Beach Road Magazine - January 2014

Happy 2014 from Beach Road Magazine and friends

Young Professionals

A group that’s already making headlines

New Year’s Resolutions

Readers share their lists

January 2014

About the Cover:

Shown in the photo from left are Vicky Benavente, Misako Kamata, Lito Mendoza, Patrick D. Leon Guerrero, Laura Hsiao and Malou Mendoza.

The photo was taken at the garden behind Pacific Islands Club’s Seaside Grill Restaurant located on Beach Road, San Antonio.

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Cover feature

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New Year’s Resolutions

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Photo by: Corey Shadow wayangphotography@gmail.com

Happy New Year

Hinemlu Better circulation, better life

Calendar

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

Guide to January PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita

Health & Fitness The truth about meal replacement shakes

ASSISTANT EDITOR Jacqueline Perry Guzman CREATIVE/PRODUCTION MANAGER Taliea Strohmeyer PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay

Saipan’s Young Professionals

SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

We’re Online!

www.brmsaipan.com beachroadmagazine

Beach Road Magazine, January 2014. Entire contents copyrighted 2014

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.

COVER FEATURE

Happy New Year!

By Thomas Johnson • Photos by Corey Shadow

Beach Road Magazine and friends gathered in the gardens of Pacific Islands Club Saipan to set the tone for a Happy New Year. The group didn’t need much persuading to practice for the main event – ringing in 2014 with fireworks and champagne.

May 2014 bring all the readers of BRM health, happiness and prosperity.

Present at our cover shoot were (from left on the cover) Vicky Benavente, Misako Kamata, Lito Mendoza, Patrick D. Leon Guerrero, Laura Hsiao and Malou Mendoza. We hope you enjoy reading about them.

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JANUARY 2014

Patrick D. Leon Guerrero is the incoming executive director of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. He has more than 25 years of upper management experience in both the government and private sectors.

He has experience in banking, insurance, construction and engineering related businesses.

He is the former chief of operations for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and has institutional knowledge regarding CUC regulations and operations. Leon Guerrero continues to conduct research and opportunities to reduce the islands dependence on fossil fuels.

He moved to Saipan in 1991 and is married to Bertha C. Leon Guerrero. Both are very active members of the community; they participate in public forum events, are involved with Mariana Islands Natures Alliance & DEQ Beach Cleanup Brigade as well as church ministries. Patrick Leon Guerrero is also the commissioner of the Commonwealth Football League Association. The CFLA has received grants to promote after-school programs promoting exercise and sportsmanship in our youth.

Leon Guerrero joined the Saipan Chamber of Commerce on November 12.

Laura Hsiao is a native of Taipei, Taiwan and has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Fu Jen Catholic University. She has translated to Chinese more than 40 books ranging from novels to university business textbooks. Formerly

GRAND OPENING on JANUARY 15, 2014!

Experience elegant teppanyaki dining at the PaciďŹ c Islands Club Saipan.

Open to serve you from 5:30pm 9:30pm.

For reservations, call 237-4126.

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JANUARY 2014

SAIPAN

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COVER FEATURE a translator/interpreter for the CNMI Office of the Attorney General and its Division of Immigration, she is now a Chinese marketing specialist for the Marianas Visitor Authority. In love with travel, she has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Asia. She is married to Corey Shadow, a photographer, and has one daughter, Ayu. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and spending time at the beach with her family and friends.

J. Victoria “Vicky� Benavente is the executive assistant to the general manager of the Pacific Islands Club Saipan. In her daily operations, she assists the GM with the daily schedule, correspondence and reports, rooms department operations, public relations, hotel events and community activities.

Benavente has more than 30 years experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. She is the former managing director at

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COVER FEATURE the Marianas Visitors Authority and former spa manager at the Hyatt Regency Saipan. She also owned and operated a family business/retail market for 18 years.

She is the chairwoman of the Marianas Tourism Education Council, a member of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Saipan Fishermen’s Association and the MVA. She is married to former CNMI Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente and has four children and three grandchildren.

