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BRM s Best Mom Melanie Q. Rabago
Mother knows best Moms, grandmas share wisdom
Making the plays Coach talks football
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ABOUT THE COVER
(From left) Mikaela Alexia Q. Rabago; Melanie Q. Rabago, BRM's Best Mom; and Maxine Alexandra Q. Rabago. Melanie Q. Rabago was entered in BRM's Best Mom contest by her daughter, Maxine. See story on page 4. Photo taken at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.
4-6 Cover feature Beach Road Magazine's Best Moms of 2017
Photo by Larry Lee larrylee33@gmail.com
7 Calendar May events
8-9 Mother's Day Motherly wisdom through the generations
10 Health Depression: A global issue
12 Artist Music for all: Walden & Violy
16-18 On the Road Event photos and special messages
20-21 Sports Football coach John Blanco
22 Special Feature Mangrove green tips
24 Recipe Ensaymadang ube
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 SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Marcus Villaverde SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong
Beach Road Magazine, May 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 Feature
BEACH ROAD MAGAZINE’S BEST MOM OF 2017 By Joy White | Photos by BRM Beach Road Magazine asked the island’s public and private school students why their mom is the coolest and received 178 submissions. Through blind judging, in which the contestants’ names were not revealed to the judges, the submissions were narrowed down to the top three winners. First place and “Best Mom” was awarded to Melanie Q. Rabago, who was entered by her daughter, Maxine. As the “Best Mom,” Rabago received prizes valued at $500. A member of the wait staff of Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Rabago often works on the morning shift on Mother’s Day, and since her husband also works that day, the family celebrates early. “We just eat out and drive around the island. I’m lucky to have a husband who makes me feel that every day is a Mother’s Day and I’m thankful for that,” she says. The first runner-up was Grace Milad Brooks, entered by her son, Anhkiet Milad Huynh Jr. Brooks received prizes valued at $300.
The second runner-up was Florentina Ibarra, who entered into the contest by her daughter, Lesly Ibarra. Ibarra received prizes valued at $200. The families each say they will celebrate with a dinner and a special gift for mom.
BRM’s Best Mom received gifts and prizes on April 20 at the Transpacific International Inc. offices. (From left) Tom Basa, consumer sales manager, Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc.; Maxine Rabago; Melanie Q. Rabago, both first place winners; Leilannie Salvani, administration and human resources manager, Transpacific International Inc.; and Minda Castro, product representative, Beach Road Magazine.
My Mom can’t fly Or shoot lasers from her eyes. She has no superhero powers. Still, after working for hours and hours, She comes home with a smile on her face And a heart bigger than space. Her superpowers may be zero, But she’s more amazing than any other hero.
1st Place BRM’s “Best Mom”
Submitted by Maxine Rabago, 13 (From left) Maxine and Melanie Q. Rabago 4
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Cover Feature
Kind, considerate, helpful. These are only a few words that describe how great my mom is. As years pass by, she remains that one person that is continuously there for me. Thoughtful and selfless, she’s everything my family needs. She’s the first to encourage and last to give up.
First runner-up
Submitted by Anhkiet Milad Huynh Jr., 13 (From left) Richard Brooks, Erin Dominique Huynh; Anhkiet Milad Huynh Jr. and Grace Milad Brooks.
My mom is the coolest because of her ability to dance in crazy, funny and cute movements to any upbeat song. She is not a superhero with powers, but her being able to love, support and laugh with me whole-heartedly makes her the coolest mom ever!
Second runner-up
Submitted by Lesly Ibarra, 15
(From left) Lesly and Florentina Ibarra
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Cover Feature
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
BRM’s Best Mom, the first runner-up and second runner-up share their excitement.
BRM’s Best Mom, first runner-up and second runner-up, their families and Best Mom sponsors gather at the award presentation on April 20.
BRM’s Minda Castro accepts gift certificates donated by KFC for BRM’s Best Mom contest.
L&M Enterprises provides sponsorship for BRM’s Best Mom contest. 6
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BRM accepts prizes donated by DFS for BRM’s Best Mom contest.
May Events May 5
Marianas March Against Cancer Time: 6 p.m. Location: Hopwood Middle School soccer field For more information, visit www.ccamarianas.org. May 6, 13, 20 and 27
19th Annual Taste of the Marianas Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Fishing Base Admission is free. May 26, 27 and 28
Marianas Trench Fishing and Seafood Festival Event start times: 4 p.m. on Friday; 7:30 a.m. on Saturday; 7:30 a.m. on Sunday Fishing Base The event includes a Fun Family Ocean Fishing Derby, “Guihan Dash” Kid’s Run for children ages 12 and under, Ocean Art Show, paddle boarding, seafood preparation competitions, including contests for making kelaguen and poki and entertainment including, music, demonstrations and face painting. For a full schedule of events, visit www.marianasfishfestival.com
To be included in our calendar, send event details to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.
