Hurricane Bud Category 3

Hurricane season starts early this year. Hurricane Bud is making its way to our lovely costal town and it looks like people are preparing themselves for a Category 3 hurricane. Apparently it looks like things might be a worse than last year’s Hurricane Jova. The damn is already half full and the canal is still being cleaned out of debris and fallen trees. I know Melaque is doing the best it can and I know that the town is working hard to make sure the damage is less than last year. All we can do is wait and pray for our friends and family.

Last year a group of wonderful Canadians and Americans came together and helped with donations that were then used to purchase goods for those who lost everything. I am getting prepared to do the same again this year. If anyone is interested in helping please contact me through this blog or through my email. 

 arianna_johnson@hotmail.com

lets not forget last year and what everyone went through

Come help us distribute the donations on March 18th

I would like to say thank you to the many wonderful people who have made donations. I am so happy to see that there is so much love and compassion in Melaque. I personally would like to mention the wonderful help of Elke and Vern. They have been so great to the community. I also would like to say thank you to Judy for her contributions and past toy drives she has organized. You guys are wonderful people. I would also like to say thank you to the lovely couple that donated crutches.

Anyone who wants to donate please drop off your things at 128 Ramon Corona (office of Dr. Roberto Pimienta and Dr. Antonio Pimienta). If you don't have anything to donate you can help by distributing the things we have already received.

On Sunday March 18th  volunteers will get together at the address mentioned above and Dr. Roberto Pimienta will let you all know of the places that you will be going to. Besides being a big help, you will get to see first hand where the contributions are going. A lot of the places are up the mountains and you will also be able to see beautiful scenery.

People with vehicles are needed.

Any question you can ask here on the Blog or you can call at:   Cell. 315 100 1865.

MISSING GIRL FROM MELAQUE

DO NOT FORGET. PLEASE ANY INFO IS WELCOMED.

A special thanks

A special thanks to our friend Kip who was kind enough to bring two boxes of clothes and other necessities to the donation drop-off location.

Common folks, lets follow the the example. Anything you want to help with....


Just a reminder of what is happening....

On March 18th a group of Mexicans and Foreigners will visit some communities where people in need live where they will distribute clothes and goods  them. Your respectable support is welcomed and can be deposited at 128 Ramon Corona St. in the town of San Patricio-Melaque Jalisco or call (315) 35 550 77 for more information.

Update on location of donation drop off

Location to drop off donations:
-128 Ramon Corona (the office of Dr. Roberto Pimienta and Dr. Antonio Pimienta)

More suggestions for donations:
-light bulbs (LED)
-we are looking for crutches. The metal one cost about $400 pesos we have about 8 people in dire need of them.
-we also need wheelchairs. If anyone knows of where we could get so used ones, that would be much appreciated.
-oil and maseca (corn flour)
-cloth diapers.
-fans. Summers coming and it's gonna get very hot.

Wanna get involved??

I have noticed that amongst the many message boards of the area, more and more Canadians and Americans want to get involved in the community but are not sure how too. Well guys....Here Is YOUR Chance To Help.

On March 18 we will be going out to the areas in and around Melaque all the way to Cihuatlan to donate, toys, and goods to the families in need. I encourage anyone who wants to help to come along or get together with friends who have vehicles and participate in handing out things to people.

After Hurricane Jova a lot of families were left with very little and I am thankful to those of you who helped us act quickly and donated money to buy goods for these families. Now a lot of you are in Melaque and Barra now and you have the opportunity to see first hand what these families go through.

Please get together with your friends and families and take one day out of your vacation to help. We will accept any form of donation except for money. If you want to give money I ask you to give it directly to the people who you want to help.

Ideas for donation: clothes, corn, beans, rice, canned food, formula, diapers, blankets, jugs of water, shoes, sandals, towels, soap (body, clothes, and dish), cleaning supplies, brooms, mops, school supplies, toys, bug repellent, first aid kits, fans (if you wanna spend a little more), etc....

If anybody has any suggestions or wants to be part of groups going to donate, please just ask on this blog for now. I will be posting in the next couple days the places you can drop off donations and how to get in touch but until then please mention to your friends how they can help.

TOUR TAPALPA JAL.

Tour to : Tapalpa Jalisco ( Sierra north of Colima)
When: March 6,7 and return on the 8th
Departure time:7:30am
From : El Patio Rest. Gomez Farias 14 Melaque
Travel time : 4.5 hrs
Inclueds: 2 night stay at hotel “ La Casona”
2 breakfast
Transportation via Colima

Cost per person $ 1,500.00 ( double ocupancy)
MUST DO´S:
1 Piazoleta del fresnito, a historical landmark :during the cristero war, christians were hanged from the ash tree nowadays, la luna (moon) festival is held here every Oct.

