Boquete Mourns The Loss Of Papa Ricco

Papa Ricco hanging with Panamanian Boxing Champion Roberto Duran - Photo © John Villegas

January 10, 2012

Boquete Panama mourns the loss of it’s most colorful character.

“Papa Ricco” died today in a two vehicle collision near Caldera Road on via Boquete.

A standout icon in this pueblito, Papa Ricco made fast friends with virtually everyone he met. And, if his deep Italian psyche sensed you were a little evil, he would call you out.

Gregarious, vibrant and soulful he whipped up some badass Italian cuisine in the spirit of  authentic New York eateries.

My life is richer for having met you.

We’ll miss you Papa…

The Editor

Fast Walking Through Boquete Central Park – Video Of The Week

Highly acclaimed international photographer Juan Antonio Villegas captures a walk in the Boquete Central Park – at hyper-speed.

See if you can identify some of Boquete’s street icons.

© 2012 Juan Antonio Villegas

NOTICE OF AUCTION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN PANAMONTE ESTATES, IN THE PROVINCE OF CHIRIQUI, PANAMA, IDENTIFIED AS LOT # 15 AND RELATED SHARES ASSOCIATED WITH PROPERTY (COLLECTIVELY, “PROPERTY”)

Purchased in 2006 for $170,000

Opening Bid: $80,000.00
Minimum Bid Increment: $ 1,000.00

** AUCTION DATE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2011 **

NOTICE OF AUCTION
OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN PANAMONTE ESTATES, IN THE PROVINCE OF
CHIRIQUI, PANAMA, IDENTIFIED AS LOT # 15 AND RELATED SHARES ASSOCIATED
WITH PROPERTY (COLLECTIVELY, “PROPERTY”)

[slidepress gallery='lot-15-panamonte-estates-boquete-panama']

On September 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., (“Auction Date”) the monitor (“Monitor”) appointed in the matter
known as Securities and Exchange Commission v. Alexander James Trabulse, et al., Case No. C 07-4975
(WHA) pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division
(“Court”), will hold an auction (“Auction”) to sell the Property. The Auction will be jointly conducted by
the Monitor and his broker in the Republic of Panama. The sale of the Property will be on an “as is”,
“where is” basis, subject to Monitor’s final approval and strict compliance with the sale conditions.

For more information on this Property, please contact the Monitor by telephone at (503) 294-9928 or by e-mail
at info@grassmueckgroup.com, or Monitor’s broker (“Broker”), Grazzia Videla of Boquete Legacy Real
Estate in Panama at (507) 6674.6460 or by e-mail at grazzia@boquetelegacyrealestate.com.

For parties in the USA interested in bidding on the Property, you must appear at 10:00 a.m. PDT on the
Auction Date at the Monitor’s counsel’s office at Allen Matkins, 3 Embarcadero Center, 12th Floor, San
Francisco, CA 94111.

For parties in Panama interested in bidding on the Property, you must appear at the
Luis Watts Law office in Panama at 12:00 p.m. (Panama is two hours ahead of PDT) on the Auction Date,
which office is located in the CMT Building – Suite 1, Intersection of East South & 1st East street, David,
Province of Chiriquí, Republic of Panama. If you are unable to appear in person, you may also appear
telephonically at the Auction. You must contact the Monitor to obtain call-in information for the Auction.

To qualify as a bidder at Auction, please contact Monitor to obtain further information. To qualify as a
bidder (“Qualified Bidder”), you must, among other things, execute and deliver to the Monitor a purchase
and sale agreement (“PSA”), in the form provided by the Monitor, and submit to the Monitor a $5,000
deposit in cash or cash equivalent, which shall be paid to the Monitor no later than 24 hours in advance of
the Auction Date. The deposit shall be non-refundable if the bidder fails to close in accordance with the
Auction terms. The high bidder at the Auction will be required to make an immediate non-refundable cash
deposit equal to 25% of the winning bid, and will have 3 business days following the Auction to pay to the
Monitor the remainder of the winning bid. The high bidder shall also execute the PSA, and such other
documents as may be required, to finalize the sale of the Property to the high bidder.

