Why Flying to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Changed My Life Forever | Vlog  

Hola from PV, Mexico. I moved here a little over 6 years ago in one of the residential areas. My first experience here was only 5 months before I became a permanent resident. This is my home away from the United States and I'm stress free. I'm so happy that you, RJ and your family enjoyed PV. So sorry I missed your visit. Blessings!

That’s so cool that you got to experience Dia de Los Muertos in México. Thanks for bringing us along on your trip.

Another fun connection between the Philippines and Mexico: tequila and mezcal originated from the Indigenous Mexican adaptation of the distillation techniques for "vino de coco" (= lambanog) which was brought over by Filipino immigrants (along with coconuts) to the Pacific coast of Mexico in the early 1600s. For this reason, the pre-distilled fermented agave mash is still called "tuba" (= Filipino palm toddy; tuba is also fermented precursor to vino de coco), and old mezcal and tequila distilleries still use the Filipino-type stills. Mezcal became the dominant drink when the Spanish colonial authorities banned vino de coco (from around the late 1600s to the late 1700s) and cut down Filipino-owned coconut plantations because it was affecting sales of liquor of Spanish businessmen (mostly imported from Spain). There's even an infamous letter of a Spanish merchant complaining to the King about it. Mezcal was shortly also banned, after vino de coco, for the same reasons. Because the natives preferred it (because it was very cheap) in comparison to expensive Spanish liquor. Prior to that, Indigenous Mexicans had fermented alcoholic drinks (pulque, etc.) but did not have distillation technology. The Spanish stills (which were alembics, originally from Arabs) were too complicated (using specially formed metal or glass) and expensive and thus monopolized by the Spanish. When Filipinos arrived, they brought over the Asian-type stills which were composed of a simple hollow tree trunk and two metal pans with a drain in the middle. Easy to build and easy to disassemble and hide from Spanish authorities. On a separate note, fresh coconut sap is also still available in Colima (and I think Guerrero), where it is also still called "tuba".

I love PV! I'm there all the time. Yes it is hot. I just got back last week. You have to go over the pedestrian bridge left of the airport to eat at Tacon de Marlin for the shrimp and marlin burrito! Heaven! It looks like you had the most wonderful time there. I'm going back in January and can't wait. Love is love my friend. Much love and support from AZ 🥰🌵🌈💞

Appreciate your heartfelt honesty and sincerity Mikey regarding your moment of self love and authenticity when you first visited that beach. I wanted to cry for you, with happiness of course. 😊. Yes RJ seems freer here, happier even. Hope he had a marvelous time. But I have to say that I must not watch your vlogs when I'm hungry. My mouth was watering everytime you tasted the food. Wonderful. So enjoyed this vlog.

Omg we were just there. My boyfriend and I are huge fans of yours. We wish we would of known. It would have been so great if we meet you and your family in person. Have a safe and fun trip. ❤

The day of the dead/all saints is also celebrated in Croatia, and i think many other Catholic countries on November 1st. I remember celebrating it with my family while I lived there. Its really nice when people light all the candles at night:)

Thank you for sharing your story, makes me feel like I know you. In this day and age being gay should be accepted as normal by everyone. My mother was gay but because of the times (late 1940s and 1950s) she lived her life as straight and was very unhappy, which as you may imagine made life hard for our family. I was grown when I realized why it was hard to live with her. I understood why my mom was so angry. You are right, so much work still needs to be done on this issue.

Love PV! I’ve been going out there for almost 20 years. Beautiful place and 🏳️‍🌈 friendly.

I just love your dad's jokes! 😂😅❤

27:55 "Asado" means "barbecue" in Spanish. In the Philippines, the name somehow got applied to a type of rich (kind of sweet) braised stew. Kinda like how "barbacoa" (the origin of English "barbecue", originally spit-roasted meat) also evolved to become a baked dish in Mexico, while in the Philippines, "balbakwa" is a kind of stew made from collagen-rich skin.

