Beach Road Magazine - May 2015

Another Celebrating year mom of art

34th Mothers Annual share Flame their Tree experiences Arts Festival

Celebrating Who’s bad-minton?

37 years Athlete Andy Galves and beyond Mariana Resortthe & Spa All about Rhythmby N’the Harmony Married sea

students love for song AnMHS Island Styled share Wedding

May 2015

ABOUT THE COVER (From left) Chailang Palacios, Frances Sablan, Shirley Sablan, Rebecca Flores, Nelida Atalig and Guadalupe Sabino.

Photo by Marco Averion marco@averionphotography.com

4 Cover feature Motherly love: Profiles of Saipan moms

18 Music Youth express themselves in Rhythm ‘N Harmony

20 Community Non-profits offer helping hands

24 Restaurants and dining See what’s brewing at Cha Café & Bakery

26 Business Toy store to open doors in Garapan

27 Sports Athlete Andy Galvez talks badminton

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 Bryce Guerrero 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, May 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

By Joy White Photos by Marco Averion

Nelida Bisnar Atalig

Although she is a community leader, Nelida Bisnar Atalig finds the time to check on her children, wherever they are. Atalig is the mother of Christian B. Atalig, 36; Adeloisa B. Atalig, 34, and Kahra Atalig Penalosa, 19, and is the wife of the late Pedro M. Atalig.

In addition to being a mother, she is also the owner of Don Pedro’s Restaurant on Middle Road in Garapan.

Her youngest daughter recently married, and Atalig went to help her settle into her new home in the United States.

“I took time to buy her all her needs, from kitchen [supplies] to personal necessities, so when she will be back in the states with her new husband, everything is ready for her,” she says.

Atalig became a single mother after her husband passed away in 2005. She was faced with handling the household

expenses, in addition to looking after her and her children’s futures.

During that time, she says, one of the biggest challenges was seeing to their education despite her own health concerns.

“With the right focus on goals and with the help of my husband’s investments and insurance, as well as my own, I was able to overcome the obstacles and challenges of being a single parent,” Atalig says.

Despite these challenges, Atalig says she sees her children growing to be good, loving, respectful, intelligent and valuable members of the community.

Atalig follows her own mother’s example of taking good care of the family and instilling in her children the values of love and respect to both family and to others.

“With the right focus on goals and with the help of my husband’s investments and insurance, as well as my own, I was able to overcome the obstacles and challenges of being a single parent.”

— Nelida Bisnar Atalig

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MAY 2015

Cover Feature

Shirley Ann Tudela Sablan

Shirley Ann Tudela Sablan is a career woman and mother. She is the executive vice president and general manager of Pacifica Insurance Underwriter Inc. and mother of Annabelle Soledad, John Paul, Jason, Jesus Roman, Soledad Maria and Jose Peter Sablan.

A typical day for Sablan involves balancing her personal and professional responsibilities, but she meets the challenges head on and sees being a mother as the greatest job in the world.

“With my kids grown and now between toddler years to teenhood, I am out of the sleepless nights and diaperchanging phase. I now get to play board games or share meals with them without worrying too much about the little things,” she says.

Despite her professional duties, she put her family first. “I had to find

ways to satisfy all parties without doing any harm,” Sablan says, which could be tough at times.

When it comes to child-rearing, Sablan works to teach her children about humility, upholding their religious faith and the importance of respect, lessons she herself lives by that were passed on to her from her mother. Sablan says her own mother is quiet, kind-hearted and loving.

“She respected who I was and the decisions I made, but she would correct me when I went off course. I can hardly recall a time when she was angry. ... She definitely has made a considerable impact in my life, especially in my role as a mother, because I knew that the lessons taught me throughout the years were on point and significant in my overall being,” Sablan says.

“With my kids grown and now between toddler years to teenhood, I am out of the sleepless nights and diaper-changing phase. I now get to play board games or share meals with them without worrying too much about the little things.”

— Shirley Ann Tudela Sablan

MAY 2015

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Cover Feature

Guadalupe Chiuten Sabino

Guadalupe Chiuten Sabino is fondly called “Nanay Lupe”. Nanay means mother in Tagalog. She is active in the community and in several fitness clubs.

