Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. We've put together a brief overview of some of this week's Mexico headlines, plus Puerto Vallarta news and some of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Advances Continue on Mexico City Airport

The Mexico City Airport Group (GACM), which is building the facility and has the concession to operate it once it opens, plans work this year on the main terminal building, the fuel terminal, boarding platforms, fuel distribution lines, the navigational aid system, the central service tunnel, fire stations, support buildings and the first phase of the access road junctions. The ultra-modern airport is expected to begin operations within four years with three runways in operation and a passenger capacity of 50 million per year. When fully completed, it will have two terminals and six runways with an annual passenger capacity of 120 million. It will also be able to handle up to three aircraft landing and taking off at the same time. During an interview last week, Communications and Transportation Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Esparza said the project is scheduled to start operations in 2020 and the estimated cost for construction will be 169 billion pesos. Once completed, it will be one of the three biggest airports in the world.

Amigos de La Cruz Lunch & Fashion Show Benefit for La Cruz Schools

Amigos de La Cruz and Gloria's Place in La Cruz are hosting a Fashion Show & Luncheon at Xocolatl by Roberto's Restaurant on Tuesday, January 19th at 1:00 pm. Come out, enjoy lunch and live music by Singer/Guitarist Ivan Antillon, see some great fashions by Gloria's Place, and have a good time for a good cause! Specializing in 100% cotton gauze clothing made in Guadalajara from the highest quality Mexican cotton, Gloria carries all sizes of clothing from Small to 3X "because beautiful women come in all sizes." In addition, she designs several unique items of clothing in other fabrics and a jewelry collection. Her latest is a whimsical line of nautical jewelry at very reasonable prices. You can get your ticket for a donation of only $300 pesos at Gloria's Place (across from Philo's Bar), at the "Amigos Booth" at the La Cruz Sunday Market, or by contacting Amigos members Joan. Gil, Steve Cross, or Karen Cope. For more information, contact Gloria Martony at gloriamarie2002(at)yahoo.com. Xocolatl by Roberto's Restaurant is located at Carr. Punta de Mita and the corner of Monte Calvario in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Mexico's Soda Tax Linked to 12% Drop in Sugary Drink Sales

Mexico is the first country in the world to tax sugar-sweetened drinks in an effort to curb consumption blamed for obesity and related diseases - and it appears to be working. Analyzing the first release of data on the effects of the tax, researchers found that sales of sugary beverages across the country dropped by an average of 6 percent in the first year after Mexico implemented the 1 peso (about 6 cents) per liter tax on Jan. 1, 2014, according to a study report published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal. The decline reached 12 percent for December 2014, and it was even larger among poorer households, the study showed. While Mexicans across income levels bought fewer sugar-laden beverages, it was the poorer households that seemed most affected by the taxes. Their sugary drink purchases declined by an average of 9 percent in 2014, and by 17 percent by the end of that year. "Mexico is a good example that the tax is working, and it can be implemented in other countries," said Aranxta Colchero, a health economist at Mexico’s National Public Health Institute and lead author of the study.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• South Side Shuffle Offers Fun and Friendly Shopping

• Jazz Legend Janette Mason Performs at Terra Noble

• Vallarta Cup Race Series on Saturdays in January