One of the things that make Casco Antiguo special is that is a community where small things can be implemented resulting in big impact not only in the resident`s lifestyle but in Panama`s tourism.

Leaving the office late one night last week I was surprised to find myself stepping out into the middle of a music video. Some of our neighbors from Calle 4ta were shooting the video for Shadow’s new song, Dejalo Correr. The song talks about violence and its consequences, a pertinent theme for the young men of Calle 4ta who, as former gang members, have the experience-based wisdom to speak about violence and its negative impact on the community with some authority.

Is it a photo or a painting? That’s the question you’ll ask yourself as you turn the pages slowly in photographer Ken Milburn’s newest book, Panama City’s Casco Viejo, Fast Rising Bohemian Community. For fun, try guessing the actual location of the photos, some are easy, others will take awhile, and there will be one that will take an expert to figure out. The majority of the photos were taken with a technique called HDR processing which expands the visible tonal range in a photographic image so it more closely resembles all the shades of brightness and color we are able to see with our eyes.

Some might not believe it, but when you compile numbers... it is incredible to see. Casco Viejo is truly leading Panama as an example of social revitalization fueled by an economy that is gathering its own momentum. Its image is one of the favorite subjects of international reporters who find in Casco Viejo`s historic architecture and mixed community a wonderful story to tell... the story of true Panama and why people should come to explore it.

Downstairs, kids watch a pinguin movie at the computer lab. Normally, during their vacations they would have been roaming the streets with only mischief in their minds. Upstairs, a journalist defends freedom while downstairs freedom is created in the minds of local women who are breaking the cycle of poverty. Welcome to Santa Familia.

If you are a pet owner, ticks are one of your worst nightmares. But ticks in tropical countries are everywhere... so what can you do? AVACA`s members got together into a fumigation program, hopefully with good effects!

Taking care of street cat and dog population is part of taking care of the city. Families in Casco Viejo had the opportunity to get their pets operated at no cost this Sunday through the ngo Spay Panama. Also, another event took place in Santa Ana when artists gathered to create awareness about the importance of keeping the city beautiful.

Did you know Panama uses and throws away 500 million plastic bags a year? each person on a single visit to the supermarket uses about 9 bags. We go to the supermarket once a week, and our population is about 3.5 million. What can we do? this is affecting our ecosystems... and we are part of it.

I don`t know why I didn`t realize this before, but a big percentage of Casco`s entrepreneurs are in their thirties or early fourties. From internet businesses to restaurants and bars, Casco Viejo isn`t "viejo" (old) at all! Which is interesting, because it means the Casco offers an opportunity to make business happen.

Culture and money, for some reason they are not always perceived as close relatives. Culture and social change seem like cousins, but somehow not necesarily people think they go to the same parties. However, it is through culture that we generate tourism and many other activities... and it so happens that as a tool for change is quite a bomb on its own. And that bomb has started to catch a bit of fire in Casco Viejo.

This past weekend, a small event to celebrate the Environment Day turned into a hughe success. Beautiful palms were planted, but also the seed into our children´s minds about taking care of trees and the environment.

Panama seems to be strenghtening its ties with Italy. From art exhibits to a visit of President Berlusconi himself, Casco Viejo seems to be the place where everything happens.

How to fight poverty effectively is a question that thousands of organizations around the world make themselves every day. In Casco Viejo, Panama, an experiment that started about two years ago by Fundacion Calicanto has started to root and bear fruits. It is focused on women, knowing that through them, you are able to change a family and eventually a society. How does it work? keep reading....

It will be a boring day, as you are not allowed to leave home until you are "counted". Ideas: Plan a party for two! rent a video! Also, you might find some of the questions shocking. But please don´t, they are normal here. Keep reading!

Social change can be tackled different ways, but probably the most sustainable one is when people from all layers of a community come together for a common goal. Slowly, Casco Viejo is becoming a model on how to fight extreme poverty through community activism.

Seems like all the bad news waited to gather at the same time. However, the good news is that the community is taking action.

Every day, people bring hope. And that is the real beauty of the fight.

2009 was an "interesting" year for business and the market in general. How did the financial crisis affected Casco Viejo? How was 2009 in terms of Real Estate, investment, community? How is 2010 looking like?

In the last 8 years, Panama has had an incredible growth. Tourism, construction, the Panama Canal, banking, every area seemed to be thriving, and got the country to touch amazing growing rates comparable only with China (9% - 10%). But there was an area that was left behind: public transportation. Today, we got good news about it.

Some say Panama is Hong Kong meeting Costa Rica. Panama´s depth is there for the curious soul, but is also a place with a guilt free laid back culture that allows you to disconnect from the world if that is your choice. White beaches or history? why choose?

