An example in education Parent leaders step up
Crafted with care
Saipan Brewery builds craft beer scene
Woven wonders
Newspapers turned into works of art
MARCH 2017
ABOUT THE COVER
4-5 Cover feature Parent Leadership program paves the way for children
6 Special feature Happiness in hospitality: PIC Saipan's Yoshihito Shibahata
(Seated, from left) Vivian T. Sablan, administrator, Division of Youth Services; Junie Masga, community development specialist DYS Parent Education Services; Miel Jewel Lim Mabaquiao; Jada Lynn Tomokane; Caydince Raine Masga; Tess Masga; Jacquileen Mabaquiao, and John Oliver "Bolis" Gonzales, chairman, Parent Advisory Council. (Standing, from left) Anthony S. Tomokane and Louie I. Camacho, chairman, CNMI’s 2017 Parent Leadership Committee. Photo taken at Kilili Beach, Susupe. Photo by BRM
7 Calendar March events
8 Business Tap into Saipan Brewing Co.
10-11 Health Inner strength: Bone health
12 Sports Keith Longuski: More than a win
14-16 On the Road Event photos and special messages
17 Arts & Crafts Bring the garden indoors with a terrarium
18 Recipe Buffalo wings
We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com
beachroadmagazine
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 REPORTER Lara Ozaki PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Josiah Almosara SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, March 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.
Cover
Parent Leadership paves the way for children By Joy White Photos by BRM Participants of the Parent Leadership program received recognition on March 3. The Parent Leadership program builds and encourages partnerships between parents and professionals in education to better provide education and other services for school-aged children. “We believe that teachers and parents share one goal, and that is that each of their children gets an education in a safe and friendly place. That cannot happen without respect for all parents and teachers. We have such respect for other teachers and parents out there trying their best to reach this goal,” say Liza and Ricky, parent leaders and the parents of a 9-year-old girl. The Parent Leadership approach moves away from traditional family-serving programs that did not include parents in the decision making for school program development, delivery of services, operations and administration. The leadership program teaches parents the skills to become leaders and encourages them to be involved in the community and decision-making activities that impact their children. Parents can become leaders by taking on roles in planning, implementing and evaluating family support programs and by participating in broader system reform efforts. Being a parent leader means getting involved in one's child’s education, Liza says. Involvement could be as simple as talking with one’s child about the school day, reading to the child, attending the child’s school functions, and assisting other parents, she says.
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“A successful education for children cannot be accomplished without parental involvement. Parents are the key.” - Liza and Ricky, parent leaders
Recognition of 2017 Parent Leader Nominees.
Cover
Master of Ceremonies John Oliver Gonzales, who is also one of the 2017 Parent Leader Nominees.
As parent leaders, Liza and Ricky participate in a parent support group. “I think the most important part of being a good parent leader is to never be afraid to seek out help or advice if you need it and also share with others what works ,” Liza says. Liza and Ricky also participate in projects and activities to promote healthy lifestyles, such as taking regular walks as a family. It’s never too late to get involved in a child’s education, Liza and Ricky say. Parent leaders assisted in organizing a training workshop for other parents this March. Participating organizations included the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Division of Youth Services Parent Education Services, Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research and Extension Education Services, the Motheread/ Fatheread literacy program, Joeten Kiyu Public Library, Common Guidance Center Systems of Care, Good Shepherd Counseling Services, Green Meadow School and Ayuda Network Inc. Guest speakers were John Gonzales, Judge Kenneth Govendo, Commonwealth Cancer Association, Marianas Behavioral Health International Inc. and Lino Olopai. “Although the CNMI recognizes and proclaims the month of February as Parent Leadership Month, work must continue around the clock to highlight the many opportunities for parents to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to help build strong, healthy and happy families in the CNMI. This celebration includes the call for greater partnership opportunities to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect,” says Vivian T. Sablan, administrator of DYS. “Parent leaders are powerful advocates. They are the ‘parent voice’ for other parents to help shape the direction of families, programs, policies and communities. For the past 13 years and working forward, it is the intent of DCCA-DYS to continue to heighten awareness and resort to parent leaders who are and will always be our number one tool/resource in engaging other parents in such prevention efforts,” she says.
