Moca Puerto Rico: A Tapestry of History and Charm

 

History and Vibrant Culture

In the northwestern region of Puerto Rico, the town of Moca stands as a testament to the island's rich history and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "Capital del Mundillo" (Capital of Mundillo Lace), Moca offers a captivating blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and artistic heritage.

Moca was officially founded on June 22, 1772, though its origins can be traced back to earlier settlements. The formal establishment of the municipality was largely attributed to Don Manuel de Acevedo y Polanco, a prominent figure who played a crucial role in organizing the local community and petitioning for official recognition from the Spanish Crown. The name "Moca" is believed to derive from the Moca tree (*Andira inermis*), a common species in the region, signifying the close relationship between the town and its natural surroundings.

In its early days, Moca's economy was primarily agrarian, with coffee, tobacco, and sugarcane being the main crops cultivated. The fertile lands and favorable climate contributed to the town's gradual growth and prosperity. Like many municipalities in Puerto Rico, Moca witnessed the ebb and flow of Spanish colonial rule and the subsequent transition to American sovereignty. These historical periods have left their mark on the town's architecture, traditions, and cultural identity.

Official Colors and Identity

The official colors of Moca are green and gold (or yellow). Green symbolizes the lush vegetation and agricultural heritage of the region, while gold represents the town's historical and cultural richness. These colors are proudly displayed in the municipal flag and are often incorporated into local events and celebrations, serving as visual emblems of Moca's identity.

Moca boasts several sites of interest that attract both locals and visitors. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate, the town's main Catholic church. This beautiful church, with its distinctive architecture, serves as a focal point for religious and community life. The devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate (Our Lady of Montserrat) is deeply ingrained in Moca's cultural fabric, with annual festivities held in her honor, showcasing the town's religious fervor and traditions.

Another significant attraction is the Casa Alcaldía (City Hall), an impressive structure that reflects the town's historical and administrative importance. The central plaza, often bustling with activity, provides a gathering space for residents and hosts various cultural events and festivities throughout the year.

For those interested in the town's artistic heritage, a visit to local artisan workshops, particularly those specializing in mundillo lace, is a must. This intricate and delicate form of lacemaking has been a cherished tradition in Moca for generations, with skilled artisans creating exquisite pieces that are highly valued both locally and internationally. The dedication and artistry involved in mundillo lace have earned Moca its title as the "Capital del Mundillo."

Moca's Natural Beauty

Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Moca is also surrounded by natural beauty. The region's rolling hills and green landscapes offer opportunities for exploration and appreciation of Puerto Rico's diverse environment. While not directly on the coast, Moca provides a tranquil inland experience within relatively easy reach of the island's beaches and other natural attractions.

Moca, Puerto Rico, is a town that beautifully intertwines its rich history with a vibrant present. From its founding by Don Manuel de Acevedo y Polanco in 1772 to its enduring tradition of mundillo lace, Moca offers a unique glimpse into Puerto Rican heritage. With its welcoming community, significant landmarks like the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate, and the symbolic green and gold colors representing its identity, Moca remains a charming and historically significant gem in the heart of Puerto Rico.

Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha

 

Intro

Grupo musical de salsa puertorriqueño con más 30 años de experiencia en la música, desde el 2012 conocidos como Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha. Compositores de todos sus éxitos con más de 7 discografías en toda su trayectoria.

Quienes Somos

​Grupo musical de salsa puertorriqueño con más 30 años de experiencia en la música, desde el 2012 conocidos como Pepe Ríos y Orquesta La Mancha. Compositores de todos sus éxitos con más de 7 discografías en toda su trayectoria.

En tarima nos circunscribimos a interpretar las composiciones nuestras. Nuestro repertorio musical es variado, e incluye: salsa, bolero, merengue, plena, aguinaldos y seises, etc. Nos caracterizamos por nuestro sentido de responsabilidad, puntualidad y vestimenta apropiada al evento.

Pepe Ríos

Trayectoria Musical

El Sr. José "Pepe" Ríos Santos, con nombre artístico: "Pepe Ríos"; es un compositor, cantante, trovador y músico de percusión menor. Se adentra en la música a su edad juvenil como intérprete de música típica, y de ahí a la música tropical: boleros, guarachas, valses etc.

​Luego incursiona en el género de la Salsa, en la década de los altos 60, a interpretarla, y como músico de percusión menor. Ya para los años 80, tenía su propio conjunto criollo, con amistades del barrio.

