Beach Road Magazine - June 2017

Celebrating Dad

Wishing dad the best on Father's Day

Part-time Picassos Finding time for art

Bayanihan in the NMI

Residents celebrate Philippine Independence Day

JUNE 2017

ABOUT THE COVER

Faces of fatherhood (From left) Tirso Adriatico, Cuki Alvarez and Tai Doram.

Photographed at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Photo by Larry Lee

4-6 Community Father figures

7 Calendar June events

8-11 Culture Philippine Independence Day

12 Fitness HIIT: the customizable workout

16-19 On the Road Event photos and special messages

20 Special feature Green Meadow School

22-23 Artist Profile Gregorio Villegas Bacnis Jr. and David Ireneo

24 Recipe Chicken kelaguen

We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com

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

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Hanson ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White REPORTERS Lara Ozaki Julian L. North CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Marcus Villaverde GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Dueñas PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVES Minda Castro Norlyn Cabrera MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, June 2017. Entire contents copyrighted 2017 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.

Special Feature

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June Events Every Thursday from June 1 to July 1 Beginner’s Chamorro Literacy Class

June 20 to 22 Junior Ranger Camp

Hosted by CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Family Literacy Program Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in June and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 1 Location: Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Admission is free.

For more information, contact 235-7319/783-7678 or email cnmimotheread@gmail.com.

Hosted by American Memorial Park and Pacific Historic Parks Open for children 9 to 12 years old.

To register, call 234-7207 ext. 2020, or email Brooke Nevitt at brooke_nevitt@nps.gov or Jovannalyn Moses at jmafnas@pacifichistoricparks.org.

June 11 Pistang Pinoy - 119th Philippine Independence Day celebrations Time: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Marianas Business Plaza

June 24 2017 Saipan Tagaman 51.50 Triathlon Start time: 6 a.m.

Location: Start at Kanoa Resort Saipan and end at Kilili Beach Price: $180 for an individual; $300 for a team Registration deadline: June 20 For routes and to register, visit saipantriathon.com

June 13 to 15 29th Pacific Islands Environmental Conference: “A Sustainable Pacific: Preparing for Change, Voyaging with Knowledge” Location: Saipan World Resort Registration: Advanced tickets - $50 for three days and $20 for one day; At the door - $75 for three days and $30 for one-day.

For more information, visit http://deq.gov.mp/.

To be included in our calendar of events, submit details to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

Culture

By Joy White

The Filipino community of the Northern Mariana Islands will join their countrymen and women in celebrating Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

Philippine Independence Day, known as Arawng Kasarinlan or Arawng Kalayaan, which is Tagalog for “Day of Freedom,” commemorates the Philippine declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.

Filipinos around the world will be celebrating the holiday, giving rise to bayanihan, which means “being in the nation, town or community.” The phrase refers to the spirit of communal unity, work and cooperation to achieve a shared goal.

Marlon Regaton, president of the United Filipino Organization (CNMI) Inc., says bayanihan is one of the many things about his heritage of which he is proud.

Regaton is originally from Norte in the Bicol Region of the Philippines and has been a resident of the NMI since 2004. He is also the founding member and president of UFO’s AKAP-Pinoy Inc., a group for culinary students.

“[I am proud of] our wonderful culture, colorful heritage and our optimistic attitude towards life — that despite the hardships and challenges in life, we Filipinos still get to put a smile on our faces. ” - Marlon Regaton 8

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For Laura Ogo, a nurse at the Commonwealth Health Corp. and a graduate of the nursing program at the Northern Marianas College, the festivities remind her that she is able to enjoy her life in the NMI because of the events of Philippine Independence Day. Ogo describes her home in the NMI as humble, but peaceful, safe and the best place to raise her children. “I believe people here are very family-oriented. I feel safe living in the CNMI,” she says.

A nurse of 10 years, Ogo her work in the NMI allows her to make a difference in the lives of others, including children.

“Nurses do so much for so many. Whether I am helping patients — being in immunization I know I will be a part of a child’s life by protecting them from preventable diseases — to comforting families and teaching students, our days are always loaded but very rewarding,” Ogo says.

Her life with her family and her job would not be possible without the events of Philippine Independence Day, she says.

“Philippine Independence Day will remind one about our independence, kalayaan, from the Spanish rule. It describes the courage and bravery of our heroes and leaders of our country. Because of that, I can decide where to live,” she says.

Richard V. Babac applies the lessons of Philippine Independence Day to his daily life and passes on the lessons to his children.

“Independence Day is something that we need to cherish and be truly grateful for. Our heroes fought and did sacrificed to a lot give each and every Filipino the freedom to live equally. This inspires me inside to also teach my children how they should enjoy and preserve this right. It also helps make me vigilant in watching everything that’s happening around me. Nowadays, terrorism acts are a threat to destroy the freedom that we are enjoying at present,” Babac says.

