July Beach Road Magazine

Happy Liberation Day! Liberation Day queen candidates, messages from the community, and more

Pacific Islands art and crafts Gallery Pacific highlights the Micronesia and the Pacific

Eye on sports MISO reveals calendar for the new year

July 2014

About the Cover:

The 2014 Liberation Queen Candidates. Shown from left are Gilitinon Aldan Ramangmou, Rita Lorraine Doca, Pressel Jean C. Camacho and Desiree L. Crisostomo.

Photo taken at Laolao Bay Golf and Resort.

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Cover feature

Liberation Candidates photos by: Bill Bezzant Bill.Bezzant@saipan.com

Meet the 2014 Miss Liberation Day candidates

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Our Environment The CRI Summer Internship Program

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Liberation Day Feature Celebrating Liberation Day, celebrating our troops

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Sports Feature MISO looking forward to a new year

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Special Feature Saipan’s best kept secret

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Artist Feature Pacific Islands arts & crafts

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More Liberation Day Interview with the 2014 Liberation Queen’s Committee

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

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Michele Blas SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

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www.brmsaipan.com beachroadmagazine

Beach Road Magazine, July 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.

ONCOVER THE ROAD FEATURE

Meet the Liberation This year on July 2 the Miss Liberation Day Queen will be crowned.

BRM got to know the four candidates, each of which wants to make an impact on the community and show her pride in Saipan.

Rita Lorraine V. Doca, 18 Daughter of Rito “Ronnie” B. Doca and Alona R. Dela Cruz Freshman at Northern Marianas College Hobbies: Singing, dancing, playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, playing instruments, watching anime What does Liberation Day mean to you?

“Liberation Day is a very special and important day, especially to those people who have fought and lived through the Battle of Saipan. Liberation Day is a very well celebrated day that marked the liberation of the people from Camp Susupe. This day was a very important day that showed that Saipan was no longer under the rule of the Japanese empire.”

Why do you want to be Liberation Day Queen?

“Ever since I was four, I’ve always been amazed at watching beauty queens wearing nice, long dresses and wearing crowns on their heads. Since then, I’ve always wanted to join in these types of contests. I’ve always wanted to gain experience from joining pageants like these. I’ve been in a few pageants in the past, but I have never won any of them. I’ve always wanted a crown of my own as well. But that’s not all I want. I want to put myself out there and help the community as much as I can. I want to make lots of friends and help volunteer everywhere I’m needed.”

Desiree Keola Lizama Crisostimo, 20 Hobbies: Playing sports, spending time with family Daughter of Antonio and Linda L. Crisostimo What does Liberation Day mean to you?

“Liberation to me means having fun, taking responsibility but also getting to know new people and also a celebration of us being one.”

Why do you want to be Liberation Day Queen?

“I want to become Miss Liberation to make a difference. To show everyone and anyone that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

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COVER FEATURE

Day Queen Candidates Gilitinon Aldan Ramangmou, 19 Daughter of Frank “Choi” Hocog Ramangmou and Ann Marie “Anna” Urumelog Aldan Senior at Marianas High School Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, learning new things.

What does Liberation Day mean to you?

“Liberation Day is the day we won the war against Japan. It is important because we battled through the war and now we became united as one nation honoring the veterans that fought for our island many years ago.”

Why do you want to be Liberation Day Queen?

“I want to be Miss Liberation because I’m a great role model to younger kids and I enjoy learning and experiencing new things.”

Pressel Jean Cepeda Camacho, 15 Daughter of Pressciardo M. Camacho and Elise Lynn Cepeda Fejeran Junior at Kagman High School Hobbies: Basketball, golf, swimming, spending time with family and friends What does Liberation Day mean to you?

“Liberation Day is a day we celebrate when the gates of Camp Susupe opened wide and let our people go in peace. It was a day of tears and joy and freedom and full of happiness. We also remember those who gave to let them out and set them free. I believe it is important to continue recognizing Liberation Day because it is the day that reminds us of peace and freedom.”

Why do you want to be Liberation Day Queen?

“I want to be Miss Liberation Day Queen because I want to be a role model for generations to come and help the community in many ways I can possible.”

