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Meet Your Neighbor

Meet your neighbor and learn more about some of our wonderful people that live full time here in Puerto Vallarta. From the locals (pata salada). to temporary and permanent residents, we’ve got great stories about your neighbors.

Tunnel Bar Opens in East Emiliano Zapata

The Tunnel Bar owners (left to right) Roger, Bryan, Sugarbaker and Tamale. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
A new “everybody friendly” bar has been opened at Basilio Badillo 447, adding to the quickly expanding options of restaurants and bars that have recently opened in the East Emiliano Zapata neighborhood

Galini Spa Massage Opens, Offering Full Service Spa in Zona Romantica

Galini Spa Massage is new full-service spa located conveniently at Calle de Constitucion #364. Opening just 3 months ago, the spa is already being sought out by tourists and residents alike.
Galini Spa Massage is new full-service spa located conveniently at Calle de Constitucion #364.  Opening just three months ago, the spa is already being sought out by tourists and residents alike.

Through the Lens of Pride: Oscar Almeida Wins Best Gay Photographer Award

Oscar Almeida
Oscar Almeida's infectious grin speaks volumes as he recounts his recent triumph at the Best of Gays Awards. "Honestly, being named Best Gay Photographer in Vallarta is humbling," he confesses

Rico Indian Restaurant Brings Three Men Together to Offer Authentic Gourmet Indian Food

(Left to right) Monnish Malhotra, Enzo Lima and Manjunath Mysore
A new gourmet Indian restaurant, Rico Indian, has opened in Puerto Vallarta, bringing with it tastes that are authentic, original and a sense of belonging for the three owners. 

Bar Frida and Kitchen Settles Into New Home

Tom Finley owner of Bar Frida's
Tom Finley, the owner of Bar Frida, has seen a lot over the past 78 years. You can see it reflected in his eyes - most recently the sorrow of losing his husband and partner, Luis Mendez. 

Mercurio Swim: A Bathing Suit For Everyone

Paul Crist is well known throughout Puerto Vallarta as the gracious owner of Hotel Mercurio, which he has now operated for 18 years (since...

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano: practicing law in one of today’s gay meccas

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano
Having lived in three of Mexico’s largest cities (Monterrey, Mexico City and Puebla),  Roberto Ortiz de Montellano found himself in search of a location...

Effie Passero Takes Global Stage From Small-Town Dreams

Effie Passero
A little over three decades ago, one December evening, in Modesto, CA, an 18-month-old Effie Passero waddled over to the television in the living room of her house, pressed her palms against the screen playing a Christmas special, and began singing to the tune of Ave Maria. 

Meet Your Neighbor: Joshua Rappaport

Joshua Rappaport
Joshua Rappaport is originally from Toronto, Canada, and has been living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico since 2003.  Joshua founded Cross Border Investment in 2011...

Sweet Treats by Rosie and Me Brings American Treats to Puerto Vallarta

richard wright delivery
Sweet Treats by Rosie and Me is truly a home based business and a one-man-show. Richard cooks in the kitchen in his rented home located in the Centro Colonial. He shares photos of his work on Facebook, and orders are placed through Facebook messenger. He personally delivers the orders. 

Beers, boys and burgers @ Mercurio Hotel

Beers boys and burgers at Hotel Mercurio in 2019

Louis Whitaker: I’m not in Kansas anymore

Louis Whitaker
Louis Whitaker says he "was 21 and just looking for fun, but I found a city with a diverse community who accepted me with open arms." 

Danyol Creates a World of Queer Art Inspired by his Mexican Roots

Danyol is a Puerto Vallarta artist and drag performer, and has created a world of Queer Art Inspired by his Mexican roots.

Shhhhh! It’s a Secret! New ‘Secret’ Wine Bar Opens in Hidden Location

Juan Carlos Carrillo Orozco
A new speakeasy has opened in Puerto Vallarta. The Secret Wine & Cocktail Bar, located at Calle Lazaro Cardenas 311, is on the patio/terrace of the Littenbrod Bakery.

Meet Your Neighbor: Dr. Edgar Hernández

dr hernadez
Known as Dr. Edgar to patients and friends, Edgar Hernández is a medical surgeon in private practice here in Vallarta. A true pata salada,...

Edy’s Cakes Rises from COVID-19 Closures

Edy Sandoval
Edy Sandoval is one of the many LGBTQ community members in Puerto Vallarta that lost his job due to the pandemic. He was working...

Meet your neighbor: Henry Ho

Henry is a native of Los Angeles who moved to Puerto Vallarta in the fall of 2016.  He works remotely doing marketing consulting and...

For The Love of DILFS: David Smith, Jr. Represents Puerto Vallarta and Fire Island on Reality TV

For the love of DILFS, David Smith, Jr., contestant
From the beaches of Puerto Vallarta to the glitz and glamor of reality TV, local event producer David M. Smith, Jr. is trading paradise for a chance at love and a $10,000 prize on streaming TV show,  'For the Love of DILFs’.

Meet Your Neighbor: Chrystal Treneer

My name is Chrystal Treneer, and I originally moved to this Pacific paradise back in 2011.  I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale,...

From Love Comes a Bakery and Engagement

Armando Álan Vázquez (chef) and Ivan Garcia
Armando Álan Vázquez (chef) and Ivan Garcia are making sweet moments with love from their small and humble pastry shop that recently opened.