Beach Road Magazine - October 2017

5Ks for a cause

All the reasons to hit the pavement

"We Drank Our Tears" Film highlights untold stories

Cruise Control

Roman Tudela's "Toyota Dakota"

Start their future today

OCTOBER 2017

Roman Tudela's "Toyota Dakota" is one of a kind. See page 9 for more.

ABOUT THE COVER (From left) Cody Leon and Alyona Gersonde go for a run near Banzai Cliff in Marpi.

Photo by Bill Bezzant Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands bill.bezzant@pticom.com

Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White SENIOR REPORTER Lara Ozaki CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Marcus Villaverde LJ Castro GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Duenas PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVES Minda Castro Jon Mendiola MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com

beachroadmagazine

Beach Road Magazine, October 2017. Entire contents copyrighted 2017 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@ glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.

OCTOBER Domestic Violence Awareness Month •

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Oct. 1 Day of prayer Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Kristo Rai Parish Oct. 3 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing and Bridge of Light Award Ceremony Time: 10 a.m.

Oct. 11 Walk Against Violence Location: Northern Marianas College Oct. 14 Day of Unity (Exhibits, performances, Men’s Walk Against Violence and candle light vigil) Time: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 Walk Against Domestic Violence Time: 5:30 p.m.

Start location: Mount Carmel Cathedral, Susupe Oct. 25 Walk Against Domestic Violence Time: 5:30 p.m.

Start Location: Chinatown Basketball Court

For more information, contact the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at 234-3878.

Oct. 5 to 8 Bisita Luta (Visit Rota) Schedule of events: • Oct. 5 Night market, street dance competition and Rota wildlife showcase Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Chamorro Village Park • Oct. 6 Bud Light Fishing Derby, night market, binadu (deer) festival and concert Location: Chamorro Village Park

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Oct. 7 San Francisco de Borja fiesta mass, followed by dinner and entertainment Time: 3:30 p.m.

Location: San Francisco de Borja Parish • Oct. 8 Family Day Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Chamorro Village Park For more information, contact the Rota Mayor’s Office at 532-9451 or the Mariana Visitors Authority at 532-0327.

Oct. 21 3rd Annual Marianas Ukulele Festival Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Grapan Fishing Base Admission is free.

For more information see page 16.

Oct. 31 6th Annual Halloween Trunk-o-treat Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Joeten Kiyu Public Library Admission is free.

To register as a vendor, call 235-7329, 235-7323 or 7837678 or email drexx@yahoo.com or bethdemapanjkpl@ gmail.com. Trunks must be registered by Oct. 20.

Oct. 31 Halloween special at KFC-Taco Bell Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: KFC/Taco Bell Restaurant Admission is free.

Event features candy, games prizes, music, face painting, costume contest and more. The first 100 guests to register by Oct. 29 at the restaurant will receive free treats.

Oct. 31 Saipan Mayor’s Office Halloween candy giveaway Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Saipan Mayor’s Office parking area

To be included in our calendar of events, submit details to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

COVER

The 5K Phenomenon:

Why we love 5k's

By Joy White Five-kilometer running and walking events have become a favorite weekend activity for residents of all ages and fitness levels. BRM spoke to 5K-goers and got their take on what motivates them to hit the pavement in droves.

“Besides helping out members of the community — the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Commonwealth Cancer Association — you wake up early in the morning, do something like this and you’re energetic all day. You meet and network with other people that are also running, and make new friends,” says Benjamin Raphand, of the CNMI Public School System, who participated in the Triple J Bubble Color Run in September.

Chang Whan Jang, math and physical education teacher at Hopwood, offers his students extra credit to participate in certain 5K events. He also leads by example and participates himself.

“I feel great participating in this event because it’s fun, I get to meet a lot of people from the islands and most of all it’s for a good cause,” he says.

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OCTOBER 2017

COVER

(From left) Chang Whang Jang, Claire Devey, and Emily Northopat the Triple J Bubble Color Run.

