R&R Pacific - April 2015 by R&R Pacific

calendar of events • travel • tech • recreation • health & fitness • restaurants • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more

APRIL 2015

DOGS, BIRDS, CARABAOS, PETCETERA

Pets and their humans share their stories

BREATHE IN

Take an aromatherapy spa staycation

A baker’s dozen... or two

Cakes and pastries you can’t pass up

Beverly, a pet green-winged macaw resides at BankPacific in Hagåtña. Photo by Vikki Fong.

contents TRAVEL

Cairns, Australia

ART

The film “Madam”

CALENDAR

Guide to April events

PROCREATE PRESENTS

Breastfeeding and pumping tips

essence of guam

Beloved island pets

SPECIAL FEATURE

Take a spa staycation

RESTAURANTS & food

Confectionary delights

Readers’ and event photos

OUT & ABOUT SPORTS

Beach tennis

19 23

10 11

R&R Pacific is a lifestyle magazine that features the people, culture and activities that collectively make up Guam. We provide our readers a window into the different facets of Guam’s diverse community through vibrant photography and engaging articles.

www.facebook.com/rrpacificguam About the cover: Pet-parents Shayne and Rena Abe and their French bulldog, Maru, social media sensation. Photo taken at Alupang Beach by Vikki Fong.

2015

R&R Pacific/April

PUBLISHER

Maureen N. Maratita

SENIOR DESIGNER

Vikki Fong

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

Annie San Nicolas

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Dwight Buena

REPORTERS

Samantha Guzman

Thomas Johnson

ADMINISTRATION

Bryce Guerrero

Joy White

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

CONTRIBUTORS

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Joe Cruz

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Islandtech Photography

Marcos Fong

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Rosanna Dacanay

Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine

R&R Pacific • April 2015 • Entire contents copyrighted 2015 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. R&R Pacific is published monthly by Glimpses of Guam, Inc., 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, GU 96913. Telephone: (671) 649-0883, Fax: (671) 649-8883, Email: assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com • All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

Feature///Travel

Rafters head out for a two-hour excursion down the rapids of the Barron River.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Jackie Hanson

It may come as a surprise that being serenaded on a gondola is an experience much closer to home for Guamanians than an 18hour trip to Venice. In fact, it’s a reality that exists just four hours by direct flight to Cairns, Australia — only instead of Italian love songs on a quiet canal, you’ll be entertained with a bouncier homeland tune sung by an Australian guide as he steers your boat down a much more thrilling waterway. And instead of a wood-carved vessel for two, you’ll be in an adventure-seeking blow-up raft barreling down the whitewater rapids of the Outback. The adventures of Cairns come in more forms than one. Located on the Northern Coast of Australia in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns maintains a tropical climate averaging highs between 78 and 88 degrees year-round. The coastal environment boasts inviting clear, warm waters for snorkeling, diving and sailing and is a popular launching point for tourists wanting to cross the Great Barrier Reef off their bucket lists — some two million per year. Alternatively, the city of Cairns is closely encompassed by the Kuranda Rainforest and Barron Gorge National Park, which offer their own set of activities to include river rafting, gondola and train

rides and Aboriginal attractions. Accommodations in Cairns are mainly located along or within four blocks of the Esplanade, a boardwalk area along the water’s edge. Room rates range from about $65 to $130 per night with several hostels in the area as well averaging about $40 per night. Boat tours to the Great Barrier Reef launch from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, which is just a five- to 10-minute walk from most hotels. Passions of Paradise offers daily two-destination catamaran trips, departing at 8 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. On the two-hour ride out to the reef, the energetic crew members brief small groups by their activity of choice and prep all gear necessary for snorkeling, introductory dives and certified dives. The day trip costs $149 for adults and $99 for children, including a lunch buffet, and an additional $70 for one dive, $45 for a second dive and $20 for a glass-bottom boat tour. The reef can be visited year-round, though December to March is the wet season, which can hinder visibility. Though the rainy season may hamper visibility under water, it enhances on-land attractions, contributing to a lush, green Kuranda Rainforest and a truly spectacular sight at Barron Falls, both of

