Feeling Close to Locals, Building Family

the Family Memorial in Mazatlan

My husband Bill had been coming to the city of Mazatlan since he was 45 years old, some 30 years ago. He admits it’s the people that keep him coming back. He felt the same when he met Filipinos. But we are both shying away from the long haul trip to Manila now that we have reached our 70s. So, Mexico has become a practical choice.

Mexicans, in general, and Mazatlecos, in particular, remind me of what gives me pride about the Filipino: hospitality, friendliness, and warmth. We may have started slow but, by the middle of our three-month annual vacation in El Cid Resorts, we got drawn to a few people. There were the guests who, like us, were staying for three months a year: Carole and Allan from Vermont, Winnie and Nick from New York City, Kathleen and Jerry from Idaho. and Bette and Roy from Canada.

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students who wanted to interview Bill at the store 

From among the staff, we had identified our favorites: two waiters, our chambermaid, the concierge guys, and the activities leaders. But little did we know that closer friendships were also in the offing and that soon, we would have a new family!

The first two were Chef Luis Villa and Capitan Guillermo "Willy" Garcia of the La Concha Restaurant, the premier restaurant of El Cid Resorts (out of nine). Luis was our lead instructor at the Cooking Class. I was not only fascinated by the dishes but also awed by his gentle personality. He was able to convey so much despite knowing very little English. I interviewed him and wrote this blog post on Mexican Cuisine.

Capitan Guillermo, on the other hand, I met as I was looking for the cinnamon powder that was supposed to be beside the Aveena (oatmeal). In a jiffy, just like magic, it appeared before me. That experience would be repeated a few more times. He made things happen. He managed the waiters, the kitchen, and the ushers with gentle authority. As a result, everyone's dining experience was always memorable.

Chef Luis and Capitan Guillermo and their spouses with us at Casa 46

In appreciation, Bill invited both Luis and Willy, together with their spouses, to dinner at Casa 46, the best Mazatleca restaurant in the famed Plaza Machado. It was a night to remember. In turn, Willy invited us to dine at his home in the next season. 

For Bill’s 75^th birthday, they whipped up a celebration like no other. The special menu included shrimp cocktail, tuna Nicoise salad, Chateaubriand, and rustic chocolate cake for us and our three couple-friends. Before we left, we gave them copies of my book, Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream.

the Elite Lounge Staff

Then there's the Elite Lounge. That's where special concierge staff take care of timeshare owners like us who stay for months. Vinirisa, Michelle, Sonia, Ody, and Daniela (whom I fondly called Yeye just like my granddaughter) always welcomed us with delightful service. No question was too hard, no task was too difficult, and nothing was ever impossible. On February 14, we gifted the girls with a huge box of chocolates for sharing. And when we left, we gave them a box each and left the Lounge with a copy of my book.

Finally, there is Israel, the only gentleman in the Elite Lounge. From the outset, he was determined to serve our every need. So we could watch movies every night (which is a must), he lent us his own DVD player. He even took Bill to his friend auto mechanic and our car’s little dings disappeared for a fraction of the cost it would have been in Arizona. Not only did he volunteer to pick up our tickets for front-row seating at the Carnaval but he also took us to the Biblioteca Municipal to get our library cards. Finally, he invited us to the Baby Shower for his first-born Diego who due in May. For us, to be invited to a home or party by a local is the highest form of compliment. We got both in our first stay in El Cid Resorts.

Israel's family at the baby shower

The truth is we missed family and friends in Mazatlan. We wished they were there with us to enjoy the beach, the pools, the spa, the shopping, and the sights. But we know they are busy with their own families. Perhaps in the next few years, they will be able to make it. In the meantime, we have been fortunate to have built friendships that allow us to share our joys. Mazatlan, you have truly amazing people. I don’t feel very far from my other home, the Philippines, at all!

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