San Pedro Sun

December 27, 2009

Island celebrity “Cuppie,” of Caye Coffee’s Caye-Osk was feeling extra festive during the holiday weekend and took a break to read The San Pedro Sun Christmas issue while greeting guests at Ms. Sara’s Kitchen located at the Caye-Osk at Exotic Caye Resort.

Caribbean Christmas Colors winners December 23, 2009

    It was a cold December’s night when three wise judges embarked on their mission to find the brightest, twinkling lights.

    Onward they went, facing house after house, enjoying the lights and music and the Santa’s around. Reindeers were present, and so were baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

    At the end, prizes were ready to be awarded, homeowners’ creativity had once again abounded.

    It was the fifth annual Caribbean Christmas Colors competition and the race for top honors was very hotly contested. Each house sparkled and shone, their glory was visible from blocks away and the three judges trucked forward. The night held up on Saturday for judgment night, however for the night of announcements the weather prevented the crew from visiting homes and handing out prizes. Congratulations to the following winners who excelled in their home decorations and caught the judges and crowd’s eyes. The winners are below in their various categories:

*People’s Choice – Regina Brown and family – Both the judges and crew were thrilled with the creativity found in this home’s decoration. The judges said, “Every year Regina’s house looks like Santa Land. For their great effort, Brown won a $25 gift certificate from Bikini Bar, a gift prize from Graniel’s Dreamland, $50 bar tab from Tackle Box, $150 gift certificate from Wild Mango’s and one (1) ticket to the Lorie Morgan Show.

*Jan Jensen Memorial – Marciano Salazar and family – The Salazar family home depicted the character of past Caribbean Christmas Colors judge Jan Jensen. Simple and sweet, the lights shone brightly and evoked the meaning of Christmas. The judges stated, “Not over-decorated yet demonstrates the Christmas spirit.” The Salazar family won a dinner for two (2) which will include entrée, sides and dessert from Fido’s, one (1) small pizza from Pirate’s Pizza, 24 hour golf cart rental from Captain G’s, one (1) cake courtesy of Casa Pan Dulce, $50 gift certificate from Joshwell’s Fashion.

*“Emma Jurado’s house is a blast!” exclaimed the judges. For the fantastic light show, the Jurado family won Best Theme. Between the blues and snowmen, the Santa and the music, the Jurado home brought a smile to everyone that passed by their beachfront home. Their prizes include a dinner for two (2) which will include entrée, sides and dessert from Nautica, lunch for two (2) at Rico’s @ Banyan Bay, one (1) bottle of wine from Premium Wines, $200 gift certificate from Rapidito Loans.

*Most Creative was taken by Flor Bradley with her creative display of the Christmas spirit. Utilizing fishing net as a yard Christmas tree, the Bradley home became an instant favorite by the judges who said, “The Bradley home blends island living with the Christmas theme.” Their prizes included a $100 gift certificate to Capricorn, $30 food or bar tab at Akbol, Asian Garden aromatherapy massage, and a sunset cruise for four (4) from Seaduced.

*Overall best WOW factor was taken by Ellis Eiley and family who “captivated the judges from afar.” With their high flying reindeer, the Eileys won one (1) cell phone with $50 credit from SMART!, free registration and one (1) month registration from Train Station, one (1) ticket to the Lorie Morgan show from the Reef Village Boutique, 24 hour golf cart rental from Carts Belize, two (2) bottles of wine from Rendezvous Winery.

*Editor’s Choice – Ilsa Salazar – It’s all about impressing the Editor Tamara Sniffin and Ilsa gave a fantastic punch. “Cute, simple, warm and welcoming” the Salazars won $100 cash prize from Reef Radio, a gift prize from Castillo’s Hardware, $100 gift certificate from Wine de Vine, one (1) large pizza from Pedro’s Pizza and set of tickets for any movie in February or March 2010 for a family or group of five (5) courtesy of Paradise Theater @ the Reef Village.