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which are viewable from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The Skyrail is just a 15-minute drive from the city of Cairns. Tickets can be purchased at any point throughout the day, though visitors are advised to allow about four hours for the complete experience, which includes a 7.5-kilometer gondola ride over an undisturbed rainforest with two optional stops. The first allows visitors the chance to explore or take a guided tour of the tropical undergrowth on a 175-meter rainforest boardwalk. The second provides a walking path to three up-close lookout points of the mighty Barron Falls, which carry raging waters over a heart-stopping 853foot drop. The cableway hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year with June and July being its busiest time. The cableway’s endpoint is the eccentric rainforest village of Kuranda with souvenir, clothing and art shops and cafes. The most popular tour package for visitors — taking the Skyrail up and the Kuranda Scenic Railway down, or vice versa — costs $98 for adults and $49.50 for children. When visitors are not under water or up in the sky, the Cairns Central Business District, inclusive of the Esplanade, the cruise terminal and the marina, is easy to navigate on foot with plenty of daytime activities for families and a bustling nightlife for single travelers. One family-friendly option is the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, located on the rooftop of the Reef Hotel Casino. Cairns Zoom combines a wildlife dome— complete with koalas, marsupials, kookaburras and a four-meter long saltwater crocodile named Goliath — with two ropes courses, three zip lines, a free-fall 13-meter jump and a walk around the outside of the dome with birds-eye views of the city. United Airlines flies direct from Guam to Cairns on Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:50 p.m. with return flights on Sundays or Wednesdays at 12:35 a.m. Whereas Australia requires substantial travel time from most places in the world, it is just a four and a half hour flight from Guam with the added benefit of being the same time zone. (Clockwise from top) The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; the village of Kuranda, the endpoint for both the cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway; a koala at the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome; tourists shop and browse Cairns’ Central Business District; divers prepare to descend at the Great Barrier Reef.

Art///Madam

Exploring the darkness Local film seeks to expose the world of human trafficking STORY BY Joy White

Set on Guam, the independent short film “Madam” depicts the fictional story of a female political figure who works as a “madam” in the underground sex labor industry. Rubyjane Buhain-Redila, author of the film, says the film seeks to expose the world to, while at the same time avoiding the glorification of, the human trafficking industry.

“It is a manifestation of the darkness that plagues the world and the battle of light and darkness that plays within our hearts,” Rubyjane says. “Madam” will premier on April 18 at the University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase. The film features many local talents, including Julius “Caesar” Santos and Rubyjane. Philippine-based award-winning actress Sue Prado also has a role in the film. Rubyjane took some time to answer a few questions from R&R Pacific. R&R: How did you first develop an interest in writing and the arts? RBR: I have always had a passion for the arts. I remember winning my first art contest when I was still in kindergarten; I made an elaborate sketch of my dad and colored it in. My parents encouraged me to join almost all the art contests in school. [From] an early age, I’ve always felt different about the world and myself. Where one sees an apple, I see a landscape of thorns and sponges. My imagination took me to places that explored my fears and elation and everything else in between. Transposing them into writing was something that I had to do. Then I fell in love with poetry. I found both writing and painting very therapeutic. R&R: Tell us about the composition process. RBR: I was in my room one rainy day and saw the torrential downpour, which awakened my artistic senses. So I began to record the sound and the visual using my smartphone. The melancholic sound of rain and the subdued colors of the clouds and the flooded landscape drew me into the awareness of pain and suffering, particularly in women. I developed a feeling of sadness I can’t describe. This was the birth of “Madam.” R&R: What do you think the public’s reaction will be to “Madam?” RBR: This film will be different in its nature and genre for the local scene and may very well be the movie Guam may not be prepared for but needs to see. With a potential for independent film success, our objective is to promote our underlying topic, effectively resonating beyond walls of motion picture screens. Human trafficking is happening right here on our island right now. I feel the responsibility as an artist to use my talent. R&R: Tell us about the production of the film. Who did you work with to produce the film? RBR: I could not have executed this huge undertaking without the full support and commitment of Alan Certeza, the director of photography for “Madam.” I first met him at a local radio station while doing a project for a friend. I’d only heard of him and his amazing talent at that

Section///Spotlight

Movie stills from “Madam,” starring (clockwise from top left): Rubyjane Buhain-Redila; Julius “Caesar” Santos; Philippine-based award-winning actress Sue Prado; and Corey Caso.

