10%? 20%? None? How are you meant to know how much to tip after your tacos? (Blake Wisz/Unsplash)
I have a local (Mexican) friend with whom I simply cannot go to restaurants anymore.
Why?
Because I get all worked up about how she treats waiters.
I can’t help it. First, I don’t think she behaves nicely and appreciateively enough toward them. She might mutter a disinterested “gracias” when they bring her order, but she’s quick with an eye roll if she thinks they’ve made a mistake or taken too long.
Even the dog has no idea how much they’re meant to be tipping. (Rogelio Morales Ponce/Cuartoscuro)
She also thinks that tips are optional (I’ve noticed that the higher up the economic ladder one goes here, the more prevalent this belief is). I completely disagree, even when the service is sub-par. Working as a waiter is hard, even if you’re not great at it.
This probably has more to do with our different upbringings than much else. She grew up in a family that pretty much always had enough money for their needs and many of their wants. I grew up in a family whose income was much closer to those who depend on tips.
That said, my friend is not unique. My ears perked up terrier-style, for example, when I read Louisa Roger’s article on her experience leadingcustomer service training. On common behavior: “I was pleasantly surprised when they said Americans and Canadians were pretty forgiving when their expectations weren’t met. In their experience, it was Mexicans and Italians who were more likely to get irritated.”
Well, color me not surprised. Or could it be that I just don’t know very many rich and entitled paisanos? Whatever it is, I’ve noticed it over the years: more Mexicans with plenty of money to spend than not seem to feel entitled to free service. If the service is phenomenal, they might leave 10%.
“I won’t tip anymore, let Morena help them.” The tip they left.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that we foreigners should overcompensate as a result. And it’s hard not to sometimes, I know.
We’re gushing with politeness and a broad willingness to help because we’re in love (with Mexico, possibly a Mexican, or both). Calm down.
Yes, it’s a fine line that we good-willed foreigners walk. On the one hand, there’s a sizable portion of Mexicans who believe that overexuberant generosity toward practical strangers makes you not a saint but an idiot. Things around here are corrupt enough, after all, that a certain cynicism can easily seep in.
This means that it can be easy for some to see us as Polyanna suckers who are practically begging to be taken advantage of. And I don’t know about you all, but that’s definitely not my own intention.
The 16% tax on your bill does not go to restaurant staff, so be aware when leaving a tip for your server. (Shutterstock)
What should we do, then? I’ll admit that I’m guilty of sometimes overtipping. That said, I follow my partner’s lead on that, who’s spent much of his working life in restaurants. “I always try to leave at least enough for a taxi.” (In our city, mind you, 40-50 pesos is enough for a taxi; if you live in Los Cabos, I wouldn’t advise that as no one that earns a waiter’s salaries is taking taxis). Tips in restaurants, by the way, are nearly always split among the entire restaurant staff at the end of the night.
For further reading, check out Janet Blaser’s extensive article onhow to tip in Mexico for a specific reference, too. I also have a history of fretting about our collectiveeconomic footprint. And of course, be sure to take notes on Bethany Platanella’s “Guilt payments and over-tipping” section of her “10 things gringos do that upset Mexicans” list!
Conclusion? Be cool. Be nice. But try to temper your savior complex. People aren’t as impressed as you think they are.
Pemex CEO Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, an energy engineer and economist, has been tasked with reducing the state oil company's debt. (Graciela López Herrera/Cuartoscuro)
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that energy economist and engineering academic Víctor Rodríguez Padilla will be the next CEO of Pemex, Mexico’s heavily-indebted state oil company.
Rodríguez acknowledged that leadership of the indebted state oil company would be a challenge and “great responsibility.” (Cuartoscuro)
Besides being “an expert in energy economics and policy,” Sheinbaum said that Rodríguez “… has 42 years of experience in the energy sector and of course he’s been a defender of the energy companies of the nation, of energy sovereignty.”
“… Víctor knows Pemex,” she said after noting that she and the next state oil company CEO have co-authored various academic and newspaper articles about Mexico’s energy sector.
Who is Víctor Rodríguez, the next CEO of Pemex?
Rodríguez, a professor of engineering at the National Autonomous University (UNAM), will succeed Octavio Romero, who has led the state oil company throughout the six-year term of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
As Sheinbaum enters office, current Pemex CEO Octavio Romero will transition to a new role.(lopezobrador.org.mx)
He will take the reins of a company with debt of almost US $100 billion, making Pemex — an oil driller and refiner — the world’s most indebted oil firm.
The Bloomberg news agency reported that Sheinbaum tapped Rodríguez for the position “to boost Pemex’s profitability and rescue the company from ballooning debt and recurring accidents as she seeks to jump start Mexico’s green energy transition.”
