R&R Pacific - October 2013 by R&R Pacific

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

OCTOBER 2013

Village Fiestas

Celebration time

Fighting Fit Severina Koss

Tokyo days & nights Visiting the land of the rising sun

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Japan

HEALTH & FITNESS

Replacing your shoes

CALENDAR

October events

10 THINGS Halloween

TECH THIS OUT

October picks

on the cover

Beauty is wellness

gof magof

Special feature

Derrick Brodus

SPORTS

OUT & ABOUT

Events and readers’ photos

16 19 20

ISLAND FOCUS

The Fiesta

Special feature

guam DANCE crew 27

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 Cover photo by Joe Cruz of F-stop Guam Photography. Special thanks to Salon Fusion by Loren and the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Wellness Center.

R&R Pacific/October

2013

PUBLISHER

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Maureen N. Maratita

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR DESIGNER

Bruce Lloyd

Rosanna Dacanay Vikki Fong

ASSISTANT EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jacqueline Guzman

Annie San Nicolas

REPORTERS

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Thomas Johnson & Joy White

Yvonne Matanane & Larry Siguenza

CONTRIBUTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Joe Cruz

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Carmen Rojas

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Patrick Lujan

MANAGING DIRECTOR

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Marcos Fong

Taliea J. Strohmeyer

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

R&R Pacific • October 2013 • Entire contents copyrighted 2013 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.

Mt. Fuji

AND The charms of japan STORY BY Maureen N. Maratita

A trip to Japan offers a window on a very different culture, but one that has intriguing and unique attractions. The country is safe, the residents are friendly and considerably more English is spoken these days than some years ago. Tokyo is not only the capital of Japan, but a good jumping off point for any first visit to the country. The Disney Resort is by far and away the most visited attraction in Japan. It offers two parks – Tokyo Disney and Tokyo Disney Sea and a “fast pass” system to avoid long lines. But whether you travel independently or prefer a tour, let’s assume you are looking for some attractions that offer a contrast to amusement parks. In that case, here are some other suggestions for your stay in Tokyo: Imperial Palace: While the palace is not open to the public, its gardens are. Though this palace is a reconstruction of the first palace built, you can see how the palace and its stone walls were constructed, and visit the on-site museum. Tsukiji Fish Market: Though the auctions are not officially open to the public if you go early in the day, you’ll inevitably see massive and valuable tuna being bid on for restaurants, and a selection of fish and seafood of every description for sale. If you like your sushi fresh, the market is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, with each menu

typically accompanied by pictures. Tokyo National Museum: The museum offers four galleries and an introduction to more than history alone through its cultural artifacts. Tokyo Tower: From the old to the new or newish; Tokyo Tower at 333 meters or 1,090-some feet offers views over the present day city. The Diet: The Diet or two-house national parliament building has free tours when the Diet is not in session. You can view not only the public gallery, but the room where the emperor addresses parliament when it opens for session, and the central hall. Unique cultural experiences for your consideration include Japanese classical dance/drama or kabuki plays. Kabuki performances vary from one act to more, and English language commentary is available. Sumo wrestling tournaments take place around the country, and are major events taking several days replete with ceremony and Shinto religious tradition. Depending on the time of year, some tour agencies offer a tour including a sumo match. Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, ikebana or flower arranging, cooking classes and home visits are also attractions available to visitors looking for a closer look at Japanese culture. Contact the Tourist Information Center for details of special or seasonal events, or pick up a copy of the weekly English language magazine Metropolis.

From top: tea accessories used for the tea ceremony; Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto; Tsukiji Fish Market (bluehand/shutterstock.com).