point. I brought my laptop with me in hopes of having the opportunity to introduce my screenplay to him. I was both nervous and intimidated, but I took the plunge and told him about my story. He read it and he was blown away. Another key player [in the making of the film] was Brian Muña, director and editor of “Madam.” Drawing from his background in psychology and counseling, Brian has a special interest in stories or films exploring the human condition and projects that are character-driven. [. . .] I learned so much from Brian — the technicalities of pre-production, production, post-production and everything in between. I couldn’t have asked for a more creative and hard-working director. Both Alan and Brian really understood the story as if they wrote it themselves. They saw things beyond the story lines. Almost everyone invested their time and energy pro-bono. This has been truly a team effort. […] We even had other filmmakers, such as Justin Baldovino, Anton Ngata and Jeff Malinao, assisting our production efforts. The film project is being adopted by Pacific Motion Alliance, a nonprofit organization that aims to support our production efforts as they find the means to push the story into a feature length film.

R&R: After the April 18 showcase, what is next for you and the film? RBR: We hope to have a VIP screening for fundraising purposes. We also hope to be accepted at the Guam International Film Festival in the fall. If enough money is raised, we would also like to submit our film to at least 25 international film festivals around the world. R&R: Any final thoughts? RBR: A huge thanks to our key production crew that put everything together: John Cortez (production design), Myracle Mugol (production manager), Justin Guzman (post production manager) and Joy Santos (associate producer). We also wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of the members of the community and business sponsors who donated food, props and facilities, including Dr. Thomas Shieh and the late James Castro, who believed and supported our film project and even paid a visit to one of our sets. The lounge scene at King Fisher is dedicated in memory of [James Castro].

APRIL

events April 10

Guam Xterra Championship

featured event

Starting time: 7 a.m. Location: Port Authority Beach, Piti For more information, visit www.xterraislands.com. April 11

“Music from Amadeus” — Guam Symphony Society Time: 1 p.m. Location: Southern High School G.A.T.E. Auditorium Admission: $20 for adults, $15 for students April 12

“Music from Amadeus” — Guam Symphony Society Time: 3 p.m. Location: Southern High School G.A.T.E. Auditorium Admission: $20 for adults, $15 for students April 12

Guam International Marathon Start Times: Marathon at 3 a.m.; half marathon at 4:30 a.m.; 10k at 5:30 a.m.; and 5k at 5:15 a.m. Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park, Ypao Beach Admission varies For more information, email info@guaminternationalmarathon.com or visit guaminternationalmarathon.com. April 17

Habitat for Humanity’s Quiz Nite

April 17 to 18

33rd Smokin’ Wheels Racing weekend A thrill for the car-enthusiast and for anyone who loves action, the Smokin’ Wheels Racing event offers an adrenaline-filled weekend of racing. Produced in part by the Guam Racing Federation, the two-day event features auto sports competitions including drifting, drag racing, motocross, 4x4 rock crawling and all-terrain vehicle, truck and mini bike races. The event also includes car shows, the 5th Annual Smokin’ Grills BBQ Competition and the Proline Drift Series. Competitors come from all over the region, including Japan and the Philippines, to participate in the Smokin’ Wheels Racing weekend. Time: Event starts at 7 p.m. on April 17 and continues to 11:30 p.m. on April 18 Location: Guam International Raceway, Yigo For more information: www.guamraceway.com

Location: Pacific Star Resort & Spa Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7:30 p.m. Cost to compete: $300 for a team of six Teams paid by April 11 will have chance to win the Early Bird Drawing. For information, call 565-6480/647-4667 or email habitat@guam.net.

Talofofo-Ipan Banana Festival

April 18

Location: Ipan Beach Park For more information, contact the Talofofo mayor’s office.

University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase For more information, visit www.guamfilmfestival.org. April 23 to 25

University Theatre production of “Tartuffe” Location: University of Guam Fine Arts Theatre Continues on May 1 and 2

April 24 to 26

April 25 and 26

I Sengsong Chamorro Merchants Inc. Arts, Crafts and Garden Fair Location: Chamorro Village, Hagåtña. For more information, visit www.shopchamorrovillage.com or email sewingjayne@gmail.com.