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COVER FEATURE

Candidates from left: Desiree Keola Lizama Crisostimo, Gilitinon Aldan Ramangmou, Pressel Jean Cepeda Camacho, Rita Lorraine V. Doca

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LIBERATION FEATURE

A Letter from Marian DLG. Tudela, Mayor of Saipan Hafa Adai and Tirow.

The most anticipated public event in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is just around the corner, and I am very happy to join everyone in celebrating it. Though the occasion that we will be celebrating on the Fourth of July call upon everyone to remember the past and pay tribute and honor to those who perished before the United States Armed Forces liberated the Northern Marianas from that terrible battle more than seventy years ago, we come together as one people to proclaim a principle that most developing nations desire and are still fighting for. The principle is peace.

Our peace is secured today because we are part of the greatest nation on earth. The United States of America and its allies are stronger and more powerful today, and we should be proud to be living under the greatest f lag on earth, the United States of Amer-

ica. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us continue to honor time and again the greatest assurance that we can ever get to live in peace. We salute the United States and its allies for keeping our security and freedom, so that we can enjoy the many wonderful things this world has to offer.

This Fourth of July celebration will be as colorful as the “bombs bursting in air” when freedom was the object of that way many years ago. Today, we memorialize our celebration with spectacular colors, the true colors of freedom. I look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the Fourth of July celebration.

Lastly, I wish good luck to our beautiful candidates vying for Fourth of July Queen. This year’s Fourth of July celebration will be guaranteed to be as cheerful as those in the past years as the Queen and her Royal Court highlight the parade on the Fourth of July. I must also wish good luck and thank everyone for getting involved in making this year’s Fourth of July celebration another success.

Thank you.

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Celebrating Liberation Day, celebrating our troops

FEATURE

Ivan Muna Igitol, 49 Guam Army National Guard 1-294 Infantry Regiment (2010 to Present) • Infantryman – Specialist United States Army (1982 – 1985) • Active Duty Combat Engineer Deployments: Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan 2013 Liberation Day is a celebration of the liberation of the people from Camp Susupe, as well as celebrating Independence Day. Ultimately it also recognizes the roles of our soldiers in protecting our freedom and the sacrifices they make. This Liberation Day, BRM presents a story from one of the many of those who protect our freedom.

BRM: As a serviceman, what does Liberation Day mean to you?

I.I.: The first thing that pops in my mind is that I am grateful for the service members who fought and lost their lives for the freedom of others. Their selfless sacrifice gave us the freedom we live and enjoy now.

BRM: How will you be celebrating or recognizing the holiday?

I.I.: My family and I will start off by watching the parade and then maybe continue the holiday with a picnic and barbeque at the beach.

BRM: What can you say about your experience in the service?

I.I.: I joined the military fresh out of high school as a Combat Engineer in 1982. My permanent duty station was Fort Hood, Texas.

During my tour, I was sent to Germany and Berlin for training. After three years of service I opted to get out in 1985 [ . . .] In 2010 my daughter Brittney decided to join the military, so I thought I’d try my luck re-enlisting too so I could be with her.

The military will give you all the tools and knowledge you need for you to do the job. It is up to you how you take it and apply it. The military offers a lot of op10

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portunities to further your career whether its college, correspondence courses or your occupational skills, to name a few. If you have the drive, you will succeed and gain more experience for your future endeavors. The military is not for everyone but once in it, the experience you gain is priceless.

BRM: How did your experience in the military impact your family?

I.I.: My wife Marie gave us her blessing to join knowing that there was deployment coming.

While my daughter and I were deployed in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom 2013, my wife had to become a “supermom.” She had to deal with two family members being deployed as well as being a dad, run the house, take care of the kids and become the CNMI Family Readiness Coordinator representing the other soldier’s families here in the CNMI. It was not an easy task, but she handled it well. The kids also had to adjust as they inherited additional responsibilities during my absence.

I would like to thank my wife Marie, our children, Buddy, Brandi, Boz and Blade, for “holding down the fort.” To my dad and step mom and siblings and in-laws, thank you for your support and assisting my family. To the people of CNMI, thank you for your support and prayers. To my “Shining Star” my granddaughter Aiyah, you are the reason why I wake up every morning and count the days until I have you in my arms again.

