A new beer is brewing up controversy in Mexico.

Malverde Beer is named after Jesús Malverde, a Robin Hood-style figure from 19th-century Mexican folklore who is revered by drug smugglers in the western state of Sinaloa.

Historians are unsure whether Jesús Malverde existed in real life. Legend has it he was born in the late 1800s and embarked on a life of crime in Sinaloa, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor during the reign of Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz.

The beer debuted in April and has spread to bars around western Mexico. Its maker plans to sell it in the USA. Civic groups in Sinaloa have criticized the beer, and Wal-Mart of Mexico has refused to stock it.

The beer's maker, the small Minerva Brewery in Guadalajara, donates 1% of its profits to a chapel dedicated to Malverde in the city of Culiacán. The company says the beer is not meant to glamorize the drug trade.

"We're just trying to honor a Mexican legend, that's all," said Jesús Briseño, the brewery's general manager.

Over the decades, admirers began attributing miracles to him and building shrines in Sinaloa, though the Roman Catholic Church rejects the practice.

Briseño said he got the idea for the beer after visiting Malverde's chapel.

It's not Minerva's first publicity stunt. In 2006, the company made headlines when it produced 24,000 bottles of Duff Beer, named after Homer Simpson's favorite brew in the U.S. TV series The Simpsons.

For Malverde Beer, the company designed a green label with pictures of a hops plant and the mustachioed Malverde. The art was meant to look like a comic book, Briseño said.

"It has the look of a Mexican superhero," he said.

The beer itself is a malty, European-style pilsner. Some of the barley is imported from Wisconsin, Briseño said.

At 77 pesos ($7.60) for a six-pack, it is about twice as expensive as other Mexican beers. Briseño said the company markets it mainly to upscale bars that specialize in imports.

The Casa Ley supermarket chain, AM/PM convenience stores and a chain of pharmacies have started selling the brew, he said.

Wal-Mart of Mexico sold some as part of a Minerva Brewery variety pack during a promotion in June, but the chain has refused to carry the brand by itself because of the name, Briseño said.

Minerva sells about 600 cases of the beer a month, up from 400 cases in April. Briseño said the company is registering the brand in the USA and wants to begin exporting Malverde soon.

Recently a Swiss flavorings company approached Minerva about spiking its beer with hemp extract, made from a cousin of marijuana. A few beers in Switzerland contain the flavoring.

Briseño said he nixed the idea.

"Can you imagine if we added that to Malverde?" said Briseño, sniffing a bottle of the pungent extract. "I think that would cross the line."

At the Red Pub in Guadalajara, manager Alejandro Pérez said his customers were divided.

"The people who buy it buy it because of the image," Pérez said. "And the people who don't buy it do it for the same reason."

Across town at the Santa bar, patron Pablo Partida laughed at the label.

It's just a name, just a mascot like Colonel Sanders," he said.

The local SPCA de PV has obtained four new dogs and five new kittens from Francisco Medina's clinic. They are also rescuing three dogs from the pound (Acopio) who will be at the Library. If un-adopted, all these animals will go back to the vet's clinic for another week. None are returned to the Acopio. The animals are in a clean surrounding at the clinic and are cared for, but dogs very seldom get walked and none of the animals are getting the affection they crave.

The SPCA de PV would love to have some help with foster homes. If you can help foster starting this Saturday - or any time in the future, please contact them. New Volunteers are need at the Library. The same dedicated group of people volunteer every Saturday and they need a bit of a break!

If you love animals and have any free time please email Janice Gonzalez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Volunteers are also needed to walk dogs on Thursdays. Please email Vera Lugo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We know there are people who want to help so please call!

