calendar of events • travel • restaurants & food • trends • recreation • sports • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more
MARCH 2016
Guam’s highest valued luxury goods
Friends With Instruments
Island-pop fusion success
Rediscover Guam’s villages
Ordot-Chalan Pago and Yona
Fruits, flowers and appetizer display at Hamamoto Tropical Fruit World. Photo by Rueben Olivas.
contents TRAVEL
Okinawa
ART
Friends with Instruments
CALENDAR
Guide to March
Special feature
Table 35
COVER FEATURE
A lifestyle of luxury
ESSENCE OF GUAM
Ordot-Chalan Pago and Yona
SPECIAL FEATURE
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Che’lu Logo Shop
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Chamorrita Swimwear
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Pizza party
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special feature restaurants & food Out & About
Events around the island
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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
@rrpacificguam
About the cover: The crew of the Blue-By-U show off their catch. Photo by Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography. (See story on page 12.)
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2016
R&R Pacific/March
PUBLISHER
SENIOR DESIGNER
Maureen N. Maratita
Vikki Fong
MANAGING EDITOR
SALES MANAGER
Jackie Hanson
Annie San Nicolas
ASSISTANT EDITOR
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Joy White
Evelyn Sanchez
REPORTERS
ADMINISTRATION
Janice Castro
CONTRIBUTORS
Carmelita McClellan
Joe Cruz
Vincent Leon Guerrero
Rueben Olivas
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Julius Cantara
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Marcos Fong
Rosanna Dacanay
Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To be a renowned communications company that connects people with information through creative, engaging and effective products.
Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine
R&R Pacific • March 2016 • Entire contents copyrighted 2016 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.
Travel///Historic Okinawa
Fortresses of history Okinawa sites offer a glimpse into the past
BY JULIAN RYALL
Clockwise from top: The ruins of Okinawa’s Zakimi Castle (Julian Ryall); Kokusai dori, the main street in Naha City, Okinawa at night (Kennerth Kullman / Shutterstock.com); The Una Garden in Shuri Castle (twoKim / Shutterstock.com).
Okinawan history is synonymous with the savagery of the battle for these islands in 1945, but an archipelago that was once the independent kingdom of Ryukyu until it was assimilated into Japan in 1872 has a rich military past that can still be visited today. On a hill that dominates Yomitan village, on the west coast of Okinawa, Zakimi Castle is a complex of flowing lines and graceful curves that is not seen in the designs of traditional fortifications in mainland Japan. Designed by the famed military expert, Gosamaru, an arched gate provides access through the undulating outer wall — the only way into the first of the two courtyards that make up the castle. Along with the entrance into the inner precinct, this is the oldest surviving example of an arched gate that uses the unique keystone masonry from the early years of Ryukyuan history. The courtyard is covered with a lush green grass where once there would have been all the trappings of a local lord. A steep set of limestone steps leads visitors into the second passageway through these thick walls and to the seat of power. Zakimi Castle is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
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Historians estimate that modern-day Okinawa was once the site of as many as 500 fortresses, known as gusuku. Virtually all have been destroyed in the intervening centuries — although tantalizing outlines can be found in the tropical undergrowth. Today, a mere six castles remain in recognizable condition and have been afforded protection by UNESCO. Dominating cliffs on the east coast above the town of Yagi is Nakagusuku Castle, built in the 15th century to defend against attacks from a rival lord. The series of six enclosures are again protected by thick limestone walls punctuated by arched gateways, carefully engineered steps and, within the northern enclosure, a well that enhanced the prestige and importance of the entire structure. One of the enclosures has been identified as being set aside for the training of war horses, while a cave hollowed out of an outcropping apparently served as a forge for making weapons. Visitors can climb on the walls that circle the outer extremities of the fortress, which offer spectacular views in all directions. The Katsuren Peninsula appears to the left of Nakagusuku Bay with the is-
Travel///Historic Okinawa
lands of Tsuken and Kudaka on the horizon. Of all the castles on Okinawa, only one has been restored to its former glory. Work continues at Shuri Castle, which dominates the high ground to the north of Naha, the largest city on the island. A walk within its walls gives a good idea of what it must have been like to live in the days of the Ryukyuan kings. The inner-most precinct, the Una, is striped from side to side in red and white and has the Seiden main hall presiding over all that lies before it. Three stories tall, painted in red with scarlet tiles and golden dragons baring their fangs at each other across the roof, this was the central structure of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 500 years. While Okinawan history is vast, the island also offers many leisure activities.