GUIDE TO

July

Sunday

Sponsored by:

Tuesday

Monday

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Thursday

Wednesday

2 Liberation Day Queen Coronation

3 Garapan Street Market

Saturday

Friday

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MOVIES • Deliver Us from Evil • Earth to Echo • Tammy premiere at Regal Cinemas

Independence Day

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Coca-Cola introduced Diet Coke on this day in 1982. It is the first extension of the Coca-Cola and Coke trademarks.

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Saipan Swim Club’s Summer Fun Open Water Series Time: 6:15 AM Location: Pau Pau Beach Price: $5

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10 Garapan Street Market

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24 Garapan Street Market

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11 MOVIES • Dawn of the Planet of the Apes • The Fluffy Movie • And So It Goes premiere at Regal Cinemas

18 MOVIES • Sex Tape • Planes: Fire & Rescue • The Purge: Anarchy premiere at Regal Cinemas

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12 The one-billionth gallon of Coca-Cola syrup was manufactured this day in 1944.

19 The 30th Annual International Saipan Fishermen’s Association Tournament Location: Smiling Cove Marina Concludes: Sunday,July 20th

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MOVIES • Hercules • Lucy • Step Up: All In • The Most Wanted Man premiere at Regal Cinemas

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In July 1964, the famous and awardwinning “Yes Girl” Coca-Cola advertisement was launched.

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*Event times and dates may change without notice.

“Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

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FEATURE

MISO wraps up year, reveals sports program for next year Contributed by Alan Duignan

As the Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization wraps up its 7th year of organizing interscholastic sports programs, it looks toward the future. MISO is planning an expansion of the middle schools in the Public School System by next year.

MISO is also hopeful future sport programs will include Rota and Tinian, which has always been a challenge due to funding.

Looking ahead to next year, MISO is already planning to offer various sports programs for the youth of the CNMI: • September to November at the middle school level is Boys and Girls soccer, cross country. At the high school level, programs will start with girls basketball(junior varsity, varsity), boys volleyball( junior varsity and varsity), cross Country.

• January to March at middle school level boys’ and girls’ volleyball, softball (tentative) and triathlon. At the high school

level boys basketball (junior varsity, varsity), girls soccer (varsity and junior varsity), girls volleyball (varsity and junior varsity), triathlon, tennis (pilot program).

• April to June at middle school level boys’ and girls’ basketball and track and field. At the high school level boys soccer, outrigger, golf, track and field, and girls softball.

MISO would also like to thank its supporters for another successful season. The organization expresses its gratitude for the tremendous support of the PSS, Project Brabu, LaoLao Bay Golf Resort, NMIVA, BANMI, SOCC, NMA, NMASA, Saipan Triathlon, Marianas High, Hopwood, all coaches and the rest of the support received. MISO looks forward to continue to creating meaningful interscholastic athletic opportunities in a safe, drug free environment for the CNMI’s youth.

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LEISURE

LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort – Saipan’s best kept secret LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort is the place to get away. The resort is well known as one of the best golf resorts on Saipan, and also provides an ideal place for conferences and seminars, and getaways. The resort uses a combination of the natural beauty of the island and luxury facilities to help guests get some rest and relaxation, and leave refreshed and rejuvenated. Sitting on 103 acres, the resort is perched on a cliff line overlooking LaoLao Bay. The resort is located in a secluded area with views of the island’s natural beauty, undisturbed by the modern world.

The relaxation begins with the drive. Recent road improvements make the trip to LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort a pleasant drive. Upon arrival at the resort, one is greeted by friendly and professional staff. The interior of the hotel has a unique design. The furniture and decorations are all imported from Bali and are carefully arranged to reflect an island style theme and take advantage of the surrounding environment. In addi-

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tion, the resort itself expanded and underwent renovations in March 2008. After admiring the interior of the hotel, one will marvel at the excellent views the resort offers of LaoLao Bay and its waters.

LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort’s facilities include two golf courses with a wide range of extras including a pro shop, driving range, sauna, and two tea houses. Guests can relax by the pool. There are two pools, one for adults and one for children. Other facilities include a training room, wireless internet throughout the resort, and energy efficient facilities.