For shopping, the upmarket Ginza area features the Mitsukoshi Department store and a variety of high end offerings. Takashimaya retails not only goods but is also known for its restaurants.Isetan Department Store offers delicate homewares and a bountiful food hall. In Tokyo visitTokyo Midtown for a variety of bars, restaurants and galleries around stores, Harijuki for the latest in lively fashion a la Forever 21, and the Akihabara area for electronic goods. Plenty of arts and craft centers dot the city. The hayaku-en shoppu (one coin shops) or 100 yen stores are Japan’s equivalent to the dollar store. These offer a variety of low priced goods from snacks to toed socks and Japanese slippers to a variety of containers and chopsticks and utensils. Although the cityis crowded with some 12.5 million residents, Tokyo boasts an efficient underground transportation system that’s easy to navigate. It’s possible to purchase pre-paid fare cards and for families or anyone with a healthy appetite, stations have lots of places for snacks or a Japanese-style one dish meal. Japanese food offers variety in its starches – from rice to noodles, and offers tasty broth dishes with a variety of fish and meats, noodles and vegetables. From the raw fish of sashimi, to the battered fried sea food and vegetables of tempura, to the grilled skewered meat of yakitori and the famous Kobe beef, the cuisine offers enormous variety and enormous variations in price range. Restaurants also offer popular meal sets at lunchtime. Accommodation in Japan is available to fit every budget – just remember that space is at a premium in city centers and rooms tend not to be large. If you are looking for a truly Japanese experience, try a traditional hotel or ryokan, at least for one night. Prepare yourself for tatami or straw flooring – where your futon will be laid, bathing Japanese-style (showering before soaking), breakfast and dinner served to you, and being able to relax in a yakata or kimono-like robe. Rooms are definitely available Japanese-style in onsen or hot springs resorts, which are designed for healthy bathing as well as relaxation. Try www.japanryokan.net for a list of traditional hotels and a link to onsen locations. If you are traveling between towns you may be able to take the shinkansen or “bullet” train. Beware, trains arrive on time. And where to stand for your carriage is marked on the platform; the train will pull up exactly where it is supposed to stop. Attractions outside of Tokyo are numerous. One famous Japan landmark that you can visit from Tokyo for the day is the 12,380-plus foot high Mount Fuji; the trip to Japan’s highest mountain is a full day. Tours typically include the aerial cable car, lunch and a boat trip on Lake Ashi. Mount Fuji is also a popular climb in July and August for Japanese and visitors alike. Mashiko is a village known for its pottery also reachable from Tokyo. Kyoto is a popular destination for travelers looking for a more relaxed destination than Tokyo with a sense of the history of Japan. The former capital offers a variety of world heritage sites such as the impressive Shimogamo Shrine, a bustling food market and the opportunity to see some of the wooden architecture and Kyoto attractions on foot or by bike.

R&R is... HEALTH & FITNESS.

Feature///Health & Fitness

Replacing your shoes to improve your workout By Carmen Rojas

Like most women, I love shoes. But to be honest, I am a sneaker fiend. I have tempered my addiction over the years but I love looking at them in stores, online, in magazines and catalogues on other people….you name it. And in the course of my athletic and professional career I would guess I have owned hundreds of pairs of sneakers. But for many of you who are new to the world of fitness you may not understand or appreciate the importance of quality athletic shoes to workout in.

Why are shoes so important? Firstly, support. Your feet are where it all begins. Your feet are where you start to walk, run, jump, or move. Your feet are responsible for the weight distribution of your entire body and distributing the forces of motion and energy throughout your entire body. To understand why having strong, properly aligned feet is so important, think what happens when you don’t have strong properly aligned feet. In short as your feet fail the chain of failure works its way up your body. First the ankles, then the knees, then hips, back and even the neck and head can all be affected when the feet are not properly cared for or supported. Even if you have a temporary “ow-wee” like an ingrown toe nail, a corn on a baby toe, a toenail trimmed to low, you will feel the importance of the feet in a very real way. Ask any football player what “turf toe” feels like and they will tell you it is nothing nice. So, what kind of shoes do you need? You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to get quality shoes. In my opinion once you get over $65 you are probably paying for style and brand. Depending on what you are doing in your shoes you should feel secure, supported, and not slipping. In my opinion, your shoes should tie. Laces give you an added opportunity to tighten and loosen your shoes to your liking. If you don’t have laces, your shoes can’t adjust for your feet as well. The heel is very important if you have what is often called a mobile or hyper mobile foot. Meaning you roll in or out when in motion. Again, depending on the activity you a heel can make all the difference. If you find that when you do get a blister it’s on your heel, then you should look into shoes with a sturdy heel. If you are doing a lot of running and jumping a shoe with a good heel is a good idea. Arch support is another important area. You should feel like your foot is supported through the arch area but not like it is being artificially raised or like you are stepping on a golf ball. Proper lacing can also make a difference in how a shoe feels and works through the arches. I have seen the expansion of the “shoes that fit like feet” featuring no true heel cup, no arch support or laces and in some cases toe wrapped for individually toes. I think this is about 90% marketing and 10% science. I have watched runners from Africa run marathons barefoot, but for the vast majority of runners need the support and protection that shoes provide. Your feet are good indicators of overall health. Healthy feet make all the difference in the world. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.

