O&APV Summer of Fun and Pride 2023

Summer of Fun Guide Covers!

EQUIPO PUBLICISTA Y SOCIO PROPIETARIO

Jerry Jones Jerry@outandaboutpv.com

VENTAS Y RELACIONES PÚBLICAS

Gerwin Rutten Gerwin@outandaboutpv.com

DISEÑO GRÁFICO Y PUBLICITARIO

Marco Encinas direccion@marcoencinas.com

FOTOGRAFÍA, VIDEOGRAFÍA,REDES SOCIALES

Oscar Almeida Oscar@outandaboutpv.com

VENTAS DIGITALES Y EVENTOS

Rodrigo Magaña Gómez

PORTADA 1

Ulises Pérez Torres

Aka: Culi Paradise

Fotografa: Oscar Almeida

PORTADA 2

Modelo: Santiago Pacheco, Erick

Samuel Delgado Lugo, Bernardo

Balderas González y Spencer Nutting.

Fotografa: Oscar Almeida

Ilustración: Priscila Martínez

ESCRITORES COLABORADORES

Rande Lee, David Mark Smith, Jr.

DIRECCIÓN DE OFICINA Y DE CORREO

Out & About PV, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. Out & About Puerto Vallarta

Constitucion 285 A, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 48380

Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

ACERCA DE NOSOTROS

Out & About PV es una publicación de O&APV, S. de R.L de C.V., copyright@2023, Publicación trimestral gratuita de Puerto Vallarta con contenido LGBT de Puerto Vallarta y áreas colindantes. Out & About PV es un estilo de vida enfocado a información de viaje, eventos, negocios y noticias locales para LGBT. O&APV es gratuita, y distribuida en Puerto Vallarta, disponible en línea en todo el mundo en Outandaboutpv.com

OPORTUNIDADES

Out & About PV, S. de R.L de C.V. admite escritores, fotógrafos y videógrafos voluntarios durante todo el año. Si estás interesado en contribuir a nuestra publicación, envía un correo electrónico a editor@outandaboutpv.com, con currículum, información de contacto y muestras de tu trabajo. El trabajo de voluntarios es sin goce de sueldo, pero los contribuidores reciben crédito por su trabajo en nuestra publicación, impresa y en línea. Recomendamos ampliamente solicitar a aquellos buscando prácticas en periodismo o comunicación

SPENCER NUTTING, A SEVENTH GENERATION SAN FRANCISCAN, GAY PIONEER & FORMER GAY STUDENT ACTIVIST, DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER, GAY ENTREPRENEUR, AND PROMOTIONAL EVENT PRODUCER, ORIGINALLY CAME TO PUERTO VALLARTA MORE THAN 40-YEARS AGO.

In the past 40 plus years, Spencer has seen his share of life changes, including his divorcewhich he shares in his upcoming summer release book, “Gay Divorce: Texas Style”.

Spencer shared some moments from his life and what a reader can look forward to in the book.

Spencer Nutting, ‘The Gay Divorcé‘ sets his stakes in Puerto Vallarta

His frst visit to Puerto Vallarta occurred after he had won a 10-daystay here in a seven-bedroom condo. Accompanied by close friends, and his now ex husband, the three gay couples headed out on what they hoped would be the trip of a lifetime.

“These were tumultuous times, then, I’m a survivor because I was in a monogamous relationship. One of the couples, both close friends and one a newly hired employee, Marty Zeitman, had just been diagnosed with AIDS, which was essentially a death sentence in those days.”

As you can imagine, some 40-years-ago Puerto Vallarta was a lot diferent than it is today. “We

didn’t see any gay bars because we weren’t looking for any.”

“After spending the day at the beach, we would retreat to local restaurants on the way back to the condo.” One particular restaurant, Andale’s, became our hangout, and the gang would party there with Margaritas and even had their group photo taken on the iconic sweeping staircase there. “That picture hung in my walk-in closet for a decade. I’d see and remember it daily.”

One particular night, after drinking too much tequila, Marty was so sick in the bathroom stall, emotionally broken down, and most likely a human biohazard. “That moment still brings tears to my eyes recalling it.”

“It was up to me to assist and comfort him,” he said. “After all these decades later, it was as memorable as if it happened a week ago. Marty blubbered through his tears, ‘I’m going to die! I’m going to die!’ and with all the gumption I could ofer I told him, ‘Marty, no matter what, you’ll always be alive in Puerto Vallarta!’”

Marty Zeitman and his partner, Al Crook, both died within a year from AIDS. Spencer last saw Marty while crossing a major Soho street in London where Marty was on a work assignment with another company, while Spencer was also in London on a business trip as well. Neither knew the other was there.

PhotographerOscar Almeida

“We met coincidentally on the crosswalk, mid intersection. One signal diference & we would not have made the reconnection.”

Since neither had plans, they enjoyed the evening together in a local restaurant, reminiscing about that trip to Puerto Vallarta. I remember Marty telling me, I look forward to going back. Sadly, he never did, except in spirit.

Flash forward to September 2022. After living in Vancouver, BC for the past four years, Spencer decided to relocate to Puerto Vallarta. He booked an airbnb from Vancouver, with the plan to fnd a place for a longer stay in December. Spencer was directed to meet in Andale’s Restaurant’s bar & await delivery for the keys to be delivered.

While waiting, enjoying his frst Corona, here in 40+ years, he looked around at his ambient surroundings, and was awestruck to see that he was in the very same location he had been in with his amigos 40 years prior - something he felt was

a good omen for his future stay. “It was the last place I was in during my previous visit and the frst place on this one. A good sign.”

The day before his departure back to Vancouver, he found his current domicile on the edge of the infamous Romantica Zone.

“I have always lived a serendipitous life. I have a purpose and a vision of what I’m bringing with me here: An upcoming best selling biography, plans for my Queerassic World Franchise, A Rainbow Gay Wedding Cake company, ‘Let Them Eat Cake!’, a huge Gay Pirate Ship Party, ‘High Jacked in Puerto Vallarta!’, and flm, his gay tee shirt Design company plus a few more tricks up his sleeve to dazzle. Watch! Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com

Watch for Spencer’s Gay Pride Pirate Party aboard the Vallarta Pirate Ship May 26 & 27!

May 26 & 27, 2023

Ballroom Voguing Evolves, and Emerges in Puerto Vallarta

PhotographerOscar Almeida

By Oscar Almeida

THE FIRST BALL ROOM OF PUERTO VALLARTA WILL TAKE PLACE AT INDUSTRY NIGHTCLUB WITH THE THEME, “CALL OF NATURE ” ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023 STARTING AT 7 P.M. WITH A GREEN CARPET WALK AT INDUSTRY NIGHTCLUB.

It marks the frst time the Puerto Vallarta trans, drag, non-binary & queer community will be doing an event that sets them apart from the tourist-focused and commercial focus of Vallarta Pride and its organizers.

It will highlight and celebrate the new "House" scene that is springing up in Vallarta and major cities in Mexico, with the intention to provide multi-faceted support within and for these communities (in the pretty obvious absence of legal, social and cultural support from employers - even gay employers in hiring and providing dignifed opportunities for them).

