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Local Profiles  
Marketing Paradise a profile of marketing expert Patrick Harrison
 Patrick Harrison, the owner of P Gringo Marketing & PR, a Puerto Vallarta PR Firm that targets the English-speaking tourist and local communities.


| Having fallen in love with Vallarta in the late 80s on a visit celebrating his first anniversary with his partner, Patrick knew that Puerto Vallarta would one day be their home.

| Before moving to Puerto Vallarta, Seattle-native Patrick Harrison spent over 20 years successfully marketing shows, products and celebrities around the globe, including everything and everyone from the Bolshoi Ballet to the Phantom of the Opera, from Ken Griffey Jr. to Dale Earnhardt, Faye Dunaway, Jerry Lewis and the hit TV show ER.
 Most recently, Patrick was the Director of Marketing and Communications for one of the most successful non-profit performing arts groups in North America - the Seattle Theatre Group. STG manages the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, WA.
 Having fallen in love with Vallarta on a trip celebrating his first anniversary with his partner in the late 1980s, Patrick knew that Puerto Vallarta would one day be their home. And more than three years ago they finally decided it was time to "make the move."
 Drawing on his experience in entertainment, radio, retail and sports marketing, Patrick opened his own successful Public Relations firm here in Vallarta - P. Gringo Marketing & PR - which targets the English-speaking tourist and local communities.
 Between managing his ever-growing client list, attending press conferences and opening parties and writing press releases, Patrick's business keeps him very busy. He hopes, given the success of his business and his active lifestyle here in paradise, that the Seattle rust will eventually disappear.
A New Level of Luxury is Rising in Mexico
Patrick Harrison
 Combining a sound financial investment with access to luxurious resorts in popular destinations, M Hotels is ushering in a new era in flexible Residence Club ownership in Mexico. Let M Hotels introduce you to a whole new way to escape.
Ikal - Life in Harmony in Nuevo Vallarta
Patrick Harrison
 To live in Nuevo Vallarta is authentic luxury. Ikal is a place for those who believe in comfort and balance, blending in all the services and amenities that are found in urban condominiums with natural elements - for less than you may think.
How to Say What You Mean - in Spanish!
Patrick Harrison
 We have all experienced it... that sign that made us chuckle, that brochure or ad that didn't quite convey what it set out to say. Now companies in Vallarta can turn to an agency with proven success in translation services - Producciones Pino.
Mother's Day Cakes and Besos
Patrick Harrison
 Show Mom how much you care this year with a special Mother's Day Cake or an incredibly rich and satisfying soft-centered chocolate "Beso" from Banderas Bay's favorite bakery, Pie in the Sky.
Say It With Chocolate This Mother's Day
Patrick Harrison
 Handcrafted artisan chocolates are a great way to say "Thank You," "I Love You," or "You are the Greatest," this Mother's Day. Visit Xocodiva on the south side of Puerto Vallarta and discover that extra special gift for Mom.
Jalapeńo and Jan's PV Shopping Spree
Patrick Harrison
 Jan Helgeson, winner of Tropicasa Realty's "Name Our Mascot" promotion, takes Tropicasa Realty mascot Jalapeńo on a shopping spree at LANS Department store. Here's what Jalapeńo had to say about the experience...
You Can Help Fulfill a Dream... A Heartfelt Request for any Golfing Related Items
Patrick Harrison
 Six days a week at 4 pm, Alfredo Cervantes closes his taco stand and heads to Puerto Vallarta's Municipal Stadium to give free golf lessons to local kids, but he doesn't have enough clubs or resources to meet the demand. Here's how you can help.
Mexican Peso Mortgages Now Available
Patrick Harrison
 The perfect option for any Foreign or Mexican National living and working in Mexico, MEXLend is pleased to announce that Peso Loans are now available for those individuals who for the most part have officially expatriated to Mexico.
Villas de Colina II Model Opens
Patrick Harrison
 With the recent opening of the their sales office and a fully-furnished model unit, Villas de la Colina II, a unique development in the prestigious Amapas neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, is ready to release their final 40 condominium homes for public sale.
Need a Pick-Me-Up in the Morning?
Patrick Harrison
 Banderas Bay's favorite bakery, Pie in the Sky, recently announced that starting on April 1st, 2008 they'll be offering a new Early Morning Happy Hour every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon at both their Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta locations.
Putting a Price on YOUR Slice of Paradise
Patrick Harrison
 Since Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay area property values have seen a steady increase over the past few years, you may be wondering what your real estate is worth. Now you can discover the value of your Puerto Vallarta property - for free!