Rodríguez promised to work closely with Sheinbaum’s energy minister, Luz Elena González Escobar, at right. (Claudia Sheinbaum/X)
In a speech after Sheinbaum announced his appointment, Rodríguez said it was an “honor” to be given “the great opportunity” to lead “the country’s biggest company,” but also “a challenge” and a “great responsibility.”
Despite its large debt, Rodríguez asserted that the current government “has rescued” Pemex over the past six years.
“Petróleos Mexicanos was devastated with the neoliberal policies that were implemented during this whole period of six six-year terms of government,” he said, referring to the period between 1982 and 2018.
“They handed over a devastated company, a company in ruins with refineries falling to pieces,” Rodríguez said.
“Fortunately, [the refineries] have been restored and we’re in the process of increasing their capacity,” he said.
He later declared that “Pemex is not a dead company,” nor is it as bad off as people think.
“The media exaggerates a little bit or a lot,” Rodríguez said before conceding that the company faces a “financial situation” that the government is attempting to resolve. He pledged to work closely on that issue with incoming energy minister Luz Elena González Escobar and Finance Minister Rogelio Ramírez de la O, who will stay in the same position after Sheinbaum takes office.
Pemex, he subsequently asserted, has been “very responsible” in paying back what it owes.
Rodríguez will be in charge of seven Pemex refineries in Mexico as well as the Deer Park refinery in Texas. (File photo)
In terms of the “punctuality” of payments, the company’s conduct has been “impeccable,” Rodríguez said.
“Some rating agencies haven’t recognized that. Not all of them — some have and some haven’t,” he said.
Pemex’s oil production target
Rodríguez said that “a significant challenge” for Pemex will be to “maintain” crude production at 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in order to have enough oil to supply the state oil company’s refineries.
Production is currently less than half what it was 20 years ago, falling to around 1.5 million bpd from more than 3 million bpd in 2004.
Rodríguez attributed the decline to “geological maturity [of oil fields], lack of investment, carelessness, negligence and a cunning plan to privatize the company” during the so-called neoliberal period.
Pemex will play a ‘fundamental role’ in energy transition
“It’s important to highlight the Pemex of the future,” Rodríguez told reporters. “What are we going to do?”
The soon-to-be Pemex CEO said that the vast majority of energy used in Mexico — almost 90% — comes from fossil fuels: “basically gas, which is the main energy source we use in the country, and oil.”
“We need to maintain the base of energy supply in the economy … while we carry out the energy transition,” Rodríguez said.
Renewable sources will satisfy increasing demand for energy, he said, adding that the incoming government will make a “big effort” to develop those sources.
“Pemex will play a fundamental role. Pemex won’t limit itself to making oil and gas condensate as it has always done,” Rodríguez said.
Rodríguez said under his leadership, Pemex will branch out into renewable energy projects while maintaining the country’s “base energy supply.” (Shutterstock)
“Now we’re going to do new projects. We’re going to have partnerships with society, with universities, with business people, to do the projects of the future. We’re going to produce wind energy, solar energy, offshore wind energy. We’re going to produce strategic materials including lithium,” he said.
Rodolfo Ramos, head of Mexico research at the Brazilian financial services company Bradesco, said that Rodríguez’s willingness to partner with the private sector could help the bottom line of Pemex, which recorded its worst loss in four years last quarter.
Damian Fraser, CEO of Mexico City-based business consultancy Miranda Partners, said on LinkedIn that “Rodriguez Padilla has been given one of the most difficult jobs in Mexico — CEO of Pemex, the heavily indebted, loss-making state-owned oil and refining company.”
“A respected professor in energy engineering at the UNAM, he has limited administrative experience. Still, he at least enjoys a close relationship with incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum, with whom he has co-authored several academic papers,” he wrote.
The new CEO’s CV
Sheinbaum, a physicist and climate scientist before entering politics, said Monday that she has known Rodríguez “for many years.”
“We have the same degree, … he also studied physics in the Faculty of Sciences at UNAM,” she said.
Sheinbaum also noted that Rodríguez has a master’s degree in energy engineering from UNAM and a PhD in energy economics from the Grenoble Alps University in France.
In addition, he has completed postdoctoral studies in France and Canada.
Rodríguez is a UNAM professor who has been an advisor to a range of government offices. (UNAM)
Sheinbaum highlighted that Rodríguez is currently a professor in UNAM’s postgraduate engineering program and a member of the National System of Researchers. She also noted that he has been an advisor to both houses of Congress, the Federal Auditor’s Office, the Supreme Court and other government departments.
In addition, Rodríguez has worked as a consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Latin American Energy Organization, Oxfam and the Climate Initiative of Mexico.