Lito and Malou Mendoza are the owners and operators of L & M Enterprises Inc., Tropex Garden Co. Ltd. and Traders Insurance Company. L & M Enterprises Inc. was established in 1985 and introduced the Gusto Longanisa and Tocino products into the CNMI market. In 1997, a new product was added, roasted peanuts, later followed by the popular Marianas Best Chicharon. Right now, it is the only company that carries the U.S. Department of Agriculture seal of approval to manufacture longanisa, tocino and chicharon in the CNMI. Malou Mendoza is a certified nurse by profession but chose to be a businesswoman, a choice she is apparently happy to have made due to the success of her business.

In 1990, the couple opened Tropex Garden Co. Ltd. Lito Mendoza utilized his profession as an architect to provide landscaping and general construction services. The main business of the company when it started 23 years ago was landscaping. The company was always involved in hotel and golf course projects on the island whenever landscaping work was needed.

In 1997, the couple started its insurance business Traders Insurance Underwriters Inc. After seven years, the company acquired a reinsurance facility from Singapore, coming from Rated “A� reinsurance companies. The company was transformed into a local insurance company with a new name, Traders Insurance Company, which offers all kinds of non-life insurance to the public.

The couple are committed to continuously provide quality products and timely and personalized service to its clients. This legacy is slowly being hand down to their two daughters, Krizia and Chandelle Mendoza who are now 26 and 22 years old, respectively.

Lito and Malou Mendoza, with the help of their children, are planning to bring their business to Guam and the other neighboring islands in the future.

Malou and Lito Mendoza

Misako Kamata

Misako Kamata has 27 years experience in food service, retail, general merchandise and business management. Kamata is the president of Yano Enterprises Inc. which does business as Kinpachi Restaurant. The business was established on Sept. 15, 1980 by her late father, Yoshio Kamata. She took over ownership in 1987. Kinpachi Restaurant celebrated its 33rd anniversary in 2013. Kamata is also the chief executive officer and director of PDM Promoters, a nonprofit organization established in 2005.

PDM Promoters is responsible for many community events throughout the year and Kamata has been recognized for her charitable and business achievements by the community.

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NEW ON THE YEAR ROAD FEATURE

PRINCE JOE MANZANO, Susupe

ASIA LIWAG, Susupe

My resolution list includes losing weight, saving more money not being a “one-day millionaire” and most of all, being more spiritual in the coming year.

I’d like to be more responsible in the coming year and try to be a more well-rounded individual. I also want to do much better in school so I can be better prepared for a college education.

KIM INDALECIO, Gualo Rai To have a change in life, let the bitterness out and welcome the sweetness of 2014; to love and appreciate life, to have faith and peace and most of all to live life to its fullest.

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JANUARY 2014

JOSE RODEL LUNZAGA, Koblerville I want to strengthen my faith in the Lord and work on my being impatient.

I will also work harder to receive more blessings in 2014.

ARA SARMIENTO, Susupe I want to do better in school, earn more money for college, avoid procrastinating and be more responsible in 2014.

NEWON YEAR THEFEATURE ROAD

MHARK APOLINAR, Susupe

ANNAMAE ADAZA, Gualo Rai

To exercise more (now with Cross Fit), work to save money then move to Guam for college.

To have more patience when it comes to public service, improve public speaking, to extend more help to others, enjoy life as much as I can and spend more quality time with my loved ones.

RAMHAE ANDREA ADAZA AWIT, San Vicente Elementary School I will try to be more productive with my time, stop fighting with my two brothers, improve my singing talent and study harder.

JANUARY 2014

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Hinemlu

Better Circulation, Better Life

By Jacqueline Perry Guzman

W

hen you have a stiff neck, a stiff back or lower back pain, the problem may seem small, but you can be sure this is a sign of potentially more complicated health problems to come, if not resolved.