Waste less, workout more, better eating habits, drink more water... so many thoughts cross through your mind when thinking about this upcoming year. But they are only thoughts until you work at making them real. As Nike said... "Just do it". This should be called the "Just Do It"- Year.

Skating is one of Casco Viejo´s most popular street sports... and yet we don´t have a proper skating park. Artist Cristine and Dom made a party to gather funds to create one!

I have to say, I worked at the Smithsonian and once of the things I never got tired of was visiting the Panama Canal. Nothing like navigating through pure jungle, checking out the monkeys (cariblancos, titis, howlers), the crocodriles, the birds and of course, the huge Panamax ships.

Last Saturday House Hunters International aired an episode called "Two Best Friends Invest in Panama" featuring Casco Viejo... and me! (alias Patrizia Pinzon, not Patrizia Penzon as it was spelled in the website. The thing with Spanish is that the vocal "i" sounds like "e" in English) along with Eric and Vladimir who are childhood friends that decided to invest here and now are an active part of Casco Antiguo´s community.

Casco Viejo´s community went "chic" last night. Sushi and a fashion show! New restaurant coming...

Fun and fitness in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo community woke up early this Sunday. Their goal: clean one of Casco´s most recognizable beaches, but also create awareness about garbage disposal in the old quarter.

Culture is hardly ever thought as an economic engine. But it is! and as a secondary effect, it also raises the lifestyle of the society as a whole (or was it all the way around?). Join hands and contribute to Casco Viejo´s cultural future...

Casco Viejo has started to become Panama´s art home. Last night, Diablo Rosso opened its doors with its interesting and fun proposals.

Which NGO´s and charitable foundations work in Casco? this posting is part of a six-posting series. Here you´ll find who/what and how to participate of: FUNDACION CALICANTO

After the fall of one of the walls of Hotel Central in Casco Antiguo, it brought the attention of the community in a way on thinking that a part of our country has desappear...

Recently, they celebrated the 150th anniversary of the chinese colony in Panama, basically 50 years more (aprox) than the republic itself. They are everywhere and in everything, a big motor of the economy. But probably the best part of the relationship between Panamanians and Chinese is Dim Sum

From June 10th until June 12th Panama will be part of the next reality show: "The Amazing Race" and Casco Antiguo has been chosen as one of the ten scenarios to shoot...

Starting this June 4th you will value an exhibition of art and poetry created by Marta Sanchez and his friends.

Yesterday, the Residents and Friends of Casco Antiguo Association (Asociación de Vecinos y Amigos del Casco Antiguo)hit town!

The Iglesia de la Merced was built in 1680 and is one of the oldest churches in Casco Antiguo.For the last eight months, its external chapel has been under restoration by the architect Raul Murillo.

This past month, we have seen two iconic cases gone to the papers provoking scandal among all who care and love our Cathedral Plaza: the overbuilding of PH Independencia and the falling of Hotel Central´s lateral calicanto wall. On both cases, the chapter of ICOMOS in Panama (a technical advisor to the UNESCO) has gone out to demand attention and to make sure political corruption won´t be an obstacle in the process.

So many things that you end up taking for granted when you live in Casco Viejo. But when you think about them, you realize how special it is to live here. Good stuff for free in every corner!

These past two weeks have been a frenzy for Ariel Espino and his team at Oficina del Casco Antiguo. Not only he was running business as usual with all the social programs the OCA has and building renovations that range from social housing within Casco Viejo to the rescue of old ruins and turning them into beautiful public spaces, but he was also - and for the first time at that office - launching an ambitious website, and even more, hosting a special UNESCO delegation that arrived to check on how things where going down here due to some letters they have gotten that the Casco was in danger.

Finally!!!!!!!! One of the axis of Casco Antiguo has its own website. We waited a long time, but it was well worth it! The website is a reflection of everything Casco Antiguo is: a mixed, vibrant community. Full of art, color and flavor. Congratulations!!! Also, a big hurray for Clara Hardin, our associate who appears at "Mi Barrio" ("our neighborhood".

Yesterday was a full day! showings in the morning, wine tasting early afternoon, dinner with friends... everything at walking distance, no traffic, and great food. The morning started at

Announcement to the community! Lorena Endara will be hosting a Yoga class at the roof terrace of Santa Familia (4th and A Avenue) this saturday. She also runs Deli Jardin and can fill your balcony with edible plants !

This weekend was all about good vibes. Music, art and romance filled the old brick streets. Love summer!

When I was little I had dogs, cats a rabbit and even a hen. But I lived in a house in the suburbs, and pets where the "must do" of the area. When I moved to Casco Viejo, one of the things I never imagined having, as I´m living in an apartment, was to have a pet. But last week,

A historic event took place today. The old music conservatory came alive. A dream came true. Lives where changed. All because of two visionaries: Danilo Perez and Conservatorio S.A.