Section///Spotlight

OCTOBER events

Oct. 4

P.O.D Live on Guam Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Location: Yigo Amusement Park

Location: Gun Beach Courts For more information: visit www.guamvolleyball.sportingpulse.net

R&R is... family fun.

featured event

Oct. 16 Oct. 5

Ambros Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Fair

Guam Symphony Society “Broadway on the Bay” Gala

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Agana Shopping Center

Location: Sandcastle For more information: visit www.guamsymphony.com

Oct. 5

Oct. 19

McDonald’s Guam Bowler of the Month

Penumbral Eclipse

Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center

Oct. 20

Oct. 8 to 11

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific Small and Emerging Airports Seminar: “Rediscovering Emerging Airports’ Potential” Location: Westin Resort

Time: 7:27 a.m. - 11:48 a.m.

Budweiser King and Prince of the Lanes 2013 Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center Time: 9 a.m. for more information: email guambowlingcongress@gmail. com or call 671-646-7950

Guam Ko’Ko Half Marathon and Elriden Relay

Kid’s and Family Fun & Fit Fair Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Agana Shopping Center

Oct. 26

Oct. 13

Guam Volleyball Federation Men’s/ Women’s Doubles

Celebration I Inetnon Kottura Siha (Gathering of the Cultures) Festival The festival’s mission is to promote cultural awareness and understanding through history and culture, performing, culinary, literary and traditional arts. It also aims to increase community awareness throughout the island and assist cultural issues touching the hearts of everyone in the community and sharing with them the differences, similarities and connections of brothers and sisters who call Guam their home. The Lemmai has been added as part of the theme. Another part of the theme is “Yona be clean and green for all to see. Biba Yona!” FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the Yona Mayor’s office at 789-1525/1526.

Oct. 20

Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park Show time: 4 a.m. Go time: 5 a.m.

Oct. 12

OCTOBER 4-6

FHB Primera Wellness fair Location: Agana Shopping Center Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Oct. 27

Oct. 31

Guam Senior Bowler Halloween of the Month 2013 Costume Contest & Candy Giveaway Time: 11 a.m. Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center For more information: email guambowlingcongress@gmail. com or call 671-646-7950 Oct. 31

Say Boo to Drugs Time: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Agana Shopping Center

Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Agana Shopping Center Oct. 31 to Nov. 1

JFKHS Class of 2014 Haunted House Location: Agana Shopping Center

EVENTSCALENDAR

OCTOBER sun

mon

tue 3

wed 4

thu 5

fri 4 MOVIES

Gravity Runner Runner premiere at Regal Cinemas

On this day in 1969, the slogan “It’s the real thing” and the “Dynamic Ribbon Device” was unveiled at the bottlers’ convention.

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific Small and Emerging Airports Seminar: “Rediscovering Emerging Airports Potential”

Ambros Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Fair McDonald’s Guam Bowler of the Month

MOVIES Captain Phillips Machete Kills The Fifth Estate Romeo and Juliet premiere at Regal Cinemas

Kids & Family Fun & Fit Fair at Agana Shopping Center 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MOVIES

Carrie Escape Plan 12 Years a Slave All Is Lost

Penumbral Eclipse

premiere at Regal Cinemas

25 MOVIES The Counselor Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa premiere at Regal Cinemas

26 FHB Primera Wellness Fair

sat

Halloween

Guam Senior Bowler of the Month 2013

Say Boo to Drugs

Halloween Costume Contest & Candy Giveaway

The slogan, “Things go better with Coke” and logo appeared in magazine ads for the first time on October 1, 1963.

SPONSORED BY:

For showtimes: Call 649-1111 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing

beverages.

*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

10 Things///Halloween

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN TRICK OR TREATING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Walk. Do not run from house to house. Watch for children darting out between parked cars. Never eat any candy until your parents check to see if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to eat. Give your child a cell phone or phone number to call you in case of an emergency. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. Slow down, especially in residential areas. Keep in mind that children move in unpredictable patterns and may appear in your route of travel unexpectedly. 7. Teach children to STOP, DROP, and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately DROP to the ground and cover face with hands, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames. 8. Keeps pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door. Do not let them outside. 9. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be walking outside on this spookiest of nights, walk in numbers to help drivers and others see you, and your children. 10. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Happy Halloween from R&R Pacific!

