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Raul Colon - photographer, digital marketer & writer living on the beach in Puerto Rico.

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My Fear of Mechanics has Been Cured!

July 6, 2016 by Raul Colon

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-2-19 My Fear of Mechanics has Been Cured!

One of the most difficult and scariest visits I can do after the dentist is visiting the Mechanic. Thankfully, I already have a Dentist that makes me feel comfortable and I leave feeling better.

A Good Honda Mechanic I Can Trust

Finally I was able to visit a Mechanic and feel a sense of relief when I dropped off my car.

Like any other service where you need someone that is very technical, it's hard to find good people. Even harder to feel you trust them from the start.

Stay away from Puerto Rico Honda Dealerships

For years, I have delayed my visits to the mechanic. The reason was that the only Honda Mechanics I knew where those at local Honda Dealers. Both Bella International and Honda Triangle have disappointed me greatly.

I can create a laundry list of  traumatic experiences created by both car dealers. But instead, I want to focus my thoughts on my latest experience with an awesome mechanic.

A Mechanic Recommended by A Trustworthy Car Salesman

Months ago I spoke to my friend Jonathan Tarrats who sells cars for a living.  Jonathan happens to be a friend and a very trustworthy Car Salesman. When I am ready for my next car, I am going to contact Jonathan.

Jonathan recommended Carlos Flores from Frenos Melero to help me with my Honda Accord.

First Break Down for My Honda Accord in Almost 11 years

I finally contacted Carlos a few weeks when my car broke down for the first time in 11 years.

I bought my Honda Accord in October 2005 and the car has never left me disappointed. But a few weeks ago, the transmission did not want to shift into drive.

More time than I wanted to Invest in Fixing one Part

With a Youtube video and the mechanics I learned in the Army, I was able to get the car running. Yes, Youtube, the purchase of just a $19 part, and about 4 hours of my time, solved my dilemma. The problem was how long it took me and the stress that I would break something.

Leave it to a Professional Mechanic

Once I got the car running, I made sure I contacted Carlos. I requested he fix my Honda Accord's steering wheel issue.

For about a year, the Horn worked intermittently and the cruise control stopped working properly.

Replacing a Steering Wheel requires precision and experience. For a non-mechanic like me, Youtube was not the best choice. I did not have the time to spend a few days working on my car; for Carlos and his team it would be a simple project.

Detailed Inspection Revealed What I Knew

Carlos took the liberty to do a detailed inspection and came back with a list of documented issues.

Most of these issues were because of my neglect to a car that has been more than good to me.

He told me the amount which was more than I had put into the car in repairs in the 11 years of ownership.

Trusting the Expert and The Process

Since Carlos was recommended and his service was optimal, I told him to proceed with the work. I often get some referred to others by previous clients. The biggest obstacle is having them trust my process. So I wanted to make sure I let Carlos know I put my trust in him.

I have never felt so comfortable leaving my car with a mechanic. With the investment I was making, I trusted Carlos in getting my car into optimal conditions.

The Puerto Rico Honda Car Dealership Service Center would have been more expensive

I am sure that if I would have visited Bella International, the local Honda Car Dealership, I would have paid at least twice the amount quoted. Repairs would have probably taken three times as long. Most importantly, I would have not gotten good service.

It's a good way for them to entice you into buying another vehicle when you don't need one yet.

Carlos' Extra Personal Service

I agreed to bringing my car in on a Monday. My only issue was finding transportation from the mechanic to my apartment.

I live about 35 minutes away from the Mechanic's workshop. But, Carlos offered to drive me home.

I arrived on Monday and in less than 5 minutes I handed in my car and was on the road headed home. Carlos, the owner of the shop, drove me home. He also picked me up once the car repairs were done.

The last time I took my car for a recall at Bella International, I waited an hour to be told that I had to wait for another vehicle transport because I was the only customer going east and the others were going west.

Detailed Explanation From the Mechanic

Once I arrived at the shop, Carlos decided to give me a walkthrough of what had been done to the car. He showed me the parts that were in bad shape and explained to me what each part did.

