calendar of events • travel • tech • recreation • health & fitness • restaurants • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more
FEBRUARY 2015
PLANTING HAPPINESS Guam gardens
pasta is on the menu Eatery Guide
VIVA LAS VEGAS! The entertainment capital of the world
Las Vegas Strip at sunset (Maria Maarbes/Shutterstock.com).
contents TRAVEL
Las Vegas
BEAUTY AND FASHION
Should you switch shampoos?
ARTIST FEATURE
Robert Wang
CALENDAR
Guide to February
ESSENCE OF GUAM Gardens of happiness
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Pilates and gyrotonic
special feature
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Give it your best shot
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Make Valentine’s Day every day
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procreate presents restaurants
Delizioso! Pasta is on the menu
CULTURE
Lunar New Year celebrations
OUT & ABOUT
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Readers’ and events photos
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Eddie Vega - “The Barefoot Bandito”
SPORTS
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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 On the cover: Diane Green and her pets, Sparkles and Rico, in their garden in Chalan Pago. Photo by Joy White.
2015
R&R Pacific/January
PUBLISHER
SALES MANAGER
Maureen N. Maratita
Annie San Nicolas
MANAGING EDITOR
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jackie Hanson
Clarissa Del Valle
ASSISTANT EDITOR
ADMINISTRATION
Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero
REPORTERS
Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen
Thomas Johnson
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bryce Guerrero
Joy White
Marcos Fong
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Rosanna Dacanay
SENIOR DESIGNER
Vikki Fong
Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine
R&R Pacific • February 2015 • Entire contents copyrighted 2014 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.
Pick up your free copy at the following locations: • Andersen Air Force Base (Main Exchange and Commissary) • NEX (Main Exchange) • NEX (Commissary) • Talofofo Falls Resort Park • Regal Cinema (GPO) • J Salon & Barber • SM Store • Salon Fusion • Tango Theatres • King’s Restaurants • National Office Supply • Century Plaza TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT US TODAY!
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Available online at:
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Feature///Travel
STORY BY Thomas Johnson
When people think of Las Vegas, they typically think of the Las Vegas Strip and of cabaret shows, casinos and grand style megaresorts. But whether you’re in the mood for cocktails and blackjack or just don’t want to deal with the bright lights of the main strip, you might be surprised to discover just how diverse the offerings in Vegas are.
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(Clockwise from top left): Adventure dome amusement park at the Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas (Maria Maarbes/Shutterstock.com); The Strip, Las Vegas Boulevard (T photography/ Shutterstock.com); the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay hotel and casino in Las Vegas (Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock.com).
If you’re coming into Vegas by plane, arrange a roundtrip airport shuttle service to your hotel instead of taking a cab. While The Strip might seem close, traffic can be a real mess at times and the driver will keep the meter running. So unless you’re rolling in with a party of three or more, it’s more economical to travel by shuttle. If you’re looking to visit Vegas on a budget, look for hotels off The Strip. The nightly rates are often much lower, and most hotels and resorts have free shuttle service that goes to both the airport and The Strip. Before you go venturing anywhere, be warned. For all its glitz and glamour, Vegas is still essentially a desert town. It can get cold in the winter. While it might lack Guam’s familiar humidity, temperatures can rise over 110 degrees in the summertime. If you’re visiting during the summer months, pack sunscreen and dress lightly, but also bring a light jacket if you plan to visit the casinos, since most establishments keep their thermostats set to around 60 degrees. Also, keep hydrated. With the heat (and the alcohol), it’s very easy to succumb to dehydration or heat stroke. Stock up on bottled water at a local grocery store or convenience store, since prices will be half or one-third of hotel prices and the city’s tap water is more than a little suspect. Quite a few people come into Vegas to have a few drinks, gamble and see a show, and all of these are things you can find very easily. The Strip is fun, but it can wear you out pretty quickly. If you’re not in the mood for a hard-charging Vegas night, or you just don’t feel like dealing with the tourist-y feel of the main Strip, try a trip to the city’s revitalized downtown, just south of Fremont Street. Not only does downtown Vegas offer some of the city’s best dining and bar experiences (or both, in the case of the amazing Italian tapas restau-