Tech This Out///October Picks

TECH THIS OUT! Convenience and Style in a Great-Sounding Package By Alfred Calinagan Onkyo introduces a versatile way to enjoy your TV viewing experience. Also ability to enjoy the sounds of your Bluetooth enabled devices like your phone, tablet, or computer. • Versatile Speaker Positions to Suit Your Space Their unique detachable stands allow you to position your speakers how you like them — upright, laid flat, on the wall, or on either side of your TV. • Stream Music from Phone, Tablet and PC via Bluetooth Whether you’re an iPhone or iPad user, an Android fan, or an owner of a personal computer with Bluetooth capability, streaming music to your new home theater system couldn’t be easier. Simply pair the devices, select the track or album of your choice, and hit play. • Active Wireless Subwoofer Can Be Placed Anywhere To take advantage of the low-frequency sounds in your games, movies, and music, the LS3100 employs a powered subwoofer. This type of subwoofer draws an independent energy supply, leaving the accompanying control center free to focus its power through the stereo speakers. • Curved Speakers with Twin Full-Range Drivers The LS3100 includes a pair of acoustic suspension speakers incorporating twin 2” (5 cm) cones in place of the usual single driver. Don’t let their compact size fool you — these robust little speakers really pack a punch. • Experience the Sensation of 3D Surround Sound The LS3100 comes equipped with SRS (Sound Retrieval System) Mode, which allows you to enjoy a more natural sound from stereo sources. The technology exploits the science of psychoacoustics- or how the ear pinpoints the locations of sounds in space — allowing the listener to perceive stereo sound as surround sound, which makes for a more realistic and exciting entertainment experience. • Use Your Own TV’s Remote Control The LS3100 is programmed to accept commands from the remote controllers of nine major TV brands. The system powers up automatically when you turn on your TV and you can adjust the volume using your TV’s remote control. Visit Micropac Inc. at any of its two locations nearest to you, hear a demo, and pick up yours.

Fighting Fit Severina Koss

You might recognize our cover girl Severina Koss from our April issue of R&R. On our October cover, Severina is featured showcasing the health and fitness side of her personality. Severina works out three times a week. She varies weight training, cardio and yoga. Aside from school and modeling, Severina keeps busy working out. “Fitness keeps the body feeling younger, stronger, and healthy,” she says. “I’d love to try more fun and woman empowering activities such as burlesque or for my more adventurous days I’d love to take a shot at CrossFit.” Severina advises getting started with the basics to begin an exercise regimen. “Running or walking a further distance than you’re used to is a great start. You instantly feel the blood flowing through your veins and once that begins its hard to end there,” she says. She would very much like membership to a 24-hour gym, she says.

Special thanks to F-Stop Guam Photography, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Wellness Center and Salon Fusion by Loren.

Feature///Gof Magof

“Gof Magof” was two nights of Chamorro music and stars By Joy White Chamorro artists were in the spotlight at “Gof Magof ” on Aug. 16 and 17 at the Guam Plaza Hotel. Big Beat Guam general manager Duane Quintanilla says the event featured 15 to 20 artists over the two nights. The concert featured well known artists such as Ben “LamLam” San Nicolas, Antonette “Toni” Quitigua and Rose Martinez-Certeza and fresh new artists such as the band Tai Na’an. The event promoted local artists and the Chamorro language. Gof Magof also showcased obscure artists that may be well known in their villages, but have not had island wide exposure. “I wanted to open the floor up for local artist and also for local people to hear their music,” says Quintanilla. “We also wanted to open it up for younger people too.” The concert, in part, will benefit the local non-profit organization “Guam Moms Helping Moms.” A musician and artist San Nicolas says a lot of artists perform out of their hearts because their families are close to the issues. A recording artist and songwriter Quitigua, says she and her partner Martinez perform at charity events such as medical fundraisers to help the community and oftentimes will not perform an event that will not benefit the community in some way. Tai Na’an a fresh group that has not yet recorded its first album shows promise of carrying on the legacy.

Feature///Sports

R&R is... recreation.

