Posted on Wed, Aug 25, 2010
Scheduled perfectly for what is expected to be the Panama Pacific Coast’s largest swell of the year, the
International Surfing Association's World Masters Series invades the beach town of Santa Catalina, Panama for the for the Panama ISA World Masters Surfing Championships. Experts say
waves could reach up to 20-feet, meaning the 120 participants from all over the world could be taking part in a legendary contest that products incredible drama for those in attendance.
Running from August 28th to September 5th, the Panama ISA World Masters will showcase more than a dozen national surfing teams, from Australia to Italy to Tahiti, and is the third of its kind, following the 2007 and 2008 events hosted in Puerto Rico. Participating surfers in this year’s event includes the 1988 ISA World Champion, Fabio Gouveia of Brazil, and Peru’s Magoo de la Roa, a former Grand Masters Champion.
The ISA, a non-profit organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the world governing authority for surfing and all surfriding activities, including many variations such as short board, longboard, bodyboard, kneeboard, tandem, skimboard, tow-in and stand up paddle surfing. The ISA is dedicated to the development of these sports worldwide, and operates to provide guidance and advice to its members around the world on matters ranging from competition, coaching, and anti-doping policies.
A haven’t for scuba-divers, surfers and fishers, it’s no secret to anyone that leads an active lifestyle that Santa Catalina is in a remote area of Panama’s Chiriqui region, offering top-notch outdoor activities. It's roughly a seven-hour drive from Panama City, and six hours from our Panama penthouse rental. If you aren’t attending the Panama ISA World Masters, but would like to follow the action, you can stay up to date by visiting www.PanamaISAWorldMasters.com. Features include live streaming video of every event, along with a real-time results page.
Posted on Thu, Aug 19, 2010
It's no secret the the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City is one of the most sought after neighborhoods for tourists to visit. The old quarter is a vibrant area that is safe but reflects the overall persona and way of life exuded by Panamanians. While it has preserved its authenticity, Casco Viejo has revitalized itself to offer more attractions for the curious traveler, and local government continues to promote small business opportunities to residents.
Now, there's a new book that captures the essence of this historic neighborhood, courtesy of local photographer Ken Milburn. In his latest book Panama City’s Casco Viejo, Fast Rising Bohemian Community, readers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the area's narrow streets and historic architecture.
According to ArcoProperties.com's blog (please click through for more photographs from Ken), the majority of the photos were taken with a technique called HDR processing, which expands the visible tonal range in a photographic image as a way to better resemble the wide-range of shades of brightness and color that we see with our very own eyes - but isn't always captured on film.
If you have visited Casco Viejo, or just enjoy high-quality photography, we recommend contacting Ken at ken.miburn@gmail.com for a copy of the book.
And if you're staying at our Panama luxury vacation rental, be sure to take a day trip up to the city and enjoy many of the great Panama Restaurants in Casco Viejo.
Posted on Fri, Aug 06, 2010
Doing some web surfing this afternoon, and we came across some incredible photography from Jose Ponce of The Panama News.
If you have never been, Panama City is modernizing itself, all whlie preserving its rich history. Proof is in this slideshow, which shows progressive architecture butting up against out churches and temples.
Posted on Fri, Jul 30, 2010
Heard about all the great arts and crafts being made in the rural areas of Panama, but never had the chance to see them for yourself? If you're in Panama City this weekend, some of the finest local artisans from all over the country are coming to you, at the ATLAPA Convention Center.
Running through August 1st, the National Fair of Crafts is the largest annual trade fair event in the country, and is a delight to take in the sights of unique pieces of work, even if you're not interested in buying anything!
Organized by the national Artesanás of the Ministry of Commerce and industry of Panama, visitors will see thousands of items available for purchase (at very affordable price), straight from the indigenous Panama people.
The event will be open this weekend from noon to 8 p.m.
Guests at our luxury penthouse rental can utilize our livery service to make the one-hour trip north to Panama City and enjoy The National Fair of Crafts.
Posted on Mon, Jul 19, 2010
The week has finally arrived; it’s time for Panama’s Fashion Week 2010!
The biggest fashion event in Central America, and formerly known as “Días de Moda,” this annual event continues to grow in size with 80 runway models showing off the latest clothing lines from 30 designers. Panama Fashion Week 2010 will be held at the ATLAPA Convention Center from this Wednesday, July 21 to Friday, July 23.
Ticket prices for each runway show range from $15 to $30, with proceeds benefiting the six following local charities:
- Success For Kids (SKF)
- FANLYC
- Fundacion Mano Amigas
- Operation Smile
- FWP
- Probidsida
Panama City is undoubtedly fast becoming a major fashion-forward metropolitan city, garnering respect and attention all around the world. The event is organized by Physical Modelos, one of the leading modeling agencies in the country. This year Physical has created something more for visitors to enjoy: a wide array of exhibitors with fashion, beauty, electronic, and nutritional items on display and for sale. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event.
Guests at our luxury penthouse rental can utilize our livery service to make the one-hour trip north to Panama City and enjoy Panama Fashion Week 2010.
For more information on show times, visit DiasDemodaPanama.com (translated into English) or TheVisitoranama.com.
Posted on Thu, Jul 15, 2010
From LatinBusinessChronicle.com...
Thanks to strong wireless growth, Panama now has Latin America’s second-highest technology level, according to the fifth annual Latin Technology Index from Latin Business Chronicle.
Panama jumped from fourth to second place, replacing Chile.
Uruguay remains in the top spot and managed to replace Chile as the regional leader in Internet penetration.
The Latin Technology Index provides a unique comparison of the technology level of 20 Latin American countries by looking at the penetration rates of Internet, broadband Internet, personal computers (PCs), wireless subscribers and fixed telephone lines.