He invites others of the Filipino community to continue to work together to preserve the rights of freedom in the NMI and in the Philippines.

Culture

In profile: Filipinos of the NMI

Marlon Regaton • Sales manager of Bestseller Bookstore • President of the United Filipino Organization (CNMI) Inc. Y2017 2018 • Founding member and president of AKAP-Pinoy Inc., a group for culinary students • Native of Daet, Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region, Philippines • Resident of NMI since 2004 • Husband of Mellany Regaton

Photo by BRM

What inspires me about Philippine Independence Day: "The enthusiasm to showcase and share who Filipinos really are, our identity and our culture. Showcasing such an event not only inspires patriotism amongst Filipinos, but also imparts our customs and traditions to our youth and to our host, the CNMI. It is just like opening a photo album to a guest and having a glimpse of who and what we are back home."

Laura Ogo • Nurse, Division of Public Health Immunization Program • of the Commonwealth Health Corp.

• 2005 graduate of the Northern Marianas College • Native of Pangasinan • Wife of Norman Joseph Hocog Ogo • Mother of Rose Marie, Kevin Joseph and Therese Joy What I love about my heritage: I am proud of my birthright as a Filipino because we are hardworking, hospitable and optimistic toward life. We also have a beautiful country.

Photo by BRM

Richard V. Babac • Electronics and communications engineer at Armatech, commissioner of the Honda Car Philippines Basketball Tournament and former referee of the Philippine Basketball Association • Native of Ilocos • Husband of Imelda Aquino Babac • Father of Lhance Tyrone, 19; John Stephen, 14; and Franz Matthew, 11.

What I love about my heritage: "From a simple family, my parents taught me how to be respectful, responsible and most of all, simple. That's why they said Ilocano are kuripot, or stingy. But in reality, the Ilocano just know how to prioritize their expenses. They are responsible and can make sacrifices, whatever it takes to take care of their parents. I am just repaying my parents for what they have done for me."

Contributed Photo

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Celebrants participate in the 2016 Pistang Pinoy. The annual commemoration this year of Philippine Independence Day is to be held on June 11 at the Marianas Business Center.

Celebrating NMI - born Filipinos The Filipino community of Saipan is to celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day with the annual Pistang Pinoy on June 11 at the Marianas Business Plaza.

The highlight of the event is the "Batang Pinoy, Batang Saipan – Isang Prangal", which means “A Filipino Child, A Child of Saipan – A recognition.”

The United Filipino Organization will recognize the achievements of 15 Filipinos born and raised in the Northern Mariana Islands. The event is similar to a practice in the Philippines to recognize successful individuals as the “Prides of the Town” and is meant to motivate and

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inspire others, especially the youth, to strive further in education and to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Individuals will be recognized in the following categories: arts, academics/education, entertainment, government and military service, science and engineering, sports and charity work. The event will include a video presentation from the honorees about their achievements and experiences growing up in the NMI.

Honorees will receive a plaque of recognition and a Proud Batang Pinoy, gift bag, and gift certificates.

Community

Fun facts about the Philippines • About 175 ethnolinguistic groups inhabit the Philippines, including the Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Visayan and Cebuano groups.

• The islands were dubbed "the Philippines" after King Philip II of Spain.

• The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, at about five miles long, was the longest subterranean waterway in the world until the discovery of a six-mile long underground river in Mexico.

• The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built about 2,000 years ago and remain as they would have been in pre-colonial times.

• The world's largest Christmas lantern was illuminated in San Fernando, Pampanga on Dec. 24, 2002. The structure was about 88 feet in diameter and cost $100,351.25.

• A Filipino named Roberto del Rosario is the first patented producer of the karaoke machine.

Photos by BRM JUNE 2017

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Fitness

HIIT

the customizable workout

By Joy White

H

igh-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a versatile workout for all fitness levels. HIIT is an exercise strategy in which one cycles between short bursts of high-intensity activity and low-intensity activity for an allotted period of time or number of repetitions, or reps. HIIT workouts can help improve one’s cardiovascular system and metabolism and burn calories in a relatively short amount of time.

When doing the high-intensity activity, the participants goes at full power, then during the low-intensity activity, the participant slows down to about half of the effort put into the high-intensity activity. Each activity lasts about 20 to 30 seconds, or a participant can dedicate a certain number of reps for the activity.

A HIIT workout can be as simple as sprinting for 30 to 40 seconds, then jogging or walking for 15 to 30 seconds.

Participants can also alternate between different exercises, such as jumping jacks, push-ups, chin-ups or lunges, to create a varied workout.