The event during Vallarta Pride will bring in House leaders from

Guadalajara and Mexico City, as well as from the local Houses, including Kiki House of Paradise, House of Storm and others.

The Paradises are ready to walk their categories and show their voguing skills.

In their words, the best part of the event is that it’s made for the community and it’s been being planned for months with enthusiasm by the Houses. Organizers said they have received lots of help from friends and community members such as Alfredo Soria (organizing) and Paul Crist (Mercurio Hotel and Swimwear) as principal sponsor.

The event marks the rising of the movement in Puerto Vallarta. A movement that was started by the heads behind the liberation. The head of Kiki House of Paradise, Mother Uli, knows we still have a long way to go to achieve the recognition of our beings in Mexico.

Over the years Mother Culi discovered the scene just as her queer self in Mexico City. Originally from Acapulco, where she fnished

high school. With an insecurity crisis in her hometown, her family decided to send her away to study dance in Mexico City. It was her last year of studying dance that she got involved in the ballroom community in Mexico City.

She became part of House of Mamis and soon found her way in the voguing arts.

After fnishing school and fnding out the life scenario of a just graduated artist, she started applying for casts and auditions. Somehow she got an audition for Rhythms of the Night. She passed the audition - producers told her they wanted her - even though she was under their required heightbecause of her talent.

That led to her frst big opportunity in a production directed by Gill de la Croix (Cirque Du Soleil founder), where she shared the stage with artists from Russia,Mongolia and many other countries. She did this for a year and then lost herself.

“I started feeling like not loving doing the same numbers every night

VOGUING HAS ROOTS BACK TO 1960S

HOUSE OF LABEIJA'S FIRST ANNUAL BALL STARTED MOVEMENT

By Oscar Almeida

“I HAVE A RIGHT TO SHOW MY COLOR DARLING. I AM BEAUTIFUL AND I KNOW IM BEAUTIFUL. “ -CRYSTAL LABEIJA 1967

It’s been 55 years since Crystal Labeija was called as third runnerup for 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty Pageant, sadly and with a panel of judges that included Andy Warhol.

At the time it seemed to be a repeating of a history she knew too well. She walked ofstage, in the middle of the awards, never to walk another pageant in the white-centric circuit again.

LaBeija, who was the reigning Miss Manhattan at the time, was one of a few non-white queens who had ever won “Queen of the Ball” (A prestigious title at the time). Queens of color were routinely short shrifted and snubbed in favor of their white counterparts.

Later in 1972- and with Stonewall (1969) as a milestone - Crystal & Lottie Labeija convened the “House of LaBeija's First Annual Ball” taking place somewhere in Harlem, New York.

This was the frst time the term "house" or "casa" was used as the concept within ballroom culture that it is not only about a group of LGBTI+ people who team up, dance and compete in diferent categories in ballrooms, but also function as community spaces and chosen families.

During the last fve decades, this subversive and revolutionary movement had celebrated and exalted the diversity of racialized dissident people who recognize that

and decided to quit,” she said. She was living in Puerto Vallarta and decided to stay - knowing that Vallarta was a LGBTQ+ destination - since she used to go to parties in Zona Romantica. She hadn’t realized this before moving to Vallarta.

She began to wonder where the voguers were - so now without a job - she started looking for opportunities in the hotels and theater shows. But it was complicated and competitive environment, with performing artists fghting for the spots and lowering

their prices to get the gigs - this lead to her deciding to start giving contemporary dance lessons.

She was the only contemporary dance instructor at the time, so with a great response of the people, she eventually started teaching other dance styles (including vogue) and it was on the frst vogue lesson when Deriva (who was also part of the ballroom community in Mexico City) appeared at the class and the team started taking shape.

Eventually Deriva brought in Carmilla to the vogue lessons; and

then Elektra, who at a younger age had a private vogue lesson with Culi, became part of the classes.

“This is not only a political movement and making statements through looks and dance,” she said. “It’s a discipline and requires a lot of strength to dance in high heels and look fabulous at the same time.”

The voguers are athletes and have to learn about their body’s capabilities and limitations - so the raising team was showing their interest through constant efort.

they are mainly support networks for trans, non-binary, HIV positive, sexual workers, black and Latino people Who since then and before have spearheaded the liberation movement.

In this context, voguing arose, a dance style that although in its beginnings sought to imitate poses of models from Vogue magazine; over time it was enriched by multiple characters on the scene at the time like Willi Ninja (Mother of House of Ninja) who brought to the foor movements inspired such as in Egyptian hieroglyphic poses as martial arts or gymnastics as well as other non queer welcoming dance currents.

As spectators, we are used to interpreting vogue as a 'mainstream

-Crystal Labeija 1967

show' linked to dance, Madonna, the catwalk, fashion, music and category “Pose” & the eleganza extravaganza. It is really a very competitive environment. However, the houses, the voguing and the ballroom are loaded with symbolism. And their main objective is to exalt a community environment and celebrate gender as in its dissidences for anti-racist and antihate activism purposes.

It's also a resistance to the hetero patriarchal system and the bodily and binary hegemony of those who judge and have excluded us.

“I have a right to show my color darling. I am beautiful and I know Im beautiful. “

In the words of house members they found in the house the sense of belonging to a community, in a very active dynamic way. They were creating a creative and emotional support web from these sisters. They found a way to be themselves but in the way that also creates something for others. This is a family.

The straightened tendencies against queer expressions in the gay man community often causes queers to slow down on their gender expressions just to ft.

To adapt to what is seen as sexy and attractive while not being loyal to your real self eventually Alexis, Alvaro and AnaPau joined the House, and with the team together the name was obvious for the Mother.

Mother Uli said “we live in this paradise and the House of Paradise was introduced ofcially as a Kiki House with all the community at “Prohibido Ball”.

After that they started promoting the house around Puerto Vallarta and have received a great response from the public - they achieved to now be one of the headline events during Vallarta Pride 2023.

PROFILES

López Captures Photos of Vallarta Prideʼs

DANIEL LÓPEZ IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEHIND

THE DIGITAL CAMPAIGN “BE PROUD OF YOUR NATURE”. HE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON PHOTOGRAPHING

THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CAMPAIGN

Doing the VALLARTA PRIDE 2023 campaign has defnitely been an awakening of my senses as it has a huge meaning for me. I´ve been working in fashion commercial photography for some years now, however this is the frst time I have been given the opportunity to capture images of people with something in common, to feel proud of their nature the simplest way,

like those who participated in our campaign. How many times do we see people sitting in front of us walking down the street without really knowing their story? It is our experiences that make us who we are that no one could know by only seeing what´s on the outside. That's why this campaign is so diferent, everyone who showed up that day, had previously shared their story of support for those who still feel judged, repressed, relegated, showing how good it feels to be yourself proud of who you are.

Each of the photographs have a QR code that will allow us to know the real story of each one of those who participated in the campaign.

