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[ This page was last updated on Friday, January 04, 2008 ] [Facts] [Business]
[Attractions] [Where to Stay] [Travel]
Registered
with The Aruba Chamber of Commerce since 1997
|
Saxoruba, a band made of music
professionals and amateurs made its debut with a holiday program at the 
spirit of the much loved holiday to popular tunes.
Conductor Roy Sneek who is a music teacher and arranger, picked the
repertoire. The band played a joyous rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,
and continued with Frosty the Snowman, to finished with a symphonic orchestration
of Broadway's Beauty & the Beast. Spirit were left high when the band played
an encore: Somewhere Out There, an ever-optimistic classic, promising a reunion of lovers
where dreams come true. Rivadinero told the audience, applauding wildly, the band will
prepare a different concert performance, every three months
Born in 1972 in Arnhem, the Netherlands, he is the
son of two artists who met at the College for Art and Culture. During his own college
years, while majoring in Economics and Financial Administration, Daan took up paining and
drawing at his parents' Art Studio. He also taught painting and drawing to children, while
briefly working as a banker for ABN AMRO. Then the more Bohemian life style called and he
came to Aruba 7 years ago. Following several art exhibitions, with his parents and solo,
he immersed himself in work again. Alas, he found little time to paint. Then his
girlfriend Barbara joined him here. She helped him become a full time artist, and follow
his dreams. The result of his recent efforts is the exhibition 'Tranquility' at the Aruba
Beach Club. 
members are
as diverse as the island residents, and include owners from North America, Europe and
Latin America, in addition to a great number of locals, who have been patrons since
pre-construction days. The Aruba Beach Club maintains a valuable partnership with
timeshare exchange companies such as RCI and Interval International. First timers,
dedicated repeat visitors, Goodwill Ambassadors, the gentle staff of the Aruba Beach Club
caters to them all. Within the Aruban community, the resort sponsors communal events and
fund raises regularly. The money is disbursed via "Our Help, Their Hope" an
employee association. Delicious food, good shopping, its all part of the vacation
experience, at the Aruba Beach Club. 
Aruba's Rancho Notorious is a one-woman success
story. If Oprah knew about Barbara Bok Cardona, she'd be talking about her, celebrating
her stick-to-it-tive-ness. Barbara is a beautiful blonde, longhaired woman with a passion
for horses. She is also a mother of three, two older boys, 7 and 9, and a 3 months old
baby. Raised on the island, Barbara started riding at the age of 8, jumping and competing
around neighboring islands. Those of you with sharp memories will recall the Washington
Ranch, where today you may find the famed Papiamento restaurant. Barbara learned all there
is to know, there. She opted for a career as a jeweler, a goldsmith and gemologist, but
later chose to forsake her Swiss education in favor of a small ranch she found adjacent to
her new home in Boroncana. She was building her dream house right next to Rancho
Notorious, when owner Liberta Ter Weema, suggested a deal. 
horses - also dogs whose owners went on vacation. It wasn't going anywhere.
With just 3 horses in house, Barbara knew there was potential there when she took over.
Carolina came long not long after that with the forth horse in tow, and the growth
momentum too off. They cleaned stables, gave riding lessons, brought a few more animals
in. On their third year, the business exploded. Carolina is still around, working,
grooming, helping, only the ranch now boasts 40 horses, all nicely cared for, clean and
well fed. We work our horses gently, says Barbara. They enjoy an excellent quality of life
and we're proud to be the home of the Happy Horse. 
hopeful locals who enter them in Paso Fino competitions. When they
find out their tails switch too much, they are too tall, too short, or in possession of
other slight imperfections - which ruin their showbiz career, Barbara steps in with
adoption papers. Some horse-loving well-intentioned locals buy mounts for private use.
When they find out how expensive boarding and feed are, they turn to Barbara for a good
home. In close contact with other horse aficionados on the island, the Muyale family, the
Moko Ranch, Barbra offers a address for retired, rejected stallions and mares. 