rant Bar+Bistro), but it’s also home to the city’s arts district, which boasts an incredibly vibrant art scene. Also, if you manage to make it on the first Friday of any given month, the entire area becomes one giant night market, with dozens of shops and galleries open late and vendors coming in from all over the city. Many people are surprised to discover how big some of the megaresorts are and how many treasures are hidden inside that are open to the public. If you’re traveling with your family, or you’re just in the mood for something low-key, some of the hotels offer in-house animal habitat tours, like the Mandalay Bay Hotel’s Shark Reef exhibit or Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, featuring bottlenose dolphins, white tigers, white lions and leopards. Both tours have a “hands-on” option, meaning you can pay a little extra to dive with the sharks at the Shark Reef or actually work with the dolphin trainers for an entire day at the Dolphin Habitat. If you want something high-octane, many resorts have in-house amusement parks, such as the five-acre Adventuredome Theme Park at Circus Circus, which features the world’s only indoor double-loop rollercoaster. Being Vegas, everything is usually open 24 hours a day. No matter what New York might have you believe, this is the real city that never sleeps. So if you’re looking to unwind after a long night (or day) of fun, there’s no shortage of places to get a good meal. Being a burger man myself, I recommend the Butter Burger from Carson Kitchen in the Fremont East District. It’s amazing. Thank me later. And for all you fellow brunch-lovers out there who love great food in gigantic portions, be sure to check out the Vegas branch of Hash House a Go Go at The Rio or the weekend menu from Culinary Dropout, just outside The Strip.
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Spotlight///Beauty
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facebook.com/rrpacificguam
The man behind the voice Story by Joy White • Photos courtesy of Robert Wang
For some, dreams are far away and unattainable. For others, it’s just a matter of figuring out the details. Robert Wang has been acting since about the age of seven. He has performed on stage throughout his middle and high school and college years. Recently, Robert has turned his attention to launching a career as a voice actor. “The ultimate goal for me would be to have my voice in either a video game or a cartoon of any type,” Robert says.
Robert’s first experience performing was at church. His mother would help him memorize children’s stories to entertain the congregation. “And from there it just grew. I got involved in plays in middle school. Then in high school it grew and peaked in college,” he says. One of his favorite moments as an actor was his first big role performing in “And Then There Was None” with the G.A.T.E Theater during his junior year of high school. He portrayed Philip Lombard. “The whole cast got along like family. Even though there were difficulties, it was still great. I got a little taste of what it’s like to be an actor on stage,” Robert says. Although Robert enjoyed all of the characters he portrayed, he did feel the experience was lacking. There was a tendency to be typecasted and he foresaw a career in the industry would be difficult. Voice acting also has its challenges and difficulties, Robert says, but he would have broader opportunities. With voice acting there were also other attractions. “Voice acting appeals to me because there are a lot of possibilities. With a lot of practice, you can throw your voice or come up with many actors,” Robert says. Recently, Robert was given the opportunity to shadow a wellknown voice actor Steven Blum, who was the special guest of the 2014 Otaku Recon, and his interest grew. Robert was able to speak with Blum about his personal and professional life. “It was a very rewarding experience to be near one of my heroes and a legend in the voice acting community,” Robert says. From there, Robert did some research online. Blum has a website to help other aspiring voice actors, where he provides criteria on how to get started. So far he has been recording an audio book of The Twits by Roald Dahl, which when completed he will post online for critiques and advice. There are websites that offer the opportunity to be critiqued by others in the field, as well as to audition. “[...] with voice acting, I find that even though I’m not doing the physical acting, you draw on similar techniques. You can argue it’s more of a challenge. You have to fight much harder to make the character sound distinct...so instead of relying on five or six things, you have to channel into one thing,” Robert says. Robert also maintains his skills through his occupation as production director at KPRG – Public Radio for Guam. He also does some video gaming commentary on his YouTube channel and does a radio show called “GG” with co-host Tim “Fox” Dominguez, which can be heard at www.mixcloud.com/gg-guam/.