To tailor to one’s fitness level, HIIT participants can repeat the cycle of high-intensity activity and low-intensity activity as many times as they are able or can incorporate resting periods of 10 to 30 seconds between cycles. Equipment, such as weights, a stationary bike or a treadmill, can be incorporated based on preference and availability.

Tips for developing a HIIT workout: o As with any workout regimen, drink water to stay hydrated and seek medical advice if one has health concerns.

o Don’t forget to start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down, such as stretching. o Strive to improve. Yes, one should pace oneself and can tailor a workout based on fitness level, but one should also strive to improve, either doing more reps of the cycle or adding more intensity. o Don’t have a stop watch? Simply commit to doing a certain number of the exercise. Instead of doing jumping jacks for 30 seconds, do 20 to 25 jumping jacks.

Sample HIIT workout Warm-up Cycle 1 Burpees – 30 seconds Plank – 60 seconds Cycle 2 High knees – 30 seconds Lunges – 60 seconds Cycle 3 Mountain climbers – 30 seconds Leg lifts – 60 seconds Cycle 4 Squat jumps – 30 seconds

Wall sits – 60 seconds Cycle 5 Speed skaters – 30 seconds Tricep dips – 60 seconds Repeat twice for a 15 minute workout.

Incorporate 10 to 15 second breaks between cycles as needed.

Cool down

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On The Road

The Marianas March Against Cancer was held on May 5 at Hopwood Junior High School campus.

Photos by BRM

“Congratulations, Kat Beri Villa, on your graduation from Northern Marianas College.” — Transpacific International Inc. 16

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"Congratulations on your graduation, Maxine Rabago, BRM’S Best Mom 2017 essay contest first place winner."

On The Road

“Congratulations to Saipan Community School's 2017 Valedictorian, JBoy Tudela Sablan. You always make us proud. We love you.” — Mom, Shirley and family

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad. You are the best and we love you.” — Wife and children of Tom Basa Jr.

Photo by Corey Shadow

“Happy birthday April celebrants, Mathieu, Wendy, Gloria and Barbara.” — With love from the Vox Angelics

NMI artists represented the islands at the Guam Micronesia Island Fair held from May 3 to 7.

Courtesy of the CNMI Arts Delegation

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On The Road

“Congratulations to Jayrald Steven Batallador Mercene from Marianas High School Class of 2017.” — Love from mom, dad and friends

“Congratulations to Nicole Malasarte for being Cadet of the Year 2017 at Saipan Southern High School.” — With much love from mom, dad and siblings

Anaiah celebrated her birthday on May 5. “Happy first birthday to Aniah Marcello.” — With much love from mom, Donna, and dad, Sonny 18

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Hopwood Junior High School held the coronation of Mr. and Miss Hilitai 2017 and a family fun night on May 19 at its campus.

Photos by BRM

On The Road

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship Hi’ialakai docked on Saipan in the final week of May.

Photos by Corwin Shadow

The Transpacific International Inc. group of companies held a family fun day on June 4 at Susupe Park.

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Special Feature

WHAT'S NEW AT Contributed by Green Meadow School

GMS? •

First grade enrollment and new classroom in Gualo Rai Green Meadow School has opened its enrollment for first grade students at the Gualo Rai branch this coming school year, 2017 - 2018. In line with this, a new room is being constructed for the incoming students.

For inquiries, please call 235-2185, 234-0898 or 2336452 (Gualo Rai).

Little Miss and Mr. GMS Coronation Night After three canvassing events, the winners in the first Little Miss and Mr. GMS were crowned on May 12 at World Resort. The prestigious judges were: the Honorary Consul Eli Arago, Mr. Orlando Santos Jr., Annamae Adaza, Mr. Obet Aguilar, Mr. Paul Legaspi, Ms. Jenalyn Tinio, first runner-up Miss Pusong Pinoy 2017, and Miss Marianas Teen 2016 Palanga Taimanao.

The winners of the pageant are: • Little Miss GMS 2017: Brielle V. Malonzo, who was also named Miss Charity, Darling of the Crowd and Miss Photogenic • First runner-up: Miel Jewel Mabaquiao, who also won Best in Gown and was named Miss Talent • Second runner-up: Nirvana Krisles Elena Wolf • Third runner-up: Jaime Andrea Palabay, who was also named Miss Friendship • Fourth runner-up: Mary Joy Pasaylo 20

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Little Mr. GMS 2017: Lysander Vince P. Domingo, who was also crowned Mr. Friendship • First runner-up: Paul Andrei Bernardo, who also won Darling of the Crowd and was named Mr. Talent • Second runner-up: Iandre Ranin, who was also named Mr. Photogenic • Third runner-up: Jon Trevor Ortiz, who also won Best in Suit and was named Mr. Charity • Fourth runner-up: John Rey Daca

15th Foundation Day Celebration The initial celebration of the Foundation Day of Green Meadow School was a bang.

