calendar of events • travel • tech • recreation • health & fitness • restaurants • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more
JUNE 2014
Made in Guam A mixed bag of products
The wonders of Israel A land of biblical proportions
The Music scene
Musician shares venue for other artists
The old port in Jaffa, Tel-Aviv, Isreal.
contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT
Israel
HEALTH & FITNESS
Variety - the spice of exercise
CALENDAR
June events
ESSENCE OF GUAM
Made on Guam
FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB
Boston cream sponge cake
Island focus
Open mic night
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OUT & ABOUT
Readers and event photos
SPORTS
JR Hattig - major league baseball
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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: Ignacio “Nash” Camacho, a member of the non profit organization Traditions About Seafaring Islands, stands in front of the Tasi, a canoe recently completed for the Lotte Duty Free. See story page 10. Photo by Vikki Fong.
R&R Pacific/June
2014
PUBLISHER
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Maureen N. Maratita
Rosanna Dacanay
MANAGING EDITOR
SENIOR DESIGNER
Jackie Hanson
Vikki Fong
ASSISTANT EDITOR
SALES MANAGER
Joy White
Annie San Nicolas
REPORTER
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Thomas Johnson
Colin Leon Guerrero
CONTRIBUTORS
ADMINISTRATION
Carmen Rojas
Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero
Patrick Lujan
Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen
WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dain Rivers
Marcos Fong
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION MANAGER
Taliea J. Strohmeyer
Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine
R&R Pacific • June 2014 • 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.
Feature///Travel Spotlight
View on the Wailing Wall, orthodox religious Jews and tourists during the Jewish Pesach (Passover) celebration on April 12, 2012 in Jerusalem, Israel (Protasov AN/Shutterstock.com).
A Glimpse of Israel The land of the bible offers variety and special experiences STORY BY Joy White
Israel is a land of sweeping deserts, complemented by a fair share of lush landscapes. In addition to its visual appeal, its historical significance is beyond compare. One cannot visit Israel without visiting Tel Aviv, the country’s second largest city and commercial center. The city boasts a robust night life, restaurants, beaches, and historical sites. A modern city, it is home to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, shopping boutiques, and cafes. Its port is a source of entertainment. Walk down its wide wooden walkways and one will find cafes, restaurants, shops, and dance clubs. From the shore, one can also watch the white
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sails float on the water and view amazing sunsets or sunrises. The Carmel Market in the city is famous for its wide selection of delicacies, from falafel to Yemenite soup to fresh produce. As much a part of Tel Aviv as the market and the night life is Jaffa. Jaffa is one of the world’s ancient cities and the birthplace of Tel Aviv. The ancient city was one of the first ports of the world and a center of commerce, culture, agriculture, and tourism. In Jaffa can be found restaurants, coffeehouses, ancient architecture and a Levantine atmosphere. Jerusalem is the modern capital of the State of Israel and the country`s biggest city.
The City is sacred to all three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is a fascinatingly unique place where the first century mixes with the twenty-first century, each pushes for legitimacy and space and where picturesque ancient neighborhoods nestle against shining office towers and high-rise residences. Some sites in Jerusalem are the Walls Promenade of the Old City, the Tower of David, and the Laturn Monastery. It is also home to several museums, including the Time Elevator Museum and the Israel Museum. There is also the City of David Archaeological Garden, an excavation site that
Clockwise from top: The Dead Sea; Oriental sweets on sale in the Carmel Market in Tel-Aviv, Israel; view on northern beach of the Red Sea in Eilat - famous resort and recreation town in Israel.