Luego funda el "Conjunto 100 x 35", para ser más formal el trabajo, y obtener presentaciones en tarima. Ya ahí, interpretaba sus propias canciones con una que otra de otros compositores. En los años del 94 al 99, estuvo con el Conjunto Jataca, del Sr. Efraín Rivera, en calidad de trovador y compositor. Vuelve y retoma su Conjunto 100 X 35, hasta noviembre de 2011.

Para el 12 de febrero de 2012, funda la Orquesta La Mancha, con la intención de entrar también al género de la Salsa, pero como compositor y cantante.​ Siempre tuvo la intención de llegar al público con temáticas sociales, culturales, principalmente al público adulto, y con una lírica de respeto hacia la mujer, en esencia.

Contrataciones

PR-618 KM 7.8
Corozal, PR 00783

prorquestalamancha@gmail.com
Tel: (787) 433-9876

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEsxz-3pw2o

 

Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon Governor of Puerto Rico

 

Jenniffer González-Colón was elected Governor on November 5, 2024.  Prior to this election González-Colón served as Puerto Rico’s sole Representative to the U.S. Congress, known as Resident Commissioner, and was the first woman to hold the office. A lifelong Republican advocate for Puerto Rico statehood, González-Colón began her political journey in a special election in 2002, becoming the youngest member ever elected to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. She quickly ascended through the ranks, serving as Speaker of the House for four years and later as Minority Leader for an additional four years.

Her priorities as Puerto Rico’s voice in Congress included spearheading the economic recovery of the Island, securing equal treatment for Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million American citizens in federal laws, regulations, services, and funding, and ensuring that Congress responds decisively to the overwhelming mandate of Puerto Rico’s voters for admission as the 51st state of the Union as reflected by clear majorities through locally-held plebiscites in 2012, 2017, 2020, and 2024.

Puerto Rico suffered its worst natural disaster in 90 years after hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Island in 2017. González-Colón’s efforts to keep Puerto Rico’s recovery at the forefront of Congress’ attention, organizing visits of members of Congress and administration officials, building bipartisan alliances, have resulted in over $117 billion in appropriations after the disaster, as well as legislation allowing infrastructure to be rebuilt to improved standards, full federal share in funding for rebuilding, and an extension in the emergency agencies’ mandates. Her contributions have been acknowledged through various honors, including being named one of the 100 most influential Republican women by NewsMax and consistently ranking among the top 20 in the Bipartisan Index rankings compiled by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University.

A product of the Puerto Rico public schools, holder of a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree (LL.M.), González-Colón served as Chair of the Puerto Rico Republican Party from 2015 to 2021, and First Vice Chair of the local pro-statehood party, Partido Nuevo Progresista.

Waterbury Puerto Rican Parade and Festival

 

FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Downtown Waterbury
1:30 pm - 7:30 pm!

​Since its inception, the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Festival will feature some of the best local Puerto Rican talent - groups, solo artists, cultural acts - and it closes with a few well-known performers who come to the festival from Puerto Rico specifically to be part of the event. Attendees arrive early to grab the best space at the park, shop with the vendors, and get first dibs at the delicious food provided by both local restaurants and out-of-town vendors.

The Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival Committee envisions a thriving, empowered Puerto Rican community leading in civic life, culture, and opportunity—where our people are always a priority, always included, and a permanent force for progress in the city/region.

The mission of the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival Committee is to celebrate, uplift, and empower the Puerto Rican community by producing an annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival in perpetuity—while advancing civic engagement, cultural pride, leadership, and opportunity across Greater Waterbury.

  

El Platanal Restaurante

 

El sabor del el platanal

Casi 10 años le tomó al restaurador Rafael Hidalgo poder desarrollar el modelo empresarial de su restaurante El Platanal, que le permitiera seguir presentando los sabores y los platos emblemáticos de su proyecto culinario en otras localidades, en Puerto Rico. Primero fue en Carolina (hace 12 años), lugar donde inició su aventura empresarial, seguido de Cupey (10 años), Hato Rey (inicios de 2021), Piñones (desde de 2022) y ahora en Bayamón Rexville desde el pasado 27 de Marzo.

El Platanal de Piñones, localizado casi en la entrada del emblemático sector turístico de Loíza, es un edificio amplio, con áreas al aire libre y salón comedor muy cómodo que proyecta su concepto “un pedacito del campo en la ciudad”. Presenta el mismo ambiente cálido y con predominio de detalles en madera como en el resto de sus restaurantes hermanos, lo que afianza la marca, a lo que se une el distintivo sabor de su comida criollo-caribeña.