The sale of the Property to the high bidder shall not be contingent upon financing, due diligence or inspection. If high
bidder fails to comply with these terms, the Property may be sold to the next highest bidder, with Monitor
retaining the deposits.

The Monitor reserves the right to deny anyone participation in the Auction, to postpone or cancel the
Auction, to withdraw the Property from the Auction, and to change any terms or procedures of the Auction
or the particular conditions of sale, as necessary.

The sale and transfer of the Property will be pursuant to Grant Deed, “as-is, where is,” with all faults, and
with no representations or warranties whatsoever. The Property is being sold pursuant to a Court Order and
the Monitor shall be free from any liability for, among other things, claims as to condition, title issues,
survey issues, damages, rescission, reformation, or any claim adjustment, based on the failure of the
Property to conform to any specific standard or expectation.

Noticia de subasta De bien inmueble ubicado en Panamonte Estates, en la provincia de Chiriquí, Panamá, identificado como Lote # 15 y las acciones relacionadas con la propiedad (colectivamente, “Propiedad”)

Noticia de subasta
De bien inmueble ubicado en Panamonte Estates, en la provincia de Chiriquí, Panamá, identificado como Lote # 15 y las acciones relacionadas con la propiedad (colectivamente, “Propiedad”)

[slidepress gallery='panamonte-estates-lot-15']

El 15 de septiembre de 2011 a las 10:00 am, (“Fecha de la Subasta”), el monitor (“Monitor”) nombrado en el caso conocido como Securities and Exchange Commission v. Alexander James Trabulse, y otros, Caso No. C 07. – 4975 (WHA), pendiente en el Tribunal Federal de Distrito, Distrito Norte de California, San Francisco Division (“Corte”), realizará una subasta (“Subasta”) para vender la propiedad. La subasta será realizada conjuntamente por el monitor y su agente en la República de Panamá. La venta de la propiedad será “como es”, “dónde está”, sujeto a la aprobación definitiva del monitor y el estricto cumplimiento de las condiciones de venta. Para más información sobre esta propiedad, por favor póngase en contacto con el monitor por teléfono al (503) 294-9928 o por e-mail a info@grassmueckgroup.com, o con el corredor del monitor (“Agente”), Grazzia Videla de Boquete Legacy Real Estate en Panamá al (507) 6674.6460 o por e-mail a grazzia@boquetelegacyrealestate.com.

Para las partes en los EE.UU. interesadas en la subasta de la propiedad, usted tiene que presentarse a las 10:00 am PDT en la Fecha de la Subasta en la oficina de los abogados del Monitor en Allen Matkins, 3 Embarcadero Center, Piso 12, San Francisco, CA 94111. Para las partes en Panamá interesadas en la subasta de la propiedad, usted tiene que presentarse en la oficina de Luis Watts en Panamá a las 12:00 pm (Panamá está dos horas adelante de PDT) en la Fecha de Subasta, cuya oficina está ubicada en el edificio CMT – oficina No. 1, intersección de Calle E Sur y Calle 1ra Este, David, Provincia de Chiriquí, República de Panamá. Si usted no puede comparecer en persona, también puede comparecer por teléfono en la Subasta. Debe comunicarse con el Monitor para obtener información de llamadas para la Subasta.