(From top) While he is pursuing his interests in voice acting, Robert Wang works as the production director at KPRG – Public Radio for Guam; Robert Wang (left) and voice actor Steven Blum (right); Tim “Fox” Dominguez (left) and Robert Wang, hosts radio show “GG.”
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FEBRUARY events
Through Feb. 27
Feb. 13
“Chamorro Culture through the Arts,” art exhibit curated by Filamore Alcon
Guam Symphony Society Children’s Concert
Location: Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency Gallery
featured event
Time: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Location: Southern High School GATE Auditorium Free Admission
Feb. 1
Youth Bowler of the Month Time: 10 a.m. Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center This event is a handicap tournament open to bowlers 21 years of age and below. The monthly tournament is a prelude to the Youth Bowler of the Year Grand Finals. Email: guambowlingcongress@ gmail.com Feb. 6
“Chamorro Culture through the Arts,” art exhibit and Lunar New Year reception Time: 6 p.m. Location: Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency Gallery Feb. 7
Boonie Stomp: Lajuna Time: 9 a.m. Meet at Chamorro Village center court Length: Four hours for four miles Bring: Four quarts water, hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks and a long ascent Level: Difficult Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old
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Feb. 14
Boonie Stomp: Pagat Loop Time: 9 a.m. Meet at Chamorro Village center court Length: Four hours for 2.5 miles Bring: Three quarts water, hiking boots, swimsuit, water shoes, flashlight, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera Special conditions: Stretches of steep climbing, walking in cave water and over rough limestone rocks Level: Difficult Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old Feb. 14 and 15
Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Gef Pago Cultural Village Feb. 21
Guam Running Club Hafa (Half) Marathon Time: 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Location: Andersen Air Force Base, Yigo
Feb. 28
Guam Boonie Stompers: Mt. Santa Rosa Cave Explore a unique cave along the volcanic/limestone geological junction with Guam Boonie Stompers. Although the hike is about half a mile. It is estimated to take about three hours and, the level of this hike is difficult. This hike will involve climbing in narrow cave passes with water. Hikers are advised to bring three quarts of water, insect repellent, lunch, a camera and flashlights and to wear hiking boots, gloves and long pants. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more information: facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc Time: 9 a.m., meet at Chamorro Village center court Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old
Feb. 21
Feb. 22
Boonie Stomp: Mt Lamlam North
Senior Bowler of the Month
Time: 9 a.m. Meet at Chamorro Village center court Length: Four hours for 2.2 miles Bring: Four quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks and steep slopes Level: Very Difficult Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old
Time: 10 a.m. Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center This event is a handicap format based on average, age and gender. The monthly tournament is also a qualifier toward the yearend Grand Finals. Email: guambowlingcongress@ gmail.com
EVENTSCALENDAR
FEBRUARY sun
mon
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tue 3
wed 4
thu 5
• Youth Bowler of the Month
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• Senior Bowler of the Month
• Boonie Stomp: Lajuna
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• Guam Symphony Society Children’s Concert
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• Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival
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Jupiter Ascending Seventh Son The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water premiere at Regal Cinemas
MOVIES
Kingsman: The Secret Service Fifty Shades of Grey What We Do in the Shadows premieres at Regal Cinemas
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sat
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MOVIES
The World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place in Atlanta, Georgia is a museum devoted to all things Coca-Cola. It held its grand opening on May 2007.
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fri
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MOVIES Hot Tub Time Machine 2 The DUFF McFarland, USA premiere at Regal Cinemas
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MOVIES Focus Little Boy The Lazarus Effect Maps to the Stars premiere at Regal Cinemas
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Valentine’s Day
• Boonie Stomp: Pagat Loop • Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival
21 • Boonie Stomp: Mt Lamlam North • Guam Running Club Hafa (Half) Marathon
28 • Boonie Stomp: Mt. Santa Rosa Cave
The Atlanta Journal Constitution was the first publication where a Coca-Cola advertisement appeared. The four words “Delicious! Refreshing! Exhilarating! Invigorating!” were the heading on the first print ad that ran in May 1889.