Mother's Day
Motherly Wisdom Through the Generations By Joy White Lessons on motherhood and life are taught and retaught through the generations. BRM learned about some of this wisdom from talking with two mothers and their daughters, who are now mothers of their own. A mother’s work is never done Humility, respect, love and moral strength are characteristics Damigo Hickson learned from her mother mble, loving and respectful but also to stand up for my beliefs and the rights of others when I must,” says Salas of her mother. Salas now works to instill in her children the same core values and the importance of making friends, being generous and kind to others and being loyal to loved ones, while being mindful of unkind people and being taking advantage of, she says. In addition, grandma is very much involved in her grandchildren’s lives. “[I am involved in their lives] by spending my time with them, teaching them the same les-
Damigo Hickson and her three grandchildren, Hinanaorai, Tama, and Tahj.
sons and values I taught my daughter and always telling them and showing them how much I love them,” Hickson says. Time with grandma is an opportunity for the children to learn. “Like most close families in the island custom, she is as much a teacher of life, love, wisdom and tradition as she can be whenever we are together,” Salas says. The message gets through loud and clear, as the children take the lessons from grandma to heart. “[We learned that] you can be tough but you can also be kind and loving,” say Hickson’s grandchildren, Tama and Hinanaorai.
(From left) Damigo Hickson and her daughter, Tanya Salas. Contributed photos 8
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Mother's Day Across the distance Rose M. Ulloa Sablan and her mother, Rosalia C. Ulloa, are separated by oceans, but their mother-daughter bond remains strong. “I must admit, many times my heart aches to know that my children only see her through video chat, but I’m thankful that they get to see her and that they know who she is and know how much she means to me,” says Sablan, who is a mother of three. Lessons passed on to her from her mother to daughter include perseverance, respect for others and oneself and forgiveness. Ulloa makes sure she shares these lessons, also taught to her by her own mother, to her six other children and her eight grandchildren. “I taught my daughter to never give up, always be herself and to never let anyone put her down, respect others and to forgive another,” Ulloa says. “I teach my grandchildren what I’ve taught my children.” Sablan says her mother led by example and she will follow suit with her own daughters. “I tell my girls all the time that it’s the best thing to do. In order to be happy, not just outside happiness but in the inside is what really matters,” Sablan says.
Bonding through motherhood When the daughters became mothers, a new dimension is added to their relationship with their own mothers. Salas and Sablan have gained new a understanding and appreciation for their mothers. “I have greater wisdom and understanding of many of the lessons she was trying to teach me when I was young and stubborn. We are actually closer now that we can relate to each other on the same level as mothers,” Salas says. “My daughter and my relationship has bloomed. When in doubt she comes to me seeking advice on motherhood or to just simply hear her thoughts on her ways of parenting. It melts my heart to know that she can count on me even to just listen,” Ulloa says. “I now see all the greatness of love and laugher, all the struggles of pain and frustration, all the wonderful moments that every second has to count. I now know what she’s seen before and more. I know I’m an awesome mom because of my mama,” Sablan says.
BRM: What would you like to tell each other this Mother’s Day? Damigo Hickson: To my only child, my daughter Tanya, thank you for blessing me with my grandkids, and continue to be the best mother that you are to my grandchildren. I am very proud of you. Tanya Salas: I’d like to wish her a wonderful Happy Mother’s Day, thank her for all she’s done for us and for always being there and remind her how loved and appreciated she is.
(From left) Rosalie C. Ulloa and Rose M. Ulloa Sablan
Rosalia C. Ulloa: I’m very proud of you, my daughter, for all the achievements you have accomplished in life, most especially your little family. You’ve kept your head up high no matter how hard the struggle was, and through it all you have gained great happiness in life itself. Rose M. Ulloa Sablan: Mama, you have a heart of a lion yet are as sweet as a rose petal. You are beautiful inside and out. I will always be thankful that you’ve given me a beautiful life to embrace. Thank you, Mama, for never giving up on me.
Contributed photos Rose M. Ulloa Sabla and her daughter, Maxi Ann, 16 months.