La pandemia de coronavirus covid-19 y la situación de escasez de empleomanía no han sido impedimento para que Hidalgo abriera su cuarto restaurante, con miras a más… Sí, según expresó Hidalgo a Gastronómico/EL VOCERO: “estoy en el proceso de concretar acuerdos de renta de lugares en otras zonas del área Metro y cercanas a ella, para establecer el quinto y hasta el sexto El Platanal. Me siento complacido con el buen trabajo que estamos haciendo y con el apoyo de nuestros fieles comensales, que es lo que me ha motivado a soñar en grande con el establecimiento de más restaurantes. También cuento con el respaldo de mi equipo de trabajo, que en su mayoría ha estado conmigo desde los inicios del restaurante hace 12 años, y abrir otros negocios me permite ofrecerles oportunidades de crecimiento dentro de la empresa”.

Stay Cool and Save Money

 

7 Summer Energy Efficiency Tips for Homeowners

(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool.

Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer.

1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job.

Maintenance checklist:

• Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
• Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
• Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.

2. Install and Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s Smart Thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone and comes with learning features that adapt to your schedule and preferences.

Set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool the home down just before you return. Even raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs.

3. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Cool air escaping through leaks or inadequate insulation forces your air conditioner to work harder. Ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly can significantly improve efficiency.

Quick fixes:

• Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
• Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature, but they help circulate air, making you feel cooler.

Efficiency tip: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only and make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.

5. Block Out the Sun
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home’s indoor temperature.

Simple solutions:

• Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
• Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
• Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit
If your AC system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. As a leader in modern day air conditioning, Carrier offers some of the most innovative and efficient central air conditioning units available.

Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency systems and some tax credits may still be available.

7. Avoid Heat Buildup
Reduce the amount of heat your home generates during the day by being mindful of appliance usage.

Tips:

• Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
• Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.

By combining smart technology, routine maintenance and simple home adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home without sacrificing energy efficiency. You can help lower monthly bills but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable all summer long. Find more information, including additional rebate information, by visiting Carrier.com.

SOURCE:

Carrier

Are You Covered? Why Renters Insurance is More Important Than Ever

 

(BPT) - Renting your home? You're not alone. According to Pew Research, more than 44 million households in the U.S. were rented in 2024 — that's more than one-third of all homes. And the number keeps growing.

With renting on the rise, it's never been more important to think about protecting what's inside your home. That's where renters insurance comes in. Many people mistakenly believe their landlord's insurance covers them, but that's only true for the building — not your belongings.

Mercury Insurance wants renters to know they have options — and that coverage is often more affordable than people think. Renters insurance can help replace your things after theft, fire or other disasters, and even offer liability protection if someone gets hurt in your unit.

"Renters insurance can offer peace of mind when it comes to such things as protection of your personal property and finances," said Adam Bakonis, Senior Product Manager State for Mercury Insurance. "Some consumers don't think about renters insurance until they are in a situation in which they need it, so it pays to do some research prior to moving into a rental property so that you are prepared for the unexpected."

Here are some of the benefits of having renters insurance:

• Protection of Personal Property: Renters insurance helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings — such as furniture, clothing and electronics — if they are damaged or stolen due to covered perils like fire, theft, vandalism and water damage from burst pipes. Your belongings can be covered even if the loss occurs outside your rental unit, such as in a storage unit or while traveling. You may have the option of choosing between replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV) coverage for your belongings. Replacement cost coverage is recommended since it will pay to repair or replace damaged items with items of a similar type and quality at current prices without deducting for depreciation in the final payment amount.
• Liability Protection: This coverage can protect you financially if someone is injured in your rental home, or if you accidentally damage someone else's property, including their rental unit. For instance, if a guest slips and falls in your apartment and requires medical attention, or if your child accidentally breaks a neighbor's window, your renters insurance can help cover the costs of their medical bills or property damage, as well as legal fees if you are sued.
• Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use): If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss (like a fire or extensive damage), renters insurance can help cover the increased cost of temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals and other related expenses to maintain your normal standard of living while your place is being repaired or rebuilt or until you permanently relocate.
• Affordability: Renters insurance is generally inexpensive, with the average cost often being around $15 to $30 per month, depending on location and coverage limits. According to NerdWallet, the average cost of renters insurance in the U.S. is $148 per year, or about $12 per month.
• Medical Payments: Some policies include guest medical coverage, which can pay for reasonable medical expenses (like X-rays or ambulance rides) if a guest is injured at your rental, even if you are not at fault.
• Pet Liability: If your pet causes damage or injury to another person or their property, renters insurance may help cover the costs. NOTE: While this falls under general liability coverage, it is relatively common for liability losses and merits a separate mention.

"It's often said that it's better to have something and not need it than the other way around — and that's especially true for renters insurance," added Bakonis.