Althought the official calendar for the Panama Jazz Festival points out January 12th as the starting date for the festival, and even if the concerts are the better known part of the festival, in fact it really has a very important educational component that started early on this week.

Live! artists painting all over Plaza Bolivar. A silent auction during the very loud Panama Jazz Fest. Learn more about this art show organized by Kristin Dove in Casco Antiguo.

Carlos Weil Art Gallery and the Ministry of Culture will present Jazz and Canal, a collective art show of antiques related to the Panama Canal: original bonds, photographies, paintings and even music scores. We have known Carlos for many years, and I have to say his collection is always intriguing and brings something different to the table. So don´t miss this opportunity! It will be at Las Bovedas Gallery in Plaza Francia.

After a year of several shocks, ups and downs in value, and true uncertainty regarding the future, we wanted to start fresh this new year with an inspirational thought

With a golden summer sun shinning over its beautiful colonial buildings and brick streets, Casco Antiguo welcomes 2009 with a bag of good news:

New year, new office, new adventures! Arco Properties at its own headquarters!

Surfing the web I found this good set of virtual tours of Casco Antiguo. Check them out! we also have a section in the website that shows a couple, but these guys have different views, so between the two you can get good visuals of the historic city. The photos aren´t that good, so go straight to the map and click on the red dots.

As Christmas approaches, the city goes crazy. Yesterday, Panama´s traditional Christmas Parade took over Avenida Balboa. Thousands of kids running around, piling up to see the cars and trucks dressed up with miscellaneous Christmas themes. But where are all these props made? you would be surprised to know that the "Factory of Dreams" carved in foam is in Casco Viejo. More specifically, next to the Cathedral, run not by Santa but by Franz.

Clara and Jennifer are one of our favorite Casconians outside Casco. They are so nice and cook so well that we almost forgive them not being in Casco Viejo. But not for long! I hope... After a long absence

One of the fondest memories I have of Christmas is going to visit my grandmother ( a former Casconian, waaaayyyy back when…) and spend hours either making or playing with the Christmas Model Town. We call it “el nacimiento” which in few words describes a small town made out of toys featuring the Christian nativity scene. You could go all the way up with those things, there where those who took the entire garage in their homes and did a real mini Israel out of it.

Just came back from Miami Art Basel. These fairs are great because it is like an open discussion not only on social issues but on what beauty is for each one. Casco Antiguo has beautiful buildings, parks and scenes, it is true... but nothing beats the beauty of its people. And not beauty in the conventional magazine-model type but on the beauty of feeling just great even if you are wearing hair rolls that are twice the size of your head. And orange.

Last night, the Casco Antiguo community came together to celebrate the opening of Galeria Vida and Entre Pulgas. They took the opportunity to close up Calle 3era (behind Hotel Central) and have a neighborhood party with food and drinks for everyone. It was Christmas spirit all over, as right on the corner, Casa Gongora had the choir concert, singing traditional and Panamanian Christmas Carrols

One of the fondest memories I have of Christmas is going to visit my grandmother ( a former Casconian, waaaayyyy back when…) and spend hours either making or playing with the Christmas Model Town. We call it “el nacimiento” which in few words describes a small town made out of toys featuring the Christian nativity scene. You could go all the way up with those things, there where those who took the entire garage in their homes and did a real mini Israel out of it.

Yesterday I had a fantastic evening with a client who is looking to move to Casco Antiguo next year. It was very interesting to hear him out, not only why he was moving out from the States (the financial crisis, the lack of opportunities for a young guy to get a business going unless you had a lot of cash) but also his view on why Panama (and Casco Viejo, of course) is his best strategy under the difficult circumstances.

Today I was having lunch at Casuale (calle 1era) and saw this historic photo... which I happened to have the current angle! freaky, no?

Pilgrims and Indians sharing a meal... did it really happen? in a way, I think the lesson within the story (sharing, helping out) might be even as important as finding out the truth. Notice this is not a Panamanian celebration... but don´t worry! we are quick learners, so Casco will have it´s own party !

A friend forwarded me a NY Times article the other day on how Buffalo, a historic city in USA was looking to the future. It described an active community and a common vision to see their city not become Disney World, but an authentic, green and thriving place. There is still those who ask "when is it going to be finished"... my answer is right here...

A pioneer program at Casco Antiguo is changing the lives of underprivileged residents.

Arco Chato is one of the most known landmarks in Casco Viejo and is a direct responsible on why the Panama Canal is here and not in Nicaragua. After years of being neglected, it finally fell in 2003. I call it a lesson on never taking stuff for granted, and that things like a "country" aren´t just there... they need to be nurtured and taken care of. Now is back up and with new additions that will give a boost to the local community.