When you go to for a medical check up, despite a number of tests, the source of your injury or illness may remain undiagnosed. This is because modern medicine often does not trace blood circulation. Good blood circulation is essential to good health, but x-rays cannot detect blood clots or water trapped within muscles that inhibit blood circulation. Poor blood circulation results in muscle inflammation and other problems, such as a stiff neck or lower back pain. When blood circulation in the back is poor, it can affect all other parts of the body.

Traditional oriental medicine can help improve blood circulation with treatment along meridians running through the

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body. Most importantly, the bladder meridian runs from head to toe, distributing blood like a river throughout the whole

“God created and designed your body; I just follow the rules and laws of God’s design and traditional oriental medicine to adjust your body.”

~ Kevin Guolong Wang body. If there is pain in the body, it is likely that circulation is hampered along the bladder meridian, like a river is blocked

SPECIAL FEATURE

by a dam.

Kevin Guolong Wang of Hinemlu Therapy has been providing traditional oriental therapy treatment service in the Northern Mariana Islands since 1998, using treatments including qi gong, tuina, gua sha, zou guan, zhen ci, chiropractic and suction. The application of up to eight kinds of therapy treatment in one session can provide significant relief from a large number of ailments stemming from poor blood circulation.

“God created and designed your body; I just follow the rules

and laws of God’s design and traditional oriental medicine to adjust your body,” said Wang. “My knowledge is not from me; it’s from ancient times. Any kind of problem, if I cannot cure it, I can at least make it feel much better, because the rules and laws of nature never change.”

In addition to addressing the obvious problem, a session of traditional oriental medicine therapy provides treatment for the entire body for overall health maintenance.

JANUARY 2014

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GUIDE TO

January

Sunday

Tuesday

Monday

Fukubukuro Lucky Bag Celebration Time: 10:30 am Location DFS Galleria Saipan

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8

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This day in 2009, “Coca-Cola” opened the world’s largest plastic bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

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MOVIES • Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones premiere at Regal Cinemas

16 Garapan Street Market Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base Complex, Beach Road

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23 Garapan Street Market Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base Complex, Beach Road

The “Open Happiness” campaign was launched this day in 2009.

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Grief Support Meeting Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: NMPASI conference room, Middle Road, Gualo Rai

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30 Garapan Street Market Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base Complex, Beach Road

Saturday

Friday

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Garapan Street Market Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Garapan Fishing Base Complex, Beach Road

The slogan “Thirst knows no reason” appeared in Saturday Evening Post for the first time, in January 1922.

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Thursday

Wednesday

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Sponsored by:

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MOVIES • One Chance • The Legend of Hercules premiere at Regal Cinemas

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MOVIES • Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit • Ride Along • Devil’s Due • The Nut Job premiere at Regal Cinemas

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MOVIES • I, Frankenstein premiere at Regal Cinemas

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The Sprite Boy, created by artist Haddon Sundblom, appeared in magazines for the first time in January 1942 until the late 1950s.

MOVIES • Labor Day • That Awkward Moment premiere at Regal Cinemas

FIND US IN THE DIGITAL WORLD AND STAY IN TOUCH! www.facebook.com/BEACHROADMAGAZINE

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.BRMSAIPAN.COM

For showtimes: 234-9000 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.

JANUARY 2014

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HEALTH & FITNESS

The truth about meal replacement shakes

by Carmen Rojas

ow that it’s officially the New Year, many of us are trying to hold N firm to our resolutions to start losing weight. You may or may not have seen results last year but, this year is different. This year is go-

ing to be the year that you make it. One of the most commonly asked questions is our opinion on meal replacements, specifically meal replacement shakes. We are often asked if we recommend them, which ones we recommend and more. Here is the skinny on meal replacement shakes.

Replace a bad meal with a good one.

Often times we make poor meal choices simply because it is easier, faster, and sometimes cheaper than making a good meal choice. We choose to go through the drive-thru because we only have 15 minutes before we have to be back at the office.