Candido Ada, 2017 Parent Leader Nominee from ChaCha Oceanview Middle School. MARCH 2017
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Special Feature
Happiness in hospitality: PIC Saipan’s Yoshihito Shibahata By Joy White Photos by BRM
About Yoshi Family: Chika, wife, and Shiyori, daughter Hobbies: Scuba diving, horseback riding and carpentry Favorite book, movie or television show: “I enjoy books, movies and television shows that relate to economics, finance and history. While I spend most of my time working and with my family, I find some moments to indulge in these interests from time to time.” Yoshihito Shibahata has cultivated a career making hotel guests smile during their visit, and joining the Pacific Islands Club Saipan team in November was a natural fit for him. Shibahata graduated from the University of Denver in 1988 and became a management trainee with The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, managed by Hilton Worldwide. Since then, he has worked at various hotels in the United States, Japan and Guam, including Waldorf Astoria & Towers and Park Central Hotel in New York, Hilton Pasadena in California, Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, Hotel Nikko Guam, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Guam. During his decades in the industry, he has met famous people and seen much, but at the end of the day, he most appreciates his co-workers, his family and barbecues. BRM: What do you miss most about your hometown? Shibahata: My original hometown is Tokyo, but I have spent 12 years in New York City, eight years in Denver and prior to coming to Saipan, 16 years in Guam. I miss the people, culture and food from Guam, especially the barbeque. Fortunately for me, living in Saipan allows me to maintain ties to local culture and the food. BRM: Having been in the hotel industry for 29 years, what stands out to you most about your experience? Shibahata: When I was growing up, I often dreamt of meeting famous people and heads of state. I realized my dream soon after joining the Waldorf Astoria, where I met celebrities and world leaders within my first year.
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I thought that was very exciting, but after meeting all of them, I found my new joy: the people I work with. They’re the ones who I grow up with and with whom I gain more experience. I try to elevate our team to the next level of customer service to provide our guests a memorable stay. If I am successful, that is my joy. BRM: What are your plans for PIC Saipan in 2017? Shibahata: 2017 is an exciting year for our hotel. We are about to embark on an extensive renovation to our guest rooms as well as a multi-million dollar waterpark expansion. Our goal is for all of the guests to stay happy and safe as we work to improve our facilities. I am honored to work with such a talented and dedicated team that is well-equipped to provide our guests with the highest level of PIC style of service throughout our renovation. BRM: What is your advice to others who want to enter the hotel or hospitality industry? Shibahata: When you look at a hotel operation from the outside, it looks very flashy, but there are many preparations to make everything look that way. When people see the hotel, it looks like a fun place to be, but we make it fun. We’re the ones who have to work for it. When the guests enjoy all that we have to offer, we’re the ones working, so you really have to love hospitality and customer service. Also, if you choose the hospitality field, be creative and challenge yourself. Keep an open mind and never forget that every single guest is different. They do not fit into one category; it’s not cookie-cutter work. All guests have different backgrounds and different needs.
March 2
March Events
Sunset Health Walk & Run Time: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: Trongkon Dao’ok Pavilion Admission is free. Free health outreach and screening after the activity. For more information, contact the Office of Women’s Affairs at 664-2659 or 989-4561.
March 3
DYS-DCCA Parent Development Workshop Time: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Multipurpose Center
March 18
Xterra Saipan Showtime: 5 a.m. Location: Micro Beach For registration information, visit xterrasaipan.org.
March 18
Hopwood Junior High School’s “Hilitais Walk for Health” Time: 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Route start: Susupe
March 25
3rd Annual Marianas Muscle Competition Time: 3 p.m. Location: Multipurpose Center Admission: $10 Entry fee: $15 For more information on contestant entry and rules, contact John Davis at 789-9211 or email johnhdavisjr@gmail.com.
