BRM July

Music, fireworks and fun

Liberation Day festivities all summer long

Looking for love

Stray dogs await adoption at shelter

Agriculture in an upswing Farmers share crops at fair

July 2015

ABOUT THE COVER

4 Liberation Day celebrations Summer-long events and activities

On the Cover photo are the 2015 Liberation Queen Candidates from left: Stephanie Camacho, Mary Jane Paulus, Zolenska Yaroitemal, Ashley Tabilisma, and Elizabeth Basa. Photo shoot location courtesy of Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Photo by: Chelu Photos studela@usa.net

6 Cover Feature

Presenting the NMI’s Royal Court

8 Agriculture

Ranchers and farmers gather at fair

10 Dining

John Heart Resto & Catering

12 Community

Saipan Cares for Animals

15 Sports

Multi-talented Athlete Russelle Zapanta

We’re Online!

www.brmsaipan.com beachroadmagazine

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

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Hanson ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White REPORTERS Thomas Johnson PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Michele Blas Conrad Calma Jr. SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, July 2015. Entire contents copyrighted 2015 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

Celebrating

Liberation Day

Style in

By Joy White

JUNE 27 - AUGUST 16

This year’s Liberation Day festivities will be bigger and better than in previous years. The Mayor’s office of Saipan, the community and international marketing group Skywalker Communications Group has teamed up to spice up the annual festivities.

“Peace through diversity” is this year’s theme and celebrates the various cultures that call Saipan home, says Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang. The island’s diversity will be seen in this year’s parade, with each float showcasing a different culture.

“The theme is appropriate for this year,” Apatang says. “Different nationalities have contributed to the economy and the community and are part of the family of Saipan and the CNMI. We can all work together as one family, here.”

Launched at an opening ceremony on June 27, Kiki Chen, public relations manager of Skywalker, says this year’s celebrations are geared toward providing more fun and activities for the youth, including rides. Everything, from the vendors and new tent design never before used, will add to the experience.

The coronation ball crowning Miss Liberation Queen was Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang

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held on July 1. Five candidates competed for the crown and the opportunity to represent the NMI. Carnival activities at the Garapan Fishing Base have been extended to about50 days, with something new and interesting every week. In addition, the raffle prizes are bigger and better than in years past.

Live entertainments from bands are scheduled to perform all summer long. Some of these bands will be visiting Saipan from off-island and are sure to bring something new to the local music scene. Local rock, reggae and hip-hop group FKIE Zero and Saipan Music and Dance are scheduled to perform all summer long.

Another the new attractions during the Liberation festivities is the Talent Show competition starting July 5 through August 16 which will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Audience members will select the winners each week and they will compete for the grand prize at the end of the festival.

Fireworks are scheduled for the evening of July 4 over the Garapan Fishing Base to commemorate the occasion in style.

COVER FEATURE

Liberation Activities 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS T) NIGHTLY SIGHTS & SOUNDS (ENTERTAINMEN SOUVENIR BOOTHS FOOD & DRINKS GAMES LOTS OF FABULOUS CASH PRIZES! WEEKEND TALENT SHOW COMPETITIONS FLOAT COMPETITION CONCERT PERFORMERS FROM OFF-ISLAND

Skywalker Communications Group is looking forward to joining Saipan in commemorating Liberation Day. While the company is bringing its own flavors to the festivities Dr. Bo Hu, managing director of Skywalker Communications Group, translated by Kiki Chen, public relations manager, says the ceremony is both a solemn and family oriented event.

“We are aware of its historical importance and strive to be respectful to the local traditions and requirements. We hope to define the joy of being ‘liberated and free’ to all citizens of Saipan and the many international visitors to this beautiful island,” Hu says.

The company had seen the island’s economy growing, and decided to add its specializations — ranging from planning and investing in large scale commercial and entertainment events to international brand management and comprehensive television and print media advertising — to the buzz.

“Sixty years since Saipan’s independence [and] seventy years since the liberation of the CNMI. This must be an auspicious year

in which Skywalker can really showcase our organizational ability, creativity and passion to the people of Saipan,” Hu says.

“The kindness we sense from the local people, coupled with a solid dosage of ‘pacific pride’ strengthen our commitment to the island. We hope to be a positive contributor and a strategic partner to Saipan’s economic development,” he says.

Hu says he anticipates spending a great deal of time in the NMI and hopes to also call Saipan home.

Located in the Marianas Business Plaza, Skywalker communications also has offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Dr. Bo Hu, managing director of Skywalker

Kiki Chen, PR manager with Ms. CNMI Marianas Jian Joyner

COVER FEATURE

Royal reflections about Liberation Day

Photos of candidates by Chelu Photos.