Doing the session was a very pleasant surprise, because I only had to give some general indications the rest fowed, each click, I captured something of the essence of each individual. It was so rewarding to see their satisfaction as they saw little by little the results! For some, it was their frst time in front of the camera for many others, a practice already mastered.

The session was hard work, it practically took the entire day, but the tiredness disappeared every time I saw the excited willingness of those arriving to participate. To mention just a few, trans, bisexual, gay, straight, activists, who without labels are extraordinary human beings for the simple fact of standing up for others with so much courage and pride, because it's easy to be front of the lens yourself as you are. So, to every person who trusted me posed in front of my camera... Thank you infnitely!

As the days go by, this project is taking shape and becoming a

Over the decades the culture spread around the world till the movement fnally came to Mexico in the 21st century through Mexican dancers from the urban dance scene who learned to vogue in the United States.

One of them was Any Funk, a professional dancer and founder of House of Machos, one of the pioneer houses of the Mexican scene.

By 2012 he was already voguing in urban dance studios in México City where several important people on the actual Mexican scene were trained.

The contribution in building the scene more from the political side came from the performer and activist better known as Franka Polari who in 2015 organized the frst public practices of runway and voguing in “La Puri” (an LGBT nightclub) and that same year the frst ball was held in Mexico.

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en:

outandaboutpv.com

reality. This flls me with great emotion, because these photos were achieved on their own merits; they are the result of teamwork. Javier Jiménez, Vidal Meza, Bela, Mony, Carlos, Stefano, Teto Betancourt, Fredy, Edgar, Jesús and so many others have helped achieve a positive change. Our society made this campaign what we were looking for much more. That VALLARTA PRIDE is only synonymous with party celebration, but also communicating that this is a destination open to diversity, dialogue acceptance.

Puerto Vallarta dresses colors, unites us no matter what. But to see ourselves as human beings proud of being who we are, it´s an invitation to live proud of our nature.

Be proud of your nature!

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com

‘BE PROUD OF YOUR NATURE’ DIGITAL CAMPAIGN

Let 'Em Eat Cake!

SPENCER NUTTING CAME TO PUERTO VALLARTA MORE THAN 40-YEARS AGO. LITTLE DID HE KNOW ON HIS FIRST VISIT THAT SOMEDAY HE WOULD PARTNER WITH A PASTRY CHEF TO OPEN A BAKERY.

“Back in 2018 when the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who didn't want to bake any rainbow wedding cakes because it was against his “religion”, I thought, “how stupid! I’ll take that business,” Nutting said. “So I thought up the name, “Let ‘em Eat Cake!” And kept the idea on the back burner. Flash forward to here in Puerto Vallarta

and I connected with a Master Class Pastry Chef who I decided to make my vision a reality.”

Chef Royer Arciga graduated from the Nougatine Academia School in Mexico City.

Starting at the young age of 15, in a busy pastry shop, he plied his trade with Master Bakers and Confectioners from large baker families. Thus getting to know the world of pastry.

So here in Puerto Vallarta, in the heart of the Romantica Zone the dream and idea spawn from bigotry,

the reality is born. Working from his own kitchen, gay and Lesbian couples, and anyone else for that matter, may purchase rainbow wedding cakes, custom birthday cakes, and cakes for any occasion.

But they won’t sell cakes that promote bigotry.

“So don’t come to us for any Trump cakes,” Nutting said. “Or any nazi or Confederate fag cakes. Only good wholesome gay rainbows & anything you can dream up for your special occasion.”

By David Mark Smith Jr

SINCE 2005, THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IN PUERTO VALLARTA HAS COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE PRIDE. THIS YEAR THE ORGANIZERS AT ACT LGBT, WHO SPONSOR THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL IN MAY, HAVE A ROBUST AND DIVERSE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THAT INTENDS TO MAKE THIS YEAR’S PRIDE CELEBRATION THE BIGGEST ONE YET.

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, the exciting new changes made to this year’s pride and the impact he hopes pride has on the greater LGBTQ+ community here in Puerto Vallarta.

What drew you to get involved with pride? What was the calling?

JJ: When I opened my frst business here, the gay community gave me the best support so this is my way of returning that support back to the community here in Vallarta with my time and resources. It takes a lot of time and efort and

Javier Jimenez Gives Back, Looks Forward

there have been many individuals involved with Vallarta Pride over the years and I am so thankful to the others in the community for their eforts. People getting involved and coming together is what pride is about: to have a community join together and celebrate how we live in a country where we can express ourselves. Last November, the Gay Pride Vallarta team attended the InterPride conference in Mexico City where we got to meet organizers from other prides throughout the world to learn from them and improve pride here in Puerto Vallarta. But we also heard many stories of what those communities are dealing with in their own countries that aren’t as supportive of the gay community and that inspires you to want to do and give back more.

What was the driving force to increase the number and diversity of the type of events for this year’s pride?

JJ: The community here in Vallarta has been demanding these types of events. The team has been growing and we have more than 100 volunteers so far this year.

Puerto Vallarta is an international LGBTQ+ travel destination known

for Sex Drugs and Rock n’ Roll, for good or bad, and people want to party so we cannot give that up, but with three active theaters in the Romantic Zone alone, it important we showcase the cultural side Puerto Vallarta has to ofer. This year, in addition to events like the parade and Block party we have art events with the OPC, Miss Gay Vallarta Pageant celebrating gender diversity, educational conferences, athletic events in partnership with the Gay Games that are coming to Guadalajara this November and for the frst time we are hosting an event in Pitilal to involve the local community there who may not be able to travel to the Romantic Zone. We are also very excited that renowned Mexican fashion designer Benito Santos will be doing a fashion show at Los Muertos pier, before sunset, and designed an exclusive collection inspired by and for this year’s pride theme of NATURE. Benito has designed for Miss Universe, many frst ladies of previous administration’s and Star+ will be flming the fashion show.

What are your plans for the future?

JJ: In addition to Vallarta Pride, we are also opening an association to work with families where LGBTQ

children who may have gotten kicked out of their house for coming out of the closet or who faced discrimination or bullying in schools can go to for assistance. Our children are the next generation, and we have to make sure they grow up without any psychological damage.

Anything else you’d like to add?

JJ: When we talk about Vallarta Pride, I’m talking about everybody here in Puerto Vallarta in the gay community, and we’ve been learning from mistakes. It takes a lot of time and a lot of money to organize these events and someone has to do it, but I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to please get involved this pride and reach out to hola@vallartapride.org if you would like to volunteer your time, or sponsor any of the events. It is important we have the participation of the community because it is not a matter of one team, it is a matter of one whole community so we can make pride better each and every year.

VALLARTA PRIDE PRESIDENT SETS DIVERSE GOALS FOR COMMUNITY EVENT

Photographer -

Oscar Almeida

MEXICAN PRIDE

Gay Bar Hopping Tour Celebrates 12 Years

OWNER TIM WILSON WELCOMES VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

By Jerry Jones

VISITORS TO PUERTO VALLARTA ARE OFTEN OVERWHELMED WITH ALL OF THE OPTIONS OF ENTERTAINMENT, ALONG WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF GAY BARS AVAILABLE.

