Panama Casco Viejo Blog

Panama Events: Valuing Antiques in Casco Antiguo

2009-07-03T12:07:08.164-05:00

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by Iranovy Grenald (excerpt from La Prensa)

This Sunday 5th, we will have the first Flea Market of July and the organizers put together a group of specialists in antiquities that is one of the sectors to be developed in the market.

Zarith Pérez, organizer of the flea market, says that the panamanians doesn´t like to buy to much things of second hand; meanwhile in other countries they are used to buy clothes and other second hand things. She considers that this is because buying new things in Panama is very accessible because of the low prices.

Pérez says: "Is good that if we have books, lamps, and other objects, bring it to the flea market because there are people that really need it and is a way of recycle".

For the fashion designer Hélène Breebaart the big issue is that the panamanians see what is of second hand as a old thing and doesn´t look at it as an object of history.

Federico Estrella, from the antique shop "El Ático", agrees with Breebaart and ensures that sometimes the people doesn't know that they have things of value in their house. If you think that have something of value or antiques in your house, do some research in the internet to know more abouth the object with that information you can have an idea of the price of the item, instead of sell it in a lower price just for ignorance.

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New Bar in Town! Luna´s Castle opens underground bar at historic vault

2009-07-03T09:16:17.273-05:00

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Luna´s Castle has "expanded" its business. They just opened one of the nicest bars in town, at one of the historic vaults that the building hides at its base. The "castle" (meaning, the original house) was built over the original stone wall that surrounded Casco Viejo to protect it from attacks. When the city moved from its original settlement in Panama Viejo it brought with it traumas of pirate attacks, the last one being from Pirate Henry Morgan who basically destroyed what was left of the city at that moment.

This huge wall was built around the new city (San Felipe) and the Casa Ehrman (former name of the building) was built eventually, once the wall was taken down, on one of its sides. As a result, it has a beautiful patio in the back, and going even further down, you have an interesting vault that is now a very nice bar.

So don´t be shy! check it out... my photos are horrible, but I can assure you it´s worth the trip.

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Recycling in Casco Viejo... on July 5th

2009-07-02T14:39:59.736-05:00

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Me acaba de llegar la invitación de SUMMA consulting, una de las empresas que está comenzando a hacer reciclaje con los restaurantes, porque se van a presentar en el próximo mercado de pulgas con un evento de reciclaje.

Fecha: 5 Julio
Hora: 10 a.m. a 4 p.m.
Contacto: Mirta Diaz / ecolifepanama@gmail.com / 261-4883

I just got an invitation from SUMMA consulting, which is one of the companies that has started to pick up recycling waste from the restaurants. They´ll be at the next Flea Market and will have a recycling event. Date and hour above.

See below!

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New President and Legislators... Who will look after Casco Viejo?

2009-07-02T12:15:57.836-05:00

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After a long year and a half of political campaign, the new elected President (and National Assambly) took office yesterday. Big party at Atlapa, small receptions at Casco Viejo. Of course, today, everyone back to work.

So who was elected for the Casco Viejo circuit? According to the way districts are segmented, Casco Antiguo is thrown in one of the largest circuits (and economically diverse). The Circuito 8-7 includes not only Santa Ana, San Felipe and Chorrillo, but extends all the way to Bethania and Pueblo Nuevo. So who is supposed to be our voice in the National Assambly? La Prensa published (I think for the first time) a small CV on every elected legislator, along with photos, so we can follow their performance. See the Full list of Circuitos HERE

Here are the guys for 8-7:

New Kids on the Block:

Víctor Juliao:
Party: Cambio Democrático (the party of the President)
42 years old. Is the voice and lider of the music band Los 33 (rock band). Also, it was the anchor at the TV show "Tu Dia de Suerte" (Your lucky Day) at Channel 2. Ran/ Won for Representante (a figure that is supposed to be the link between the neighborhoods and the Legislators, so they are closer to the people) for Pueblo Nuevo during 1999-2004. During this period, in 2002 was elected president of the Municipal Counsil of Panama. He is son of the ex Ministry of Public Works, Víctor Juliao.

Note: his "base" is Pueblo Nuevo and Bethania, not Casco Viejo.

Adolfo Valderrama
Party: Panameñista
33 years old. University degree in Marketing and publicity with a sales management focus. He was the CEO of marketing and special events at Varela Hermanos (one of the biggest liquor companies in Panama) for 14 years. He was the vice- legislator for Ruben Arosemena (former Vice President) during 1999-2004. Presidnet of the Youth and Political Party Forum. Currently the secretary of the youth chapter at the Partido Panameñista.