With husband Carlos running the operations now,
Barbara is responsible for marketing and sales. Last year she went riding twice. I am busy
she says, between the kids and the ranch, there is very little time for Marco-Polo, her
own mount. But he gets to go out as the lead horse, exploring the North end of island, the
Northwest cunucu, and the Northeast coast, sand dunes, the beaches of Arashi & Malmok,
that's Rancho Notorious territory. 
At Casa
del Mar every Monday, a tropical fun atmosphere prevails. Monday's night's BBQ at 
best bands,
featuring singer Bradley, strikes up the music. Band leader Francis
and his musicians, including his talented teenage daughter, go through a complete
repertory of Carnival music. Then the limbo dancer- fire eater arrives on the scene.
Imbert Morisson hails from Trinidad. His specialty? Slithering under a
burning limbo stick hanging low over two empty beer bottles. The show is made up of guests
in the process of acquiring Limbo Neck Syndrome. They follow Imbert's happy lead
to music finding out how low they could go. For reservations call #837234, Casa Del
Mar, La Gondola Restaurant, dinner is just $17.95 + service charge and there is a $2
bar all night. Large parties welcome. 
At the Radisson
Aruba Resort & Casino, the Quota Club sold out a very glamorous affair.
If you could bottle and sell the upbeat vibes and the hip energy of club members Greta
Figaroa and Lennie Thysen, you’d be a millionaire. These
two girls, recruited top island talent, putting together a most entertaining fund raiser,
showcasing 3 million florins of jewelry, courtesy of Kenro. The first round
featured Roi Soleil clothes, enormous French, Louis XIV fashions, with
fabrics from La Linda and Casa de Lannoy. The pieces inspired by dress
designer Nena Ponson’s historical carnival group, were conjured up
by Gregorie Larmonie - he helped Lennie orchestrate the evening, and
recreated by dress makers Rosa & Heidi Munzenhoffer, at Aimee
studio. The pageboys and courtesans, were terrific. Then models in big candy colored
wigs, garter belts and bras ran down the runway, followed by the roaring twenties, cute
models in Charleston dresses, all loaded with expensive jewels. A basic-black
round featured hats and headpieces by Aurita Lampe, an amazing artist who
works for Kenro. A round of show stopping designer gowns mostly by Ronchie de Cuba,
as a backdrop to dazzling diamonds, wrapped up the soiree. Mixed with Veuve Cliquot
Ponsardin, it was a total success. 
teeth for the
occasion. Feathered hats, long evening gowns, corsets and artifical flowers brought a
Paris C'est Magique atmosphere into the Caribbean ballroom. Chef Matt Boland
offered French cheeses, the real McCoy, served on large plattersto share. Other talents,
contributing nicely to the affair, DJ David Nataf, hair stylist Leo
Harms, makeup authority Andrew Curiel, and artist Osaira
Muyale in a blue hair helmet, she was part of the foyer decoration . Models Kendra,
Gigiola, Samantha, Carina, Monique, Shumica, Kendra, Sandra Madame Bijoux, Hayo, Robert,
too many to mention, were to live for . . .
at the Turtle's
Nest, and delivers freshly baked pizza to all hotel rooms in the lowrise area. This
is a huge food operation, says John, catering to repeat clientele, and I am looking
forward to enhance their vacation experience. John was born in Holland. His first memories
from the kitchen are making pannenkoekken, pancakes, and omelets as Sunday morning family
specials. He completed his culinary education during a five year program working and going
to school at the same time, in the vicinity of Amsterdam. In Aruba, he worked in the old,
fondly-remembered Que Pasa, then he spent four years with Chef Frenk
at the Flying Fishbone Restaurant, in Savaneta, learning to combine his
French classic training with Caribbean ingredients and specialties. John is 34, single, in
a committed relationship with an excellent cook; his girlfriend, he explains, hails from Santo
Domingo. John lives by the beach at Pos Chikito and tries to go swimming or
diving every day. It's an excellent stress buster, he says. For Thanksgiving on Thursday,
he naturally has Turkeys on his list of things to do. We will be supplying our guests, he
declares, with over 100 birds to go. A veritable challenge, the young Dutchman is simply
itching to undertake.