Autumn is a very special time in the mountains of Jalisco. The summer rains have washed clean the faces of every leaf and blade of grass in the countryside. Imagine yourself taking a walk along a country road, portable easel, paints and brushes in hand. You might have a water bottle slung over one shoulder and a tuna sandwich in your fanny pack. You could be listening to the birds talking to each other, the crickets calling out or maybe it is your favorite music or guru on your Walkman attached to your belt. If you think you're surely almost in Heaven, you might be in the hills around Talpa de Allende, Jalisco.
I'm not a botanist nor an artist so I can't tell you the names of all the wild flowers that are setting the hills ablaze with different shades of yellow, pink, oranges and lavenders set against the background of a jillion tones of green, which we look out upon this time of the year.

Talpa de Allende is a festive town in this autumn setting, and the party gets started on the first Sunday in August after the twelve o'clock mass, when the Virgin of Talpa starts Her Walk. This is not The Big Walk that happens in March, but it is called Her Walk.

Our Señora del Rosario is a twenty inch wooden figure which has become almost as popular in some parts of Mexico as the Virgin of Guadalupe. She is accredited with her first miracle in September 1644. Today she roams the country roads for six weeks visiting ranches; blessing the animals, creeks, cattle watering holes, corn and bean fields, and fruit orchards. She is accompanied by small or large groups of her faithful devotees. The size of her entourage depends on the culinary achievements of the rancher's wife where she will visit at lunch hour.

An altar is prepared at each ranch house where The Little Short One, as she is affectionately called, will visit. The rancher's wife brings out her best table cloth to drape over a table, and decorates it with flowers plucked from her own garden or wild ones gathered in the fields. Candles are placed on the makeshift altar to be lighted when the little figure is placed upon it.

The visitors announce their arrival by shooting rockets into the air as they approach. An adult member of the rancher's family will usually go out to meet the pilgrims and take the burden of the Traveling Virgin onto his shoulders for the final steps of the procession to the waiting altar. Normally, there will be one person to lead the prayers offered at each ranch house for that particular day. Once the prayers are finished, the rancher's wife offers refreshments to the travelers before they hike off to the next ranch down the road for a repeat performance. When dusk falls, individuals in the group stand vigil throughout the night. It is considered a special honor to have the Virgin sleep over at your ranch.

The group changes constantly during this six week trek. Some drop out and others join in, but the routine remains the same until September 10th when the Virgin of Talpa is brought back to the cathedral where she is met by a previously selected group of women who have the honor of bathing the road dust from the image and dressing it in its new dress.

The tiny dress with an accompanying cape is a sight to behold. The fabric is imported from France, and although it is more or less the same design that has been used for many years, the colors change from year to year, running in the pastel range. The dress and cape are hand-embroidered with silver and gold threads, and encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones at a cost of approximately $40,000 pesos. Families line up each year to participate in the cost of the new apparel. Salvador Aguilar, a young designer in Guadalajara, is responsible for the dresses of several of the Madonna's images in Mexico.

On special fiesta days honoring the Virgin of Talpa, a carpet of flowers is carefully placed in intricate designs in the main plaza. This is definitely not a hap-hazard method of strewing flowers for her to "walk" over. Designs are copied from charts onto the sidewalks and areas of the plaza in chalk. Groups are assigned to certain areas and given boxes of flower petals to create the colorful carpet.

There are secrets to all this pageantry that everybody doesn't know. Nuestra Señora de Rosario, the Little Short One of Talpa has her own Ladies-in-Waiting. Maybe only God and the chief priest know exactly how many replicas of The Authentic One are out there, but don't be surprised if you run across her in Sedona, Seattle, Puerto Vallarta or other parts unknown. La Autentica never gets down from her throne except for four days of the year, and that is to walk around the plaza. Her substitutes do the traveling. In no way does that take anything away from the magic of Talpa de Allende, Jalisco.

The next time The Lady walks will be October 7th. That's her birthday.

Every year from July to November, Mayto Beach, a little piece of paradise two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, provides a nesting ground for hundreds of Olive-Ridley turtles and one group of biologists and volunteers is working to protect them.
Amongst the many gems of Banderas Bay, lies Mayto Beach. A little piece of paradise, two hours drive on dirt track southwards from Puerto Vallarta through El Tuito will bring you here. One of few unspoiled beaches, where only a handful of buildings line the shoreline, sympathetically styled with palm leaf roofs and wooden shacks.

