CHARITIES

Thalia Velásquez established the Hope Foundation, which does exactly what the name suggests: it gives hope to women  have suffered from domestic violence. Thalia, a former victim of domestic violence, has now has started a foundation to help the transition process and to empower women. Domestic violence is one of the worse social problems in Panama – incidence is very high and women are even murdered as a result.

Help this noble cause by assisting to their event – The Youth Opera – at The Teatro Nacional in Casco Viejo – August 19 and 20. The show starts at 7:15 PM until 11:15 PM.

The Youth Opera features: Carlos Daza and Marc Sala from Spain and Ricardo Velásquez from Panama. They will be performing opera, bolero, and zarzuela from all times.

Tickets are available at Blockbuster starting from $10.00 and $5.00 for students

Contact info

Email – thalia@hopefoundationpanama.com

Website -

“Against domestic violence… changing the world one life at a time”

Marc Anthony and Willie Colon will be performing at the National Stadium, August 16.

Tickets starting at $15.00 for general seating, $100.00 for private tables, which can be purchased at Video Avenue

15% discount if you pay with your VISA card or when you buy a $7.00 + Movil Live Card.

For more info:

Marc Anthony

Willie Colon

This is an event you can’t miss!

One year is the period given for 80 thousand foreigners who reside in Panama to change their ID card (cedula) for a new document. Foreigners must go to the Immigration Department after August 26 to start the process. The new ID will be completely different to the cedula of Panamanians, so they can be distinguished clearly.

There will be an increase in prices for all the processes, explained as an inflation cost. Tayra Barsallo, sub director of Immigration, explains that the costs have not been raised in 47 years.

For example, every foreigner must pay after August 26, $250 instead of $100. Repatriation expenses deposits will be raised from $500 to $800.

The free trade agreement between these two nations seeks to promote a greater exportation of services and goods, especially from Costa Rica to Panama, a country which is experiencing a rise in demand and opportunities to generate more commerce and investments.

NUMBERS – 1.445 different products Costa Rica currently exports to Panama, mostly medications, electric conductors, food, and fungicidal products, among others.

Costa Rica recently changed their monopolistic practices on the insurance and telecommunication industries, which allows Panamanian companies access to these markets. Costa Rica will allow Panamanian telecommunication companies to render their services in their land as long as Panama maintains reciprocity.

Tourists continue to come to Panama. During the first semester of the year 771,376 tourists arrived, which means a 12.2% increase on the same period last year according to the Panamanian Institute of Tourism (IPAT).

Tocumen International airport experience a growth of 25.3% of visitors compared to the same period last year. Around 15 international airlines operate from this airport. Paso Canoas, on the Costa Rican border, received a growth of 19.1%. In contrast, marine entry decreased by 18.2%.Tourists continue to come to Panama. During the first semester of the year 771,376 tourists arrived, which means a 12.2% increase on the same period last year according to the Panamanian Institute of Tourism (IPAT).