has an area open to visitors. The must-see site of Jerusalem is the Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall. It is a revered holy site. It is a surviving section of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount at the end of the Second Temple period. Visitors often place notes in the Kotelor Wall in Hebrew, with requests and prayers. Another must in Jerusalem is YadVashem, a campus of indoor museums, outdoor monuments, memorials, gardens, and sculptures built to commemorate the Holocaust and its victims. The remains of an ancient fortress built in 300 B.C., Masada provides a panoramic view of the desert and the Dead Sea. It is a popular place to visit and can be reached by cable car. The more adventurous can also hike to the top by a winding near the site is also a large Roman style bath house with mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals. There is also a western palace, Jewish
ritual bath, storerooms, watchtowers, and synagogue near the fortress to explore. For those who are looking for the wonders of nature, to the west of Masada is the Dead Sea. Visiting the Dead Sea is the opportunity to visit the lowest part of the earth. The body of water lies at 1,269 feet below sea level. Brave its waters and one will float like a feather. Because of the high salt content of the water, it’s nearly impossible to sink. Take photo of one floating gently on the water while reading a newspaper, or balancing something on one’s belly. In addition, the mud along the Dead Sea is said to contain many minerals and is believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. The salt deposits and crystals scattered along the shoreline make excellent souvenirs. There is also something for those who want a respite from the history and desert of Israel in the southern city of Eilat, the country’s resort city. It has beaches, water sports,
and diving. It is also a spot for restaurants, clubs, and shops. Eilat is located on the northern end of Eilat’s bay. The climate borders on tropical and has a magnificent view of the bare granite mounts. The city is also near some archaeological, historical, and natural wonders that can be reached for a quick jaunt by various modes of transportation, such as camel back or jeep. Another thing one can do in Israel is visit a kibbutz. Kibbutzim are rural communities throughout Israel and are dedicated to agriculture and an egalitarian way of life. When touring one of the many in the country, visitors can take in facilities and meet residents, eat in the communal dining room, and see the structures built by hand. Whether one is visiting Israel for its historical or biblical sites, natural beauty, or modern delights, a trip to this country should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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Feature///Health & Fitness
Variety — the spice of exercise By Carmen Rojas
Are you getting bored with your workout? Have the results you were getting….dried up? If you answered yes to either of these, you may be going through a plateau. This article will explain what plateaus are and how you can use some variety to change up your routine.
What Are Plateaus? Plateaus, in the biological sense, are periods of time where despite continued exercise and nutritional improvements weight loss and other changes stop. Plateaus are common and often happen after 4 to 6 weeks of results. They can last for a few weeks and sometimes for a month or more. There are many scientific theories about why plateaus happen, but I have found that plateaus are more common when the body gets bored. In general, when the body does not know what is coming next the changes, such as weight loss, are a result of the body adapting to the change. When the body gets used to the challenge, the body predicts the change and does not respond the same way if at all. This is why adding some variety into your routine can break plateaus and get you redirected in the right direction. Here are three of my favorite variety spices that will bring flavor to any bland routine. Spice #1 - Frequency Varying the frequency of your workouts is a great way to change the way your body uses energy and thus inspires weight loss and a change in the ratio of fat to muscle. If you are walking 2 miles per day 5 days a week totaling 10 miles, try walking 3 miles per day 3 times per week, or if you are ambitious, try 5 miles per day 2 times per week. Spice #2 - Activity Change the activity you are doing. If you are running, try swimming. If you are dancing, try biking. If you are taking Zumba, take a few weeks off and try Pilates. Again, changing your activity changes the way your body uses energy. It also challenges your brain to make new neuromuscular pathways to control your body. Spice #3 - Tempo This is particularly good if you are doing lots of strength training. Eccentric lifting, for example, requires you to resist the descent (the eccentric) side of the lift rather than challenge the accent (the concentric side). For example: do a 5-8 count lowering in your squats, and a more rapid “stand up”. To do eccentrics properly, you will need a spotter and you should put more weight on the bar than you use when you lift with a concentric focus. Studies show that eccentrics are great for sparking muscle and strength growth. Add some spice to your workout to keep those results coming.
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june
R&R is... family fun.
events June 6
June 14
Guma’ Mami Inc. - 14th Art Exhibit of “Creative Spirits”
Boonie Stomp: Gun Beach to Tanguisson
Time: 6 p.m. Location: Nissan Infiniti Gallery June 7
Agat Mango Festival Sagan Bisita June 7
Guam LIVE International Music Festival
featured event
Meet at Chamorro Village Time: 9 a.m. Duration: 4 hours for 1.8 miles Bring; 2 quarts water, hiking boots, swimsuit, water shoes, snorkeling gear, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some walking in water and over rough rocks. Level: Medium Price: $10
Paseo Stadium
JUNE 28
June 7
Join Guam Boonie Stompers on a hike along the sandy beach south from Ritidian Point to secluded Falcona Beach. Bring: 4 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some walking in water, a long walk in sand. No pets. The cost is $2.00 for hikers over 12. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Hikers should provide their own transportation. Guam’s trails are not developed. Weather conditions can make the hikes more difficult than described. No reservations required.
