The Weekly Journal - November 13, 2019

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Courtesy Marriott

Wednesday, November 13-20, 2019 - // no. 029

MARRIOTT PREPARES TO DEVELOP A NEW HOTEL IN ISLA VERDE P8 MILLIONS IN FEDERAL GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL RESEARCH P6

INVESTMENT

OF $235 MILLION >Gabriel López Albarrán

An electric power system, an extended care facility for veterans and an affordable-living housing complex will boost Guaynabo’s economy

G Rosario Fajardo

NICOLE FAS AMONG THE BEST MIXOLOGISTS IN THE WORLD P24

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

uaynabo Mayor Ángel Pérez Otero has been pushing for more economic development initiatives, and the latest to be announced are three publicprivate partnerships (P3) in the areas of energy generation and distribution, assisted living facilities for veterans and social interest housing.

Puma Energy is investing $150 million for an electric

power system to generate electricity using liquid petroleum gas. The Four Winds Assisted Living and Extended Care for Veterans is a $60 million project and the Proyecto Barrio Río is a $25 million affordable-living housing complex.

All three “joint ventures,” or P3s, are being developed in conjunction with Guaynabo City, which owns the land that will be developed. The municipality will also offer other support, such as tax incentives, and assist with the permit process.

GO TO PAGE 4

>Courtesy Guaynabo City

GENESIS SECURITY EXPANDS TO FLORIDA P14

P3 PROJECTS ON THE WAY WITH AN

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, November 13, 2019 > 2

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A WEEK IN REVIEW GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES NEW TOURISM PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NEW YORK STATE AND PUERTO RICO

>Archive

>Brandon Cruz González

>Carlos RIvera Giusti

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez announced a new, integrated partnership that will highlight popular attractions in both locations in order to increase visitation. Both governors will direct state resources toward the promotion of reciprocal visitation to each destination over the next year. Governor Cuomo also announced that Chocolate Cortés, the leading chocolate manufacturer in the Caribbean, and a longstanding Puerto Rican and Dominican brand, will expand into New York State with its restaurant concept, Chocobar Cortés.

“New York maintains robust economic and cultural ties with Puerto Rico and this new partnership will take advantage of all that the state and the island have to offer while bolstering both tourism industries through an integrated marketing campaign,” Governor Cuomo said.

TRIPLE-S PAID $692M IN HURRICANE MARIA CLAIMS Triple-S Propiedad Inc. (TSP), the company’s P&C subsidiary, has paid a cumulative amount of $692 million in claims related to Hurricane Maria.

Estimated gross losses remain unchanged at $967 million. 10 new claims were received during the third quarter, increasing the total number of claims to 17,746. The company has closed approximately 96 percent of these claims. 709 claims remain open.

Powered BY El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 1064 Ave Ponce de León 2nd floor San Juan, PR Postal Address: PO Box 15074, San Juan, PR 00902

DDEC TOUTING THE BENEFITS OF ACTS 20/22 A study commissioned by Manuel Laboy, secretary of the Department for Economic Development (DDEC by its Spanish acronym), concluded that the agency has approved 1,680 Act 20 decrees since 2015. These decrees have, in turn, created 8,257 direct jobs. The study also revealed that the agency has granted 2,202 decrees under Act 22, and that, of these, 768 decree holders have established businesses in Puerto Rico, resulting in the creation of 4,393 jobs.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

Human Resources Director Arlene Rolón, PHR arolon@elvocero.com

Managing Editor Yennifer Álvarez yalvarez@wjournalpr.com

Comptroller Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

Traffic Director Ilia M. Pérez Centeno iperez@elvocero.com

Multi-Platform Digital Director Stephanie Gómez Álvarez sgomez@elvocero.com

Production Director Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

Editorial Director Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

Multi-Platform Graphic Director Héctor L. Vázquez hvazquez@elvocero.com

Phone: 787-622-2300, 787-721-2300 Customer Service: 787-622-7480

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 former president of the CoC. “We have focused our efforts on achieving The announcements were made during an agile and open municipal government for a Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CoC) the entrepreneur and investor who wants forum held in Guaynabo. The event is part of to establish his the CoC’s effort to business or invest in promote business our city,” said Pérez investment and during the activity. other economic “Thanks to our development incentive program, initiatives around the ideal location and island. an open policy that “With this facilitates business summit, which management, we are initiating Guaynabo is the in Guaynabo, we best place to live, begin a series of work and invest. events that the CoC This event allows us wishes to hold with to demonstrate the municipalities— benefits of investing joining forces with in Guaynabo, making each one—to provide new partners and relevant information growing together,” to potential investors the mayor said. and entrepreneurs -Luis Torres Llompart, Based on 2018 U.S. who are evaluating a former president of the CoC Census Bureau data, impact projects Guaynabo has an for investment. estimated population Guaynabo has of 83,787 people, a managed to harmonize its natural beauties drop of 14.4 percent since April 2010, when with the needs of various sectors to achieve an the municipality had 97,918 residents. This is extensive catalog of investment options; that consonant with the population drop in all of is why we are here,” Luis Torres Llompart, a

We begin a series of events that the Chamber of Commerce wishes to hold with municipalities—joining forces with each one—to provide relevant information to potential investors and entrepreneurs who are evaluating impact projects for investment.

Illustration of the Four Winds assisted living facility for veterans in Guaynabo. >Courtesy

Puerto Rico, widely attributed to the island’s economic depression and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2010, the island had an estimated population of 3.8 million, which has dropped to 3.1 million today.

This represents a total population decrease of 18.4 percent.

Guaynabo residents are relatively well-off compared with the islandwide average, as the median household income was $34,060 a year, according to 2018 Census figures. By comparison, the median household income in Puerto Rico was $19,343 for that year. In 2018, the municipality also registered 2,034 business establishments, employing 38,450 people.

Puma Energy

Puma Energy’s P3 project involves a 100-megawatt power generator, powered by liquid petroleum gas turbines, according to Mario Sierra, the company’s general manager on the island. “We are more than just fuel… We will use a microgrid. We will have power plants.

This will be located on land that is contiguous to our existing Puma facilities in Guaynabo,” he said.

Sierra explained that the $150 million project will also include line transmission and distribution. He also highlighted the project’s benefits, including hiring local staff; using cleaner, sustainable energy; and savings for consumers.

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“We estimated that savings will be 8 percent to 20 percent lower than what customers are paying now. This is energy that is trustworthy, that clients will have all the time, so there are tangible and intangible benefits,” he said. “Our equipment will be in great shape and will not be subject to the ups and downs of voltage.”

Puma Energy has partnered with PASH, a global investor in the clean energy sectors, which has headquarters in London. A new company, Puma Power Puerto Rico, has also been established to carry out the project. “This is part of our strategic alliance with Guaynabo and we are in the process of undertaking viability studies, identifying potential clients, seeking permits and carrying out soil studies,” Sierra said.

As a related project, he said that Puma Energy is also working to provide solar energy to 150 gasoline stations in its network of about 329 retail sites across the island.

Four Winds Assisted Living for Veterans

The second P3 project in Guaynabo is an assisted living facility for veterans. Franklin López, the president and CEO of Four Winds, which is developing the project, said the need is great, as there are about 88,000 veterans in Puerto Rico and there are no assisted living facilities on the island specifically earmarked for this population group.

“The island’s demographics is a challenge.

We are losing people and we are aging. But there is a sector that is growing: elderly care.

This represents an opportunity,” he said. López pointed out that while elderly care is a relatively new industry in Puerto Rico, as traditionally families care for their elderly relatives at home, in the mainland U.S., it is a growing business, generating about 3.6 million jobs across the nation.

The project will have independent and assisted living and apartments for veterans. In total, 370 units are planned for the site. Four Winds will provide 24/7 nursing care, as well as other medical services, along with meals, transportation, recreation activities, housing and laundry. Rents will start at $1,895 a month, much less than other assisted living facilities in Puerto Rico, which can run as high as $5,000 a month in San Juan.

The facility will be operated and managed

by Miami Senior Living, which already handles 17 of these types of facilities in Florida and Georgia.

Besides the tax incentives granted by the municipality, the project is also earmarked to receive federal tax incentives for low-income housing, as well as Community Development Block Grants for disaster recovery, López said. Construction should begin in the coming months.

While he told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that the initial target market is veterans in Puerto Rico, López said he also hopes that Puerto Rican vets living stateside will also come back to the island and live here.

Puma Energy is working on a P3 project in Guaynabo to generate and distribute electricity. >Archive

Proyecto Barrio Río - Affordable Living Housing

Finally, the third “joint venture” to be unveiled is Proyecto Barrio Río, which is an affordableliving housing complex.

“There is a need for low cost, safe and affordable housing in Puerto Rico,” said Ali Rizek, president and CEO of Integral Development, which is developing the project.

The social interest development will have 198 housing units, which will include row houses and walk ups. The $25 million “at cost” development will have energy efficient units, which will provide additional savings for homeowners.

While the definition of affordable living varies from state to state and city to city, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that a household should not spend more than 30 percent of its income in housing, whether it is rent or a mortgage. “An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households now pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes for housing. A family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fairmarket rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States,” HUD states in its website.