The celebration of Liberation Day would not be complete without its Royal Court. Five young women have stepped up to represent their community. While only one will be crowned Miss Liberation Day Queen, each contestant represents her community with pride. The contestants share what Liberation Day means to them and how the events surrounding the day have impacted their lives today.

Mary Jane Paulus

Age: 17 Student at Kagman High School and Polynesian dancer for Fiesta Resort’s “Tasi & Ali’is” Daughter of Raquel Anon and Norlynn Paulus and sister to Mary Grace Anon, Jose Anon and Walter Paulus.

“It is the mark of the CNMI’s Independence Day [and] the memory of how our islands got to finally have the power and knowledge for ourselves. We’ve been lucky enough to have a history that promoted peace, mutual trust and friendships [and] that until this day, we celebrate for the veterans and each fallen soldier that has survived and fought for us.”

Elizabeth Britney Camacho Basa

Age: 16 Student at Kagman High School Daughter of Patrick and Valerie Camacho and sister of Veora Basa and Ursalyn Camacho.

“Liberation Day isn’t just a holiday, it is a special time to acknowledge the birth of our freedom and to honor all the brave soldiers who fought and have fallen to gain that freedom. It’s important that I know the history of our islands because history is what makes us who we are today. It’s impacted my life because I’ve learned to always appreciate how beautiful and strong our islands are today.”

All photos by BRM

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Stephanie Camacho

Age: 20 Guam National Guard 1224th Engineer Support Company Daughter of Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho and Cathy Casil

“Liberation Day has impacted my life by helping me realize how different the past generations have been — the challenges, struggles and achievements it took to get us where we are today. As a member of the U.S. National Guard, I understand the commitment and sacrifice in defending our country and the liberties we enjoy.”

Ashley Shennel Torres Tabilisma

Age: 18 Student at Northern Marianas College Daughter of Raymundo and Alicia Tabilisma and sister of Samson Ryan, Dominico Chris and Xyriel Lapaz.

“The story of Liberation Day has impacted me immensely. Thinking of the hardship that many of our people had to experience back in the day has taught me to cherish the things that I am capable of doing and has taught me to be thankful and embrace freedom. It has taught me that July 4th isn’t just a day to celebrate but also a day to remember those that gave their lives to serve their country and help those who were in desperate need of rescue. Liberation Day has affected my life immensely with the amount of festivities and family gatherings that now will become a lifelong tradition for not only my family but for others as well.”

Zolenska Marie Yaroitemal

Age: 19 Occupation: waitress, Laolao Bay Golf & Resort Daughter of Gina Ann R. and Pius P. Yaroitemal and sister of Zireen Rios and Pius Junior Yaroitemal

“Liberation day marks the most important day of our island. We are blessed to celebrate a day in history that will forever be remembered. Our people who fought for our rights have afforded me the freedom to live my life with hope. I can dream and chase after it, I can set goals and accomplish them, and I have the freedom to live, think and to experience and control the path of my destiny. I am forever grateful for our fallen soldiers who have fought for our rights.

I do not take for granted the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes that, in turn, have blessed me with countless opportunities. The sky is the limit.”

JULY 2015

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AGRICULTURE

Agriculture Fair

brings together farmers, celebrates upturn in industry

By Joy White

Photos by BRM

Agriculture in the NMI is picking up, says Michael Ogo, president of the Saipan Agriculture Fair Association.

The Saipan Agriculture Fair was held on June 27 and has historically brought together between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, including ranches, farmers and even gardeners planting ornamental plants on their residences.

The fair featured competitions for livestock and 90 categories for crop growers. The youth were also encouraged to participate with a mini-chef competition to make the best dish using coconut and an agriculture fashion show, organized by the 4H Program of the Northern Marianas College.

All three Mariana Islands had its own agriculture fair for the past two years, Ogo says. The fairs are usually held sometime from March to June, during harvesting season when there is an abundance and variety of crops available.

“Agriculture-wise, I think we’re in an upturn,” Ogo says. He says there is positivity in the air surrounding agriculture and many people are turning to the land for extra income or to put food on their own tables.

A growing economy and opportunity in the industry is one factor, Ogo says. With tourism picking and new businesses entering the market, “There is a demand for local products,” he says.

Example of successes in agriculture in-

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clude Rota’s success in exporting taro and sweet potato, and Tinian’s donne’ and cattle exports have seen some activity.