Chez
Mathilde celebrated the arrival of Georges Duboef's Beaujolais Nouveau on
Thursday with a street happening, a cheerful wine tasting party and a sit down elegant
dinner. The first bottle of the new vintage was unceremoniously uncorked by the new Minister
of Tourism, Edison Briesen, then it was poured with great enthusiasm
to the local jet-setters, lovers of good food and wine, naturally. Distributed here by the
Aruba Trading Company, the wine is traditionally drunk until January, then
better, more distinguished varieties take it place. Chef Roosman, Chez
Mathilde's Dutch Executive Chef, prepared a gourmet 7 course meal on the occasion,
pair
ing
novel and traditional elements. The main course consisted of wild duck breast and roasted
quail in a duck foie gras sauce with wild mushrooms and sweet potato. It was truly enjoyed
by all connoisseurs. The gathering featured the music of guitarist Max Hassel.
This year, says Landa Henriquez, the owner of Chez Mathilde, our
efforts to present an entertaining Beaujolais Nouveau party were doubled. Chez
Mathilde is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and the yearlong festivities were
launched with the new wine. 
Patricia & Thomas Cregon arrived in Aruba from Bowie,
MD, for an extra special trip. They were awarded a dream Aruba vacation as a prize,
winning the VisitAruba on-line Sweepstakes. 
more, courtesy of 
The welcomes Chef Scott Scheuerman.
Chef Scott has just joined Aruba's premier seafood restaurant, at the Seaport
Marketplace. We're very proud of our new recruit, says partner Roy Leitch.
Scott brings with his great knowledge of food and a gentle kind of leadership. Chef Scott
was born in Delaware but grew up in Rhode Island, USA. He is the graduate of
world famous Johnson & Wales culinary institute. His career was launches at a
crabhouse, serving two to three hindered steamed lobsters a night. The menu at the
Waterfront Crab
up wonderful dishes at such legendary places as Divi Anchorage in
Antigua, Divi Little Bay, in St. Martin, the Palm Court, the Red
Parrot and the Lighthouse restaurants in Aruba. The last nine years were
spend at Costa Linda Beach Resort. It was a nice place to work, says Chef Scott,
both challenging and rewarding. The challenge was to keep repeat guests coming back for
more year after year. Rewarding? Costa Linda became one of the most decorated resorts on
the island, winning every award under the sun. When the time to move has come, Chef Scott
picked the Waterfront Crabhouse as his new home. An expert of Sun Cuisine,
Chef Scot will continue to serve Fresh Lobster, Garlic Crab, Key Lime Pie and
freshly baked corn bread, the Waterfront's signature dishes and desserts, however expect
some small changes over time, he declares, particularly in the daily specials. Pictured
here are Chef Scott and his smiling dining room crew.
The 
Caribbean
extensively, serving up wonderful dishes at such legendary places as Divi Anchorage
in Antigua, Divi Little Bay, in St. Martin, the Palm Court,
the Red Parrot and the Lighthouse restaurants in Aruba. The last nine years were
spend at Costa Linda Beach Resort. It was a nice place to work, says Chef Scott,
both challenging and rewarding. The challenge was to keep repeat guests coming back for
more year after year. Rewarding? Costa Linda became one of the most decorated resorts on
the island, winning every award under the sun. When the time to move has come, Chef Scott
picked the Waterfront Crabhouse as his new home. An expert of Sun Cuisine,
Chef Scot will continue to serve Fresh Lobster, Garlic Crab, Key Lime Pie and
freshly baked corn bread, the Waterfront's signature dishes and desserts, however
expect some small changes over time, he declares, particularly in the daily specials.
