Have a heart
Nurses discuss life in healthcare.
Packing a punch
Local fighter trains in New Mexico
Blooming benefits
Unexpected uses of aloe vera
FEBRUARY 2019
Aloe vera is grown locally and has a surprising number of daily uses and benefits. — Page 14 ABOUT THE COVER Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare this American Heart Month. See Page 4 to learn more about these everyday heroes. Photos by D&R Visuals. CORRECTION: The cover of the January 2019 issue of Beach Road Magazine was by D&R Visuals. Other information was printed in the issue.
3 Calendar February Events
4-6 Cover Feature/Health Four saipan nurses discuss life in healthcare
8-9 Sports
NMI fighter Kelvin Fitial trains at Jackson Wink
11 Artist
Turning art into business
14-15 Listicle
10 unexpected daily uses for aloe vera
18-19 Featured Event
Tinian Hot Pepper Festival
22 Recipe
Easy vegetable soup
25-26 On the Road
Event photos and special messages
We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com
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Glimpses Media include: Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Guam Business Magazine, Real Estate Journal, Buenas, Beach Road Magazine, Drive Guam, Pocket Deals
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey REPORTERS John I. Borja Wayne Chargualaf CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Luisa Joy Castro Angelica Eleno MEDIA SALES Marlon Regaton DIRECTOR OF GLIMPSES MEDIA Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, February 2019. Entire contents copyrighted 2019 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.
FEBRUARY EVENTS Feb. 5 Lunar New Year Party in The Marianas Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Paseo de Marianas, Garapan Admission is free. Food will be for sale at the event. Entertainment includes performances by the Chinese community, Korean community, the Chamorro community, and other groups. For more information, contact the MVA Community Projects Division at 664-3200/1 or via email at communityprojects@mymarianas.com. Feb. 16-17 Tinian Hot Pepper Festival Time: 6 a.m. Feb 16 to 12 p.m. Feb. 18 Location: Kammer Beach, Tinian Fee: Ferry round trip cost is $25 for ages 3-11, $35 for ages 12 and older and free for children ages 0-2. Advance ticket purchase is required. Ticket purchases may be made at the MVA Office in Tinian or Saipan. Entertainment includes the 65K Pika Bike Race on Feb. 16, as well as hot pepper competitions, performances and more. For more information contact MVA at 433-9365 or via email at vborja@mymarianas.com. Feb. 23 BRM Signature Night Time: 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. midnight Location: GIG Discotheque & Bossano Bar, Garapan Admission: Free with purchase of a Beach Road Magazine 2019 Calendar; $10 at the door
Feb. 23 Japanese Spring Festival Time: 5 p.m. Location: Paseo de Marianas, Garapan Admission is free. For more information contact the Japanese Society of the Northern Marianas at saipannihonjinkai@gmail.com. March 9 2019 Saipan Marathon Time: 4:30 a.m. full marathon start, 5:30 a.m. half marathon start, 6 a.m. 10K start Location: Micro Beach, American Memorial Park, Garapan Fee: U.S. and Northern Mariana Island local discounted rates are $55 full marathon, $45 half marathon, $30 10K until Feb. 8; $65 full marathon, $55 half marathon, $40 10K until Feb. 22; $95 full marathon, $85 half marathon, $55 10K until March 6. For more information contact the Marianas Visitors Authority at 664-3200 or via email at info@mymarianas.com. Website: www.mymarianas.com/event/2018-saipan-marathon
HEALTH
HAVE A HEART, THANK A NURSE By John I. Borja February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time than early in the year to make sure one of our most vital organs is in tip-top shape. The American Heart Association encourages a variety of habits gathered into a healthy lifestyle, including positive mental health and well-being, stress management, adequate sleep and a wholesome diet. It’s no easy task to
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manage all these at once, but luckily there are individuals specialized in keeping others on track. At the forefront of healthcare are doctors and nurses, who not only work hard to remedy injury and sickness, but promote good health so that people know how to avoid such injury and sickness themselves. To express appreciation for their dedication to help others, Beach Road Magazine profiled four Saipan nurses of various departments to discuss life in healthcare.
