Beach Road Magazine - February 2018

Tips on love

Long-time lovers share advice

Date night

Restaurant features prime rib

Dog year

Celebrating Chinese New Year

FEBRUARY 2018

ABOUT THE COVER Les and Kristine Wolf have been married since 2002. See story on page 5.

Photo by Corey Shadow BRM would like to acknowledge that the great photos of the Brennfleck family in the January issue’s Babies of 2017 feature were taken by Lauren Benson Photography.

Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Beach Road Magazine and Buenas Magazine

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey LIFESTYLE EDITOR Lara O. Neuman REPORTERS Nicole B. Benevente Wayne Chargualaf CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Josiah Almosara Louisa Joy Castro GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

We’re Online!

www.brmsaipan.com

Beach Road Magazine, February 2018. Entire contents copyrighted 2018 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.

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FEBRUARY EVENTS Feb. 1, 8, 5, 22 Garapan Street Market Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base Feb. 14 Valentine's Day Feb. 15 Lunar New Year Party in the Marianas Rota and Tinian Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Feb. 16-17 Lunar New Year Party in the Marianas Saipan Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base The multi-cultural Lunar New Year party will feature Shanghai Sinma Acrobatic Troupe and other cultural performances, ethnic food, celestial navigation, canoe rides, cultural games, arts and craft.

Feb. 16 Lunar New Year Feb. 17-18 14th Tinian Hot Pepper Festival Time: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. both days The festival will highlight the island’s “donni sali” pepper. Activities will include the 65K Pika Bike Race, cooking competitions, indigenous craft sales and live entertainment including cultural dances. Air service to Tinian is provided by Star Marianas.

Contact: Marianas Visitors Authority Tinian office at 433-9365 or email MVA Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com.

Feb. 17 65K Pika Bike Race Time: 6 a.m.

Location: Tinian Feb. 19 Presidents' Day

LOVE

COVER FEATURE

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

By Lara O. Neuman As Valentine’s Day approaches, long-time couples shared with BRM their stories and tips on lasting love, as well as their favorite dates and plans to celebrate love.

Andrew and Bertha Orsini met in college at new student orientation. After a year and a half of dating, they were wed. They’ve now been married for 31 years and have four children: Celine, Romolo, Vinni and Angeline, and a grandchild, Kaiya.

Andrew was outgoing and friendly, and Bertha was very quiet when they first met. She was attracted to his confidence and he was attracted to her beauty.

“Our attraction grew when we learned of our commitment to Jesus and His Church. We believe that a family that prays together, stays together, and so we go to church as often as we can,” says the Orsinis, who are both church ministers.

The couple became closer and bonded further as they raised their children and became busier with work and activities with the church.

“We are more understanding and respectful to each other than when we first met,” Orsini says.

The Orsinis believe trusting each other and open communication are important in a successful marriage.

Trying to balance work and family time has at times been a challenge.

“Be sure you want to spend the rest of your lives together until you become very old, God willing, and having a family. Always remember and follow the sacred vows of marriage,” Orsini says. “Young couples should remember that building relationships takes commitment.”

The Orsinis value being open with one another, and believe that they should not let a day pass without solving their problems.

“If it means losing sleep until it’s resolved, then so be it. What we mean is that we don’t go to bed and call it a night until our problems or concerns are resolved, and we have a clean mind and heart for bed,” Orsini says.

First date: “For our first date we watched the movie, ‘Agnes of God,’ then we went for dinner at Kentucky Fried Chicken. He treated.”

Valentine’s Day plans: “Bertha hates flowers. Her maiden name is Flores, which is flower, so she feels that she always has a flower with her. She would rather take the family to hotel buffets and enjoy the special occasions together as a family. When the kids were younger, Valentine’s Day was centered solely around them. We would buy all sorts of candies, chocolates and novelty balloons for each of the kids.”

FEBRUARY 2018

5

COVER FEATURE

Lito and Jacoba Asuncion met at the Hotel Nikko Saipan in 1987, when Lito worked as a cook and Jacoba as a supervisor in the employee cafeteria. They lived together for a couple of years before they got married at the governor’s office in 1998 and held a ceremony at San Roque Church in 2003. Together since 1998, the couple have six children combined: Joaquin, Rowena, Renato, Arnold, Richard and Raymond.