Crispiano Adames
Party: PRD
Second in command of the controversial Franz Wever. He was the only legislator for the PRD on this circuit. Has a medicine degree, with 23 years of experience in the medical field. Works as a general doctor at the government centers and hospitals. He also had several jobs as general director. Worked as an advisor with the ministry of health.

Re Elected ones:

José Blandon
Party: Arnulfista
42 years old, he´s been one of the few legislators that would speak openly about ecological causes and accountability issues. A lawyer graduated from the University of Panama, has been part of the National Assambly since 1991. His voters are mainly in Bethania.

Sergio Rafael Galvez (Alias "Chello")
Party: Cambio Democrático. Before: Panameñista.
La Prensa quoted he has only been there 10 days out of 5 years. His voters are in Chorrillo, one of the poorest areas in the city.

Who is the Representante for Santa Ana and San Felipe?

Mario Kennedy:
Party: PRD

During the elections I had a brief conversation with Jose Blandon about how could we help take the best decisions possible for our neighborhood. He said that the best is to be organized and have a voice. This was one of the things that brought me to be active in our neighborhood association AVACA. If you are reading this blog and would like to participate, please let me know. Every five years there is an open canvas to work with, and it is because of the energy people bring into the system that things get done.

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Club Union at Casco Antiguo looses its Chimney Tree

2009-06-30T07:52:49.883-05:00

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This weekend was rainny, but Sunday afternoon was storm- windy. Very unusual in Panama to have such strong winds, can´t imagine what sort of storm must have been hitting the Caribbean if we had such a bad weather here. Suddenly, a big noise. My reporter at Calle 1era called immediately saying: remember that big tree on top of the chimney at the Union Club?, well... its gone! (along with the chimney, that is).

The old Union Club has been an iconic building in Casco since its foundation in the 1920´s. Originally built to be the entertainment and meeting club of the rich (and famous?) it was taken by the military in the 80´s and turned into a social club for them. Today, the building stands in ruins, although there are several plans working at the moment to turn it into a hotel.

See chimney with big tree coming out!

Other views.... as the James Bond party place! you wouldn´t recognize it...

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Cinta Costera : First Day!

2009-06-29T17:07:34.446-05:00

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We woke up ten to six in the morning. It was cold and dark, but we had a mission. We wanted Chispa to be the first Casco Viejo dog to go to the Cinta Costera... and "inaugurate it" properly. We jumped into our excercise suits and ran down Terraplen. And once we got there... it was doggy heaven! grass everywhere, multiple choices between hydrants, trees and park chairs. Chispa chose a classic: grass was nice and soft. It was official: mission accomplished!

We walked all the way through, and got to Paitilla half hour later. After so much excercise there was only one choice: Baskin Robins next to the movie theatres. After our donuts and coffee, we walked back. All the journalists where buzzing around, the President was coming to inaugurate the place. Well, we had our own celebration! It was encouraging to see people using it so early, there where other owners with their dogs, the running associations came all out too, and I even saw a couple of skating teams.

Granted: the place has a lot of deficiencies. It doesn´t have enough garbage cans, in some areas high speed traffic is just too close to the pedestrian area. And if you want to cross Avenida Balboa, you´d better have good life insurance. But comparing to what we where used to for the last thirty years at least it is quite a notch up.

Of course, if we compare it to what we had sixty years ago, it might not feel the same way! but hey... I´m into positive today. Here are my photos! Needless to say, Chispa slept all day through...

Don´t worry, I did pick it up...

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Panama Events: An Active Market in Casco Antiguo

2009-06-29T15:35:38.977-05:00

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by Iranovy Grenald (excerpt from La Prensa)

Music, maracas, dutch desserts, brasilian feijoada, men and womens on stilts and over and over again, street teather presentations. Never a Sunday is the same in the Flea Market of Casco Antiguo. Most of the times we invites different countries with the intention of share their cultures, from the way of dressing until famous meals.

The initiative of the flea market arose in 2007 with the help of the United Nations and the administration Coca Morazo and Ann Cecil Gómez, Coordinator of the Flea Market on behalf of the Casco Antiguo Office. I remember that this activity start with a few antique sellers, frames and artisans. But now, we can see more than 70 spaces of merchants. With the increase of the space has increased the supply; now available from secondhand clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry and crafts books in different languages and works made from recycled cans and other things.

How be part of the Flea Markert?

Is not hard to be part of the Flea Markert. There are several options:

For a space of 1.5 meters cost $12.00; for 3 meters $20.00; and 2 meters if it's for sale of food it also cost $20.00. That only includes the reservation of the space and the awning on the same: the chairs, tables, and other support structures must be taken by the participants.