We choose to grab a bag of chips and a calorie-full drink because it is cheaper than the salad in the cafeteria. It’s easier to grab the slice of pizza out of the fridge than it is to prepare a complete meal for lunch. A little planning ahead can make replacing a bad

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HEALTH & FITNESS meal with a good one much better for you than even the best meal replacement shake. Start making your meals the night before. Portion your food as soon as you get home from the grocery store so all you have to do is grab it and go. Keep food that does not have to be refrigerated where it is easily accessible.

If you are going to drink a shake, eat some fiber along with it.

Try a vanilla shake with some whole wheat crackers. Eat some fruit with your shake. This has a two-fold effect on satiating your hunger. First, it satisfies your need to chew. You have programmed your body that chewing is part of satisfying the need to fuel itself.

Many of us find ourselves eating when what we really want to do is “chew.” If all you do is swallow, you will fight the need to chew and that’s a tough battle to fight! Second, the fiber will help slow

the absorption of the shake leaving you to feel fuller, longer.

Fat we can handle; sugar is a problem.

No, that is not a typo. There is new evidence that low to moderate amounts of fat in our diets is not nearly as big a problem as high amounts of sugar.

Often when the label says “No Sugar” it basically means that a chemical sugar substitute is being used. That tricks the body by tasting sweet but not providing any sugar. The body tends to overreact and you can see cravings, inflammation, and other negative side effects. Also, sugar is what takes us on that energy roller coaster. If you spike at lunch on a “low fat” shake not only will you spike your blood sugar and cause a crash, but you will also leave yourself feeling less satiated and feeling the need to eat much sooner than you would on a more “fattening” shake.

I have to say that I am a bigger fan of eating a complete balanced meal, exercising portion control than I am of drinking meal replacement shakes.

You can’t drink shakes forever, and in the long run you won’t learn how to eat healthier by drinking shakes. However, if you are going to drink a shake observing the tips I laid out will help you to make the most out of your shake craving. Remember, to drink plenty of water and get as much exercise as possible.

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ENVIRONMENT

A Resolution to Keep This year we are all going to make the typical New Year’s resolutions to eat fewer sweets or get rid of a bad habit. These are good resolutions, but for most they don’t last through January. I suggest a resolution that is much easier to keep and will last the whole year and years to come: make less trash.

On a daily basis we throw away approximately 4.5 pounds of trash (the weight of a coffee maker). This can include anything from food scraps, soda cans, cigarettes, food packaging, to holiday gift wrap.

Every year around 1,643 pounds of trash is thrown away per person, this equates to the space of your living room crammed with trash.

The biggest downside to trash is the space it takes up. Landfills are reaching maximum capacity everywhere so we won’t be able to ship trash to other locations for much longer. What can we do about all this trash? We can make less of it, it is that simple!

So what does this New Year resolution require?

Recycle – In the CNMI residents can recycle glass, metal, plastic, and paper. Some 75% of trash that makes it to the landfill is recyclable. Recycling helps us reuse trash that is already here than make new trash that adds to the problem.

Reuse – Using disposable items at barbeques and parties make cleaning up easier, but they do no favors for our trash predicament.

Annually Americans throw away enough paper and plastic cups, forks, and spoons to circle the equator 300 times! Have people bring their own plates and silverware to parties or if disposable utensils are necessary consider buying the compostable products. Also when going shopping consider using a reusable bag to hold your grocer-

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ies. Around 500 billion plastic bags are used annually worldwide (100 billion in America alone) and make up a large percentage of the trash we toss as well as being damaging to the environment as litter and marine debris.

Compost – Food scraps don’t need to go in the trash when they can be composted. Composting gives soil nutrients and can help plants, even potted ones, grow big and healthy, plus it will decrease the 21.5 million tons of food waste sent off to American landfills annually.

Reduce – Reducing waste is the easiest step to take. When purchasing food look for items that have minimal packaging. Bananas do not need to come wrapped in plastic; they already come with their own natural wrapper. Food in general does not need to be wrapped in plastic and in cardboard and once again wrapped in plastic. Look for items that don’t have all the extra packing materials. Also consider decreasing mail trash. Have magazines, bills, and cards sent through e-mail instead of through the post saving you time and trash.