Kokusai-dori, the main street that runs straight-as-an-arrow through the heart of Naha and just a short walk from the Hyatt Regency Naha, is the undisputed place for souvenir shopping, as well as countless drinking and dining options. Of particular interest is the covered market — a rabbit warren of narrow alleyways — that leads off the main drag. Another must-see is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which has the second-largest indoor tank in the world and is home to three colossal whale sharks. Outside, the vast complex has areas dedicated to endangered dugongs and turtles, with an occasional dolphin show.
OKINAWA Travel time: With no direct flights from Guam, the shortest journey, including transfer, is 7 hours 30 minutes. Currency: $1 = ÂĽ121. Getting around: Hiring a car is the best option as public transport is limited in the more remote parts of the island. Major rental companies are represented at Naha Airport. Visa: None required for U.S. passport holders.
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Artist///Friends with Instruments
An island twist with
Friends with Instruments BY JULIUS CANTARA Photo courtesy of Friends with Instruments
On Guam, island music is widely expected and appreciated, yet there remains an appreciation for the sounds of national and international artists. Friends with Instruments finds a harmonizing middle ground. Formed in 2014, Friends with Instruments is an all-girl acoustic band best known for the music referred to as “island-pop fusion,” a mix of island music and popular songs from various musicians, such as Katy Perry, Lorde, Rod Stewart and Sage the Gemini. The band plays reggae versions of popular songs, giving the pieces a familiar island vibe. The band consists of Joyce Torres, vocalist and cajón player; Caitlin Gabrielle, vocalist and ukulele player; and CJ Ochoco, bass player. The musicians have a shared a love of music and theater and have been friends for five years. According to Torres, Friends with Instruments was formed after she was asked to perform at a human trafficking candlelight vigil event at Chamorro Village. She opted to perform with her friends, Gabrielle and Ochoco and after the three performed, they began receiving several requests to perform at other events. “We did not intend on being a band; it was just us trying to give back to the community, and then it became this whole other thing,” Torres says. “And so here we are, two years later, and it’s really fun.” After receiving numerous requests, the three eventually decided to officially becomea band and began performing at parties, weddings, award shows, hotels and restaurants. This music also started being
featured on the local radio stations. During the summer and holiday seasons, the band receives the majorityof its requests for performances. “Someone even asked us to perform his wedding song for his wife on their anniversary,” Ochoco says. “You can find us anywhere — at places like restaurants, coffee shops and beaches.” In two years, these three friends have been through a few milestones, such as winning Best Cover Band at the 2015 Island Music Awards and going off-island for the first time in early December to Manila to play at a wedding. The trio has been inspired by other local musical groups, such as The John Dank Show, to produce more original content. The band has created a few original songs, which include “The GUd Life” and “Open Your Eyes.” Both have received positive reception from fans, they say. The group hopes to release an extended play recording to local radio stations in March. “I think the great thing about Friends with Instruments is that we are so versatile; we appeal to the young and the old,” Ochoco says. “We don’t really have a secret to it. I think it’s because we have fun and people have fun when they watch us.” Friends with Instruments is open to performing for any event, big or small, and will coordinate with clients to work within their budget. To schedule a performance, call 489-5922 or email friendswithinstruments671@gmail.com.