“I really hated him at first. I even asked the personnel manager to buy a ticket and send him home.

He was always staring at me and I didn’t like it,” Lito says. “The personnel manager then told me, ‘The more you hate, the more you love,’ which we proved to be true.”

The Asuncions believe the most important thing in a successful marriage is to trust each other and love each other. They start every day with a “good morning” kiss upon waking up and also kiss before going to sleep at night. They also try to tell each other, “I love you,” most days.

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FEBRUARY 2018

“Be straight [honest] with each other and love each other. That’s the only way you can stay together and keep your marriage longer,” Jacoba says.

She says the couple has not faced many challenges or problems in their marriage so far.

Favorite date: “We love attending parties and going to events where we can get together with family members, just eat together and enjoy the moments together. We also enjoy cooking or helping each other in preparing meals and eating together.”

Valentine’s Day plans: “It’s a wonderful coincidence that we will celebrate both Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary on Feb. 14. Lito’s birthday is also on Feb. 13 so we usually have one big celebration or party in a year.”

COVER FEATURE

Les and Kristine Wolf met at Les’s cousin’s establishment, where Kristine worked as an office administrator. After dating for three years, the couple married in 2002 and now have five children.

“I was interested in Les long before he ever came to Saipan,” Kristine says. “His cousin’s stories of him interested me. When he finally came to Saipan and we got to talking, I found him witty and such a gentleman.”

Meanwhile, Les says, “I fell in love the first time I saw Kristine. I took my time getting to know her, because I didn’t want to blow it. Small things have changed, but I’m still in love with her as much as I was when we first met.”

The couple value honesty and communication in their marriage. “There will always be conflict, but there should also be willpower to solve them. It is more rewarding to resolve a conflict, than to dissolve a relationship,” Kristine says.

In their marriage, they say finding time for each other amidst the busy schedules of their children and their activities is the most challenging. However, they

text each other short, corny texts every day to keep “the fire burning.”

“Les loves to cook. He has packed my breakfast since I can remember, and almost every time since, he would write sweet greetings on a paper towel then wrap it on my utensils,” Kristine says.

To younger couples, the Wolfs say, “Enjoy each other’s company, but don’t wait too long to have kids or you’ll be too old to enjoy them or to keep up with the new gadgets.”

First date: “A romantic candle-lit-dinner at Pacific Island Club Saipan.”

Favorite date: “We both enjoy Japanese food, drinking, movies and darts. Even if it’s a quick stop at Himawari or wine with Netflix, our favorite thing to do is doing things together, like trips to the hardware store.”

Valentine’s Day plans: “There’s not much to do on island, really. But having a nice dinner doesn’t get old, with or without our kids with us.”

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NEW RESTAURANT

PRIME RIB AND SEAFOOD FEATURED AT AQUA RESORT CLUB

By Lara O. Neuman Photos courtesy of Aqua Resort Club Saipan Kevin’s The Prime Rib & Seafood opened on Dec. 1 at the Aqua Resort Club Saipan on the lobby floor.

The restaurant features Black Mountain Angus Dry Aging Beef for its prime rib, served with the hotel’s famous Caesar salad and mashed potatoes with gravy.

“The Caesar salad and prime rib have been famous since the hotel’s opening 28 years ago and have been favorites of local customers,” says Nobuyuki “Kevin” Tsurui, general manager of the Aqua Resort Club Saipan.

The menu had been served at the previous restaurant, Raraina, and is still served for Sunday brunch at the hotel’s Costa Terrace restaurant.

The Caesar salad is made at the table and the prime rib is served with wagon service. For dessert, the server flambés crepe suzettes at the table.

Kevin’s menu also includes steak, grilled lobster and other main dishes that cater to customers who may want variety. Appetizers include jumbo shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon with champagne, lemon gelee and citrus fruit and crab cake. A fixed menu is also available, starting at $70.

“The restaurant has a romantic feel with a fiery red color theme and dim candlelight,” Tsurui says.

