Photo courtesy of Erika Medina.

COUNTRYSIDE OR BEACH?: BEACH….all the way. I can’t visit Puerto Rico without jumping into the water, at least Escambrón or Ocean Park. If I have time I’ll make it to Isabela or Cabo Rojo.

IF YOU HAVE TO PICK JUST ONE INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER IN PUERTO RICO MAKING A DIFFERENCE, WHO AND WHY?:

MY HUSBAND, Carlos Bobonis, for his beautiful sense of esthetic fed by his past as a painter and his academic preparation as industrial designer, plus his global vision, which is fundamental to make this profession sustainable for a local designer. With that mission in mind, Design in Puerto Rico was born.

TELL ME WHICH PUERTO RICAN NGO MOVES YOUR HEART SO PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE CAN CHIP IN TOO!: ConPRmetidos because it represents the voice of a new generation that organizes to boost socioeconomic progress in Puerto Rico.
Cenadores, is an organization that, even though is not based in the island, all efforts are driven to impact the Puerto Rican society.
Fondita de Jesús, because with their grassroots effort they have done an amazing job assisting homeless people, offering food, compassion and love through their volunteering network.

GIVE ME 3 GREAT RESTAURANTS:Chinchorro:
Alcapurrias stuffed with crab from Dos Palmas in Piñones. You can’t go more roots than that!
Mid Priced: La Jaquita Baya in Miramar. It’s a feast of flavors from local produce in a very personal/family oriented ambiance and his owner + head chef Xavier Pacheco is my dear friend and an active advocate of the local produce/agriculture movement.
Fine Dining: I remember having a great experience at L’Osteria.

MY PUERTO RICAN IDOLS ARE: From the past, Pedro Albizu Campos. Politics aside, what I admire the most of him was that he educated himself, lived abroad and came back to the island well prepared to prophesize his ideology and fearlessly fight for what he thought was best for the country. From modern times, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It may sound cliché but I recently had the chance to listen to her live and it was fascinating + inspiring. And of course, I need to mention Dr. José Vargas Vidot.

THE ONE THING YOU MUST DO WHEN YOU COME TO PUERTO RICO IS:

Bar hopping at Old San Juan: kick it off at Colmado Hermanos Rivera, then, stop by Aquí Se Puede, Taverna Lúpulo, La Mala Vida, La Factoría and if the night goes on, you must make a last stop at El Batey.