Boonie Stomp: Ritidian to Falcona
Boonie Stomp: Pagat Point Meeting place: Chamorro Village Time: 9 a.m. Duration: 4 hours for 2 miles Bring: 3 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks Level: Difficult Price: $10 June 14
Nissan Guam 7.5K Run/Relay and 2K Run Time: 6 am to 8 am Location: Nissan Motor Corporation, Upper Tumon
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June 21
Boonie Stomp: Ague Cove Meet at Chamorro Village Time: 9 a.m. Duration: 3 hours for 0.4 miles Bring: 2 quarts water, hiking boots, swim suit, snorkel gear, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: A steep slope to ascend and a few rough rocky trail areas. Clean-up hike. Level: Medium Price: $10
LOCATION: Meet at Center Court of Chamorro Village TIME: 9 a.m. DURATION: 5 hours for 6 miles LEVEL: Difficult INFORMATION: 787-8830/sofiaoropesa@hotmail.com June 21
June 29
IHP 5K Run
Guam Reef Hotel & Olive Spa 5K Run
Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Location: Chamorro Village June 28
St. Paul 5K Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Location: Ypao Beach
Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Location: Guam Reef Hotel Price: $10
EVENTSCALENDAR
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Edge of Tomorrow The Fault in Our Stars premiere at Regal Cinemas
• Agat Mango Festival • Guam LIVE International Music Festival • Boonie Stomp: Pagat Point
MOVIES
• Guma’ Mami Inc. - 14th Art Exhibit of “Creative Spirits”
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MOVIES
22 Jump Street How to Train Your Dragon 2 premieres at Regal Cinemas “Have a Coke and a smile” campaign was unveiled at the bottlers’ convention on this day in 1979.
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20 MOVIES Think Like a Man Too premiere at Regal Cinemas
Father’s Day
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• Nissan Guam 7.5K Run/ Relay and 2K Run • Boonie Stomp: Gun Beach to Tanguisson
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MOVIES Transformers: Age of Extinction premiere at Regal Cinemas
• St. Paul 5K • Boonie Stomp: Ritidian to Falcona
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On June 1, 1904, the first magazine ads for Coca-Cola appeared in national consumer publications.
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.
beverages.
The abbreviation “Coke” was used for the first time in magazine ads for Coca-Cola on June 1, 1941.
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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam
STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Joy White, Dain Rivers and Vikki Fong
The term “Made in Guam� is said with a lot of pride. The local community works hard to make products unique to the island, to help get Guam noticed, and to preserve and promote the culture.
Dawn Lee Reyes shows off the cover of the first in her series of books about Chamorro Legends at her home studio in Inarajan.
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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam
Frank James Cruz and Ignacio “Nash” Camacho prepare to the lift the sale for the canoe the Tasi.
