Mike Alvarado is the man behind the hand and the visionary Founder and President of ¡PARIBA! Tequila, an ALVIBRAS Brand.  Let’s hear directly from him below:

By life, I am a first-generation immigrant born of Salvadorian decent and Yucatan (Mexican) roots, which is why my village means everything to me. I live life by his core values faith, family, and hard work which bring me balance. I learned that, early on, when my father brought my sister and I across the border at the age of 5. Oddly enough I remember in great detail what that journey was like to trek through the desert, water, and even sharing a single tortilla between the 3 of us for a day's meal. It's those experiences that have shaped the person I am today and the outlook I have on life. There is not a day I'm not grateful for the journey and there's not a time I don't respect others.

As for that village I mentioned, I'm a dedicated family man, husband to my middle school sweetheart Shekera of 26 years, father to our 3 boys and our 2 English bulldogs, Furguson and Yuca. Together we are THE ALVENGERS - Led by yours truly, #CapitanNotFromAmerica. I joke about our superhero roles, but I'm extremely proud and passionate about my little tribe and the cultures we represent.

In my free time, I enjoy teaching my young kings how to cook home cooked meals, and love to root for them on the road, as we're constantly up and down I-95 since they all play travel football, track and basketball. I pray every day that I can say the same, one day soon (or maybe before I turn 80), for my dear Washington Commanders Football Team! (I always support the home team.) Personally, I'm passionate about lowering my golf scorecard, enjoying good food, particularly street tacos, oysters and tequila, and making the most of every moment, especially if it involves music or traveling. I look forward to celebrating with you soon!

Mike (aka Chef Ekim - My Alter Ego (just Mike spelled backwards, nothing too fancy!)