Since 2011 the Gay Bar Tour has been helping tourists fnd 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.

The tour started in January 2011 hosted by original founder Christian Serrano. Serrano sold to current owner Tim Wilson (who also owned and started the local gay magazine GayPV) in July 2015, with Wilson hosting his frst tour on August 15, 2015. He’s operated it every year

since then, closing in 2020 during the pandemic and then slowly restarting as bars and businesses started opening back up.

“Since then we have had hundreds of fun tours and thousands of guests where we all were enjoying the amazing gay bar scene in Puerto Vallarta,” Wilson Said. “We were the frst ofcial gay tour added to Expedia's gay tours in 2015. We have hosted frst timers and to the surprise of many we have 40 percent of our guests repeat the tour. It has been an amazing, fun journey meeting every guest and watching them see the magic of the night scene here in Vallarta.”

The tour is popular - with guests attending that have lived as far away as Russia and China. Wilson is perhaps one of Vallarta’s biggest ambassadors, as he greets visitors

and tries to attend every tour. He said he’ll have at least a hundred or more people take the tours each month, and he loves meeting and talking with them all.

If you take a tour, you’ll be greeted by either Wilson or long-time tour guide Max Albertos, and enjoy special games and activities designed to help get to know other tour guests. Gifts are provided for those celebrating a special occasion.

“Max has been with the tour from almost the beginning,” Wilson added. “ He is bilingual, knows the gay scene inside and out and he is a national local living here for over 10 years. He is a great asset to the bar tour and I am very lucky to have him for all these years. I also want to thank Andrew Christian who has sponsored the wonderful birthday gifts.! Everyone loves their birthday, anniversary and honeymoon gift.”

Wilson said every tour is diferent, because the bar itinerary changes based on the day of the tour, and the bar preferences of the guests attending. But, one thing that is consistent is that the tour takes care of everything - from dinner, group transportation, and getting your drinks for you.

“We are always asked why anyone would take a bar tour in PV with so many bars so close together,” Wilson said. “Having so many to choose from actually works in our favor as it can be overwhelming to frst time visitors. Also you have to know when to go to certain bars. Group fun is always fun and everyone has an event to celebrate which we can do to the fullest!. We can order a cake, have a stripper show up at your dinner or come to your condo, arrange group transportation, buy tickets to events before they are public, skip long lines, even get bars to open earlier, reserve seating or move customers.We know events and schedules months ahead of time when you are planning your trip or last minute changes when you are already in town so that is also very helpful.”

Prices for the tours vary, but the most popular selection is the dinner option with top shelf that costs $139 USD per person.

“We are fortunate and very happy to

have Studs Bear Bar as our meeting and location for dinner,” he said.

“They have excellent food and we have a special menu custom designed for bar hopping. It has really been a great addition to the tour. We also have a non alcoholic/ light drinkers package without the dinner starting at $72 USD for those who want all the fun without being a heavy drinker. We also have a seasonal cabaret bar tour $139 USD per person that highlights the amazing cabaret venues in PV that includes the same delicious dinner at Studs, visits the show of your choice at ACT2PV or The Palm Cabaret, then two gay bars after the show with drinks along the way . It's our version of dinner and a movie packed into one fun exciting evening.”

Wilson moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2006, and he’s seen quite a few changes since then - from growth to a bar scene that changes regularly.

“I am totally in love with Vallarta,” he said. “Yes, Vallarta is changing with all the new construction and growth and trafc but I still love it. And people love the bar tour because there is always a new bar opening in PV to keep the scene fresh and exciting. You always have your favorites like La Noche or Reinas, but then we have the newest bar where they haven't been to visit.”

And boy does the bar scene change. Wilson said he remembers some bars like Sama, La Fiesta, Club Enter, and Hot Fridas.

“There are also the changes/ expansion in bars like La Noche and the new bars like Industry and Studs,” he said. “One of the biggest changes in the bar scene is the increasing variety of bars opening and being ofered here. With the opening of Studs, PV has almost every type of bar to ofer visitors and locals.”

You can fnd more information (and photos of almost every tour taken since 2011) on the Gay Bar Tour website, facebook page and instagram.

Strong connection, healing love and energy

You deserve all the more beautiful feelings

PROFILES

Andrés Enrique Reyes González

Andres is an architect with a degree from the University of Guadalajara, from the University Center of Art, Architecture and Design, he had mobility for specialization workshops in the undergraduate programs, Urban Design and Environmental Design Laboratory, and Architectural Projection Laboratory, Leonardo Da Vinci Campus, at the Polytechnic of Milan, Italy. He holds a Master's Bachelor in International Business and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Guadalajara, PhD in Sciences for Development, Sustainability and Tourism. Studies on American culture and history from Northwest Missouri State University. Research Professor at the Tecnológico

Alberto Reyes González

degree in Sustainable Development and Tourism from the University of Guadalajara. D. in Sciences for the Development of Sustainability and Tourism from the University of Guadalajara. Want to know more of him?

Superior de Jalisco Academic Unit Puerto Vallarta.

PROFILES

Karla Abigail

Always active, cheerful, willing to fght for TRANS rights, there are a thousand stories and issues that have not yet been resolved for the community, although the name change is legal in the state of Jalisco, there is still much misinformation and lack of knowledge in government institutions on these issues.

It takes a lot of courage and bravery to face this path and for this reason we recognize all of them, for the great courage of their struggle.

Want to know more of her?

Follow on Instagram!

16-Unit Condo Development to Be Built in El Caloso

PRESALE PRICES START AT $174,999 USD

By Jerry Jones

A NEW CONDO DEVELOPMENT WILL SOON BE BUILT IN EL CALOSO, A COLONIAL (NEIGHBORHOOD) LOCATED JUST NORTH OF EMILIANO ZAPATA (ZONA ROMANTICA) WITH PRICES STARTING AT $174,999 USD..

El Caloso is a traditional Mexican residential neighborhood that local real estate developers expect to be the new “hot spot” as it is in easy walking distance of Zona Romantica and becoming a new area for up and coming restaurants.

CACTI will be a seven-story boutique condo building with 16-units. The building will feature three two-story lofts and 13 traditional condos all located at Via Lactea 137, Colonia: Caloso, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48360. Developers

are scheduled to complete the project by December 2024.

“It is the perfect investment for those looking to have a onebedroom condo or loft in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy when they are in town or as a rental business,” explained Alecia Masters, who is a developer on the project and a real estate agent with Hogar Relators.

“When designing CACTI, we wanted to be able to check every box that a traveler would look for: coworkspace, gym, rooftop jacuzzis, hammock lounge, bar, bbq, fre pit and sky deck for lounging.”

Masters said developers are ofering pre-sale prices along with diferent payment options.