Between July and November each year this idyllic location provides a nesting ground for hundreds of Olive-Ridley turtles. After hatching from their eggs, each turtle can grow up to 2 and half feet and 110 lbs in weight. Once in the ocean, these omnivores dive 150m to the sea bed in order to feed on crustaceans, shrimp and fish.

If allowed to continue their journey in peace, once they have been immersed in to ocean as hatchlings they can live for over 100 years. The current record for the oldest turtle was found to be 120 years old in 2006. However, there are many threats to these gentle creatures and since the 1970's turtle conservation camps have been set up in order to give turtles higher chances of survival.

Directly on Mayto Beach, lies the camp for the protection of the Marine Turtles. For 3 years now, the biologists here have strived to ensure the safety of the Olive-Ridley turtle. Funded by Guadalajara University and watched over by CONAM, the governmental environment sector, volunteers work alongside biologists to carefully record data and monitor turtle numbers.

Every night, torches scour the coastline looking for signs of turtles and their nests. A biologist at the camp commented that, depending on sand conditions, on average it takes the turtles 20 minutes to dig a hole and lay their eggs on the shore. On discovery, the nests are carefully dug up and their contents removed. Back at camp, the eggs are buried 40cm under the sand in a marked secure area, watched over by devoted staff in order to grow and hatch in peace and safety.

Their help is greatly needed, for turtles are under threat from the minute they are laid and buried deep beneath the sand. Aside from birds, sharks, larger predators and fish, the turtles face a threat from poachers.

Turtle egg poaching has occurred for years, the unhatched eggs considered a delicacy to eat themselves or to sell on to others. The further inland the eggs reach, the higher prices they are sold for. A highly illegal practice with a long spell in prison as a consequence, the conservationists endeavor to protect the eggs from the hands of such people. Mayto Beach itself not heavily targeted, the beaches of Mismaloya are hot targets for poachers.

Once the eggs are hatched, turtles dig their way to the surface of the sand, where the biologists rapidly assist to uncover around one hundred turtles per nest. These turtles are rinsed and allowed to rest, while waiting for nightfall and their release.

Over the summer of 2007, approximately 80 nests were hatched at Mayto Beach alone, keeping all who worked there very busy! The hatchlings are released in large numbers at night, in order to minimise the risk of predation where they must then search for rocks by which to hide while they gain nourishment and strength to continue their journey. With few defences, the turtles are susceptible to injury and have been known to return to Mayto Beach having had a limb taken by a preying shark.

Once turtles have reached reproductive age at around 8-12 years, they return to the beach on which they were born to lay their own eggs. An inbuilt magnetism allows them to track down their place of birth to within 100m on a stretch of coastline. Despite the best efforts of the conservationists to ensure the best start in life for the hatchlings, Jorge, an on site biologist remarked "Only two out of every hundred survive to reach adult age."

While all the turtles released so far are making their way towards the Japanese coast, the staff continue to nurture the turtles back at camp, something the locals of Mayto are happy to see happening. Bringing interest to the area can only be good for their prosperity.

Yet, with all the good work that the conservationists and essential volunteers are doing, a part of me hopes that this area will stay a little piece of paradise, to ensure a calm, peaceful environment to which many a turtle can return.

On April 20th, I experienced yet another amazing day imbedded in the middle of Mexican Culture. It was not the usual Fiesta or an ordinary gathering of families to picnic in the mountains on the road to Mascota. It was an official shooting competition at the Campo de Tiro (shooting range) sponsored by Club Cinegetico Puerto Vallarta A.C.
We arrived early at around 8 o'clock to begin preparation. The range has been recently renovated and was set up for what was to be a very long, busy day of shooting. Sun shades with tables and chairs had been set up for the shooters and the spectators. Refreshment stands went up and the registration table was busy signing up the competitors.