Many of the hotels, retail outlets and casinos are looking for fresh produce to offer clients and are turning toward local farmers for the supply.

Ogo says the local farmers are aware of the opportunities and summits between buyers and farmers have been held to open communication and discussion.

There are still some hurdles, such as consistency and variety, but local produce has the advantage of being fresh and largely pesticide free.

In addition, there are more outlets now for farmers to sell their produce.

In addition to the Garapan Public Market, produce can be sold at the Garapan Farmer’s Co-op Market.

Sustainability is also a goal for Saipan. Sustainable farming methods that are being utilized in Saipan include hydroponics and aquaponics. Hydroponics, a process used to grow crops without soil by using sand, gravel, water and nutrients, has been used by Isidoro Cabrera to grow lettuce that has been sold to hotels. Aquaponics creates a controlled ecosystem in which plants are fertilized by fish, and the fish eat the plants. This method is used by a Tilapia farmer on Saipan that is well-known for his products.

What is

ENVIRONMENT

coral bleaching?

S

tag horn corals in the Saipan Lagoon have taken a big hit over the last two years due to unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality. What is coral bleaching, you ask? Well, corals get their beautiful colors from microscopic algae that live within their tissues. It is this symbiotic relationship that makes coral reefs possible; the algae photosynthesize and provide some of the resulting energy and nutrients to the coral animal. The corals, in turn, use this energy to grow and deposit their skeletons, which form the foundation of coral reefs and provide habitat for many other animals. When corals get stressed, this symbiotic relationship breaks down and the algae are expelled from the coral tissue. Because the tissue of the coral animal is transparent (just like their cousins, the jellyfish!), what you see once the algae are gone is the bright white skeleton underneath. Although corals can recover from bleaching, death will occur if the stress does not subside soon.

Prolonged periods of abnormally high seawater temperatures are the major cause of large-scale coral bleaching worldwide. Unfortunately, these events are expected to increase in frequency and severity with global climate change. It is important that resource managers understand the patterns and extent of these events so that we can develop effective conservation and management strategies. As summer swings into full gear, you can help the BECQ marine monitoring team with these efforts by reporting any instances of coral bleaching. We need as many eyes on the reef as we can get! Also, keep an eye open for training and volunteer opportunities with BECQ and other local conservation and management agencies to help monitor and collect data on coral reef bleaching.

Healthy

Bleached

Dead

Contact BECQ at 664-8500 and ask how you can volunteer for local projects/clean-ups to help protect the environment.

DINING

Family-owned restaurant and catering business opens to the community

By Joy White

Contributed photos

A longtime cook and his family have opened a restaurant and catering business to share their love of food with the community.

John Heart Resto & Catering opened its doors on June 28, offering the community a variety of options for dining in and catering.

The restaurant is located on Chalan Piao, and offers a wide selection of food, including American and Asian favorites.

Owner Carmelito Asuncion opened the business with his daughter Rowena Dimalanta, who acts as the establishment’s manager. According to Dimalanta, the family had been entertaining friends and relatives for years and have often been complimented on their food and encouraged to open their own food business.

“My dad [has been] a cook for more than 30 years, and I also like to cook and love to create different kind of dishes. We love to cook — the whole family. We’re always making food for family gatherings and friends,” Dimalanta says.

She says the mission of the restaurant and catering business is to offer healthy and quality food that is delicious and reasonably priced.

The restaurant and catering business, named after Dimalan-

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ta’s son and daughter, is a new venture for the family and there is much to learn, but they are excited and looking forward to learning and the new experience, Dimalanta says.

John Heart Resto & Catering offers a variety of Filipino favorites, such as sizzling chicken or pork sisig, palabok and bulalo. Also on the menu are barbecue and fried chicken; salads, including spicy shrimp salad; soups, including corn and chicken soup with garlic bread; pastas, including crabmeat spaghetti, carbonara marinara, combination seafood spaghetti, spinach linguini, seafood linguini in cream sauce; full or half slabs of barbecued pork and barbecued pork skewer; and a wide selection of sandwiches and burgers.

Rib-eye steak and certified Angus beef will also be among the restaurant’s offerings, along with a variety of Chinese and many other dishes.

The restaurant opens for breakfast at 6 a.m. and serves lunch and dinner, closing at 10 p.m. daily. Lunch delivery is available with a minimum purchasing amount.

COMMUNITY

A soft s pot for str

ays

Community bands together to help animal population

By Joy White Photos by BRM

Local animal-lovers have banded together to help Saipan’s animal population. Saipan Cares for Animals was established in June with the help of the Humane Society International. The organization’s Hawaii branch visited the island to conduct research and conduct a spay and neuter outreach earlier this year.