“He’s a founding member of an organization that I was in some time ago as well,” Sheinbaum said, referring to the Observatorio Ciudadano de la Energía, or Citizens Energy Observatory.
“We always fought for the defense of the public organizations of Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission, and against privatization,” she said.
Sheinbaum said that current Pemex CEO Octavio Romero will continue to work with the government, but didn’t specify the area. The business news website El CEO reported Friday that he will head up the national housing fund Infonavit during the next six-year period of government.
Analyst Diego Marroquín discusses how AMLO's constitutional reforms could impact the USMCA and nearshoring in Mexico. (Cuartoscuro)
Following the decisive electoral victory by Claudia Sheinbaum and the Morena party on June 2, 2024, her mentor, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and allies are likely to secure a two-thirds majority in Congress, providing him the power to unilaterally amend Mexico’s constitution.
Before leaving office on Oct. 1, AMLO’s supermajority is planning to implement 18 constitutional reforms that would weaken Mexico’s economic regulatory landscape, degrade its investment climate, dissolve checks and balances, and undermine the country’s ability to fulfill international commitments, including the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
If approved, these legal shifts could seriously challenge North America’s long-term competitiveness and nearshoring potential, jeopardize billions in US and Canadian investments in Mexico, and complicate the 2026 review of USMCA.
Constitutional amendments
Judicial reform
Mexico’s Supreme Court has found several of AMLO’s actions unconstitutional, including efforts to undermine private investment in the energy sector and place civilian public security forces under military control. If approved, the judicial reform would gradually remove all Supreme Court justices and federal judges, replacing them through popular elections without clear professional qualifications. As presented, this reform would severely weaken the judiciary’s role as an independent check on presidential power, leaving judicial decisions vulnerable to political influence and donor interests.
Rather than addressing long-standing issues of corruption and impunity within Mexico’s judiciary, this overhaul could lead to significant delays, pauses, or even retrials in cases involving human rights and private investments in sectors not covered by the USMCA. Under the USMCA, U.S. and Canadian investors in Mexico can only pursue claims in the oil and gas, power generation, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. Disputes in other sectors require investors to go through Mexico’s domestic court system before seeking arbitration under the USMCA.
Elimination of oversight and regulatory agencies
Other proposed reform would dismantle Mexico’s antitrust agency, along with the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), transferring their functions to Executive Branch agencies like the Economy Ministry and the Energy Ministry.
These changes would remove critical checks on presidential power and directly conflict with Mexico’s commitments under the USMCA regarding market access, competition policy, and state-owned enterprises (see table below).
By eroding legal certainty, the reform would severely hamper Mexico’s nearshoring potential, driving investment elsewhere and weakening North America’s position in the global supply chain.
State energy industries
One proposal would restrict Mexico’s state-owned utility, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), from partnering with private companies for electrical transmission and distribution, while prioritizing CFE market dominance over private firms. By imposing additional restrictions on private investment, this reform conflicts with the USMCA’s ratchet clause, which prevents countries from rolling back market liberalization measures once they’ve been implemented (see table below).
The author compiled this table to show how Mexico’s constitutional reforms could potentially violate the USMCA. (Diego Marroquín Bitar/USMCA)
This policy would undermine U.S. and Canadian economic interests and any energy they produce in favor of Mexico’s CFE and its state-owned oil and gas company, Pemex. Canadian and U.S. firms have invested a combined US $34 billion in Mexico’s energy sector, including significant investments in renewable energy projects.
Ban on GM corn and restrictions on water concessions
This proposed reform aims to ban genetically modified (GM) corn for both harvest and human consumption. By introducing trade restrictions without scientific evidence, this reform conflicts with the USMCA market access and sanitary and phytosanitary provisions (see table above). Mexico, the U.S.’s second-largest agricultural export market, imports over $5 billion worth of corn annually. Such a ban could lead to the loss of thousands of US agricultural jobs and threaten food security in Mexico, as domestic production would likely be unable to meet the country’s corn demand.
Another proposed amendment seeks to limit water concessions to firms in regions with scarce water resources, reserving allocations to public entities exclusively for personal and domestic use. By favoring Mexican entities over U.S. and Canadian firms, this proposal would appear to violate USMCA’s National Treatment and Most-Favored Nation provisions (see table above).
Ban of fracking and open-pit mining concessions
Constitutional reform proposals to end concessions for open-pit mining and permanently ban oil extraction through fracking conflicts with Mexico’s commitment under USMCA to maintain agreed-upon market openness in these sectors, potentially affecting the operations and ownership of US and Canadian firms (see table above). This could lead to millions of dollars in losses, arbitration claims, or trade sanctions from Canada or the United States. Canadian companies, representing 70% of all foreign mining firms in Mexico, are the largest foreign investors in the country’s mining sector.