“I am probably the oldest lady either in badminton, ballroom or exercise group and win the honor of being a mom to everyone,” Sabino says. Her late husband is Dr. Henaro Sabino.

All of Sabino’s children are doctors and live in the United States She is the mother of Angelica Montes-Sabino, Henaro Sabino Jr., Mary Ann Sabino and Mary Lou Sabino; and grandmother of 10 children ranging from the ages 1 to 24 years of age.

Sabino is a long-time educator, having taught math at the Philippine Women’s University, Yap High School, Marianas High School, Hopwood Junior High School, Northern Marianas College and Mt. Carmel School. “But now I am retired and just enjoying life,” Sabino says.

“I instilled [in my children] the value of education, the importance of honesty and hard work. When they were growing up, I checked their homework, made sure they did their chores around the house. Weekdays were study time, Saturdays were work times and Sundays were pray time and play time as a family,” Sabino says.

Sabino’s own mother had only an elementary education, so she made sure Sabino and her siblings got college degrees. This inspired Sabino to make sure all her children also got their degrees before marriage in order to have a better life.

Keeping them on the right track was always her goal, but Sabino admits there were times she had to let them lead their own lives. “The toughest time was when they were growing up and made their own decisions. Sometimes I had to compromise to meet halfway to make peace,” she says.

“I am probably the oldest lady either in badminton, ballroom or exercise group and win the honor of being a mom to everyone.”

— Guadalupe Chiuten Sabino

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Cover Feature

Frances Manibusan Sablan Frances Manibusan Sablan is the mother of two grown children, Annale’ Sablan Torres and Edward John Sablan.

She also has four grandchildren — Edward Joseph and Te’ana Jolei Torres and Edelisha and Ryder John Sablan - and a granddaughter-in-law named Lara San Nicolas.

As the matriarch of the family, Sablan takes on the duty of waking up her family for work and school, preparing breakfast and lunch and dropping off her son-in-law to work.

While the family is going about their day, Sablan — a retired educator — works with her parish youth group, teaches Catechism once a week and does some janitorial and grounds keeping services.

She shows her love for her family by maintaining communication with them, watching their favorite shows or playing their favorite games, and, of course, through cooking.

All the while, Sablan promotes, teaches and practices Chamorro, speaking the

language with her children and using it in her texts and emails. Also important is the custom of mannginge — showing the elders respect by kissing their hand or cheeks, and the elders giving their blessing in return.

As a mother, the greatest reward is feelings of gratification, pride and fulfillment, along with reciprocated love. But there are challenges. She says, “As a mother, I try to protect or shield my children and grandchildren from negative experiences, but I know in my heart that they will have to experience the consequences of their actions, no matter how painful it is for them and me,” she says.

Sablan says she sees herself following in her mother’s footsteps. “My mother was a hard-working woman who loved gardening and family traditions, such as the Novena for Baby Jesus (Nino Jesus), and practiced her faith and volunteered at her parish church and others,” she says.

“As a mother, I try to protect or shield my children and grandchildren from negative experiences, but I know in my heart that they will have to experience the consequences of their actions, no matter how painful it is for them and me.”

— Frances Manibusan Sablan

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Cover Feature

Rosa Tudela Palacios

Rosa Tudela Palacios, also known as Chailang, is an aunt who takes her role in helping raise her nieces and nephews to heart.

“Being an aunt, grand aunt and great aunt, the advantage is seeing them growing peacefully and trying their best to grow to become unique individuals,” she says.

The youngest of her charges is 16 months old.

When visiting, Palacios’ nieces and nephews are encouraged to go barefoot and enjoy nature.

She keeps her family healthy by preparing vegetables and homegrown fruits, such as mansanita, guava, star apple and mountain apple.

She also encourages healthy activities for her family and their children, like helping in the garden or swimming.

An educator, she also works with students, teaching them to be respectful, joyful and helpful. She encourages her students to write or sing about their emotions in a journal.