The non-profit organization Traditions About Seafaring Islands, while not a business per se, is an organization dedicated to reviving the knowledge of ancient seafaring, which includes building canoes and providing education on traditional navigation. “The canoe building is for when we want to use it in a program or as another means for going out in the water,” says Frank James Cruz, president of TASI. “Our primary mission is to perpetuate seafaring in the islands – in particular revived Chamorro seafaring because it’s something that has been lost. And we’re well on our way to reviving it,” Cruz says. Although the group is primarily focused on educating the community about traditional navigation methods, the group also takes commissions to build canoes. The group’s most recent project was a commission to make a model of a sakman, a larger seagoing canoe, for the Lotte Duty Free shop at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam. Future projects are in the works for
building models for educational institutions. To build a canoe, finding the right material is key. Sometimes inexpensive and light weight mahogany strips are used. “It’s perfect for use because we end up producing a very light weight canoe and very strong canoe. We can reinforce it quite inexpensively. It gives us a way to build canoes without cutting trees down,” Cruz says. According to research done by the organization, the original canoes were made of daok, which is hard to come by on Guam. However, occasionally the group does meet with neighboring islands where the tree is more abundant to get some of the material. Getting the right material can take weeks or months. “Sometimes you have to go to thousands of pieces to find the right one,” Cruz says. The canoes are built piece by piece, and it takes a skilled eye to find the right pieces. “You have to see the canoe inside the tree in order to make it,” Cruz says. Pauleen K. Brechtefeld is literally us-
ing things in her backyard to build up her business. Maiden Guam offers cold-pressed virgin coconut oil products. Coconut oil is an important part of island culture and lifestyle, says Brechtefeld. Brechtefeld uses coconuts from trees at her home in Mangilao. Eventually, Brechtefeld says she hopes to outsource the production of the coconut oil to help other people opportunities to make some money. “There are so many things you can use with coconut oil,” she says. Maiden Guam products include soaps, body scrubs, and coconut cream and oils for a variety of uses. “It can also be used for ailments,” says Brechtefeld. Some of her customers gargle two teaspoons of a mixture of coconut oil to maintain their health. The production process for Maiden Guam products can take weeks. Brechtefeld and her family harvest coconuts that have already fallen from the tree. Then the coconuts are husked and grated. The meat of the coconut is then squeezed and strained to
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Clockwise from left: Tina Huang, marketing and sales manager, of American Chocolate Factory; chocolate drips into molds at the American Chocolate Factory; inside the TASI canoe house at Paseo.
produce the milk. Once the milk is extracted, it is left to separate naturally at room temperature. Once the milk and water have separated, Brechtefeld scoops out the pro-
“WE WANT TO EMPOWER THE LOCALS, LIKE OUR SENIOR CITIZEN AND YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS.” ~ PAULEEN K. BRECHTEFELD MAIDEN GUAM
teins and the mixture is filtered through the four step filtering process, which can take up to 10 days. In a month about 15 to 30 gallons of coconut oil are produced.
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“Our goal is to eventually outsource the cold-pressing,” Brechtefeld says. This entails teaching others in the community the coldpressing process. “We want to empower the locals, like the senior citizen and young entrepreneurs,” she says. Brechtefeld plans to one day to have several suppliers to produce the oil for orders. In addition, she hopes to work with village mayors’ offices to start a coconut collection program where residents can get a few dollars for coconuts they have in their backyard. The process is environmentally friendly and promotes other local businesses. Every part of the coconut is used, if not for Maiden Guam products but for everyday use. For example, coconut husks are used for the fires for the traditional underground cooking. In addition, all the containers and other supplies used are all bought from local retail businesses. American Chocolate Factory is a family run business doing well and looking forward to growth. The business was started in
2006 with the idea of producing locally made chocolates. “It was something we didn’t have on island at the time,” says Tina Huang, marketing manager. Huang works alongside her brother, Rich Huang, the president. The ingredients are all imported to Guam, and the chocolate is mixed on-island. Sometimes it’s a challenge competing with other confectioners on Guam, says Huang. It’s hard to match their prices, but the quality and taste is better. The company strives to maintain the quality of the chocolates and the ingredients and to ensure the flavors are consistent. The company started with Macadamia flavored chocolates, then brought other flavors to include almond, coffee, marshmallow, and rice crispies. The company’s two newest flavors are cranberry and walnut. The chocolate ingredients are mixed in a large vat, which include the cocoa bean, the cocoa milk, and others, then is pumped into a funnel. Meanwhile, the nuts, marshmallows, and other fillings are placed into
Clockwise from top left: American Chocolate Factory employees place Macadamia nuts in molds; Dawn Lee Reyes in her home art studio in Inarajan; Maiden Guam Products include soaps, body scrubs, and creams made from coconut oil; Coconuts being grated for the cold-press process to produce coconut oil.