Stay tuned to the radio for Friends with Instruments’ two original singles, “The GUd Life” and “Open Your Eyes,” to be released in March.
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MARCH events
March 3 to 13
Tumon Bay Music Festival
featured event
For schedule information, visit tbmfguam.org. March 5
2016 Saipan Sportsfest: TAGAMAN Triathlon Time: 5:30 a.m. Location: Pacific Islands Club, Saipan For more information, visit www.saipansportsfest.com. March 5
Guam Boonie Stomp: Southern mountains to Ija Level: Very difficult Duration: Seven hours Length: Eight miles Bring: Four quarts of water, strong footwear, gloves, sunscreen, hat, insect repellant, lunch, snacks and camera Special conditions: Sword grass, no shade, lots of climbing up and down and a very long hike Meet at 9 a.m. in the Center Court of Chamorro Village in Hagåtña. Price: $2 for hikers over 12 For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. March 8
University of Guam Charter Day “Triton Spirit: One University, Many Voices” All-day event Location: UOG campus in Mangilao
March 19
Guam Boonie Stomp: Mt. Jumullong Manglo Loop Join Guam Boonie Stompers Inc. to enjoy an unparalleled view from the peak of Mt. Jumullong Manglo. After reaching the mountain’s peak, hike steep and open ridges to circle back to the starting point. A three-mile trip, the hike takes about three hours. Special conditions include sword grass, little shade and steep slopes. Hikers should bring two quarts of water, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, lunch and a camera, as well as arrange for their own transportation to and from the meeting point at Chamorro Village. No reservations required. Time: 9 a.m. in the Center Court of Chamorro Village in Hagåtña. Price: $2 for hikers over 12 Level: Medium For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc.
March 12
March 19
2016 Saipan Sportsfest: XTERRA Saipan
XTERRA Guam Championship
Time: 5:30 a.m. Location: Micro Beach, Saipan Entry fee: $165 solo/ $250 relay team until March 6. No registration on race day. For more information, visit www.saipansportsfest.com.
Location: Port Authority Beach, Piti For more information, call 483-7773 or email eric.tydingco@pivot24.com.
March 12
Location: Umatac
Bank of Guam Ifit 5k Run
March 30
Location: Bank of Guam headquarters, Hagåtña Show time: 5 a.m. Start time: 6 a.m. Price: Pre-registration - $10 for individuals and $35 for family of four; Race day - $20 per person Registration forms are available on the Bank of Guam website and at all branches, Hornet Sporting Goods and Guam Cancer Care. Online registration is available at ifit5k.eventbrite.com.
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March 25, 26 and 27
Crab Festival
Rockhopper Adventure Trail Run Time: 7 a.m. Location: Pacific Treelodge Resort, Kosrae Registration fee: $40 For more information and to register, visit www.kosrae.info.
EVENTSCALENDAR
MARCH sun
mon
tue 1
wed 2
thu 3 • Tumon Bay Music Festival (through March 13)
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• University of Guam Charter Day
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fri 4 MOVIES
London Has Fallen Zootopia Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Knight of Cups
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10 Cloverfield Lane The Brothers Grimsby The Other Side of the DoorEye in the Sky The Young Messiah
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18 MOVIES
The Divergent Series: Allegiant Miracles from Heaven Midnight Special
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25 MOVIES
• Xterra Progressive Relay Run
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justic My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 I Saw the Light
sat 5 • Guam Boonie Stomp: Southern mountains to Ija • 2016 Saipan Sportsfest: TAGAMAN Triathlon
12 • Bank of Guam Ifit 5k Run • Guam Boonie Stomp: Mt. Schroeder to Inarajan • XTERRA Saipan
19 • Guam Boonie Stomp: Mt. Jumullong Manglo Loop • XTERRA Guam Championship
26 • Crab Festival • Guam Boonie Stomp: Mt. Lamlam North
• Crab Festival (through March 27)
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• Crab Festival
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• Rockhopper Adventure Trail Run
FEATURED MOVIE March 25
Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice Directed by Zack Snyder Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jessie Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jerry Irons, Holly Hunter and Gal Gadot
Fearing the actions of a god-like superhero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before. (Official synopsis from Warner Bros.) *Event times and dates may change without notice.