“My toughest experience as an aunt, grand aunt and great aunt is seeing children that don’t get along and they’re selfish, instead of helping and being kind to one another,” she says.

She tries to pass on the lessons her mother taught her, which are encourage kindess and give to people in need.

“Being an aunt, grand aunt and great aunt, the advantage is seeing them growing peacefully and trying their best to grow to become unique individuals.”

— Rosa Tudela Palacios

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MAY 2015

Rebecca Jingco-Flores

Although her stepson is an adult now with his own place, Rebecca Jingco-Flores still makes him feel welcome when he visits.

“We spend quality time together when he’s around ....t I like to prepare his favorite foods, which are mostly Filipino foods. We talk about his work, my work and his passion, which is cars,” Jingco-Flores says.

On a daily basis, Jingco-Flores is a mother figure to students at William S. Reyes Elementary School, where she works as a counselor. Her work with students ranges from designing programs helping students recognize their strengths, talents and skills to help them achieve their goals; working with teachers and administrative staff to promote these lessons; offering individual, group or classroom counseling; organizing activities; coaching clubs; and

chaperoning school trips.

Although she has numerous responsibilities, “The rewards of seeing students feel good about themselves, being hopeful and confident, thinking positive thoughts in spite of adversities in life is very rewarding,” she says.

She believes mothers are a child’s first teacher. “Mothers are special people. We can all become mothers to the children we care for - even though they may not be our biological children - by nurturing them and loving them unconditionally,” she says.

Her mother “has always inspired me to fulfill my vision, to dream big, aim high and work for it,” she says. Among the lessons she taught were to value and share one’s blessings with family and that charity begins at home.

“Mothers are special people. We can all become mothers to the children we care for - even though they may not be our biological children - by nurturing them and loving them unconditionally.”

— Rebecca Jingco-Flores

MAY 2015

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SUMMER PROMOS

AT CK!

Anything tech related can be found at CK Computer Service & Internet CafĂŠ. The cafĂŠ offers services for faxing, scanning, copying and printing important documents; and is a great place for the fun things, too, such as playing video games and communicating with family and friends abroad through Skype.

CK also does lamination, designs and prints business cards, photo retouching and computer repairs, including rebooting MacBooks, replacing screens of cell phones and laptops, and even ink refilling. They also boast to be one of the few shops, if not the only shop, that can fix computer motherboards.

Quality products are also available, including the most popular products such as

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MAY 2015

tablets, laptops, headphones, webcams, speakers, cellphone cases, chargers, USB items and a lot more products for work or personal use.

In March 2015, CK renovated and transformed one of its spaces into a photo studio for ID and passport photos, family photos including framing and lamination, individual and family portraits and wedding photos. Photo packages for weddings, birthdays and any occasion are also available and negotiable.

Visit CK, cross KFC and Townhouse Shopping Center along the main Beach Road in Chalan Kanoa. For more information and inquiries, call (670) 234-8998 or stop by.

Showing mom some love BRM asked readers about their plans for Mother’s Day. “I really miss my Inay Gloria, who is in the Philippines, but even if we are apart, we try to keep in touch always because I love her.

Happy Mom’s Day to all!”

– ELENA ESPIRITU manager, Friendship Enterprises

“This Mother’s Day, I will treat my wife, Lorna, at Mariana Resort and give her a new purse as a gift.”

– CESAR CALALANG manager, CK Mailex Box Rental

“I will surprise my mom, Vicky with her favorite chocolates. “ – ABIGAIL PADILLA 7th grade, San Antonio Middle School

“Showing mom some love” continued on page 25 MAY 2015

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Music

By Joy White

The MHS Glee Club was formed at the Marianas High School in 2010, as a 16-member competition group, now known as Rhythm ‘N Harmony, with Paul Dujua as the musical director. The group performs a variety of genres, including pop, musical theatre and classical. Some notable Broadway musicals the group has performed from include “Miss Saigon,” “Rent,” “Les Miserables,” “The Lion King,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and “Wicked.”