“Friends and Family Pre-Sales are going on right now and we are ofering diferent payment options,” she explained. “Prices

start as low as $174,999.89 USD for a condo and $329,320 USD for a loft. The payment options are as low as 30% down, 50% down or 80% down. If you deposit 50% down you will receive a 5% discount and there is 10% discount if you deposit 80% down. You can reserve a unit with a $5,000 USD refundable deposit.”

This is the second development project that Masters has worked on - the frst is the very popular “Lofts onBasilio” where she built the boutique hotel that has eight units, including fve lofts and three suites”

“That was my frst development here in Puerto Vallarta. This was such a fun project! I really wanted to incorporate Mexican design with a modern twist. The ceilings are over 16 feet high, with real brick walls that I made look vintage by breaking bricks and using 5 diferent colors,” she explained.

“The foors are polished concrete and the most famous part of this design are the HUGE murals. I collaborated with a local artist: Misael Ivan Lopez. Originally I had planned to feature a diferent local artist in each rental space but Misael and I worked so well together that I used him for all fve lofts. I was inspired by the gigantic murals I had seen all over town and I wanted to bring that urban vibe into the hotel.”

That building was completed in 2018 - and she wanted to keep the exterior bricks on the wall at the entry that are original to the building that was here before.

“When we were demolishing the previous structure, I had my guys save as many whole bricks as we could,” she said. “We then used them to construct the entry wall. I told my team to pretend they were constructing a wall for the frst time. I wanted the look to be uneven and messy so that this wall looked like it has been around 100 years. When you see the hotel, you would think it has been here for years. To check out the design or book a stay, the website is www.lobpv.com.”

“Caloso is turning into what the colonia Versalles is: a foodie mecca,” Masters said when discussing the location of CACTI. “We already see this happening with restaurants like D’ Cortez and La Fina. These

are trendy restaurants where the owners are families that have taken homes and turned them into restaurants. Caloso has a great little park in the center that hosts festivals periodically.”

She went on to add that CACTI wasn’t the only development going into the area - The new towers of Oasis are currently under construction with 100 units in the luxury development.

“This means that we are bringing hundreds of new residents into this part of town,” she said. “I believe over the next few years you will see more people wanting to get out of the noisy hustle & bustle of Zona Romantica and into a quieter, more desirable place to live and invest. Caloso is the perfect choice because it is only a few blocks walking distance to the Romantic Zone with tons of bars, shops, art galleries and restaurants. Caloso is also only a couple of blocks from the Emiliano Zapata mercado where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and even has an amazing butcher shop. You really have all that you will need within walking distance! The very best part is that CACTI is only a 16 minute walk to Los Muertos beach.”

Masters has been a resident of Puerto Vallarta since 2016. She is originally from Tampa, Florida, and previously lived in Salinas, Ecuador. The Bravo Network TV Show, “The Real Housewives” actually helped bring her to Puerto Vallarta.

“The girls on the show have visited Puerto Vallarta a few times so I started researching the city and the schools here,” she explained.

“We came for six weeks to try the lifestyle and visit the American School of Puerto Vallarta. I fell in LOVE with the school here. The staf is so wonderful, the sense of community within the school instantly made us feel at home.”

If you are interested in a unit at CACTI, you can reach Alecia masters via What’sApp at +52 322-1975590 or via mail info@cactipv.com.

Gay Charro

ALBERTO CUEVAS PRIDE PROFILE

By Jerry Jones

ALBERTO CUEVAS’S PATH TO A MUSICAL CAREER AS MEXICO’S EL DIAMANTE (THE DIAMOND), A SINGING GAY CHARRO (COWBOY), HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT AND NARROW.

His path has included monkhood, conversion therapy (which is now outlawed in Mexico), family ostracization, and fnding a balance

between his spiritual life and his life as a gay man.

Along the way he has found some success - in 2020 he appeared on La Voz Mexico (The Voice of Mexico), and he’s hosted radio and television programs. He’s also hosted and performed at various pride festivals in Mexico.

Singing has always come naturally to Cuevas - his ability was inherited from both his mother and father,

who met as young singers. His mother was singing Ranchera music, and his father, Bolero. Both genres are types of mariachi music. His father also played a requinta (a musical instrument similar to a guitar but one that produces higher pitched sounds).

He started singing when he was 13-years-old at a birra restaurant in his hometown colonia of Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta.

Alberto Cuevas isn’t his real name - it’s a stage name that he selected from the two musicians who he admires the most - Juan Gabriel and Aída Cuevas.

Juan Gabriel became a symbol of change and tolerance of sexuality in Mexico, as a songwriter of rancheras, ballads and boleros. Gabriel believed that Mexicans need to accept the fact that a homosexual, an afectionate man, could be the successful image of the

MEXICAN PRIDE

mariachi, most commonly seen as a macho man. It was a slow process of Mexican society to approach tolerance and assimilate sexual diversity that continues to this day.

Aída Gabriela Cuevas Castillo is a Mexican singer and actress with more than 46 years of professional artistic career in the mariachi genre and is one of the most admired singers in the country.

COMING OUT

Coming to terms with his sexuality was, at best, a difcult process for Cuevas. He knew at a very early age that he was “diferent.” Those feelings were confrmed when he was in junior high school, around the age of 15. He knew he was gay - and it was something that he struggled with for several years. He came out to his mother when he was 18, and her initial reaction was shock and acceptance didn’t come immediately.

“It was a difcult time, we didn’t talk for at least two weeks,” he said. “She is now a strong LGBTQ+ ally. But it

was very hard for her. She just didn’t expect it. She was and is my best friend.”

Cuevas is the youngest of four children, three boys and a girl. He and his sister remain close, but he’s not close to his other brothers, nor his father, who left the family when Cuevas was around fve-years-old. Now he is the family caretaker, and lives with his elderly mother and helps raise his sister's two daughters - responsibilities he takes very seriously.

After graduating from high school at the age of 18, he entered the seminary to become a monk. And for three years he lived and studied the religion that he believed in so deeply.

“I loved, and still do, studying religion,” he explained. “I became interested in it when I was 13-yearsold. But it did make my coming to terms with my sexuality very complicated. To say the Church is homophobic would be an understatement.”

Derek Carkner

After three years in the Monk Seminary, he left. He needed to work and make money for his family. It was then, at the age of 22, that he was reunited with his frst love, a boy from his past that he had secretly dated. They went on to become long-term lovers for several years until his music career took him on a diferent path and they separated.

MEXICO’S GAY CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

Cuevas sees himself as one of Mexico’s gay cultural ambassadors,

breaking down the stereotypes of the macho man.

When he was 23 he made his frst public appearance in a Puerto Vallarta gay bar - Los Equipaleswhere he would sing every weekend honing his image in this gay mexican cantina (Los Equipales was located on Lazaro Cardenas where the current bar of Kooky Karaoke is now).

As he built his name and reputation, he was able to expand his appearances to more mainstream audiences. And as he did, he

would include drag queens, female impersonators and female artists, as well as gay folklore dancers.

“It was during this time period that I grew and discovered my career as the gay charro,” he said.