Risks
If approved, these changes would appear to severely limit Mexico’s growth prospects and its ability to create well-paying jobs in the medium and long-term. The resulting legal issues and business uncertainty could trigger billions of dollars in tariffs if U.S. and Canadian authorities or firms request formal dispute settlement under USMCA, as well as significant economic losses for consumers and workers across North America.
In other words, Mexico risks undermining the very conditions that foster job creation and investment growth. Additionally, the potential for trade disputes and economic disruptions could deter new investors and negatively impact nearshoring opportunities.
Furthermore, these reforms pose a serious risk to the USMCA’s upcoming review, potentially stalling negotiations with Canadian and U.S. authorities and triggering demands for changes from stakeholders in 2026.
This heightened scrutiny could complicate negotiations and result in unsuccessful outcomes in subsequent years. Ultimately, the reforms could jeopardize the agreement’s renewal and increase the risk of its expiration in 2026, undermining the long-term stability and benefits of the USMCA.
Conclusion
AMLO’s reforms represent a turning point that undermines Mexico’s trade and investment commitments under the USMCA, making Mexico a less reliable partner for the U.S. and Canada.
The proposed legal and institutional overhaul threatens to undermine Mexico’s investment climate for decades, disrupt regional economic integration, and weaken supply chain resiliency at a crucial moment of global economic realignment.
Diego Marroquín Bitar is the Inaugural Bersin-Foster North America Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center and the driving force behind their North America research agenda. He co-founded the North America Project at the US-Mexico Foundation and the non-profit North America 3.0. His insights are frequently featured in publications such as The Hill, The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Letras Libres, and El Universal. Before joining the Wilson Center, Diego worked as a Senior Researcher at the Brookings Institution, a Fellow at the US-Mexico Foundation, and a Consultant at The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mexico News Daily, its owner or its employees.
A litany of speakers including U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar are ready to speak the the 3rd AmSoc Binational Convention in Mexico City next week. (AmSoc/Facebook)
On Sept. 3-4, The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) will hold its third Binational Convention, an event that has rapidly grown into an essential forum for business, political, and social leaders from both Mexico and the United States. The convention, building on the success of previous years, aims to facilitate dialogue and forge strategic alliances to promote shared development between the two nations.
Founded in 1942, AmSoc is a vibrant non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of over two million U.S. citizens living in Mexico. Beyond individuals, it also supports hundreds of American corporations, businesses and philanthropic associations that have made Mexico their home. For decades, this organization has been a bridge between the two nations, fostering connections and strengthening the community with a deep commitment to its mission.
From nearshoring to elections, convention guests will examine the burning issues in the Mexico-U.S. relationship. (AmSoc MX/X)
The theme for this year’s convention, “A New Shared Future,” comes at a critical time for both countries. As Mexico and the United States navigate significant political transitions, the event will bring together influential figures to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing the bilateral relationship. With economic and social landscapes rapidly evolving, this gathering will offer insights into how both nations can collaborate to secure a prosperous future.
USMCA benefits: As always, the USMCA will be a central topic, with discussions focused on leveraging the agreement to create mutual economic opportunities.
Sustainability and energy transition: How can the U.S. and Mexico collaborate on environmental and economic initiatives?
Who will be there?
Hosts Larry Rubin, Francisco Garza and Patricia González will guide guests ranging from key international business leaders, academics, and cultural figures, as well as diplomatic, political, and government officials from both sides of the border. The discussions will delve into public finance, bilateral policy and innovation, underscoring the importance of cooperation between Mexico and the United States.
Wilson Center director Lila Abed is scheduled to speak at the Convention. (Lila Abed/Instagram)
Given the high profile nature of the event, the conference will feature expert speakers from both Mexico and the U.S. These include U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and his opposite number, Esteban Moctezuma, Grupo Salinas vice president Benjamín Salinas, Mexican politicians Rogelio Ramírez, Ricardo Monreal and Adán Agusto López, and Wilson Center director Lila Abed.
A chance to network with some of Mexico’s biggest movers
For those looking to attend, the convention presents a unique opportunity to engage with key players and participate in discussions that could shape the near future of U.S.-Mexico relations. More than just a gathering; the convention is a strategic forum where dialogues can transform into meaningful alliances and shared progress. Even better, Mexico News Daily readers can get 15% entry with an exclusive discount code.
The new facility will build EVs for the Mexican market, not for the export market, according to BYD Americas CEO Stella Li. (BYD Latam/X)
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is considering locations in three Mexican states for its proposed plant, according to the company’s general director for Mexico.