Fantastico!!! What an awesome vlog!! I’m still smiling from watching it! Holy cow! There’s so much to unpack here! First, those orange sunglasses… ON POINT! Very vacationesque… ;) That Air BnB was incredible! I had forgotten just how much I love Mexico. PV is an amazing place! I’m so happy ya’ll took this side-trip, it just makes my heart happy to see how great a time ya’ll had there. So, I am always amazed at how much I have in common with your Mother… I drink Diet Coke like she drinks Coke… it’s the elixir of life, LOL. And, I would suggest that Mexican Vanilla is some of the absolute best of anywhere in the world, even Madagascar. Ya’ll really had some amazing food, it was so awesome to see all that! Yes, Mexican food is really, really good. Those tacos looked so beyond awesome. Asado usually means BBQ or Grilled meat over coals and is usually beef or pork. I can only imagine how fantastic those tacos were. (I’m having such temptations to make tacos now, I actually had to break out my taco press… I guess I know what’s for dinner tomorrow, LOL). BTW, You and RJ “cheersing” with those Burritos are definitely in my top 5 favorite BG (Bustos-Garcia) Moments of all time :). I was so moved by your story at the beach. I am so grateful to you and RJ for living out loud and proud and being such great examples for our community. That really hit me (in a good way). So, RJ… did you find new inspirations for your home decor and tablescapes? I love all the color in everything there! Ya’ll have surely had a great trip, full of amazing food, family and incredible memories. That is how it’s supposed to be done. Thank you Mikey, RJ and Parents for sharing your trip with us. It was SO much fun hanging with you in Mexico (finally!). Travel back to Canada safely and, I’ll see ya’ll later!

Been waiting for your new vlog Mikey! I’m glad you’re having a blast! You and RJ take care please! 🫶🏻😘🤓

People are people, Love is Love......We are all different, we are all unique yet, at the end of the day we are all the same; Love is love

I love how you call your mom and your dad ‘ Mommy and Daddy ❤.. you are so nice to bring your parents to Mexico . Spend as much time with your parents while their still around ❤️.. Thank you for the beautiful vlog ❣️

It's so crazy I was just in another beach next to Puerto Vallarta last week! Some places have a magical vibe about them, I've felt that way looking at the sunset and the open sea at night there... Walking down the malecón and buying street food... is just so different, you can forget everything and really really cry on your way back (been there). It's so great you guys got to experience Mexico during the day of the dead festivities!

Your parents have worked very hard. It's good to see them enjoying themselves fully.

It may sound weird, but vultures are one of my favorite birds. The way they fly is so cool! Plust they are kind of like ants, they help clean things up. Glad you guys are really enjoying yourselves! & So sweet that got to share such a special place with RJ.

I ❤ Puerto Vallarta ,my boss is from there,and we always spend our x-mas holiday in there.love the people and food too.❤ from philippines! God bless !

Hello Mikey and RJ, I'm find joy when seeing you and your family enjoying this escapade in Mexico.I love this vlog esp when you express how you taking care of mom Cris, another thing is when you and RJ were in the beach and reminiscing your real " you"I love how genuine you are, that's why we love you and RJ too.I feel how RJ really enjoyed your vacation there together with your family.stay safe in your travel coming back to Toronto and Phil.Godbless you more 🙏🌷🌻🍎

So nice to see you all relaxing during this trip! Mom and her mid day shots was cute, dad and mom in the beautiful pool for so long, and RJ just chillin’ and enjoying the music on the beach was especially nice.

It's good your parents are with you on this trip. Enjoy your vacation at PV.

Loved ur Mexican vlog it was so nice to see you have quality time with your parents in mexico looks like they enjoyed it and RJ. I get you will be sad when you have to say good by to your family when you go home. Love from uk. Xx

What a great video! I've lived in Vallarta 8 years now..... you have captured the essence for visitors to appreciate life here. If you had more time there's so much more as well.

Yes, my mother-in-law who lived in Southern California would go to Mexico to buy her vanilla by the quart.

Hi Mikey, thank you for sharing a part of your life with us and allowing us to visit this town. The swimming pool is just amazing !

Hi Mikey and RJ! I always find happiness viewing your daily vlogs. Watching here from the British Virgin Islands 🇻🇬🇻🇬🇻🇬🇻🇬

I remember way back when you two were still in the closet and went traveling. You’d be like “this is my hotelroom” and we’s be somewhat wondering where RJ was staying but nobody pushed the matter. 🥸 Look at the two of you now, enjoying the good things in life together, with family. 💕

I have so much love for Mexico and so many wonderful memories of my many trips and friends I made there. Was really nice to see it again. I never went to puerto Vallarta. My 💔😢 for Acapulco right now.