SPONSORED BY:
For showtimes: Call 649-1111 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing
*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola factoids from Coca Cola Smarts trivia by SmartsCo.
beverages.
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of
Happiness STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White
There is a saying that goes, “One who plants a garden plants happiness.” This is true. Although there are practical reasons to maintain a garden, such as for food, many gardeners grow plants for their own enjoyment and that of their friends, family, neighbors and the community.
A path passes through a terraced garden at Chris and Diane Green’s Chalan Pago home.
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Section///Spotlight
(Left) Mike and Jovie Ady have a variety of potted plants, including various types of orchids. (Right) Mike Ady shows off one of the calamansi trees growing in his Yona orchard.
Chris and Diane Green took a piece of land in Chalan Pago that was once the neighborhood dump and turned it into a vibrant garden. When they first saw the property, the yard was thick with tangentangen trees. Monkey-pod trees towered over everything. The couple argued over purchasing the property, but eventually Chris was able to convince his wife that there was potential. “I didn’t see the vision,” Diane says. About seven years later, the garden is home to several species of flowers and edible plants. “I try to plant something new that we don’t have yet,” Chris says. The property slopes upward, with the house on a kind of plateau on top. The tangentangen were chopped down, while some of the monkey-pod trees were left to shade the home and yard. From there, they planted cuttings and seeds, some purchased and others given to them by friends or picked up from where they lay after falling from another plant. The Greens also acquired some sprouts from the Department of Agriculture. Sometimes obtaining plants called for pulling over on the side of the road to gather materials. Sometimes Chris, who is the primary gardener, will set aside a cutting or seed and forget about it, only to be surprised to find it had sprouted and grown a few months later. The Greens created levels, producing a terraced garden. A pathway winds around the terrace, lined with trees and flaming gingers and other flowers. The path leads to stone steps that are both aesthetic and practical. The property is along what was once a riverbed. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood. The steps help drain out the water createing a waterfall, which empties out at the bottom of
the hill into a makeshift pond. “I figured if I couldn’t control or stop the water, I may as well take advantage of it,” Chris says. The top level is where the house sits, along with a playground for the Greens’ five-year-old daughter. The ultimate plan is to put in a pool, Chris says. Chris says much of his focus right now is on his edible plants, such as avocado, bananas, calamansi, soursop and star apples. Some of the plants were placed strategically. Flowering plants with sweet aromas were placed upwind, so their scent will drift through the rest of the property as the breeze blows by. Hidden among the luscious plants are lawn decorations and figurines, placed there by Diane. Chris uses his plants any way he can, even if they have already fallen. Stumps of trees are used as planters. One particular stump has been set aside to be used for furniture. The garden is always changing, Green says. He has so many ideas and plans and adds new things when the opportunities arises. Even the grass is in the works. Green has planted some Japanese grass plugs and is hoping they will soon carpet the ground. The Greens pay it forward and give out sprouts, seeds or cuttings to their friends and neighbors. They also planted a few plants off their property to line the street. Further south, in Yona, Mike Ady is working to propagate native plants of Guam that many people no longer grow. He and his wife, Jovie, used to own a nursery business called Jovie’s Jungle but have since moved on to other businesses. The family’s home sits on family property that was divided among relatives, and the area where Mike
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Section///Spotlight
(Clockwise from top left) Among the various plants and flowers are lawn decorations carefully selected by Diane Green; Jovie Ady poses with a harvest of bananas (Courtesy of Mike Ady); The Green’s home sits at the top of their property, overlooking the garden; The Adys box up a harvest of mangos to share with family and friends (Courtesy of Mike Ady).