Pictured here are Chef Scott and his smiling dining room crew... 
Over the weekend several additional tests of Sea
Trek on de Palm island sent a strong indication that Aruba's most exciting
diving attraction is well on its way. De Palm's General Manager, David Page,
donned a helmet himself and went for an underwater stroll Saturday. The underwater track
is over 300 feet long. It wraps around a sunken plane and natural fish and coral habitat.
Divers put on a special helmet which allows them to walk freely on the bottom of the
ocean, breathing naturally, lipstick and hair intact. They also may exchange conversations
and listen to an interesting narration about the unique environment. Sea Trek is
only
available on de Palm island. It was developed by Jim Mayfield of Snuba,
a man dedicated to making underwater exploration accessible to as many people as possible.
Jim visited Aruba just recently and expressed great satisfaction over the local project,
the 13th of its kind in the world. A major investment for de Palm island it will be open
to the general public at the end of the week. A major investment for de Palm island, it
will be open to the general public at the end of the week, say Chuck di Perri,
the local enterpreneur at the head of Snuba and Sea Trek. 
Sponsored by hotelier Ike Cohen,
the monthly Sunday morning concerts at the 
special
treat she also played a recording of one of her poems, as composed, played on piano and
sung by the Father of the Aruban Culture, septuagenarian Juan Lampe,
better known as Padu Del Caribe. As a champion of Papiamento, Marchena
fought hard to introduce it to schools as the language of instruction. Proving
Papiamento's versatility and richness, she asked Lydia Emerencia to sing
one of her more emotive pieces. 
excellent - tropical, colorful, inviting, a place to sit
around and watch people. Teri D'Damico, the interior designer was at the
party with a representative of Design Alternatives Inc. from Fort Lauderdale.
Both bohemian ladies - big jewelry, bold print clothes, are responsible for the lobby's
contemporary look. Alex Nieuwmeyer's speech was short and sweet, in
Papia-English, half and half. He welcomed AHATA’s shakers, Eduardo de Veer,
Horace Horde, the Malmberg family; neighboring hoteliers
Ewald Biemans, Joy 
Viapre, Martin van Haltern; a casual Dr. Lili &
Harrie Beke; bario entrepreneurs Peter & Warner from 
Costa Linda is no ordinary hotel. With 155 sold-out deluxe
suites, 6,500 discerning members and 79 staff members, it is one of Aruba's most decorated
resorts, an environmental forerunner, whose dedication to customer satisfaction is
legendary. General manager Joy Viapree, reports Costa Linda has a proven
philosophy of caring for employees and providing a friendly, supportive work place. On the
occasion of the resort's anniversary, congratulations are sent to all hardworking
department members, those who continue to watch the bottom line while upgrading and
improving the facility. Much work has been done this year alone, says Joy. The
resort's
lobby was re-designed, with waterfalls and lovely tropical furniture. All
electric kitchen appliances have been changed in the rooms. Joyce and her staff report
listening to members and employees, which provide excellent guidance and feedback to the
operation. Among honors and distinctions won by the resort in its ten years of operation:
The RCI Gold Crown Award for ten consecutive years; The Freeman Group
inspection which always includes the resort in the Top Three island wide; the Aruba
Quality Foundation Award and lately the coveted Green Globe Award. 
The
maintenance crew is responsible for the upkeep of the entire resort in a safe and
environmentally friendly condition. They provide services to guests, owners and staff. The
daily maintenance of rooms, pool, Jacuzzis, mechanical equipment and grounds never stops,
especially during maintenance weeks. The department also manages all Replacement Fund
Projects and keeps safety of resort assets, dear to its heart. An army of 20
technicians, gardeners, pool and Jacuzzi attendants, in addition to a security contractor
carry out all daily tasks. During the last 10 years, they also undertook major upgrade
projects such as reduction in the number of complaints by 50%; the upgrade of technology;
initiation of energy savings projects including solar panels; the painting of the building
and furniture replacement; community related projects e.g. Sponsor-A-Mile,
assistance to other local organizations and various school education programs. To sum it
all, the Maintenance Department's goal is to provide an Interruption-Free vacation
experience to guests at their Home Away From Home. 