The concept of the restaurant was born from the lack of romantic restaurants on Saipan, Tsurui says, when one of his staff wanted a restaurant suitable for a marriage proposal but could not find one.

“We want to make it the most romantic, luxurious and tasty restaurant on Saipan,” Tsurui says.

The restaurant will feature a special “Aphrodisiac” 6-course set menu for Valentine’s Day, available on Feb. 13 and 14. The price will range between $100 to $120 per person, and can be paired with an optional flavorenhancing wine flight.

For Chinese New Year, the restaurant offers a 6-course seafood set menu from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18, which ranges in price from $150 to $200 per person.

The restaurant seats 96 in the main dining hall featuring couch seats and table seats and an additional 10 in a private room. For reservations, call 322-1234.

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NEW RESTAURANT

FEBRUARY 2018 11

PIC SAIPAN

TO OPEN THREE NEW WATER SLIDES

By Meghan Hickey Pacific Islands Club Saipan is set to unveil a new form of entertainment for guests and locals.

The resort is building an attraction to include three different types of water slides to help strengthen their advantages over other resort experiences.

“PIC Saipan is a very well-known and popular destination for plenty of family-friendly activities and recreations,” Dennis Seo, a representative from the resort’s owning company says. “We believe that such waterslides with a variety of round and curvy or super steep would provide even better fun activities, that children and parents will love.”

The project has an investment of approximately $3.5 million.

Yoshihito Shibahata, hotel general manager at PIC Saipan, believes projects such as this are vital to the morale and fiscal wellbeing of the island. “Our employees are excited with the new project and additional employment opportunities it will bring.

Investments such as this are instrumental in the growth of our island’s economy,” he says.

The shortest of the three slides being built is a 255-foot long, 39.9-foot high body slide called the “Aqua Tube.” The resort describes this slide as the attraction “suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.”

The other two slides, however, plan to push boundaries as they reach to be the longest, fastest and largest in the region.

The “Giant Aqua Tube,” resting at 455.5-feet long and 49.4-feet high, will be a one to two person

Image courtesy of PIC Saipan

SPORTS

inner-tube slide set to be the longest in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam area, making it also the fastest in the region. A combination of open and enclosed flumes will offer a variety of exciting twist and sharp turns and steep and unexpected drops, which will create a unique ride for high-thrill seekers.

For those who crave an even more daredevil dropping sensation, the “Boomerango” will complete the trio of fun, as the first and largest waterslide in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam area to feature a step drop — a drop that takes riders up a near-vertical wall to create a moment of weightlessness at the top before dropping its riders down into the slides lane, plunging them back up in reverse for more weightless fun, and back and forth in propulsion down the slides surface.

The company hopes that the new attraction will help interest more tourists and set PIC Saipan up as a great destination for family, friends and others.

“We will continue to offer our guests the whole new experience with a priority to provide attractions of the highest safety and quality for all ages,” Seo said.

Shibahata sees the new attraction as an opportunity to bond the island’s visitors and local residents over a shared interest.

“Pacific Islands Club Saipan continues to enhance its waterpark for hotel guests and the community with the construction of three new waterslides,” Shibahata says. “We strive to deliver the best services and most entertaining attractions on island. This investment will bring in positive feedback from both our visiting guests and local patrons.”

PIC Saipan is working with Whitewater West Industries Ltd. for the design and materials for the slides, and with Big Bell Inc. for the construction and installation.

Construction of the slides is aimed to be completed by the end of January.

FEBRUARY 2018 13

NEW RESTAURANT

INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT

OPENS ON BEACH ROAD

By Nicole B. Benavente

Marie Javier, owner of SM department store on Middle Road, Gualo Rai, had always dreamt of owning a large restaurant that offered customers numerous options and promoted healthy food. On Dec. 15, Javier brought her dream to life with the soft opening of Amari’s Tavern near the downtown market on Beach Road.

The international eatery serves Italian, Mexican and American food — soon to serve Filipino and Chamorro dishes as well.

“As a regular restaurant eater, I am very choosy with food,” Javier says. “That is why I started this business — so that customers can come to Amari’s and have everything they want to eat under one roof without leaving the establishment.”