Soon, the tranquil mountain pasture that had been quiet except for the sounds of the wild birds, a couple of donkeys and some local dogs, was resonating with the sound of .22 caliber gun fire as the practice sessions began. Approximately 75 to 80 shooters signed up and the competition began promptly at 11 o'clock. First to compete were shooters using pistols or rifles on specific target ranges. There were very strict rules and judges and referees watched closely and scored each contestant.

Later, around 2 or 2:30, a catered hot lunch arrived with chili, beans, rice and tortillas. Plenty of cold water, soft drinks and, of course, beer were available.

After the lunch break, the competitors put away their .22 caliber firearms and prepared for the Trap Shooting contests. There were two courses using clay pigeons launched from spring loaded traps in a specific pattern. Shotgun blasts filled the air the rest of the afternoon until the sun went down.

The shooting club, which is licensed and governed by the Mexican Army, operated with expertise, professionalism and safety. They boast of over 100 members and continue to grow. Their motto is: "Por La Fraternidad Y El Equilibrio Del Deporte". They are well trained and were always watching to make sure that the safety of the competitors and the spectators was being observed.

It was a great day for me. It was long, hot, dusty and rewarding. Not because I won a prize (I didn't, but I was the highest scoring Gringo....maybe the only Gringo), but I saw people loving a sport and doing it well. Their kindness, encouragement and sense of humor as it pertained to the "Old Gringo" was heartwarming. "Come on, Jeemy...Shoot!" From the youngest participant (9 years old) to the oldest, they were all focused on having fun in a safe and very organized sport with the support of their families and friends.

NOTE: I have returned to the range several times with many of the same people since April. My shooting hasn't improved much, but the fun of shooting and the camaraderie of the group remains.

For more information on Club Cinegetico, e-mail Juan Quinones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Next time you have a moment to get a view of the Church of Guadalupe in the center of town, observe the beautiful lady under the crown who recently returned home. For 82 years, she has been a constant witness to the everyday life of Puerto Vallarta. She is bright and shining now. She weighs in at just shy of 3 tons. She is a bronze bell lifted to her tower on July 18th, her personal sanctuary for over eight decades of town history.

She arrived a few days ago from the State of Hidalgo. Making large church bells has been the profession in several small towns off the highway in the mountains between Pachuca and Tamazunchale for over two centuries. The process remains rustic, with molds placed in fire-pits. Molten metals are poured in and allowed to cool over several days. Burnishing then follows. Bell-making is as much an art as a science.

As described by Sr. Cura (Parish Priest) Esteban Salazar Gonzalez, the bell was originally placed in the tower of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe in 1926, not that many years after the church began building and was dedicated on October 12, 1921. The parish priest in Puerto Vallarta at that time was Padre Francisco Ayala, well-loved and remembered. At the time, the religious conviction of the people of Puerto Vallarta was such that the bell was raised to the tower by hand by the men of the town. Mexico was just entering into the Cristero War, much of provincial Mexico was at odds with the federal government over religion. Local families of Puerto Vallarta which date back to that time will mention some family lore which includes conflicts, sacrifices and even family member losses. In most areas of Mexico, religious services were suspended.

She was originally a more brittle bronze and, over the years, suffered damages from use. This is the third founding, the first time in the 1960's and again in 1982. On May 14, 2008, she was removed from her home again for repairs. She has been witness to the early years of Puerto Vallarta as a "Municipio", beginning in 1918, the Banana Bonanza in Ixtapa which lasted until 1936, the World War years when military leaders led the town, the arrival of the first paved roads, and, more recently, the growth of tourism.

But even bells get tired. After a short absence from Puerto Vallarta for repairs, she returns with a new alloy mixture of 56% of the original bronze, 35% copper and 9% tin. Cost for repairs, $400,000 Pesos. Her 2,916 kilos were hoisted into the Guadalupe crown by crane this time, not man-power in defiance of federal restrictions. She rejoined the other 14 bells in the tower to continue as witness of the next several decades of Puerto Vallarta history. The 42 kilo "badajo" (clapper) was afixed and she again began to toll over the religious festivals and daily celebrations of mass. You will hear her tones for years to come. The cannon (from where she hangs) and sound bow (lowest circumference), are impressive. She is a stalwart lady to mark time of the city.