Comprised of local volunteers, Saipan Cares for Animals works with the staff of the Saipan mayor’s office to care and find homes for stray dogs housed in the animal shelter, some of which were rescued by mayor’s office staff or volunteers and some of which were brought in by previous owners.

Spencer Marchadesch, program manager of the dog control program and animal shelter, says Saipan Cares for Animals has a Facebook page and will post photos and profiles of pets ready for a new home. The shelter is taking care of about 28 dogs and may soon turn its attention toward helping the cats in the community.

Jason Hudy, a volunteer with the program, says the focus right now is to promote the shelter and let the community know that it is open and that there are pets available for adoption.

With the help of volunteers in spreading the word,

the shelter has been getting a lot of visitors looking at the dogs and many have been adopted, Marchadesch says. “We just needed to find a better way to help animals. It’s difficult to do on our own with just the mayor’s office. We all share the same goal of wanting to help save our animals,” he says.

Marchadesch says he has had a soft spot for dogs and animals since his childhood, when he would spend time on a farm with his grandfather.

Hudy has also always been an animal lover, but his work with Saipan Cares for Animals is the first time he has worked with animals.

Volunteers assist by donating supplies for the care of the dogs, such as blankets and cleaning supplies. Some hotels have pitched in and donated tennis balls, Hudy says.

The adoption process entails a pet licensing fee and a donation to assist in the operation of the shelter.

The shelter is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and volunteers usually help out in the morning and the evening. The shelter can be contacted at 234-6408.

“It feels good that a lot of people are part of the program and that a lot of people want to help animals.

We’re going to do what we can,” Marchadesch says.

Volunteer Jordina Walker with Spencer Marschadesch with a recently rescued dog.

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A magical profession

ARTIST

By Joy White

Photos courtesy of Jason Hudy

As the saying goes, a magician never reveals his secrets, but magician Jason Hudy does reveal that he is enjoying Saipan and what led him to the stage.

Hudy has traveled around the United States performing in various theaters and venues. He and his assistant, Amber Alberts, moved to Saipan in January to perform for the Magic of Saipan show at the Sand Castle in the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Hudy has been practicing magic for most of his life. He saw a magician performing at a library in his hometown in Michigan when he was 12 years old.

The magician suggested that interested members of his audience check out a book on magic if they were interested. “And here we are 18 years later,” Hudy says.

As a young magician he learned a lot about the craft through books and the library, Hudy says.

“When I was18, I meet a group of older magicians that trained me … and I started developing my own magic after that,” he says.

Coming up with a new trick can be hard and expensive, Hudy says. But he tries to add a new element to his performance every year, and has been doing so for the past 10 years.

Hudy and Alberts have been performing together for about seven years. Despite his many years of performing, Hudy says he can still get nervous, especially when trying something new. “It’s definitely nerve-wracking,” he says, even though the performers have practiced the act many times before presenting it to the audience.

His act includes illusions and audience participation, much of which relies on visual appeal and very little speaking, as the audience is often made up of tourists from China, Korea or Russia.

Some of his more breathtaking acts include making a tiger appear from thin air and walking though a steel panel. Alberts also assists in acts, being patiently sawn in half and being made to disappear from a box and reappear in the audience.

“It’s all about seeing the audience out there.

[We] can see the smiles, hear the gasping, clapping, and we see the looks on their faces. It makes it all worth it,” Hudy says.

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SPORTS

From the alley to the green Multi-talented athlete seeks adventures through sports

By Joy White

Ruselle Zapanta, 2nd from left, with members of the Tan Holdings Football Club, Men’s Team U18 & U15, Matansa U18 & U15 Football Club gather for practice at the Ada field in Susupe on June 20.

Photos by Minda Castro

Twenty-eight year old Russelle Torre Campo Zapanta is looking forward to representing the NMI internationally in the bowling and soccer arena.

Zapanta bowls in the Philippines Bowling Association and aims to win local titles. He has been bowling since he was young and was inspired to continue to the sport through exposure to professional bowlers. At about 12 years old he traveled with the NMI team to Cebu, Philippines, for the Asian Schools Tenpin Bowling Championships.

“It was nice to be given the opportunity and get exposed to international competition. Seeing other athletes playing at top level only encouraged and motivated me to be better,” Zapanta says.

His bowling titles include Monthly King of the Lanes in June 2015 and November 2014 and he has consistently placed in the top five. In the fall, he is looking forward to competing in the Asian Intercity Bowling Championships in Malaysia.

