Fear of isolation from family and friends is an often heard objection when the subject of offshore retirement is discussed. For seniors from the U.S. and Canada, Panama provides a convenient solution to this conundrum.

Copa Airlines offers you the Hub of the Americas from the Tocumen International Airport

You can get to Panama in as little as two hours from the southern part of the U.S. Rarely is Panama more than four hours from anywhere in the U.S. or southern Canada. With a little research, you will discover that the lucrative financial benefits of retirement in Panama make the short trip well worth the seat time.

You can fly directly to Panama from six major U.S. airports on your choice of four different air carriers. Immigration paperwork covering short term stays can be handled at the airport.

Panama is just slightly larger than the state of Florida. No matter where you choose to settle, you will have easy access to an airport. When friends and relatives come to visit, you will see lots of smiles and excitement. A trip to see Grandmom and Grandpop will also include a not to be forgotten adventure in exciting Panama.

When planning the economics of your move to Panama don’t forget that your new life will begin providing some very substantial financial benefits from day one. For starters, you will not have to pay taxes on income you earn outside of Panama. This means that the money you earn from social security, pensions, investments, and business conducted offshore is not subject to local taxes.

Valle Escondido Residential Community and Hotel, an Expat favorite in Boquete

If you buy your retirement home strategically, you can avoid all property taxes for up to 20 years. Also remember, that Panamanian law also allows you to invest and bank in absolute secrecy while providing mechanisms that create one of the best estate management jurisdictions on earth.

Another big plus for retirees is called the Pensionado Program. This government backed effort provides qualified retirees with a long list of discounts including 50% off entertainment options (movies, theaters, sporting events, etc.), 50% off of the price of mid-week hotel stays, 50% off of the costs of closing your home mortgage, 30% off public transport costs, 25% off of domestic air tickets, 25% off at restaurants, 20% off of professional and home repair fees, 20% discount on already low Doctor bills, 1. 5% off of hospital bills if you are not insured, 15% off of the cost of dental and eye exams, 10% off of the local prescription prices… and more!

Credit Corp Bank Building, one of the many banks in Panama

If you are thinking about retiring in Panama or just visiting to develop an asset protection, business, banking, or investment strategy, make sure to begin by building a strong relationship with a local attorney. There are many third party sources able to help you select the best one for your needs. These groups provide unbiased reviews of providers in Panama’s professional community speeding you to a successful pairing.

For more information on retirement, banking, estate management, taxation, employment, forming a Panamanian foundation or corporation, real estate, trade policy, local economics, vessel registration, obtaining legal counsel, or any other topic related to doing business in Panama… click here.

One of the surprises new arrivals discover when purchasing real estate in Panama is a distinct difference in the meaning of time. The Mañana mentality as it is often called, is a fixture of Panamanian culture.

This relaxed way of looking at the passing of time is rooted in the traditions of Panama’s indigenous people. These people  recognized no increment of time shorter than a day until early in the 20th century. When you think about a world in which a promise to be home in time for dinner meant arriving at any point within a 24 hour window, allowing an extra half hour for a Panamanian friend to show for a cocktail seems trivial.

One of the reasons why so many people from around the world are moving to Panama is to escape the rat race. Kind of odd, that some of them want to bring the rats and the race with them. Relax, in Panama there’s time enough for everything if you are willing to let time, take its time.

When in Panama allow yourself to enjoy life in the slow lane. With so much beauty to absorb, crank it down a notch. An old adage advocates the wisdom of slowing down to smell the roses. In Panama, there are thousands of varieties of flowering plants, each deserving of your slow and careful consideration.

When shopping for real estate in Panama, be patient if agents, homeowners, bankers, or inspectors arrive a tad late. This is how things work in our bit of paradise. If your agent arrives a half an hour late, you have been given the gift of thirty more minutes to drink in the riches of Panama, the Gem of Central America.

For more information, click here.

Article courtesy of Laura Kay, owner of Bocas Yoga Studio.

Bocas Yoga celebrates its one year anniversary this month!  The custom-built studio is a welcome addition to making Bocas Del Toro a top tourist destination of Panama.