The resort also boasts a restaurant with a magnificent view of the ocean called The Grill. The 54 rooms of the hotel are state of the art.

LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort is ideal for small conferences that will benefit from the quietness of the area and having fewer distractions. In addition, between or after lectures, participants can take a refreshing break by walking the grounds.

LEISURE The scenic views of the resort also make it a romantic for weddings and other events.

In addition to being a top notch resort, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort also plays a big role in the community by continuously providing free weekly maintenance on the perimeter area outside LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort to the Kagman Fire Station and the baseball fields of Kagman Elementary School and Chacha Ocean View Middle School. LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort hosts free use of swimming pool facilities for the “Learn to Swim� instruction program for Kagman area children coordinated by the Saipan Swim Club under the auspices of the American Red Cross Aquatics Instruction Program, and

provides farm equipment to Kagman Commercial Farm Plot Farmers to till the soil for vegetable to grow.

Other community involvement includes the free use of the golf course for the Annual Golf Tournament of Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization that includes Kagman High, Saipan Southern, and Marianas High. LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort also allows the Kagman High School PE students to use the facilities for their golf class. LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort has made charitable donations to the Ayuda Network, Inc, the Marianas March Against Cancer, CHC Volunteers and the Diabetes Coalition.

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ARTS FEATURE

Pacific arts and crafts available to all Looking for a place to pick up handicrafts from Micronesia and other parts of the Pacific? Check out the island boutique Gallery Pacific on Beach Road, Chalan Kanoa.

Gallery Pacific features island items including pandanus baskets and handbags from the Marshall Islands, Carolinian lighitútúúr bead necklaces, Palauan storyboards and more. Shop proprietor and Saipan native Catherine Perry says the intent is to promote the natural and cultural beauty of the islands through retail and to help preserve traditional knowledge and skills.

“Our islands are rich in culture, natural beauty, and heart…all beautiful qualities worth sharing with the rest of the world,” says Perry, “Making our island-made products available is one way of doing that.”

Gallery Pacific began with a few tables of crafts at several annual Flame Tree Arts Festivals and Christmas art shows in Saipan before opening a storefront last year. Currently, most of its items are of Micronesian origin, with about half the items imported

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and half made in the Northern Marianas.

“In the old days, we made baskets because we needed them to carry stuff. Today we buy Tupperware,” says Perry. “If the people who know these traditional skills cannot tangibly benefit from practicing them, they’ll stop doing it, and someday the knowledge will be lost. If we can help people benefit from it today - by earning money to provide for their families - they will continue to do it and will teach their children to do it, as we’ve done for generations.”

Gallery Pacific also features contemporary artwork, most recently adding a handful of watercolor prints of Micronesian women by Debbie Winkfield and framed photography by Chris Nelter.

Gallery Pacific is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Follow Gallery Pacific at www.facebook.com/GalleryPacific.

ARTS FEATURE

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LIBERATION FEATURE

Celebrating and honoring the mayors of Saipan This year, the theme for the Liberation Day celebrations is unique because it honors Saipan’s past and present mayors. The theme is “Reunion of Honor- Tribute to Mayors, Past and Present.” The concept was envisioned by the late Mayor Donald G. Flores. Joann Aquino, chairwoman of the 2014 Liberation Queen Committee told BRM the late mayor had wanted to have the first mayoral float dedicated in honor of mayors past and present and wanted a representative of each mayoral family to be on the float holding a picture or banner.

“Mayors - past and present - are mandated to administer government programs, public services, and appropriations in their respective municipalities and have contributed to the quality of life in our communities,” says Aquino.

The Liberation Day theme is a way to honor and recognize all mayors for their work for their community. On such mayor is the late Mayor Flores, who was passionate about the enhancement and beautification of villages through debris pick up and tree pruning. He was also responsible for enhancing the Beach Road walk pathway through a tree pruning project, enabling tourists

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and residents to view the entire Saipan lagoon. Other community work the mayor is known for is the Flag Peace memorial project, the enhancement of road intersection medians, establishing and implementing the first stray dog program and the repair and maintenance of over 1,000 secondary roads throughout the municipality of Saipan “The late Mayor Donald G. Flores was an extraordinary person who truly cared about the island and its people [. . .] It has been a great privilege working for the late Mayor Donald G. Flores,” says Aquino. Aquino was appointed as acting director of operations in April. Working with the mayor, she says she learned much from him and misses his constant reminders to serve the public the best way we could with whatever limited resources we had.” His willingness to help and say yes often got him into predicaments, she recalls.