HEALTH
Maria Noemi Balingit
Registered nurse, emergency room Where I’m from: Manila, Philippines Why I became a nurse: I became a nurse because my mom drove me to be in this challenging profession. My love for her inspired me to become a nurse. When I was quite young, seeing her lying in bed due to her sickness broke my heart. I promised myself that I would take care of my family. I believe that it is my calling to help others who are in need and to assist them holistically and simply to give tender loving care while applying it to the everyday concept of medical care. Highlight: On the beneficial side of things, you have the rewarding nature of the work. Each day on the job you will have the chance to help heal, support and care for people of all ages and backgrounds. You may even get the chance to help save someone’s life. Challenge: Some of the potential downsides include the stress of working in such a busy environment where tasks never end. You have to have thick skin to deal with patients who are in pain and their concerned family members. Coping with the emotional impact of losing patients or seeing people dealing with difficult tragedies can also be very tough.
Jan Kimberly T. Alcantara Staff nurse
Where I’m from: Born in the Philippines, raised on Saipan Why I became a nurse: I was deeply intrigued by the scientific knowledge and independent thinking that is required of a nurse. Nursing in itself paves pathways to countless learning and career opportunities in many settings; one can travel the world or specialize. We save lives and heal in many ways — through science, by listening to their concerns and even through a smile. Highlight: The patients and their families are the highlight of any nursing career. We do not expect expressions of gratitude from our patients and their families, but when they do, even a simple “thank you” makes our shift less stressful, and I am reminded of why I am a nurse. Challenge: I would say a diverse community is a challenge. In addition to different combinations of medical conditions, every culture, religion, gender and even personality responds to our care differently. As the front of the line in most healthcare settings, we take the heat for long waits and if patients are not experiencing relief as expected. This makes our job particularly challenging because patients, families and even colleagues sometimes forget that we too are human and with personal lives outside nursing, but the heart of nursing is putting our patients first.
FEBRUARY 2019
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HEALTH
Ray Aldus S. Alejandre
Nurse manager/head nurse, intensive care unit Where I’m from: Born in Cuenca, Batangas, Philippines, grew up in Manila, came to Saipan in 2009 Why I became a nurse: I developed the love for the nursing profession and being a nurse. At first I wanted to either be a teacher or member of the clergy, but I was drawn into nursing for no special reasons. God must have willed it that way. Highlight: Seeing and being greeted by your almost-dying patient in the ICU from months or years ago, down at the Thursday street market is surreal. I can’t help but just be amazed. So far, in my 22 years of being a nurse, everything has been good. Nursing was not always a bed of roses, in fact, there were days it was my adversary, but God in his infinite goodness, enriched me with experiences that has allowed me to grow, to give and let others experience life. Challenge: Making a difference in the health and ultimately the lives of our patients is always the challenge.
Maria Louise Atrero
Registered nurse, medical-surgical Where I’m from: Born and raised on Saipan Why I became a nurse: I decided that I wanted to be a nurse after my experience in the Nursing Assistantship Program in Saipan Southern High School. It’s not really what I saw that drew me to this career, but the ability and knowledge I saw from the nurses as a student that made me want to become one. Highlight: Though this is a stressful job, at the end of the day — on most days — it’s fulfilling to see and know how patients who came in critical condition are able to get back on their feet and head back home. Challenge: The biggest challenge in this job is being patient with your patients. It’s difficult, stressful and, at times, heartbreaking to see your job go down the drain when someone comes back with the same problem because they choose to be non-compliant with medications or lifestyle changes. It’s a truth that people don’t normally address but need to.