Para calificar como postor en la Subasta, por favor póngase en contacto con el Monitor para obtener más información. Para calificar como un postor (“Oferente Calificado”), se debe, entre otras cosas, ejecutar y entregar al Monitor un acuerdo de compra y venta (“PSA”), en la forma proveída por el monitor, y presentar al Monitor un depósito de $5,000 en efectivo o su equivalente en efectivo, que se pagará al Monitor a más tardar 24 horas antes de la fecha de subasta. El depósito será no reembolsable, si el licitante falla en finalizar de acuerdo a los términos de la subasta. El mejor postor en la Subasta será requerido de hacer un depósito en efectivo de inmediato, no reembolsable equivalente al 25% de la oferta ganadora, y tendrá 3 días hábiles siguientes a la subasta para pagar al Monitor el resto de la oferta ganadora. El mejor postor también deberá ejecutar el PSA, y los demás documentos que puedan ser necesarios, para finalizar la venta de la propiedad al mejor postor. La venta de la propiedad para el mejor postor, no estará supeditada al financiamiento, la debida diligencia o inspección. Si el mejor postor no cumple con estos términos, la propiedad puede ser vendida al siguiente mejor postor, con el Monitor reteniendo los depósitos.

El Monitor se reserva el derecho de negar la participación de cualquier persona en la Subasta, de posponer o cancelar la Subasta, de retirar la propiedad de la Subasta, y de cambiar las condiciones o los procedimientos de la subasta o las condiciones particulares de venta, según sea necesario.

La venta y la transferencia de la propiedad será de acuerdo a la Escritura, “tal como está, donde está”, con todos sus defectos, y sin garantías de ninguna índole. La propiedad se vende en virtud de una orden judicial y el Monitor será libre de cualquier responsabilidad derivada, entre otras cosas, las demandas en cuanto a condiciones, problemas con el título, agrimensura, daños y perjuicios, rescisión, reforma, o de cualquier reclamo, basado en fallas de la Propiedad para cumplir con algún estándar o expectativa.

Precio base:                         $80,000.00
Incremento minimo:         $  1,000.00

An Interview With Local Legend Ryan Grassley: Around the World at Half Throttle

July 6, 2011
Written by Daniel Evon
All About Bikes Magazine

Click on photo for full size version - Photo Credit © 2011 John Villegas

The world is full of armchair warriors. People who dream big and dream often, but rarely get the chance to live out their fantasies. Ryan Grassley was one of those people, and then he hit the road.

Grassley, who you might know better as “HalfThrottle,” has made a living by fulfilling his motorcycle fantasies. With his camera and his KLR 650, Grassley has been shooting motorcycle videos for the last four years throughout the Americas. It hasn’t brought him fame or fortune yet, but Grassley is one of the few, lucky people, who truly loves going to work every day.

Spontaneity

Grassley grew up in Springville, Utah, and bought his first motorcycle in 2005 with big dreams of the open road. But Grassley wouldn’t be able to seize the moment, as he was shipped off to Iraq with the US Army. But a few years later Grassley would get his window of opportunity, and he jumped at the chance.

“We didn’t do too much planning for the trip,” Grassley said. “We were both very inexperienced motorcycle riders. But we didn’t care. We wanted adventure.”

Grassley and his friend, Mitch Curwen, decided on a whim to head for the Panama Canal. It would mark the first adventure for HalfThrottle, and the first true long distance trip for Grassley.

“The longest trip I’d ever been on was probably a three-hour drive,” Grassley said. “Until we left for Panama.”

So without experience, guidance, or training, Grassley and Curwen headed out onto the open road.

“People will try to plan a trip for years,” Grassley said. “I need this, I need that… we just went.”

Half Throttle

The biggest flaw in most long-distance trips, is that the rider feels like he has to abide by a certain timeline. With only so many days to see so many things, it’s easy to skip sights in order to make up miles. If you fall behind your schedule, you could find yourself hopping on the highway where all you can see are license plates and speed limit signs.

But Grassley doesn’t fall into that trap. He travels at half-throttle.

“The point of our trip, was to see everything. We figured that we were never going to do this again, so we were going to take it slow. We were going to take our time. We stopped at every waterfall, beach, Mayan ruin, everything.”