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Special Feature///Table35
Dishing up satisfaction Table 35 offers seafood menu for the Lenten season BY JOY WHITE PHOTOS BY JACKIE HANSON
Presentation, atmosphere, affordability and delicious fare — Table 35 offers the whole package when it comes to dining out on the town. In addition to offering an exquisite daily menu, the restaurant also strives to present seasonal dishes that will leave patrons looking forward to their next appearance. The culinary team of Table 35 has developed a menu of seafood specialties for Lent. The menu reflects a diversity of cuisines, from Italian stews and pastas to local favorites with a twist to spicy Mexican flavors. This is happy news for those recognizing the season, as well as for all those who enjoy the bounty of the ocean. Table 35’s Chef Tom Diaz studied the culinary arts in San Diego for 14 years, sampling dishes across all cultures. He and the Table 35 team work to bring dishes to the table that bring together the best flavors of all worlds in both conventional and unconventional ways.
Seafood Cioppino
Scallop Pesto Fettuccine
Warm and filling, this Italian stew combines a flavorful tomato and fish broth with succulent prawns, clams and octopus and is served with rice.
Creamy, homemade pesto sauce tops a bowl of fettuccine and succulent, seared scallops. Crispy garlic toast is offered on the side.
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Grilled Mahi in Eskabeche The flavor of the island is captured in this locally inspired eskabeche dish. Mahi and vegetables, including eggplant, are smothered in a coconut milk and turmeric sauce all served over mashed potatoes.
Mahi Tacos Coated in a blend of Mexican and Asian flavors that create a unique zing, mahi rests on a bed of kimchi slaw and is seasoned with tomatillo sauce and pico de gallo. All the fixings are piled on a corn tortilla garnished with cilantro and sour cream.
TABLE 35 Marine Corps Drive in Tamuning Phone number: 989-0350 Hours of operation: 11:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Live entertainment Thursday to Saturday. Private seating available for events.
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Cover Feature///Luxury
Top tier of paradise Dream of living large on a small island with some of Guam’s highest dollar frills BY JOY WHITE
From aged wines and alcohols to cliff line homes, Guam has its fair share of luxury goods for those who are looking for the best quality. R&R Pacific sought Guam’s most expensive goods to get a glimpse of the finer things in life.
LIVING LARGE
All that glitters
Nothing says “I love you” like a diamond with an exquisite cut and exceptional clarity. Vince Jewelers has an in-house gemologist to ensure all stones are of the finest quality. And although the shop has a wide variety of pieces for all budgets, the diamond remains the favored symbol of status and commitment. Simple and elegant, the solitaire diamond ring is one of the most sellable items in the Vince Jewelers repertoire — the highest valued being a two carat solitaire diamond with a platinum band, retailing at $32,000. Bridal sets are also popular items — a four carat center stone adorning a 14 carat white gold band encrusted with smaller diamonds that total two karats is available for $78,000. Photos courtesy of Vince Jewelers
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The Hilton Guam Resort & Spa’s premier presidential suite accommodates a taste for luxury and beauty. The suite is inclusive of Hermès bathroom amenities and access to the executive lounge. Depending on the season, the 217-square-meter suite ranges from $840 to $2,000 per night. Luxury in the making: Guam’s luxury room offerings will expand with the upcoming addition of luxury suites at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort. The most expensive and luxurious will be the Villa Azul, a three-bedroom entertainment suite with a large plunge pool and private terrace that can accommodate 80 to 100 people for a cocktail event. Rates for Villa Azul start at $5,950 per night plus tax and will go as high as $9,840 plus tax in peak season. The resort’s other suites include private villa suites available at a starting rate of $3,136; the Presidential Suite on the 30th floor available at a starting rate of $3,136; and ocean-front executive suites available at $1,932. Photos courtesy of Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Cover Feature///Luxury
The luxury of time
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date by Rolex available at Caronel Rolex Boutique in Tumon Sands Plaza is a signifier of status and good taste. Valued at $54,900, the piece is available only in precious metals. The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is the most prestigious and most exclusive watch in the Rolex Oyster collection. It is available in 950 platinum or 19 carat gold. Its band is the President bracelet — solid gold or platinum with three semi-circular links — and is luxurious in every detail, including ceramic inserts inside the links, a concealed attachment beneath the bezel to link the bracelet and the watch case, as well as a concealed Crown clasp, which is opened with a hinged Rolex crown. The watch features an Oyster case that is waterproof to a depth of 330 feet.