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SPORTS
(From left) Dexter Tenorio, training partner; James Lea, promotion manager; Kelvin Fitial; and Jerry Diaz, head trainer and manager Photo courtesy of Jerry Diaz
PULLING AHEAD OF THE PACK NMI FIGHTER KELVIN FITIAL TRAINS AT JACKSON WINK By Wayne Chargualaf For those who don’t understand the sport, mixed martial arts can seem like mindless violence. To be sure, at its lowest levels, many an amateur has stepped into a cage and beaten their opponent through sheer overwhelming physicality. But that can only take a fighter so far. Although MMA even at its highest level remains often brutal, it’s the application of intellect, technique and the ability to harness — rather than be consumed by — our most powerful, animal emotions in the heat of combat that elevates a fighter above his or her peers. For Saipan-based heavyweight Kelvin Fitial, the opportunity to take his skills to the next level came when he was accepted to train at the world-famous Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I used to be a streetfighter,” Fitial says. “I wanted to train
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here because of the coaches, the altitude and because my idol trains here — Jon Jones.” Jon “Bones” Jones — the current UFC light heavyweight champion and many a fight fan’s pick for best poundfor-pound fighter on earth — is only one of the fighting luminaries who call Jackson Wink home. The gym’s roster also boasts fighters such as beloved fan favorite and former interim UFC welterweight champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit and former bantamweight champ Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, who famously felled her predecessor “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey. “It was my job as a trainer to separate him from the pack,” Jerry Diaz, Fitial’s head trainer, says. Diaz works part time as a certified personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in addition to his primary job as an educator for students with special needs. “I wanted to send Kelvin there because I wanted to cater his
SPORTS
training to Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn’s approach, which is counterattacking. He has pure talent and strength, but I wanted him to learn how to counter and pick apart his opponent instead of just bruising and bulldozing his way through a fight.” After passing an application and screening process for prospective fighters that began in mid-October, Fitial made his way to Albuquerque on Jan. 9 to spend one month training among MMA legends. In spite of a professional MMA record of 15 wins and eight losses — with two draws and one no contest — in shows such as Pacific Xtreme Combat and Rites of Passage, Fitial is approaching his time at Jackson Wink with a “beginner’s mind.” “As far as I’m concerned, right now I’m zero and zero,” Fitial says. “I’m here to learn.” Diaz says that along with receiving world-class training, Fitial’s time at the world-renowned gym is also an opportunity to gain exposure for him and the islands. “One thing we want to do is to build his brand,” Diaz says. “You can’t just be fighting in the Pacific. Our goal is Bellator, One FC, UFC.” Opening up opportunities for other fighters from the islands is also a goal for Fitial. “A lot of people here haven’t even heard of Saipan,” he says. “I want to help open doors for fighters who want to come out and become some of the best in the world.” Through it all, Fitial and Diaz both emphasize that a fighter needs a good team behind them if they want to break through to the next level. “I just want to say thank you to my wife, family and fans who have supported me coming out here to Jackson Wink,” he says. Kelvin also wants to thank his sponsors and supporters such as Body By Jerry, Hoopaholics Club, Blue Haus, Rocksteady670, Choke Chain, High Blood Pressure, Monkey Biz Productions and Trench Tech. “I also want to thank Jackson Wink for accepting me for training and to thank my trainers and training partners that are behind me as well,” he says.
Fitial and Jon “Bones” Jones
Fitial and Greg Jackson
Fitial with his son, Kelvin Jr. and wife, Yuline Sablan Photos courtesy of Jerry Diaz
FEBRUARY 2019
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ARTIST
THE ART OF THE SALE By John I. Borja An artist and a businessman at heart, Saipan resident Gary A. Liddle has made it his personal goal to help bridge other artists with revenue-making opportunities. Liddle has spent years conducting training in business entrepreneurship, customer service and the like. At the same time, he’s had a soft spot for the arts. Throughout his many years of travel, studying and mentorship, Liddle developed an interest in ceramics and blacksmithing. The former played a significant role in helping him pay for college.
Photos by D&R Visuals
Now at age 70, Liddle can’t quite use his hands as efficiently as in his younger years, but his appreciation for the arts is still strong. Much of his days are now spent teaching the up-and-comers — those artists who are strong in their skill but need some help in selling their products. Liddle recently taught a workshop from Aug. 16 to Dec. 6, a total of 10 sessions, which challenged participating artists to think of creative ways to develop a business plan and engage with customers. “This workshop was mind-blowing to them,” he says. “If you were to ask the average local artist about sources of money, they would tell you about two. I can think of four traditional sources of money and 25 that are non-traditional — many of them unique to artists.” Step by step, Liddle informed the artists of certain laws and grant funding that caters to them, including a law that requires a certain percentage of local artwork for any public building. The purpose of the workshop was to help the artists understand that if they want to make a business, the customer is the priority, Liddle says.
“One common mistake I noticed is artists trying to sell what they want to make, when they should be thinking about what the buyer wants to buy.” Spondylus shells, for example, are a treasure among the local population, but visiting tourists may not understand the value behind them, Liddle says. The recommendation would be to carve the shells into a recognizable shape, such as a heart, and display it next to a translated description of the shell so that tourists would be drawn to it. “The principle from a business perspective is to make it easier for a buyer to buy,” he says. By putting the customer first, artists will then know how to build their business. As there are numerous cultures that visit the Northern Mariana Islands, it takes a bit of work to understand how each culture responds to a certain piece of art. The extra effort is worth it, Liddle says. “Best practice is to put yourself in the customer’s shoes. If you’re going out to a fair or an event, think to yourself, ‘What do I want to buy?’”