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Panama Canal at Night

2009-06-24T13:08:13.009-05:00

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Last night (just after the rain) we decided to take our friend who was visiting from Miami to the Miraflores Locks. For those who don´t know, there is a restaurant where you can have a beer while you see the ships going through... the best way to experience the Canal if you only have time for a beer. Our friend, an officer in the Navy once, was fascinated. But I have to admit that, even if this was my "x" time going there, I was too.

Just think about it: that amazing piece of machinery was built more than a 100 years ago and 1. still works very well 2. there isn´t much room for improvement even now 3. it is just very cool... even with today´s array of "cool" gadgets.

The one drawback is that everything happens very slowly (so drink your beer con calma). But with enough patience and good laughter you can enjoy the process and really get to appreciate the magnitude of the experience. 52 million gallons of water are used on each transit, that... even for today´s terms is simply amazing.

Armed with my cellphone I took a couple of pictures and even videos. To think that you can use this little machine to make phone calls is amazing. But even in our days, when a small phone like mine can go from "sepia" photos to "effects", flash or no flash, and who knows what else; the big old school mechanics of the Panama Canal are able to hold their ground with no problem. Humble but powerful, it moves a big chunck of the worlds economy 365 days year.

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Casco Antiguo Music Fest 2009 in Photos

2009-06-22T09:51:53.462-05:00

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Last Saturday, Casco Antiguo boomed with music in every plaza. The day started with a BIG tropical rain: thick drops and a clouded sky you could not see the end of it. But as it usually happens, an hour and a half later it was over and the music Fest started really around 4ish - 5 ish...

My favorite every time are The Beachers, this year in combination with Yomira Jones who is wonderful on stage. Her other concert at Arco Chato didn´t have the same audio settings, so it wasn´t as good, but it had the pleasant company of the two fellowship students from the Danilo Pérez foundation playing at the violin and the presence of the veteran Panamanian saxophonist Carlos Garnett.

Here are photos of everything... delicious street food by Sabores de mi Barrio, people, musicians, art auction, concerts... got so many, but this is my selection. Enjoy!

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Sand Dunes make for an interesting landscape in Casco Viejo

2009-06-19T15:07:18.212-05:00

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I´ve mentioned before some of the most common beaches in Casco Antiguo: Calle 1era, Santo Domingo Beach at Calle 3era and even the secret spots leading to the Presidential Palace on the side facing Panama´s bay. But yesterday, I went the opposite way, towards Chorrillo. One word of advise: this trip is not for the faint of heart!

Tide was low, and uncovered a fantastic landscape of rocks and sand dunes. Passing the old Santa Familia school, we found another beach pocket next to the old Fuerza y Luz (the former city electric plant which was called literally "Strengh and Light"... what a name! I remember my granfather´s receipts had their slogan promoting energy consumption because that was how we helped build a nation...=)

Fuerza y Luz now is a wonderful mangrove site with all sorts of birds, crabs, and yes, mosquitoes. There are plans (looking to get funding) to move the Contemporary Art Museum there along with a nice park, trying to keep the mangrove area. In any event, I was glad to be able to play freesby with Chispa, she went crazy all around...

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Panama Events: Music, Dance and Art in Casco Antiguo Streets

2009-06-19T10:39:03.15-05:00

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by Iranovy Grenald (Excerpt from The Visitor/ El Visitante)

On Saturday 20, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and on into the night, some 40 artistes will be perform live at different venues throughout the charming Casco Antiguo. This is the third year that the Casco Antiguo Office, Alliance Frances and the French Embassy join forces take part in the worldwide celebration of the "Fete de la Musique", or Musical Festival, a free open-air concert day which started in Paris. Today, Panama is one of 130 countries celebrating musical diversity on this very day. Entrence is free.

The big event kicks off today, Friday, June 19 with a concert at the National Theater. at 8 p.m. The National Symphonic Orchestra and Group Clarinon will put on a concert in tribute to Panamanian and Brazilian composers. Free Tickets can be obtained at Alianza Francesa (223-7376) and the Casco Antiguo Office (209-6300).

On Saturday the national and international performers will be broken down in to groups based on musical genre and spread troguhout Casco Viejo: Tropical Music in Plaza Herrera, Typical in Plaza Catedral, rock in La Casona, Classical in teatro Anita Villalaz, Jazz in el Paseo Esteban Huertas (Las Bóvedas) and world music in el Arco Chato.

Casco Viejo will not be accessible by auto on Saturday. Parking and shutte buses will be provided at TGIF Friday´s parking lot at the beginning of the Amador Causeway to and from the event. Parking is free and security will be provided by the Casco Antiguo Office. For more information, write fiestadelamusicapanama@gmail.com

Live art too!