Give Your Loved Ones "Besos" This Easter
Patrick Harrison
 If you are looking to fill your Easter baskets with some lovin' from the oven this year, stop by Banderas Bay's favorite bakery, Pie in the Sky, for yummy cakes, pies, cupcakes and triple-chocolate "Besos," with their molten-fudge centers.
Hunting for Chocolate This Easter?
Patrick Harrison
 What is Easter without a chocolate bunny? For a truly gourmet Easter basket, stop by Puerto Vallarta's favorite chocolate shop, Xocodiva, for delicious Easter eggs, chocolate-covered marshmallows, and dark, milk and white chocolate bunnies.
And the Winning Name is...
Patrick Harrison
 Over 275 names were submitted to help name the Tropicasa Realty Mascot, and the winning name is... Jalapeńo! Congratulations to Jan Helgeson of Billings, Montana, who won a $1000 USD shopping spree at LANS Department store.
New Tropicasa Realty VIP Card Unveiled
Patrick Harrison
 Buy any home, condo, lot or villa through Tropicasa Realty and you'll receive a VIP card valid for a 10% discount to some of Banderas Bay's favorite restaurants, designers, furniture stores and services. Discounts are valid until Nov. 1, 2008.
MEXLend Celebrates 2nd Anniversary!
Patrick Harrison
 MEXLend is celebrating their 2nd Anniversary in Mexico. With over two years helping customers fulfill their dreams and closing over 100 loans in Mexico, MEXLend has proven their stability and longevity in this quickly growing industry.
This Valentine's Day Give With Your Heart
Patrick Harrison
 Join Xocodiva on February 14th, the day of love and friendship, in extending a helping hand to The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, a shelter for neglected and abused children who live in Puerto Vallarta and around the Bay of Banderas.
La Vida Resort - Setting the Bar Higher
Patrick Harrison
 La Vida, a luxury oceanfront community just minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the romantic seaside village of Bucerias, announced today that a limited number of five-year fractional yacht ownerships will be included with the purchase of your home.
Win a $1000 USD Shopping Spree at Lans
Patrick Harrison
 Tropicasa Realty is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in Puerto Vallarta so from now through February 15th, you could win one of many great prizes, including a $1000 USD shopping spree at LANS Department Store, by entering the Name the Tropicasa Mascot Contest.
Over $2500 Pesos Donated to R.I.S.E. through Xocodiva's Holiday Fundraiser
Patrick Harrison
 On Christmas Eve, the winner of Xocodiva's Christams contest, Charlotte Berman, along with Xocodiva owner, Charlotte Semple, visited R.I.S.E. during the shelter's Christmas party to deliver the edible Christmas tree and much-needed donations.
Villas de la Colina II Sales Office Open
Patrick Harrison
 Tropicasa Realty and C & C Development Company are proud to announce that the new on-site sales office is open at the entry of the Villas de la Colina II development, high in the Amapas hills overlooking Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
The World's First Condo-Hotel for Gay Men, Lesbians and Friends Opens in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Patrick Harrison
 Excited crowds turned out in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, December 8th for the inauguration of The Private Residences at Casa Cupula, the world's first fractional condo-hotel developed exclusively for the gay community.
How Stable is Mexico's Mortgage Industry?
Patrick Harrison
 With the current mortgage crisis in the United States, how stable is the relatively young mortgage industry in Mexico? David Schwendeman and Terence Reilly, founders of MEXLend Mortgage Brokers in Puerto Vallarta, examine several key aspects.
Join Xocodiva in the Spirit of Giving
Patrick Harrison
 This season, check-off your holiday gift list at Xocodiva and help those less fortunate at the same time. For every donation made to R.I.S.E. at Xocodiva between now and December 23rd, you'll be entered to win a beautiful, edible Christmas tree.
New Beauty Trend Taking Vallarta By Storm
Patrick Harrison
 The first Rejuvenation of Beauty event, held at Vallarta's own 5-star salon - blu by Len - on November 2nd, 2007 highlighted just one of the many options available through HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta.
Legal Expert Joins the Tropicasa Team
Patrick Harrison
 Tropicasa Realty is pleased to announce that celebrated legal expert, María Elizabeth O'Connor, has joined their team as General Counsel - adding yet another element of security for Tropicasa clients and experience to the Tropicasa name.