Rhythm ‘N Harmony competes annually at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb., and ranked second place in the nation in 2012. Regionally, the group has competed in Bridge Capital’s CNMI’s Got Talent and the Guam Tumon Bay Music festival.

The group provides an outlet for youth to express their talent and provides them with the opportunity to interact with other talents, creating bonds through music. As the members of the group hone their skills, they are in an environment where musical

spontaneity is encouraged and is common place.

“The most interesting thing about beginning in the Glee Club for me was being surrounded by such talented singers.

Someone could just be playing guitar and before you know it, we’re breaking out into a full on concert,” says Noel Jimenez, president of the club.

“I love those times in the group where we’re all just sitting and when someone starts singing, we all join in and do different harmonies and just have fun,” Grace Catalma says.

For Joselle Reyes, her experience with the group has prompted her to broaden her knowledge of genres and to see her idol, Taylor Swift, in a new way. “I know almost all of her songs by heart. When I got into Rhythm ‘N Harmony, I was introduced to such a different repertoire that I have not been able to listen to country music as I used to. However, when the chance arises, I like to listen to Taylor Swift again to watch how her musical genres and styles have

changed just as mine have,” she says.

The life of a singer in Rhythm ‘N Harmony isn’t all sweet notes. Each of the members works to balance their school life with extracurricular activities. “I try to not let my music overpower my other obligations. I try to remember these obligations before attending rehearsals or shows,” Miguel Aninon says.

Some of the members love to perform and feel as comfortable on-stage as offstage. “Whether it is with my father playing ukulele, my band, or Glee Club, I am onstage pretty often. Whatever group I’m performing with, I try to smile, enjoy myself and try to impress the audience by putting tons of effort into whatever I do,” Kui Lee says.

“The nervousness is overcome by the passion for the art, “ Annabel Manzo says.

Even if you get nervous in the beginning, it’ll ease down once you get on stage and start doing what you love doing best.”

Photos courtesy of Paul Dujua 16

MAY 2015

ENVIRONMENT

Marine Protected Areas (also known as MPAs)

are areas of the ocean or coast where certain human activities are restricted. These places have been set aside as conservation areas to protect marine animals and their habitats. MPAs are also created to preserve cultural sites, enhance fisheries, or restore degraded areas. Not all MPAs are alike – each has its own set of rules depending on the main purpose of the protected area.

When you visit an MPA in the CNMI or in any other part of the world, it’s very important to know about and follow all of the rules. Taking or harming fish or other animals from within an MPA is particularly damaging because it can harm whole groups of important marine organisms and therefore disrupt the delicate natural balance. When people respect and follow MPA rules, they help to ensure better overall health and natural beauty of that special ocean place so that future visitors can enjoy it for generations to come.

N

FACT

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FU

HERE ARE EXAMPLES of ILLEGAL AND HARMFUL ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE WITHIN OUR MARINE PROTECTED AREAS:

If you have any questions or would like more information about Marine Protected Areas in the CNMI, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) in Saipan at 664-6032. To report any MPA violations, please call the DFW Enforcement Section at 664-6031 or 989-6094. You can also contact BECQ-DCRM Enforcement at 664-8300.

Music

brings the music

By Bryce Guerrero

Seen performing every Friday at Oleai Beach Bar, every Saturday at the Paradise Jazz Bar in Paradise Hotel and every Tuesday at the 360 Night Market, the Baraha Band brings together three talented individuals. The name of the band comes from the first two letters of its members’ names, Badhjoe Tagalicud, Alaine “Raine” Baco and Harley Alarcon.

For the band’s members, the passion for music came at an early age. For drummer Alarcon, listening to his father’s choice of music and watching children’s programming on TV at the age of 4 had a hand in introducing the power of music to him.

“My father loved to play Big Band Orchestra music, like Glenn Miller, Count Basi and a lot more, while I sat there playing with my toys every day. This was reinforced by watching ‘Sesame Street’ that was heavily influenced by different styles of music within each segment. Then it progressed to Jim Henson’s ‘Muppet Show’ that I waited for every Sunday. This show opened my eyes to the power of entertainment through the use of sound, visuals and how emotions were conveyed through colorful Muppets,” Alarcon says.