The Shenzhen-based company confirmed in February that it would open a plant in Mexico to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) to be sold within the country.
BYD Americas CEO Stella Li said earlier this year that the plant in Mexico will be located centrally in the country. (BYD Costa Rica)
Jorge Vallejo, BYD’s top executive in Mexico, told Reuters last week that the firm — the world’s biggest EV maker — has narrowed the list of potential locations for the plant to three states.
He said that BYD is reviewing incentives proposed by each of the three states, but didn’t reveal the states he was referring to. BYD Americas CEO Stella Li said earlier this year that the plant in Mexico will be located centrally in the country.
Vallejo told Reuters that the three states under consideration have offered “many benefits” including fiscal, land, management and preferential pricing incentives.
“A plant is not only about having the space, but the logistics, all the development, urban infrastructure that is generated, water, gas, everything that is needed for an automotive plant,” the general director said.
“There are many elements, even logistical, that we are analyzing together with them,” Vallejo said.
He said that BYD is aiming to settle on a location by the end of the year. The company hasn’t disclosed how much money it plans to invest in the facility.
Vallejo told Reuters that BYD executives hoped to meet soon with the team of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Ministry officials to share the company’s plans for the plant.
He said the company would “specifically present the manufacturing and marketing scheme,” and also “show what BYD can develop at a national level.”
Vallejo said in June that BYD’s operations in Mexico will create around 10,000 jobs.
However, he didn’t specify how many of the approximately 10,000 workers would be directly employed by the BYD plant in Mexico and how many would work for the automaker’s contractors and suppliers.
Jorge Vallejo, the general director of BYD México, told Reuters, “A plant is not only about having the space, but the logistics, all the development, urban infrastructure … everything that is needed for an automotive plant.” (BYD México)
The Mexican government is keen to attract foreign investment, announcing tax incentives late last year that aim to encourage nearshoring to Mexico.
But Chinese-owned automotive plants don’t appear to be at the top of its wish list.
Last December, Mexico and the United States reached an agreement to cooperate on foreign investment screening as a measure to better protect the national security of both countries. The agreement was widely interpreted as a means to stop “problematic” Chinese investment in Mexico.
While Li said in February that BYD’s plan was to “build the facility for the Mexican market, not for the export market,” a plant in Mexico could allow the company to avoid heavy tariffs if it seeks to send cars to the United States at some time in the future.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced in May that tariffs on Chinese EVs would increase from 25% to 100% this year. However, that duty wouldn’t apply to vehicles made in Mexico by Chinese companies because Mexican-made cars qualify for tariff-free trade in North America provided they meet regional content requirements.
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in May that measures aimed at made-in-Mexico Chinese EVs “will require a separate pathway.”
“… I would just ask you to stay tuned,” she told reporters.
For his part, former United States president Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% — or even 200% — tariffs on vehicles made by Chinese companies in Mexico if he returns to the White House next January.
Long-distance runners from around the world participated in the Mexico City marathon on Sunday. (Mexico City Government)
The 41st Mexico City marathon attracted more than 30,000 long-distance runners on Sunday, with Kenyans taking five of the six podium spots.
The African runners finished 1-2-3 in the men’s competition, with Edwin Kiprop Kiptoo outracing countrymen Leonard Langat and Francis Cheruiyot.
Kenyan runner Edwin Kiprop Kiptoo (right) took first place in the men’s marathon. (Maratón CDMX/X)
On the women’s side, Kenyan Fancy Chemutai claimed first place ahead of Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete and Janet Ruguru, also of Kenya.
The 42.2-kilometer race began at the southern end of the capital in Ciudad Universitaria adjacent to the university’s Olympic Stadium, ending in the heart of the Centro Histórico with the finish line in the Zócalo in front of the National Palace.
The runners traversed several of Mexico City’s most iconic boulevards, including Insurgentes Avenue, Ejército Nacional, Presidente Masaryk, Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez and Avenida Madero, while also crossing Chapultepec Park and running alongside the Alameda Park.
Kiptoo, the 2022 Mexico City Marathon winner, completed his run in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 36 seconds, a personal best. The 31-year-old returned to the winner’s circle after finishing third last year. The 2023 winner — Bolivia’s Héctor Garibay — will hold onto his record (2:08:23) at least another year.
The race for second place was a close one, with Langat finishing in 2:11:30 and Cheruiyot following 5 seconds later.
An embarrassing mix-up for marathon organizers
Chemutai earned first place on the women’s side by holding off Eshete down the stretch, though the exciting finish was marred by race organizers who thought Chemutai, who was wearing her hair short, was a man.
