The Hotel Suites Duquesa Golf has been awarded a fifth star to become Manilva’s first , and only, 5-star hotel.

The Councillor for Culture, Yolanda Holgado, is organising the “I Feria del Libro” (I Book Fair) to be held from Wednesday, 23rd to Sunday, 27th April 2008, to be held on the Paseo Maritimo in Sabinillas.

The local authorities wish to remind vehicle owners that they have until the 19th May, 2008, to pay their Impuesto De Vehiculos De Traccion Mecanica, (I.V.T.M.) vehicle tax.

After this date owners will incur interest charges and fines, and it is impossible to legally transfer ownership of a vehicle if the tax is not up to date.

The tariffs are set according to the engine power of the vehicle, with the taxes set are: €12.62, €34.08, €71.945, €89.61 and €112 respectively.

Reminders have been posted by the Provincial Collection Agency in Manilva (Patronato de Recaudación Provincial de Málaga) and the sums can be paid into any of the participating banks listed on the reminder.

If you haven’t yet received a reminder, you can go to the office of the Patronato de Recaudación Provincial de Málaga, situated in Cl/ Doctor Alvarez Leyva, nº 6, next door the Policia Local station, where they will provide you with payment form to take to the bank.

It is also possible to set up a Direct Debit, ask at the Patronato office for more information.

Recently formed by a number of like-minded people, ASABAM was created to develop and promote musical pursuits in the municipality of Manilva.

Under its director and President Inmaculada Rondón, who worked with the previous administration in Manilva Town Hall running music workshops and the Manilva and Sabinillas choirs, ASABAM is open to anyone of any nationality, colour, creed, age, ability or social situation, for singles or couples, anyone with an interest in music, whether they wish to join the choir, learn to play an instrument, enjoy the music therapy classes or any of the many other activities planned for the future.

ASABAM recently joined a number of cultural associations from Manilva, including Asociación ATENEO, Peña Flamenca, Luisana, Bella Manilva and Las Gaviotas, to celebrate Andalucia Day with a concert in Punto d’Encuentro, as well as performing in San Martin, and Estepona where they helped celebrate Day of the Working Woman earlier this month.

If you are interested in joining or want more information call 952 892 732, 952 890 946 or 619 178 278 all are welcome.

The Mayoress of Manilva, Antonia Muñoz, and her Deputy and Councillor for Health, Emilio López Berenguer, recently met with María Antigua Escalera, the Provincial Health Delegate for the Junta de Andalucia, accompanied by the Costa del Sol District Health Director, Manuel Bayona, to solve the various problems facing Manilva’s health provisions.

The Junta de Andalucia’s Museum Department has allocated a grant of €43,164 for the purpose of creating an Museum of Archaeology in Manilva.

Manilva’s Councillor for the Environment and Planning departments, Emilio López Berenguer, has announced the recent introduction of a levy for building materials, skips and construction equipment, which occupy public areas and thoroughfares.

Last Sunday, 23rd February, saw the Manilva Suns continue their winning run in the LNF2, Spain’s American Football league, with a convincing 45 - 7 win over the young Portuguese side Oporto Renegades.

Manilva celebrates Andalucia Day on Thursday, 28th February in Calle Mar with a programme of events starting at 10.30 am with a traditional Andalucian breakfast served outside the Town Hall.
12 noon Raising of the Andalucia Flag at the Town Hall accompanied by the Andalucia Anthem performed by the Manilva Town Band and Municipal Choirs.
12.30 pm Performance by the Municipal Choirs and the Manilva Town Band.
1.30 pm Performance by the Manilva Municipal Dance School.
6.00 pm Flamenco by Pepe Ortega.
7.00 pm Flamenco Spectacular by Soledad de Jerez.

As of today Manilva Town Council’s  Foreigners’ Department has moved to the Villa Matilde which is the building just in front of SuperSol on the Sabinillas to Manilva road.

You can contact Chris Olsen on 663 969 636 or 665 384 160.

Opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8.15 and 9.15 am and 11 am to 1.30 pm or you can visit Chris at his bookstall at the Sunday Market from 9 am to 2 pm.