and Jovie plant is an orchard, boasting many citrus plants, such as tangerines, limes and calamansi. The couple has been cultivating their plants for more than 20 years. The property used to have hundreds of potted plants from the nursery business. Now the selection has grown to include a wide variety of edible plants, including: pineapples, basil, osana batacci, passion fruit, dragon fruit, melons, pugua, 15 different types of mango trees, and four different kinds of papaya, to name a few. He also counts many hybrid, indigenous and rare plants among his prized plants. “My job is to share,” Mike says. The couple often gives away their fruit, as well as sprouts and seeds for others to start their own gardens. For a while, Mike planted based on a saying from his motherin-law that if you sell it, then it won’t grow, and he gave away all the fruits of his labor. It was several years before he discovered the saying is only limited to the first few harvests. However, he has still maintained the practice and generously offers up his fruit to his friends, neighbors and family. It’s all part of a goal to promote self-sustainability. “[Guam imports] 90% of our own food. Why?” Mike says. Produce imported to the island has a risk of being contaminated with unhealthy pesticides or other chemicals. “Here, the only thing that goes in it is taki mannok,” Mike says. He hopes to be an example to other residents that if he can succeed, so can they. “We have a 365-day growing cycle. It’s fantastic,” he says. He recommends home owners plant a tree right when they move in. It will
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grow as they grow. By the time their children are older, they’ll have a nice tree, he says. Mike finds a sense of peace when maintaining his plants. It keeps him in shape and brings him to nature. He feels like a new father whenever a new sprout grows out of the ground. “To me this is medicine” [...] This little orchard is my tranquility,” he says. Businesses are also keen on the importance of having a garden. The LeoPalace Resort has been cultivating a garden on its premises for a while to offer an attraction for its visitors and to supply its own restaurants and convenience store with fresh produce. “We have 2,500 homes to [build], but we have plenty of land and it’s already been flattened. So I don’t know how long it will take to achieve our final goal, but in the meantime, we’re using some of the land for farming,” says Hiroyuki Miayata, president and CEO of LeoPalace Resort. “We cut the grass, and we grow vegetable: mostly tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants. In the long run, we might sell the vegetables to outside supermarkets, but we currently use them for dishes in our on-site restaurants and sell the surplus in our on-site grocery store. But my dream right now is to plant coffee trees. Fruits can’t be flown out of their home country, but if coffee beans can be processed and packaged, anyone can bring them to their hometown. And if it’s successful, it can be a LeoPalace brand.”
Special Feature///Health and Fitness
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Pilates and Gyrotonic Story and photos by Joy White
Pilates is a form of exercise that uses a system of movements to strengthen core muscles.
But instead of building muscle mass, Pilates lengthens muscles. Other benefits of Pilates include improved flexibility, stability, balance and posture.
Gyrotonic has similar results; however, the movements are circular while the movements in Pilates are more linear. In addition, Gyrotonic addresses energy flow, aligning the body to clear up any blockages to energy flow. The exercises give one a better awareness of the core and spine and are done on raised mats or specially made equipment that helps support the body. Lauren Wright is the owner and founder of Imagine Studios, which offers private Pilates and Gyrotonic lessons for individuals and pairs. During sessions, Lauren guides her clients in the movements. One-on-one sessions give her the opportunity to help her students identify the appropriate sensations felt when executing a particular movement.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but it relaxes the mind. A lot of the time it’s compared to meditation.” ~ Lauren Wright owner & founder imagine studios
“Only you know what that feels like,” she says which is different than simply mimicking an instructor. The pose may be correct, but the muscles used to make the pose may not be. “A lot of it is breaking the habit of the body,” Lauren says. Instead of relying on the lower back to move, movements use the abdomen muscles, strengthening them and relieving pressure on the spine and joints, making Pilates and Gyrotonic ideal for people with knee or back injuries or recovering from surgery. It is also ideal in combination with other exercise regimens, especially those that are high impact, such as running or dancing. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it relaxes the mind. A lot of the time it’s compared to meditation,” Lauren says. Imagine Studios is located on West Soledad Avenue in Hagåtña, opposite Sirena Park. Lauren can be reached at 929-9244.
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(From top) The Gyrotonic machine guides the body in circular movements to strengthen the core muscles and relieve energy blockages; The Pilates Cadillac provides support for Pilates movements, which are linear compared to Gyrotonic movements.
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Special Feature///Advertorial
Students of Protection Concepts Unlimited practice drawing their weapons at the Chamorro Shooting Range in Piti.