As the 29-year-old Kenyan approached the finish line, race organizers tried to redirect her away from the women’s finish line where the victory tape was stretched across the path. Chemutai ignored the instructions but as she crossed the line, the organizers lifted up the banner so she did not get the thrill of breaking the tape in triumph, Chemutai did raise her arms, however, managing to pull the banner out of the hands of the misguided attendants.
Chemutai finished in 2:29:19 with Eshete close behind at 2:29:22. Ruguru clocked in at 2:30:58 to earn third place.
Women’s winner Fancy Chemutai managed to snag the finish line banner despite an error by marathon staff. (Maratón CDMX/X)
Ethiopia’s Amare Berise set the women’s Mexico City Marathon record in 2022, posting an impressive time of 2:25:04.
The winners Kiptoo and Chemutai earned 550,000 pesos and a Garmin watch while the second-place finishers took home 245,000 pesos and a Garmin watch. Third-place finishers also received a Garmin watch, along with 180,000 pesos.
Runners finishing fourth through eighth also received monetary prizes.
Mexicans finished 1-2-3 in both the men’s and women’s wheelchair categories. In the men’s race, Fernando Sánchez (1:34:14) was first; Gonzalo Valdovinos (1:35:39) came second; and Marco Antonio Caballero (1:36:08) was third. On the women’s side,: first place went to Yeni Aide Hernández (1:59:14); second place to Ivonne Reyes (2:01:50); and Leticia Sánchez (2:38:45) came in third.
A splash of Yucatán magic takes this upside-down cake to the next level. Serve with whipped cream and wash down with a melipona honey cocktail to really make the most of Mexico's greatest natural miracle. (Shutterstock)
A great way to enjoy dessert in Mexico is by combining two contrasting flavors: the sweet, tart freshness of apples and the indulgent, ambrosia-like taste of pure, natural Mexican Melipona honey! Put them together in this recipe and you’ve got one luscious apple melipona honeyupside-down cake!
Mexico may not be known for a fruit that one associates with Fall, but apples grow in abundance in the higher elevations of Central Mexico, originally brought here by the Spaniards in the Colonial Period (1521-1821). Ever wonder why they’re so red and so appealing? It’s because they’re a member of the rose family as are pears, plums, peaches, cherries and blackberries, all grown in Mexico.
The stingless melipona bee, which creates delicious – and very special – honey. (Government of Mexico)
When it comes to baking, Golden Supreme and Gala are considered tops and both are grown here, coming to market about mid-August. You might want to combine them in this cake for added flavor and texture. Watch for them.
NOTE: In the U.S. it is estimated that 50%-70% of all honey is fake or adulterated, diluted with sugars or syrups, or by feeding corn syrup to bees rather than letting them pollinate. To ensure that your honey is pure (no matter what its origin), fill a glass with water and add a spoonful of honey. If the honey dissolves or the water becomes cloudy, it’s likely fake. Real honey will settle at the bottom of the glass, in a lump or sink to the bottom, maintaining its thickness
Melipona honey is different because it contains more fructose than glucose, which gives it its unique flavor that is a little acidic, as if one added lime. And these bees don’t make honeycombs, but rather store it in sack-like structures they create in their nests. This honey is also very high in antioxidants and is still managed by bee-makers who follow Mayan tradition, and it is rare. It is prized by international chefs who value its distinctiveness on all levels. It also makes for a great cocktail (recipe included).
The apple honeyupside-down cake that’s featured is a traditional Jewish holiday favorite for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it anytime, especially with the succulent goodness of Mexican apples and the exceptional quality of its honey! And why not enjoy a Honey-Bee Cocktail to go along?
Apple honey upside-down cake (with tequila whipped cream):
Recipe adapted from Cinnamonschtick. (Cinnamonschtick)
Equipment:
9-inch springform pan (Be sure to place foil-lined baking tray on oven rack beneath pan to catch drippings.)
Ingredients:
Apple Topping (for bottom of pan):
4 Tbs. (55 grams) refined coconut oil; vegan butter; or butter (aceite de coco refinado (Use only refined to avoid coconut flavor.); mantequilla vegana; o mantequilla)
½ cup (110 grams) light brown sugar (azúcar moreno)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (extracto de vanilla)
⅕ tsp. salt (sal)
2 apples (manzanas), cored and cut into ¼-inch wedges. Do NOT cut thinner, or they will float in the batter.
2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour is not found in Mexico. Buy at amazon.com.mx
½ tsp. salt (sal)
2 tsp. baking powder (polvo para hornear)
½ teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonato)
¾ tsp. cinnamon (canela)
¾ teaspoon allspice. Allspice is not available in Mexico, so make your own:
4 tsp. ground cinnamon (canela)
2 tsp. ground nutmeg (nuez moscada)
2 tsp. ground cloves (clavo)
Mix together and store in an air-tight container.