The estimate also came in under what was quoted because some parts were ok and didn't need to be replaced.

Carlos chatted with me a bit and helped me drive out of his shop which is on a busy road.

Very Happy with My Old Revamped Honda Accord

As I started driving my vehicle, I felt the results of the repairs.

I had a smooth drive back home and realized that I waited to long to apply some of the repairs on the car.

I realized my fear of being screwed over by a mechanic was eliminated by Carlos and his team.

More Visits to the Mechanic moving Forward

From now on, as soon as I feel the slightest change in driving conditions in my car, I am headed straight to Carlos at his shop, Frenos Meleros to make sure everything is corrected.

If your car breaks down and you are near the San Juan or Caguas area of Puerto Rico, I highly recommend giving Carlos a call at Frenos Melero and having him take a look at your vehicle.

Thank you Carlos Flores for the awesome job and exceptional service.

Visit Frenos Melero's Website

View Website!

Find Frenos Melero on the Map

Filed Under: Customer Service, Featured

Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde

March 5, 2016 by Raul Colon

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-24-1-1024x683 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde

Our Favorite Hangout in Isla Verde

A few times a week, I go with Daniela to our favorite spot to get healthy snacks here in Isla Verde called,  Funkyberry.

Daniela  takes ownership of the place by dancing around and enjoying herself. We also go during times where Funkyberry is not too busy.

The owners Raúl and Carla take care of Daniela as if she were family.

Yesterday Daniela requested her own Açai Bowl for the first time.

Raúl (owner of Funkyberry) suggested one with Strawberries instead of Banana.

Daniela ate every morsel of the her Açai Bowl.  She mentioned multiple times that it was the best Açai Bowl she had tried.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-25-1-683x1024 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde

Why I visit often

There are not many places I visit as often as Funkyberry; if I don’t stop a few times during the week I feel incomplete. It has become part of a routine for us. 

Observing what Carla and Raúl have created makes me a fan of them. Similar to them, when I get involved in a project I look towards making our communities better.

An opportunity to create community is even more attractive.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-23-1-1024x819 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde
Eating her Favorite Funkyberry baked Cookies

Oasis in The Middle of a Healthy Food Dessert

I believe Carla Bonelli and Raúl Gutierrez have started an Oasis in a place full of Fast Foods and non healthy options. By offering healthy treats and supporting local businesses, it makes our community stronger.

Supporting Other Puerto Rican Small Businesses.

Funkyberry supports many local entrepreneurs with some delicious creations.

They support locally made delicious Ice Pops and chocolate made from locally sourced cacao. There are even options to have local and healthier soft drinks.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-3-3-1024x819 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde
Açai Bowl with Peanut butter, Hemp and Chia Seeds. Frozen Treat

Their “In-House” Delicious Treats

They’ve expanded their options of the delicious smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches. They’re making their own ice cream for the shop. Luckily, the ChocoCoco which is my favorite flavor, is Vegan.

Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly

Funkyberry is vegan and vegetarian friendly. So if you are in Isla Verde looking for something light and healthy to eat, it will be worth walking over to them and having yourself a healthy lunch.

As a Vegan, it’s the first place and closest option when I want a quick and delicious lunch.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-10-1-1024x683 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde
Funky Oats

Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde

We have been visiting Funkyberry since it opened and I feel at home when I am there. It’s the only place I can stop and chat with the owners as if they were long time friends.

I see the progress they have brought to their little space. Little by little, small businesses like Funkyberry will make Isla Verde better.  

If given the support, these healthy and unique local businesses will make the ugly parts of Isla Verde look attractive again.  

The only way that can happen is by supporting local businesses. If you support Funkyberry you will be supporting other local businesses.

There are many creators of awesome local drinks, chocolates, and healthy treats; Funkyberry serves as a hub and marketplace for them.

Stop by say and say hi to Carla and Raúl and invite others to stop by my favorite lunch spot in Isla Verde, Funkyberry.