He went on to point out that the term “charro” is Mexican for a horseman, or cowboy. Charro’s are skilled riders and more importantly, a symbol of Mexico’s patriotic past. Mariachi is a type of music that originated in Cueva’s home state of Jalisco - Mariachi music is performed by a group of people

who dress in the typical charro outft - wide-brimmed hats and colorful embroidery on an elegant jacket, tight and ftted pants,and a tie.

He points this out because while he dresses as a charro, he sings a variety of types of music. His charro outft is symbolic, to show that yes, a Mexican cowboy can also be a gay cowboy.

Cuevas has used his music and dress to advance LGBTQ+ rights, and to challenge the mainstream way of thinking on these types of issues. At the young age of 24 he hosted a

radio show called La Jaula on 105.1 FM, in which he addressed all types of cultural issues.

“One of the most rewarding things about heading that kind of program was to be able to sow a seed of knowledge in the listeners by talking about diferent themes like sexuality,” he said. “On one occasion, same sex couples debated at the round table with members of the Church clergy about equal marriage, something never heard before on the local radio.”

That show also opened the door for him to meet all types of peoplefrom local and national politicians, to community leaders.

He also helped launch some LGBTQ+ specifc television program called Punto G, on the local channel TV MAR (channel 10).

For more information:

FACEBOOK: ALBERTO CUEVAS EL DIAMANTE

INSTAGRAM: @ALBERTOCUEVAS_ELDIAMANTE

EMAIL: ALBERTODIAMANTECUEVAS@GMAIL.COM

WHATSAPP: 322 189 3151

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com

Puerto Vallartaʼs Mr. Events

LALO GIL SHOWS PRIDE IN PUERTO VALLARTA AS EVENTS HOST EXTRAORDINAIRE

By Jerry Jones

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.

So it’s no surprise that as a host of many local events in Puerto Vallarta, and a large share of them at Casa Cupula, that hosting comes to him naturally. He loves to see people having a good time, smiling and laughing, and he loves to show of and talk about his adopted hometown of Puerto Vallarta.

Gil grew up in Mexico City and moved to Puerto Vallarta just over three years ago. It was right before the pandemic swept through the world.

“I visited here in August for my birthday in 2020,” he said. “I saw the life, the fun, the freedom, and made the decision to move in with my best friend in October 2020.”

It’s a decision he has never

regretted. He’s held a variety of jobs in those three years - from waiting tables at La Noche bar, to being one of the frst-ever naked tour guides for Jet’s Naked Boat Tours - but he thinks he’s found his niche in the world.

“When the pandemic started I left but after things settled down, I came back,” he said. “I hosted one of the frst pool parties for Casa Cupula and I knew I had found my home.”

Gil isn’t just a host - he’s a logistics machine, getting licenses, fnding performers, entertainers, music, and pulling together all of the elements to make a fun experience for everyone. He works hard to make sure that he supports local talent, and local food. It’s just one small way he can show how proud he is of his home country of Mexico.

At Casa Cupula you’ll fnd that Gil

works hard promoting the events, and hosting several diferent pool parties as well as the weekly Sunday Brunch.

“Thanks to Don Pickens, the owner at Casa Cupula, for seeing the talent in me and believing in me. I was a diamond in the rough, and he could see that,” Gil explained. “I am proud to be associated with such a fne hotel and brand.”

PhotographerOscar Almeida

He went on to say that Don and his team created a vision for the pool club, and make it a safe space for everyone - and created the campaign “Everybody is Beautiful” when the naked pool parties started.

“The pool parties and the safe atmosphere are a wonderful way to give people confdence with their bodies. It's time to not be judgemental,” he said. “And we don’t just talk the talk, We walk the walk. We have all types of go-go boys performing, that help refect all of the diferent body types in society.”

Gil, who is currently single, considers himself to be a concierge for Puerto Vallarta, and very much an ambassador for the city known for its welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. He’s also an entrepreneur and good at sales and promotions.

“I studied advertising in college and had hoped to be a publicist,” he explained. “But I’m an entrepreneur at heart and I’ve had a few diferent businesses in Mexico City, including a hamburger place.”

He admitted that he does have a big personality and that he loves to be out in front of people.

“People get to see the best part of me,” he said. “And I have to provide them with the best part of me. They need to enjoy and remember the experience they are having.”

And he works hard to make the experience memorable for all of his audience members. For instance, he’s currently taking English classes from Profe Luiz Valadez to

improve his skills so that he can better communicate with all of his audience members.

“I love doing what I do,” he said. “And having the opportunity to gain the trust of all of our visitors means a lot to me. I take it very seriously.”

Outside of work Gill loves to dance, and he enjoys a variety of music including Jazz, Hip Hop and Pop. He has done drag on occasion, which gives him an appreciation for the hard work that the drag performers do even before they hit the stage.

“And I love live entertainment,” he said. “I want to see all the shows here, and all the live entertainment. Not only does it give me great personal pleasure to see them, it gives me an idea of what to recommend when people ask for show recommendations. I can help them based on what type of show they are looking for.”

What does the future hold for Lalo Gil? Well, he knows that it will always involve something that challenges his entrepreneurial spirit and can help combine his passion of helping others.

“I’m always open to new ideas and opportunities,” he said. “I’ve thought about real estate, because I love sales and promoting Puerto Vallarta. But who knows. I’m really happy with my life here.”

Morales Etches Dreams into Reality With Metal Embossing

By Jerry Jones

AS A CHILD, ERICKSAMMY MORALES (SAMMY) WOULD COLOR WITH CRAYONS AND PENCILS, MUCH LIKE MANY CHILDREN DO. BUT HIS INTEREST WENT BEYOND SOMETHING FUN TO DO. IT WAS, HE KNEW, A PASSION DEEP IN HIM.

Morales will tell you that he didn’t move to Puerto Vallarta because he wanted to. Instead, he says, Puerto Vallarta picked him to live here. He has lived almost a nomadic life for the past several years, so settling in Puerto Vallarta wasn’t really in his plans.

The 35-year-old artist has been in Puerto Vallarta for almost two years. He was born in Tlaxcala, Mexico, raised in Mexico City and moved to the USA (New Jersey) in 2003. In 2019 he moved back to Mexico City to reconnect with family, but his nomadic nature led him to Asia, where he spent almost a year teaching English in Vietnam and Cambodia.

In 2021 he visited Puerto Vallarta - mainly to be near the ocean and nature, something he feels

connected to and drawn to. An important part of his spiritual wellbeing.

“I honestly don’t know why I ended up here,” he said. “I was chosen by PV. “And I think part of the message that PV was sending me was to focus on my art. Let my creative side fow.”

You may know Sammy as a waiter at the Corner Bar. He’s there most evenings, interacting with customers and providing them with what he hopes is excellent personalized service. But what you may not know about him is that he’s also an artist.

His passion in art is to draw digitally, and to also pencil in color. But most recenlty he’s rekindled an art form that he learned in middle school - metal embossing - and it’s something that he’s discovered calls upon all of his skills as an artist - from drafting a piece digitally, editing and printing the pattern, and then handcrafting that into a beautiful piece of art.