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Health
A GLOBAL ISSUE By Joy White
The World Health Organization in March announced its global campaign to combat depression called “Depression: Let’s Talk.” According to WHO’s latest estimates, more than 300 million people globally live with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. “Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease,” WHO states. Depression can be a risk factor for noncommunicable disorders and diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. In turn it can be a byproduct of the diseases. In addition, depression can lead to substance abuse, self harm and suicide, which is a leading cause of death in many countries. “Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer,” WHO states on its website. Other symptoms of depression include loss of energy, changes in appetite and sleep pattern, anxiety, reduced concentration, indecisiveness, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life, WHO states, and can affect a person’s ability to function at work, school and in the family. WHO recommends the following for those who think they may suffer from depression: • • • • • • • •
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Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Most people feel better after talking to someone who cares about them. Seek professional help. Your local healthcare worker or doctor is a good place to start. Remember that with the right help, you can get better. Keep up with activities that you used to enjoy when you were well. Stay connected. Keep in contact with family and friends. Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk. Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits. Accept that you might have depression and adjust your expectations. You may not be able to accomplish as much as you do usually. Avoid or restrict alcohol intake and refrain from using illicit drugs; they can worsen depression. If you feel suicidal, contact someone for help immediately.
Artist
Music for all: WALDEN AND VIOLY
By Joy White Walden Beri and Violeta “Violy” Lapuz are a duo with an act that spans all cultures and genres. Their repertoire includes songs in English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Malaysian, Bangladeshi, Chuukese, Palauan, Chamorro, Carolinian, Russian, Fijian, Yapese, Tahitian, Filipino and Hawaiian. With Beri at the piano, the husband and wife duo performs music from the 1960s to the 2000s, including jazz, bossa nova, reggae, cha-cha, rock and roll, hip-hop, disco, swing, waltz, tango, ballads, standard songs, boogie and pasa doble. If the audience requests it, they perform it. Beri and Lapuz keep up with trends in music via the internet, but also know how to maintain a lively atmosphere. “We usually sing and enjoy performing danceable numbers so our audience can dance and enjoy,” they say. Having performed at various events and venues in Saipan since the 1980s, the couple saw an opportunity to perform on Guam and hopes to perform in Las Vegas and Japan in the future. “Our goal is to travel and perform in different places and different countries,” they say.
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Though they perform a wide range of genres, they have their favorite artists. Lapuz’s favorites are Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Engelbert Humperdink. Beri admires Matt Monroe. Lapuz worked for many years as an accountant in Saipan, and Beri is an entrepreneur, operating a music studio and mobile service business in Cavite, Philippines, but performing for diverse audiences is their passion. “Our performances at Liberation Day festivals and other events are memorable because of the huge audiences of different nationalities,” they say. Their oldest son, named after Beri, inherited their musical genes. He is pursuing a musical career in Malaysia. Beri and Lapuz encourage other artists to explore and develop their individual and unique talents. “Our advice to aspiring performers is to always be yourself and be humble. [And] do not compare yourself to anybody because every musician or group has their own style,” they say.
Contributed photos
On The Road
Schools, businesses and community organizations came out to support the American Red Cross Saipan Walkathon held on April 1 in Saipan, Rota and Tinian. Winners were selected in the following categories: Most number of walkers (school) First place: Oleai Elementary School Second place: William S. Reyes Elementary School Third place: Garapan Elementary School Most donated (school) First place: Oleai Etlementary School Second place: Agape Christina School Third place: Mt. Carmel School Most donated (individual) First place: Isabel Carreon of Oleai Elementary School Second place: Matthew Sablan of Mt. Carmel School Third place: Ella Ping Li Stephenson of Grace Christian Academy Fourth place: Latisha DeJesus of Oleai Elementary School Fifth place: Sophia Chen of Oleai Elementary School Sixth place: One An of Saipan Community School Seventh place: Cloe Lizama of Oleai Elementary School Most donated and most number of walkers (business and government agencies) Best Sunshine International Most Spirited Aid Station Saipan Young Professionals Photos by BRM 16
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On The Road The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library hosted a proclamation signing for National Library Week on April 6.
Photos by BRM
Mariana Pacific Distributors Inc. donates to the 2017 Gold's Gym Challenge. (From left) James Lee, beverage sales manager, Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc.; Tyce Mister, general manager, Gold’s Gym; and Guy Pudney, resident manager, Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc.