March 25
12th Annual Saipan Marathon Events: 50k race, marathon, half marathon and 10k race Start times: 50k and marathon – 4 a.m.; half marathon – 5 a.m.; and 10K – 5:45 a.m. Race packet pick-up is on from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 24 at the Paseo de Marianas. Entrance Fees: U.S. and local fee: $55 for the 50k/marathon and $45 for the half marathon/10k High school/junior high students: $30, school ID required International fee: $90 for the 50k/marathon and $60 for the half marathon/10k Looking ahead:
April 1
Red Cross Walkathon
MARCH 2017
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Business
Steve Sablan, left, and Jay Wolfe, right, have a combined 15 years of experience in brewing craft beer.
Saipan Brewing Co. is owned and operated by a team of two husband and wife pairs. (From left) Jay Wolfe and Phuong Luu and Steve Sablan and Marissa Afllehe-Sablan.
By Joy White Photos by BRM Craft beer enthusiasts and brewmasters Steve Sablan and Jay Wolfe are working to revitalize Saipan’s craft beer scene. The pair, along with their wives, Marissa Aflleje-Sablan and Phuong Luu, operates Saipan Brewing Co., where they brew, package and distribute craft beer locally using their own recipes. “The way we brew, it’s really science and art,” Wolfe says. “You have to know a lot about biology, chemistry and engineering. You have to understand how the chemicals react with one another. The art part is developing the recipes. That’s what makes it craft. It’s not how many bottles you make; it’s that thought that goes into the recipes and the innovation.” The brewery debuted its products at the Liberation Festival in June 2016. The team developed recipes using local flavors and ingredients, such as mango, pineapple and coconut. A signature product of the brewery is the Pika Pale Ale, made from the local Donne’ Sali Pepper. The brewery has offered seasonal products, such as pumpkin pie flavored beverages for Thanksgiving and others using spices such as orange peel and coriander. In addition to craft beer, the brewery also produces hard cider and sodas. “We’re doing pretty well,” Sablan says. Saipan Brewery Co. is available at major bars in Saipan, as well as at major retailers such as Joeten Supermarket. In late 2016, Saipan Brewing Co. opened a taproom with 10 types of beer on tap at Everest Kitchen for customers to sit, relax and enjoy their products.
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Wolfe and Sablan have years of experience in brewing. Wolfe began brewing beer about 10 years ago for the enjoyment of himself, family and friends. His interest in craft beer was sparked while he was in college when a friend gifted him a sampler pack of 12 different Samuel Adams beers and he liked all of them. Now, his favorite craft beers include Belgian style beers. Sablan’s first craft beer was a Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA. He admits at first he didn’t like it, but it was always available in his refrigerator and it grew on him. Now Sablan’s favorite craft beers include Pliney the Elder Double IPA by the Russian River Brewing Co. He began brewing his own beer after his wife gifted him a brew kit on his birthday about five years ago. Sablan and Wolfe noticed that Saipan did not have a good selection of craft beers in stores, nor did it have a brewery, and they developed the idea to stimulate a craft beer scene in Saipan. “We wanted better beer for all of Saipan,” Wolfe says. In March, Saipan Brewing Co. will host a St. Patrick’s Day event at its taproom featuring authentic Irish beers. The community will also see the team out and about at festivals and events. Plans are underway for a craft beer festival in April. For more information on upcoming events, check out the Saipan Brewing Co. Facebook page.
Health
INNER STRENGTH By Joy White Women’s History Month celebrates women and is an opportune time to recognize the unique health issues women face. Women are particularly prone to bone loss and osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens the bones which could lead to bone fractures and breaks. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, of the total number of Americans with osteoporosis, about 80% are women, and a woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. One of the causes of bone loss and osteoporosis is low estrogen levels. A woman’s estrogen level may drop at different stages of her life. Menopause is when women are most likely to experience large drops in estrogen. Breastfeeding mothers produce may less estrogen as well. While a physician can suggest ways to maintain estrogen levels, there are also diet and exercise improvements that assist in maintaining healthy bones. Calcium and vitamin D are important in maintaining healthy bones. About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, and the nutrient is crucial for their function and growth. Calcium is an especially important nutrient for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as developing babies in and outside of the womb need calcium to grow and their initial source is from their mothers.