Rizek explained to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that in Puerto Rico, affordable living housing is generally defined as units that are priced at no higher than $150,000.

“We have already submitted permits applications, such as to the Department of Natural & Environmental Resources, and we hope to begin construction in April,” he said.

According to Guaynabo Mayor Ángel Pérez, opening businesses is the best way to improve the economy.

To that end, Guaynabo is speeding up the permit processes. >Gabriel López Albarrán

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SBA Holds First “Road Tour” in Puerto Rico for Small Businesses, Researchers Working on Tech Ideas Millions in federal grants are available to help with research and development

T Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

he U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will hold its first “road tour” in Puerto Rico this week, with a focus on connecting entrepreneurs working on advanced technology to the country’s largest source of early stage funding – the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Also known as America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/ STTR programs focus on next generation research and development (R&D) and is led by the SBA with 12 participating federal agencies, including the U.S. Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Environmental Protection and Transportation departments.

As part of the road tour, participating federal agencies will conduct one-on-one meetings with small businesses, researchers and inventors; take part in targeted panels; discuss technology areas; and share insights into how the agencies make funding decisions The seed funds from each agency provide a grant of $150,000 for Phase I of the initial R&D, as part of the process of “lab to market.” Agencies can also provide a second grant of $1 million for Phase II, or the “full” R&D of the concept.

Yvette Collazo, the executive director of the SBA’s office in Puerto Rico, indicated the island has several niche areas that could be developed, such

Federal agencies are interested in helping researchers, as disaster mitigation, tropical medicine, including scientists and small businesses develop technology in fighting mosquito-borne diseases, and deep-sea many areas, including agriculture. >Carlos Rivera Giusti research. Other areas in which Puerto Rico could develop much-needed technological innovations include the agriculture and aerospace industries. the facilities at its Molecular Sciences building; a To date, scientists, researchers and $4.6 million grant for the Aerospace Institute at the entrepreneurs from Puerto Rico have obtained Aguadilla campus; and $8.9 million for the university about $10 million of these seed fund monies, to develop initiatives on ocean economy, which is totaling 40 grants. often called the Blue Economy. “These initiatives By comparison, $40 billion of these seed fund are part of the federal government’s efforts to monies have been awarded in the mainland U.S., help the university promote R&D and economic totaling 160,000 grants. development,” he said.

Per the 50 states, the average The Puerto Rico Science, would be $800 million for each Technology and Research Trust state, distributed among 3,200 has also joined the endeavor, as grants. it seeks to continue promoting With Puerto Rico lagging so far innovation, technology transfer To date, behind in this effort, the need for and commercializing R&D. scientists, the “road tour” to help spread researchers and In the past three years, the entrepreneurs from the word is imperative, federal trust has helped scientists Puerto Rico have officials said. “This effort is a and researchers file 43 obtained about $10 way to match innovators with invention disclosures, 24 million of these federal agency financial support patent applications, with five seed fund monies, for R&D,” Collazo added. “Many patents issued; eight awarded totaling 40 grants. small businesses are looking to for options and licenses; add new products, services and and establishing two startup technology to their business companies, according to Gilberto offerings. This effort helps small Márquez, CFO of the trust. business innovators, researchers and inventors A clear success story is Parallel 18, which serves so that they can commercialize their technology as the trust’s “venture creator,” he indicated. “Since [ideas] and compete on a similar level as big 2016, when Parallel 18 began, 179 companies have businesses.” been admitted to the program. Of these, 55 have The federal government is aware of the founders from Puerto Rico and 124 are foreign. challenges the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) is Their companies have created 552 jobs and facing when it comes to competing for research reported $66 million in revenues,” Márquez said. grants, noted John Bittman, a policy specialist who The Puerto Rico SBA “road tour” event will be is assigned to the U.S. Department of Commerce. held on Nov. 14 and 15 at the Commerce and Bittman told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that the Export Co.’s main office on calle Chardón in San UPR has received a $9.9 million grant to improve Juan. For more information, call (787) 525-4111.

In fact...

7 < The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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San Juan Marriott Joins the All-Inclusive Game, Unveils Other Plans

The hotel chain keeps evolving in its pursuit of satisfying the preferences of new and loyal travelers

T Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournalpr.com

@cynthia_lope

wo months after Marriott International jumped into the all-inclusive market, the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in Condado launched the program in Puerto Rico, while the hotel chain prepares for the construction of a new resort in Isla Verde, among other projects in the pipeline.

The vacation package -available only for groupsoffers a variety of experiences and culinary options from buffet-style lunch and dinner to lunch à la carte and unlimited beverages. For adults, the amenities include access to spa facilities and tennis courts. For kids, the adventure includes a pool with a 90-foot spiral water slide, an arcade and other

entertainment venues. Rates go from $358 countries and territories. Nine of for a single-occupancy fare to $265 for those brands have franchises in a double. To book this deal, groups Puerto Rico: Sheraton, Ritzcan be as small as a party of 10 or Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, as large as 150. The first groups Four Points, Courtyard, are scheduled to arrive in midMarriott, La Concha December.

Renaissance, AC Hotel “We are always trying to and Aloft, currently under innovate with new programs and construction. new services. Two weeks ago we “We believe in the launched an all-inclusive package destination. In the last for groups here in San Juan,” José few years, we have been González Espinosa, Area adding brands to General Manager for our portfolio. For >Brandon Cruz González Marriott Puerto Rico, example, the AC Hotel revealed. “This is the in Condado, which first hotel in San Juan to is two blocks away offer this travel option.” from the Marriott, and The program is now the Aloft at the only part of Marriott’s Convention District in expansion plan on San Juan, scheduled to the island. Marriott open in Feb. 2020, and International, the we have more projects -José González Espinosa, world’s biggest hotel in the pipeline,” Area General Manager for Marriott chain, operates 30 González said in brands in over 7,000 general terms.

Puerto Rico properties across 131 Are there any plans to expand into Isla Verde? asked THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. “Absolutely. Isla Verde is in the map. We also have projects in other parts of Condado. There are additional projects in the southern and western parts of Puerto Rico, including another one in Ponce,” responded the hotelier.

“It will be a new hotel, a new brand. I can’t give you many details. We are in the early stages,” he added of the project in Isla Verde.

We are here for the long haul.

We don’t see Puerto Rico as short-term. We want to be here growing and being part of the destination.

Dual-Brand on the Horizon

>Courtesy San Juan Marriott Resort

The new ventures also embrace other hospitality models. The San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in Condado underwent a major makeover after the damages suffered from Hurricane Maria two years ago, and it embarked on an $80 million renovation of its 404-room main tower. More changes are on the horizon.

“We plan to build another tower. It’s going to be a new brand to transform the hotel into a dual-brand. We haven’t decided on the brand yet,

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>Courtesy San Juan Marriott Resort

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but it will be an option for long-stay customers,” shared González of a trend that combines multiple concepts under one roof.

“I think this is the power of a brand, catering to different segments. Puerto Rico is a perfect example of how we are developing brands in the destination and being part of the success of the destination,” he added.

The changes in the lodging sector, due -in partto the boom of independent rentals like Airbnb don’t worry him. “We see them as part of the customer needs and every destination has Airbnb.

Instead of seeing them as competition, we should see them as another offer for the customers. What we have to do is create the demand. The more demand you create, the more Airbnb’s you can have, more hotels and the more revenue you can bring to the island.”

Recognizing the opportunity for growth in this sector, last April, Marriott International launched its Homes and Villas home-sharing initiative, according to Forbes. The program offers 2,000 high-end properties in over 100 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

“We feel very strongly that the DMO needs more funds. We need to continue investing in marketing to create more demand... I really think that the way they are investing their marketing funds, when you see the return on investment, how much you get back in revenue per customer, is one of the best we’ve ever had,” González said.

“Part of our strategy in Puerto Rico is working together with the DMO, and the Marriott has aligned its marketing strategy and our marketing plans so that we can maximize resources without confusing the customers.”

Among the Best Employers

Marriott’s commitment goes beyond expansion plans and travel packages. González highlighted that the Sheraton ranked second on Puerto Rico’s Best Medium Employer list and the Marriott grabbed the fifth position on the Best Large Employer list. At the beginning of the year, Marriott International also ranked #31 on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list.

“We are here for long. We don’t see Puerto Rico as short-term. We want to be here growing and being part of the destination,” concluded González.

DMO Budget

Like other members of the tourism industry, González favored a proposal to increase Discover Puerto Rico’s budget insisting the marketing strategy of the entity is working. Last week, the House of Representatives held hearings to discuss a bill that would allocate an additional $10 million for the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), a private non-profit corporation responsible for promoting the island internationally as a tourist destination, which operates with public funding.

During the debate of the measure, however, questions surfaced about Brad Dean, head of the DMO, and his priorities since the current budget reflects an increase in payroll expenses and charges for the acquisition of lavish furniture like a desk and a chair at a price of $10,600.

The San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in Condado launched an all-inclusive program for groups. >Brandon Cruz González

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Bill to Raise DMO’s Budget Met With General Approval, Some Skepticism

Despite the private sector’s support, minority party representative denounces supposed funding mismanagement

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

he local House of Representatives is in the process of evaluating a bill that would increase the state’s funding to the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO), Discover Puerto Rico—a measure that has garnered widespread approval from the tourism and hospitality sector, but raised eyebrows and allegations from others.