Parents, students, family members, teachers, staff and the administration were wearing their team colors as they joined in the fun on May 20 at the Fil-Com Pavillion in Susupe, Saipan.

The event started with a parade followed by the lighting of torch. Fifth grader Danielle Nicole Sacramento led the Oath of Sportsmanship to remind everyone to play fairly and just to have fun.When the games started, young and old alike jubilantly participated and cheered for each other.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the team champion. Mrs. Milagros Songcuan awarded each family in the champion team a medal and a commemorative T-shirt.

The sun shined brightly throughout the all-day festivities, and the GMS family had the best day ever!

Artist

By Joy White Artistic talent can be displayed by people from all types of backgrounds.

Artists Gregorio Villegas Bacnis Jr., a security guard, and Irineo Quizon David, a contractor, both turn to painting and drawing in their spare time to express themselves artistically.

Bacnis has worked as a security guard since he came to Saipan in 1996. He also worked as a security guard in the Philippines before he came to the Northern Mariana Islands. In his spare time, he designs comic books. His preferred mediums are charcoal pencil and pastels.

“Painting and illustration has been my passion since I was 7 years old. I was already painting people, comic pictures and illustrations,” Bacnis says. “At a young age, I was already fond of sketching and drawing people, sometimes without them knowing it. In the Philippines, my sideline job was painting family portraits.”

Bacnis further developed his skill while he was living in Makati City in the Philippines, when a friend taught him some painting techniques. From 2001 to 2004 he took an online art course on charcoal, pastel, water color, acrylic and oil painting at Stratford Career Institute.

In 2016, Bacnis earned the Governor’s Choice Award in the Bridge Capital art competition during the Flame Tree Festival for an acrylic painting titled “Respect.”

He gains inspiration by reading books about the arts and from well-known Filipino comic book artists and illustrators that serve as his role models, such as Mar Santana and Rico Rival.

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Photo by BRM taken at the 2017 Flame Tree Festival.

"Old Man by the Sea", Bacnis entry to the 2017 Bridge Capital's Art Competition during Flame Tree Festival.

Artist

Photo by BRM taken at the 2017 Flame Tree Festival.

David works for CMI Saipan, a general construction contractor. His passion in painting began when he was about 8 years old. In his adulthood, he began perfecting his current specialty, skinless leaf painting, He also works in pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, watercolor and acrylic and oil paints. His favorite subject to paint is nature.

David was inspired to expand his skills as an artist after the first sale of his artwork.

“I first started painting and drawing using pencil.

My first artwork using pen and ink was displayed in my brother-in-law’s gallery [in the Philippines], and an American customer bought it for about $7. I was very happy with my first sale which inspired me to do more paintings, sometimes using charcoal. Later on, I started trying painting with colors using watercolor, acrylic and oil,” David says.

His work has been showcased at various exhibits hosed by the CNMI Arts Council and has appeared at the Garapan Street Market and various holiday bazaars held by schools. His piece “Banana Blossom” won first place in the 2016 Bridge Capital art competition during the Flame Tree Festival.

Both Bacnis and David advise aspiring artists to be diligent in pursing art and practicing one’s technique.

Bacnis says that if one has a dream to succeed in art to “go for it.” In addition, keeping one’s skills active is essential.

“If possible, paint or draw every day. Sometimes when you stop painting for a long time, it’s like you will

need to start all over again. So practice every day,” he says.

David encourages all to continue to do what brings happiness, even if one is pursuing art as a hobby.

“If as a hobby you love to draw or paint and enjoy doing it, just continue. Do not stop. Continue to do the things that inspire you and make you happy,” he says.

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Recipe

Chicken Kelaguen Contributed by Joanne May Tudela Tomokane

Ingredients •

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8-10 pieces barbecued chicken thighs or deboned and diced rotisserie chicken Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup grated coconut 1/2 cup or more green onions 1/4 cup fresh ginger, minced 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced 4-6 freshly squeezed lemons Titiyas, or Chamorro tortillas 8 Thai chili peppers (optional)

Directions 1. Season

chicken with salt and pepper and the barbecue.

2. In a bowl, mix grated coconut, green onions, minced ginger, diced yellow onion and freshly squeezed lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix all ingredients well. Add to diced chicken.

4. Serve with titiyas and with diced chili peppers, if desired.

Note: Titiyas is derived from the Spanish word “tortilla,” a flatbread made from corn or wheat flour.

Submit recipes and photos to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

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