2- Rosa de castilla: a village near tapalpa known for its excellent pottery

3- Vino Barranca: the local drink, it is a mezcal distillate made in the village of Ojo de Agua

4- Ferreteria de tula: a perfect spot for camping and fishing also take a look at the ruins of the first metal foundary of western Mexico

5-Make sure and stop by the handicraft Market across form the church.it specializes in local items made of wood

Congratulation on the Juno Nomination Bill Johnson

So yesterday i got a phone call from my cousin Bill Johnson (mom's side) to let me know he has been nominated for a Juno for his Blues Band. Well as you can imagine, my mum and I where thrilled and so proud of him. He has been working very hard for years and has come out with three albums already and finally is getting the recognition he deserves. i was already so excited to hear his song on the radio here in Ottawa but now this. Well I can't say I'm surprised because talent is in his genes. Bill Johnson is son of Dorthy Oxbourough, a famous painter from Victoria BC, known for painting portraits of beautiful native children. 

Bill Johnson has been coming to Melaque the past few years and has stayed at Posada Arianna. Well as you can imagine the music flowing through the Hotel is wonderful and everybody loves listening to him play. During parties he and my dad keep the party going and everybody dancing. The two of them have so much fun making everybody smile from ear to ear.

Bill Johnson and Helen Davies also organised a concert in Victoria BC in order to raise money for people who where affected by hurricane Jova. Thankyou!!

One of the best songs he has is about Melaque, San Patricio. Check it out.

ARIANNA PIMIENTA

So i didn't think that saying my name and who i am was gonna be such a big issue. I made this blog to inform people of things that are happening in the community. I didn't think it mattered who was writing it. as long as the information got out there. But as i have seen in the many message boards it's a big deal.

So here goes....
My name is Arianna Pimienta, my father is the handsome devil known as Dr. Roberto Pimienta Woo. I am niece and god daughter of Dr. Eduardo Pimienta Woo, the wonderful dentist of Melaque. My family has been part of the Melaque community for over 30 years. My parents use to be owners of Viva Maria 1910. (for those who have been coming to Melaque for a long time know how amazing that place was and how it brought so many people together). My parents have been the best roll models in my life. My dad has always been helping people for as long as i can remember. He was in politics trying to do the right thing and for the most part was successful in helping those who need it. I was always taught to be charitable and always contribute to my community in any possible way.
I am half Canadian and half Mexican and have spent all my life travelling from Ottawa to Melaque. I used to do 6 months in Melaque and then the 6 warmer months in Ottawa. I am currently living in Ottawa finishing my school. I was in Melaque last January visiting my family and my daughters father who is also local born and raised.
I am extremely social so i do have a lot of friends who i have grown up with in the area and i am constantly keeping up with what is happening there. I have the pleasure of being friends with people who are productive  in the community and are involved in fund raising, organising events, charities, animal rescue and politics. I may not be there but I am still active in my community helping raise money for anything that I can, and spreading the word to the English speaking community of Melaque.

Just one last comment. Now that you know who i am please don't hesitate to comment. It seems a lot of things have been said about my last post but no one actually said anything here. I'm only 26 years old and for those who know me I am opinionated but I am always willing to accept constructive criticism. What I will not tolerate is bashing and negative comments.  This isn't a public forum for people to go off on their personal problems. This My Blog and if you want to let me know of a positive event that are helpful to the community then please let me know, I am more than happy to post them.

Oh and check out my friend Camila's blog on La Manzanilla. very cool www.lamanzanillainmotion.blogspot.com

Support the new generation. We are the Future!!!

Is this what we call justice????

Injustice??

I usually write in this blog about upcoming events and things that are happening in the community of Melaque. I try to stay neutral about my opinions. But with the way things are going I have to say something.

I am tired of what is happening. This all started with a Canadian man being murdered in Melaque. The whole town, surrounding areas, the state, all of Mexico, all of Canada, all of North America was justfully horrified and angry. So what happens?? People start opening their eyes to a problem that is plaguing our town, the lack of security and corruption of the police. So everybody, Canadians, and Mexicans go and make an up-rise to the officials in charge and demand change and an arrest for those who are to blame for the death of Robin Wood. So the police do what they have always done. They find two punk kids and “get” them to confess, mind you the real killer has left town and is gone. Everyone knows who he is and no one says boo. But now at least there are two faces to show on the news and calm the fears of Canadians wanting to travel to Mexico. The two faces of these 18 year old boys say what?? They say the police of Mexico get justice for those coming to visit. JUSTICE???? INJUSTICE!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this what the families of the Victim really want?? Is everyone ok with this?? We all just go on our marry lives?? REALLY??