Rep. Alonso Vega introduced House Bill 2303 to amend the ‘Act for the Promotion of Puerto Rico as a Destination’ to raise Discover Puerto Rico’s assignments from $25 million to $35 million—that is, equivalent to the revenue produced by the room tax above the revenue it produced in the fiscal year 2018-2019— as a bid to boost the organization’s marketing efforts and outreach capabilities.

Last week, the House held the second public hearing for the bill, in which Manuel Laboy Rivera, secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish acronym), affirmed that the legislation would create a “direct proportion” between the DMO’s efforts and their results, which he claimed should have a positive multiplier effect.

“That is, the more tourists come to Puerto Rico and stay in our rooms, the more room tax revenue will be generated and, as a result, the DMO will have the potential to receive more money. This, in turn, will result in more resources for the DMO, which will translate into more capacity to market Puerto Rico as a tourist destination and, as a corollary, more tourists [and a] greater injection for the island and economic development in the

tourism sector,” Laboy Rivera asserted.

Moreover, the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) has repeatedly remarked that its combined efforts with the DMO have led to economic growth in this sector, such as more cruise visits, increased hotel occupancy rates and higher air passenger traffic.

Multiple organizations and entrepreneurs have endorsed the bill or even participated in its public hearings. Some of these include the Hotel & Tourism Association and the P.R. Builders Association (ACPR by its Spanish initials), both of which convey a message of consensus from their respective members and associates.

ACPR Spokesperson Emilio Colón Zavala stated during the hearing that “Puerto Rico is in a better position to continue attracting more groups, conventions and tourists from foreign markets, which would have a great impact on hotels’ occupancy rates, a positive effect on restaurant consumption and retail sales and a greater consumption index through tourism activity, with a significant impact on the treasury and economic development.”

MRepresentative Denounces DMO’s Supposed Funding Mismanagement Despite a resounding endorsement from diverse authorities, the bill has also been laced with criticism. Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Rep. Ángel Matos has vocally disapproved of Discover Puerto Rico’s operations and cited a supposed pattern of funding mismanagement.

In an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL right after the second public hearing, Matos claimed that the DMO has reduced its expenditure finances for promotion and advertisements from $19 million to $16 million while expanding its payroll budget.

He also claimed that the organization spends a dubious amount on catering services for its board of directors’ meetings.

Furthermore, he reminded that Discover Puerto Rico has a 10-year contract with the PRTC and claimed that the DMO has mismanaged a total $3 million, so if this supposed spending continues at the provided rate, the organization will have “mismanaged” roughly $30 million by the end of the initial contract. “That is why before we give out more money, we need to have a clear

understanding of what in the world they are doing with the $25 million,” he said.

“For example, we have recognized that they have a $33,000 budget for food and incidentals to cover mostly the board of directors’ meetings. The problem is that they have overspent up to $44,000, and the reality is that if you divide among 12, 14 people average per meeting we are talking about $350 per person in food for every meeting. Some of the meetings that I have read about last only 30 minutes and we need to understand that if we let spending go that way, and we multiply by 10 years, then we have a misuse of $440,000,” Matos stated, adding that the DMO spent around $10,000 on a desk and executive chair. He also cited that the organization has a $140,000 assignment for travel expenses but it has spent nearly $200,000.

Regarding both the PRTC and Discover Puerto Rico’s continuous reports of growth in the tourism and hospitality sector, the representative denied that these are the result of successful marketing strategies, but rather a direct result of the island’s overall recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico on Sept. 2017.

“I strongly disagree for just one reason: if you see a report that says that the last trimester of 2018 was better than the last trimester of 2017, it’s outrageous because in the last trimester of 2017 we were hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and that’s just stupid economics. You cannot say that groups and conventions in 2018 because, of course, we were down in 2017. And now you are saying that 2019 numbers are better than in 2018. Of course, because… the island was close to shutdown,” Matos affirmed.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked if Matos or his party have considered canceling the DMO’s contract if victorious in the 2020 general election, provided that the organization was established under the Ricardo Rosselló administration, which is part of the New Progressive Party (NPP). To this, the PDP legislator clarified that he does not oppose the concept of Discover Puerto Rico, but demands more transparency to comply with the standards expected of any public entity.

“My position today, and that which I have expressed since the beginning, is that if there is

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a change in government in 2021, we should have quarterly updates so that residents may have a a Tourism Company back, not a Tourism Office… better understanding of Discover Puerto Rico and and yes, we will have a DMO, maybe a DMO closer its deeds. to home, a DMO with maybe a less bureaucratic “I think the important thing here is to define, far board of directors,” Matos said. from criticizing and destroying the DMO, which is Convention District Stands by Bill the vehicle that we have to promote Puerto Rico…

Meanwhile, Noelia García—chairwoman of what will we recommend for the DMO to have Discover Puerto Rico’s greater success? Well, board of directors all things considered, and executive director my recommendation of the Convention is for the DMO to have District in San Juan— a greater presence in responded to these the local media,” García allegations, citing that said. the DMO presents García shared a quarterly industry letter she addressed updates that include to Rep. Alonso, the records of its spending. author of H.B. 2023 -Noelia García, executive director of the García directly and chairman of the Convention District and chairwoman dismissed the claim House Committee on that the organization Tourism and Social of the DMO’s board of directors spent thousands of Wellbeing, in which she dollars on an executive observed that Puerto desk and chair, Rico’s budget for its explaining that one of the aforementioned reports DMO is considerably lower than other jurisdictions detailed that the expense was the mount of the with similar or fewer inhabitants. For example, DMO’s spending on furniture for its offices during the city of Fort Myers in Florida has a population the beginning of its functions. Moreover, she of roughly 80,000 but invests $112 million in urged the island’s news media to report on these tourism marketing. With this in mind, and the

If we compare ourselves with other jurisdictions the correct budget [for the DMO] should approach about $50 million.

organization’s reported potential to boost the local economy, García told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that the ideal budget for Discover Puerto Rico should tally at $50 million.

To justify her recommendation, García observed that in just over a year, the DMO managed to secure 36 percent of the Puerto Rico Convention Center’s bookings from 2019 to 2023 and the events with the highest number of participants.

PRISA Group CEO Federico “Friedel” Stubbe, who is overseeing the development of District Live in the Convention District and has invested more than $1.2 billion in the island’s tourism and hospitality sector since 2010, echoed García’s statements during the bill’s second public hearing.

Stubbe pleaded to increase Discover Puerto Rico’s allocations up to $50 million as a means to enact a more aggressive marketing effort to safeguard the island’s image, which has taken a toll since 2017 due to the Zika virus epidemic, the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, corruption allegations and federal investigations.

“Our image is being systemically destroyed.

We have to reverse this trend,” Stubbe said. “The DMO is a great vehicle. They have been extremely effective with everything, including this mess of an image that we have. Even so, tourism has grown and they work with very low expenses, only 6.4 percent of their budget,” he said.

Noelia García, center, executive director of the Convention District, affirmed that the government needs to increase assignments to Discover Puerto Rico to boost its marketing outreach. >Courtesy

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Liberty Latin America Reports Strong Numbers in Revenues, Subscribers Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

Liberty Puerto Rico: Room for growth in broadband market

B

oosted by its announced acquisition of AT&T’s operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), Liberty Latin America posted strong numbers for third quarter (Q3) 2019, reporting an additional 80,000 new subscribers in the region.

The company’s year-to-date (YTD) additions in regional subscribers across fixed and mobile products is over 270,000.

Liberty Puerto Rico also reported strong growth for the quarter, adding 6,300 new subscribers, bringing the total of additional subscribers on the island to 33,100 YTD, mainly driven by an increase in broadband subscribers. Reported revenue for Liberty Puerto Rico’s Q3 2019 stood at $104.3 >Courtesy Liberty million, which represented a 4.7 percent increase from Q3 2018. Liberty Puerto Rico also reported continuing to invest in Puerto Rico, in innovation $306.7 million in revenue for YTD 2019, a 26.9 and technology,” he said. percent increase over the same period last year.

Liberty Puerto Rico reported that Operating According to a 2018 report by Google, Puerto Cash Flow (OCF) has grown strongly this year, Rico has an internet penetration of 83 percent “as we have now fully recovered from the 2017 among the population, with the vast majority of hurricanes.” Liberty Puerto Rico’s OCF margin of connections—70 percent—conducted through 48.7 percent in Q3 2019 is the highest among the mobile phones. company’s reporting segments.

However, broadband internet penetration for Meanwhile, property and homes on the island remains equipment additions of $17 relatively low, at around 55 million represented 16 percent percent to 60 percent, according of the revenue in Q3 2019, a to Naji Khoury, president and significant reduction compared CEO of Liberty Puerto Rico. By to the prior year, “as we lapped comparison, this figure is about Liberty Puerto the final quarter of rebuild 90 percent in the mainland U.S., Rico has increased investments related to the 2017 he added. speeds in all of hurricanes,” the company said. In “There is definitely room its new internet Q3 2019, new build and upgrade for growth in Puerto Rico. plans, including its initiatives brought in 3,000 new Our results in customer popular 150 Mbps homes. gains indicate we are bundles, which now While the telecom industry in gaining market share. We are offer 200 Mbps.