Hope the holidays treat you well and that this year you make the resolution to make less trash. Happy New Year!

FEATURE

Saipan’s Young Professionals Luis Villagomez is assistant marketing communications manager at the Hyatt Regency Saipan. He has been in this position for more than three years.

“I started with the company more or less

Luis Villagomez at the bottom,” he says. “Back in 2007, I started working as a guest service officer at the bell desk and six months later I was transferred to the front desk doing the same job. I was attending college at that time so I worked the graveyard shifts for two years so that I could attend school in the daytime.”

Shortly after he graduated in 2010 with his first degree, Villagomez applied for a job as assistant marketing communications manager. Villagomez acquired his first degree at Northern Marianas College. He earned an associate’s degree in hospitality management. “Shortly after that I attained a bachelor’s in marketing from Grand Canyon University in Arizona,” he says.

His aspirations growing up were to

become a pilot. During his free time, Villagomez enjoys watching movies, reading a good book while drinking coffee, dining out and traveling to different places. “I am also a youth leader in a local Christian church (Jesus is Lord Church) so you can imagine me spending most of my free time with young people, and this keeps me extra youthful too,” he says.

Aside from his hobbies, he spends a lot of time giving to the community.

“I am heavily involved with our company’s corporate responsibility platform – Hyatt Thrive. I am also a board mem-

“The passion I have for my job compels me to try to perform even better in the industry I am a part of. Aside from the marketing and creative aspect, I am able to extend authentic hospitality to the island visitors as a Hyatt hotelier.”

are Toronto, Kingston, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo and Manila. I always find that traveling alone gives me that opportunity to linger every moment and absorb the sights and sounds unique to every destination. Europe is my next destination which means I need to save a lot,” he says.

What inspires Villagomez about his job is his involvement with it. “The passion I have for my job compels me to try to perform even better in the industry I am a part of. Aside from the marketing and creative aspect, I am able to extend authentic hospitality to the island visitors as a Hyatt hotelier,” says Villagomez. “Hyatt is a pretty impressive company. The opportunity to be trained in other countries and to meet different people with different cultural upbringings is one of my favorite things about my present job.”

~ Luis Villagomez ber of Prison Fellowship International, which is a Christian organization. I am also a volunteer at the Northern Mariana Trades Institute,” Villagomez says.

He is grateful his company gives its associates an opportunity to experience different Hyatt hotels worldwide.

“Some of the many cities I’ve visited

Ma. Aileen M. Arnold Ma. Aileen M. Arnold is vice president of Marfega Trading Company Inc.,

JANUARY 2014

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FEATURE

which does business as Islander RentA-Car. Arnold started as a cashier back in 2001 and from there started working as a car rental agent in 2004 making my way up to sales and marketing manager in 2007 and finally into the position of vice president in 2012. “Being vice president the last couple years has revealed

“My heart’s passion, though, is serving others...In my free time, I love being a part of community events.” ~ Ma. Aileen M. Arnold to me the essence of time management and handling people under you. When you are organized, you get more done and this means more profit. Handling the staff under me in a proper manner also brings in more profit as they seek to see sales,” she says.

She wanted to become a police woman when she was young. “This is very far from what I do now. Yet, being a police woman shares a common interest with being vice president and that is service which is what I love most about my job,” she says.

Arnold says in her capacity as vice president she serves her community, co-workers, and family to ensure the safety of the vehicles and that service is delivered. “It makes my day to see or hear that a customer has been extremely pleased with our service which is what Islander Rent-A-Car proudly promotes,” Arnold says. Islander RentA-Car is a woman-owned business and was established in 1984.

When she has the time, Arnold enjoys shopping, dining out, and dancing.

“My heart’s passion though, is serving others,” she says. “In my free time, I love being a part of community events.