Pinta Panama is putting on its second "Live Art Event and Wet Paint Auction" during the Music Festival. Painters will set up in Las Bovedas, Plaza Francia at 10:00 a.m. and paint until 5:00 a.m. At 7:00 p.m. the works will be sold at a live auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to benefit a project conducted by the Casco Antiguo Office in alliance with the Symphonic Concert Foundation of Panama.

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Schedule: Fiesta de La Musica 2009 / Music Fest 2009

2009-06-18T09:42:19.56-05:00

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Social Responsability: Fundacion San Felipe

2009-06-17T13:14:13.344-05:00

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Fundación San Felipe

One of the oldest foundations working in Casco Viejo, since 1991, Fundación San Felipe is best known because of the restoration of the San Felipe Neri Church at Avenida B and Calle 4ta and the annual art auction.

Throughout the year, the foundation runs a group of independent programs for children ranging from computer skills to summer mini courses like amateur photography.

To learn more about Fundación San Felipe, volunteer or donate contact: 262-2498/ 262-0461

Address: Corner of Calle 4ta and Avenida B, San Felipe Neri Church.

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Social Responsability and Art: Hogar de la Infancia and Casco Antiguo Dance Program

2009-06-17T13:10:44.234-05:00

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Hogar de Infancia and Casco Antiguo Dance Program

At the entrance of Terraplen, there is a “Harry Potter” looking building. Behind their grey exterior, inside a nice, well run school is hidden. The Hogar de la Infancia is mainly an orphanage, but also takes care of children with working parents that don’t have the means to take care of their kids while they work during the week. The school is run by the Bethlemitas nuns.

Last year, a special program took headquarters at the Hogar: a pilot dance program started at one of its classrooms. The goal: to take the experience gained by the last Dance Festival (Sobresaltos) when they put together “Colectivo Diez”, a dance troop made exclusively by children of the neighborhood with no dance experience whatsoever. After two months of training, this mini troupe was able to take the stage side by side with professionals and in front of a wide audience that broke into applause if not tears or pride.

This program isn’t the first one of its kind, Colegio del Cuerpo, one of the professional troupes that attended the festival was born at the core of one of the poorest towns in Cartagena , Colombia . Today, they are a well known modern dance group with stunning international shows. Their story and experience inspired Analida Galindo, a professional dancer and teacher in Panama and the Oficina del Casco Antiguo to try to put a similar program in the neighborhood. The perfect combination of infrastructure and students was found at the Hogar de la Infancia.

To learn more, about the Hogar de la Infancia , volunteer or donate contact: 212-0102. Hermana Maria Elena Villota.

To learn more about the Dance Program, volunteer or donate contact: Analida Galindo (399-8825/26 or 270-1350)

Address: Terraplen, Hogar de la Infancia.

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Creating opportunities: Fundacion Danilo Perez

2009-06-17T13:04:40.969-05:00

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Fundación Danilo Pérez

The Danilo Perez Foundation was created in 2005 by the pianist Danilo Pérez and offers scholarships to Panamanians with low income, professional music training, organizes activities to promote art, education and culture. Their best known activity is the Panama Jazz Festival which is an annual festival usually during summer.

Last year, the Foundation opened their first official school in Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo. Right at the old music conservatory building, where they are best positioned to open their doors to young talents from Santa Ana , Chorrillo, San Felipe and other areas.

The foundation has been successful in scouting young, raw talent and being able to provide scholarships to famous international schools such as the New England Conservatory. But most importantly, for all the children and young men and women attending their classes, is to be able to learn through art not only a mean to earn a living but a wonderful tool to express their feelings and to change their world.

To learn more about the Danilo Perez Foundation click here

Address: Conservatorio building, Plaza Herrera, Ground floor.

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Social Responsability in Casco Viejo: Asociacion Nacional de Scouts

2009-06-17T12:19:42.047375-05:00

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Asociación Nacional de Scouts

Known worldwide by their motto “always ready”, their program combines educational activities with lifelong values with fun. In Casco Viejo, the Scouts have a troop that meets every Saturday at 1 p.m. at OCA or at the Escuela Manuel José Hurtado. Lessons are given highlighting team work, and improving self esteem. It is one of the few groups almost focused on pre- teens, a difficult age when belonging to populations at risk.

With only $200 you can enroll a troop of twelve children into the program for a full year.