For guitarist Tagalicud and vocalist Baco, their musical roots were established in elementary school. Tagalicud played in a rondalla group, while Baco was encouraged by her teacher to sing every morning before classes started.

Tagalicud, who plays an assortment of instruments that include the keyboard, bass and electric guitar, says the experience of making music is transcendent.

“I just love doing music because music brings me to a different world,” he says.

Baco’s passion for performing came about because she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. The group works to create music that expresses each of them individually.

“Life’s too short to let every opportunity to express oneself just slip by. Playing music will always be a big part of who I am and a legacy that I can pass on to future generations,” Alarcon says.

For the band members, music seems to have nurtured their family trees, traveling through generations and blossoming into artful talents. Tagalicud’s uncles play music at their church, while Baco’s mother and twin sister are both singers. Alarcon’s paternal grandfather was a member of a Dixie-style band in the 1930s, his grandmother was a concert pianist and his mom was a professional singer.

Each of the members, having performed solo and with various musical groups in the past, say they enjoy working together even when there are some difficulties. Creating chemistry within a group, organizing rehearsals, blending differing music tastes and replacing a band member if need arises are some difficulties a group may encounter. Nonetheless, Baraha Band calls itself “blessed, contented and happy.”

Having previously recorded with numerous groups in the Philippines in the 1990s, Alarcon says Baraha Band plans to record soon.“ The Baraha Band is definitely coming out with original songs, and it’s just a matter of recording the songs for everyone to enjoy our own brand of music,” he says.

Baraha Band is available for special gigs such as weddings, birthdays and other events. Check them out on Facebook or email them at barahaband@gmail. com for more information.

Photos by BRM 18

MAY 2015

Community

By Joy White

At one time or another, we all need a helping hand. There are several organizations in the NMI that offer that helping hand on a regular basis.

Fighting cancer The Commonwealth Cancer Association is a community-based non-profit organization that promotes cancer awareness and prevention; offers assistance to cancer patients and caregivers; and provides support to survivors. On May 1, the organization held its annual Marianas March Against Cancer at Hopwood Junior High School. The 12-hour march is a fundraising event that also brings awareness to the fight against cancer.

“It’s a solemn event, with family and friends who have gathered. It’s a celebration of life, as well as in memory of our loved ones that have succumbed to the disease,” says Juan L. Babauta, program manager.

“It’s really something that our organization is reaching out to the commu-

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nity. We can give you something that’s worthwhile,” Babauta says. Babauta has been with CCA for about three years. Previously, he had been involved in other social service work. “[…] I just wanted to make a difference, and offer my services and my knowledge and skills that I have to those individuals, families, caregivers and friends who have been fighting this disease,” Babauta says.

The CCA is governed by a sevenmember volunteer board of directors, a nonvoting medical advisor and a nonvoting legal advisor. Babauta and two other employees staff the office and assist clients. The organization conducts cancer screenings, survivor and caregiver support and education and awareness outreaches. Numerous volunteers also assist in fundraising and other projects for the organization.

Patricia Kaipat, patient navigator for CCA, assists clients in finding financial assistance or respite care. When a patient or caregiver asks for assistance, she works with insurance providers and

other resources that could offer financial assistance and when all of these are exhausted, the CCA can offer $500 per calendar year for certain expenses, Kaipat says. The expenses covered include medical equipment, nutritional supplements, prosthetics and wigs. CCA does not cover medication, unless that person is at the hospice stage.

“It can be very emotional. We have sometimes … [a client who] comes in and just pours out their heart out and there’s nothing you can do but sit there and listen. That’s one of the things I love about my job — is to be for there for the client and the family members, just listening and helping in any way,” Kaipat says.

Kaipat says their goal is to assist clients quickly, in some cases making sure services and resources are available as soon as the client is out of the hospital.

Once she gets documents, the process typically takes less than a day, she says.

Photo by BRM

Community

“I am truly grateful and humble to have had the opportunity to network, collaborate and the partner throughout my career with countless individuals, private businesses and government agencies that stand in making a difference or simply just making it happen.”