OCTOBER 2017

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COVER

Miss CNMI Peachy Quitigua (second left), Bodch Cruz (center) and friends at the Triple J Bubble Color Run

Miss CNMI Peachy Quitigua makes time to participate in 5K events to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Her favorite so far has been the Run for Mom 5K in May. “My first purpose is to be a good role model to younger children to improve their health and fitness and make healthy choices to go outside and exercise, even if it’s just doing 30 minutes of walking. I really want to increase their awareness about healthy living,” Quitigua says.

Claire Devey and Emily Northop participate in almost every 5K event with friends. For Devey, a major motivation is helping local non-profit organizations.

“I keep thinking of the kids and the purpose of the cause and I actually keep running because of that. Obviously there’s a fitness perk; it keeps us in shape. But honestly I wouldn’t show up for something that wasn’t for a good cause,” Devey says.

“I just think it’s so much fun. I love all the community events,” Northrop says.

Bodch Cruz participates in 5Ks to help community organizations raise money and to exercise. With a distance that is not too long or difficult, it’s an event that brings together family and friends.

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OCTOBER 2017

The Asaivao Family: Timothy, Elaine and Eva.

COVER

2016 American Red Cross Walkathon

2016 American Red Cross Walkathon

Saipan walking and running events • Marianas Sunset Fun Run 5k – January • Annual 5K Hope Run – February • American Red Cross Walkathon – April • PIC Hafa Adai 5K – April • Balloon Fun Run Walk and Roll – July • Zombie Fun Run – October

(From left) Benjamin Rayphand and Tony Yarobwemal at the Triple J Bubble Color Run. OCTOBER 2017

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CRUISE CONTROL

Sponsored by

"Toyota Dakota" Built by: Roman Tudela Engine: 22RE, four-cylinder Toyota engine Exterior: Modified1998 Dodge Dakota body; 90-degree Lamborghini doors; reverse-opening hood; 45 dump bed; custom-made grills, ordered-off island; 300-pound manual shock lift Interior:Fiber glass dashboard, shaped by hand; custom gages; 360-degree rotating front seats.

Awards: Second place for two-wheel drive truck at the 2017 Auto Fest

“I did everything from scratch. […] I just want to be able drive it every day. It’s like a baby. I don’t want to get it dirty. I’m just happy to drive it.”

Photo by Sylvan Tudela of Chelu Photos OCTOBER 2017

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CRUISE CONTROL

MORE FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SHELL Quality meets convenience and superb customer service at the Shell Puerto Rico. In addition to popular snacks, beverages and other convenience store fare, the service station is well-stocked with deli meats and cheeses, including Gouda, goat's cheese, wasabi cheddar, Havarti and more, all air-flown in for freshness.

Puerto Rico’s Shell also has a wide selection of

wines to suit every preference and boasts a large offering of handcrafted ales from various breweries, including Deschutes Brewery and Rogue Ales & Spirits in Oregon, California’s Lagunitas Brewing Co., the historic Anchor Brewing, Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing Co., and Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as beers from Washington State.

“I come here a lot to buy snacks, hot dogs and drinks— anything at all. I like the coffee in the morning. I like the smiles when I come in. On Sundays, I come here to buy wine on the way to the beach.”

— Vicente A. Masga

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HEALTH

MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

By Joy White The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. website lists and discusses several myths about breast cancer. The website provides educational information about breast cancer and offers resources for families and patients. Myths listed include that antiperspirants and deodorant cause cancer; mammograms cause cancer; and that cancer is contagious. None of these are true.

While some of these seem shady from the getgo, there are some myths on the list that,when examined, are enlightening and contribute to a better understanding of the disease.

Myth: “If you find a lump in your breast, you have breast cancer.”

While it is important to be proactive about one’s health, do not panic if during a routine breast self-exam a small lump is found. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. only a small percentage of lumps turn out to be cancerous. It is not uncommon for a benign mass to be found, such as a cyst caused by hormonal changes.