Puerto Rico will soon be down also gaining a large share of the to three companies—Liberty, growth in internet connectivity in T-Mobile and Claro—Khoury said homes,” he said to THE WEEKLY that, as in banking, economies JOURNAL. of scale also matter in telecom. In other words, The company’s AT&T purchase is an indication as a company gets bigger, through a merger or of Liberty’s commitment to Puerto Rico, he said.

“Our network is solid and stable. We are continuing purchase, costs go down.

For his part, Liberty Latin America CEO Balan to expand in areas that we did not serve. We are

In fact...

Nair stressed the company’s focus on product innovation as an important element in their growth strategy. “We expect to bring several new products to our markets in the coming quarters. One such example is our soon-to-be launched video platform in Puerto Rico,” he said.

The new platform will function as a central video content aggregator, with a “sophisticated” recommendation engine, “seamless” multi-screen capabilities and access to applications and other content, he indicated. “We believe this cloudbased video platform will further differentiate our product offering on island and will dramatically enrich our customers’ video and entertainment experience.”

Q3 results for Liberty Latin America include $967 million in revenue, $70 million of operating loss and $380 million in OCF. “In early October, we announced the $1.95 billion acquisition of AT&T’s wireless and wireline operations in Puerto Rico and the USVI. We believe these assets, when combined with our marketleading Puerto Rico operations, will create a strong and competitive integrated communications player capable of providing enhanced value to customers,” Nair said.

Liberty Latin America operates in over 20 countries and territories across Latin America and the Caribbean.

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< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Genesis Security Services Breaks Ground in Florida

The Puerto Rican company seeks to undertake American markets

F

Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

or the past 22 years, Genesis Security Services Inc. has been providing a diverse offer of safety measures to its clients islandwide.

Now, the Puerto Rican company is in the process of exporting its services to Florida in a bid to attract both, Puerto Ricans who migrated to the U.S. mainland, and the rest of the population in the Sunshine State.

Yasel Morales García, director of the Technology Division at Genesis, affirmed to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that this family-owned business is one of Puerto Rico’s top three security services companies. In the case of Genesis, these services include surveillance cameras with sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, intrusion alarms, controlled access, security guards and other monitoring mechanisms.

The company conducted a market study and concluded that the large amount of Puerto Ricans who have relocated to Florida allowed for a business opportunity, since Puerto Ricans are reportedly prone to support their fellow

countrymen, according to Morales García.

“There are many Puerto Ricans there and Puerto Ricans are more patriotic when we are away. I know that taking a company that is purely Puerto Rican there will be a good opportunity. I don’t want to be misunderstood, that that will not be our only market—it will be more extensive—but that is where we will begin; that is the path we are taking,” she explained.

Talks of exporting the company’s services began in 2015 but were interrupted by a series of local projects. Genesis resumed to its goal of expansion earlier this year with eyes set on Orlando and Miami—two cities with a noticeable Puerto Rican presence. Genesis is currently engaging in multiple meetings to advertise its services in that southern state, as well as attending meetings and events.

Locally, Genesis aims to continue expanding its reach and updating its tech services, particularly with the establishment of a new emergency operations center (COE by its Spanish acronym) in San Juan and by attracting more clients.

Wilfredo Morales Rivera, project manager and Morales García’s cousin, informed that amongst the company’s clientele are Lufthansa, Metropistas—the private entity in charge of operating Highways 5 and 6—condominiums, gated communities, senior citizen homes and several government entities, among others.

Its most prominent client, however, is the P.R. Department of Education (DOE), for which Genesis installed roughly 10,000 surveillance cameras in

856 public schools islandwide.

“The feedback [from DOE] has been very positive. We have reduced incidences in schools— vandalism and trespassing—by 97 percent. That has never been seen in Puerto Rico. To provide an example, last Halloween there were no trespassing incidents,” Morales Rivera asserted.

Apart from providing a sense of security to its clients, Genesis’ tech systems also provide data that could be beneficial for businesses to assess growth opportunities. For example, Morales García explained that Genesis uses heat maps that allow businesses to determine the number of people who visit the establishment and the location where customers spend more time in within their facilities.

“That is not related to physical safety, but it is used in the components, such as cameras and alarms.

People count, license plates, facial detection—all of that is used to generate data and those are things that we manage as well,” she stated.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked if the island’s alarming criminality rates, as well as safety concerns stateside, are expected to generate a healthier business environment. “I see opportunities,” Morales García replied. “The reality is that with the crime statistics… it sounds cruel, but people are scared. And that is an opportunity for us to be able to provide the security they need.

I see this business growing and more so with emerging technologies, with which we will be able to cover all needs,” she added.

Yasel Morales García, director of the Technology Division at Genesis, affirmed that this family-owned business is one of Puerto Rico’s top three security services companies. >Gabriel López Albarrán

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/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Puerto Rico Earns a

“D-” Energy receives a failing grade, while other categories are in poor or at-risk conditions

O Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

n Tuesday, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2019 Report Card for Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure, concluding that much of the island’s foundations are reaching the end of their useful lives.

The report evaluated eight infrastructure categories—bridges, drinking water, dams, energy, ports, solid waste, roads and wastewater. Of these, seven are in poor or at-risk condition and one is failing or in critical condition. Overall, the cumulative score or grade point average was ‘D-.’

The individual grades were: bridges (D+), dams (D+), drinking water (D), ports (D), roads (D-), solid waste (D-), wastewater (D+) and energy (F). These scores are well below the U.S. national average.

During the press conference, held at the Puerto Rico Engineers & Land Surveyors Association (CIAPR by its Spanish initials) headquarters, ASCE Technical Region Director Brian D. McKeehan said that this report, the first that ASCE has conducted for Puerto Rico, is a “benchmark” that will allow the local government to determine the public policy necessary to improve the scores of these categories.

“It’s not intended to be a commentary or evaluation of the performance of any particular government department or agency. On the

on Infrastructure Report Card

From left, Sen. Larry Seilhamer and engineers Brian McKeehan and Héctor Colón comment on Puerto Rico’s lagging infrastructure and the need of establishing an aggressive public policy to improve the island’s score on infrastructure categories. >Courtesy ASCE

contrary, the team found that in many cases government officials are doing exemplary work with the limited resources allotted to them. Puerto Rico continues to prioritize investment in infrastructure even during challenging cycles and they need to be commended for that,” McKeehan stated.

In order to boost Puerto Rico’s scores, ASCE highlighted the need to increase the resiliency of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure by creating a multisectorial committee comprised of a wide variety of stakeholders and experts in the corresponding fields as to establish a plan for an affirmative course of action. ASCE also recommended the implementation of comprehensive and consistent maintenance programs and databases.

The report stressed that many of the island’s public agencies have a small number of technical experts to operate the infrastructure in accordance with regulations and customer expectations. As such, these government instrumentalities must improve and increase their technical expertise so that they can comply with regulatory requirements.

For his part, engineer Héctor Colón, president of the ASCE chapter in Puerto Rico, explained that this non-profit organization’s goal for the island is to provide guidelines that enhance the local economy, quality of life and infrastructure.

“Looking at these dire grades across all categories, I believe we have an opportunity here to make our island more resilient, sustainable, improve our economy and be better prepared for when the next disaster strikes… Infrastructure is the basis of any country. Without good infrastructure, our economy is affected, as well as our competitiveness and quality of life. For this reason, it is imperative to improve our infrastructure and

that is why we are here,” Colón said.

As an example, he noted that the government invests $1.3 billion annually on infrastructure, but the ideal amount should be $3.3 billion.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked Sen. Larry Seilhamer, who was present at the conference, if that recommended allocation would be feasible, considering that the Financial Oversight & Management Board (FOMB) is requiring more budget cuts in Puerto Rico’s fiscal plan.

“Everyone knows the condition to which the government of Puerto Rico is subject to under the PROMESA law due to an insolvency situation.

Thus, the oversight board is responsible for budget allocations, but $3 billion seems to me to be an attainable figure. Doing nothing would cost more than the $3 billion,” Seilhamer responded. He added that the island’s “historical juncture” allows for federal funding to rebuild the island resiliently, which means that the report’s suggestion is “an attainable and reasonable figure.”

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL followed up with a question concerning the private sector’s possible involvement in the process to improve Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. The senator affirmed that the government will create a task force, which will include the ASCE-Puerto Rico chapter, to establish guidelines and recommendations that will lead to effective public policy, thus complying with the report’s recommendation for a multi-sectorial committee.

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The Woman Who Didn’t Quit From Hewlett-Packard to the Office of Management and Budget, Iris “Chiqui” Santos has tackled challenging positions throughout her life

W Cynthia López Cabán

Iris “Chiqui” Santos became the first Latina vice president and general manager of the manufacturing products division of Hewlett-Packard. >Gabriel López Albarrán

clopez@wjournalpr.com

@cynthia_lope

hen members of former Gov. Ricardo Rosselló’s cabinet were jumping ship last summer, Iris “Chiqui” Santos did the opposite.

