By Bob Schulman

In the 1830s, a businessman from the Philippines made a fortune in what was then the tiny Mexican port of Mazatlan. To thank the city for his success he chipped in land for a European-style plaza where Mazatlecos could take leisurely strolls, catch up on the latest gossip and rock with Bach in the evening. The plaza was – and still is – the city’s crown jewel, having been enjoyed by everyone from gold miners to movie stars to millions of tourists over the years...