Funkyberry is located 35 Marginal Villamar, Isla Verde, 00979 Carolina, Puerto Rico.

If you need directions click here. 

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-1-12-1024x683 Funkyberry Bringing Community to Isla Verde

 

Filed Under: Customer Service, Featured, Puerto Rico

Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central

December 16, 2015 by Raul Colon

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-1-2-1024x819 Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central
Food Truck located in San Juan’s Parque central. Photo by Raúl Colón.

As a kid I use to love street food. Just before I became a vegetarian, I would stop often at food vendors.

From my trips with the military in Central America and working in New York City, I preferred to eat street food.

Since 2011, we’ve been involved in many food truck projects. We built Chicago’s first Food Truck Blog that included a food truck tracker.

We run the digital marketing & website for Uncle Gussys (New York’s #1 Greek Food Truck) .

Becoming Vegan reduced my Street Food Options

In 2006, I gave up eating meat and my trips to food vendors pretty much stopped. In 2011, when I decided to go vegan, my trips to a food vendor could be counted on one hand.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-2-2-1024x819 Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central
Food Truck located in San Juan’s Parque central. Photo by Raúl Colón.

First visit to Boriturkish

A few days ago I got a chance to visit Boriturkish food truck. Created by my friend Vanessa, it was a delight that she had some options she could make vegan on the menu.

We arrived just after the lunch rush and allowed Vanessa to go over in detail what she could offer us. For starters, she recommended the hummus with Pita.

Hummus Appetizer & Vegan Falafel Sandwich

As I tasted the hummus, I noticed that it was creamy and it was Vanessa’s own recipe. It was delicious and different from other Hummus plates I have eaten elsewhere. The portion was so much I requested extra pitas.

For an entree, I had a Falafel Sandwich with Tostones. This plate captures the fusion that makes up the concept of Boriturkish. Taking Middle Eastern and Puerto Rican dishes and putting them together.

Lucy had her Falafel with the Tzatziki sauce and I kept mine without it to keep my option vegan. We asked Vanessa to make some falafels for our daughter.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-3-1-1024x683 Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central
Vegan Platter with Tostones and a Falafel Sandwich.

Kid Friendly Food Options

Becoming a vegan makes me selective with what and where I eat. My daughter usually prefers her mom’s cooking over eating out.

To our surprise, our daughter not only enjoyed the falafels but gave it a thumbs up of approval.

Our daughter was also happy that Boriturkish is in the kid’s area of  San Juan’s Parque Central. Lucy and Daniela went to play in the park while the owners prepared our food order.

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-4-1-683x1024 Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central

We Recommend you visit Boriturkish

Our first visit to this new food truck was a positive one. It’s even cooler that I have another option here in the San Juan Metro area when looking for places to eat lunch.

At the moment of publishing this post, Boriturkish is open from Thursday to Sunday. We recommend you look at their Facebook page for updates.

Supporting a Friend’s Local Business

My best wishes to my friend Vanessa and her business partner Katherine on their new venture.

As an entrepreneur, I enjoy when when I see hard working people building their own businesses. It’s not easy to make the switch from being an employee to building and running any business.

The island needs more entrepreneurs and even more vegan friendly food places.

Can’t wait to stop by Boriturkish again.

When you’re in San Juan, stop by Boriturkish!

raulcolon-photos-puertorico-5-1-1024x791 Vegan Friendly Boriturkish Food Truck in Parque Central
Vanessa Creator and Co-Owner of Boriturkish Food Truck.

 

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Puerto Rico Tagged With: Food Trucks, Puerto Rico, San Juan

I Can and I Will #JaneTheVirgin

January 12, 2015 by Raul Colon

raul-colon-xmaxpartyfit911-puertorico-32-1024x819 I Can and I Will #JaneTheVirgin

As I did my morning writing exercise this morning I clearly did not see anything I wanted to publish.

I went on my morning walk  with my dog and flipping through my phone I saw the Latino Rebels had written a post on Gina Rodriguez.

Many of you already know Gina from Jane The Virgin. Jane the Virgin is the funniest comedy quasi telenovela I have seen since the original “Betty La Fea”.