Kicking it: Derrick Brodus By Michael Cruz • Photos courtesy of Derrick Brodus

University of Tennessee kicker Derrick Brodus has been rolling with the Volunteers football team since 2011. Brodus used to live on Guam before having to relocate for family medical reasons. While college football has officially kicked off, GSPN checks in with the Tennessee kicker with some questions about his ties to Guam as well as a 2013 season outlook.

Derrick Brodus wearing #26 before switching to #43.

GSPN: For those not familiar with your story, how did you end up from Guam to Tennessee? DB: My dad transferred from Guam to Knoxville while he was working for Continental Micronesia. My brother was diagnosed with leukemia and my parents felt the move would be best for our family.

year. Was that one of your biggest accomplishments in your sports career? DB: Definitely one of my biggest accomplishments. I’m in the history books at The University of Tennessee! With a place like Tennessee that is so traditional, it’s an honor to be apart of that history.

GSPN: You were quite a soccer player in high school. Did you have opportunities to play in college? DB: Soccer was my main sport growing up, I played on the Number 1 travel team in Tennessee and ranked top 30 nationally every year. I had a handful of [Division I] teams looking into my junior year. I decided at the beginning of my senior year I didn’t want to play soccer at the collegiate level.

GSPN: What’s the longest you’ve kicked in a game or practice? DB: During practice the longest field goal I’ve kicked was 63 yards. In a game the longest field goal I’ve kicked was 37 yards.

GSPN: You also tied a scoring record against Akron last

never know when you will be called upon. Ultimately, I would like to attain that position. Only time will tell. GSPN: Any advice for aspiring football players on Guam? DB: Being a student athlete is challenging. Balance is important. Education should always be a priority. Coming from a small island, I know it’s difficult to get yourself out there, to get that exposure needed to get to the next level. Hard work does pay off.

GSPN: You have started four games in your career. How is it being Michael Palardy’sbackup? Do you plan on being the starting kicker next season? DB: The game is unpredictable. You

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

R&R is... DIVERSITY.

Photo submitted by Kristi Jones

Kristin Jones, from Asan, representing as Mrs. Guam at the The Mrs. United States Pageant on July 27 to Aug. 1 at Stratosphere Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 11 contestants for the 2013 Miss Universe Guam pageant were introduced at a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The Miss Universe Guam finals were held on Sept. 16 at the Hyatt Ballroom. The winner of the pageant will move on to the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in November in Moscow. The second place winner was crowned 2013 Miss International Guam and will compete in the Miss International Pageant in Japan. The Miss Universe pageant celebrates “women of purpose.”

Photos by Joy White

Photos by Leon Guzman

The 2nd Annual Bark for Life of Guam on Aug. 21 at Adelup. TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS FOR OUT & ABOUT, EMAIL HIGH-RES PHOTOs to: rrpacificguam@gmail.com

PLEASE INCLUDE: - CAPTIONS (NAMES, DATE, EVENT NAME AND LOCATION) - YOUR NAME AND VILLAGE

Feature///Real Estate

Feature///Island Focus

R&R is... OUR ISLAND.

BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Ed San Nicolas

The fiesta is an event laden with cultural and religious significance on Guam. Friends and family get together on these occasions to celebrate, mingle and eat delicious food. On a drive around the island during the weekend, it is not uncommon to see families taking part in a fiesta. Recognizable by the outdoor canopies and tables piled with red rice, barbecue and other mouthwatering dishes, the fiesta is Guam’s way of bringing together families and friends to celebrate, catch up and socialize. Introduced to Guam by the Spanish, the fiesta has its roots as a religious feast to honor Catholic saints. Each village hosts a fiesta each year to recognize and honor its patron saint. For example, in October, Yona is celebrating its patron, Saint Francis of Assisi, Umatac is celebrating San Dionysius and Sinajana is celebrating Saint Jude. Throughout the rest of the year, all the villages celebrate fiestas for their patron saints. Traditional fiestas are accompanied by a special rosary held for several days, culminating in a village procession and masses. Families within the village host their own fiestas at their homes and today, the village mayor’s office hosts a village-wide fiesta where everyone is welcome. Outside of its religious significance, fiestas are also hosted to celebrate special occasions such as graduations, birthdays, weddings, holidays, and so on. Guests come from around the island to catch up with friends or relatives they have not seen in a while. Fiestas are rooted in culture. Children will greet their elders with the traditional nginge’, the smelling or sniffing of an elder’s hands to show respect. Among friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere families will converse in Chamorro. Oftentimes, the table and the canopy are decorated with crafts woven in the traditional way from coconut tree or Pandanus leaves. In addition, the fiesta provides the perfect atmosphere to sample traditional Chamorro food, as well as food brought to Guam by many of the other cultures and ethnicities that make up the population. Besides traditional dishes such as keleguen — meat seasoned with lemon, and eskabeche, fish and vegetables in vinegar; dishes from other cultures are usually also present, such as, an Asian roll called lumpia, the Filipino noodle dish called pancit, and even sashimi, raw fish. The food is lined up in a buffet-style arrangement. There is an

