Art events in June at Casco Viejo, Panama

Casco Viejo, Panama, Casco Antiguo

Real Estate for sale or for rent at Panama`s historic city

 

Tropical music, world music and shoe theatre… all in Casco Viejo! Check out upcoming events from our favorite theatre gang (Los Del Patio at 3rd Street) and at the National Theatre:

June 2nd: Tropical Music by Fidel Bastro  (wao! only a “C” away….)

June 16th: World Music, Brazilian inspired.  Violin, Violonelo and more by Lui Coimbra. At the National Theatre. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

July 7th to August 6th:  Theatre play “Shoes” (Zapatos).  Play will be in Spanish.  At Los Del Patio, by experimental theatre group Lagartija. Info. y reservas: 6680-8458 / zapatosteatro@gmail.com

July 26th: at National Theatre: Julio Ingaramo with “Patagonia”. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

August 24th: Boca Livre at National Theatre. Four brazilian voices singing in harmony. Tickets at Hombre de la Mancha, at City of Knowledge or at Argosy Bookstore (223-5344)

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Art Show at Freemasonry in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, Panama, Casco Antiguo

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Panama`s Historic City

Walking the streets of Casco Viejo you wouldn´t suspect there is a Freemasonry Lodge in town. The fraternity was founded in Panama in 1821. However, the building we went last night was built in 1925 at what used to be the limits of the Casco Viejo: 13th Street.  I guess back then trying to get farther away would take you into the jungle! Today, you can just walk a couple of minutes and you`ll be there.

A beautiful building and in excellent shape, they opened their doors last night for a small art show depicting their classic masonry symbols.

Intrigued by their history, I found they have an official website where they list briefly how their members had important participation in events such as Panama`s independence and companies such as the Star and Herald newspaper (back then published in French).  Back in 1821 they were called “La Mejor Union” (The Best Union).   It is said that some of Panama`s presidents have been members,  a favorite argument for those who like conspiracy theories!

If you would like to learn more about them, here is their website (written in Spanish).  They also have a Women`s Mason website here.

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Casco Viejo Events: Saint Malo Classical Music Festival

Casco Viejo, Panama, Casco Antiguo

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Panama`s Historic District

The Saint Malo Music Festival is another wonderful event that has little by little grown into our neighborhood.  This year will be on its 5th edition and is usually held (most of it) at the National Theatre in Casco Viejo, Panama.  Is is dedicated to the Panamanian and musician Narciso Garay and will be held between the 26th of May to June 5th.

Take a look at their calendar. Their inauguration night will be with Panama`s National Orchestra, and the next night there will be a concert “For Two Pianos” (see artists here) .  Don´t miss their events calendar and the artist list.  And remember to buy tickets in advance!!!

Canal Museum of Panama presents “Narciso Garay”

Casco Viejo, Panama

Real Estate and Lifestyle at Panama`s Historic District

 

The Canal Museum at Casco Viejo always has interesting stuff going on. Yesterday, they inaugurated an exhibition about one of the best known Panamanian musicians of the early Republic:  Narciso Garay.

Born in 1876 (died in 1953) he was the son of a poet and a painter. Almost inevitably, he becomes a violinist. After his studies in Brussels and Paris he returns to Panama. He is known during his professional life as a teacher and an important diplomat,  representing Panama throughout the world.   Unsurprisingly, there is very little written in the internet about him, although I could find in Wikipedia a good page about his sister (Nicolle Garay) who became a well known poet.

Today, Casco Viejo remembers him in one of its buildings which was said to be his house.  Every day there is a story to be uncovered in this 300 year old neighborhood!

Cultural events during May at Casco Viejo, Panama

Panama Casco Viejo

Cultural Events, Lifestyle, Real Estate

This week! Casco Viejo has several cultural events to enjoy. Whether you are just visiting Panama for the first time or are living here, don´t miss the small and big events in May:

May 18th (Today!!!)