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Some community events and organizations I have helped with to name a few are American Red Cross, Marianas Next Top Model, and the Division of Environmental Quality Trash collecting,” she says. “I am a part of and have been a part of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the San Vicente Elementary school Parent Teacher Association and I am particularly interested and involved in education. Although I have not completed my college degree, I am all out in encouraging students to finish. I believe in the saying that no one can take your education from you,” says Arnold.

A lover of travel, Arnold has been to Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, the United States and Guam. “I would love to explore Russia, Japan, Korea and China as this is an integral part of the business I am a part of with Islander Rent-A-Car servicing locals and tourists,” she says.

She graduated from Grace Christian Academy in 2004 and studied business management at Northern Marianas College with an emphasis in accounting. “I would like to pursue my degree, though in the field of hospitality and tourism. Learning to speak different languages such as Russian, Korean and Chinese is a priority on my list. I can speak basic Japanese but would love to be fluent,” Arnold says.

Catherine Perry is the proprietor of Integrity Communications PR/advertising services and Gallery Pacific retail of arts and crafts. She has held these titles since 2008.

“I never aspired to be a businessperson; I went into business because that’s what my family needed. My son was really struggling in school when he was younger, and I finally decided it would be best to homeschool. I took a leap of faith and quit my government job to become self-employed so I could have the flexibility to homeschool, which I did for four years,” When Perry was in high school, she wrote an essay that said in 10 years she would be either a fighter pilot or a writer. “ One of those happened,” she says.

Catherine Perry When she has time, she enjoys a host of activities. Last year Perry began studying tai chi and other aspects of traditional oriental medicine. “I find it very applicable and helpful in everyday life. I also enjoy playing football (soccer), reading, and spending quality time with loved ones,” she says. “I also serve on my church board and the Carolinian

“I work with a lot of conscientious and competent people who share my desire to promote our islands…their natural beauty and unique history and culture.” ~ Catherine Perry Affairs Office Advisory Committee and I’m a member of the Marianas Tourism Education Council. I made a conscious decision three years ago to cut back on extracurricular activities. It may sound selfish to do so, but my life is more bal-

FEATURE

anced now,” she says.

What she enjoys most and finds inspiring about her work is, “Applying my communication skills and intuition in helping people generate understanding, build cooperation and solve problems,” she says.

Perry has a bachelor’s in broadcasting with an emphasis in multi-cultural studies. “When I graduated from Marianas High I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college, so I started working as a radio operator. Over the next year I was convinced I really should get a college degree, and I was also fortunate to discover work that I enjoyed and was good at, working in communications,” says Perry.

Perry says her job offers her a lot of reasons to be grateful. “I work with a lot of conscientious and competent people who share my desire to promote our islands ... their natural beauty and unique history and culture. And I love words. Working with words, for me, is like cooking. You can make your message sweet, spicy, or tangy, depending on your words. You can even give someone an upset stomach with your choice of words. Hopefully we all use words that leave people feeling full and satisfied.”

James Kennedy Benjamin is the

territory service delivery manager of the American Red Cross — Northern Mariana Islands Chapter and has held the position since 2006. “I was a fulltime student at the Northern Marianas College in 2006, and I was looking for a part-time job to pay some bills. There was a vacancy opening for the then part-time position. So I applied. Later I received a call from the chapter stating that they had chosen me. I started work in July 2006,” says Benjamin. As a child, Benjamin wanted to be a doctor because he wanted to help save lives.

“I am not a medical doctor today, but I feel as though I am still helping people save lives by coordinating, and even sometimes conducting, training in First Aid and CPR,” he says.

When he isn’t at work, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. “Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I like having family days at the beach. I enjoy barbecuing with family and friends and talking about life in general,” he says. He is also a parish council member for Santa Remedios Parish in Tanapag.

Benjamin’s job requires him to travel at least once a year for training. “For the ARC, I have been to places in the main-

“I would say one of the greatest things about my job are the people who I work with, both staff and volunteers... we are more like a family...