EVENTSCALENDAR

APRIL sun

mon

tue

wed 1

thu 2

fri 3

MOVIES

sat 4

Furious 7 Desert Dancer

Good Friday

10 MOVIES

Easter Sunday

Ex Machina The Longest Ride Kill Me Three Times

11 • Guam Symphony Society presents “Music from Amadeus”

• Guam Xterra Championships

MOVIES

Self/less Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 Child 44 Monkey Kingdom • Habitat for Humanity’s Quiz Nite • 33rd Smokin’ Wheels

23 • University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase (thru Mar. 25)

24 MOVIES

The Age of Adaline The Water Diviner • UOG Film Festival Spring Local Showcase (thru Mar. 25) • Talofofo Ipan Banana Festival

18 • 33rd Smokin’ Wheels Racing weekend • University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase

25 • UOG Film Festival Spring Local Showcase • Talofofo Ipan Banana Festival • I Sengsong Chamorro Merchants Inc. Arts, Crafts and Garden Fair

• Talofofo Ipan Banana Festival • I Sengsong Chamorro Merchants Inc. Arts, Crafts and Garden Fair

FEATURED MOVIE April 3

Furious 7 Directed by James Wan. • Starring: Lucas Black, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham and Paul Walker

Following the events of Furious 6, Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner and the rest of the crew return to the United States to live normal lives. However, their lives are put in danger once more when Deckard Shaw seeks revenge for the death of his brother, an international criminal killed by the crew in exchange for amnesty from their own past crimes. After Shaw kills one of their crew, Torreto, O’Conner and the rest of the crew set out to find Shaw before he finds them first. *Event times and dates may change without notice.

Essence of Guam///Cover feature

Part of the Family

Guam’s loving pet owners put their animals in the spotlight STORY BY Joy White and Bryce Guerrero

Pets are often overlooked as important members of the family, but this issue, pet owners share their love for their furry, feathered and hooved family members.

(Top) Apple poses during a visit to Plaza de España. Photo by Vikki Fong. (From left) Vivian Larsen grooms a Labradoodle at K9 Groom and Board. Photo courtesy of Vivian and Dennis Larsen; Beverly, the greenwinged macaw, at BankPacific Hagåtña Branch. Photo by Vikki Fong; Pup shows off island apparel by Puppy Love Guam, courtesy of Puppy Love Guam; Do’ak the carabo at Talofofo Bay. Photo by Bryce Guerrero.

Do’ak the carabao gives Glimpses Publications Account Executive Samantha Guzman a ride under the supervision of John “Señot Aguon” Ray Aguon. Photo taken at Talofofo Bay by Bryce Guerrero.

A señot and his carabao Do’ak the carabao has been giving rides to tourists and locals alike for nearly 15 years. Do’ak’s owner, John Ray “Señot Aguon” Aguon, caught him in the wild. Back then, he was an unruly and stubborn animal, Señot Aguon says. “He took quite a while to train. You have to break their wild instinct,” he says. “They’re not used to having people on them.” After increased contact with Señot Aguon, Do’ak grew to be obedient and is now known as the friendliest carabao on island. “Anyone can just go up to him and pet him. He’s very tame [and] docile,” Señot Aguon says. Do’ak listens to Chamorro commands from Señot Aguon, who tells him to “get down” so customers can mount him and to “get up” when the customer is ready for their ride.

“Do’ak” in Chamorro means that only one of his eyes is working, Señot Aguon says. Do’ak has had this characteristic since he found him. The only food Do’ak eats is grass, and he needs a lot of water and shade. The carabao only sweats on his nose, so his body is very susceptible to Guam’s intense heat. Señot Aguon says much of his effort in caring for Do’ak goes into finding places for Do’ak to pasture, giving him water and making sure he doesn’t get himself tangled up. Señot Aguon says the carabao is an icon of Chamorro culture, from when farmers utilized carabaos’ strength for plowing fields and when possession of a carabao signified status and held a high trading value. “The carabao’s been on the island for 400 years,” Señot Aguon says. “They were brought here in the 1600s in the Spanish era because the horse had a hard time adapting to the tropical climate. It’s called the beast of burden. They’re pretty cool animals.” Do’ak and Señot Aguon can be found Monday and Friday at Pacific Islands Club Guam and Wednesday at Chamorro Village.

A dog of many talents, Maru shows off his sporty and dapper sides. Photos taken at Alupang Beach by Vikki Fong.

