The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
I grew up on the South Side of the city, a born-and-raised proud San Antonian. The weekends were typically spent at my grandparents’ house. A little barbecue, a campfire, my uncle Nacho playing his guitar and teaching my cousin and I how to sing songs in Spanish. The good old days.
It was in those days that I discovered my passion for performing. From acting in school plays to breakdancing to cheerleading, I loved the artistry, the athleticism and the spotlight. Driven to pursue my passion on bigger stages, I left my hometown after high school to cheer at the University of Houston.
In Houston, I connected with other performers who helped me eventually land auditions that led to roles in “Bring It On 4: In It To Win It,” “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Queen Sugar.” I later started my own choreography business, HOSS Choreography, where I travel all around the world working with cheer and dance teams. I also launched a competition brand, HOSS Spirit Championships, for cheerleaders and dancers to come and compete.
Recently, I was drawn back to San Antonio, where I see a lot has changed since I left. The city has grown so much, but it’s still a city of passion, love, culture, tradition and the best Mexican food in Texas.
I’m getting to know my new home in Southtown, a neighborhood with a great vibe and a lively bar scene. These days, I’m enjoying McIntyres, especially on weekends now that they have King Cajun boiling that crawfish fresh (not the frozen stuff), as it should be done.
Being right by the river also helps me get my cardio in. Running all the way up to the Pearl is the best. Such a peaceful vibe.
With downtown so close, I can easily visit my barber at Matador, where I can enjoy an adult beverage while getting pampered. I’m a man who loves views, so I might then head over to my buddy Roman’s spot at 505 Rooftop Bar, the Moon’s Daughters at the Thompson or Tenfold Rooftop at the Kimpton. San Antonio has created some really cool rooftops with some nice views of the city.
There’s so much to discover and rediscover about my hometown, but one thing I’m happy to see is San Antonio’s burgeoning independent film scene. Incentives have also helped draw larger productions to town, like the Paramount+ series “1923” and the movie “Say a Little Prayer.”
I expect Texas to blow up within the next several years when it comes to TV and film. Just recently, I filmed in Fort Worth for the Paramount+ series “Landman,” and I hope to see more productions coming to San Antonio.