Ten
staff members are fully responsible for the Front Office, PBX and Bellmen operations,
handling correspondence, complaints, and coordinating many issues with other departments.
They ensure smooth rooms operation, changes, control, arrivals, departures, billing and
more. They keep all guests files in order and fulfill all requests from dinner
reservations to cribs and wake-up calls, cordially and efficiently. In the year 2000, the
Front Office scored #1 in Aruba during the annual Freeman Group inspection and in
2001 Costa Linda and the Rooms Division Department scored #1 in Aruba for the 2nd
consecutive year. To keep their team spirit up, the crew traveled to Orlando, Florida, on
and incentive trip in 1998, then to Puerto Rico in 2000. They are planning an Ocho
Rios adventure, next. The team includes Dimbo Perez, Wilmer Quero, Maria
Thiel, Gina Maduro, Sharise Arends, Nina Inesia, Victor Rodriguez and Ignacio
Ortiz.Your most precious possessions, they agree, are not your financial assets.
Your most precious possessions are the people you have working, and what they carry around
in their heads. It all depends on their ability to work together, the front desk crew
adds. 
three months, then they set up the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor of the north
buildings, after all the rough cleaning was done. There was no air-conditioning, no
elevators to transport articles to rooms and they often worked late into the night. In May
1992, all rooms and the lobby were finally ready, then the swimming pool was finished.
Staff members were invited to admire its design and a few even jumped into the water with
their uniform on. It was a joyful moment. On check outs days employees frequently stayed
at work until 8 p.m. The visit of the Royal Dutch family was a tremendous experience
fondly remembered for complex protocol, many inspections and added security. The
department continuously promotes its people internally and rewards hard work. Margarita
Giel is now Head Supervisor, Tina Maduro is the Housekeeping
Secretary, Sandra Inesia, move on to become the Activities
Coordinator. Beatrix Angela, Fely Layos and Miriam
Castillejo, became Supervisors, Dimbo switched to the Front
Desk; Luzmila Florez, is a Public Area cleaner, Maria
Thiel, a Front Desk clerk and Lucilla Piedrahita, Housekeeping's
night shift Supervisor. The department is proud to report that Lisette
Mohamed who managed the Housekeeping Department for almost eight years, was able
to move on to occupy the Human Resources Manager position before leaving the
company, allowing Blanca Theysen, an internal promotion to Manager of
the Department. 
Juan
Kock and Marlyn Geerman were the pioneers of the department,
which today still counts on the support of Marlyn Geerman and a Human
Resource trainee, a Hoger Hotel Onderwijs Leeuwarden student. The department helps
attract and select the right people for the jobs available at the resort. They organize
training courses and assist in career planning, allowing employees to develop on the job.
It is important to keep your employees motivated, they agree. The resort offers many
benefits and maintains different incentive programs, such as: Aim for the star, Recycling
Campaign and zero-absenteeism bonuses. By keeping Costa Linda's people
satisfied, says Marlyn, they will keep on working with us. And that is what we want, she
concludes.
Sancaly Festival or San
Nicolas Festival and Calypso Show is a new dynamic cultural event on the
sunrise side of Aruba. Felix Warner, one of the motors behind the
festival drives the special transfer bus which brings visitors all the way from their
hotel gates, to the festival plaza, the main street in San Nicolas. There, they are
introduced to Clyde Burke, the good looking emcee, a regular Police man
during working hours. Clyde makes sure his guests have a good time, drinking and eating
while watching a cornucopia of local eclectic talent: Imbert the
Limbo Dancer/Fire Eater, Akeem the little pan player, the Ajida
band members who dance and play the bongos, Surinam-style, Mo and his two boys creating
ethnic, green-forest music, Adini the magician. Visitors who wish to participate and call
for reservations are picked up at their hotels. A delicious meal is included along with a
soft drink and a souvenir tee-shirt. 