Well it seems so! Because now there is a girl that has become a victim, a girl named Dalila Morales Castro. She is a local girl whose family comes from humble beginnings but thanks to the help of kind family friends she goes to university and has been known to work hard and help the community by volunteering. Basically she is someone who was going in a positive direction in life. Well now she is missing. Foul play is most likely the scenario. A Suspect is clearly been identified with a face and a name. Has he been found?? NO!! Has Melaque been clearly upset and asking for justice for this girl?? YES!! Has it gone further than the area?? NOT REALLY?? Some comments here and there on other social forums!! Has it been on the news?? NO. Let alone on the Canadian news.

So what is the difference??? Whose life is worth more?? Why is Robin Wood’s tragic death more important than the disappearance of Dalila?? Is it because he is Canadian and she is Mexican?? They both have friends and family that miss them very much, they both have been a productive part of society, they both where kind-hearted people who mad people smile. So why do we put some people on the back burner?? This, my friends is INJUSTICE and something has to change.

last man seen with missing Melaque girl.

This is the man who was last seen with Dalila. He offered to take her home is his car. He is no longer showing up at work and not answering his phone (or it's off.) He needs to be found. Any information please call..... 01 315 355 53 09 or 01 315 355 89 19.


AYUDANOS A LOCALIZAR A ESTE JOVEN DE 28 AÑOS PUES EL FUE LA PERSONA QUE SE OFRECIO A LLEVARA DALILA A SU CASA Y NECESITAMOS DAR CON SU PARADERO PUES YA NO SE PRESENTO A SU TRABAJO Y SU CELULAR YA NO LO CONTESTA, TAMBIEN ES IMPORTANTE ENCONTRARLO....CUALQUIER INFOEM POR FAVOR A LOS MISMOS TELEFONOS

Missing Melaque Girl.

Dalila Morales Castro (the girl with the white shorts and the pink shirt) was last seen last Wednesday Jan, 18th at night in the Melaque town square. She had just arrive home from writing exams in Colima. She is 19 years old and her family is very worried. No one has seen her or talked to her since that day. If you have seen her or have any information on how to locate her please call 01 315 355 53 09 or 01 315 355 89 19.








DALILA MORALES CASTRO (QUE APARECE EN ESTA FOTO DE BLANCO Y ROSA) FUE VISTA LA ULTMA VES EL PASADO MIERCOLES 18 POR LA NOCHE EN EL JARDIN DE MELAQUE CUANDO LLEGO DE COLIMA DE APLICAR UN EXAMEN, TIENE 19 AÑOS Y DESDE ESE DIA NO SE SABE NADA DE ELLA, SI LA HAN VISTO O TIENEN ALGUNA INFORMACION QUE AYUDE A LOCALIZAR SU PARADERO COMUNIQUENLO A LOS TELEFONOS 01 315 355 53 09 O 5 89 19......AYUDEN A LOCALIZAR A DALILA

Meeting in Cihuatlan about Security

In an unprecedented event in Cihuatlán Township history, on Monday Jan 9th, it was publicly demanded by a group of foreigners and local Mexicans that security and protection is needed. This was plead to a group of Mexican authorities in the main square of Cihuatlan. About 100 protesters were planted in front of the Palacio Municipal publicly demanding the investigation of the death of Robin Wood (Canadian murdered in Melaque), and asking for the return of the tourist police. It was also asked to increased lighting in dark areas, a website to help inform people what to do in case of emergencies, and other requests.
The protesters led by the manager of the hotel Jorge Humberto Cuevas Davalos and former San Patricio municipal delegate-Melaque, Alicia Zuniga, were treated in the same plaza civic by the secretary general of City Hall, Avalos Fermin Ricardo Zamora and Rodriguez Ruiz aldermen and Martin Hernandez Navarro, who promised to handle requests.

safety in melaque

I was informed that today at 8pm there will be a very important meeting at the Hotel Hacienda De Melaque to discuss the murder of Robin Wood. The idea is to have as many Americans and Canadians attend so they can voice there opinion about the lack of security in the town and surrounding area. The meeting will talk about what possible options there are to boost security and what measures need to be taken in order to accomplish this task. The community of Melaque is outraged by this tragedy and is fed up by the lack of protection for themselves and their foreign friends. If we all come together and let our voice be heard that this will not be tolerated, something will have to change. Please do not be apprehensive about going. This is important for all who love Melaque.

Blanket drive.

Blanket drive.

Blankets in Mexico? Yes it does get cold especially in the mountains where a lot of people reside. Amoungst food, water, clothes, and house hold supplies there is a dire need for blankets. People are cold at night and need a good, warm cover to keep the little ones for getting sick. I encourage anyone coming from Canada or the States to bring a blanket with them. Bring it on the plane and keep yourself warm, put it in a pillow case and use it to sleep on, find some extra space in your suitcase, or for those driving down bring more than one. The point is to help a family.

For drop off location just go to

128 Ramon Corona.

Dr. Roberto Pimeinta’s office.

He’ll make sure it goes to the right places.