It offers visitors to the Caribbean islands of Bocas Del Toro a healthy outlet and a space to meet like-minded people.  It is with an open heart, full of gratitude, that I teach yoga out of this nurturing studio, and am honored when you share your practice with our growing healing community.

No experience or flexibility is required to practice yoga. Yoga is for everyone!  At Bocas Yoga you will find an air-conditioned, noncompetitive, nonjudgmental, haven in which you will have the least amount of distractions, in order for you to focus inward.  Because we are a real studio with 4 walls, there are no chitres to bite you, your privacy is assured, and the energy of your practice is not dissipated.

Since being born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1968, I’ve been on a journey, which eventually led me back to the beautiful country of Panama.  It was 28 years ago in the U.S. that I was first introduced to yoga and Indian philosophy.  Since then my quest for knowledge of yoga has taken me to study in India, Thailand, Europe, and South America.  My Yoga Teacher Training took place at the Providence Institute, in Tucson, Arizona, registered with the Yoga Alliance.  I will always be a student and continue to travel to take formal trainings.  It is my dream to someday be an “Anusara-Inspired” yoga teacher, which involves years of training, in addition to the basic Yoga teacher certification I already hold.

Yoga is a spiritual practice that makes the body stronger, more flexible, and generally much healthier. The purpose is to calm the mind, open the heart, and get us in touch with our True Selves. A toned body, stamina, longevity, detoxification, and youthful looks are pleasant bi-products of a regular yoga asana practice, however, the true meaning of yoga is to uncover and realize the pure goodness that resides within us.

The teaching style at Bocas Yoga is an eclectic mix of Hatha Yoga, which uses principles of alignment to promote safety and empower students to achieve their full potential. Each class interweaves heart oriented themes to connect students to the deeper purpose of yoga.  Classes are challenging, yet create a sense of ease at the same time, toning body and mind – incorporating the concepts of effort and surrender.

The Bocas Yoga Studio was designed using principles of Vastu Shastra, the Vedic science of architectural alignment and placement, upon which Feng Shui is based. The way of Vastu aligns the studio with the subtle energies of nature, in order to enhance health, happiness, abundance, and contentedness to those within it. A beautiful blend of science and art was implemented in designing the perfect place for you to practice yoga. The studio is a custom-built studio with hard-wood flooring, lots of natural light, a surround sound stereo system, and beautifully uplifting murals on the walls, creating a nurturing ambience without distraction.

At Bocas Yoga we believe that the body will respond beautifully when you show it kindness, compassion, acceptance, and love.  Students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their differences, limitations, and talents.  The yoga we practice has an uplifting philosophy that looks for the good in all people and all things.  It’s like saying a big “YES” to life!  The intention for our practice is for the revelation, or the uncloaking, of our true nature – an awakening to the highest spirit.  Our connection to the Universal is enhanced.

We offer daily drop-in classes integrating body, breath, and mind.  The Basics class that I teach is appropriate for beginners and ongoing intermediate students.  Anabel teaches an invigorating Vinyasa Flow Yoga that is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students.  Private lessons are also available by appointment and held at the Bocas Yoga studio only.

Find the full class schedule at WWW.BOCASYOGA.COM or drop by the studio for a printed schedule.  We are located in the big purple building on 4th Street, Bocas Town, across from La Casbah restaurant.  All regularly scheduled classes are $5 per class, or a 10-class pass for $45, or a 20-class pass for $80.  Private lessons are $35/hour, plus $5 for each additional person.  There is a 50 ¢ mat-rental fee, or bring your own.  If you are a yoga teacher and are interested in renting the studio to host a retreat, please contact Laura Kay via email at swee...@msn.com

The law of attraction — like attracts like — influences all energy.  By focusing on positive thoughts, we create a powerful magnet that draws similar energy into our lives. It’s my sincere belief that Bocas Yoga can make Bocas Del Toro an even more beautiful place to be!

No effort on the Yoga path is ever lost, nor can any obstacle ever hold one back forever. Just a little progress on this path can protect one from the greatest fear. – “Bhagavad Gita” Chapter 2, Verse 40

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

One of the most important factors driving any real estate market is that mysterious commodity commonly labeled “ Lifestyle”.

