Newsroom Panama - Panama News and Events in English

By Dylis Jones
The good ladies who gave us the German Christmas Fair in December are now putting on a flea market, this weekend with all proceeds going to The Hogar Catalina Brown in Rio Abajo.
The notice is late but for those of you who are trying to catch up with events and browsing the web on Saturday or are up early on Sunday, February 24, there’s still time to plan an a visit and maybe pick up a bargain or two. I got lucky at the St Lukes Christmas Fair, and will be looking out for repeat bargains on Sunday,
The flea market is at The Just Bread Bakery, Ave. Italia near Via Israel, Paitilla

There will be lots of quality second hand items such as books, CD's/DVD's, games, shoes, clothes, fashion accessories, general household and decorative items, kitchen gear etc. So pop out and shop in support of the old folks. It will run from 10 am to 5 pm. There's still  time to plan your day before settling down for the Academy Awards, marathon

There’s lots of entertainment coming up in March including a Lake Gatun Jungle exploration and barbecue On Sunday March 31 organized by the CanadaPLUS Club, and a chances for those who may have dreamed of treading the boards in a theatrical performance at upcoming auditions for participants in Improv performances at The Theatre Guild of Ancon (TGA). The Improve auditions will be on Sunday March 3 and later in the month there will be auditions for the second series of Murder Mystery DinnerTheatre performances also organized by the CanadaPLUS Club.
Classes for Improve are back, conducted by Danielle Miles who, with Melanie Gilpin taught the fledgling actors who performed so well efor over 100 diners at the recent CanadaPLUS Chinese New Year/Valetine’s Day celebration. Sadly, I missed the boat in announcing the current series, but there will be more and you can reach Danielle at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
On Saturday March 9 The American Society of Panama (Amsoc) will be holding its First Health Fair, with lots of speakers and admission only $5. Fans of Newsroom’s regular Health Watch columns might like to take this one in.
The Britain in Panama all day seminar, organized by the British Embassy and the British Chamber of Commerce is on Thursday March 21, and if you want to network with local and visiting entrepreneurs, this is the place to be. Apart from key speakers and discussions there will be time to schmooze and exchange cards over lunch.
I will be providing more details on most of the above over the weekend, and you can also go to the Events section of Newsroom and mark your diary with key functions from now until year’s end. If you are involved in any function that you want listed, feel free to drop me a line at newsroompanama.com. Posters or photos welcome if you wish.
 

The entertainment scene with

Lourdes Quijada

If the first stirrings of the Christmas spirit haven’t reached you yet, head for Ancon to see Christmas at the Guild.November 29-30 and December 1.

Panama is readying itself for a World Cup qualifying match on Friday with everything from, beefed up security, free buses , giant screens on the Cinta Costera and time limits on beer sales. 

By Dylis Jones
If campfires and dancing on the beach under the stars, fortified with a prize winning ceviche is what turns you on, then it’s time to make a note in your diary to head for Taboga early next year.

By Dylis Jones

If you are looking for a spectacular experience with the magic ingredient “free” thrown in, take time out this weekend to visit the Magnolia Inn in Casco Viejo to get a new view of Panama as seen through the lens  of expat photographer Jonathan Lee.

By Dylis Jones

It’s time once again to pamper your sweet tooth and do your bit for cancer patients at Casita de Mausi and maybe kill three birds with one stone.

By David Young

Australians and New Zealanders are not very thick on the ground in Panama, but the few that are here will be gathering on April 25 to mark a day in their joint histories that  left  them with chilling but proud memories.

By Ingrid Jones

A round the world dining opportunity all in one plaza and in one evening, is coming up in Santiago de Veraguas on St Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Salomon Shamah, Panama’s tourism boss wants to increase the budget for the 2012 Carnaval celebrations to $2.5 million.

The Social Scene

 with Lula 

If you don’t know what a Snowbird is, ask a Canadian, or those from the northern US States or read on.