2 large eggs (huevos)
¼ cup (50 grams) sugar (azúcar)
1 cup plus 2½ Tbs. (396 grams) Melipona honey (miel Melipona)
½ cup 110 neutral vegetable oil**: coconut oil (aceite de coco); avocado oil (aceite de aguacate). You can substitute butter for oil in baking using a 1:1 ratio. Melt butter and cool before adding it to recipe.
2/3 cup (156 grams) strong coffee (café), at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract (extracto de vainilla)
Optional: Sliced, toasted pecans (nueces pecanas)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350° F (177 C).
Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut oil, brown sugar, salt and vanilla. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Place apples in circular, decorative fashion over the brown sugar mixture. Press them into the brown-sugar mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and allspice. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using the same whisk, whisk together the eggs and the sugar until fully combined. Next, whisk in the honey, oil, coffee, and vanilla.
Whisk dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until fully combined. Do not overmix.
Slowly pour batter over apples. (Pouring the batter too quickly may cause apples to float.) Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick pressed in the center comes out clean and the sides of the cake start to pull away from the pan.
Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Use a metal spatula or knife to release the cake from the sides of the pan. Then remove the outer portion of the springform pan. Holding a serving dish over the cake, carefully invert the cake onto the serving dish. Remove the bottom of the pan and the parchment paper. (Add some sliced, toasted pecans, if you’d like.) Allow to cool completely before slicing and if you’d like, top with the tequila whipped cream that we made for our delicious strawberry pie!
Disfruta, along with a Honey-Bee Cocktail!
Honey-Bee Cocktail:
Recipe adapted from ceimaya.com (Home Bar Menu)
Ingredients:
60 ml (4 Tbs.) of tequila
30 ml (2 Tbs.) of Melipona honey
10 ml (2 tsp.) of mezcal
2 dashes Angostura bitters
22 ml (1 1/5 Tbs.) freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice
Lemon peel
Steps:
Make Honey syrup:
Heat water and Melipona honey in a saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Store in a glass jar.
In a cocktail or martini glass, pour mezcal into the glass and tilt the glass to ensure the mezcal covers the entire surface. Fill the glass with crushed ice and reserve. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with several ice cubes and add tequila, lime juice and honey syrup. Close the shaker and shake vigorously to mix all the ingredients well (about 30 seconds, give or take). Discard crushed ice from glass. Using a strainer over the shaker, pour the cocktail into the glass. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Garnish with lemon peel.
Deborah McCoy is the one-time author of mainstream bridal reference books who has turned her attention to food, particularly sweets, desserts and fruits. She is the founder of CakeChatter on Facebook and X (Twitter), and the author of four baking books for “Dough Punchers” (available at Amazon). She is also the president of The American Academy of Wedding Professionals.
Travelers can book their spring break flights from March 8 through April 7, 2025. (Unsplash)
Southwest Airlines is adding new destinations in Mexico and expanding its flight schedule for the upcoming spring season, in a move to meet the growing demands of its customers.
Starting March 8, 2025, Southwest will commence weekly Saturday service from Nashville, Tennessee to the popular spring break destination of San José del Cabo (Los Cabos), Mexico.
Southwest unveiled two Pacific spring break flights beginning in 2025: Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. (Montage Los Cabos)
The new route will add to Southwest’s existing non-stop route connecting Nashville and Cancún.
The airline, based in Dallas, will also begin Saturday flight service between Sacramento, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on March 8, 2025.
“Thanks to our world-renowned flexibility, two free checked bags and a schedule that flexes with travelers’ demands, customers can book their flights today and secure their spring getaway,” Southwest Airlines’ Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Bridie said in a statement.
Besides the free checked bags, the low-cost carrier offers no change fees. This flexibility allows travelers to adjust their plans without incurring additional costs, a rarity in the airline industry.
The expansion of the airline’s flight schedule allows travelers to book their spring break flights through April 7, 2025.
According to Allianz Partners, which analyzed more than 3.4 million flight itineraries for spring break trips between five and eight days in length, Mexico was the most popular international destination for U.S. spring breakers in 2024, with three cities on the list. Coming in first was Cancún, followed by San José del Cabo (Los Cabos) in No. 2 and Puerto Vallarta in No. 4.
With over 100 weekly flights each, American Airlines and United Airlines operate the largest number of weekly flights from the U.S. to Cancún, followed by Southwest.
With 34,332 seats per month, Dallas is the U.S. city with the most seats to Cancún. This route also has the highest number of operations with 186.