Defining the lifestyle of any real estate market is challenging because the judgments involved are more intuitive than factual, more anecdotal than empirical.

One of Panama’s greatest strengths is that no matter what your looking for in a lifestyle, you will find it in this fast growing Central American paradise. Panama City offers a sophisticated, but relaxed setting. The mountains of Boquete in Chiriqui feature natural wonders and some of the best weather on the planet. Modern beachfront condo communities offer a swinging Riviera- like appeal. Panama’s vast countryside offers low cost acreage and a rural lifestyle.

Panama is the hub of Central America. Its Ex-Pat community includes immigrants of every nationality. Your lifestyle choices are as unlimited as the diversity of this remarkable nation.

When choosing your next lifestyle, why limit your options? You’ll find them all in fabulous Panama.

For more information, click here.

Metallica, the heavy metal band originally from San Francisco (California) United States which was founded in 1981 will be presented for the first time in Panama in 2010, on March 8, and the leading events and shows coordinator, Showpro, will be the charge of the most anticipated concert by the many fans of the band.

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As part of the tour “World Magnetic Tour” with which the band is giving concerts around the world to present their new record production “Death Magnetic” and all the classic songs which characterize Metallica. The band will perform before thousands of Panamanians fans on March 8 at the Plaza Figali (outdoor) of the Amador Causeway in Panama City.

To the date, Metallica has released nine studio albums. Metallica‘s total sales exceed 100 million, and are considered the largest of metal. Furthermore, the group has won many musical awards, which include nine Grammys, two MTV awards, two awards from the Academy of American Music and an award from Billboard Magazine Award, and have a star on the Walk of Fame.

Monday, March 8, 2010 at 6:45 pm

Ticket for sale: Ticket Plus  (Metro Pharmacies, Extreme Planet, Subaru Calle 50 and Hometek.

PRICES:

(ALL AREAS ARE STANDING)

AREA GOLD – B/.175.00

AREA VIP – B /. 75.00

GENERAL – B/.40.00

Prices do not include service charges or 5% tax

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

After a long absence in Panama, singer Paulina Rubio will present on February 24 in the Atlapa Convention Center, her latest album “Gran City Pop” with an incredible costumes, dancers on stage and special effects, among other surprises.

The “Golden Girl (Chica Dorada)” who is leading the dance floors of nightclubs of Panama and the radio charts with a No. 1 first single “Cause and Effect (Causa y Efecto)” will start the year in style in Atlapa Convention Center.

The pop diva has already received last June in Miami, Florida a platinum record for this record and was recently awarded a MTV Latino 2009 price in the category of Best Soloist of the year. She was also selected by GQ magazine in Mexico as the woman of the year, showing that this Mexican is experiencing one of the best years of her career.

The night of February 24 will be filled with contemporary teens and the occasional girl who will join their voices with a single purpose: View on stage “Pau” singing the best of her repertoire and her new subjects.Ni una Sola Palabra”, “Algo en ti”, “Yo no soy esa Mujer”, “Lo haré por ti”, “Dame otro Tequila” y el “Último Adiós” among others, will become part of a show of more than an hour and a half.

Be charmed by pop style of Paulina Rubio and buy your tickets now through Ticketplus in the Metro Pharmacy, Subaru Calle 50, Extreme Planet and Hometek.

DOORS. 6:00 PM
SHOW: 8:00 P.M.

LUNETA: 140 / 90 / 70

BALCONY: 60 / 35

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

It is expected the participation of more than 100 amateur and professional golf player

The tournament will be held January 22 at the Club de Golf de Panama at noon

The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama organized for the sixth consecutive year the anticipated EXPOCOMER Golf Tournament 2010, which will be held on 22 January which will play under the modality Best Mexican Ball., with the rules of the PGA and the Panama Golf Club.

For the realization of this tournament is expected the participation of hundreds of amateur and professional golf players, which may participate in three-person teams made up of the ball A, ball B and Ball C.