FEBRUARY 2019 11
LISTICLE
10 UNEXPECTED DAILY USES FOR ALOE VERA Aloe vera is a low-maintenance, moisture-rich plant that thrives outdoors year-round in the very warmest regions — ideal for the climate of the Northern Mariana Islands. Seen often in the region planted for aesthetics in gardens and lawns, aloe vera can can be used as much more than just an attractive addition to your dÊcor. Take a look at these 10 unexpected daily aloe vera uses and benefits.
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LISTICLE
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Contains healthful plant compounds: widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, its leaves are full of a gel-like substance that contains numerous beneficial compounds. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties: its gel contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans. Accelerates the healing of burns: it is most commonly used as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin rather than eaten. It has long been known as a treatment for sores, particularly effective as topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns. A review of four experimental studies found that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around nine days compared to conventional medication.
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Reduces constipation: Aloe vera latex is a sticky yellow residue found just under the skin of the leaf. The latex contains aloin, which is an anthraquinone that gives aloe vera its laxative properties and may help treat constipation. May improve skin and prevent wrinkles: in one study of 30 women over the age of 45, topical application of the gel was shown to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity over a 90-day period. Another study found that aloe vera reduced redness of the skin, but was also found to dehydrate skin cells. Lowers blood sugar levels: it has sometimes been used as a traditional diabetes remedy, said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management. Heartburn relief: researchers found it helped lessen several symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including heartburn, belching and vomiting. Keeping produce fresh: a report by the Cambridge University Press showed evidence that coating of a tomato in aloe vera gel successfully blocked the growth of many types of harmful bacteria on the vegetables. Similar results were found in a different study with apples. This means that aloe gel could help fruits and vegetables stay fresh and eliminate the need for dangerous chemicals that extend the shelf life of produce.
Recommendations compiled and adapted from WebMD, MedicalNewsToday, Healthline and EverdayHealth reports. As recommended by all experts, please speak to a doctor before using aloe products to treat a medical condition.
Reduces dental plaque: in a mouth rinse study of 300 healthy people, 100% pure aloe vera juice was compared to the standard mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine. After four days of use, the aloe vera mouth rinse was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Another study found similar benefits of aloe vera mouth rinse when used over a 15- to 30day period. It does this by killing the plaque-producing bacterium streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. Helps treat canker sores: studies have convincingly shown that aloe vera treatment can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers. In a 7-day study of 180 people with recurrent mouth ulcers, an aloe vera patch applied to the area was effective in reducing the size of the ulcers. In another study, the gel not only accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers, it also reduced the pain associated with them. FEBRUARY 2019 15
FEATURED EVENT
Dancers perform at the 2017 Tinian Hot Pepper Festival. Photo courtesy of the Marianas Visitors Authority
IT'S HOT IN HERE By Wayne Chargualaf If you’re a fan of spicy food and you haven’t been to Tinian in the past 14 years, oh does the island have a festival for you. The 15th annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be held Presidents Day weekend from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17. The festival will feature a variety of activities, kicking off with the 65K Pika Bike Race bright and early the morning of Feb. 16 at 6 a.m. at Kammer Beach. Other activities include cooking competitions, indigenous craft sales, an umang (hermit crab) race and various sports activities including beach volleyball. There will be live entertainment and a hot-pepper eating competition. One thing that won’t be present during the festival is “donni sali,” the Tinian hot pepper that the festival was created to celebrate. The year’s crop of “donni sali” was one of the casualties of Super Typhoon Yutu’s 18 FEBRUARY 2019
fury. However, in keeping with the resilient spirit of the #MarianasSTRONG theme, the show is going on, as the festival will now encompass any type of spicy food, including other species of “donni” grown outside Tinian. "The annual Pika Festival is Tinian's way of showcasing its culture — whether it be food, performance or our sense of community,” Edwin P. Aldan, mayor of Tinian, says. “I am especially excited to kick off this year's festival, which will be our island's first major event since Super Typhoon Yutu last October. We want to show everyone that we are resilient and we are ready to welcome guests to our beautiful island once again.” The festival is sponsored by the Tinian Mayor’s Office, the Bicycling Association of Tinian and members of the Marianas Visitors Authority and is co-organized by the Tinian Municipal Council. The Tinian Ocean View and Lorilynn’s Hotel are available for booking and air service
FEATURED EVENT
from Saipan to Tinian will be provided by Star Marianas. Campgrounds are open to the public at Kammer Beach, which has restrooms and showers. Transportation by the Super Emerald ferry will be provided byMVA. The ferry will depart from the Commonwealth Ports Authority dock in Lower Base. Passengers for the ferry must check in one hour prior to departure. Ferry service between Tinian and Saipan will run from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18. A round trip on the ferry will cost $25 for those aged 3 years to 11 years old, $35 for ages 12 and older and free for children aged 2 years old and under. A one-way trip will the cost $10 for those aged 3 years to 11 years old, $18 for those aged 12 years and older and free for children aged 0 to 2 years old. Those competing in the 65K Pika Bike Race will be able to ride the ferry for free on Feb. 15. For more information, contact the MVA Tinian office at (670) 433-9365 or via e-mail at vborja@mymarianas.com.