Javier and the restaurant staff hope to create 30 to 60 menu items for lunch and dinner so that their customers do not have to eat the same food every day.

Her recommended dish for first-time customers is Amari’s signature dish — chicken and choices between spaghetti, pizza and mojos for $7.99. The restaurant also serves loco moco, Philly cheesesteak, scampi carbonara and baby back ribs, to name a few.

Javier will expand operating hours to provide healthy breakfast options starting in February.

The 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot space is not just a restaurant, but also a family-friendly entertainment center with karaoke, dart machines and pool tables that will be added in February.

Large groups can host parties at Amari’s and take advantage of its function room, for up to 150 people.

On Friday evenings, patrons can enjoy a view of the sunset over Oleai Beach and listen to live music by the Emperador and Kuwerdas bands.

Javier looks forward to the restaurant’s grand opening on Feb. 14 — roses will be given to all female customers, she says.

In the midst of opening her second business on Saipan, her advice to other business owners is simple.

“Follow your heart. As for me, I ask for God’s guidance, let Him direct my decisions and lead me to where He wants me to go. At least that’s what works for me,” she says.

You can stop into Amari’s Tavern between 11 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., daily. A dinner buffet is available from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. on Sunday. For information or to make reservation, call 235-8088.

FEBRUARY 2018 15

CRUISE CONTROL

Sponsored by

2003 Honda Integra Type R “JDM Inspired” Affiliation: Team Exotic/Exotic Minis Owner: James Fleming Engine: JDM ITR DC5 K20A (220hp) with LSD Transmission (4.764 Final Drive), JDM TODA Racing Header, JDM Mugen Twin loop cat back exhaust, JDM Sun Hyper Ground Wires with Amp, Optima Yellow cap Battery, Gold Titanium Bolts kit, Spoon valve cover, Spoon Engine Damper, Spoon Spark Plug Kevlar Cover, Spoon Radiator Hose, Spoon filter, Spoon, etc.

Wheels: 17x8.5 Works Candy Red D9R with Toyo Proxes HP 215/45 Tires ICE: Pioneer Double DIN Player, JBL front 6½ Power Series Speakers (front), JBL front 6½ Power Series Speakers (rear), JBL 5 Channel AMP, 10” JBL S3-1024 Subwoofer with custom Stealth build setup

Suspension: TEIN Street Flex Coil Over (16-way damping adjustment), Brembo Big Brake Kit Shoutouts: To my wife Carol and three kids Maria, Mia and Melia for continuous support; John Borja, ABM Auto Shop, Team Exotic/Exotic Minis; and my family and friends that helped me during this build.

“When building another JDM Type R project, I knew I wanted to build it similar to the builds like my other Type R builds / formerly owned/built JDM Type R DC2 and Type R EK9, JDM aftermarket parts with a touch of Type R ‘Championship White Color.‘”

FEBRUARY 2018 17

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

HEALTH

KEEP HEART

HEALTHY

February is American Heart Month since 1964, when it was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. At that time, more than half the deaths in the United States were caused by cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.3 million deaths each ear, according to the American Heart Association.

The best way to prevent heart disease is with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some suggestions to keeping your heart healthy.

Be smoke-free Smoking affects the vessels that supply blood to your heart and other parts of your body. It reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and damages blood vessel walls. Smoking also increases the stiffness of the blood vessels, making it harder for them to expand and contract as needed. These changes to the arteries can cause a heart attack, stroke or angina.

Smokers not only have more heart attacks, strokes and angina than non-smokers, but also at a much younger age. Smoking increases the risk of heart attack by two times, stroke by three times, angina by 20 times and peripheral arterial disease by five times, according to The Heart Foundation. Smokers are four times more likely to die of heart disease and three times more likely to die from sudden cardiac death.

Just because you don’t smoke, doesn’t mean you’re necessarily low-risk. Second-hand smoke can cause heart disease in non-smokers.

around the body in the blood. Over time, a buildup causes hardening of the arteries, which can cause chest pain and/or a heart attack. You can improve cholesterol with medications, but also by choosing healthier fats and eliminate trans fats. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, herring, walnuts, almonds and ground flaxseeds.