"Badajo" is of Arab origin and can be traced to the Extremadura Region of Spain. Badajoz is a major city on the Guadiana River on the border with Portugal. The primary entrance to the city is an impressive white-stoned, castle wall and arched gate that dates from Roman times. Mining in this region and metal forging were practiced since before the Roman Empire and Badajoz, even today, is known for making...bells.

R.C. Walker This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The International Altruism Festival held a press conference on Wednesday, July 16, at the CasaMagna Marriott Resort to announce the official granting of funds to the 24 organizations benefiting from the Festival.

The 5th Annual International Altruism Festival held May 25, 2008 at the Marriott was attended by 1,900 people and raised $583,580 Pesos. The 24 charitable organizations in Puerto Vallarta present at the Festival each received $24,320 Pesos presented by founder Kelly Trainor.

Trainor, in her remarks, praised all of the participants including the Marriott, Puerto Vallarta restaurants, and others who donated time, equipment and talent that make the International Altruism Festival a true and magnificent charitable event. All the proceeds from the event were distributed to the 24 groups represented at the festival.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens opened its gates on November 15th, 2005. Since then it has grown to become one of Puerto Vallarta's most fabulous "must see" tourist attractions. The gardens are located in the mountains at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level where you will find a rejuvenating and much cooler micro-climate that is always a delightful surprise to Garden visitors. The Gardens are a living museum showcasing some exceptional examples of the abundant natural diversity found in the Puerto Vallarta area.
As you enter the Gardens, look for a sign that directs you to the swinging bridge. Follow the iron handrail and lead yourself through a pristine swath of original tropical forest in its full exuberant spendor. Along this trail one will encounter the Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla garden where living examples of each of these plants can be viewed growing in the shadows of giant forest trees. After climbing up through the forest, one begins to descend into the Tree Fern Grotto. The Tree Fern Grotto is an important nesting area of the endemic Mexican Hermit Hummingbird. Ask at the information desk in the hacienda if you wish to observe a hummingbird nest in action!

After your visit to the Tree Fern Grotto, head off to the Holstien Conservatory of Mexican Orchids. In this remarkable conservatory, one can see many examples of native Mexican orchids in bloom, plus collections of carnivorous plants, rare ferns, and other native curiosities. The Orchid Conservatory was a charitable gift to Vallarta Botanical Gardens which opened to the public in early 2008.

Just outside the conservatory you will find the restroom area that doubles as a small natural history museum with butterfly, insect and seashell collections. From the vantage point of the restroom steps, one can take into perspective the stunning mountain vistas that envelope the grounds of this lovely natural oasis. To the right of the restrooms are nursery-grown blooming orchids and other exotic plants that can be purchased and taken home.

The mountains are a birdwatcher's delight with many species of native birds easily seen from the pathways. In the morning and again in the evening, squawking groups of Lilac-Crowned Amazon parrots are active, wheeling through the skies above. Kingfishers ply the waters for tadpoles and minnows in the sparkling Los Horcones River that creates the Gardens' western boundary. At night the eerie hooting of the Mottled Owl adds a spooky note to the cacophony of forest sounds.