However, do not assume a lump is not cancerous, as the only way to be sure is to get a diagnosis.

Changes in breast tissue and persistent lumps should not be ignored. Regular clinical breast exams conducted by a physician are encouraged.

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Myth: “Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only.”

An estimated 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die. The national mortality for breast cancer is higher in men than it is for women, due to the simple lack of awareness.

Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola and, yes, men should perform breast self-exams and notify a physician of any abnormalities.

Myth: “If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too.”

This is a partial-myth, because it is true there is a genetic aspect. Women that have first-degree relatives (mother, daughter or sister) that developed breast cancer before age 50 are encouraged to get regular diagnostic breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of the relative’s diagnosis. The same is encouraged for one who has multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family.

However, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, statistically only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.

So, no matter what your family history, be mindful of your risks and take the necessary steps for early detection.

HALLOWEEN

1. Go trick-or-treating.

2. Serve deviled eggs. Simple and spooky, deviled eggs are the perfect go-to dish for a Halloween bash. Prepare the eggs as one normally would, then add creepy extras. Slice up red bell peppers for devil horns, if you like a good pun; draw thin, jagged red lines with ketchup and place a black olive in the center to serve up a plate of blood-shot eyeballs.

3. Party. Show off your costume, eat spooky food, drink spooky drinks and have a good time in general.

4. Convince friends or family to participate in a group costume.

5. Curl up with a good (and scary) book.

There are plenty to choose from, including any novel by Stephen King, Anne Rice’s 14 OCTOBER 2017

“Interview with the Vampire,” Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” and Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes.”

6. Dress up as a historical or literary figure.

7. Add mystery to the trick-or-treat fete.

Offer up an opaque bag, box or jar with an invitation for the brave to reach in to receive a treat, such as a handful of candy, or a trick, such as a handful of pennies.

8. Stock up on your favorite flicks. Instead of spending a night out haunting and haranguing, stay in with a movie night.

Watch the latest horror blockbuster or genre favorites.

9. Reenact and learn the dance moves to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

FEATURED EVENT

MUSIC, FUN AND A GOOD TIME AT ANNUAL UKE FESTIVAL

By Joy White | Photo courtesy of Larry Lee The Marianas Ukulele Festival returns for its third year to entertain and foster an appreciation for the ukulele.

The free event is features live entertainment from local and international talent, ukulele demonstrations, food and arts and craft booths.

Guest performers Yuta “Jazzoom Café” Uchiumi is known as Japan’s established technical ukulele player. His finger tricks and “speed playing” techniques are beyond comparison. He was the MVP winner at the International Ukulele Contest 2011 held in Oahu. His performances include appearance at the Ukulele Super Jam in 2012 in Tokyo, the New York Ukulele Festival in 2012 and one of the largest ukulele festivals in Korea. Jazzoom Café released an iPhone application called Jazzoom Cafe’s Hi-tech Ukulele.

Blues Lee is one of the few ukulele technicians in South Korea and is an accomplished author. He holds a master’s in music and taught for three years as an electric guitar professor in the Department of Applied Music at the College of Music, performing and producing competent artists. Since 2012, Blues Lee has been working as the chairman of Korea Practical Music Association, as a leader of an ukulele ensemble and as an author of two ukulele books. In 2014, Blues Lee released his first ukulele solo album, My Own Memory, and he is currently performing for audiences in South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Hawaii.

Vanessa Ding, also known as Sporty Girl, Taiwanese performer uses notes and her body to convey affection and passion by dancing and playing the ukulele in tandem. She performs various dance styles, including tap and modern ballet. She released her first mini album, Uke Tap, in 2014. Ding has appeared as a guest on several television and news shows in Taiwan and performs abroad. Ding received third prize in the Thailand Ukulele Festival international contest in 2016.

If you go. . .

Oct. 21 3rd Annual Marianas Ukulele Festival Time: Noon to 9 p.m.