- Debra Inos, president of the CNMI Women’s Association

Starting with the women The CNMI Women’s Association’s mission is to ensure that women are fully engaged in the political, economic and social development of the NMI. Established in 2011, the association is governed by a seven-member board of directors and operates out of the Garapan Community Development Center, which was established by the Office of Representative Felicidad T. Ogumoro in May 2010 and collaborates with other public and private organizations to deliver vital social services to the communities throughout the CNMI. CWA reaches out to economically disadvantaged women and provides education and training opportunities, mentorship, advocacy and information and referrals services in a culturally competent and nurturing way. “The CWA fosters Konfiansa [self-confidence]

and commitment in women to maximize their potential to positively impact our families,” says Debra Inos, president of the CWA. Inos, who retired after 20 years at the Division of Youth Services was elected president in December 2014. She worked with Karidat Guma’ Esparansa Transitional Housing Assistance Project as a case manager after leaving the Division of Youth Services.

“I continue to engage on numerous community and social activities that help to promote a safe and violence free environment throughout our commonwealth,” Inos says. “I am truly grateful and humble to have had the opportunity to network, collaborate and the partner throughout my career with countless individuals, private businesses and government agencies that stand in making a difference or simply just making it happen.”

The CWA’s goals are to promote healthier lifestyles for women and families; provide more accessible employment

training to families in need at no cost; develop a cultural program to protect cultural practices; promote business and entrepreneurship amongst women; and identify ways for women to lead in their own families, work, community and to include those leadership positions in the political arena.

“CWA is fully aware of the [need for] the advancement of the status of women in the commonwealth. CWA also recognize that women play a significant role in strengthening family unity, therefore stability to the entire family unit will be nurtured,” Inos says.

Community

Helping out, little by little Big endeavors often start with a single conversation. This was the case for the Bantay Kapwa Project, under the United Filipino Organization. Ruel L. Magtalas, president of the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers & Architects had a conversation with current UFO president Bong Malasarte some two years ago.

Magtalas and Malasarte discussed the financial issues many Overseas Filipino Workers faced in returning to the Philippines for medical treatment. Although organizations, such as the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers & Architects, help any way they can by way of donations, it is not enough.

“On one of the sideline conversations I had with Bong Malasarte, this was

one of the issues in our discussion and he brought up an idea that if only all Filipinos on island can contribute $1, we might be able to help out satisfactorily at the least,” Magtalas says. When he was elected as president of MAFEA, the development of such a project became his objective and he developed a plan for the project.

Bong Malasarte was re-elected this year, and Magtalas decided to open up the discussion again. “This was when I dropped the MAFEA project and volunteered MAFEA to lead this project instead under the UFO leadership,” Magtalas says.

The Bantay Kapwa Project was officially launched on Feb. 22, with the goal off funding a portion of the medical or post mortem repatriation costs of its members. Each member donates $1 per month, which will register them as member of this program and makes them eligi-

ble for the assistance. “This program is still in the onset of its journey. The officers and board of directors of UFO shall continue to fine tune the policies to better serve the purpose and intent of this project,” Magtalas says.

Being a member of the program is a benefit, but Magtalas says it is also important to join to be in the position of helping out rather than being helped. “[Overseas Filipino Workers] in the CNMI, just like in other places, are of extreme situations. We cannot get away from the fact that there are Kababayans who have lesser and meager resources than others … Just think, your $1, when combined with everyone else’s, would mean a lot to someone’s health or family in the Philippines,” Magtalas says.

Get Involved The Commonwealth Cancer Association has monthly support group meetings for caregivers and survivors, as well as education and screening outreaches and other events. For more information visit www.ccamarianas.org.

The CNMI Women’s Association hosts monthly events and donation drives. For more information visit www.cnmiwomen.org or visit the CWA’s Facebook page.

“This program is still in the onset of its journey.