It uses 2009 technology data from the International Telecommunications Union, Computer Industry Almanac and the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and population data from the International Monetary Fund and the Population Reference Bureau.
Cuba remains the Latin American country with the lowest technology level, followed by Haiti.
Posted on Fri, Jun 25, 2010
"[Global Brigades'] goes beyond politics, race, socioeconomic status, and religion: the simple movement of one's body to express a multitude of emotions can bring even the farthest parts of the world together. And for a week, this collision of worlds will happen right here in Panama City."
That's according to Jackie Hyland at TheVisitorPanama.com, describing the upcoming week-long inter-culture dance festival taking place in Panama City. Beginning on Tuesday, June 29th, and wrapping up on July 4th, the city will host 13 dancers from the United States as part of the Arts Brigades' Dance Program. The event will offer a handful of engaging dance workshops for direct interaction and teaching from the Brigades, which has partnered with Fundacion DanzaNOVA with support from the U.S. Embassy and the National Institute of Culture (INAC) to make this event possible.
Following the five days of workshops, the event concludes on July 4th at 6:00 p.m. with a performance by all participating U.S and Panamanian choreographers and dancers, and children at the local Malambo Orphanage. The event, to be held at Teatro Nacional in Panama City's historic district of Casco Viejo, is free to the public with a suggested donation of $3.
Global Brigades is a United States non-profit that partners organizations and communities to create solutions in architecture, business and the environment all over the world. It is one of the largest student-led international development organizations in the United States.
For more information on what will surely be a rewarding cultural event contact Anna Pasternak (that's her in the photo above!) at anna@globalbrigades.org.
Posted on Thu, Jun 10, 2010
A show without a script!
After two years of sell-out performances, the improve group at the Ancon Theatre for a third consecutive year to entertain and wow you with their highly successful English-speaking show! A one-of-a-kind performance in Panama.
The troupe of actors will entertain and inspire you with their quick thinking, instant wit and spontaneous acting ability performed through tasks and games led by a host. The show is accompanied with music and of course...audience participation.
The Theatre Guild of Ancon is located on Calle Principal San Joaquin, just outside Panama City. Three shows remain, tonight, Friday, June 11th; and Saturday, June 12th. Call now for tickets (an inexpensive $10 donation to the theatre), as there are a limited number of seats remaining.
For more information visit www.improv8.com.
Posted on Wed, Jun 02, 2010
A celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Corpus Christi Festival is a unique cultural experience celebrated in select towns and municipalities throughout Panama. The festival is held on the Thursday following the eighth Sunday after Palm Sunday, or sixty days after Palm Sunday, and is a sacrament commemorating the action of Jesus at his Last Supper with his disciples.
While it's more than a three hour trip from our Las Olas penthouse rental to the Azuero Peninsula, the town of Los Santos is home to one of the most incredible and expansive celebrations of Corpus Christi.
The three-day festival will be celebrated from Thursday, June 10th to Sunday, June 13, but the official Corpus Christi Day Feast on Friday June 4th offers a mid-day procession throughout the town following morning mass. Later in the afternoon, a dance presentation commences at Los Santos' main stage. Preformed by local townsmen, each dance (highlighted by the "Los Diablos Sucios") tells a different tale and represents the religious and cultural heritage of Panama that has been preserved for centuries in this region, the heartland of Panamanian folklore and colonial tradition.
If you can't make the trek down to Azeuro, consider checking out the Panama City suburb of La Chorrera on June 3rd. There, the
National Institute of Culture (INAC) will organize cultural events and a smaller dance presentation outside the San Francisco de Paula Church, following a 7:00 a.m. celebratory mass. Learn more by checking out their website, by following the link above.
Posted on Fri, May 28, 2010
Beginning yesterday with a multi-choir performance of local musicians, and running through June 6th, Panama City's Saint Malo Music Festival offers nightly performances of chamber groups, choirs and symphonic orchestras from all over the world. A festival that preserves and celebrates the classic tone, the Saint Malo Music Festival was named after Alfredo de Saint Malo, an accomplished Panamanian violinist who most notably played privately for Mussolini, President Theodore Roosevelt, and even Pope Pius XI.
Performances for this year's annual Saint Malo Music Festival will be held at Anita Villalaz, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Theatre. Tickets range from $10-$65, and registered students can purchase a seat to any show for just $5.
Check out the schedule of events courtesy of Arco Properties, a real estate brokerage firm that focuses on commercial and residential properties in the Casco Viejo section of Panama City.
Saturday 29th: At Anita Villalaz: String Orchestra and Junior Orchestra from Veracruz. The program will include Mabarak Jiménez, Ponce and Tchaikovsky (String Serenate)
Tuesday 1st:
At Anita Villalaz: Barroque Night with The Dorian Concert
Program includes Bach, Mieg, Teleman, Zieler, Corelli.
Wednesday 2nd:
At National Theatre:
Lyric Concert (Italian Opera), National Orquestra, Panama´s Opera Foundation and the Children´s Choir of the Enrico Fermi.
Thursday 3rd:
At National Theatre: Night of Violins and Piano
Friday 4th:
At Anita Villalaz: Orchestra of Festival Alfredo de Saint Malo
Saturday 5th:
10:00 a.m. Orchestra of Festival Alfredo de Saint Malo
2 p.m.: Orchestra Club Musical for CHildren and Panama´s University Chamber Trio.
7:30 p.m. National Ballet of Panama + Orchestra of Festival Alfredo de Saint Malo
Sunday 6th:
National Theatre
7:30 p.m. Closing! with Orchestra of Festival Alfredo de Saint Malo