Zapanta is also active in soccer as a member of the Tan Holdings men’s team, the NMI men’s national team and as a referee and coach with youth teams.

He competed with the Men’s National Team in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Nepal and the East Asian Football Federation qualifiers in Guam. “Coming from an island nation that is new to football, going out on the pitch and playing alongside top athletes from bigger footballing nations is a feat,” he says.

Zapanta became involved in soccer in late 2009 after a tour in the U.S. Marine Corps. He played some soccer as a youth, but decided to pick it back up again, when he got older.

“Since I’ve been back in Saipan [and] tried out for the NMI NT, I just try to work hard, learn and develop my skills as quick as possible,” he says.

Being part of the men’s national team has brought him a lot of pride in representing the NMI and getting the islands’ names known outside of the Pacific.

“It’s an honor to be selected to represent one’s country, especially when you can make a mark and stamp your name in the history books. The joy and excitement of being a part of the NT when we got our first international win over Macau is priceless and will always be a memorable experience,” he says.

Zapanta hopes to continue to develop his skills and to help uplift the community and the youth through his involvement in sports.

“Being involved in sports, whether it be football or bowling, opens the door for different opportunities. Through my involvement with both sports, I’ve been able to travel and experience different things. You meet new people, learn new things. It’s a fun adventure and I’ll continue to seek adventure,” he says.

JUNE JULY 2015

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SOCIAL EVENTS

The Queen of the World Title is at stake CONTRIBUTED BY THE BAYANI ASSOCIATION

In celebration of its 14th year anniversary, the Bayani Association has a special treat — not only for the Filipino community, but for the entire NMI as well.

It will showcase beauty, fashion, wit and talent that of the gay community that will surely entertain the viewing public: the Queen of the World Beauty Pageant. Contestants of the gay pageant will compete in categories including national costume, lingerie wear, talent, evening gown and a question and answer portion.

A fundraising event, the pageant will be held at Royal Taga at the Hall, Saipan World Resort on July 18. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the pageant will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 from all respective candidates, Bayani Officers and members.

The Queen of the World Beauty Pageant candidates are Chris, Laura, Bernadette, Jolly, Sunshine, Rica, Georgia, Macy, Nestea, Tammy, Milkshake, Joanne, Babes and Anne.

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According to Event Director Ernie Molina, it has been 12 years since the last Queen of the World Pageant was held. It’s back and Molina is happy to announce that there are new contestants competing this year and they will be representing different countries of their choice by wearing fabulous costumes appropriate to the countries they are representing. The costumes were designed and created by the contestants themselves. Molina added that they are receiving good reviews from members of the public and they are excited to watch the event.

Bayani President Mario Mayuga humbly assured that all

candidates will not leave empty handed.

Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and the Spirit Award will also be given with a cash prizes, along with sashes and bouquets. The Texter’s Choice Award winner will receive a tablet from IT&E The Queen of the World title and first, second, third and fourth runners-up will each be receiving a cash reward, a crown, sash and bouquet. All non-winners will receive a consolation prize of $100 cash and certificates of participation.

The Bayani Association thanks its major sponsor, IT&E, and other sponsors such as the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and PHI Pharmacy.

For more information, contact Bayani President Mario Mayuga at 285-1021, Vice President Leony Mendoza at 2877563, Event Coordinator Annamae Adaza at 483-5237 and Director Ernie Molina at 789-8212.

ď ´The organizers of Achieve CNMI, Inc. held a parent orientation for the 8-week summer youth program at Civic Center, Susupe on June 19.

Achieve CNMI is a non-profit organization that promotes the physical fitness and well-being of youth in the CNMI under the CCDF-DCCA grant.

ON THE ROAD

The promotional ceremony for Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Junior High School was held on June 10.

(From left) Edmund Villagomez, Eric Palacios, Connie Camacho and Victor Cabrera, all teachers at Hopwood Junior High School.

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(From left) Christine Tudela and Vinni Orsini, promotion ceremony emcees.

ON THE ROAD

“Congratulations to Little Miss San Antonio 2015, Arielle Legaspi, and Little Mr. San Antonio 2015, Martin Orot.” Also shown in photo are Arielle’s siblings Angel Sean and Almond Dominique.

Photo was taken on June 20.

“Congratulations on your promotion to sixth grade at Hopwood, Master Jose Mendiola.”

Members of Out of the Ordinary Band.

Photo taken at June 14th Pistang Pinoy in Susupe.

JULY 2015

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