Location: Tipiyeew Cultural Village, Garapan Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.marianasukulelefestival.org.

16 OCTOBER 2017

Jazzoom Café returns as a guest performer at the 3rd Annual Marianas Ukulele Festival.

Larry Lee, right, and his son, Kui, are avid ukulele musicians and organizers of the Marianas Ukulele Festival.

ARTIST

SAIPAN-MADE FILM DEBUTS AT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

By Joy White Photos courtesy of Galvin Deleon Guerrero There was complete silence at the first showing of the film to cast and producers. Everyone had chills, says Galvin Deleon Guerrero, the writer, director, editor and producer of “We Drank Our Tears: the Francisco Babauta Story.”

The film officially premiered at the Guam International Film Festival, taking place, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1. Deleon Guerrero says the film will be screened in Saipan as a way to support future installments of the series.

The short film depicts the experiences of Francisco Babauta and his family during the battles between U.S. and Japanese troops on Saipan in World War II. The family takes shelter in caves, struggles to find food and water and has a run-in with Japanese soldiers who are also trying to survive.

Babauta’s story, along with the oral histories of 60 civilian war survivors, was collected in a book, entitled “We Drank Our Tears,” published by Pacific STAR Young Writers Foundation in 2004 in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the World War II battles in Saipan.

Deleon Guerrero and the lead publisher of the book discussed the possibility of dramatizing the stories. After obtaining the required permissions, that discussion and Deleon Guerreoro’s vision were realized in a 10-minute film, the first in what will be an anthology.

“We wanted to film this because there are films and stories of the civilian experience in Europe, but none in 18 OCTOBER 2017

the Pacific theater,” Deleon Guerrero says. “A lot of these stories are compelling and we felt we needed to tell that part of the story. There are a lot of films of the soldier experience, so we felt it was important to tell the civilian side because a lot of civilians died and because it meant a lot for us to tell the stories.”

The film was produced by Tribe Marianas and its cofounder, Rob Travilla. Deleon Guerrero also collaborated with the Northern Marianas College, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Frank Eliptico and Mt. Carmel School.

Deleon Guerrero and his team shot the entire film on location at Latte Beach in one day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. earlier this year. Despite the stresses of filming in a single day, Deleon Guerrero admits it helped with the film’s continuity.

The production was entirely a labor of love. No one got paid.

“Everyone just really stepped up. Everyone understood how important the project was,” Deleon Guerrero said.

Deleon Guerrero made films while attending college at New York University and has assisted his students at Mt. Carmel School in making their own films, but“We Drank Our Tears” is the first project that is personally meaningful to him, he says.

Deleon Guerrero also says much of the credit for his skills as a filmmaker goes to his wife, who bought him his first computer to edit videos in the 1990s.

“She has always supported my passion,” he says.

As an educator, Deleon Guerrero believes everyone has a story to tell.

ARTIST

“I feel we need to tell people's stories. I love seeing students come alive on-stage, back-stage or on-camera.

I love seeing that magic happen. There’s just something magical about story-telling. The collaboration that theater and film demands really brings people together to create something beautiful. And that’s intoxicating,” he says.

"We Drank our Tears" stars Kelvin Cepeda, Keona A. Camacho, Javon Gersonde, Kesuke “Kei” Yoshida, Michitaka “Michi” Yoshida, Randy Johnson, Elphidia “Peding” Cepeda Sanchez and Derek Gersonde.

WHILE IN THE CAVE, THE FAMILY SURVIVED ON FOOD SUCH AS COCONUTS AND SUGAR CANE. SPRING WATER WAS FETCHED AT MIDNIGHT WHEN THE JAPANESE SOLDIERS [SLEPT.] ON OTHER NIGHTS, THEIR TEARS WERE ALL THEY HAD TO DRINK. — From an account of World War II by Carmen Tudela Flores as told to Christopher Flores Lam, taken from “We Drank Our Tears,” an oral history of the civilian experience of World War II battles on Saipan and Tinian, published by Pacific STAR Young Writers Foundation and adapted to film by Galvin Deleon Guerrero.