King of the castle
One’s home is one’s castle, and this could not be truer in the case of one of Guam’s highest valued homes on the market. The home, listed for $6.5 million, was built by a former U.S. Olympian. It overlooks Tumon Bay on Ypao Road in Tamuning. The two-story, five-bedroom home includes a wine cellar, recreation room, reading room and music room, as well as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which reaches a depth of 12 feet and includes a Jacuzzi. Photos by Joe Cruz
Photos courtesy of DKSH Guam Inc.
Like royalty
Better with age
Red wine is a classic — it’s romantic and goes well with many meals. The Chateau Haut-Brion’s First Growth Grand Cru Classe 1855–1997 sells at the suggested retail price of $1,214 per 750-milliliter bottle. The 1855–2004 of the same label sells at a suggested retail price of $1,184. Both are imported by Titan Imports and are available at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.
Waves of leisure
The Blue-By-U, valued at more than $150,000, is a World Cat model, which is known for offering a smooth ride for boaters. Crew Member Joseph Maclicsi looks after the boat, which is owned by Dr. Hoa V. Nguyen. The 33foot boat has twin Yamaha outboard engines with 250 horsepower and can reach speeds of 30 knots or more. When the Blue-By-U is not riding the waves, she requires some downtime for maintenance, which includes regular oil and filter changes, electrical upkeep and cleaning to keep her looking good. Photo by Joe Cruz
When it comes to fine wine and spirits, age adds to the flavor, aroma and overall quality.While Guam is not known for sprawling vineyards, prized vintages are imported for local connoisseurs. The 38-year-old Royal Salute Scotch whiskey goes for a suggested retail price of $800 for a 500-milliliter bottle. This whiskey is known for its cedar wood and almond aromas and rich, sherried oakiness. Imported by Titan Imports, the beverage is available at Kaori Lounge.
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Essence of Guam///Ordot-Chalan Pago and Yona
POINTS OF INTERESTS
Restaurants and food
1.
Hoa Mai Vietnamese Restaurant Route 4 Phone number: 477-8136
Smoothie and Grill 2. Thai Route 4
Phone number: 929-8534
Cakery 3. Cali Route 4
Ordot-Chalan Pago
Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday Phone number: 734-4968
Otdot-Chålan Pågu
Points of interest Bay 4. Pago Frank Perez Park
Mayor: Jessy C. Gogue Population: 6,822 Fiestas: San Juan Juan Bautista on June 24; Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey in January; Sacred Heart of Mary in June
Japanese bunkers “We are Guam” village mural Grocery and other
Fresh 5. Island Route 4
Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to midnight daily Phone number: 475-1555
B&B 6. Boonie Route 4
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Photos by Rueben Olivas
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Doggy Day Care, boarding and pet supply shop Hours of operation: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone number: 989-3647
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Joshua Miranda Resident for 12 years
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“The scenery may not be as exotic as other villages, but going into the side roads and deeper into village roads showcases the looming jungle on both sides that you don’t see on the main roads. Pago Bay is also a great sight to see, even if just passing by on the way to Yoña.”
