avenue and welcomes both runners and walkers. Children can participate in the 1k Run as well. Registration for adults is $200 pesos and $100 pesos for children. Fee includes water, event t-shirt, and lunch after the race.

For more information please visit Corre por Ak Lu'um on Facebook or one of the other many sponsors.

March 30-31 Playa del Carmen's "Heart Fest"

435836 — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:12:00 GMT

Merchants, Vendors, Browsers, and Buyers! Don't miss the Holistic Expo and Organic Market at Plaza Fundadores in Downtown Playa del Carmen!

Now is the time to reserve your space to sell or promote your products. Spaces are 2m x 1.5m and cost $3,000 pesos. Each vendor is responsible for their own displays, signs, and tents. For more information, please contact the festival Facebook page.

March 31 Run to Save Lives with the Red Cross

435836 — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:47:00 GMT

Show your support for the Red Cross and Run to Save Lives!

The run will begin at 7:00am from 88th Street and 5th Avenue at Calle Pintores (Painter's Street). There are Men's and Women's categories from ages 14 and up. Registration donations to the Red Cross are $150 pesos per person and can be made by calling 984-873-1233 or emailing directly horacio-2978@hotmail.com or teresajimenezrdgz@gmail.com. Also for more information, feel free to attend the meeting on Friday, March 29th at the Poliforum in Playa.