Give it your best shot STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White
The instructor stands in what is known as the iscosceles shooting stance, feet at a shoulder’s width apart. He blows his whistle. The students put their hand on their firearms, some in the iscosceles stance, others favoring the weaver stance with one foot slightly behind the other. He blows his whistle a second time. The firearms leave their holsters, moving vertically. On the third whistle, eight firearms swing smoothly upward and forward to chest height. The whistle rings a fourth time, and hands move up to support the firearm. On the final and fifth whistle, the students take aim, extending their elbows forward. “I’m looking for form right now, not speed,” Protection Concepts Unlimited Instructor and Owner James Santos tells his students. The students go through the dry exercise a few more times, and as they do so, the pops and bangs of other practicing students echo through the trees. The students are gathered for firearms training at the Chamorro Shooting Range in Piti on Sunday morning, and they are practicing the stages of the draw. Santos is a lieutenant with the Guam Police Department. He has been with the force since 1987 and has been providing firearms instruction since 1996. Over the years he has attended and received certifications from various shooting academies, locally and nationally. He has taken classes at GLOCK, the Smith & Wesson Academy and
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the Government Training Institute, to name a few. Santos is also certified by the National Rifle Association to conduct firearms training. During the lesson, Santos goes over the principles of safety and provides instruction on the proper shooting form and technique. His students are young and old, men and women, and of varying skills and experience. His lessons are not just for beginners, but also seasoned shooters. “It’s a skill that becomes perishable if you don’t practice,” Santos says. In addition, some experienced in handling firearms may need guidance on proper technique, which one can’t get practicing alone. His years of experience seep into his lessons, as he recounts real situations and how to address each. Santos gives his students advice on potential problems and how to solve them; how to properly handle a firearm; where to get quality, affordable gear and which gear is useful; and what is required by law for firearm owners. Santos also discusses what to do in a defense situation, such as a home invasion. He cautions his students on the use of a firearm and warns of its dangers. “A firearm is used for personal protection,” he says. Santos holds one class every week. In addition to firearms training, Protection Concepts Unlimited also offers security training, high asset escorts and private investigation and surveillance training.
Special Feature///Advertorial
Time for a driving lesson STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White
If asked, would you know what the legal speed limit at an intersection is and if it’s different from the speed limit elsewhere? How do you feel about your ability to parallel park? These are the some of the things beginning drivers are tested on in order to get a driver’s license. However, it is never a bad time to brush up on the rules of the road or to improve your driving skills. The resources available to a driver have changed over the years, as more automobile technology has been developed to aid in safer driving. This includes rear backup and blind-spot sensors, airbag technology, built-in hands-free devices for cell phones and much more. However, this alone does not make a good driver, says James Santos, owner and instructor of Safe Start Driver’s Education. “The cars now are basically designed to protect their occupants. So you take that and combine it with good driving techniques, and you shouldn’t have a problem,” Santos says. Safe Start Driver’s Education has been in business since 1994. Santos, a lieutenant with the Guam Police Department, takes students through the steps of getting the driver’s license, from permit to official license. Students learn from lecture, videos and hands-on driving lessons. They are also given pretests to prepare for the written exam. Safe Start Driver’s Education is authorized to give students road examinations. If students pass the road examination with 30 demerits or less, they are is
allowed to get their driver’s permit. Students receive lessons on defensive driving and other driving techniques. “Anyone can get into a car and move it, but are you moving it the way it’s supposed to move? There are a lot of things you have to contend with as a driver. You’ve got to multitask as a driver. You have to check your surroundings, understand your environment and understand the mechanics in the vehicle,” Santos says.
James Santos and Jurika Sablan of Barrigada. Jurika took and passed her road exam.
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Delizioso!