Foods that contain calcium include milk, yogurt, white beans and spinach. In addition, some foods may have calcium added, which is indicated on the nutrition facts label. Other nutrients, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and protein, also help build strong bones and can be found in milk, lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables and oranges. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. The nutrient is produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. To produce enough vitamin D, health experts recommend getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight on the hands, arms and face, two to three times a week. However, the time depends on an individual’s sensitivity to light and skin color, as well as the amount of pollution in the air. Vitamin D can also be found in foods sources, such as cooked salmon and egg yolks. Milk is often fortified with vitamin D as well. In general, exercise is a building block of a healthy lifestyle. However, to combat bone loss, women should incorporate weight-bearing exercises into a fitness routine. Weight-bearing exercises help the body form new bone tissue. Some examples of weight-bearing exercises are dancing, jogging, running, jumping rope, lifting weights and tennis. For those who are at a low level of fitness, exercising on an elliptical training machine or a stair-step machine are low-impact options. In addition, aerobics can be tailored for different levels of fitness.z
Sports Profile
More than a win
Race fosters friendship By Joy White For the final quarter of a mile at last year’s Saipan Marathon, 10-kilometer participant Keith Longuski ran with Shiji Shiratori from Japan, who was competing in the half marathon. They crossed the finish line at the same time, both taking first place in their divisions. Though neither spoke the same language, the two shared the moment. “We came in arm-in-arm. It was very fun. We congratulated each other but couldn’t say it in words,” Longuski says. His finishing time for the 10K was 37:43. Longuski will be returning to the Saipan Marathon on March 25 to participate in the 10K. Now in its 12th year, the event includes a marathon and half marathon, as well as a 50K and a 10K course, which start at American Memorial Park at Micro Beach. The Saipan Marathon is more than a race; it’s an opportunity to build camaraderie with athletes from different countries. “[The Saipan Marathon] was great. It helps to see runners from different countries that go to attend. It’s exciting to see new faces,” Longuski says. Originally from Michigan, the 32-year-old moved to Saipan about three years ago and works as a physician’s assistant at the Commonwealth Health Center. He has always lived an active life. He was an athlete in high school and at Kansas Park University, where he attended college, winning state championships and becoming a national qualifier for running events.
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Keith Longuski, center, receives his award after placing first in the 2016 Saipan Marathon’s 10-kilometer race. Photo courtesy of Marianas Visitors Authority
“I attend almost all road races on Saipan as long as I’m on island,” he says. In preparation for the race he runs five days a week. The route for the race is one he runs every day and one of his favorites. “It’s nice to see the blue water. [The race is] picture perfect for tourists as well. There’s a nice breeze, too,” he says. For more information about the Saipan Marathon, checkout BRM’s events calendar on page 7.
Special Feature
MARCH 2017
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On The Road
The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival was held on Feb. 18 and 19. Contributed photos
The Transpacific Group of Companies celebrated the Lunar New Year with a Lion Dance at the Transpacific Business Center. Photos by Maureen N. Maratita
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On The Road The San Jose Parish and Father Charlie held a fundraiser on Feb. 12.
Photos by BRM
The production of Love Heals held its final performance on Feb. 18 at the Multi-Purpose Center.
Photo by BRM
Hopwood High School Principal Rizalina Liwag (third from left), Vice Principal Christine Tudela and Parent Student Teacher Association officers at a meeting on Feb. 8.
Contributed photo
The staff of Pacific Islands Club Seaside Grill and Manager Meya Sunil on Jan. 19.
Photo by BRM
Anderson Ramon of the Pacific Islands Club Saipan housekeeping staff says hello to BRM readers.
Photo by BRM
MARCH 2017
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On The Road
“Congratulations, John Glenn Larin and Joy Ann Larin, on your wedding.�
From friends of the bride and groom.
