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.

Monica Miller: PV’s Zest for Life Fuels My Soul

My love affair with Puerto Vallarta began over 15 years ago. On my very first trip I knew someday I would live here. In fact, I have a photo from my first time in Vallarta from the hillside I live on today. 

Lost Gabor Sister Brings ‘Big’ Style to Incanto’s Stage

Gouda Gabor - Richard Lucas is drag performer Gouda Gabor. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Richard Lucas is one of those theater queens. He’s known around the world as the founder of Lucas Talent, - the largest talent and literary agency in Canada - but he’s known in Puerto Vallarta as its very own Gouda Gabor.

MR. Exprimido Offers a Fresh Squeeze on Puerto Vallarta’s Beverage Scene

Lorenzo Antonio Marín de Dios is the owner of MR. EXPRIMIDO. Photo by Jerry Jones
Lorenzo Antonio Marín de Dios, has brought a refreshing twist to Puerto Vallarta's culinary scene with innovative drinks, from classic cocktails to creative fruit-based concoctions with his new store, MR Exprimido.

Lalo Gil is Puerto Vallarta’s Mr. Events

Lalo Gil - Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Lalo Gil (Eduardo Gil Rocha Gonzalez) loves to be the center of attention. He’d be the first to tell you - he’s comfortable with all the eyes in the room being on him. 

Gay Mixers Set for April 5 and April 27

Three Puerto Vallarta permanent residents - Don Lewis, Frank Cassel and ​Chris Clyde, are teaming up with Out & About PV Magazine and Jet De La Isla’s Facebook Group, “Puerto Vallarta Gays: Everything Gay You Need Or Want To Know” to jumpstart regular gay mixers.

Mexican Drag Queen Jeybra Brings Fire to the Stage

Jeybra Queen (the name is a take on the Zebra) arrived in Puerto Vallarta about three years ago, and brought to her act something not many other people can do - acrobatics and aerial arts combined with fire.  Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Jeybra Queen (the name is a take on the Zebra) arrived in Puerto Vallarta about three years ago, and brought to her act something not many other people can do - acrobatics and aerial arts combined with fire. 

Inspired by Nature, Guzman Paints from the Heart

Luis Guzman has known since he can remember that his hands and heart were meant to paint.  Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Luis Guzman has known since he can remember that his hands and heart were meant to paint. 

Sweet Journeys: The Love Story Behind Dulceria La Holandesa

At Dulceria La Holandesa candy and gift store, the owners, Rinette Laros and her wife — Emerita Carrillo Rubio — have poured love and care into their business.
At Dulceria La Holandesa candy and gift store, the owners, Rinette Laros and her wife — Emerita Carrillo Rubio — have poured love and care into their business. It is apparent in each item on display. Here, the colors are bright, and the atmosphere is joyful.

Tonny Kenneth Releases New Heartfelt Album, ‘Happytamin’

Tonny Kenneth
Tonny Kenneth has released a new album that he says is his most personal project to date -  and reflects some major moments in his life.

Undressing Dysmorphia, Dressing in Self-Love

Jet De la Isla: A Visionary Entrepreneur and one of our Summer 2024 feature cover stories. Photo by Gustavo Silva
Waking up every morning in Puerto Vallarta, in true Leo fashion, I take a long look at myself—nude as I was born, nude as I play. My bronzed skin, inked tattoos, blonde hair, and strong body are a reflection of years of growth. At 39 years old, for the first time, I can look in the mirror and not wince. I see power. I see beauty. I see me. But it wasn’t always this way.

From English Teacher, Dolphin Trainer to Drag Star Karma La Perra, Mitchell Rivadeneyra Shines as an Entertainer

Mitchell Isaác Guzmán Rivadeneyra. Photo by Oscar Almeida
Mitchell Isaác Guzmán Rivadeneyra is performer and drag star Karma La Perra - he arrived at Juicy Drags for our interview dressed like the fashion diva that he is - a custom made crop top, sunglasses and a sharp black hat that instantly told you that this man is ready for business.

Morales Etches Dreams Into Reality With Metal Embossing

Ericksammy Morales (Sammy) talks about his passion for art, and his ability to turn dreams into reality with his metal embossing skills.

Las Terrazas: Where Community, Innovation, and Philanthropy Meet

Al Carswell, Las Terrazas founder - pictured here in one of his Canadian establishments. Photo provided.
Al Carswell, Las Terrazas is not just a collection of businesses; it's soon to be a hub where locals and visitors alike come together to savor culinary delights, indulge in creative cocktails, and support a cause close to their hearts.

Ventura Chef Services Hosts Dinner for Media and Small Business Owners

Chef Roman Ventura
Chef Roman Ventura’s business has grown but he knows he still has a lot to learn.  So the chef and his assistant, Edward Potocek, hosted a dinner recently to learn about how others got their starts in Puerto Vallarta and to discuss ideas on how best to reach locals and tourists about the services and experiences that Chef Ventura, and other small businesses, have to offer.

Chef Fabiola Meraz: A Mar Y Sierra Reflects High Cuisine Flavors of Mexico

A Mar Y Sierra the creation of Owner and Chef Fabiola Meraz, it brings together the sea and the high mountains in a fusion of Mexican culture and high end cuisine. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Experience the unique cuisine of Chef Fabiola Meraz's A Mar Y Sierra. Fusion of Mexican culture & high-end cuisine.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar Hopping Tour Celebrates 12 Years

Tim Wilson and his Gay Bar Hop Tour
Since 2011 the Gay Bar Tour has been helping tourists find their way around the local gay bar scene. With almost 30 gay bars in the area, it can be a bit daunting to sort it all out. The Gay Bar Tour does it all for you, from skipping lines to serving drinks.

Sit. Stay. Drink. Event to Bring Dog Owners Together at The Secret Wine Bar

Carlos and Christoph, owners of the Secret Wine Bar.
An opportunity for dog owners to connect and network is coming to the Secret Wine Bar on a monthly basis, the first starting on April 25.

Mikel Alvarez’s ThrIVe MedSpa is a Wellness Oasis

Mikel Alvarez is the owner and founder of ThrIVe Medspa. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Mikel Alvarez has always possessed a deep-rooted desire to help people, which has been a guiding force throughout his journey. His experiences in the medicinal cannabis industry showcased the powerful effect of compassionate care. This passion for healing has only grown stronger since, and his vision for ThrIVe MedSpa and the services it offers stems from his commitment to creating an environment where individuals can find relief and rejuvenation.

Meet the Staff: ThrIVe IV & MedSpa

ThrIVe Staff - Photo by Oscar Almeida
Discover the unique philosophy behind ThrIVe IV & MedSpa. Meet the dedicated team that sets them apart and takes them to the next level.

Javier Jimenez Gives Back, Looks Forward

Javier Jimenez, President of ACT LGBT and owner of the Garbo Group, has been supporting Vallarta Pride since its inception and sat down with O&APV to talk more about why he got involved
Javier Jimenez, President of ACT LGBT and owner of the Garbo Group, has been supporting Vallarta Pride since its inception and sat down with O&APV to talk more about why he got involved.