After previously turning down the job of director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), she accepted the position in the midst of mass street protests that eventually toppled his government... and doesn’t regret it.

“I believed that there was a need for an OMB director; I could do the job. I could pursue the changes that needed to happen and I made a commitment to myself that I would be supportive

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Santos exudes confidence as she recognizes the challenges and limitations of working under the Financial Oversight Board and within the confines of a fiscal plan. >Gabriel López Albarrán

moving forward. I believe that you are at a position retired in 2008. in time for a reason. I do believe that God works “Many people ask me if I could have grown in mysterious ways,” Santos told THE WEEKLY more or if there was a glass ceiling, I don’t believe JOURNAL. there was. I think you can overcome that. I was just Five days after the appointment, Rosselló a woman that happened to have a job that was announced his resignation, becoming the first mostly done by men,” indicated Santos. governor in the history of Puerto Rico to step down Retirement didn’t last long for the Puerto before the end of his term.

Rican born in Manhattan but raised in Mayagüez.

However, this was not the first time that Santos This mother of three boys worked as a consultant, swam against the tide. and spent a year working in Costa Rica before In 1981, a year after graduating from the returning home.

University of Puerto “I was fully retired Rico in Mayagüez with for a year and then a degree in Computer Maria happened...

Science, she applied That December, I for a general laborer was approached by job at Hewlett-Packard people that were (HP) in Aguadilla. The working with the job called for a person reconstruction, to select the pieces that on the recovery side.

-Iris “Chiqui“ Santos, director of the another worker would They asked me to Office of Management and Budget assemble and turn into join them,” Santos a keyboard, a monitor recalled. or computer.

She accepted “It was a job in a warehouse, as a material the proposition out of a sense of duty. Initially, handler. It was a job done by men, a job that Santos worked for the Governor’s Authorized didn’t earn much. They told me ‘we can’t give Representative (GAR) Office under José Iván you the job because you are a woman. This is a Marrero. “It was a very interesting [job] interview. guy’s job, plus you are overqualified’. I kind of Marrero told me all the reasons why this job convinced them that I wouldn’t be doing that job wasn’t the best job in the world because of how for long and they hired me,” Santos recounted challenging it would be. I thought to myself, ‘oh grinning broadly. well challenging is good’.”

She was spot on. “[Hurricane] Maria was terrible but a the same Three months later, she began her ascent up time the silver lining behind Maria is this great the corporate ladder until becoming the first opportunity for us to rewrite our story... So that Latina vice president and general manager of excited me. The way I saw it; if we have all this the manufacturing products division of the inkjet money that is going to come to us, and we are cartridge plant. After 27 years of service, Santos going to have the opportunity to rebuild resiliently,

My commitment to the governor is to be here for as long as she needs me.

then we should define a strategy to do that. Let me be part of understanding what our economic development strategy is going to be and be sure that we redesign for that.”

From the office of the GAR, Santos moved to the OMB and later assisted Marrero when he became Rosselló’s advisor. Then, she was approached again to serve as the subdirector of OMB. “I never thought I would work in government. I started working for the GAR and ended up in OMB. I am pulled back to OMB after I leave and after thinking about it, I was like, ‘God wants me here’,” she said.

Almost four months into the job, Santos exudes confidence as she recognizes the challenges and limitations of working under the Financial Oversight Board and within the confines of a fiscal plan.

“You have a fiscal plan. We committed to that.

Since coming in, Wanda Vázquez, the governor, has pursued a strategy of transparency and collaboration with the board. We are going to fight for those things that are critical and important, but we are also going to partner with them so that they can understand what our needs are, and for us to understand what is behind the numbers in those plans.”

To respond to the changing role of the office, she said the OMB has become a mediator or “defense lawyer” of sorts between the Oversight Board and the agencies. “We help them prepare their case so that they can present their [budget] redistribution, their request to the board in such a way that it can be approved.”

And, for now, Santos plans to continue steering the boat into the harbor. “My commitment to the governor is to be here for as long as she needs me.”

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Women Entrepreneurs at Fifth Annual Animus Summit Designed to inspire women, Animus will showcase local female entrepreneurs like Carla Bauzá from Ogma and Marisol Villalobos from Amasar Claudia Guerrero Negrón

G

cguerrero@wjournalpr.com

@cguerreronegron

athering women entrepreneurs, students, professors and professionals every year since 2014, the Animus innovation summit will be held this Friday, Nov. 15 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

Joining this conglomerate of trend setters, go-getters and disrupters is Marisol Villalobos, owner of Amasar, an agroecological farm that produces an organic line of breadfruit-based flour; and Carla Bauzá, founder and Animus is a platform dedicated to president of Ogma, a multi-service language studio that offers translation services to a variety of sectors. showcasing and broadcasting the extraordinary >Gabriel López Albarrán accomplishments that women like Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Grammy award-winner Rita Moreno and proteins that made it the ideal product to Local Women as Speakers at Summit and olympic gold medalist Monica Puig have experiment with.

Joining this conglomerate of trend setters, gohad the opportunity to present to thousands of Villalobos’ background in microbiology helped getters and disrupters is Marisol Villalobos, owner women. her develop a breadfruit flour mix that is gluten of Amasar, an agroecological farm that produces The Animus workshops, business marketplace, free, non-GMO, with no added sugar, high in fiber an organic line of breadfruit-based flour; and Carla startup showcases and mentor booths are some and that includes 3g of protein.

Bauzá, founder and of the opportunities “A lot of people are unaware of all of the health president of Ogma, a women professionals benefits this fruit has. That is why I am also multi-service language have at engaging and determined to educate the public. I am a teacher, studio that offers connecting with likeso that will always be part of my mission,” said translation services to minded individuals to Villalobos. a variety of sectors. network and inspire Villalobos founded Amasar in 2017, an Villalobos and Bauzá one another. agroecological farm in the mountains of Jayuya, will be part of the This year, Animus Puerto Rico where she currently grows around Startup Showcase Health is being 10 acres of breadfruit trees, which are ideal for where they will present introduced as an reforestation as they grow quickly and easily all their business projects educative space for over the island and are easy to care for. A single to spectators. the importance of tree can produce up to 200 or more fruits per Villalobos, establishing health as -Carla Bauzá, Ogma season. Villalobos and her team have produced 30 an industrial a priority in women’s pounds of breadfruit in 2019 so far.

Founder and President microbiologist and lives. Coming to “I asked myself, how can we create a product educator, was shocked speak at this year’s that is healthy and that can feed our population in when she received conference is Veronica case of emergencies? That is what I have tried to a completely intact breadfruit in Italy sent by a Chambers, an Afro-latina and New York Times create,” said Villalobos. friend all the way from Puerto Rico. The disbelief best-selling poet who has edited a collection of didn’t stop there as she discovered all of the health Michelle Obama speeches. Also on the lineup benefits that reside in the fibers of the Puerto is Shailee Basnet, leader of the “Seven Summit Rican-adored breadfruit. The versatile crop is Women Team”, the first group of women in the a superfood high in carbohydrates and a good world to ever climb the highest mountain in each source of antioxidants and many other vitamins of the seven continents.

I’d never had anyone tell me I could be a business owner before. This wasn’t taught to me in school, so when a mentor told me this I thought, ‘well of course!’

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By Inteligencia Económica

T

Economy Remains Stable Heading into End of Year his week we review some economic indicators that show us that the economy is stable for the most part. While some indicators have been a bit lackluster so far, especially manufacturing, at least low energy costs and rising tourism numbers have given us something to be optimistic about.

Energy

There have been some positive energy indicators recently. We have seen overall consumption go up on a year to year basis while average costs have been going down. Consumption went up by 27 percent compared to last year. Energy prices across all classes have gone down from 23 cents per kilowatt hour in August to 20 cents per kilowatt hour in September.

Energy prices have gone down from their high point in April when the

By David R. Martin

T

Government Job Cuts will Worsen Puerto Rico’s Economy

he Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico recently published a presentation on the risks of its 2019 Fiscal Plan. Chief among these is the continuing decrease in Puerto Rico’s population.

The FOMB showed that between the years 2010 to 2018, the island lost 14.3 percent of its residents.

Worldometers, an online data service, estimates that after peaking at 3.75 million in 1999, Puerto Rico’s current population is 2.91 million. The last time the island had a population of this size was in 1976.

Population trends are an important indicator of a jurisdiction’s consumer market. Less people generally mean less consumption.

Less consumption means less commerce. And less commerce means fewer jobs. Then the cycle

goes the other way: fewer jobs mean fewer consumers.

Therefore, unless Puerto Rico can reverse the tide of population loss, the FOMB’s Fiscal Plan is unlikely to meet its goals of paying creditors, growing the economy, and funding public services for the island’s residents Many blame the loss of Section 936 – the federal tax subsidy that propped up the island’s manufacturing base. Others point to globalization and the 2008 Financial Crisis. Yet Puerto Rico’s manufacturing base started to slide well before Section 936 ended in 2006 and other jurisdictions have recovered from the world financial crisis. I posit that the root cause of Puerto Rico’s ongoing population collapse and economic contraction are the persistent cuts to Puerto Rico’s government spending and workforce.

