Over the past twelve months, there have been tremendous changes in Torio, starting with the current version of our company, Torio Properties & Development, and the team that we built. Equal parts visionaries and doers, our multidisciplinary crew has been working very hard to create the groundwork for this next phase of our growth: working towards a sustainable, green, active community in Torio.

Infrastructure and Improvements

This year, our personal and regional infrastructure has seen changes and improvements.

In our development, we've been making several improvements to our water system. We are currently working on a new water pump and reserve water especially for Green Valley Zapotal.

On a regional level, the road that leads from Atalaya to Torio has seen more constant patching from the Ministerio de Obras Publicas, which has kept the road in a much better state than last year, leading to (even) shorter driving to Santiago.

Arguably everybody's favorite improvement, the addition of high speed Internet to our coast, thanks to Panamanian company Global Computers, has allowed many residents to work from home.

And yes, you can stream Netflix. Although our beautiful natural surroundings make it easy to be without Internet, we won't deny that we haven't all really enjoyed catching up on some screen time. The best part about our new high speed Internet? It makes the Freelance dream a reality in our coast.

New additions

2018 has seen the addition of many new businesses to the area.

Costa Azul is the new Panamanian run fonda. Situated on the hill between Malena and Torio, and open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, Costa Azul is our favorite place for fried fish and patacones. Yitzia, Carmen and Cesar are also a true pleasure to deal with.

Closer to home, Torio Plaza is also now a reality. From an abandoned warehouse to the home of 4 new businesses/commercial areas, including  Amazilia Soap Lab,  and our Yoga/Multipurpose Room, the team of Torio P&D decided to practice sustainability by creating the new out of the old.

Art & Wine nights are now happening in Torio, led by Melissa and Josefa, which has been a great opportunity for social activity, community bonding and chance for the art lovers to have fun and spark their creativity.

Over in Morillo, we were also happy to welcome Cary and Ryan Mckay and their Morillo Eco Resort, which opened as a pre-launch earlier in the year. Their great Mexican style food (try the Enchiladas!) and Panamanian draft beer were a very welcome addition to our weekly lineup. We look forward to visiting them again when they officially open in November.

Growth for our Existing Businesses

This year, local horse ranches Happy Ranch and Finca Vendaval have added new services. It is now possible to house your horses at Finca Vendaval for training, breeding or simply as part of a caretaking program. Both ranches also continue to offer their popular trail rides for tourists and locals alike, as well as horseback riding lessons.

La Fondita Italiana is the local Pizzeria in Mariato. Run by two Italian couples who take turns manning the stoves, La Fondita is open for a second year in a row and offers authentic Pizza, fresh pasta and more specialty dishes in Mariato. Have a pizza or pasta or even their octopus dish! Everything here is delicious.

Brisas del Mar, run by Santiago native Johnny, continues to be a popular spot with tourists and locals alike. Cheap, cold beer, local food and a beachy environment right on the main road in Torio, Brisas is your best bet for a true authentic Panamanian experience in Torio.

An International Community

In June and July, Palati Fini, Torio's long time Italian restaurant (run by soccer loving couple Rosario and Severine Dainotto) was the place to be to watch the FIFA World Cup. In true representation of our very international community, friends and neighbors from all around the world congregated in Palati Fini to share friendly rivalry and their love of the game. This was made especially special by the fact that Panama was also participating in in its very first participation in a World Cup. Thank you Rosario and Severine for hosting all the neighbors for every game!

Surf Competitions and local Events

This past July, the Copa Playa Reina surfing competition was held in Morillo Beach, as part of the National Surfing Circuit of Panama. Surfers from all around Panama competed in the two day competition. We were happy to see local surfers participate in the lineup. As our area grows, it is important to foster local talent, especially in children.

Conservation Efforts by Neighbors

Neighbor led initiatives are a very important part of growing a community.

Local animal activitists led by Ms. Kathy McGovern organized a Spay animal neutering clinic in Torio earlier this year. Since the beginning of this program, a total of 500 animals have been spayed, with a local vet coming from Santiago to the area to offer inexpensive consults and vaccionation to all our local pets. Kathy and co routinely host Patio Sales to fund these clinics.

Last month's beach cleanup, part of World Oceans Conservacy Day, was a resounding success, with school groups from Santiago and government ministries joining in on beach cleanups that took place simultaneously on all the beaches of the Azuero Sunset Coast (Playa Reina, Palo Seco, Torio, Mata Oscura and Morillo Beach).

Finally, the trash problem prevalent in Panama has been the object of much deliberation in the Azuero Sunset Coast. Led by our neighbor John Korte and Anakena Castillo, there is currently a committee being formed to create a better solution for waste disposal in our area. Anybody interested in forming part of this committee should reach out via the Facebook group RECICLA COSTA AZUL DE VERAGUAS.

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As you can see, there have been many changes around Torio. From infrastructure, to community led activities and new neighbors moving in, it has been a pleasure to watch and take part of this growth. This further cements our belief in the fact that anything is possible, if you set your mind to it.