The centerpiece of the Botanical Gardens is the hacienda that serves as the visitors' center and is also the location of the Gardens' celebrated restaurant known as The Plantation House. Created in the style of a tropical 18th century plantation manor, the Plantation House sits on a jungle ridge overlooking the river and surrounded by the majesty of the soaring Sierra Madres in all directions. The Plantation House serves Ranch Style Mexican food and makes homemade gourmet pizzas in a wood burning brick oven. Don't leave without trying the homemade vanilla ice cream made with real Mexican beans splashed with Kahlua.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens receives no funding from the government and is maintained by its members and donors and by visitor purchases in the restaurant and gift shop. Yearly memberships can be purchased at the visitors' center and entitle members to unlimited admission to the gardens plus discounts and other privileges. Volunteers are always welcomed as greeters and garden docents. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a registered 501c3 not-for-profit organization whose main goals are creating environmental awareness and appreciation of plants, especially Mexican plants. These gardens are also the backdrop to some of the areas most lavish weddings and events. If you'd like to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta and one of the genuine treasures of the city, then head out to the gardens, located on coastal route 200, just 30 minutes south of town.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens now offer guided off-road birding and botanical tours on brand new fully automatic ATVs or on horseback at the equestrian center, Rancho Botanico. To reserve a tour, or get more information on these magical Gardens, call 223- 6182 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Robert Benjamin Price
Executive Director
Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C.

With this hot and sticky weather in Vallarta, why not escape to refreshing San Sebastian - at least for the day? There is still space for people to join in on a day trip to the Hacienda Jalisco in San Sebastian on Friday, June 27, 2008.
525 pesos includes round trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta & a complete lunch plus the chance to meet new people and "head to the hills" for the day! If you live in Vallarta and have never been to San Sebastian, you are really missing out. Like stepping back in time, this once thriving mining town is a sleepy little pueblo with a population of approximately 500 people. The Hacienda Jalisco is a 180 year old fortress of a house, with foot thick walls, nestled amid pine and tropical forest. Chef Pablo will be creating a special lunch, served on the patio. Time for a nap or go exploring!

Those attending will receive a coupon for a 10% discount on future stays at the Hacienda Jalisco!
For further information, please contact Pamela Thompson, 222-9638

On Thursday night, June 12, Le Bistro Restaurant was the site for the launching of the new Las Villas de Mexico project on the Riviera Nayarit/Punta de Mita. The evening was attended by a large crowd of interested parties all enjoying music, cocktails, tapas, real estate networking, native dancing and the finale of a fireworks display on the Rio Cuale.

HXM Tourism Division presented the Las Villas de Mexico concept that involves modern, yet culturally designed homes. They have over twenty projects either in progress or on the agenda in Mexico. Unlike many developments, Las Villas de Mexico offers design options, furniture packages and home care as part of the plan. Other aspects include access to properties in other locations on a vacation plan and the ability to use golf facilities, spas and country clubs near all of their properties.

Beba Muniz of Puerto Vallarta's en3 Communicacions along with her partners Alberto Marquez and Paola Pacheco planned and executed the launching event with perfection.

For more information, go the web site www.lasvillasdemexico.com.

Saturday afternoon, May 3 will forever be a memorable day for Gaby Camarena and her new husband, Christian Magaña.

VallartaToday.com proudly welcomes Cilantro's Restaurant as a new client on our website. Please try the excellent food and service at one of Puerto Vallarta's best restaurants in air conditioned comfort.
Only one block from the Malecon, Cilantro´s offers a diverse Mexican menu with an international flair, along with a varied cocktail selection. Here, the artistic, modern Mexican décor in the air-conditioned, candlelit dining room is complemented by soothing music playing in the background. The unique Cilantro Margarita stands out as a drink of choice, as you sit back and enjoy a romantic dinner. The menu is reasonably priced, creative and innovative and uses only the freshest ingredients.

Cilantro's is also participating in Restaurant Week in Puerto Vallarta now through May 31st.
For only $169 Pesos, you get a fabulous 3 Course meal to enjoy. Choose from a selection of 3 appetizers and salads, 3 main courses including Prawn and Cilantro Fritters lightly fried, with mango puree and cucumber-citrus yoghurt, Chile Relleno pan-fried and stuffed with goat and Monterrey jack cheese, with spicy black bean sauce and roasted red pepper coulis or Breaded Red Snapper Fillet served with a roasted tomato, caper, olive and white wine sauce. Then top of the evening with one of three delicious desserts.
See you at Cilantro's, Abasolo 169, Centro, Puerto Vallarta. Call for reservations at (322) 222-7147.