chocolate molds by factory employees then placed on a heated conveyor belt to warm. From there, the warm molds are loaded onto a second conveyor belt where the freshly mixed chocolate drips into the molds. The chocolate filled molds then travel onto the cooling belt, which chills the chocolates into its solid state. From there, employees remove the chocolate from the molds and package them. Chocolates are made every day to ensure they are fresh. Dawn Lee Reyes is using her passion for art and interest in local culture and legends to create a product that will preserve and teach the culture. Reyes, a former art teacher with the Guam Public School System, saw a need to teach children local legends and the cultural lessons contained within the stories. “The impetus for the series of illustrated Chamorro legends for children is mixed with my interest in legends of Guam
and my background as an art teacher for the Guam Department of Education. I consider legends an important pathway to understanding culture and the purpose of a legend is teach social morals and behavior expectations,” Reyes says. Her first book in the series is “The Boy Who Leaped to Rota.” Her second and third books featuring the legend of Sirena and the two lovers have been illustrated, but are still in the production process. The series include the characters as “Latte People” to represent the strength and endurance of the Chamorro culture. “My hope is that this series of books will help to fill that gap a little, promote the Chamorro culture and language, and provide some quality time between parent and child, teacher and student, or just anyone that enjoys these stories as much as I do,” Reyes says. The book is expected to be available for sale by June.
“my hope is that this series of books will help fill that gap...promote the chamorro culture and language, and provide some quality time between parent and child, teacher and student, or just anyone that enjoys these stories as much as i do.” ~ DAWN LEE REYES
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Feature///Island Focus
STORY & PHOTOS BY Joy White
Local performers get their chance to share their talents at events known as “Open Mics,” which are a major attraction for several of Guam’s coffee shops and restaurants. One of the well known, and the first regular Open Mic events, according to its organizer, is the Thursday night Open Mic at Java Junction in Hagåtña. “For myself as a musician I express myself. I find it exhilarating relaxing and all sorts of emotions to be able to let all out on stage. It’s an amazing feeling. I strive to convey these feelings during these Open Mic [events] and allow other people to feel that way and that’s what I hope for,” says Joey Taitano, main organizer and opening act of the Java Junction Open Mic night. Joey’s main instrument is the guitar, but he can also play the bass guitar and the ukulele. A self-taught musician, Joey first started
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playing in 2005. He originally learned to play the guitar from his older brother, and from there he has picked up his skills from YouTube tutorials and friends. After performing with his school’s music festival and after a collaboration with his friend Rory Perez, Joey and Rory started thinking of ways to provide a space for musician. “Let’s make an event for those who aren’t super stars, or who are on the rise, those who just looking to get some sort of exposure. Some sort of notice from people. Let’s give them that. Not everyone’s going to be heard, not everybody’s going to be a super star. There are so many closet musi-
Feature///Island Focus
cians and sometimes they just need a venue to express themselves,” Joey says. Open Mic events had been organized at the shop before, and Joey decided it was time to revive them. He brought up his idea to the owners of Java Junction, who also happen to be his parents, and they charged him with organizing and managing the event. “We set up in October 2011. It was extremely slow, but it was a starter. Since then almost every Thursday he and I have been playing for Open Mic,” Joey says. Joey also gives credit of the driving force behind the Open Mic night to a fellow musician Joey Charles. News of the Open Mic Night slowly spread through social networks, such as Facebook; word of mouth; and in-house promotion. Over the years, participation in Open Mic Nights has increased, Joey says. Performers include musicians, poets, and storytellers. “A lot of times the same performers every week. And they enjoy it. They like expressing themselves they like to get themselves out there,” Joey says.
As time goes on, Joey hopes the event will remain an open venue for all types of performers to express themselves. “I want the open to always be there for closet per-
“There are so many closet musicians and sometimes they just need a venue to express themselves.” — JOEY TAITANO mAIN ORGANIZER OF JAVA JUNCTION OPEN MIC NIGHT
formers to have place. It’s like a light house like an open venue for musicians to practice or to straight up shine. . . It may not be Carnegie Hall but it’s something and I hope to give them to that,” he says.
OUT&ABOUT
out & about
R&R is... DIVERSITY.
The Doosan Lady Crushers after their opening week match of the Bud Light Women’s Soccer League Spring season. In the photo are kneeling from left to right: Caylani Estoy, Skyylerblu Johnson, Anjelica Perez, Brandi Potter, Brittany Meno, and Hinako Ito. Standing from left to right are Simie Willter, Colleen Naden, Kaeliana Taitano, Mya Sanchez, Andrea Odell, Ariya Perez, Maria Abbey Iriarte, and Katie Mills. Photo courtesy of the Guam Football Association.