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Essence of Guam///Ordot-Chalan Pago and Yona
POINTS OF INTERESTS
1. The Yoña Carabao 2. Tagachang Beach Park Turtle Cove Tank Farm Tarzan Falls
3. Manenggon Valley and memorial Ylig Bay Togcha Cliff Leisure Tropical Fruit World 4. Hamamoto Tropical fruit and forest adventure Phone number: 789-6800 Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily
Yoña
Club of the Pacific Golf 5. Country Phone: 789-1361
Yo’ña Mayor: Ken Joe Ada Population: 6,480 Fiesta: St. Francis of Assisi in October
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Photos by Rueben Olivas
Tomas Garcia Resident for more than 12 years “One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the island scenery. Every day I drive down a large just to get to UOG, and my eyes behold a majestic view of Guam’s natural beauty. I don’t even have to drive to get this beauty. Every morning just by walking up the hill I can see the sunrise over the water, and every evening I see it set behind the trees.”
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Special Feature///Che’lu
®
Che’lu® promotes respect, love, peace, unity, culture and friendship Story and photos by Joy White
The story behind the first Chamorro brand name to be trademarked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is one of family, goodwill and a passion for culture and language. “When people walk away with our products, we hope that, in a sense, they bring with them our culture and our language; and one of our hopes is to share our culture, language and way of life with other people,” says Jose M. Rosario, co-owner and co-founder of Che’lu®.
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Special Feature///Che’lu® Logo Shop
The Che’lu® brand and logo are owned by Jose M. and Liz D. Rosario. The couple, retired teachers, own and operate a shop at Chamorro Village selling products with the Che’lu® name and logo, including T-shirts, caps, key chains, coconut grater blades (kumyu) and other items. Che’lu is a Chamorro word used to describe a brother, sister, friend or other family. With this positive meaning behind the word, the Rosarios promote respect, love, peace, unity, culture and friendship. The beginnings of the business, brand and logo began more than 20 years ago with Jose Rosario’s interest in creating replicas of ancient Chamorro artifacts, including fish hooks and sling stones. Jose and Liz Rosario attended craft fairs, where they were asked for business cards, of which they didn’t have at the time. On Feb. 14, 1995, after a family Valentine’s Day dinner, they asked their son, Lee Michael D. Rosario, to help them create a logo for a business card. Only 16 years old at the time, he began sketching the logo on the back of a paper placemat at one of our local hotels. With some cues from his parents, he sketched what became the iconic Che’lu® logo: an ancient Chamorro chief, or Chamorri, in profile, his body formed from a single sling stone and his arm and shoulder formed by a fish hook. “You’ve got the fish hook for survival because our ancestors, they fished in the vast Pacific Ocean. You have the sling stone for protection — our ancestors used it for warfare and also for hunting. The Chamorri represents the highest ranking chief or the Chamorro people,” Liz Rosario says. When it was completed, the Rosarios knew they needed to protect it. Jose Rosario did some research and applied for a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark for the logo and for the brand name was approved in October 1995. The Rosarios’ younger son, Christopher Alan D. Rosario — who was 8 years old at the time — suggested placing the logo on T-shirts and caps to showcase his brother’s artistic creation. “Che’lu is a true Chamorro word. […] Because of the two brothers, one a young entrepreneur and the other an artist, it’s perfect to call it Che’lu,” Liz Rosario says. As each customer purchases a Che’lu® product, the Rosarios encourage them to “Say it. Wear it. Live it.” For the Rosarios, using the word che’lu not only promotes unity among people of all cultures, it also embraces the Chamorro culture and language. As retired teachers, they continue to educate customers at heart and they continue to learn every single day. “We are doing our small part in promoting our culture. There are others that do it in many other ways — in chants, music, art, storytelling, to name a few. Our culture is still evolving,” Jose Rosario says. Jose and Liz Rosario want to encourage parents to speak the Chamorro language to their children to further nourish and grow the culture and language. “It is our hope to inspire and encourage the younger generations of the world to share the unique gift that God has given to each one of us,” states the official Che’lu® profile.