The main problem is an

average cost was 24 cents. Prices since Hurricane Maria have had a couple of high points but have tended to stay around the 20 cent per kilowatt hour level.

Manufacturing

The Purchasing Manager’s Index went up 9 percent in August compared with the month of July, but still stands at 46 points. This indicates that most manufacturers expect a future decline in their business. Amongst the individual components of the index, client’s inventory and backlog are particularly weak, with measurements of 32.5 and 30 respectively. Compared with last year’s strong manufacturing performance in the wake of Hurricane María, this could indicate that we are still feeling the effects of this hurricane on our economy.

Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has remained steady and stable this year. It went down by .4 percentage points in the month of September and up by .04 percentage points compared to Sept. 2018. This drop in the CPI this month was mostly due to drops in the cost of public transportation and clothing.

Hotels Registrations

Hotel Registrations are up compared with last year. After Aug. 2018, there had been 1.19 million total hotel registrations for the year. In 2019, we have had 1.58 million. While this is fewer registrations than the 1.9 and 1.8 that were had in 2017 and 2016, this is an indicator that the industry is recovering.

The average daily rate paid for a hotel room has gone up by $7 or five percent compared with last year as well. entrenched and politically-charged notion that government spending – mostly in the form of government jobs – has been a hindrance, if not the primary cause, of Puerto Rico’s economic crisis. However, the data shows that Puerto Rico’s economic troubles are proportional to its out-migration. This migration is proportional to the number of government jobs that have been eliminated.

From 2008 to 2018, the number of public workers was reduced from 299,000 to 202,000, a loss of 97,000 jobs. This represents almost 10 percent of the one million jobs that the island has today. If each government job supported a family of four, the job cuts would account for almost 400,000 people who left the island in search of livelihoods that the private sector could not provide.

For those acquainted with statistics, a regression analysis using data from 1990 to 2019 shows that government job cuts explain twothirds of Puerto Rico’s population decline.

During the last 30 years, Puerto Rico has never had a vibrant private sector. Government has played a key role in providing income and skill-building opportunities. But this did not mean that the public sector was too large. Inefficient and unproductive? Probably. But too large based on the size of the island’s

population? Comparatively not.

There are four states with comparable populations to Puerto Rico’s: Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi and Nevada. Only Nevada, with 167,000 public workers, has fewer than the 202,000 government employees that Puerto Rico has to serve its residents. One interesting note is that Nevada has a substantially larger leisure and hospitality sector that accounts for 136,000 private sector jobs. This is a sector in which Puerto Rico – with just 79,000 leisure and hospitality jobs – can seriously compete.

However, in order to go toeto-toe with a place like Nevada, Puerto Rico needs more, not less, government spending. This means better investments and skills brought to bear on a next-generation power grid. It means water, sewer and flood control systems that will serve as a model for other coastal areas of the United States. We need airports, highways, roads and sidewalks that are the envy of the world. These essential assets require good people who are well-paid and committed to preserving and improving these vitally competitive tools.

We need to see government workers as an essential investment.

Without them, we will keep losing what we have and we will never attain what we need most: a robust, growing and dynamic economy where people can stay and prosper.

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Escape...If You Dare

Escapism games taking Puerto Rico’s tourism sector by storm

E

Melissa M. Cruz

“

mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

scape rooms” are themed escapism games in which a group of people, usually aged 12 and over, are locked in a room and must search for clues in order to find a way out of the room within a set time limit, usually of 60 minutes.

This is a highly complex leisure activity due to the fact that it requires the use of mental and physical capabilities in order to escape within the set timeframe. To be successful in escaping, the group must be clever, able to work as a team and delegate as to find all the hidden clues.

Puerto Rico hasn’t been immune to the trend that is gaining traction worldwide amongst people who enjoy playing detective, Indiana Jones or who love to figure out movie endings.

Escape Rooms in Puerto Rico

The first escape room in Puerto Rico opened its doors in Old San Juan in 2016. To date, there are at least five escape room companies; two in San Juan and three on the west side of the island.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) has confirmed to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that they do not endorse escape room adventures. However, it is reasonable to investigate this emerging trend

which has the potential to become a great source to enhance team building skills between their of revenue for Puerto Rico. workers.

Luis Pabón, owner of Escape Room Puerto Rico, “This activity is great for that because we give the first escape room established on the island, them different tasks, some are time sensitive stated that since their opening in 2016 they have others aren’t. The teams must work together received a great deal of tourists at their location. with what they have in order to reach their goal: “We’ve had customers who find our locale while escaping,” he added. walking around Old Pabón’s company San Juan, come in currently has three and have a blast; different escape we’ve had people who rooms in San Juan wander in like this and and is planning on like it so much that both, expanding his they end up doing all locale and his offerings of the escape rooms. outside the metro However, most of our area. His escape rooms clients are tourists in Old San Juan are who understand the Prison Break, where the concept and travel visitors must escape around the United from what used to be States visiting escape the state’s penitentiary; rooms,” said Pabón.

Dungeon, where they “Most of our must escape from customers are Cofresí, who’s got them groups that enjoy locked in the “Morro”; the experience and and Explosion, in which travel in search of new the team must find and escape rooms. These return a bomb robbed groups already have a by a treasonous spy.

-Luis Pabón, owner of Escape structure and strategy; On Dec. 2016, Room Puerto Rico they have leaders and Aguadilla welcomed all the participants its first escape room, are assigned different The Escape Room PR, tasks,” he continued. owned and operated by brothers Dan and Edwin Pabón went on to say that he also services Román. Dan went on to say that it took them close companies who use escape rooms in order to a year and a half to set up shop and that most of

We’ve had customers who find our locale while walking around Old San Juan, come in and have a blast; we’ve had people who wander in like this and like it so much that they end up doing all of the escape rooms. However, most of our clients are tourists who understand the concept and travel around the United States visiting escape rooms.

/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

their clients are out-of-towners.

“It’s been hard to attract locals, they are still learning about the concept,” he said.

Dan said that one of the things that attracts people to escape rooms is the opportunity to have a fun and different entertainment experience based on history.

At The Escape Room PR, their adventure consists of finding a millionaire’s killer, diffusing a bomb and liberating hostages in order to save the Olympic games.

Escape room owners are aficionados who have been a part of the scene for years so they understand the adrenaline rush and all of the emotions that these activities bring forth.

Such is the case of Eddie Cadiz, owner of Challenge 59 in San Juan. Although he currently works in public relations, after Hurricane Maria, Cadiz saw the perfect opportunity to embark on the creation of an escape room. On Jan 2018, he finally opened his three-room establishment on Hostos street.

“Although Puerto Rico is new to this scene, it is quickly catching up. In my case, because I work in public relations, I am able to be more successful in terms of advertising and merchandising my product, thus grabbing the public’s attention,” he said.

Cadiz said that although 80 percent of his visitors are tourists, he wishes to focus on companies who want to use his escape rooms for employee team-building skills. He is hoping to add three more escape rooms by Jan. 2020. His current rooms are one in which the participants must escape from a laser beam labyrinth without setting of the alarms; the pursuit of a serial killer; and stopping an asteroid from striking earth.

Eddie Rivera, owner of Salsipuedes Aventuras in Añasco, always hoped to be the first one to establish an escape room in Puerto Rico after his first experience in Boston on 2014. Unfortunately, his plan took longer than expected. He was finally able to open in 2018 at the Complejo Turístico la Hacienda del Don. “Being from the western side of the island, I am aware that we need more entertainment venues that are family friendly. I decided to stay out west and adapt what I wanted to the local market, “he said.

Rivera mentioned that tourists account for 10 percent to 15 percent of his visitors.

“It’s been an interesting ride because when we started people had no idea what this was, but we’ve started to notice a shift. Thanks to the other escape room companies that have cropped up, we’ve been able to notice that this market has a lot of potential in Puerto Rico, and it is not limited to tourists. The community has been really receptive and their positive reviews inspire us to keep growing,” said Rivera.

Rivera’s adventures are La Hacienda and Mission Impossible. Striving for excellence, he changes his designs and clues every six months.

He can also tailor the experience to varying levels of difficulty.

On June 2018, Jorge Soto opened his escape room concept in Mayagüez. Escape N Roll is unique in that it has an ice cream shop and the only Hurricane Maria themed escape room on the island.

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Escape rooms are an attractive option for companies that seek to foster teamwork among their employees in a creative and dynamic way. >Photos Courtesy

Escape from the Escape Room jail in Old San Juan.

Some escape rooms, like Challenge 59, include a labyrinth of laser beams where participants must escape without setting off alarms. >Archive

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Savory Eats at

El Platanal The restaurant celebrates 10 years in Puerto Rico

W Melissa M. Cruz

mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

hen Rafael Hidalgo opened El Platanal in Carolina back in 2009, the establishment only had twelve tables and the crowd favorite was the plantain sandwich.

Fast forward ten years, and he has one restaurant in Carolina, which seats 300 people, and another in Cupey, which seats 130. Plantains are still the main feature on the menu, but the restaurants have been reworked and remodeled in order to provide a more refreshing, comfortable and family-friendly atmosphere.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL had the pleasure of talking to Hidalgo about the recent remodel of the restaurant on 1596 Bori St. in Cupey.