*Judge’s Choice went to Tula Ayuso and family who definitely had a way of attracting the judges’ attention to her house. The judges were truly impressed with the candy canes adorning the front yard and the ornaments hanging from the gate. The reindeer flying up high completed the look and even the family’s pet shone with a red twinkling light of his own. Ayuso won a dinner for two (2) up to $100 at El Divino, $100 bar tab at BC’s, lunch or dinner for (2) courtesy of Mata Chica’s Mambo Restaurant, $25 gift certificate from Palapa Bar.

*Honorary Mention went to the Alfaro Family who year after year “makes Island Christmas very special.” Sunset Grill gave them a $100 gift certificate, $50 bar tab from Reef Village Bar, gift prize from Liquor Box, and dinner for two (2) from Blue Lotus.

Love FM 12 Days of Christmas crew visits San Pedro December 23, 2009

As part of the Annual 12 Days of Christmas Program, a crew from Love FM Radio and Love Television was on the island on Tuesday to hand out gifts in San Pedro Town. The crew visited three main areas, San Pedrito, DFC and Boca del Rio.

    On board a golf cart, the Love Crew went into the areas making surprise stops to various residents. According to the Love Crew, it’s all a part of bring and adding a little joy to people lives during the Christmas season. The crew handed gifts hampers, toys and goodies to the different families they made visits to.

    The Love Crew throughout the 12 Days of Christmas Program visited areas all across the country and tried to identify the less fortunate families to brighten their Christmas. The success of the Love FM Annual 12 Days of Christmas program is contributed mainly to various business establishments who share the same goal of the Love Crew, to brighten Belizeans’ Christmas.

A very merry and tropical Christmas to you December 22, 2009

The sun is out! The sun is out! The sun is out! Everyone is getting their last minute preparations ready for Christmas. Other are out enjoying the beautiful day!

Angela Gegg (Proshka) hosts Art Show at Belizean Arts December 21, 2009

Belizean Author and Artist Angela Gegg arrived in San Pedro eager to showcase her latest creation. Gegg’s exhibit took place at Belizean Arts Gallery deep within Fido’s this past Saturday. Artist Confessions was recently released and has proven to be quite a hit. Friends abounded and were happy to purchase their first autographed copy of her latest book. Should you be interested in purchasing a copy (it makes a perfect holiday gift) stop over at Belizean Arts and get yours today!

Angela Gegg is one of Belize’s leading female artists. She has been featured in over twenty Joint and Solo Art Shows and has been a part of Art Exhibits in Belize, Texas, New York, Miami and Trinidad. For more information visit http://www.angelagegg.com

Immigration advice to travel to Mexico December 16, 2009

*Belizeans are reminded that VISA IS NOT REQUIRED to travel to Mexico.

*The Embassy of Mexico’s consular services will be closed on 25 and 28 December and on 1 January 2010.

Press Release – Mexican Embassy – December 16th, 2009 – In order to welcome Belizean residents who wish to visit Mexico during the holiday season, the Embassy of Mexico reminds the public the following regulations:

Belizean nationals are reminded that a visa is not required to travel to Mexico as a tourist or in transit through Mexican territory to another country. To enter Mexico, they will only need to hold a valid Belizean passport and fill out a tourist immigration form which is obtained free of cost at any of the points of entry into Mexico, at any of the borders, maritime ports or international airports. They will be able to enter Mexico multiple times within the period of time authorized by Mexican immigration officials.

Residents in Belize with passports from other countries, like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua among other nationalities, need a Mexican visa to travel to Chetumal or any other part of Mexico. US, UK and Canadian nationals, among others, do not need a Mexican visa. Before visiting Mexico, it is advised to consult the list of countries whose nationals require visa at the Embassy of Mexico Consular Section or the web site www.sre.gob.mx

Belizeans who hold a Mexican border card (FMVL) can continue using it in the usual manner to travel exclusively to Quintana Roo (Chetumal, Tulum, Playa, Cancun) with a maximum stay of 3 days. The border card FMVL does not allow travel to Merida or any other part of Mexico outside Quintana Roo, but it is required to use a passport.

