Fito Páez Puts on Amazing Concert in Costa Rica

The powerful voice of Fito Páez coupled with the amazing sound of the Philharmonic Orchestra filled Parque Viva in La Guácima on Wednesday night at the Coca Cola Amphitheater.

This versatile artist has created an amazing repertoire since 1984. The Argentinian musician has a style all his own. He has been winning hearts for decades with his mastery of the stage.

He welcomed the audience, “Good evening, from Argentina with love” and then thanked the Philharmonic of Costa Rica. He interpreted pieces from various albums leaving the fans breathless.

At one point many fans ran to the platform to pay tribute. He acknowledged the honor but asked them to sit so everyone could see.

This concert proved that Ticos are forever fans and will never get bored of Fito Páez’ music.

The conductor of the orchestra said “We are very happy to fulfill the dream of having Fito Páez with the philharmonic.”

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Vida Mia Ayurvedic Healing Center and Spa Debuts in Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s leading hotels has announced the upcoming launch of a major new spa.

The Retreat Costa Rica, set on Crystal Mountain in Atenas, is set to debut a new 7,000-square-foot Vida Mia Ayurvedic Healing Center and Spa.

The center, which will be the first Ayurvedic healing center in the country, is slated to debut June 8.

The brainchild of owner Diana Stobo, the property will include seven treatment rooms along with resting lounges and special events areas.

It was designed by local architect Luis Edwardo Ortiz, with interiors by France’s Veronique de la Cruz and Costa Rica’s Andrea Artinano.

Every guest at the center will receive customized assessments by the center’s in-house “healer,” while a medical practitioner will also be on staff along with a personal trainer.

“After traveling the world as a healing and spa junky, I have discovered the most effective and exciting tools to create the perfect healing experience,” Stobo said.

From the Caribbean Journal

Money Laundering Raid in Costa Rica

The Judicial Investigation Agency, along with the Prosecutor’s Office, carried out a raid in a building in Chinatown. Five people were detained for money laundering. The activity is related to the $1 million seized in August on Paseo Colon. This is a major blow to a money laundering organization.

The building is at the junction between Avenida 8 and Calle 9, 400 meters from the OIJ. $3 million was seized from the three story building as a result of the operation that lasted from 8 in the morning until 5 at night on Tuesday. The money was found in over 82 packages, boxes and bags and is linked to illegal actions including drug trafficking.

The OIJ for some time has been investigating how the money enters Costa Rica, where it is stored and how it is put into the legal financial system.

The arrested remain under the order of the Prosecutor’s Office. The money confiscated will go through the Office of the Prosecutor and then the Costa Rican Drug Institute.

Meteorite Found in Costa Rica 4.56 Billion Years Old

The UCR has confirmed that the rock that fell in San Carlos is a meteor and that it is approximately 4.56 billion years old. The initial studies indicate that it is composed of silicon, iron and magnesium.

The meteorite is named Aguas Zarcas, pending approval by the Meteoritical Society. The main fragment weighs 1,071 grams but there were also 1,152 smaller fragments that fell on a house.

The main fragment was analyzed in the home with specialized equipment from the Petrography and Geochemistry Section of the School of Geology. A press release from the University of Costa Rica detailed that it is a chondritic meteorite.

Major studies will be done on it to confirm more information. The meteorite belongs to the lady who owns the house where it fell but fragments are being studied. Fragments fell in other areas, even creating a 14 centimeter crater.

Foreigner Gets First Transgender Costa Rican ID

A Venezuelan who has been living in Costa Rica became the first trans foreigner to receive a Tica ID card confirming his self-perceived gender via a new name. He felt discriminated against for years but now has an ID that matches his identity.

Now with the name Jess Márquez, there will be no more problems in banks, medical centers or billing for professional services. When presenting as a man but using an ID that said Jessica, many questions were asked and problems caused.

He was able to change his name on his ID. New IDs do not include gender. It took a year of meetings and procedures but was worth it because now his ID and immigration identity document (DIMEX) will no longer identify him as a woman. The DIMEX does include gender and now lists him as male.

The Director of Migration referred to this as “an important step for our country in protecting the human rights of all the people who live in Costa Rica.”

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