“I’m truly inspired and grateful for our present and first female Mayor, Marian D.G. Tudela for allowing us to continue the vision and projects of the late Mayor Donald G. Flores,” says Aquino.

LIBERATION FEATURE The mayors to be recognized are: Mayors-Municipality of Saipan: Gregorio San Nicolas Sablan, Elias Parong Sablan, Ignacio Villagomez Benavente, Vicente Diaz Sablan, Luis Arriola Benavente, Francisco Manibusan Diaz, Jose Santos Rios, Gilbert Castro Ada, Jose Mettao Taitano, Jesus Sablan Guerrero, Jose Camacho Sablan, Juan Borja Tudela and Donald Glenn Flores.

Mayors/Commissioners-Municipality of Rota: Carlos Songsong Calvo, Andres Camacho Atalig, Tomas Camacho Mendiola, Melchor Songsong Mendiola, Juan Camacho Diaz, Manuel Ada Manglona, Antonio Camacho Atalig, Prudencio Taisacan Manglona, Joseph Songao Inos, Benjamin Taisacan Manglona, and Melchor Atalig Mendiola.

Mayors/Commissioners-Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan: Jose Manglona Hocog, Juan Cruz Villagomez, Jose Reyes Cruz, Antonio Simabukuru Borja, Henry Gikibai Hofschneider, William Villagomez Hofschneider, Felipe Camacho Mendiola, Herman Mona Manglona, Ignacio King Quichocho, James Masga Mendiola, Francisco Manglona Borja, Jose Pangelinan San Nicolas, and Ramon Muña Dela Cruz.

Mayors of the Northern Islands: Daniel Pangelinan Castro, Vicente Matagolai Aldan, Ambrosio Satur Ruben, Joseph Taman Ogumoro, Valentin Igisaiar Taisakan, and Tobias Dela Cruz Aldan; and before, the District Administrator Representatives Juan Mettao and the longserving Francisco Borja Kaipat.

Late Mayor Donald G. Flores

“The late Mayor Donald G. Flores was an extraordinary person who truly cared about the island and its people [. . .] It has been a great privilege working for the late Mayor Donald G. Flores.” ~ Joann Aquino

Late Mayor Donald G. Flores

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LIBERATION FEATURE

The 2014 Liberation Queen Committee

The members of the 2014 Liberation Queen Committee are from left: Gina Mae Cabrera; Joann Aquino, Chairwoman; Mayor Marian Dlg Tudela; Carmen Gaskins; Clarissa Adlawan; Yuki Kishimoto; Giselle Butalid (inset) and Shelly Scott (not in photo).

ON THE ROAD

United Filipino Organization’s 2014 Pinoy Super Mom Pageant June 21, Taga Ballroom, Saipan World Resort Photos by BRM

Contributed photo

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ON THE ROAD

2014 Summer Youth Empowerment Camp opening day of Sports & Wellness Camp, June 23, Ada Gym Complex “Promoting Health & Cultural Awareness in Our Youth” Photos by BRM

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ON THE ROAD

The Division of Youth Services pose for BRM at a June 27 proclamation signing. From left are Josephine Basa, Juanita Nekaifes, Maria Olopai and Charlene Lizama

Gov. Eloy Inos proclaimed July 2014 as Youth Leadership Month. Seated next to the governor is Laura Ogumoro, Director, CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Christine Marie Aquino Agbayani celebrated her 18th birthday with a Candy Land-themed party on May 17. The celebrant is shown with her mother, Doovie and younger sister, Samantha.

The 31st Annual Saipan Agricultural Association Fair was held May 24 at the 4H building in Susupe.

Jace Allyson Tellei Pineda celebrated her 18th birthday at the Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort on June 7. The debutante is shown with older brother John Eric, Dad Elmer, Mom Tess and sister Jessica Nicole.

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Contributed photo