Feature///Island Focus

art to the food lineup and a place for everything. First is the starch. Red rice, rice seasoned with annatto seeds, is the main staple at any fiesta. This is followed by the chicken and meat, then the fish and seafood. The vegetables, salads, and soup come next. The desserts may be placed at the end of the table, or on a separate table. Dips and sauces will be placed by the appropriate dish. The famous fina’dene’, a soy based dipping sauce and a must-have at any fiesta, is usually placed near the chicken and meat. Drinks can usually be found in a cooler. It is also important to remember, before guests dig in, the food and table must always be blessed. This is when a member of the family or the priest says grace. Guests generally are not expected to bring anything, but it is polite to call up and ask if you could pick something up on your way, such as drinks. Almost as important as the food, is the entertainment. DJs or live bands usually perform for guests. It’s not a fiesta without the island music! Dancing is a fun part of the festivities. The “Cha-Cha” and the “Electric Slide” are favorite dances performed, with some more contemporary dances such as the “Cupid Shuffle” thrown in. Also a major part of the fiesta is the preparation. The host family gets together the night, and sometimes week prior preparing the dishes and setting up the canopies and chairs. Barbecuing the meat, which can take considerable time, in particular brings together the men of the family. The fiesta does not stop when a guest leaves. Guests are encouraged and expected to bring home food. This tradition is called balutan and should be followed or else the hosts may take offense. You haven’t been to Guam if you haven’t been to a fiesta.

Fiesta Foods Red rice Titiyas Breadfruit Tamales gisu (red and white) Spare ribs Barbecue chicken Roast pig Fritada Leg of Ham Dried beef Pancit Shrimp patties Barbecued Fish Spinach with coconut milk Chicken kelaguen Shrimp kelaguen Lumpia Escabeche Potato salad Latiya Kalamai Ahu Bunelos

Feature///World Hip Hop Dance Championship

Stepping onto the world stage GUAM DANCE CREW GOES GLOBAL

STORY BY Thomas Johnson PHOTO COURTESY OF Margie Dancel

In the decade since its inception, Hip Hop International’s World Hip Hop Dance Championship has seen contestants and crews from countries around the world, and the competition’s parent company, HHI, is also known for producing the television show “America’s Best Dance Crew.” But this past August, a small crew known as Season 5 made a big splash in the Varsity division ranks, debuting as the first Guam team to ever make it into the competition. Competing against over 2500 dancers from over 40 different countries, the group not only met expectations but exceeded them, placing 23rd in the Varsity division and making it all the way to the semifinal round before being eliminated. “The kids had never been to a real international competition before that,” says Margie Dancel, program director at Step Up, the group’s home studio, “But they won the iDance competition at the Micronesia Mall for the past two years. We felt that, if they were going to grow as a team and as dancers, they should get a taste of what international-level competition is like.” However, because Guam didn’t have a Hip Hop International affili-

ate, Dancel had to submit a video of the group’s winning routines from the iDance competition. “We were so excited when they accepted our entry. And we knew we had to do it, two of our members were 17 and by next year, they’d be ineligible for the Varsity category.” According to group member Krizia Raqueno, the group only had about two months of preparation compared to the full year that other teams had, but says that they made the best of the time they were given. Joshua Zamora, a Season 5 dancer with 11 years of experience under his belt, agrees that the competition was an eye-opening experience. “After seeing the level of competition and the discipline and talent required to keep up, I’ve come back home with a new level of respect for hard work. And I’m hoping to share my enthusiasm and appreciation with the other dancers here.” Dancel added that Guam has the potential to be a serious presence in the competition, but believes that can only achieved with an all-star dance team. “We want to put together a team from the best dancers among all the different studios,” Dancel says.