Food is entrusted to Jamaica
Mi Krazy, the only Oranjestad restaurant, which travels to San Nicolas weekly to
cater the party. Owner Danny Wilson serves an outstanding platter of soul
food specialties. Musician/politician/restaurateur Antonio Gario also
gets credit for putting the event together with John Vos who rents the
stands to vendors and sellers of artisania. Starts at 5:30 p.m. every Thursday, for
reservations call #939831
A gorgeous visitor to the Radisson
Aruba Resort & Casino waterfalls is the Osprey, or sea-eagle. In
papiamento it is called a Teishi, derived perhaps from a possible habitat on Seru
Teishi. It is also known as Gabilan. The massive bird mostly fishes, it scoops
its prey out of the water with long, razor sharp talons, while it is in full flight dive
bombing into ponds and pool. It is suspected to nest around Spaans Lagoen, deep
in the mangroves or other coastal areas, reports Marine Biologist Byron
Boekhoudt. We have a year long supply of fish in our ponds and waterfall,
management of the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino reports, please be our guest. The other
pond residents, among them a giant Iguana, seemed unimpressed by the Osprey. 
Manchebo Beach Resort
recently introduced an "Attitude Adjustment" hour nightly Monday
through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Watching a spectacular sunset is always a good
idea, however when combined with hot tacos and cool drinks, the idea gets even better.
Happy Hour at Manchebo's famous Pega Pega bar means two-for-one drinks, including
Polar and Balashi beers. The free help-yourself taco buffet also washes
down nicely with tropical cocktails mixed at the bar by Pega's master-mixers, Jenny,
Nadira, Nasio & Efrem. DJ Richard spins the latest Latin and
International hits, and has guests going crazy, dancing on the bartop every night. . .
foundation championing environmental protection participated in the
recent "Clean the World" drive organized by the UN environmental
branch. In the UN's annual report on activities, Aruba is included and the island's
environmental efforts acknowledged. The report praises the initiative of Cristo Rey
School who adopted one of the island's many beaches. An international poster helps
educate people about the importance of that kind of stewardship. The poster is distributed
here by FAMA and its President, Ing. Gerald Engelbrecht, collecting Afls
75 contributions for the poster as a fund raising vehicle. Pictured here is the Radisson
Aruba Resort & Casino department of Human Resources accepting a FAMA
poster. Funds will be used to jump start an ECO park, in the vicinity of Grapefield
St. Nicholas, a place for young and old to enjoy nature and practice sport and
recreational activities. Call #871932 / 843305 for your poster.
Guests of La Cabana All
Suite Beach Resort are often in a habit of tossing coins into the lobby's famed
waterfall basin. These coins will now be put to good use helping Animal Rights Aruba
take care of stray animals as well as the island's indegenous species. ARA was founded a
number of years ago and relies on volunteer contributions. It publishes a magazine called
TAILS, available at most bookshops on the island. ARA hotline is #935330.
We care, we save, we educate. 
De Palm island
continuously strives to improve the quality of services offered to local and tourist
visitors. The island is located a short ferry trip away from main land Aruba, south east
of the airport. Recently, Maude's boutique has been reopened, nicely stocked with
everything you might conceivably need while on an island/off the island namely, suntan
lotions, candy, beach wraps, sandals, postcards and stamps. The ferry dock now boasts a
friendly welcome center for information and orientation. 
De Palm island is also gearing up to the opening of Sea Trek. The
attraction is exclusively available on the island. It consists of a 320 feet underwater
track, surrounding a sunken airplane now teeming with live fish and coral. Sea Trek allows
visitors to tour the underwater world, walking with a specialized helmet on their heads
letting air in freely, as if they were walking on land. The equipment also allows
conversation, and is sure to provide visitors with unforgettable memories of their wet and
interactive Aruba vacation. 