May I have your paw-tograph? Maru, the French Bulldog, is somewhat of a social media superstar. Hailing from the village of Dededo, the pup has more than 4,000 followers on Instagram. His parents, Shayne and Rena Abe, fell in love with Maru in one serendipitous moment. Shayne and Rena were getting their car’s oil changed and stopped into Little Wangz Petlife, where they first saw Maru. They fell head over heels for the little Frenchie. But like any good love story, they had to overcome obstacles. Rena’s mother would not allow Maru to stay in their apartment, and Rena and Shayne had to return him, thoroughly saddened, to the pet shop the very same day they picked him up. The next day, they figured out a way to keep Maru, this time for good. They arranged for Maru to stay with Shayne instead. Some months and a couple thousand followers later, Maru continues to update his activities and post his outfits online for his fans, but he isn’t just a pretty face. Maru knows commands like sit pretty, roll over, shake, high five, speak and play dead. Along with his following on Instagram, Maru is also a prizewinner in the Feathers ‘N Fins Pet Halloween Costume Contest. His dress-up as Woody from the movie “Toy Story” got him first place

in one of the categories. Some of Maru’s favorite foods are boiled chicken, bacon and Bella’s K9 Kitchen treats from Fetch Guam. His favorite toys include a bacon-flavored squeaky and, like a true local, a toy in the shape of the Guam seal. Maru loves hide-and-seek, but you won’t find him hiding. He likes to put his nose to the test and sniff out his owners’ hiding spots. He also loves to watch movies, action being his favorite genre. Rena says their little loud-snoring celebrity is high-maintenance. “He needs air conditioning all day,” she says. “But when we’re happy, he gets happy. When we’re sad, he gets sad. When we’re mad, he’s shaking.” Though his fashion sense screams “adorable,” Maru has a toughguy side as well. “He’s pretty nice with humans and some dogs, too, but there are some times that he gets really feisty,” Shayne says “maybe the bulldog in him.” Maru is also affiliated with AnimalHearted.com, a site where animal lovers can find apparel and receive a 10% discount by entering the code maruthefrenchie at checkout. Maru is also the spokesdoggy for Puppy Love Guam.

Essence of Guam///Cover feature

Philip Flores and his pet macaw, Beverly, are birds of a feather. Photo taken at BankPacific in Hagåtña by Vikki Fong.

A bird of paradise Nothing gets past Beverly. She watches all who enter her office from her perch with a keen eye. She will be quiet at first, observing you. Then, when you least expect it, she’ll simply say, “Hello.” Beverly is a green-winged macaw, also known as a red-and-green macaw, and she has the distinguished position of being the resident bird at BankPacific’s Hagåtña branch. Her bright red plumage and striking blue and green wings make one surprised that such vibrant colors can be found in nature. Owner Philip Flores purchased her in 1982 with the plan to keep her at his aviary in his home. She had a mate, but unfortunately her mate died. Beverly was then brought to the bank for a change of scenery. It took her a while to get used to her surroundings. She stayed in her cage at first, though the cage would be left open. Phil hand-fed

her to get her to become more friendly until, finally, she wandered out and explored her surroundings. Named after a former bank employee, Beverly is one smart bird with a mind of her own. She defied attempts to train her to react when the phone rang and instead says “hello” whenever she wants. She is omnivorous, so eating almost anything, but she particularly likes nuts and eggs. Phil also sometimes shares his lunch with her. Although she’s been known to peck at people’s ankles, she loves being in the spotlight. “She enjoys the attention, despite her behavior,” Phil says. Whenever he enters his office, he must spend some time saying hello to her; if not, she’ll become indignant and make a fuss. Since the bank was remodeled, Beverly has enjoyed improved living quarters, including a new perch, pieces of which were made especially for her. So if you happen to run into Beverly while you are at the bank, remember to say, “Hello.”

Essence of Guam///Chamorro Month

Apple and pet-parent Dance Aoki go on adventures since Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption from Guam Animals in Need in 2012. Photos taken at the Plaza de EspaĂąa by Vikki Fong.

(Clockwise from top) Vivian and Dennis Larsen of Cloud K-9 Groom and Board. Photo courtesy of Vivian and Dennis Larsen; Brett Silk, canine behaviorist and owner and operator of Boonie B&B. Photo by Joy White; Boonie Bites by Puppy Love Guam are made from recycled materials. Photo courtesy of Faye Varias.