“Happy 11th birthday to Ariel Legaspi on May 5.” Much love from mom, dad and family Contributed
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On The Road
Practitioners of indigenous and cultural arts, music and crafts displayed their talent at the Flame Tree Festival held from April 20 to 23. Photos by BRM
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Sports
TACKLING SPORTS AND LIFE About Coach John S. Blanco Institutional development director and athletic director at Mount Carmel School (Knights) Head coach of CNMI Sharks Most memorable recent game: CNMI Sharks match against Guam in July. “We held the lead, then lost it in the span of a few seconds in the final minute of the game. A yin-yang experience for me, I guess, but certainly a game to remember.” Outside of coaching: Chairman of the School Attendance Review Committee of the Public School System Board Of Education, president of Biba Marianas LLC, which does business as Sablan Topline Co., and president of Blanco Estate Inc. Family life: Husband of Pearl Blanco; father of Calvin Ehsa, Juan Blanco and Lisa Blanco; and grandfather of Liam Tasi Ehsa Photo by BRM
By Joy White BRM: What is your coaching philosophy? Blanco: I expect my players and fellow coaches to give 100%, whether at practice or in a game. At times I feel that football, and sports overall, mirrors life in some regards, or at least the life we should live. To that end, I expect a lot out of them, and I will not hesitate to let them know that, should the need arise. I would say that if you step onto the field, then do so with full conviction. Be loyal and true to the sport. Honor the game and those that engage in it. Stay humble and display good sportsmanship not only to your teammates and coaches, but to your opponents as well. I can honestly say that some of my closest friends
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are the guys I played and coached with and against. Be a team player. Be a student of the game and work to do the best you can at whatever position you are given on the team. BRM: What are your expectations for the athletes you coach? Blanco: We don’t get paid to play or coach football. We all have lives outside of the sport; I understand that. I just expect that if you make a commitment to the team, then by all means, commit. I reinforce this, whether I am talking to players individually or to the team during pep talks during or after practice.
Sports
BRM: Describe a coach’s role as motivator and role model for the players on your team and others. Blanco: In many respects we either play the big brother in the adult ranks or the father figure in the youth teams. I can’t speak for all coaches but my feeling is that I do what I can to be a positive role model in that player’s life. BRM: What is it like working with both adult and youth athletes? Blanco: I can certainly say that the dynamics are somewhat different, at least when dealing with football here on Saipan. In the adult ranks, I often serve as a player coach, where I suit up if we get short-handed out in the field. I am surrounded by guys who are way better players than I will ever be and others that have also been coaches in their own right. Often times, it is not uncommon for
players stepping up and doing their part and helping us coaches plug up any holes in our game plan. This is important given our situation here in the islands where all the players and coaches have their own respective work, family and other responsibilities outside of football. With regards to our youth players, the roles are more established and clearly defined. As coaches, we understand the role we play and know that we are the authority figures on the field, and we expect the players’ undivided attention. We bark out the directions; the players adhere to it. For obvious reasons, it’s a refreshing approach after dealing with the more complex adult team situation. BRM: How do you improve as a coach from year to year? Blanco: With coaching clinics and networking with other coaches and organizers in the United States, Hawaii, Guam and Asia. There is still a lot to learn about the game and you never really stop being a student of it.
Contributed Photo
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Special Feature
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Recipe
Ensaymadang ube Purple yam puff pastry Submitted by Maryann Lizama
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2 teaspoons of rapid rise yeast 1 cup of sugar, divided 3/4 cup of warm water 4 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra flour to sprinkle on dough when kneading 2 teaspoons of salt 2 large eggs 1 and 3/4 cup of evaporated milk, divided 1/3 cup of vegetable shortening 2 cups (one package) of mashed or grated purple yam (“ube”) 300 ml (one can) of condensed milk Melted butter, to taste Grated cheese, to taste
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Mixing bowl Greased bowl Damp cloth Sauce pan Muffin tin Oven
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1. Dissolve yeast and one tablespoon of sugar in water. Set aside. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and the remaining sugar and salt, mixing until completely incorporated. 3. Add the yeast and sugar mixture, eggs, ¾ cup evaporated milk and vegetable shortening. 4. Mix into a dough. 5. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. 6. Shape dough into a ball. 7. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with damp cloth and let rise until double in size. 8. While the waiting for the dough to rise, make the filling by combining the condensed milk, grated purple yam and 1 cup evaporated milk in the sauce pan. 9. Cook the filling on medium heat, stirring until it turns into a thick paste. Set aside. 10. When the dough has risen, punch it and divide equally into four pieces. 11. Roll each piece into a log. Sprinkle divided dough with flour to make rolling it easier, but do not put too much. 12. Cut each log into small pieces, and roll thinly into four-by-two inch rectangles. 13. Spread the filling in the center of the rectangles. 14. Roll into logs and twirl into shape. 15. Place each piece in a muffin tin. 16. Let rise until it doubles in size. 17. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. 18. After removing the pastry from the oven, brush with melted butter and top with grated cheese.