Karla Lamboglia at Mojitos: 9 p.m., Plaza Herrera

Rescate de Danzas Herencia: Teatro Nacional

Dance Performance at Clementinas:  “Intervencion”(B Avenue, corner with 11th St.) 8 p.m.

Bubble Tasting at Di Vino  (Champagne, Cava and Brut)  7 p.m.

Children`s art workshop at Fundación San Felipe (2:30 p.m.) “Coloring Mandalas”. From 5 years up.

20 Mayo

Dance Performance en La Vecindad: “Intervencion”

Salsa Dance Lessons at Frit Arte

20 – 24 May

Encuentro de Guitarras (Teatro Nacional) – Guitar Festival at National Theatre

Viern / Fri:  Guitarra española / Spanish Guitar

Sab/ Sat: Guitarra Caribeña/ Caribbean

Dom/ Sun: Fiesta de Guitarras/ Guitar`s Fiesta

Lun/ Mon:  Guitarras de USA y Europa

Mar/ Tues: Guitarra Ricardo Cobo (Colombia)

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Next Generation of Boxing Stars at Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo Panama Casco Antiguo

Sweating, panting, red like a tomato … and with a big smile!  Casco Viejo`s first gym started and already we have enthusiasts hitting the bag like there is no tomorrow. Stephen Crissman, the trainer, gives instructions and pushes you to do things better. Additional to boxing,  he trains in Jiu-Jitsu and there is another trainer for Muay Thai.  If you are not into artistic and lethal martial arts, you can try their cross fit, which makes honor to their slogan “work hard, live well”!

If you want to contact Stephen to get more info on Top Level Gym, write him at: stephen@crissmitchell.com   or check out their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TopLevelGymPanama

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Casco Viejo Special Homes

Casco Viejo Real Estate Blog

Having a 400 mt2 home in a historic city (any historic city) is quite a unique thing. Those are truly special opportunities,  each one is irreplaceable.  At this time you will be able to find in  Casco Viejo two properties under this parameter:  Casa Vidal and Benedetti Penthouse Central.

Very different from each other, they share certain features such as water views, access to a pool and the ability to have three bedrooms.  But they are diametrically opposed in style and form, one being more of a colonial townhouse and the other, a penthouse so unique it is said to be among the finest in Panama City.

$860,000 Casa Vidal Townhouse:  At the best address in town: 1st street, a few steps from the well known French Embassy and French Plaza.  The house runs on four levels, with double height ceilings and a roof terrace  with a nice bar and pool area from where you can enjoy views to Panama City and the bay.  It is a very private home, where you can have an office or use the groundfloor as a guest bedroom.  Why we personally like it? of course there is the pool and the views, but  it is perfect for pet owners since it has a patio at the ground level and no neighbors to discuss whether you are allowed or not up to a 25 pound dog.   Casa Vidal also gives you a feeling of privacy and coziness, which we very much enjoy.

The house is being sold without finishes, which means the owner is free to create whichever style is closest to his or her heart.  The property features original colonial walls, which are amazing for both modern or more classical interior designs.

More about Casa Vidal

$1,250,000 Benedetti Penthouse C:  One of Panama`s most beautiful penthouses,  not only because of its fine design and finishes but also because of its stunning views.  The building has one of the few social areas with gardens and swimming pool.  Add the elevator and the parking, and you have not only a spectacular home but also an incredibly comfortable one. Why we like it? clean modern floorplan, all  in one level, with a terrace towards the front perfect for entertaining.  And if you don´t feel like going to the pool, there is always the private jacuzzi!

More on Penthouse C

Casco Viejo Properties Under $400K

Casco Viejo Real Estate Blog

This is probably the most diverse real estate category in Casco Viejo, Panama.  You can find anything from one bedrooms to two bedrooms, with views and sometimes if you are lucky even parking.

$329,000 Casa Ruigar No.7 : This one bedroom is loft style and makes for both an easy investment or easy place to live. Why we like it? the building has elevator and a water view roof terrace with swimming pool.  It also has a private roof terrace with views.

More info on Ruigar No7.