A selection of Guam’s pasta places
STORY BY Joy White
Caravel
Onward Beach Resort Signature dish: Chef Naoki Takahashi creates a featured menu monthly Hours of operation: By reservation from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday Phone number: 647-7777 Open since 1992
California Pizza Kitchen Holiday Resort & Spa Most popular pasta dish: Garlic cream fettuccine with shrimp Signature dish: Chamorro sausage pizza Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Saturday Phone number: 647-4888 Open since 2008
Sbarro
Guam Premier Outlets and Micronesia Mall Most popular pasta dish: A tossup between fettuccine alfredo, spinach lasagna and baked ziti Signature dish: Roasted chicken with roasted vegetables as well as the stuffed pizzas. Specials and promotions: Purchase a whole pizza and get the second one at half price New York Double Deal (two topped pizzas and regular drink for $7.95) Afterschool special (Cheese pizza and regular drink for $3.95) Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone numbers: 300-EATS (3287) for catering; 633-4563 for Micronesia Mall; 649-7776 for the Guam Premier Outlets Open since 1997
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Culture///Lunar New Year Celebrations
YEAR OF THE SHEEP
Chinese New Year brings well wishes and peace Story by Joy White
The lunar new year is celebrated by many cultures throughout the world. The lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, which is different from the Gregorian Calendar, based on the sun, used by much of the world today. Some years are lunisolar, which means that while they are predominantly based on the moon, every so often a month is added to sync with the solar year, so some years might have 13 months. One of the most well-known celebrations of the lunar year is Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated starting on Feb. 19. For Chinese all over the world, the turn of the lunar year is celebrated for several days. This is the time of year many travel to visit relatives, host parties and wish each other good luck for the new year. The new year is celebrated with parties, and children are given gifts of money in red envelopes, red being a lucky color. In some places firecrackers are also set off to bring in the Lunar New Year. The beginning of the Chinese New Year also brings with it a new zodiac sign. The sheep resides over this Chinese New Year. The Year of the Sheep is expected to be a peaceful time, much like its namesake. “The Year of the Sheep is a really peaceful, gentle year — a little bit different from the horse [last year] because a horse runs fast,” says Pelin Randall. Pelin is a Guam resident originally from Taiwan and is very traditional. “I studied all 12 different kinds of year. The culture is in my bones,” she says. The Year of the Sheep is also a time to get along with other people and to work with groups, she says In many East Asian countries, including Korea and Vietnam, the lunar year also holds special significance for island cultures.
(From left) Many East Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year, including Korea and Vietnam. A decoration shop for the Lunar New Year in ChinaTown, Hanoi, Vietnam on Jan. 3, 2015 (Kelvin Tran/Shutterstock.com); red envelopes containing money are given out during Chinese New Year.
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Culture///Lunar New Year Celebrations
A GUIDING LIGHT
Lunar significance in Chamorro culture Story by Bryce Guerrero • Photos courtesy of Filamore Alcon
The moon has always held an iconic significance to humankind.
Even though men has walked its surface, the moon still seems a mysterious thing. But in ancient civilizations, the moon held a vital importance as it shone on the ancients, and brought understanding to their lifestyle. The same holds true for the Chamorro culture. Filamore Alcon, a local contemporary abstract artist and curator for the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, says the moon was vital to the Chamorro livelihood. Alcon says that Chamorros patterned their lives based on the lunar phases and marked the harvest seasons through the moon. They measured the year from harvest to harvest, or sakkan (year), and based it on the monthly moon cycle. The year was divided into 12 months, or moons. “In order to exist with their environment, [the ancient Chamorros] had to understand the moon […] Their lives centered around the moon — when to make babies, when to fish, what to hunt, what to plant, when is the coming and the going of the tide — everything was dictated by the moon.” Alcon says the middle part of January through February marks the start of the Chamorro lunar calendar. The moon’s significance can be observed in ancient artifacts, which Alcon says he believes are a sign of the Chamorro reverence of the moon.
Ancient Chamorro men would adorn themselves with crescent-shaped pendants known as sinahi, which, translated into English means, “new moon.” The pendant was hewn from the shell of a giant clam known in Chamorro as hima. Likewise, Alcon says he believes the women adorned themselves with the spondylus shell hewn in a spherical shape to symbolize the full moon. Because the Chamorros’ calendar was based off of the 12 full moons, they became aware that an additional full moon happened every 2.7 years. This anomaly is known today as the “blue moon.” A blue moon is scheduled in July of this year. Alcon will be curating an exhibit that highlights works that reflect the Lunar New Year. “I really enjoy curating shows. I love doing it because I love my culture. I love who we are as a people, and I’m very, very proud and honored to show artwork that represents our cultural iconography.” The exhibit will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the CAHA gallery in Hagåtña.