Mayweather, who retired from boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record, rained blows on the indifferent Gotti. (Pedro Anza/Cuartoscuro)
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. pummeled John Gotti III in an exhibition bout on Saturday that left the Mexico City crowd disenchanted.
“Mayweather, 47, dominated Gotti from start to finish,” reported the news agency Al Jazeera, leaving the 22,000 people in attendance at the Arena Ciudad de México “unimpressed.”
USA Today reported that “[t]he crowd voiced its displeasure after the eight-round exhibition,” booing both fighters loudly. Al Jazeera added that a round-ending bell did not sound and that the referee left the ring mid-fight.
There was no official winner since this was an exhibition bout — meaning two-minute rounds with two minutes in between each round — and there were no judges.
Saturday’s fight was a rematch of the farcical June 2023 exhibition match that ended in the sixth round when a mass brawl erupted inside the ring.
The rematch teetered on the edge of parody when Panamanian referee Hector Afu left the ring in the second round, replaced by Mexican official Alfredo Uruzquieta.
Mayweather got angry when Afu warned him about throwing rabbit punches, which, to be fair, were actually wide hooks. It is not clear if Mayweather demanded the referee be replaced or if Afu simply had enough of the boxer’s threats and Gotti’s complaints.
The first round began with Mayweather throwing punches at Gotti’s head while the grandson of infamous crime boss John Gotti tried to limit the damage. Gotti’s corner then raised a ruckus when the bell failed to sound at the end of the round.
Mayweather had his way with Gotti, who showed little inclination to fight back until the fourth round. (Pedro Anza/Cuartoscuro)
Other than the momentary delay in the second round, the fight continued with little mayhem, much to the crowd’s dismay. Mayweather had his way with Gotti, who showed little inclination to fight back until the fourth round.
Mayweather, who retired from boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record, rained blows on the indifferent Gotti in the sixth and seventh rounds. Gotti managed to hold on in the eighth after Mayweather cornered him and the two embraced when the final bell rang out.
Mayweather managed to get the crowd back on his side after the bout, praising Mexican boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr., who was there as part of the broadcast team, before saying “Mexico City, I love you guys. Thanks for coming out.’’
He also had praise for his opponent. “Gotti is tough as nails,” he said.
Gotti returned the respect, saying Mayweather hit him hard. “He’s still got it,” Gotti said.
Mayweather’s pre-fight flamboyance
Mayweather sparked controversy leading up to the fight as he was spotted traveling around Mexico City in a “sleek, armored SUV.”
Floyd Mayweather in Mexico with max security and a bulletproof tank
Ahead of the rematch with John Gotti III. 🔥💰 pic.twitter.com/J5GWdD9NOq
Though some speculated about his need for heightened security, others took to social media to make light of the situation, describing him as an “attention seeking grandpa,” the sports site Marca reported.
Following the construction of its second Mexicali plant, Gulfstream will employ over 5,000 people in Baja California. (Gulfstream)
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has announced a US $370 million investment to build a new plant in the northern city of Mexicali, Baja California, as reported by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda.
The 540,000-square-foot plant will be the company’s second manufacturing facility in the state and will create 1,500 specialized jobs, bringing the company to more than 5,000 employees in Baja California.
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda with representatives of Gulfstream. (Marina del Pilar/Gulfstream/X)
The announcement was made during a meeting attended by John Ortega, vice president of Gulfstream; Mark Bennet, global director of institutional relations at Gulfstream; and Kurt Honold Morales, economy and innovation minister for Baja California.
“Gulfstream’s expansion in Mexicali marks a significant milestone for our operations in the region. We are excited about the new opportunities this investment will create and are eager to further contribute to the local economy,” Ortega said at the meeting.
Gulfstream opened its Mexicali plant, currently the company’s only plant in Mexico, 30 years ago. The manufacturing site makes electrical wire harnesses, sheet metal components, sub-assemblies and machined parts.
“This new facility will enhance our production capabilities and reinforce our commitment to Mexicali and the broader Baja California region,” added Mark Bennet.
No further details have been given about the new site’s construction or its production outlook.
The aviation and aerospace industry in Mexico is one of the three largest manufacturing industries in Mexico today.
Its market size is estimated at US $2.58 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US $2.96 billion by 2029. The state with the largest aerospace industry in the country is Baja California, also considered the birthplace of the aerospace industry in Mexico.
The first foreign aerospace company to invest in Mexico was Hughes Aircraft, which opened over 40 years ago in Mexicali. Since then, 28 aerospace companies have been established in Baja California including United Technologies Aerospace Systems, Honeywell, Safran, Collins Aerospace and others.
According to the Economy Ministry (SE), in the first six months of 2024, Mexico received US $161 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the aerospace manufacturing industry.