Belizeans that wish to work, study or do business in Mexico, will need to apply for the appropriate visa. The Embassy of Mexico will be closed on Friday 25 (Christmas) and Monday 28 December (celebration of Boxing Day), and Friday 1 December 2010 (New Year Day). The Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Corozal will be closed from 24 December to 7 January 2010. For any inquiry and further information about visas and consular services, please contact the Consular Section, telephone number 223-0193 or 223-0194, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or the Honorary Consulate in Corozal, telephone number 422 20 49. Visit the Embassy of Mexico’s web page www.sre.gob.mx/belice/  or write to consular@embamex.bz

Learn the cuisine and Caribbean cooking techniques in Belize December 9, 2009

Lincoln Land Community College invites community members to travel to Belize in April to learn the cuisine and cooking techniques of the Caribbean.

The trip, called “Taste the Adventure of Caribbean Cuisine,” will take place April 22-28 and will be led by Dave Cox, LLCC associate professor of biology and director of the Belize International Education Program.

Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on culinary instruction by the head chef of Jaguar Reef Lodge and Spa.

Beyond learning how to prepare native recipes of Caribbean cultures, participants can snorkel in the barrier reef, visit the southern Mayan ruins, tour Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and choose from a variety of other activities

For more information, go to www.llcc.edu/belize (click on Caribbean Cuisine), or contact Cox at dave.cox@llcc.edu or 786-4909. The trip is limited to 14 people.

La Factoria & Josseph to headline next weekend December 9, 2009

Directly from Panama, the Dancehall Duo, La Factoria will be on the island entertaining fans on December 19^th. The spectacular show has already been booked and the headliners are eager to visit La Isla Bonita. Having topped the charts worldwide, it is expected that their performance will be one to remember.

    A Sundancer and King of Kings production, the La Factoria concert will also include the fabulous entertainment of San Pedro’s very own Rock in Peace, as well as the voice of Nestor Rivero of DNA popularity.

    Belting out his new single “Largate”, Josseph from Panama will open the stage for La Factoria. Already fans have begun the buzz and the Reggae artist is excited for his visit.

    Ticket sales for the show have been going well and prices are as follows: Children – $20 (advance) $30 (at the door); Adults – $50 (advance) $60 (at the door). Tickets are available Sundancer, Reef Radio and Stadium Sports Bar.

    La Factoría is a Panamanian Dancehall duo. As of 2008, they are formed by Demphra (Marlene Romero) and Joycee (Johanna Gisel Mendoza Romero). They have been recognized for their fusion of reggae, R&B, house, and hip-hop. They have done tours in both North and South America and in Europe, and songs such as Todavía and No Lastimes Más which have topped the charts worldwide. Their hits include: Todavía (Still), Hombre Ajeno (Taken Man), No Lastimes Más (No More Tears), Déjame Vivir (Let me live) together with Mach and Daddy, and Perdóname (Forgive Me), with Eddy Lover.

La Factoria with their hit “Perdoname” featuring Eddie Lover:

Josseph’s new single “Largate”:

Dancing Toucan’s Monday Trivia Night December 9, 2009

    Think on your feet and test your wit, Dancing Toucan invites you for their Trivia Night which is held every Monday deep inside Coconuts Hotel. From culture, to music, to history, to news items, Trivia will test how much you know about everything. This past Monday, Caye Caulker joined in on the fun battling the best of San Pedro. Between fantastic drinks served, laughter galore, bar tabs are won and trivia supremacy is gained.

Under the management of Nicole Warren and TV Tom, the Dancing Toucan not only provides you with the best cocktail or your most favorite drink but also has a weeklong flurry of activity. On Tuesday and Thursday, join your Toucan friends and join the Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament while Wednesday you can join Louie as you dance along to Old Time Rock n’ Roll. Toucan’s parties continue on Fridays with Karaoke – come belt out our tunes, doesn’t matter how out of tune you are. The Toucans will still love you. On Saturdays, Poker continues at 2:00 p.m. and between the hours of 7 – 11:00 p.m. Mista Meaner joins you to rock it out! Sundays bring the family out for the best BBQ and join in the pool fun. Swim as you eat and drink the afternoon away. Enjoy the rays at the Dancing Toucan.

Take your Best Shot Winners 2009 December 9, 2009