(From left) Mayor David Apatang of Saipan, April Isaacson, Rezalina Barcinas, Jonas Barcinas, John Glenn A. Larin, Joy Ann G. Larin, Marivic Fernandez, Baby Khalil RJ Barcinas, Loveleen Davis, Khaicee Jorizza Barcinas and Liezel Taguiam. Contributed photos
William S. Reyes Elementary School celebrated its 70th anniversary and held the Coronation of the Royal Court 2017 and Family Fun Night on Feb. 17.
Photos by BRM 16
MARCH 2017
BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS WITH A An indoor terrarium, which is like a miniature garden in a box, is the perfect addition to a home or office. In addition, the plants used are generally sturdy and require minimal care. Materials • A glass or clear container, such as a large glass jar, vase or lantern or an unused aquarium or goldfish bowl. The container can be opened or closed. Open terrariums need to be watered more. • Gravel to act as drainage to prevent overwatering • Horticultural charcoal to prevent odors from excess water • Sheet moss to serve as a barrier between soil and gravel • Soil, dampened before placing into the container. • Plants – Ideal terrarium plants are those that can thrive in low-light and are slow growing, such as ferns, succulents, cacti, philodendron, golden pothos or fittonia, or a combination. Consider the type of container being used. A closed container will create humidity, for example, and will require a plant that thrives in this type of climate.
Terrarium
Arts & Crafts
• Decorations, such as small figurines, shells and colored pebbles or stones Directions 1. Wipe the sides of the container to get rid of smudges that could prevent light from going through. 2. Layer the materials onto the bottom of the container, with gravel on the very bottom, followed by the charcoal, then the moss and finally the soil. The gravel and soil should Take up about a quarter of the container. 3. Place plants in the soil. Play with the arrangement to create an eye-catching display. 4. Decorate the inside of the terrarium. 5. Keep the terrarium in a spot that gets a few hours of sunlight a day. 6. Water the plants in the terrarium. A closed terrarium need only be watered sparingly. A small amount of condensation on the sides of the terrarium indicates that there is the right amount of water, while a fogged up terrarium means there is too much water. Another good way to tell if the terrarium needs watering is if the soil is dry or the leaves of the plants are wilting.
MARCH 2017
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Artist
Coaxing art from debris:
Sylvia Daguitan
By Joy White Art can be found in the little things, as contemporary artist Sylvia Daguitan proves in her handicrafts. Daguitan transforms old newspapers that most would throw away into eye-catching and useful pieces to be cherished.
“In my craft, recycling old newspapers is a great help to the community and environment because I make baskets, fruit trays, candy jars, pen holders and more.” - Sylvia Daguitan While attending school in Baguio City in the Philippines, Daguitan learned weaving, crocheting and embroidery. Her interest grew into a hobby to include other handicrafts, like cross-stitching. Her crafts were first displayed at American Memorial Park in 2013 upon the invitation of the Northern Mariana Islands Council for Arts and Culture and were most recently available at the Christmas Bazaar in December at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. She is proud to display her work and is inspired by the people that appreciate her craft.
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Under Sylvia Daguitan’s hands, old newspapers become works of art.
The mother of four multitasks as she creates her pieces, often watching television as she puts together her crafts. Daguitan advises other artists to be patient when developing their craft. “It takes interest and willingness to learn something, and when you learn it, you will love and enjoy doing it,” she says.
Recipe
by Mary Ann Q. Lizama Ingredients • ¾ cup all-purpose flour • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon salt • 20 pieces chicken wings • 1/2 cup melted butter • ½ cup hot sauce Materials • Baking sheet • Aluminum foil • Cooking spray Directions 1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. 2. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and salt into a plastic bag. Shake to mix. 3. Add the chicken wings and toss until well coat ed with the flour mixture. 4. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour. 5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). 6. Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. 7. Dip the wings into the butter mixture. Then, place back on the baking sheet. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 min utes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and is crispy on the outside. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking to cook evenly.
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