“In order to exist with their environment, [the ancient Chamorros] had to understand the moon. their lives centered around the moon.” ~ Filamore Alcon artist and curator Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency “Moon Union,” by Monica Baza (top) and “Two Lovers,” by Tim Hanley (bottom) are works of art depicting the Chamorro calendar year that is based on the phases of the moon. Similar artwork can be seen at the “Chamorro Culture through the Arts” exhibit at the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency Gallery in Hagåtña.
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OUT&ABOUT
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Photos courtesy of Jayne Flores
Incoming freshmen attend the Guam Community College new student orientation on January 7.
Photos courtesy of Jayne Flores
The Guam Community College Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held on Dec. 14 at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. Photos courtesy of Jayne Flores
Students attend the Guam Community College Workshop on Electronics, Renewable Energy and Robotics on Dec. 30.
Photo courtesy of Marissa Borja
Docomo Pacific Cares hosted its third annual “Kids 4 Kids Movies with Santa” celebration Dec 13 at the Gov. Joseph Flores “Ypao” Beach Park.
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Photos courtesy of Kent Hsieh
The winners of the 2014 Men’s Tennis League fall season and the 2014 Island Divas Women’s Tennis League fall season.
Photos courtesy of Ha’ane-Joy San Nicolas
Concert goers enjoy the music at Trench Fest, which took place on Jan. 16 and 17 at Guam Greyhound Park.
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On the right foot By Bryce Guerrero • Photo courtesy of Eddie Vega
Eddie Vega, known in the running world as the “Barefoot Bandito,” is a record-setting marathon runner. The 55-year-old was born in the Philippines, raised on Guam and has traveled the world to compete in the 26-plus mile races — most times, completely barefoot. Growing up in an impoverished community in the Philippines, Eddie ran barefoot in order to fit in with the other children around him. While doing so, he contracted hookworm and was infected with tuberculosis. “Had I not immigrated to Guam at 6 years old, I’d have probably been dead,” he says. The experience awakened a passion within Eddie to help people in similar conditions. “I know there are kids out there who, through no fault of their own, cannot wear shoes. They don’t have a choice. Some of them are probably experiencing the same helplessness that I did.” So Eddie runs. He runs a lot — all the while raising awareness to the plight of the underprivileged. His hardy feet have been turning heads. By the end of 2014, Eddie had raised approximately $12,200 in support of the charity Soles4Souls, a global non-profit institution “dedicated to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty,” according to its website. Eddie has run more than 200 marathons, more than half of them barefoot. One might think that Eddie has spent his lifetime running, but he only just picked it up as a habit in November 2007. “Prior to that, I was 25 pounds overweight and I was also a cigarette smoker for about 23 years, smoking one to two packs a day.” The kick-start for Eddie came when a friend asked for volunteers to run a marathon in order to raise money for housing to be built for the poor in the Philippines. Eddie saw the request as a good way to force himself into a healthier lifestyle, so he accepted. Over the course of his running career, Eddie compiled injuries in both of his big toes, which prompted him to start running barefoot, a practice he says made him less injury prone. In December of 2012 for his 50th marathon and also his fifth race in five days, he ran a course completely barefoot for the first time. The benefits of running barefoot combined with his passion to bring awareness to poverty have led to more than half of Eddie’s total marathons being completed barefoot. Eddie officially holds the Guinness World Record for most barefoot marathons run on consecutive days with 10, and he has surpassed the record for barefoot marathons in one year, but Guinness has yet to officially award him the record. In 2015, Eddie plans to train for speed in order to make the Boston Marathon’s qualifying time of three hours and 40 minutes. Don’t be surprised to see his name in the Boston Marathon results come 2016.
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Eddie Vega runs in his 101st career barefoot marathon in Ocala, Fl. on Dec. 31.
Eddie officially holds the Guinness World Record for most barefoot marathons run on consecutive days with 10, and has surpassed the record for barefoot marathons in one year.