Grassley spent three months traveling to and from Panama, but for some people, there just is no cure for the travel bug. After the Panama trip, Grassley went to Canada, Thailand, and France. He brought his KLR 650 to Italy, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. Grassley has been to more than 20 countries in the saddle of his motorcycle, and there will be plenty more in the future.

“Traveling by motorcycle leaves you exposed to everything. The environment, smells, people, smelly people. If you are going to visit a country then experience that country. Don’t cut yourself off by staying in an all inclusive resort. Traveling by motorcycle lets you get in touch with the real side of the places you’ll visit.”

Photo & Design Credit © 2011 John Villegas

Experience

The Half-Throttle channel is about a lot more than just bikes, it’s about people. Grassley uses his motorcycle as a tool to dig deeper into unfamiliar cultures. “I never wanted a motorcycle so people would think I was cool,” Grassley said. “I wanted a motorcycle so I could go cool places.”

And Grassley has done just that. The army vet is currently living in Panama with his wife, exploring the jungles, rivers, and beaches of Central America. He’ll be heading back to the US soon, but he won’t let himself get too comfortable.

Grassley has a few more empty boxes on his places to ride list, and he’s inviting everyone to come along for the ride.

“There are so many arm chair warriors out there that wish that they were on the road,” Grassley said. “So many people sitting in an office dreaming about somewhere else. You’ve just got to do it.”

Grassley has turned into a bit of an adventure touring guru, fielding questions from his fans about everything from how to do laundry on the road, to how many spare tires you should bring along. If you’re planning a trip in the near future, check out Grassley’s page. You might learn a thing or two about being on the road.

You can check out HalfThrottle’s Youtube Channel here.

All photos © John Villegas 2011

BREAKING FOOD NEWS – LAS RUINAS – Aged Filet Mignon is IN, Lobster Rolls Sunday & Mexican Night This Tuesday!!!

We just got in the Aged Filet Mignon that everyone is Talking about so come on in while it lasts.

We are preparing the Filet Mignon with a Garlic Butter or the Coffee Rubbed version with the Chipotle Adobo Sauce.

I just Bought Fresh Lobster Meat and Tomorrow Sunday will be Lobster Roll Sunday. These sell out really fast so come on in and ENJOY!

This Tuesday is the First Tuesday of the Month so it is MEXICAN NIGHT at Las Ruinas.

I am going to prepare a special Ropa Vieja Beef with a Chipotle Tomato Sauce, Pork Enchilidas with a Green Tomatillo Sauce & a Chicken Taco with a Fresh Pico de Gallo.

We are also going to introduce our new Mayan Hot Chocolate that will be available Every Day here at the Restaurant. I came back from the Rainforests of Chanquinola yesterday with the most Delicious Organic unprocessed Chocolate and I will be using this Awesome product to make the best Hot Chocolate you’ve EVER Had! Just the thing for the Rainy Season, don’t ya think?!

The Dinner includes all three (the beef, chicken & Pork), a Margarita, a Margarita Jello Shot & a Taste of our New Mayan Hot Chocolate all for $12.95

We hope to see lots of you here…….

Cruising In The Clouds – Video of the Week by Ryan Grassley

Tuesday May 24, 2011

Editor’s Note:
Meet Ryan Grassley; motorcycle freak, adventurer, explorer, all around good-guy. He also happens to be one badass amateur videographer!

To the best of my knowledge, he’s the first to video document the mystical moods of the Boquete Cloud Forest and it’s twisty, turny mountain passages.

I’ve been checking out his productions for a couple of months now and this guy has talent!

Ryan’s creative implementation of slow motion and dramatic soundtrack are over the top!

Check-in every week as I roll out his new productions and wipe the dust off of his past productions.

I can’t think of a better way to breathe in the raw, natural beauty of the Chiriquí highlands than riding sidekick with Ryan!

Crank up the volume, and if you have the bandwidth, click the 1080p High Definition button, then Buckle Up… you’re going on a wild ride!