“We are pleased to once again celebrate this event, which every day adds more participants, especially members of our institution who are golf aficionados. Definitely this tournament each year allows us to strengthen ties between guild members and participants of EXPOCOMER. Through EXPOCOMER, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama seeks to continue contributing to the positioning of Panama not only from a commercial point of view, but also tourism and business, “said Mr. Inocencio Galindo, president of EXPOCOMER.

A total of 36 teams (3 people per team) which will use the Mexican Best Ball game system, and which will be applied the rules of PGA and the Golf Club in Panama, handicap is taken as 50% of the Ball A for the net awards.

For purposes of the tournament, each team will consist of 3 players who compete for Gross and Net Prizes. Similarly, prices will be awarded on the court as a hole in one on hole 6 and 17. Longest drive, on holes 4 and 12 and closest to the pin on holes 6, 8, 13 and 17 and a prize for the team with the highest score on the day.

The sponsors of this event are IR Appraisals, Copa Airlines, Ariston, Generalli, Hotel El Panama, Eurochronos, Hotel Veneto, Tecnasa, Sagicorp, Elixir, Impa Doel, Óptica López, Hyundai and General Bank to name a few.

Article courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

What is Pecha Kucha?

Pecha Kucha Night is a presentation format (mostly creative) in which work is displayed in a simple and informal manner, was established in Tokyo in 2003 as a meeting place for young designers where they could show their work in public and engage opinions. Since then the format has spread virulently in other cities around the world, arriving in Panama in late 2009.

Wednesday, January 20 at 7pm – 10 pm at the Old Union Club of Casco Viejo

20 images. 20 seconds. January 20

10 people talking about 6 minutes and 40 seconds each.

http://pechakuchapanama.org

Pecha Kucha Night @ Panama Vol.1

7:00 pm – Open door
7:30 pm – Introduction of PechaKucha
7:45 pm – 1st Set of PechaKucheros

Alida – Disruption
Luis Levy – Industrial Architecture
David Lucio – Between Cinema and Movies
Alberto Attia – Designing an experience
Ana Guardia – Design and Writing

8:30 pm – Beer Break

9:00 pm – 2nd set PechaKucheros

Juan Raul Diaz Fabrega – Works Performance and more
Mary Gilma Arrocha – Intellectual Property
Claudia Lamboglia – Among All
Eclectic -  Flyers, Internet and other demons
Francisco Barsallo  – Street Art

9:45 pm – The end of PKN Vol.1 pending Vol.2 in March / April

About the Old Union Club in Casco Viejo

The Union Club opened in 1917 for that time’s Panamanian upper class. Its design was inspired by architect James Wright, who also worked at the famous St. Thomas Hospital. In the late sixties, the famous parties moved to aristocratic Paitilla neighborhood and the property became a recreation center for National Guard troops. Hence its second name as the Club of Classes and Troops.

After the invasion of Panama by the U.S. Army, the site was abandoned. In 2001 several groups of artists began to use the ruins as a setting for social events and festivals.

The building that once housed the old Union Club will be demolished soon and will become the headquarters of a five star hotel in the Casco Viejo.

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

Photos of the old Union Club in Casco Viejo:

The St Andrews Society is organizing a Burns Night supper at the CITY CLUB on January 29th 2010.

Tickets cost $50.00 per person and include supper and red or white wine with your meal, There will be an open bar with dancing after supper. Dress is Semi Formal.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased by contacting me.  My number is 66132977 if you need further information.

Regards,

Jonathan Jones
stan...@gmail.com

For more useful information about moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.

Type: Party – Mixer

Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Time: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Rincon del Chef in Coronado

Expats West meets Wednesday January 27th at El Rincon del Chef in Coronado from 5 p.m. This month, kick off your shoes, learn some salsa and groove to tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m. Join Playacommunity and Concept Panama for their on-location office openings and enjoy a complementary glass of wine at their offices. Door prizes will be drawn at 7:30pm. Winners must be present to collect.

See you on the dance floor!

Sponsored by www.playacommunity.com

For more useful information about the Coronado area, Panama in general, and moving to Panama contact one of our experts today.