A classic Monday morning in Casco Viejo: I was on the phone and at the same time answering emails (or deleting early spam… somehow the prince of Mombatu is still considering sending me at least $200,000 directly to my bank account, no papers signed) when suddenly a loud noise started to approach. “Drums…. Drums in the deep”…

Ever since the slavery trade times, African traditional religions have been concealed by their followers under Cristianity... for obvious reasons. Today, many, many years later, the reminiscents are still there. And in Casco Viejo, very much alive!

"A Cultural Cornerstone" is today´s New York Times travel article about Casco Viejo, Panama, featuring our favorite hotel Canal House Panama as editor´s pick and businesses like Karavan Gallery and Indigo Restaurant. I love it when people visit, but the best for me is to live here...

When you arrive into Casco Viejo you know if you belong here. Some have it tattooed in their foreheads.... or other parts! if you think I´m kidding, read this True Casco Viejo Story. Pictures won´t let me lie!

If you are planning to travel to Panama and exploring real estate will probably be part of the fun, this is the people you’ll need to meet:

Multiple websites and adds mention Panama as Paradise. Is it really? what about Casco Viejo?

Last Saturday a nice article came out about Casco Viejo (which in Panama is known as San Felipe, Catedral, la Ciudad... so many names!). I looked for it in the electronic version of La Prensa, but couldn´t find it. So here is my translation and the original piece scanned at the bottom. It talks about speculation, restoration, patrimony (human and architectural) and what has been done in the past 10 years.

An amazing program is changing the lives of local families in Casco Antiguo. Check it out and join!

Sometimes the world´s problems overwhealm you: politicians are doing their best to make your life worst, news of contamination, low education in the new generations, Dooms Day. But sometimes we are reminded that we do have the power to change things around. We actually excersice that power every day... That is one of the many things I like about Casco Viejo. Small projects have a huge impact... check this out and get inspired.

Panama hosts DHL´s largest hub in the region. This small phrase means a lot for a country so small. But then again, Panama has always been in the middle of the Americas, joining land and separating oceans. From Columbus to the Colon Free Trade Zone, the phrase "all roads lead to Panama" might not be too far off...

Every year, around September, a group of artists present their work at the Contemporary Art Museum. This year, several "Casco Addicts" are competing: film directors Abner Benhaim and Enrique Castro Ríos. Other years have had photographer Rachelle Mozman, who is also a Casco resident

Back in 1998 things where quite different in Casco Viejo. It was more Viejo than Casco. It was a fragile, run down, un protected site most people in Panama (government and not) had "written off". Back then, a group of passionate profesionals stood up and basically made it happen: brought the attention of UNESCO and worked until this endangered species was protected for life. Today, they run life changing programs in the Casco Viejo community. Check it out!

A classic scene: tourist wants to go to Casco Viejo and asks a taxi driver to take him. The taxi says, oh no, it is dangerous. Don´t go there. Actually, ask most Panamanians and you are crazy to even consider living here. But somehow a miracle happens: the visitor (now really curious about the place) gets to Casco Viejo... and

With all the world’s climate issues, we would like to take this opportunity to get everyone thinking about a more sustainable Casco, an example to the rest of Panama City. The seeds are already getting planted... join us! there is a fun contest here, where you can really make the difference.

Since the release of our community bulleting we are getting information from vecinos of events and activities, so I´ll be posting them here as well. This promises to be a great show, not too often we get to have opera in town, so don´t miss it this March 15th!

Where to eat, where to stay and what to do in Casco Viejo, Panama. Restaurants, bars, theatres and more

You read our newsletter and our blog and you think you like the place, but still not sure if Casco is right for you? This short list can help you out.

March is the month when most schools start in Panama. In a few weeks, the Casco (and the country) will be filled with excited kids running around like crazy in their blue uniforms with smiles on their faces walking to school. Despite all their enthusiasm, truth is that most parents from the community find it very difficult to buy all the necessary books and materials. This is a campaign to raise funds to help them out. Want to be part of it? Takes very little...

Panama is investing more than $4 million dollars on airport infrastructure all around the country. At the same time, new carriers are adding up and current ones are increasing routes and flights. France is now only 10 hours away, KLM will start direct flights into Amsterdams hub in February.

Panama Real Estate Investment: This is a small project which we hope plant the seed for a big change and help raise the bar in developments in the area. It will be the first project in the old city to have...

Panama, Community: In need of a haircut? Panama now has a wide range of options... but very few (probably none!) like V.I.P in Avenida A and Calle 5ta. A unique barbershop run by one of Casco´s gang (known as Calle 4ta)

Green Panama: Here is an exciting project on the move: transforming Casco Antiguo into an organic garden. Our friend and organic specialist Spencer is already working on it, and I have to say it´s fascinating.

The bollo man, the yogurt girl, the chicheme guy and the grilled chicken family... they are all examples of local Casco Viejo neighbors that have created sucessful businesses. How can we help spread that "inner fire" around? keep reading... and join the cause!