PV's Favorite Mexican Restaurant Turns 4
Patrick Harrison
 Vallarta's Favorite Mexican Restaurant, El Arrayán is turning four this month, but you get all of the gifts! Come help the El Arrayán crew celebrate on November 16th at 6 pm and you'll enjoy free antojitos, live music and other special surprises.
Skeletons, Witches and Ghosts at Xocodiva
Patrick Harrison
 This year, enjoy your Day of the Dead and Halloween celebrations with fine artisan chocolates from Xocodiva. And while you're there, enter to win two special Day of the Dead edible sculptures containing over 2,200 grams of the finest chocolate!
Villas de la Colina II Coming to Vallarta
Patrick Harrison
 Chuck Toops and the C & C Development Company are proud to announce that the first of three Villas de la Colina II residential towers is quickly rising from the construction site high in the Amapas hills overlooking Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
Tropicasa Realty Launches New Website
Patrick Harrison
 Tropicasa Realty has been one of the most trusted names in Puerto Vallarta real estate since 1997, and now, with their new easy-to-navigate website, finding your dream home is easier than ever!
La Vida & Global Investment Leader CarVal Join Forces
Patrick Harrison
 La Vida, a luxury oceanfront community of only 23 residencias located just minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport in the romantic seaside village of Bucerias, announced today the partnership with global investment leader CarVal.
Great News for Canadians! MEXLend Now Offering Mortgages for Canadian Citizens
Patrick Harrison
 Puerto Vallarta based MEXLend, an industry-leading mortgage broker in Mexico, recently announced two new mortgage programs that make it easier for Canadian citizens to purchase their dream home, villa or condo in Mexico.
You Could be Living "La Vida" in Bucerias
Patrick Harrison
 Construction is in full swing at La Vida, an exclusive community located just minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport in the romantic seaside village of Bucerias, and is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2008.
MEXLend - Refinancing in Puerto Vallarta
Patrick Harrison
 Puerto Vallarta-based MEXLend, an industry-leading mortgage broker in Mexico, has closed the first GE refinancing loan in Vallarta, and only the second in Mexico, marking the beginning of many more financing options to fund in Banderas Bay.
Slow Food Event at El Arrayán
Patrick Harrison
 Come discover "Slow Food Bahia de Banderas," as Puerto Vallarta's Favorite Mexican Restaurant, El Arrayán, hosts the first official "Slow Food" event for the general public on Thursday, June 28th at 7:00 pm.
Cilantro's - a Haven for Creative Cuisine
Patrick Harrison
 All of Banderas Bay is discovering the flavors of Cilantro's, an intimate restaurant offering unique menu selections, an extensive wine list and creative cocktails that delivers flavors anything but small.
Summer Cooking Classes at El Arrayán
Patrick Harrison
 This summer, you can learn how to prepare your favorite Mexican dishes. The talented team of chefs at the best traditional Mexican restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, El Arrayán, will be sharing some of their secrets during a series of cooking classes.
Say "I Love You" with Chocolate this Mother's Day
Patrick Harrison
 On Mother's Day, nothing says "I Love You" like handcrafted artisan chocolates from Xocodiva, where you can select from a wide variety of luscious chocolate truffles including candied ginger, coconut, tequila, chili and amaretto to mention a few...
Event Planning Means Millions for Banderas Bay
Patrick Harrison
 Led by industry-leader EM-Vallarta, the Puerto Vallarta event and wedding planning business is booming in the Banderas Bay area. Last year, PV played host to approximately 175 weddings, bringing an estimated 14,000 additional visitors to the area.
Gay Professionals Investing in Mexican Real Estate
Patrick Harrison
 Located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Casa Cupula is one of the world's finest resort hotels for gay men. Now, Private Residences are being developed exclusively for gay men who want to combine hotel living with the benefits of vacation home ownership.
Easter Bunnies & Eggs - Make Mine Chocolate!
Patrick Harrison
 Puerto Vallarta's favorite new store - Xocodiva - has been hard at work teaching the Easter Bunny a little Spanish. The result: a new line of molded chocolate bunnies and eggs just in time for the Easter Holidays.
New Concept Bar Opens in Romantic Zone
Patrick Harrison
 In the Sky Lounge overlooking Plaza Romy, the quaint shopping plaza on Ignacio Vallarta between Aquiles Serdan and Madero in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone, Flicker offers it all - from Classic Films to Infused Vodkas in glasses made of ice.
Tropicasa Realty Opens New Office in Flamingos
Patrick Harrison
 Understanding that Banderas Bay is more than just Puerto Vallarta, Wayne Franklin of Tropicasa Realty, one of the most trusted names in Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, has opened new offices in Flamingos to better serve the growing North Bay communities.