We are always innovating, but this is the first time that we embark on such a large renovation and change every part of the restaurant in a more professional way, with the future in mind -Rafael Hidalgo,

owner of El Platanal

>Photos Courtesy El Platanal

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are always innovating, but this is the first time that we embark on such a large renovation and change every part of the restaurant in a more professional way, with the future in mind,â&#x20AC;? said Hidalgo.

/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The main dining hall and the bathrooms where expanded in order to further accommodate patrons with special needs. The kitchen was also redone and the menu was revamped.

“We wanted to add breakfast items to the menu, and, in keeping with our ‘Platanal’ style, we wanted them to be typical ‘criollo’ breakfasts. These dishes will be available at our locale in Cupey from Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” said the owner.

The new breakfast menu includes items like “mangú” and a Puerto Rican version of the traditional eggs Benedict, but with fried plantain as a base instead of an English muffin. There are also an assortment of sandwiches and toasts on ‘criollo’ bread; fried eggs with sweet fried plantains and sweet cured pork; fried eggs served over a hash of avocado, salami and fried cheese; French toast with caramelized bananas; egg tortilla with plantain chips; wraps; and stuffed avocados, among others.

Hidalgo told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that he plans to offer his breakfast menu at the restaurant in Carolina in the near future.

The locale in Carolina was remodeled after the damage inflicted by 2017’s Hurricane Maria. As part of the remodel, they added a terrace and redid the main dining hall.

El Platanal in Cupey is located next to the La Electrónica building on Bori street and their phone number is (787) 250-8199. Their hours are Sunday to Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 12 a.m. El Platanal in Carolina is located on 65th Infantry ave., km 5.1 and their phone number is (787) 276-1111.

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Nicole

Fas and the

Craft of

Mixing Drinks This mixologist is taking the bar scene by storm after grabbing the second position at the prestigious Bacardí Legacy Cocktail Competition this year

F

Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournalpr.com

@cynthia_lope

or Nicole Fas, bartending is about creating an experience or crafting a moment of delight and emotion.

“The bar is my stage and I am a performer,” she proclaims without hesitation.

She really means it.

Once you cross the threshold of the door at Bottega’s restaurant, on Loíza street in Santurce, and meet this energetic, affable and intuitive

creator of cocktails... you will prolong your stay.

It’s 8 p.m. on a Monday night and Nicky -how her friends call her- commands the bustling bar, full of people laughing and speaking loudly. After greeting a couple that just walked in, the pinkhaired woman retires to the corner to prepare a drink.

Moving with the poise of a dancer, the mixologist stretches her arms to grab a bottle of rum and a jigger, a measuring cup, then rhythmically pours the golden elixir into one of two shaker tins. Other splashes of liquor follow.

“Cocktails are about balance, leading the drinker on a journey through a variety of flavors and accents,” she comments.

Two taps on the shakers to make sure they are sealed and a vigorous dancing session begins.

Firmly, Nicole swings both shakers improvising a rattle that resembles the music of the maracas, a staple instrument in salsa and Latin music. Her body moves smoothly and carelessly to the beat of the impromptu rumba shakers, while she smiles.

The bar overflows with energy as the hypnotic chac-chac stops to liberate a subtle licorice-like

note when the cocktail hits the chilled glass.

“I love art. I love dancing. You heard the shaking.

I want it to sound like music, like a tropical rhythm,” Nicole tells THE WEEKLY JOURNAL of her peculiar style of shaking.

“This is art. Cocktail-making is a culinary art and a very pure form of expression. The same way a chef can evoke certain emotions with a well-crafted plate or trigger a childhood memory with just the scent of an ingredient, a cocktail can provide a universe of sensory experience,” adds Bottega’s bar manager.

Some of that artistry and experimental rumination can be found in ‘Ritmo Tropical’ (Tropical Rythm), a rum-based drink Nicole created for the prestigious Bacardí Legacy Cocktail Competition celebrated last May, in Amsterdam.

The first Puerto Rican to ever participate in the international event, the girl born in Mayagüez grabbed the second place. The daughter of Virginia Figueroa and Fernando Fas was also the only woman among the top three winners and the only representative of the northern hemisphere.

For her signature cocktail, the bartender

/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

balances bitter elements with sweet pineapple kind of souvenirs.” juice and ends with a spritz of anise. “This drink Of the debate between the terms mixologist celebrates individuality and freedom of spirit and bartender, Nicole explains that a mixologist is through the rhythm of music and dance. ‘Ritmo a professional that masters the art or science for Tropical’ is something that comes from within, combining elixirs and creating cocktails, whereas comes from every Puerto Rican. a bartender mainly focuses on It is the spirit of the Caribbean serving. To be successful, in her that speaks through my craft,” eyes, you must master both sides she indicates of Bottega’s bestof the coin. selling cocktail.

“My favorite word is bartender Ingredients: Each ingredient embodies because there is no ego behind it.

1 1/2 ounces (45ml) what she calls the distinctly I am very proud of my craft, but I Bacardí Añejo 4 years Puerto Rican spiciness, that is don’t think we should push aside 1/2 ounce (15ml) Martini also mirrored in Nicole’s raucous those who don’t know how to Bianco and spirited personality.”The make cocktails.”

1 ounce (30ml) Barcardí Añejo 4 represents the For the bartender whose Pineapple juice Caribbean sun and the climate, been slinging drinks for almost 1/2 ounce (15ml) Lime the Martini Bianco represents a decade, the secret of the trade juice the elegance of the lady behind lies in the use of fresh ingredients, 1/2 ounce (15ml) simple syrup the bar, the Peychaud’s bitters premium spirits, creative takes on 2 dashes of Peychaud’s mesh chemically with the fresh old classics, like the ‘Bourbon and bitters pineapple juice. The Peychaud’s Waffles’, a modern version of the Wash or spray/mist of bitters are a little anise-flavored Old Fashioned, flawless attention Absinthe and add a bit of bitterness. to balance and customer service.

Bitterness is needed in life in She effortlessly remembers each Method: order to have sweet moments.” customer’s name, favorite drink Shaken, served strained Formerly a mixologist at and shakes hands firmly when in a cocktail glass.

La Coctelera and Toro Salao, meeting someone new.

Garnish with an orange among a long list of bars in San In the end, the experience of peel.

Juan, Nicky began honing her sitting at the bar sipping a cocktail skills in the restaurant industry becomes a feast for the senses at 15, when she started working leaving no question as to why she’s at her parent’s wine bar in Cabo Rojo. Bartending considered one of the best barkeeps in town. Like was not on the radar, but the cocktail scene Maya Angelou wisely noted, “people will forget what enraptured her while waitressing to pay for art you said, people will forget what you did, but people school. The concepts learned in the classroom, will never forget how you made them feel.” and the long hours self-teaching about an industry that was experimenting a renaissance, shaped her style, which combines a symphony of color, texture and flavor.

At 28, Nicole is one of a few women leaving an imprint in the local contemporary cocktail scene, a trade still dominated by men in Puerto Rico.

“This industry is saturated by men, and there are a lot of men that think male bartenders are better.

The same thing happens with chefs. I used to work with a chef who would say ‘men cook for money and women because they have to’,” she mentions.

“I think that after I won the Barcardí Legacy, a lot of women felt empowered. Some have contacted me through social media.”

Despite the challenges, there has been a surge of women bartenders on the island not at the level of the United States, where 60 percent of the bartenders are women and one, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

Conscious of the barriers her work is helping bring down, Nicole identifies as a queer bartender because the term embodies the desire to live life and without boundaries, like the 23 tattoos covering her body show. “I embraced the word queer because it stands for being happy with the way you are and not caring about what other people think.”

“These tattoos are an expression of art, and feel like valuable jewelry that nobody can take away.

At 28, Nicole is one of a few women leaving an imprint in the local contemporary cocktail scene, a trade still I try to get a new one everywhere I go so they are dominated by men in Puerto Rico.

Ritmo Tropical

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Discover Bayamón’s You will be amazed at how interesting this downtown area has become

W Hallee Patterson

Art Scene

newsroom@wjournalpr.com

hen I was telling my Puerto Rican friends how much I enjoyed Bayamón, universally they lifted their eyes and pronounced, “What? Bayamón. It is an unusual town.” So I started to question myself. Is Bayamón so bad?

I did find locating the downtown area confusing.

But here’s a hint, upon entering the city from Highway 5 you will see a huge sculpture called Estrella Del Norte (North Star) and on your right you will see the Bayamón Urban Train Station.

Turn right just after the station and proceed under the train. Once parked, you will be amazed at how interesting this downtown area has become.

Museo De Arte Francisco Oller (MAFO)

This neoclassical building was constructed in 1907 and was originally the City Hall. In 1984, it was converted into an art museum. This museum was named after Francisco Manuel Oller because he was born in Bayamón. Oller is one of the most famous artists of Puerto Rico. Historians claim he painted more than 900 works; however, only 233 exist today. Oller is considered to be important in the development of impressionism in Latin America. As part of the permanent collection on the second floor, there are seven portraits

by Oller. The first floor and part of the second feature exhibitions that change every 4-6 months.

