Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
Reporting live from the glitter-soaked frontlines of fabulousness
Photos by Héctor Romero (Marketing Coordinator – Studs Bear Bar) and Jamie Alexander (Contributing Writer – Out & About PV Magazine)
Never yell “BINGO!” while a drag queen in six-inch heels struts past your table, unless you really do have a bingo to claim. Last night, nearly 100 fabulous folks flocked to Studs Bear Bar in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone to do exactly that—all in the name of charity, cocktails, and campy chaos.
Strip Down Bingo at Studs has already become a weekly staple where the air conditioning is icy, the drinks are feisty, and the staff is spicy. But this night? Oh honey, last night was different.
Why? Because the event saw the dazzling debut of Ivana Deepthroat, who slayed the room, the runway, and probably a few weak libidos in the crowd. Yes, Puerto Vallarta’s newest queen on the scene made her glorious premiere—and she didn’t just bring drama and glamour. She brought heart.
This special edition of Strip Down Bingo, otherwise coined, Drag Bingo was held in support of Vallarta Cares (formerly known as Vallarta Food Bank), a community lifeline that’s been feeding those in need since “before it was trendy to care.” The charity holds a special place in the heart of Mikel, the magnetic owner of TrIVe MedSpa, and a known mover, and shaker around town when it comes to supporting the community. ThrIVe MedSpa contributed nearly $900 USD in prizes, with several other local businesses also stepping up to offer a range of fantastic giveaways.
Ivana Deepthroat (yes, you read that right, and yes, your grandma would blush) dedicated every single peso from her tips, and even the proceeds from those steamy served Jell-O Shooters—which, let’s be honest, are dangerously delicious and were served by two chiseled angels known as Paco & Rashid. Owner, Mike Owens approached the bingo ball callers and whispered. Moments later, it was announced that Studs Bear Bar would donate matching funds up to $5,000 pesos.
Talk about serving looks, great drinks and serving the community!
At around 8:45PM, the crowd grabbed their bingo dabbers like seasoned pros and got down to business—one hand marking numbers, the other holding a strong-pour cocktail that could knock out a small horse. Meanwhile, Tia Gloria, the hostess with the most-est, kept the vibe popping with a mic in one hand and sass in the other.
“B-11? More like Beyonce!” she yelled as the crowd giggled, groaned, and grooved to the campy beats of pop remixes and the occasional performance interlude.
“I came for the bingo, stayed for the boys, and donated for the cause,” said one attendee, who may or may not have been triple-fisting cocktails. (We don’t judge.)
Between rounds, Ivana dazzled and worked the room collecting donations for Vallarta Cares. By the end of the night, not only were spirits high, but so were the donations.
With nearly 100 attendees, the night raised significant funds for Vallarta Cares—all while proving that glitter really is a renewable resource, and that giving back can (and should) come with a side of fabulous.
So what’s next?
Well, if you missed Ivana’s debut, don’t panic. Once a month Strip Down Bingo will feature a new-to-the-scene, new to drag, co-host. And remember bingo happens every Tuesday night at Studs Bear Bar. Rumor has it that if Ivana makes a return, she’s ready with her next number—possibly involving feathers, a fog machine, and a live rendition of “It’s Raining Men.” (We can dream.)
Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or just someone who appreciates a strong drink, a good-looking go-go boy, and a man in heels who could walk better than you sober—Strip Down Bingo is the place to be.
So grab your pesos, your sassiest friends, and a sense of humor, and join the party. Because in Puerto Vallarta, Bingo has never looked so damn good.
About Vallarta Cares: This time of the year, Vallarta Cares needs support more than ever. As the holidays near and tourism season has yet to begin, many local families face greater hardship. Vallarta Cares provides food, essentials, and support to vulnerable people in Puerto Vallarta — including low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and the homeless. Wanna be on trend and help a great cause like Ivana, donate: www.vallartacares.org
STRIP DOWN BINGO at STUDS
Every Tuesday, 8:30PM-ish
Strong cocktails, steamy staff
Hosted by Tia Gloria
Featuring rotating drag performances
Proceeds often benefit local charities like Vallarta Cares
Remember: Come for the bingo. Stay for the Jell-O shots. Leave with glitter in places you didn’t know existed.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