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ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD

The International Festival of Cultures was held every weekend of September at the Garapan Fishing Base.

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ON THE ROAD

The Triple J Bubble Color Run was held on Sept 2.

One Act Comedy Night, directed by Harold Easton and produced by the Friends of the Arts and MHS Theatre Club, was held on Sept. 24 at the MHS Dolphin Theatre.

For more On The Road photos, visit BRM’s Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

OCTOBER 2017 23

ON THE ROAD

The Saipan Music & Dance Studio held a concert on Sept. 3 24 OCTOBER 2017

For more On The Road photos, visit BRM’s Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

SPECIAL FEATURE

HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY BABIES (AND DADDIES, TOO!) FAIR Parents are invited to the annual event that brings all the necessary information for raising a healthy family together in one place. MarPac Saipan, Ambros Guam and Shimbros Palau have teamed up to bring back the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (and Daddies, too!) Fair to educate and provide access to health and hygienic services and products.

The free event combines fun and education, with booths operated by various government and private organizations, contests, chances to win prizes, live entertainment, games and free activities.

Families will get the opportunity to win a four-month supply of Huggies baby wipes and diapers and Enfamil products at the Huggies Baby Pageant and the first ever Huggies photo competition. Open to all babies in diapers, parents will show off their creativity with Halloween costumes made of Huggies diapers and products modeled by their babies. More than one winner will be announced, with a special prize going to the best costume.

The event draws at least 250 to 300 guests annually. “I want the parents to leave with a smile on their faces and more knowledge. I hope that they use the services that our vendors are offering,� says Tom Basa, sales manager of the consumer division of MarPac and an organizer of the event.

Various government agencies and private organizations will have booths, including the American Red Cross NMI Chapter, Division of Public Health, Joeten Kiyu Public Library, CNMI Motheread/Fatheread, the Department of Public Safety, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. dental and immunization programs, NMC Nursing Club and daycare centers and schools such as Golden Harvest International School, Green Meadows School and Smart Start Daycare.

Oct. 7 2017 Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (& Daddies too!) Fair Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Multipurpose Center, Susupe Admission is free.

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RECIPE

LAING

(DRIED TARO)

Contributed by MCR Prep Time: 15-mins

Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Ingredients • 1/4 pound of sliced pork belly, sprinkled with a pinch of salt • 8 to 10 cloves garlic, crushed • 4 pieces of lemongrass stalk and bulb, crushed • 1 pound of shrimp • 8 cups of coconut milk, fresh coconut milk recommended

• 1 shrimp cube or 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong) • 114-gram package of dried taro (Laing) cleaned leaves • 4 to 5 pieces of red chili or 1/2 of Tabasco • Salt to taste

Directions 1. In a medium wok or pot, sear pork belly until golden brown.

2. Remove excess oil and set aside.

3. In the same wok or pot, add garlic, lemongrass and shrimp.

4. Set aside when cooked.

5. In the same work or pot, combine four to five cups of coconut milk and shrimp cubes or shrimp paste.

6. Heat on medium high, stirring gently until it comes to a boil.

7. Add the dried taro leaves and turn the heat to medium or medium-low.

8. Gently mix or push the leaves to make sure they are coated with coconut milk.

9. Once the taro leaves are wilted and the coconut milk starts to dry, add the remaining coconut milk gradually in three portions.

10. Add the chili or Tabasco, salt and the cooked shrimp.

11. Boil at medium-low heat, stir gently and scrape the side and the bottom of the wok or pot.

12. Simmer for 15 minutes or until moisture dries slightly and a trace of coconut oil appears on the side of the work or pot.

13. Transfer to a serving plate.

14. Remove and discard lemongrass.

15. Serve, enjoy and do not forget to share. Best served with steamed rice and hot coffee.

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