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Special Feature///Chamorrita Swimwear
Bikinis for beauty and confidence story and boutique photos by Joy White other photos courtesy of chamorrita swimwear
Chamorrita Swimwear, a bikini collection designed in and for Guam, has burst onto the international and local fashion scenes, with local celebrities and athletes sporting the line in 2015, including 2015 Miss Earth Guam Skye Baker, who wore a custom Chamorrita Swimwear bikini in the swimsuit portion of the international Miss Earth pageant in Austria, and body builders Alyssa Gumabon and Desiree Reel, who wore the line at the 2015 Michelob Ultra Game National Body Building and Body Fitness competition. Chamorrita Swimwear celebrates women’s beauty and confidence. The collection specializes in cheeky bikinis, which show off the feminine shape. “I wanted to have a product that is made for and is from Guam, and for the girls to like it,” says Sandrine Cruz Stewart, owner and designer of Chamorrita Swimwear. Chamorrita Swimwear began as an online shop, but Stewart saw that local customers preferred to visit a physical shop to touch and feel the product. The Chamorrita Swimwear boutique opened this year in The Plaza Shopping Center in Tumon. Each bikini is designed and tailored using a ratio calculated to be pleasing to the eye and to show off a woman’s curves. Stewart designs each bikini and completes the measurements for each piece herself. “It’s tricky because it’s a small piece, but it has to be perfectly fitting to make the girl beautiful,” Stewart says. Chamorrita Swimwear bikinis come in a variety of prints and colors. They range in function and design, some are better for surfing and other water activities while other more decorative pieces are more suitable for getting some sun and lounging by the poolside. The collection incorporates the local culture with designs named after Chamorro legends, places and icons, such as Fu’a, Hila’an, Mata’pang, Ritidian, Inalahan, Ypao, Talo’fo’fo and Guahan. In addition to bikinis, Chamorrita Swimwear offers beach dresses; hand-made accessories including jewelry, belts and bags, a Chamorrita Swimwear calendar; and 10-foot portable, inflatable
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Section///Spotlight
Chamorrita Swimwear Shop online: www.chamorritaswimwear.com Store location: The Plaza Shopping Center, Tumon Facebook: Facebook.com/chamorritaswimwear Instagram: @chamorritaswimwear
stand-up paddle boards. Chamorrita Swimwear’s men’s line, which was launched in August, includes board shorts and shirts. Stewart also recently launched a line of women’s cheeky shorts and onepiece swimsuits. Chamorrita Swimwear has been featured in international magazines, including C’est Moi Magazine and McGlory Magazine. Other local athletes that have sported the swimwear include mixed martial art fighter and Muay Thai instructor Brogan “Killer Bee” Walker, who wore a Chamorrita Swimwear piece to the Pacific Xtreme Combat PXC45 weigh-in in 2014. Stewart moved to Guam with her husband in 2010. She loved the style of the bikini but could not find any she liked on Guam. From there, she began to pursue her vision and began designing bikinis in 2011. Stewart saw that Guam did not have much of a modeling industry, so she began reaching out to local photographers and models. She organized photo shoots and fashions shows that showcased the swimwear and the girls, as well as the island environment and Chamorro culture.
“I wanted to create that visual of a pretty local girl wearing a modern swimsuit but that is still local because she knows her roots,” Stewart says. Photo shoots and fashion shows for the line have included local dancers and crafts, such as woven baskets and mats, to blend the traditional and the modern. “I asked each of the girls, ‘What makes you an island girl?’” Stewart says. As Stewart discovered, going into the bikini business involved more than designing and manufacturing the product. It also involved educating local women about the product and their bodies. While bikinis are popular in her home country of France and elsewhere in the world, bikinis are not very common on Guam. To an extent, Stewart was also teaching her models to have confidence in their bodies and to overcome misconceptions about bikinis. A bikini is about looking and feeling beautiful while enjoying the water and sun that Guam offers, she says. “If a girl likes it, then she should try it,” Stewart says.