Gina Rodriguez The Golden Globe Winner

Gina won a Golden Globe as the Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (comedy or musical). Here is Gina Rodriguez’s Golden Globes Speech of Acceptance.

Fans of Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin’s writing is excellent, actors are awesome, and let’s not forget, Anthony Mendez , The Narrator of the show, who is a favorite at our home.

As fans of Jane The Virgin we have been anxious to see the next episodes in a couple of days.  That has lead me to do some research on the cast and their backgrounds.

Ivonne Coll one of my favorite actresses (who is also Puerto Rican) even influenced my three words for this year.

Gina’s Awesome Dad

But after watching many interviews of Gina Rodriguez ,I really like how she spotlights her dad. Even more admirable when it’s on the Golden Globes stage accepting her award.

As a Dad of a 4 year old daughter I am sure I could learn a many things from him.

Her emotional acceptance speech highlighted some of her milestones. At where Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber are seen as global idols, having someone like Gina and her character truly highlights many of the hidden values of hispanic culture.

Take a few minutes and listen to the interview below where she highlights her dad.

Nurturing Your Support Systems

Gina has done a lot in her life and from what I have read she has fought her way up. It is clear her family was there to support her along the way.

We all need support systems to help us thrive in any environment. But an important part of having those support systems is to nurture them like Gina and her dad have done over the years.

Words to Repeat

So as a simple exercise today go near a loved one and make them start their next day repeating those magical words.

“Today is going to be a great day. I can and I will.” Gina’s Dad

I am sure one day in the future, they will be repeating, “I can and I did.” Maybe it will be on a big stage similar to the Golden Globes.

Bravo Gina, Bravo.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Professional Development Tagged With: Awesome Dad, Gina Rodriguez, Globe Winners, Globes, Golden Globes, Her Dad, Parenting, Pictures of Puerto Rico, Speech Of Acceptance, Virgin Star

Danny Fornaris Producer, Musician, and Entrepreneur

January 10, 2015 by Raul Colon

Screenshot-2015-01-07-16.37.29 Danny Fornaris Producer, Musician, and Entrepreneur

For quite some time I’ve asked myself who Danny Fornaris was even though I’d heard him on Alternative and Reggaeton tracks.

Little did I know, that he is also the voice of some brands in Puerto Rico.

I had the opportunity a few days ago to listen to his album thanks to my friend Fabiola when she  shared it on Facebook.

I was impressed by how such a talented producer and musician could dominate a spectrum different music genres.

I tweeted out via my Spotify app that I was listening to his new album and Danny thanked me. He also made me aware that I could download his work on 3 Kings Day for Free.

@rj_c ¡Gracias por apoyar, bro! Si aun no lo has bajado en iTunes, hoy estamos regalando #Tripulante en http://t.co/RjhnAwI7jp ¡Japi Trikin!

— Danny Fornaris (@DannyFornaris) January 6, 2015

I went ahead and downloaded the album but will definitely buy it to support the awesome work he has done.

Who is Danny Fornaris?

I focused my interview on who Danny Fornaris is as an entrepreneur and individual.

Danny was kind enough to share his experiences and how he overcame challenges. From trying to get his tracks listened to by Tego Calderon to finally landing the opportunity to have his tracks in many albums of influential reggaeton artists. Perseverance was one of the main takeaways from this interview.

Valuable Advice from a Succesful Entrepreneur

I was planning for a 15 minute interview but the conversation kept flowing. Seeing how much valuable feedback Danny gives us as an entrepreneur, I kept it going for a full 51 minutes.

He ends the video interview with a powerful message that can be practical if we apply it.

Once again thank you Danny for taking the time to chat with me.

Get Tripulante

Feel free to go over to DannyFornaris.com and buy his new album, Tripulante.

 

Get Tripulante

 

 

 

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Professional Development Tagged With: Danny Fornaris, Entrepreneur, Interviewing, Music Industry, Musician, Newest Albums, Succesful Entrepreneur, Video Interviewing, Voice

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