MEXLend Brings New Financing Resource to Puerto Vallarta
Patrick Harrison
 Puerto Vallarta-based MEXLend, an industry-leading mortgage broker in Mexico, has closed the first IMI Group loan in Vallarta. This marks the beginning of many more financing options to fund real estate purchases in the Banderas Bay area.
El Arrayán Now Offering Natural Food Products
Patrick Harrison
 El Arrayán, dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of great food while defending the Mexican cultural identity tied to food and cooking traditions, is now offering Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors organic products from around Mexico.
Restaurant + Garden + Lounge = Ztai, Vallarta’s Hottest New Hang
Patrick Harrison
 In Central Vallarta, tucked between the Malecon and Morelos, you’ll find a truly unique concept in all of Banderas Bay. A new bar? Nope. A new restaurant? Guess again. A new dance place? Uh uh.
Exploring the Mata Ortiz Phenomenon
Patrick Harrison
 On February 24th at 7 pm, on the 2nd floor loft of their new Mata Ortiz Art Gallery in Peninsula Village, Claudia Lovera and Alex Martinez will host renowned lecturer Edward Guarino for a free slide show and discussion exploring the art of Mata Ortiz.
Watch Out Vallarta... The Divas are Coming!
Patrick Harrison
 Beginning January 17 and continuing for 12 weeks, Club Mańana will be hosting the Diva Wednesday Concert Series. Each and every Wednesday a different fabulous disco diva will take the stage and have all of Banderas Bay shakin' their groove thing.
A Slice of the Deli Culture
Patrick Harrison
 Tired of searching for truly fresh bagels? Craving meatloaf or chicken liver pâté? From gourmet granolas, to cookies, sandwiches and desserts, you'll find it - and you'll find it fresh - at Daiquiri Dick's new culinary venture, The Deli.
Xocodiva Brings the "Food of the Gods" to Vallarta
Patrick Harrison
 Looking for that perfect Valentine's Day gift? The search for hand-crafted chocolates and other sweet confections in the Banderas Bay area ends with the opening of a new chocolate shop in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta - Xocodiva.
Casa Cupula - The Best of Two Worlds
Patrick Harrison
 Billed as the "world's first condo-hotel for gay men and friends," The Private Residences at Casa Cupula combines the best of two worlds - the services and ambience of a luxury hotel and the pride of ownership in gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta.
Boca Bento Express
PVNN
 Boca Bento Restaurant in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone recently announced the opening of Boca Bento Express, a new concept offering their unique and delicious flavors to go from 11 am to 4 pm daily
PV Realty Closes the Deal
Patrick Harrison
 Vallarta-based MEXLend, in partnership with GE Capital and PV Realty, have closed a record-breaking loan on the famed lower Conchas Chinas home, Casa Carol Ann, which was once a Puerto Vallarta vacation getaway for former US President Nixon.
Boca Bento Reopens This Month
Patrick Harrison
 Boca Bento Restaurant will reopen their doors on October 27th. This season you'll find some exciting new menu selections, including a children's menu, combined with all of the great flavors you have enjoyed in the past - all in large portions.
Carmen Porras Goes to Italy
Patrick Harrison
 El Arrayán owner, Carmen Porras, has been selected as a member of the Mexican Delegation that will be attending the Second World Meeting of Food Communities in Turin, Italy from October 26-30th.
Take a Vacation from Your Vacation
Patrick Harrison
 Situated 4,500 feet above sea level in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian's cool climate and historic appeal have made it one of Mexico's last great getaways. Hacienda Jalisco invites you to escape the summer heat while enjoying the charm of old Mexico, comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals - all for a reasonable price.
El Arrayán Cooking Class
Patrick Harrison
 Carmen Porras and her team of chefs at El Arrayán, everyone's favorite Mexican Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, will be sharing a few of their secrets during an upcoming cooking class on Tuesday, May 30th from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
Peyote People Exhibit at El Arrayan
Patrick Harrison
 The award-winning restaurant El Arrayán will once again host a special art exhibit March 15 through April 10, 2006 with a festive cocktail reception from 6 pm to 7:30 pm on the opening night.
The Fascinating World of Mata Ortiz Pottery
Patrick Harrison
 Join Anthropologist Spencer H. MacCallum in exploring the fascinating history and development of Mata Ortiz Pottery and the Legacy of Juan Quezada at the Cathy Von Rohr Gallery, Calle Manuel M. Dieguez #321, on Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th at 7:30 pm. | 
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