To learn more about the Scouts, volunteer or donate contact: (507) 261-4036 or (507) 261-4037. The specific Casco Viejo troop is Grupo Scout No. 3 (Escuela Manuel José Hurtado)

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Casco Viejo NGO´s: Aprojusan

2009-06-17T12:15:58.766-05:00

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Aprojusan

Every child should be able to finish school. This is Aprojusan´s first priority. Their program, takes children out of the streets and into their classrooms through a wide range of art workshops, and simply, by caring about them.

They provide with school materials, teachers to help them with homework, psychology therapist, health check ups, dentist cleaning, and even lunch. Just as any good parent would do, they communicate with the teachers of each child they provide follow up to, and work hand by hand with the schools. Last year, they managed 30 kids, this year; they have grown their capacity to be able to handle 60.

To learn more about Aprojusan, volunteer or send donations, please contact: Maria Jaen / (507) 6614-6487 or Gio Jaen at (507) 6452-3962

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Adding Value to Casco Viejo: Fundacion Calicanto

2009-06-17T12:14:18.203-05:00

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Fundación Calicanto

Fundación Calicanto was founded in 1994 with the mission of protecting Casco Antiguo´s Patrimony. With time, this mission has been refined into protecting both architectural and human patrimony of the Casco.

Through this broad umbrella, Fundacion Calicanto has contributed not only to the maintenance and illumination of iconic buildings like the San Francisco De Asis Church (see photos) but also has run interesting programs with the community with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in Casco Antiguo and helping locals to “stand on their own feet” and be part of their neighborhood´s revitalization.

One of their most successful programs has been CAPTA (Capacitación para el Trabajo). Their plan is simple: by educating and giving the right tools to women, the entire family is positively affected. CAPTA has trained so far more than 80 women, with a success rate of 80% (percentage of women employed after the course). By empowering women, children follow and husbands (if applies) tend to respect more their family as a whole.

The economics of the program are equally simple, but immensely powerful: The program has the capacity to shift women from extreme poverty to middle class in two years, at a minimum cost of $850 per person.

The program lasts two months. Most recent courses have shown an 80% success rate on getting employment at the end of the course. Follow up is done by the Foundation social experts. Changes are radical: immediately after the course, their self esteem has changed completely. A year later, their goals have shifted from survival mode to continue education. Two years later, with good financial advise, they are able to apply for credit and buy their own homes, the first one ever.

The foundation main challenge is to keep the program going. The goal for 2009 is to organize four courses, each one of 20 women.

Fundación Calicanto also supports initiatives from other associations, such as Aprojusan (see Aprojusan).

To learn more about Fundacion Calicanto, volunteer or send donations, please contact: Heriberto Trejos 228-0351 o a fcalicanto@gmail.com.

Address: Calle 4ta, PH Cuatro Casas.

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Panama Events: Promoting National Talen in the Music Fest

2009-06-16T15:58:41.563-05:00

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by Iranovy Grenald (excerpt from la Prensa)

Different scenarios in Casco Antiguo of Panama City will welcome since Friday to 38 musical groups that interpreted jazz, reguetón, salsa, merengue, calipso, rock, typical Panamanian music and classic.

Based on what Acan-Efe explained a spokesperson of the Casco Antiguo Office (OCA), entity that is organizing together with the Embassy of France and the French Aliance. This event wants to impulse the national talent and introduce the Panamanian artist to the turism, and to promote the Casco Antiguo, declared Patrimony of Humanity by the UNESCO in 1997.

The international note will be incharge of the cuban artist X Alfonso composer of the soundtrack of the movie Habana Blues (2005), who will offer a concert with Afro-Caribbean music, Traditional Cuban and Hip Hop.

The "Music Fest", wich was first held in Panama about 10 years ago, it has the philosophy that all those music lovers can get down to the street and play anywhere. This initiative was created in France on June 21th, 1982 with the intention of bringing the people closer to music of profesional artists as well amateurs, all the performances are free.

Plaza de Francia

Plaza Catedral

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Panama´s Economy Grew 2.5% on its First Trimester

2009-06-16T07:42:15-05:00

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A bit under the estimated 3% but definately better than other countries in Latin America (Mexico is at -8.2% according to La Prensa, Costa Rica at -4.8%), Panama seems to be holding its ground during this difficult period. Hope is on the way: Raúl Moreira from the Colegio de Economistas de Panama told La Prensa that there can still be an important recovery through the Colon Free Trade Zone on the second half of the year.

The country continues to receive foreign investors. According to a note at Martes Financiero, the Colombian company Ferrasa S.A. is expanding operations. They acquired the steel plant Aceros Transformados Panama and converted it into a distribution center, an investment of 10 million dollars. According to Juan Fernando Botero, the company´s marketing director, Panama would serve as a hub, an entrance door into Central America. They would also participate in the Panama Canal expansion.

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