Morales does all of his metal work by hand - he doesn’t use lasers or other advanced technology. He relies on his hand engraving tools, tracing the pattern that he

has already drawn digitally, into the metal. It’s time consuming and painstaking. There really isn’t any room for error - you are etching into material that provides little grace for mistakes.

“It’s not easy, but I love it ,” Morales said. “I hope to be able to soon sell my art in a gallery or even open a small studio where I can sell the metal engravings as well as clothing that has been embossed with my fun digital designs.”

A small engraving - let’s say for example a 5 x 7 photo frame - can take more than fve hours of tedious work. Larger projects have taken up to three months for him to complete. His prices depend on the complexity of the artwork, the materials and the time. He was recently commissioned to do a custom metal art piece that was 60 cm x 60 cm that he sold for $17,000 pesos.

“It turned out beautifully and everything that was etched into the metal had deep meanings for the person who commissioned the art,” he said. “I love doing custom pieces and working with people to help their vision come to life.”

Currently he’s focused on making smaller pieces - pieces that can travel with tourists or that can be

used as photo frames.

Sammy is gay and single, but he says between his work at The Corner Bar, and his art, he has little time for socializing or dating. He shared that he’s also very much an introvert, and needs time alone to “recharge his energy”.

“Of course, the job at the bar is very social, and I have to be very outgoing,” he said. “I love it, but as an introvert it’s also emotionally draining. So I need time alone. My art helps me with that, and it helps me stay focused on the things that make me happy.”

INFORMATION TO KNOW:

Facebook: ERICKSAMMYEMA

Instagram: @ERICKSAMMMY

If you are interested in commissioning Sammy to do an art piece, you can contact him via email at ERICKSAMMY@ME.COM or by one of the above social media channels.

PhotographerOscar Almeida

MEXICAN PRIDE

Discover Versalles Food Tour

By Rande Lee

AS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, VERSALLES IS RAPIDLY BECOMING THE FOODIE DESTINATION OF CHOICE. NEW AND ECLECTIC SPACES ARE OPENING UP RIGHT AND LEFT. THERE ARE SO MANY IN FACT, IT’S ACTUALLY HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF THEM ALL.

What better way to experience the amazing dining options, while checking out this rapidly developing zone at the same time than by taking a Vallarta Food Tour. I recently experienced it for myself, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Silvia was our passionate,

uber informative guide, and her knowledge of food, agriculture, Mexican history, you name it, really blew me away. She wore a heather blue t-shirt that read “I wonder if Tacos think about me too”.

She warmly stated “We're going to be family today” as the tour began. There were two other couples beside myself, one hailing from Napa Valley CA, the other from Winnipeg MB, respectively. It’s always interesting how there is a shyness at the beginning of a tour, and then by the end you all feel like old friends. In the time span of approximately four hours we visited six diferent restaurants. All were unique, all were relatively new, and

all had incredible oferings. Our frst stop and meeting spot was located in a cool, bright yellow building called Masame. We sat in a back patio flled with greenery and hanging ferns. Though the sun was directly overhead, the lightly covered patio was cool and inviting. Opened only eight months ago, the restaurant has become wildly popular. After tasting our sopes, one couple rightly discovered they were so appealing, they titled them “circle art.”

Does anyone like seafood? If so, our second stop is for you. Abulon has only been in existence for six years, but it was the oldest restaurant on our tour. We all enjoyed a perfectly balanced margarita, in anticipation of the shrimp al pastor taco that was on the way. We learned from Silvia that there are morning tacos, night tacos and that pork al pastor is usually only available at night. The al pastor is the marinade, and every presentation of al pastor has pineapple on the top.

La Sal Taqueria is an intimate little patio space that has a bright airy feel to it. Opened just two months ago, it was the newest restaurant on the tour. The Baha taco was incredible, and combined just the right amount of fsh and chip comfort food memories paired with a spicy Mexican sauce from the Baha region of Mexico.

“It’s gonna be an explosion of favor in your mouth,” was how Silvia succinctly described the taco we would be sampling at this, our next stop. Located in a trendy sun flled spot, restaurant El Puerco de Oro charmed us all. Starting with agua fresco avena, otherwise known as oat water, this refreshing drink was milky in color, sweet and a really perfect complement to the bright Versalles afternoon. Apparently the favors available are dependent on the season you are in. The pork taco was nirvana on a plate, is the only way to possibly describe how awesome it was.

El Chinelo Grill was the place to discover Salud Mezcal that actually had several worms in the bottom of the bottle, and in the bottom of my shot glass as well! The day was moving on, and the smokiness of the Mezcal was a great way to segway into the chorizo and cecina

enchilada. The angry salsa paired with this dish took the favor to stratospheric levels.

Alu Alu (the name is a combination of the names of the two owners Alejandro and Luis) was the fnal stop on the tour. The little shop has a cheerful feel, and the air conditioning felt great at the end of a hot afternoon. The sinful dessert of Pay Helado was the icing on the cake to a wonderful experience.

After the other guests had departed, I took a moment to get to know Silvia a little better. I started out by asking her, what is her favorite tour? Thinking for a moment, she responded, “this tour, the Discover Versailles Tour, and also the Discover Vallarta Dinner tour.” Delving a little deeper I queried, what is your most favorite aspect of working for Vallarta Food Tours, and what makes them diferent? She smiled broadly, and answered “I get to know a lot of great people, and share my culture with them,” she continued, “the diference is the passion we bring to the tours, and how we share it with our guest, we love Mexican food, and Mexico, we are very proud of our country.” I smiled, knowing that this heartfelt sentiment is exactly what made this tour so special.

As we conclude, we want to mention other fne companies here in Puerto Vallarta doing food tours. Vallarta Eats Food Tours ofers authentic foods of Mexico with bilingual guides. They facilitate many local tours with some great options in Versailles and other close-in neighborhoods. Vallarta Local Food Tours and Tequila Tastings is another great option for food tours within Puerto Vallarta. Whatever company you decide to use, please enjoy the many delights of getting to know all the amazing options Puerto Vallarta has to ofer.

VALLARTA FOOD TOURS

Av. Mexico 1193-A, 5 de Diciembre 48350

Telephone 52 322 222 6117

Hours 10:00am – 6:00pm Daily vallartafoodtours.com

Puerto Vallarta Beach Clubs

OFFER SUMMER FUN AND CONVENIENCE

MANTAMAR IS VALLARTA’S PREMIER LGBTQ+ BEACH OASIS

Opened in 2014, Mantamar is the premier LGBTQ beach club in Puerto Vallarta. If you are searching for a total vacation vibe, this is the spot! The 900 peso cover charge includes a chaise lounge chair, towel, access to the infnity pool, and terrace. Entering the grand lobby, energy fows in every direction. Powerful techno music booms overhead. The sand and shimmering Pacifc are steps away.

Getting comfortable on the beach, I notice the sun seems so much brighter here, more vividly intense. Relaxing under a turquoise umbrella, beautiful scenery abounds. Overwhelmingly sexy cool is the only way to describe the sparkling infnity pool. It is surrounded by a thriving bar, happening hot tubs, and a row of fowing cabanas. To the west, the water seemingly stretches to the horizon, becoming one with the Mexican Pacifc.

