Valley Locals

Contrary to popular belief the Valley has some pretty amazing food and it's not always the Mexican food. I was working from Harlingen earlier today and realized that the downtown area has a few pretty good local spots if you're ever in the avenue for a meal. 

Today, we visited Rio Grande Grill and I absolutely loved the environment. The owner, Dan, was great and seemed to be known by a lot of the customers which tells me he's a relational person. I think being relational and business savvy is a great combination.

In any event, the tacos, especially the brisket taco, was excellent and alongside of iconic Valley culture, art, and color it definitely made Rio Grande Grill stand out in downtown Harlingen. 

Check them out, tell me what you think, and tell them the Valluco sent you. 

June 2014 Recap

*A thousand apologies, amigos. The back scenes of our website were experiencing technical difficulties.

June was a busy month. It was so busy that I have decided to transition to a monthly recap rather than a weekly one.

It makes life slightly easier. 

Finally, as ever, amigos, use #PuroValluco on Instagram and get featured.

Questions? Marco@purovalluco.com

Enjoy!

Christian Creative Collective

The Christian Creative Collective (C3) is a beautiful effort uniting christian artists throughout South Texas in order to invest and challenge them in their work and gifting that they have been given

The collective ranges from musicians to writers and artists to singers. C3 is used to help promote visual and creative art while intentionally bringing glory to God, encouraging the church, and advancing His kingdom.

Puro Valluco was asked to speak on what kind of advantages cultural writing has with being on mission in your city or region. There will be more workshops scheduled throughout the year, so stay tuned and we'd love it if you join us! 

FIFA World Cup 2014

The city of McAllen had a great idea that brought the community together: host the World Cup when Mexico plays at the convention center with free admission. 

While we celebrated, cheered, screamed, and cried together I believe the most thoughtful memories were (1) being together as friends and family and (2) realizing that over 4,000 people were present supporting El Tri.

Propoganda & Beautiful Eulogy 

If you haven't heard either one of these artists, you should. I highly recommend them. 

Propoganda raps and spits with a cultural and social passion mixed with a foundation of theological truth.

Beautiful Eulogy does an excellent job at not only integrating sound and proper doctrine in their raps, but wonderfully articulates and alliterates clever uses of language to further the message of the gospel. 

Check out their website for free music and content: Humble Beast

Looking for more? 

Check out our facebook page here to check out our albums for the monthly recap.

Pallet art isn't the newest thing to happen in the artistic realm of expression. In fact, it's got a pretty good following thus far. It's simple, cost effective, trendy, and a great influence.

Then, how are few set a part for the task of pallet art? It's simple, the message behind the art. Last week, I had the privilege of interviewing the creative minds behind Buffalo Union.

Buffalo Union combines raw emotion with gospel-centric hope through pallet art. It's a message that provides clarity for the one who needs a reminder while providing a sweet conversation for the curious mind on the meaning behind the art.

Puro Valluco: What's the purpose behind Buffalo Union?

Buffalo Union: We want to encourage believers through what God has said and provide an avenue through pallet art to share the Gospel with those who do not know Jesus.  It's personal and we don't want to produce something unintentional. We want to present a clear message of the Gospel.

PV: What's been the most encouraging occasion through Buffalo Union?

BU: A friend hired us to make a piece for her friend who was traveling to Africa to be a missionary. We were told she was nervous and we attached Joshua 1:9 to the piece. It was a reminder for her of what God had called her to do and the work He had been doing in her heart; validation of her heart for Africa. When she opened it, we were told she was in tears and was encouraged by the art. 

PV: Why do you 'do' Buffalo Union?

BU: This is our way of blessing others; something God has used through what we thought was a hobby.

PV: How would you encourage others with similar aspirations?

BU: Whatever creative ability you have, it came from the Creator- use it and be confident.  Do not rely on your talent alone, but allow God to minister to others through the gifts He's given you. 

If you're looking to get in contact with Buffalo Union, here are two ways: 

• Instagram: @buffalounion

• Email: Mikehdz201@gmail.com

What We Did | June 2014 | Vol. I

The Valley.

We love community, family, and the everyday. It's special and personal. It's culture and creative. What do you enjoy about the Valley the most? 

How can we be a part of that, amigo? We're growing.

Summer is officially here and the parties have begun. The exploring is taking place. And the normal continues moving forward. Have you heard of the expression, No Hay Otra? 

Photo Credit: Thomas Garcia

Photo Credit: Thomas Garcia

Photo Credit: Richie Walter

Photo Credit: Richie Walter

Photo Credit: Ashley Scoggins

We love what we do because it's no coincidence that we've been placed here. There's no mistake about that.  Use the hashtag #PuroValluco on Instagram or Twitter and join us as we reflect the Valley and everything it offers.

Questions? Email marco@purovalluco.com

What Happened

Memorial Day.

A day celebrated over the span of a weekend to commend and give respect to those who have served this country and have given their lives for the very freedom that we enjoy. 

Many will celebrate by enjoying the splashing of waves amidst good company and cold beverages at South Padre Island, others will stay home with close ones to have more intimate celebrations, and the few will catch the next best sale. 

Whichever your preference is, we hope you enjoy your time off and to you who have served and are serving, Thank You.

Photo Credit: Ashley Scoggins

Photo Credit: Sergio De Leon

We love our Valley and we'd love to see what you're seeing. 
One of two ways to be show-cased:

1. Email marco@purovalluco.com
2. On Instagram or Twitter, use #PuroValluco

Weekend Recap | May 2014

The Weekend Recap. 

We want to make much of the weekends in the RGV. There is so much going on that not many know of; some personal some public. We're here to show you what goes down. 

Hope you enjoy. 

Photo Credit: Ashley Scoggins

Photo Credit: Ashley Scoggins

Mama Mia's Pizzeria

BurgerFri- South Padre Island

Trinity Episcopal Church

Photo Credit: Abigail Eden

- Use our hashtag to be featured on the Weekend Recap - 

And this weekend, we also celebrated Marco's wedding day! 

La Placita- Pharr, TX

Photo Credit: Sergio De Leon

Photo Credit: Josh Stockel

Photo Credit: David De Leon

Photo Credit: Sam Jackson

Revelrie Tomorrow Night

Revelrie | Friday, May 9th 2014 | Jitterz Coffee Bar | 8 P.M.

Acoustically driven by life, birthed out of Elsa, TX, and composed of 2 brothers and a best friend Revelrie brings depth, passion, and heart to a culture looking for more.

If you haven't heard them, we can extend grace and encourage you to check our their Facebook Page where you can also hear the title track to their debut EP "World Within." 

Tomorrow night it goes down. Grab your coffee, invite a friend, and enjoy the show.