I feel good knowing that more members in our communities are being trained in lifesaving skills through the American Red Cross.” ~ James Kennedy Benjamin

James Kennedy Benjamin land such as Dallas-Fort Worth; Kansas City, Mo.; and Honolulu” he says.

Benjamin is inspired by the work that ARC does for communities. “When I joined the Red Cross I didn’t know too much about the organization, except for its humanitarian work around the country and around the world. I have come to learn that the Red Cross does more than just disaster relief assistance.

We train people in lifesaving skills, we connect service members and their families in times of emergency, and we supply more than half of our nation’s blood supply,” he says.

Benjamin attended Xavier High School in Chuuk, FSM, for four years and graduated in 2003. “It is a boarding

school for boys and the only Jesuit high school in Micronesia. I have had two years of college,” he says.

He says deciding the favorite thing about his job is hard.

“I would say one of the greatest things about my job are the people who I work with, both staff and volunteers.

The staff are hard-working and treat each other with the utmost respect and dignity. In my opinion, we are more like a family. The volunteers, board members, and health and safety instructors always make my day. Whenever there is a project, no matter how big or small, they are always willing to give up their time to help out. And for them, I am grateful. I feel good knowing that more members in our communities are being trained in lifesaving skills through the American Red Cross,” Benjamin says.

JANUARY 2014

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ON THE ROAD

Paskong Pinoy December 14, 2013 • Garapan Central Park

Cornerstone Church Choir sang beautiful Christmas carols to the audience’s delight.

A special guest at the Paskong Pinoy event, Andrea Sablan (left) shown with UFO’s Lolly Velasco and Nelida Atalig.

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The visiting Manamkos entertained the audience and visitors, including Gov. Eloy Inos, with their Christmas carols.

Members and officers of UFO danced to the lively music of Walter and Violy Band.

ON THE ROAD

Bernice Shane Sabino wowed everyone on Dec. 14 with her rendition of “O Holy Night.” After she sang at Paskong Pinoy, she later won the $2,500 grand prize at the CNMI Got Talent Competition at Pacific Islands Club on the same night.

Gov. Eloy Inos addressed guests, performers and participants.

Val Gatchalian, general manager of LBC Saipan, donated $2,000 cash to the United Filipino Organization in support of the Paskong Pinoy event.

Winners from Paskong Pinoy’s My Tomboy Contest are (from left): Annamae Adaza of UFO, Jenena “BJ” Sollestre, Nancy “Cyto” Cabaluna, Andrea Sablan, “Kute” Arroyo, UFO’s Nelida Atalig and Rovic Caberos of KWAW.

JANUARY 2014

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ON THE ROAD

Good friends (from left) Evelyn, Eydie, Malou and Irma taking a quick break on Dec.15.

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Edrich Jewel Armia’s first birthday celebration on Dec. 4 at Saipan World Resort.

ON THE ROAD

Austin Dominiq Quiambao’s first birthday celebration on Dec. 1 at the Kanoa Resort.

Ami, Jojo, Manny, Rocel, Jenn, Lisa and Jackie at the Transpacific International Inc. Group of Companies Employee Appreciation Party on Dec. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

JANUARY 2014

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Unlimited Weeknights & Weekends Max Data

TV PLUS

Unlimited Weeknights & Weekends

TV PLUS

Unlimited Weeknights & Weekends

$

FUSION UNLIMITED

$

w/Weeknights and Weekends

FUSION 500 ONLINE

$

FUSION 500 ONLINE+

$

FUSION 1500 ONLINE+

115

$

165

FUSION UNLIMITED ONLINE+

225

1500 Minutes Max Data

1000 Minutes

FUSION 1000 ONLINE+

$ $

500 Minutes w/UNL SMS

TV PLUS

Max Data

Max Unlimited

(Unlimited Local Calls, SMS & Data)

–

Online E

Online E

Online 1.2 Online 1.8

483-CARE • Gualo Rai • www.docomopacific.com 24 month agreement required on select Fusion Bundles. Some conditions apply. Offer valid for residential subscribers only. While supplies last. See stores for details.