Photo courtesy of the Guam Football Association.
Athletes practice their skills at the Bank of Guam 7th Annual GFA Cup first-round victories in the single-elimination tournament at the Guam Football Association National Training Center. The teams that were represented were : Hyundai Family FC, IT&E/IP&E, FC Beercelona, the Rovers Masters, Paintco Strykrs Masters, and the Pago Bay Disasters.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS FOR OUT & ABOUT, EMAIL HIGH-RES PHOTOs to: rrpacificguam@gmail.com
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PLEASE INCLUDE: - CAPTIONS (NAMES, DATE, EVENT NAME AND LOCATION) - YOUR NAME AND VILLAGE
OUT&ABOUT
Volunteers from AmeriCorp and Naval Base Guam and helped clean roadsides around the Guam Memorial Hospital on May 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority
Photos Courtesy of the Guam Visitors Bureau
The 27th annual Guam Micronesian Island Fair was held at Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park on April 25 to 27.
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Feature///Sports
Catching up with JR Hattig Major League Baseball player By Patrick Lujan
He will forever go down in Guam sports history as the first baseball player to ever play in the big leagues: 13 games: 8-for-24 (.333), 5 BB, 8 K, 3 RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006. Eight years after his historic major league appearance, JR Hattig is still Guam’s lone professional pioneer when it comes to the major sports. Now 34-years-old, he’s settled back home but still playing the game he so loves.
GSPN: You were with the Smokies last year and played all kinds of positions. What made you switch to a brand new, yet very talented team in the Orioles? JR: I enjoyed playing with the Smokies, [a] very young, talented team. I’m friends with a lot of players on the Orioles so that was a big reason why I switched. I also believe in the coaching staff. GSPN: Looking back on those 13 games you played in the big leagues in 2006, what do you remember most about that experience? JR: I would say it was the perks. When I was in the minors it wasn’t as glamorous as people may think. The long bus rides, crappy hotels. Then when I got to the majors it was a whole different life. It wasn’t so much the money, it was being able to see the fruits of my labor. All the hard work and sacrifice paid off and it was a beautiful experience, despite it not being very long. GSPN: What would you have done differently in order to sustain your presence in the majors? JR: You know, a lot of people knock my success because I didn’t stay in MLB very long. I try not to make it bother me, but at times it’s almost sad because people are so quick to judge but forget that I’m the only person from Guam to ever make it that far. Many people have their own theories of why I didn’t make it long, be it a girl, being homesick, me not putting in the work but that’s really not the case. There are millions of ball players that would love of at least one day and I was fortunate to get a few months. Back to the question, I don’t really know what I would have done differently.
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I had a very good run during my time in MLB, I guess I just wasn’t what they were looking for, position wise. GSPN: Let’s get back to Guam baseball. What’s it like now in today’s BBL as compared to your dad and uncles’ GML? JR: It’s night and day. BBL use to be the highest level of baseball on Guam. Just come to a game and watch and you can see the difference. Baseball used to be the biggest sport to watch on Guam. Unfortunately, baseball is suffering on Guam. Now, there’s just too much politics – on all levels, from little league to the top. It’s sad but true. I feel like the league is so disorganized now. I look around and baseball isn’t what it used to be. Baseball was once a ticket to get off this island. Now I look around and you see kids going to different sports like soccer and rugby because there’s a lot more opportunity and support. I give a lot of credit to the soccer and rugby organization. GSPN: Is there anything the baseball community can do to liven it up again? JR: They need to revamp the board. Let’s follow what is working on Guam. Let’s be a little more organized. Instead of having a thousand baseball leagues, let’s have one league and work on building our kids up. Have everyone involved on the board. There’s a lot of talent on this island and it’s being wasted because the proper resources aren’t being tapped in to. Our facility [Paseo Stadium] is also suffering. It’s embarrassing having pro teams come to our island and have to use Leo Palace instead of using our locally-owned facility because it’s not up to par.