I love how you embrace all cultures and cuisines! I can relate to how certain places that you have visited in the past bring good memories and vibes at different stages in your life. Loved the authenticity of this video and thank you for taking us to Puerto Vallarta to see all the delicious food we could be eating and the different types of tequila. 😋

I’m so happy for u guys got to get away n just b many blessings from North Texas ❤

Spanish asado is grilled while in our cuisine (pinoy), it's braised most likely influenced by the Chinese version of asado which is sweet. Thank you guys for sharing your experience, para na rin kami nakarating sa Puerto Vallarta. Learning about different cultures really blows my mind. 🥰

Love how Mikey is so in the moment and is so humble. Enjoy your time in Mexico ❤

Love watching your vlog, seeing your parents.

Hi Mikey and RJ, I always enjoyed watching your vlogs no matter where you are. My two younger kids are gay and I’m very proud of them. Took them awhile to tell me but I never looked or think of them differently. Maybe because I have a lot of gay friends. But anyway, glad you were able to go back to that special place, PV and spent precious time there with RJ and parents❤

Awww i love that you went with your parents 🤍

Yes you all finish your food cguro masarap talaga. It is now 10:05 here in Pinas watching you all eat makes me gutom at this time. 😛🤗👏

Thanks for blogging like you are speaking with you friend that''s so close to you. I also felt the same way.,, 😢 Your fluency in English is really hopeful for helping us express our moods and more power to you. Stay humble and strong knowing you are love ❤ whatever you are .. cause what matter the most in life is how we treat people. :)

OMG I HOPE I SEE U IN PUERTO VALLARTA !!!❤❤❤

Love Mexico, it's so beautiful.

Hello guys. Love your rate on those foods you keep saying 5 mabuhay😂. I love Mexican foods to. They are always fresh. Love the views in your hotel. And pool looks awesome!! Enjoy your stay. And be safe...❤❤❤❤

Philippine asado refers to two different Filipino braised meat dishes. The name originates from Spanish asado ("grilled"), a reference to the original dish it was applied to, the Chinese-Filipino version of char siu barbecues usually known as pork asado.

Nice you are in mexico mike with family snd love ones enjoy and make your mom and dad happy.

Can I say you are growing more handsome everyday Mikey? Love is definitely treating you right! #Mikeyinspiredeveryday! 💙💜💚🧡

Really thankful to you guys for giving me hope to live amidst this darkest moment of my life 🙏😢 I've lost my income and lost my father to heart attack, now I'm living alone with heart problems, liver issues and hypertension, and with tons of debts, I'm only living now looking forward for a bright tomorrow and trying to seek His kingdom with all my heart 🙏😢 Again Thank You God bless good health always stay safe and more blessings to come 💙💛❤️

Thanks you for bringing us along!!

Definitely, Mexico is on a higher plain compared to the Philippines. Everything in Mexico is better. Except perhaps the heat, no one loves it when its excruciatingly hot, unless one is on the beach with lots of hot people. The Bed with the colorful sheet look so beautiful. The video makes Mexico even more enticing.

Yes really amazing place for all of you.

Wow, that condo.....awesome booking RJ!!!

Mikey, you are blessed because you are a good son...and your parents are blessed too to have a son like you 💕💖❤️

The pool on the roof is cool. Glad that you and RJ really enjoyed your time on the beach. RJ looked so happy.

Glad you enjoyed my home country. Awesome video

Wow, those masks at the market! I can just imagine that as part of an RJ Tablescape masterpiece

Hello Around same time...2006 /07 I went to varadero Cuba...from TorontoCanada. .for a week during x.mas...Early 20s ...met a beautiful guy at the hotel....fell in love...madly in love...that trip made me realize I was 100% gay.... found myself and a guy that I still love... All the BEST to the 2 of U.❤

Fabulous video, loved it all, especially the food. 🎉

Interesting, you were there the same week I was there with one of my friends. That was the first time we visited Puerto Vallarta, and I was very impressed. We stayed in the old quarter too, Zona Romantica. The locals were super friendly and the food was fantastic. I definitely want to go again and explore more.

That was a really cool vlog. I wanna go there now. Last time I was in playa del Carmen was 2017. I think that’s when I discovered your vlogs and have been following you ever since! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us we appreciate you and have inspired me in my life too!! 🍁 🇨🇦

Omg now you get me thinking to go Puerto Vallarta, looks so nice & food looks good, the most important thing in life is love yourself & make the best of life.. be happy.

I didnt want your blog to end I am mexican I am glad you enjoyad PV!!! 🎉

New subscriber from turks and caicos Provodenciales islands. God bless ♥🙏

😂Daddy Bustos joke of the day

You are such a sweet person❤️

That place looked amazing and food looked so good!! As much fun as you're having you must be looking forward to getting back home!