$335,000  Montefiori No.1: Probably the best priced two bedroom apartment in Casco Viejo.  Why we like it? great price point and floorplan in one level.  Also has a very comfortable, large kitchen and a large master bedroom.   Nice wrap around balcony. Note it is located on top of a restaurant. A really good one, so you might add a few pounds while living there!

More about Montefiori No1

$345,000  Legacion No. 5:  Beautiful one bedroom, furnished, rented and with parking! Why we like it? is Casco Viejo in a nutshell: colonial stone walls, water views from the roof terrace, interesting floorplan with a small private semi- open terrace that serves as a breakfast area off from the kitchen.  And parking!

More on Legacion 5

$385,000  Ruigar No. 3:  Two bedrooms, corner location.  Why we like it? great location, building has amenities such as pool and elevator. You might even attempt buying a parking space from a neighbor.  We also like that is on top of Casco`s best wine bars, which happens to be in front of our office. Has enough of a side water view to be featured as “water view property” but we rather leave it as a surprise when you visit.

More on Ruigar No. 3

Casco Viejo Properties Under $300K

From time to time we like to present a snapshot of what`s on the market in Casco Viejo. This is the first of three postings: real estate property under $300K, under $500K and Special Homes.

On the “perfect for singles” category or “easy investments” (meaning already income producing) here are our picks and why:

$150,000 at  Marqués de Portago:  small pied a terre, well located and rented. Why we like it? We like the tenant and the fact that is 30 seconds or less away from parks. Ideal if you like outdoors activities like jogging or bicycle.  It is also 10 seconds away from the Presidential Palace, in case you want to hear the gossip before it hits the local newspapers!

More Info on Marqués de Portago

$230,000 at Casa Mendez:  cute one bedroom, groundfloor, rented.  Why we like it? we have a soft spot for gardens and this one has a small garden connecting with both the living room and bedroom.  It is also an internal apartment, which makes it quiet.  Drawback: a hotel is under construction right next door, so forget about the “quiet” for another year.  Positive plus: once the hotel is finished, the apartment will probably appreciate, and the location is very good.

More Info on Casa Mendez

$260 – $270K at Montefiori:  very different apartments, but both are easy investments. One with water views, the other one with wrap around balconies. Both rented with good tenants.  Why we like them? good price point, responsible tenants, views are always a plus.  The unit at $270K is the lowest price you will find for good water views. Ah… and there is always the outdoors shower!

More Info on:  Montefiori Unit No. 3  , Montefiori Unit No. 4

Pro History Campaign by Panamanian Celebrities

Casco Viejo, Panama, Casco Antiguo

For the first time ever, a group of Panamanian celebrities have joined hands to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our history.   From Panama`s former Miss Universe, to writers, painters, journalists and TV presenters, they explain not only the importance history plays in shaping the country`s identity but also talk about the specific importance of Casco Viejo as a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.

This video has sprouted out of the controversy of a government plan to build a road around Casco Viejo, destroying its natural beaches and endangering its status as an international history jewel. UNESCO has already issued a strong report regarding the road project,  which would take Casco Viejo out of the World Heritage Site list.

This alarm has created a grassroots movement between conservationists, members of the Casco Viejo community, artists and more.  Casco Viejo`s community has been known for its love for its neighborhood and has fought several times against actions that have attempted against its integrity.

Because of Panama`s role as a natural and economic hub since way before the Spanish conquest, the country has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any of its regional peers.  With the road around Casco Viejo, Panama would loose the designation for two out of three important sites: Panama La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

Around the World, Heritage Sites become not only the source of pride and identity of the countries they belong to, but also economic engines and important cultural and touristic trademarks that help the country differentiate itself in the crowded international market.  Each one is unique and irreplaceable, once lost, just as it happens with endangered species that are part of the chain of life on Earth… it will be forever.

We would like to congratulate all of the participants in this video and at the same time, would like to invite you to spread the word and support this cause:

Here is the youtube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydeRkDz-HO0&feature=related