HOW TO REGISTER: To register for the 65K Pika Bike Race and utilize the free ferry service on Feb. 15: Contact Alex Gozon at alexgozon@yahoo.com or (670) 234-5416 or Dawn Sarmiento at dawnsarmiento@yahoo.com.
FEBRUARY 2019 19
RECIPE
Easy vegetable soup Not everybody likes cold soup but everybody likes soup — especially the cook when it takes just 15 minutes to prepare. You can use the vegetables listed below or go with whatever raw or cooked veggies that you have in your fridge. Total Time: 15 minutes Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients: • 4 cups low or no-sodium vegetable or chicken broth • 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 cup matchstick carrots • 6 oz. pre-trimmed green beans • 1 small onion • 1 clove garlic • ½ tsp. salt • ¼ tsp. black pepper • 1 (15.5 oz) can reduced-sodium cannellini beans (also known as “white kidney beans”) • 1 cup frozen peas • 1 cup frozen corn • 1 handful of basil, parsley or cilantro (for garnish) • ½ of a lemon • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce* Preparation: 1. Measure the broth into a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the diced tomatoes. Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, put a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil. Roughly chop the carrot matchsticks. Add to the oil. Stir and cover. Chop the green beans into 1-inch pieces and add to the carrots. Stir and cover. Peel and chop the onion. Add it to the pot. Stir and cover. Peel and mince the garlic. Add it to the pot along with the salt and pepper. Drain the beans and add them to the pot. Add the peas and corn to the pot. Cover. 3. When the microwave finishes, add the hot broth mixture to the pot. Cover pot and increase heat to high. When it boils, reduce heat to a moderate simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until carrots and green beans are tender, 2-3 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, roughly chop the basil, parsley or cilantro. Juice the half lemon. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped herbs.
*Worcestershire sauce is not vegetarian. To make this soup vegetarian either skip this ingredient or try a vegan version of the sauce. Adapted from cookthestory.com
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Photos courtesy of the Marianas Visitors Authority
Tour agents and other tourism industry representatives from Korea visited Bird Island Lookout on Dec. 23 as part of their FAM tour of The Marianas. The tour was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Asiana Airlines to provide the participants first-hand experience in the destination.
Representatives of the Korean Marianas Tourism Council donated $10,000 to Karidat Social Services on Jan. 10 during their recent FAM tour of Saipan organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority. The MVA’s 2019 “We Together” VIP FAM tour was held from Jan. 10 to Jan. 13 with CEOs from Jeju Air, Tour 2000, Sejoong Tour, Very Good Tour, Tide Square, SM Town Travel, KRT, Naeil Tour and DFS.
Photo courtesy of the Division of Youth Services
First Lady Diann T. Torres on Jan. 24 gave out through the Lady Diann Torres Foundation donations of school supplies to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs' Division of Youth Services.
FEBRUARY 2019 25
ON THE ROAD
Photos by Jonathan Perez
The Saipan community celebrated the end of 2019 at the Dec. 29 #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration held at the Paseo de Marianas. Entertainment included artistry, dancing and musical performance.
Photos by D&R Visuals
The Governor’s Inauguration of the Northern Mariana Islands weekend festivities included community members in a Jan. 13 #MarianasStrong Yutu Relief Efforts Concert at the Marianas Business Plaza as well as a Jan. 14 Inaugural luncheon held at the Northern Mariana Islands Soccer Training Center following the Inaugural Ceremony. Fore more On The Road photos, visit BRM's Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to lifestyleeditor@glimpsesofguam.com. 26 FEBRUARY 2019