Therefore, the experience is always new.

13 Degetau St., Bayamón Tuesday—Saturday, 8:30 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Espacio Emergente

Just down the street, this space highlights up-andcoming and important artists in Puerto Rico. There are two floors of eclectic art, modern works and installations. The new exhibition opened Nov. 1.

18 Rossi St., Bayamón Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m.— 4 p.m.

Museo José Celsa Barbosa

Barbosa (1857-1921) became a physician, sociologist, political leader and an equal rights activist. He is best known as father of the statehood movement of Puerto Rico. His wooden house serves as a museum with many plaques describing his accomplishments. One of these was having employers pay a fee for the future healthcare needs of their employees (today’s health insurance programs!). Barbosa was the first Puerto Rican and first person of African descent

to earn a medical degree from the University of Michigan. His museum felt like a doll house to me.

I enjoyed looking at the period furniture and his medical instruments.

16 Barbosa St., Bayamón Tuesday—Saturday, 8:30 a.m.—4 p.m.

Bayamón Art Museum

Located inside the Luis A. Ferré Science Park, there are nine exhibition rooms and many objects on permanent display in this renovated building. This museum is devoted to Puerto Rican Art from the 1800s to present.

1500 Ramón Luis Rivera Ave., Bayamón Tuesday—Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturdays, you can request free transportation between the Bayamón Art Museum and the Francisco Oller Museum. For more information, call (787) 740-6868.

All of these museums are free of charge. There are English speaking guides available at each museum.

Espacio Emergente highlights upand-coming and important artists in Puerto Rico. >Courtesy Bayamón Municipality

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/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

k c i L

andPet Friendly PR

Promoting dog ownership

Adopt, powered by Lick, is a media platform that showcases stray animals and Pet Friendly PR is an online platform that promotes businesses that allow pets

K Claudia Guerrero Negrón

Pup sporting a palm tree bandana. French fries, crabs and ice cream cones are some of the other funky designs. >Photos Courtesy Lick

cguerrero@wjournalpr.com

@cguerreronegron

eeping doggies clean, fashionably styled and making puppy parents happy as well as giving back to the ‘sato’ community is what Lick, the local dog apparel online store, dedicates its business model behind. Adopt, powered by Lick is a media platform within the Lick website and app where users can upload pictures of stray cats and dogs along with their location and contact information for anyone who wishes adopt the furry friends who need a home.

“I realized I needed to give back to the community and this was the perfect way to do it,” said Jean Marcel Correa, owner and president of Lick, who launched the company soon after graduating college.

Correa realized the corporate office setting was not for him when he completed a few internships in places like Banco Popular and in Congress. He always knew he wanted to open his own business, so he asked for a loan and got to work.

His love for his dogs, and the necessity he

/ Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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saw for funky, innovative pet products in pet stores, convinced him to create a pet accessory line that would satisfy the pet owner who looks for creative products like bandanas with Bad Bunny’s face on them. Dog bandanas are the main accessory, but Correa also works with leaches and dog hoodies.

Correa collaborates with a Puerto Rican graphic designers for all Lick branding, and a local soap bar startup called Barras to develop all-natural, soothing shampoo bars. The bars contain natural oils that are insect-repelling and moisturize while adding shine to the dog’s hair, keeping your pet’s hair luscious and healthy.

I realized I needed to give back to the community and this was the perfect way to do it. -Jean Marcel Correa, owner and president of Lick

Another Lick product is their Paw Balm, a hydrating, multi-purpose balm stick that is easy to use as the applicator tool resembles that of a chapstick, that is meant for those puppies who like to go on long walks. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t notice the intensely hot asphalt our pets have to endure, and the balm works as a quick remedy. The balm contains multivitamins that provide antioxidants which help with UV light protection and are made out of shea butter, organic coconut oil and pure organic beeswax.

So now that you have your pet essentials, Bad Bunny bandanas for style; shampoo bar for freshness; and stickers and portraits for memory, where can you go with your pet to show them off? Petfriendlypr.com has you covered.

Not all places are pet friendly, so Petfriendlypr. com was created as an online platform that identifies and promotes businesses all over the island with a pet-friendly policy. The platform features restaurants, hotels, parks and even events where all pets are welcome.

On the Petfriendlypr.com website, there is also a search bar where you can look for the places you would like to visit with your best pal. The platform even tells if the businesses are open at the time of your search.

To name a few animal-friendly places, Colao’ Espresso Bar in Ponce, El Fogón de la Carreta in Cabo Rojo, BUNS Burger Shop in Condado, ASERE Cuban Kitchen in Santurce, and Madeleine Cafebistro in Hato Rey are all food establishments you can visit with the company of your four-footed best friend.

The company is also dedicated to educating and training businesses on how to follow important guidelines that are vital when joining the pet friendly community.

Petfriendlypr.com was created as an online platform that identifies and promotes businesses all over the island with a pet-friendly policy.

Labradoodle pup sporting an anchor bandana. French fries, crabs and ice cream cones are some of the other funky designs. >Photos provided by Lick.

Lick’s Paw Balm, a hydrating, multi-purpose balm stick that is easy to use as the applicator tool resembles that of a chapstick meant to hydrate dry paws. >Photos

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Ponce Food Truck Festival Mark your calendars because Street Food Society Puerto Rico is hosting a food truck fest in the southern municipality of Ponce. Don’t miss out on the chance to delight yourself with bites from Ponce’s best food trucks. The Christmas edition of the fest is also bringing a very special guest— Santa Claus himself will be making an appearance.

Delicious food, live music and a chance to take pictures with Santa are some of the reasons that make this festival the perfect family outing.

When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.

Where: Parque Urbano Dora Colón Clavell, Ponce

Festival Indígena The town of Jayuya, located in the mountains of Puerto Rico, is celebrating its annual Festival Nacional Indígena (National Indigenous Festival). This festival honors Puerto Rico’s Taíno legacy and heritage, making it the perfect event for culture and history lovers. During the festival, attendees will enjoy local music, artisans, and delicious food.

Mojito Fest

When: Friday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 17 11 a.m.

Where: Plaza Pública Nemesio R. Canales, Jayuya

When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m.

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan

Puerto Rico’s Mojito Fest brings together over 40 restaurants from all over the island. Participating restaurants will showcase their best foods as well as their take on the famous mojito cocktail. If you’re a fan of refreshing drinks, good food and Puerto Rico’s signature party mood then this event is for you.

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Sunkissed Festival The SunKissed Festival is the first beach festival aimed at the LGTBQ community in Puerto Rico.

The full lineup for this second edition includes Joe Pacheco, Isis Muretech, Alexander Rendo, sDot and BioZounds, along with various local artists. The festival will be held at Drift, a new beachfront venue with the perfect ambiance for a fun-filled weekend.

Di Blasio and Friends

When: Saturday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 17 Where: Drift, PR- 187, km 8.1, Loíza

The annual Festival del Ñame y la Carne Frita celebrates a simple yet mouthwatering food pairing— fried pork and yams. A staple in Puerto Rico’s traditional chinchorros (roadside food joints), ‘carne frita’ are pork chunks fried to crispy perfection, and ñame is a root vegetable that’s harvested throughout Puerto Rico’s central mountain region. Bring your appetite because event organizers estimate that more than 20,000 pounds of yams will be served along with 15,000 pounds of ‘carne frita’.

Raul Di Blasio, a Grammy-nominated pianist, returns to Puerto Rico with his show, Di Blasio and Friends. Di Blasio’s concert will feature the lustrous Puerto Ricans Chucho Avellanet and Silverio Pérez, along with Dominican singer Maridalia Hernández.

When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 5 p.m.

Where: Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Santurce

Star Force, The Fan Fest

Festival del Ñame y la Carne Frita

When: Friday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 17 11 a.m.

Where: La Barrita de Manolo, Carr. 149R, Villalba

Festival de la pascua Christmas Bazaar

Calling all “Star Wars” Troopers! You will not want to miss Star Force, the Fan Fest. Become a Jedi Master at the space sword academy station or head down to the archery tag area for some family-friendly competition.

A weekend festival marking the start of Puerto Rico’s holiday season. During the celebration, attendees will be mesmerized by beautiful pascuas (poinsettias). Stop by the enchanting Paseo de la Princesa and help us kick-start the longest holiday season in the world. The festival will feature live music, food kiosks and local artisans.

When: Saturday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.

Where: Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan

When: Saturday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.

Where: Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan

and Music Festival Start the holiday season the right way! Enjoy delicious food, artisan tables, fun activities for kids and adults alike, wonderful music and much more with your friends and family!

When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Union Church of San Juan, 2310 Laurel St., Punta Las Marías, San Juan

Calle Loíza Culinary Fest Calle Loíza, the go-to dining spot for locals and visitors alike, has been celebrating its food festival for four consecutive years. During this one-day festival, the street’s restaurants, bars and small boutiques come together to celebrate the areas’ diverse culinary offerings. Conveniently located next to the touristfriendly neighborhood of Condado, calle Loíza’s food fest is the perfect opportunity for visitors looking to spend a day surrounded by local food, drinks, music, art and shopping!

When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.

Where: Loíza St., San Juan