Here’s Ryan’s commentary for this video:
Above the mountain village of Boquete, Panama there are some amazing twisty, steep roads. I was very lucky to not be drenched in rain while I was trying to film. I got some great footage of the clouds, roads and forest. I stopped for a while and stood in silence surrounded by a cloud and listened to the silence, mixed with birds chirping. It really is a magical place.

The music for this video was created by Scott Altham. You can hear more of his great tunes on his myspace page here. And on www.ccmixter.org here.

Song: Never Heard A Rhyme Like This Before
Artist: Scott Altham

CINCO DE MAYO PARTY AT LAS RUINAS!!

The Menu will be:

• Beef Enchiladas Mexican
• Soft Chicken Tacos with a Green Chili Sauce
• Pork Carnitas with Sauteed Onions & Pico de Gallo
• Our Famous margaritas
• Mexican Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Come Join the FUN!!

RSVP if you can…….

Restaurante Las Ruinas Boquete
In front of Brisas Boquetena

lasruinasboquete@gmail.com

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm
(507) 6677.4289
www.boqueteroadhouse.com

Chiriquí Skyline Under Super Moon Illumination – Naked Eye Gallery

March 22, 2011

Super Moon Illuminating Boquete Sky with David city lights in distant horizon. © 2011 Juan Antonio Villegas

On March 19th, a full Moon of rare size and beauty arose in the eastern sky at sunset.

What is a Supermoon?

According to Wikipedia;

The name SuperMoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defined as:

…a new or full moon which occurs with the Moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit (perigee). In short, Earth, Moon and Sun are all in a line, with Moon in its nearest approach to Earth.^[4]

(The phrasing “within 90% of its closest approach” is unclear, but an example on Nolle’s website shows that he means that the Earth–Moon distance is in the lowest tenth of its range.)

The term supermoon is not widely accepted or used within the astronomy or scientific community, who prefer the term perigee-syzygy.^[5] Perigee is the point at which the Moon is closest in its orbit to the Earth, and syzygy is a full or new moon, when the Earth, the Moon and the Sun are aligned. Hence, supermoon can be regarded as a combination of the two, although they do not perfectly coincide each time. Syzygy may occur within a maximum of 12 hours from perigee during a supermoon, and 1 hour from perigee during an extreme supermoon. ^[4]

The size and brightness of an object follows an inverse-square law, which means that a full moon at perigee is 12% larger and brighter than an average full moon. However, because the offset of the moon’s orbit versus its phases is only two days, this change in appearance is gradual from month to month and therefore is not usually noticeable to a casual observer.

Photo protected by United States and International copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted,displayed or published without the prior written permission of Juan Antonio Villegas. 

Street Legends of Boquete Panama – First in a series by Juan Antonio Villegas

February 19, 2011
Juan Antonio Villegas

When you walk the streets of Boquete, indubitably you will run across my friend. I call him Moncho.

Whenever I see Moncho, I see a conduit to the Tales of Boquete.

His weathered exterior speaks to the multitude of years toiling under the harsh, searing rays of the sun bearing down from 8 degrees above the equator.

And when I peer into his eyes, I see an extraordinary kindness. A classic Panamanian softness.

In these, his golden days, the body is tired and worn. Yet the smile persists. And most days he takes comfort “hanging with the boys” across from Mothers Park in central Boquete.

Lifestyle photography is my profession. I see the world through a postage stamp sized glass window. I see the world much different than most. I see light, texture, body language… I see soul and spirituality that you won’t see in the “wide angle” field of vision that we are accustomed to.

I like my perspective…

This is number one in a photo documentary series detailing the Street Legends of Boquete Panama.

If you know of a personality in Boquete who deserves photo immortality, contact me via e-mail here.

Photo © copyright February 19, 2011 F8 Studio Juan Antonio Villegas

Please enjoy my photos, but please, do not use them on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission.

My photos are available for use as stock for electronic or print media.
Contact me for details.