Que bella! Me gusta Puerto Vallarta mucho! Gracias por el video!

Now I want to go there to get away winter seasons 🇨🇦😀amazing view love it ❤

Wow amazing views out there ,i saw you in CAREN VLOGZ THATS IS WHY I CAN CHECK YOUR VLOGZ SIR YOUR HOUSE IS SO AMAZING AT ALL I'VE SEEN.

I love Bugs Bunny! 😁 Oh, my! Mommy Bustos is a Coke drinker. When I saw your overnight oats, I remember that I'll recommend it to my elementary classmate who's in Toronto. We have reconnected again after so many years. He said he has high blood pressure and mentioned to me foods that he eats. Because you mentioned asado, I remember I haven't eaten that in a while already. It's a roast pork reddish in color. It's a common Chinese/Cantonese dish. Thank you for sharing your story about Puerto Vallarta.

i'm so like your dad. always looking out for TV Patrol and PBA whichever country im in 😊

Love your dad’s joke. Thanks for sharing your happy family vacay😍👏

So cool ....love it. Nice food. Luv you guys. Godbless you both

RJ's laugh at your Daddy's Jokes...5 Mabuhay Stars, it absolutely made my day!

26:25 OMG Mikey! The relief after releasing LOL

You rushing to the CR is so funny, reminded me of your Diatabs commercial 😂

November 1 in the Philippines is called Todos Los Santos and Nov. 2 is Araw ng mga Patay or in Spanish El Dia de Los Muertos. The undead woman that they parade in Mexico is called Santa Muerte, a sort of saint for the dead. 24:50

Beautiful thumb nail y’all both look so nice!

would love to vist Puerto Vallarta i vist playa del carmen alot

Make sure to try the grilled cactus - so Mexican staple

Many Latin American countries celebrate Dia de los Muertos. It's not just Mexico. However the catarinas is strictly Mexican. Dia de los Muertos is the day to go to the grave yards to beautify the grave sitrs of your deceased loved onesand to honor them. I think it is much like a Memorial day. My father was Nicaraguan and my mother was Dominican.

I totally get what you're saying about food. Food is an experience.

I Love PV too. And i love watching your vlog.

I enjoyed ur blog so much with ur parents together having vacation 😊😊😊

That's so nice and thank you for sharing. RJ was so relax good on him. Take care till next time 🌈😊...

Loven Your Travel Adventures Thus Far. More to come I am sure. Looking forward to seeing your Toronto Canada video . Thanks Mikey 4 sharing. Cheers! ✈️✈️🌱🌴✈️✈️😁

Mexico looks amazing!

OMG I really missed your dad's joke of the day! I hope you can insert clips of him sometimes telling us the joke of the day even if he is in Canada. That will really bring more smiles! 😍💜

This was such a wonderful video. Love that your parents are along for the adventure. You and RJ are such a wonderful couple and I really enjoy the snippets you show us of your Mubay Life!

Definitely a lot of similarities with the Philippines. Outside of the colonial past, there was a Filipino - Mexican exchange for decades. Ps. Asado is a type of bbq.

Have a nice time

I love your actitude. you've got a nice vibe

Thank u for taking us to PV Mexico!! I’ve never been .. wish I can go oneday! Thank you for seeing how u express ur self love❤❤❤ life is all abt being happy mentally and physically♥️♥️♥️

fish and chips taste best in the car with pouring rain, looking at the beach car park. or at a beach chippy on the two summer days its dry enough

Wow I'm so jealous! Hope to return and visit Mexico again someday! Miss the authentic tacos!

Aloha🤙🏼 enjoy a beautiful vacation and please give my aloha to your parents

What an awesome story about the beach that helped you make your realization. I’m so happy for you both. Love that you are true to yourselves! Sending you a big hug! ❤❤ Also, love that you took your parents on vacation with you. Gods blessings to you all! Btw, the food looked amazing!

I love your Dad's joke hehehehe😂😂

Come back to australia mikey you changed me forever. (its me Angelo)

Wow nice miss PV♥️ I work in a cruise ship during mid 80's we go there twice a week from Miami.❤

Very nice vlog!

Hi Mikey & RJ....I love to join you whenever wherever you're out 😊😊😊 seems I have tasted your food trips with the way you bring out the palate 😋😋😋

2 version of asado in the Philippines, kapampangan version of asado is like a mechado but it's pork cooked in tomato sauce, while other asado, still pork but it's sweet version like the filling in "siopao asado".