Vidal Meza CMO, Almar Resort and Mantamar Beach Club, spoke about what makes Mantamar so amazingly popular, and unique. “Mantamar

is LGBTQ. We are open every day, 365 days a year; we care about the community, tourists and nationals, and everyone is celebrated.” He concluded, “We are the castle of the gay community.” Come soon, and feel the passion of this amazing club.

It was a pleasure to experience the incredible service that each beach club we visited provides. Though not covered specifcally in this article, there are other wonderful beach clubs also located on Playa Los Muertos. Among them are: Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea, Ritmos Beach Cafe, and La Carreta. Each of these long standing clubs ofers their own unique level of service and contribute to the dynamism that makes our beach truly special. So, here’s to you all enjoying the sun, sand and surf of the amazing beach clubs of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

MANTAMAR BEACH CLUB

Malecon #169 Zona Romantica

48380

Amapas #380 Col. Emiliano Zapata 48380

Telephone 52 322 222 6260

Hours 10:30am – 8:00pm

By Rande Lee

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SPEND TIME ON THE BEACH BUT YOU WANT THE CONVENIENCE OF FOOD AND DRINK SERVICE IN A REFINED ATMOSPHERE, PUERTO VALLARTA HAS NUMEROUS OPTIONS IN THE FORM OF ITS MANY BEACH CLUBS. O&APV WRITER RANDE LEE CHECKED A FEW OF THESE OUT, AND THESE ARE HIS OBSERVATIONS.

MANGO BEACH CLUB ICONIC LANDMARK

Located on Playa Camarones, in 5 de Diciembre, is the iconic Mango’s Beach Club. This locally owned landmark shines with a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. I’m greeted by a smiling hostess, who promptly escorted me to the expansively level beach below. Settling into the comfortable lounge chair, I enjoy the unencumbered view far up the coast.

Later, I visited with Adriana del Toro and Hector Neyra, General Manager, and Supervisor of Service of Mangos, respectively. I discovered, every weekend a DJ rocks the beach with lively house beats. Looking over the drink menu, Hector mentioned the incredible Mango Margarita. Adriana then shared that a Mexican Bufet is served Sundays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The kitchen is open daily until 8:00pm. Thanks to the calmer waters here, kayaks and paddle boats are available to rent for a fee of 500 pesos per hour. Concluding, Adriana summarized her thoughts, “we are family friendly, pet friendly, and people friendly.” She continued, “We want everyone

to feel at home, we want every guest to feel special, to be happy and come back often.” As I departed, there was no question in my mind why people keep coming back time and again.

MANGO’S BEACH CLUB

Uruguay 109, 5 de Diciembre 48350

Telephone 52 322 222 0796

Hours 11:00am – 8:00pm Daily (Beach closes at 7:00pm)

SAPPHIRE OFFERS POOL, BEACHSIDE CABANAS

Welcoming me to Sapphire was the elegant hostess Luz Maria. She explained the day pass is 300 pesos; which includes access to the pool, deck area, a chaise lounge and towel. Beachside cabanas are available for a maximum of four guests. Suites are located next to the freshwater swimming pool; the rooms vary in price, and require a two night minimum stay. Surrounding me, the sophisticated crowd provides a trendy LA vibe.

Later, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Fernanda Ruiz and Victor Gutierrez, General Manager and Operations Manager of Sapphire,

MANTAMAR

respectively. We discussed dining and drink options. Fernanda’s fav is the French toast. The bread is homemade here in Vallarta; it’s served daily during breakfast hours of 9:00am to 1:00pm. Victor is a huge fan of the Sapphire Ciabatta. He also proudly spoke of his unique creation, the “Victor Special,”

A refreshing hangover elixir!

Concluding, Fernanda described the Sapphire mantra. “We are like a small family; we have employees who have been with Sapphire for years.” She continued, “We are friendly to everyone, all are welcome here, we don’t want to exclude, we want to include.” Come and treat yourself to an afternoon at this gem in the Pacifc.

Sapphire Ocean Club

Malecon #1, Playa Los Muertos Col.

Amapas 48399

Telephone 52 322 223 3264

Hours 9:00am – 6:00pm Daily

SWELL BEACH BAR OFFERS REFINED ELEGANCE

“Hola my friend” was the warm welcome I received from my waiter upon arriving at Swell. I was shown to a cushioned chaise lounge, with a folded white towel atop. Refned elegance and quiet conversations surrounded me. Earthen toned umbrellas with a smattering of yellow interposed provide an almost Mediterranean feel. Sturdy ebony wood tables are perfectly positioned to enjoy the delicious dining options available from the full menu.

Beyond a wooden walkway, under swaying palm trees lies a tranquil lounge area. Well groomed dogs enjoyed the pet friendly atmosphere, while at varied tables guests played cards, while others chatted amicably. Standing behind the circular bar, working alongside his staf, was the owner of Swell, Marco Antonio Pena Gonzalez, or LIC (pronounced Leek) for short. I pointed to the large Carlos O’ Brian’s sign hanging nearby. LIC worked for 19 years at the legendary establishment formerly located on the Malecon. He fondly described Carlos O’ Brian’s as his school. This valuable education would culminate in the creation of the Swell Beach Bar in 2010. I asked him what makes Swell so successful and yet unique?

LIC responded thoughtfully, “it’s the service, the quality of our drinks and

food.” He continued, “The waiters are so amazing, we have a really good time together, we have a great team.” Summing it up he stated “the quality is the diference here, the quality.” Come any day, and you will certainly experience this diference for yourself.

SWELL BEACH BAR

Amapas 182, Zona Romantica 48380

Telephone 52 322 223 0497

Hours 9:00am - 6:30pm Daily

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com

“We are like a small family; we have employees who have been with Sapphire for years.” She continued, “We are friendly to everyone, all are welcome here..."

"

“We want everyone to feel at home, we want every guest to feel special, to be happy and come back often.”

As I departed, there was no question in my mind why people keep coming back time and again.

"

MANGO'S BEACH CLUB

SAPPHIRE

PROFILES

Sophia Mikaela

My story is a little diferent, I have been surrounded by love and support at the beginning of my transition. Also this has a gray and dark side and although it is painful too, I am proud to be the woman I am now. Successful and happy! Fortunately I have the

most important thing, which is the support of my family and friends.

Want to know more of her?

Follow on Instagram!

PROFILES

Jazmin Sinmich

"I have been a single mom for 6 years, I am 27 years old and recently I was able, with a lot of efort, to graduate from law school.

I am a lesbian woman, who led a complete heterosexual life, from which I had two daughters. I came out three years ago. Currently I have a female partner, with whom we share the life of being "a diverse family" where my daughters see it as natural to have two moms.

I want to help to normalize being a "diverse" family. I want to help others in my situation, so that by not having children, you can't live your true sexuality".

Want to know more of her?

Follow on Instagram!