Petcetera... As members of our families, dogs have special needs, too. Here are a few places to get you started if you’re looking for the best of the best for your dog. Puppy Love Guam | www.puppyloveguam.com A hobby became a business for Faye Varias, owner and founder of Puppy Love Guam. Faye started selling her Guam-centric dog products at craft fairs until JP Superstore picked up her products about two years ago, and since then, her specially designed collars, leashes, clothing and toys with island flair have become essential Guam doggy couture. She rolls out seasonal designs and specially designed products for special events. Puppy Love Guam products can be found at JP Superstore, Leo Palace Resort, Fetch and online. Faye also offers pet portraits with Puppy Love Guam Pawtography. She is working on a calendar to benefit Guam Animals In Need. The casting call for cats and dogs is ongoing until April 30. Models will get a photography session and the opportunity to be featured in the calendar. This month she will be launching a new website for dog owners. Cloud K-9 Groom and Board | 637-5881 407 Boman Street, Macheche, Dededo Vivian Larsen, owner and groomer at Cloud K-9 Groom and Board, has her work cut out for her, as a long list of pets and their parents wait patiently for an appointment. Cloud K-9 offers a complete spa treatment for dogs, from breed cuts to nail clippings and “paw-dicures” to bathing and conditioning. While Vivian and her husband, Dennis, started with just a grooming business in 2004, over the years they have grown their home business to include dog day-

care, extended boarding for both cats and dogs and Rainbow Bridge Pet Crematory to attend to the needs of dogs and cats up to the very end. The property is very spacious, so the dogs are able to run around and interact, and both dogs and cats get air-conditioned and large indoor accommodations. Charlotte Dimacrut, who is a regular at the Cloud K-9 Grooming with her Labradoodle, Hunter says. “When Hunter and I are driving up the hill to Cloud K-9, I sense his excitement as he starts whining and begins pacing back and forth in the back seat of the car. When we are walking [to the] entrance, he starts pulling and walking faster and faster as he can’t wait to get in. I know Hunter has separation anxiety and often just waits at the door until I come home, but when he knows he’s going to Cloud K-9, he forgets all about me. He loves the open fields and all the friends he can run around with.” Boonie B&B | 989-3647 | Route 4, Chalan Pago When it comes to learning to communicate with your pup, canine behaviorist Brett Silk, owner and operator of Boonie B&B, can help you. The first thing you’ll notice when visiting Boonie B&B is that there isn’t any barking. Barking is a sign of distress, Brett says. While most pet owners communicate with their dogs through physical communication, such as picking them up, smacking them, or through bribery, using treats and rewards, Brett teaches a system that involves none of these. He says in order to communicate with a dog, it is important to understand how it communicates in a pack structure. This includes nonverbal cues and building trust. Brett conducts sessions at the dog’s home, so that he can get a sense of the dog’s environment. From there, he discusses the problem areas with the pet-parents and educates them on the stages of communication. Boonie B&B also offers a dog daycare and extended boarding.

Special Feature///Staycations

Chandan Spa, located on the ground level of the Pacific Star Resort & Spa, has friendly staff, Asian-inspired décor and signature massages to help you relax.

Treat yourself to a

Spa Day

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White

A getaway can be as simple as spending a couple of hours at the spa, where the walls are insulated against the hustle and bustle of the outside world. One of Guam’s newest spas opened in March: Chandan Spa. “Chandan,” means sandal wood, a flower that is widely used for medicinal purposes and aromatherapy. The spa uses aromatherapy techniques combined with specially formulated massages to help you relax and forget everything. Located on the first floor of the Pacific Star Resort & Spa, Chandan Spa infuses a selection of Asian massage treatments. The spa décors is Asian-inspired, using a lot color and cultural influences. The signature massage of the spa is the San Yoga, which is a fusion of the different techniques combining relaxation, tension and stretch treatments. Types of treatments available include ayurveda or shirodara, an Indian technique that involves an apparatus that drips

oil onto the body and addresses the Marma points of the shoulders, neck and head; Balinese massage; Hawaiian Lomi Lomi; and the Thai Massage, shiatsu. Chandan Spa also offers body treatments that include a luxury bath, including coffee and Dead Sea salt scrubs and mud wraps. The spa also offers a wide range of facial treatments and bamboo and hot stone massages. Massages are followed with time to relax in a special seating area while be served the Chandan Spa signature tea. Treatments starts at $110 for 60 minutes for massages and facials, and packages range from $120 to $280. The spa will also be retailing the skin products used and other products, including soaps, scrubs, wraps, headbands and other sandal wood products. Chandan Spa is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Restaurants & Food///Cakes & Pastries

ConfectionAry delights Take a baker’s dozen — or two or three — of these scrumptious cakes and pastries from local bakeries and pastry shops.

STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong and Joy White

Crown Bakery Locations: 121 Route 10, Barrigada and the corner of Wusttig Road and Route 1, Dededo. Hours of operation: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Phone number: Barrigada 634-4826; Dededo 989-6292 Our recommendation: Milk bread and haupia cake

Great American Cookie Co. Location: Micronesia Mall - second floor, Concourse 3 Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Phone number: 637-2447 Our recommendation: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup brownie

All cake flavors are available daily.

Restaurants & Food///Cakes & Pastries

Rocona Little Cake Factory

Patisserie PariSco

Location: Pacifica Commercial Plaza, Upper Tumon (on the corner of Happy Landing Road and Route 1)

Locations: Camp Watkins Road, Tamuning, inside Sakura Noodle House; and behind Oka Pay-Less

Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday to Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Oka location: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone number: 649-1117

Phone number: 687-7799

Our recommendation: Strawberry shortcake or the CafĂŠ Caramel Nuts

Our recommendation: French macrons

Cakes are made from special Japanese cake flour for a silky smooth and fine-textured cake.

facebook.com/rrpacificguam

Sweet Delights Bakery

American Bakery

Location: Bayview Hotel, Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon

Location: Micronesia Mall - second floor, Concourse 3

Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Phone number: 646-2300

Phone number: 633-8882

Our recommendation: Pecan tart, danishes

Our recommendation: Chocolate cupcake

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photo by Jennifer M. Stocker

Jai Fusion Restaurant in Agat held its grand opening on Feb. 18. (From left) Joyce Aichem, hostess; Wu Sai Yang, head chef; Johnny Lee, owner; Leslie Hong, cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant; and Nick Xiao, sous chef. Photos by Bryce Guerrero

Students used skills they learned in the Guam Community College ProStart and Lodging Management Programs at Simon Sanchez High School in a food truck contest held at the school on Feb. 13.

Photos by Islandtech Photography

Guam Geeks Nerd Herd Gathering 4 was held on Feb. 28 at Guma Tasa.

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Feature//Sports

Kicking up some sand with beach tennis STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White

The sand gets kicked up by your feet as you dive to get the ball before it goes out of bounds. You have one more set to win, then you’re going to celebrate by running across the beach and jumping into the cool waves of the ocean, 10 feet away. Beach tennis has made its way to Guam as a new activity to add to a beach day. “It’s [trending] worldwide. Since we’re an island, it’s an obvious fit. […] We wanted to let people know it exists,” says Torgun Smith, president of the Guam National Tennis Federation. Torgun says the first time he saw beach tennis was in 2009 in Japan. The Guam National Tennis Federation held an informal beach tennis festival and demonstration to introduce the game to the island at the Gov. Joseph Flores Beach Park at Ypao Beach on Feb. 14, which drew quite a crowd. Beach tennis is recognized by the International Tennis Foundation. The foundation held its first beach tennis tour in 2008, and according to its website, since that time, the number of beach tennis events on its calendar has increased. In 2014, some 24 countries competed in the International Tennis Federation Beach Tennis Tour World Team Championships. The sport is usually played as a doubles, but can also be played as a singles game. Although much of the scoring system is similar to that of regular tennis, there are a few differences between regular tennis and beach tennis.

“It’s [trending] worldwide. Since we’re an island, it’s an obvious fit. […] We wanted to let people know it exists.” ~ TORGUN SMITH GUAM NATIONAL TENNIS FEDERATION

A beach volleyball court can be easily converted into a beach tennis court. While the setup of the net used in beach tennis looks similar to that of the beach volleyball setup, the net is 1.7 meters high. A different ball is also used; the ball has a lower pressure than regular tennis balls. A paddle is used instead of a racket. There is only one serve in beach tennis, and if the ball hits the net, it is still in play.

The Guam National Tennis Federation Beach Tennis festival and demonstration was held on Feb. 14 at the Gov. Joseph Flores Beach Park. (From top) Shin Amano and Torgun Smith team up; Daniel Dimag, Swami, Gabriel Tan, Torgun Smith and Shin Amano after a game; Swami serves during a set.