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Restaurants & Food///Pizza Section///Spotlight
Pizza Party Guam’s pizza parlors and restaurants BY JOY WHITE
Dine-in, carryout and delivery Locations: Agana Shopping Center; Mangilao Market Place (delivery and carryout only); Route 1 in Dededo, Agat and Tamuning; and Base Exchange on Andersen Air Force Base (delivery and carryout only). Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at Base Exchange on Andersen Air Force Base Shopping Center; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at all other locations. Phone numbers: Hagåtña – 477-7716; Agat – 565-3351; Mangilao – 734-0001; Tamuning – 646-9229; and AAFES-BX Shopping Center – 653-4812.
Dine-in, carry-out and delivery Locations: Route 1, Tamuning; Route 16, Mangilao; Route 3, NCS Dededo, NEX Food Court, Yigo and Route 1, Yigo. Phone numbers: NCS - 637-3030, Tamuning - 646-3030, Mangilao 734-3030, Yigo - 653-3030, NEX Food Court - 564-3030
Dine-in Specialty: Naples-inspired, brick-oven baked pizza Location: Trinchera Place, East Hagåtña Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Photos by Jackie Hanson
Dine-in, carryout and drive-through; 20% discount for military Specialty: Simple, thin-crust pizzas Locations: Next to Applebee’s along Chalan San Antonio in Tamuning Hours of operation for pizza: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Restaurants & Food///Pizza
Dine-in and carryout Location: Holiday Resort Guam, Tumon Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Phone number: 647-4888
Photo courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
Dine-in and carryout Locations: Micronesia Mall food court, Pay-Less Micronesia Mall (kiosk) and Guam Premier Outlets food court Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone numbers: 649-7776 or 633-4563
Dine-in, carryout and delivery Locations: Route 16, Mangilao; Route 1, Tamuning; and Route 1, Dededo Phone numbers: Dededo - 633-775; Tamuning - 648-7752; and Mangilao - 735-7753
Dine-in and carryout Location: Kmart, Tamuning 24-hours Phone number: 646-8900
Coming soon! Pieology
Location: Next to IHOP, Chalan San Antonio, Tamuning
Not strictly pizzas Dine-in Location: The Plaza Shopping Center, Tumon Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Phone number: 646-7692
Dine- in Locations: Pacific Place, Tumon; Royal Orchid Hotel, Tumon; and Agana Shopping Center Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at all locations Phone numbers: Pacific Place – 6477-3746/47; Royal Orchid Hotel – 646-9653/93; and Agana Shopping Center – 472-1009/10
Carryout Location: Guam Reef Hotel and Olive Spa Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone number: 644-3158
OUT&ABOUT
out & about
Photo by Joy White
R&R Pacific met members of retro pop band REtroSPECT before its Feb. 5 concert at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. Guam was the band’s second stop on its “Retro World” Reunion Tour 2016.
Photos courtesy of Latte Stone Entertainment
Lukess Sos, 2015 Mister International Guam, represented the island in the 10th annual Mister International competition held at Resorts World Manila. Sos was voted King of the Runway and Best in Swimwear.
Photos by Justin Green
Jamaican Grill held its employee appreciation party on Jan. 18 at the Beach Bar.
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
Photos by Julius Cantara
The Guam United Services Organization celebrated its 75th anniversary on Feb. 4 at its facility at the Royal Orchid Guam Hotel.
Photos by Jackie Hanson
Crust Pizzeria Napoletana opened its doors for business on Jan. 27 in East Agana. For more information, see “Pizza Party� on Page 20.
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