Manage your blood pressure and blood cholesterol High blood pressure over a long period of time is called hypertension. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke and may also affect your kidneys. A blood pressure reading under 120/80/mmHG is considered optimal. Readings over 120/80mmHG and up to 139/89mmHG are in the normal to high normal range. It is very important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is carried

Be physically active Exercise is important to preventing not only heart disease, but many other conditions. To improve overall cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of vigorous exercise, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Thirty minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember.

For people who would benefit from lowering their blood pressure or cholesterol levels, the recommendation is for 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to

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HEALTH

vigorous intensity three to four times a week to lower the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Regular physical activity can also help you maintain your weight or keep off weight that you lose.

Having a healthy body weight lowers your risk of heart problems, as well as your risk of developing diabetes, and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods Eating a varied diet of healthy foods can help with your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. There are also specific changes you can make to your diet to help prevent heart disease, such as eating less salt, replacing unhealthy fats with healthy fats and limiting alcohol.

Eat an overall healthy diet that emphasizes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes and non-tropical vegetable oils. Be mindful of your portion sizes, and choose foods with little or no salt.

Look after your mental health Don’t neglect your mental health. Research shows there could be physiological connections between mental health and heart health, according to the American Heart Association. Many forms of mental health issues can affect heart disease such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Furthermore, stress can increase hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, impacting blood pressure and heart rate.

Get a heart health check The best thing you can do to manage heart health and risk factors is getting screened regularly. You may not be aware of risk factors of heart disease early enough, as often there are no symptoms. It’s important to visit your healthcare provider to check your risks frequently. If you are over 35 years old, already have risk factors or have not been screened recently on heart disease risk, book an appointment to see your doctor.

FEBRUARY 2018 21

ARTIST

MAKING THE

MUSIC HAPPEN

By Wayne Chargualaf Although Thomas B. Basa Jr. works these days as a sales manager with Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc., he’s been a musician for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve always loved singing,” Basa says, “but I was about 14 years old when I first learned to play the guitar.

I played a lot of stuff that was popular back in the early ‘90s: ballads, Skid Row, Guns & Roses, Metallica, that kind of stuff.”

Along the way, Basa learned to play a variety of instruments, to include the drums, piano, ukulele and bass guitar. Although Basa may have the skills to be a one-man band, what he enjoys most is playing in a full band with other musicians.

“For a while it seemed like full bands weren’t popular [on Saipan] and it was more about solo acts,” Basa says. “Solo artists are good, but I really enjoy the full set bands.”

Basa currently gigs with his band Marianas Project on Fridays and Saturdays at Jonny’s Bar and Grill.

Formed in 2012, Marianas Project — which includes bass player DJ Delacruz, drummer Rex Borja and keyboardist Garret Santos — performs a variety of musical styles.

“We do R&B, reggae and Chamorro music,” Basa says. “We do other genres as well, but those are the main ones. We also do some original music.”

Basa’s catalogue of original music stretches back to 2003 when he released his first album of Chamorro music, “Bonitan Palao’an,” which he cites as one of the proudest moments of his musical career.

“For years my dream was to make just one album and share it with family and friends,” Basa says. “That to me was the most satisfying thing. Not just having a dream, but focusing and making it happen. Everything else was just the cherry on top.”

“Bonitan Palao’an” was followed by three more albums: “Bonitan Palao’an Part 2” in 2007, “One Love” in 2009 and “Island Beauty” in 2012. Basa currently has four albums worth of new material written, and although he says it’s difficult to find time to record them right now, he plans to do so sometime in the future.

For aspiring musicians who want to follow in his

24 FEBRUARY 2018

Photo by BRM

footsteps, Basa says one of the most important things is overcoming fear.

“Don’t be mahmalao,” Basa says. “Don’t be ashamed. Don’t doubt yourself. That’s how I used to feel. Don’t be afraid of judgment because it always comes and learning to deal with it makes you a better musician. I had a dream, I made it happen and 20 years later I’m still doing it. I just thank God for the blessing and the strength to keep going out there and keep doing my thing.”

ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce Saipan Young Professionals held a holiday party and award night on Dec. 8 at Kanoa Resort.

Photos by Frank Dalusung

Christmas in the Marianas held an award night on Dec. 19.

Photos by BRM

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

26 FEBRUARY 2018

ON THE ROAD

Paskong Pinoy 2017 was held on Dec. 17 at the Marianas Business Plaza.

Photos by BRM

Transpacific Inc. held its annual Employee Appreciation Party on Dec. 30 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Photos by BRM FEBRUARY 2018 27

COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR ON SAIPAN Chinese New Year, Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is celebrated throughout the world at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Celebrations traditionally begin from Chinese New Year’s Eve on Feb. 15 and continue to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month. The first day of the new year falls on the new moon between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. In 2018, Chinese New Year’s Day falls on Friday, Feb. 16, initiating the year of the dog.

Rose Chan, director and secretary of the Chinese Association of Saipan organizes and coordinates events for the Chinese Association of Saipan together with Ta Bun Kuy. This year, a group will perform lion dances in various business establishments starting from 8:30 a.m. to around 9 p.m. on Feb. 16.

The dance group of 16 male Chinese dancers will start performances at the Tan Holdings Corp. office, and visit other establishments such as the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, IT&E, T Galleria by DFS, Louis Vuitton, I Love Saipan, Canton Restaurant, Century Tours, Saipan Computer, Majesty Restaurant, Trans America Corp., Saipan Apparel and Imperial Pacific International’s Imperial Palace.

“Family members and relatives come from near and far to try to come home and be together for the special dinner and celebration on Chinese New Year’s Eve. During the old times in China, there were no cars or means of transportation, so people walked for many days just to be able to go home and reunite with their families,” Chan says.

Back home in Hong Kong, her family celebrates by cooking and preparing glutinous rice cakes or Tikoy Nian Gao, which is believed to improve their lives and for higher incomes. Her family also always had fish for financial prosperity, chicken, roast pig and others. In the northern provinces of China, dumplings and spring rolls are prepared during the Chinese New Year. Fireworks are also common.

Other Chinese members of the community in Saipan shared with BRM about how they celebrate Chinese New Year.

“We are not able to really celebrate Chinese New Year here in Saipan because most of the time I am busy working. Back home in China, the family members sit down and eat dumplings together [and] burn fireworks as part of our culture and tradition. Adults give the young children small red envelopes with money.”

— Kimberly Chen, restaurant supervisor at Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, originally from Jilin, China, and came to Saipan in 1995.

“In our home, we start the Chinese New Year’s Day by praying and thanking Buddha. We cook food like big fish, usually steamed, chicken and duck, and then eat together. Guangdong is located in the South so we do not cook dumplings. Only people from the North prepare dumplings on Chinese New Year. Sometimes we go to the restaurant to eat, then go shopping and visit some friends. In the evening, we eat at buffet restaurants and light fireworks to chase away bad things. Lastly, we pray and hope for good health, safety, luck, good business and more income in the coming year.”

— Elaine Zhou, store manager at Midea Electronics, is from Guangdong, China, and came to Saipan in 2005.

Her store closes on Chinese New Year Day.

“Back home, our family members usually go to our uncles’, aunties’ and other relatives’ [homes] to visit and eat. We don’t do fireworks because it’s not allowed in the city. Only those in the countryside can do that. In Saipan, they don’t really celebrate Chinese New Year. We just bring our children to the park to play and then eat in the restaurant.”

— Nan Yu, from Beijing, opened a computer electronics sales and repair business in 2011.

FEBRUARY 2018 29

RECIPE

HEARTY BROWNIES Contributed by Mary Ann Lizama Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter 1¼ cups sugar 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cold large eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)

Instructions: 1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

2. Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test.

Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot.

3. Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Stir in the nuts, if you want to include nuts. Spread evenly in the lined pan.

4. Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.

5. Lift the ends of the parchment or foil liner and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares.

Submit your recipes with photos to lifestyleeditor@glimpsesofguam.com.

30 FEBRUARY 2018

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