The officers and board of directors of UFO shall continue to fine tune the policies to better serve the purpose and intent of this project,” - Ruel L. Magtalas, president of the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers & Architects

The United Filipino Organization has general membership meetings every last Sunday of the month at the FilCom Pavilion in Susupe from 2 pm to 4 pm. UFO conducts collection of funds for the Bantay Kapwa project as well as reporting financials involving this project Photo courtesy of the United Filipino Organization

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May 2015 is CNMI Women’s Health Month #HER health is OUR future

SUNDAY

MONDAY

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TUESDAY

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Mother’s Day! Mass at St. Jude Parish 10am

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

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6 Breakfast Club PIC Napu Room 8am - 9am

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11 Women’s Health Day @ Multi Purpose 8am - 4pm

12 Launch of Group Prenatal Care @ WIC 8am - 11am

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14 Self Defense Class @ Trench Tech Gym 5pm - 7pm

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16 Cooking Demo @ WIC 10am - 11:30am

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Lunch-hour walk at American Memorial Park from 11:30am - 12:30pm 24

FRIDAY

5 CNMI Women’s Health Month

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WEDNESDAY

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Department of Correction Visit

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28 Zumba Party @ Central Park 5:30pm - 9pm

Celebrity bagging @ Joeten Shopping Centers 10am -12pm

“Walk in our Shoes” @ Garapan Fishing Base 3:30pm - 5:30pm

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Restaurants

By Joy White

Check out Cha Café & Bakery at a new location

Cha Café & Bakery has opened its doors at a new location in downtown Garapan. Tea, Snows and frappes have always been popular at the café, but a new line of coffee drinks is expected to become the new favorite.

“We make very good tasting tea and coffee. Because our coffee line is one of the newest additions to our menu, most people have not tried it yet. We are confident our equipment and training [will validate our] claim to have the best coffee and espresso in the region,” says John S.J. Lee, co-founder and president.

Cha Café & Bakery importssome of its supplies but also uses local organic seasonal fruits, such as mango, dragon fruit and guava. “Even with the cost of freight to our remote region, we have comparable prices to mainland cafes and bakeries. More importantly, we use the highest quality of products, so people get a good deal,” Lee says.

Someday soon, Lee hopes to offer live entertainment and local talent the opportunity to perform. “We plan to have open acoustic mic nights, where local musicians can come and showcase their skills and talents,” Lee says.

Now located on Garapan Corner, much of the Saipan traffic goes around the corner in front the café. “This is the best location on Saipan. Ever since we opened two years ago, we have gotten franchise inquiries but said no because we believed there are still things to learn from our business right now. We were fortunate to have great business in the first location. That is why we were the only cafe to be able to expand while multiple other cafes have closed down,” Lee says.

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In addition, the new location has made the café more visible to tourists, and Lee says the café has been experiencing their patronage. “Before, 90% of our customers were locals, but we’ve seen an increase in tourist customers,” he says.

Lee says Cha Café & Bakery is different than many establishments on Saipan because of its high standards and design and concept.

“Our goals were always above and beyond stores in Saipan. We truly believe we can create a brand and have always asked the local population to support that vision. Therefore, we are fundamentally different from other places in Saipan because we innovate and create our own products that not even stores in other parts of the world do not have yet. I think people realize how good our products are, but do not realize yet how big our brand can grow beyond Saipan,” Lee says. “[…] Our design and concept is nothing that stores have seen here. We are unique and confident with our style and hope that other businesses will also smartly invest in making their businesses attractive,” Lee says.

In addition, the company develops its employees. The staff of 15 is made up of students.

“We believe deeply in the potential of our youth. Not only did we take the risk of training these students from scratch, we support their future beyond Cha. We provide scholarships and other intangible support because we want a long-term relationship with our employees,” Lee says.

Cha Café & Bakery is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“Showing mom some love” continued from page 13

“I am sure my mom, Bernadita, will love my surprise gift of chocolates and a new T-shirt.”

– BERNADETTE QUITANED 6th grade, San Antonio Middle School

“Our family will surprise our mom, Teresita Malaca, with a special lunch treat in one of the Guam hotels. My son says it will be a special treat for a special lady. “ – DEE HERNANDEZ administrative assistant Guam Visitors Bureau

“Our mom, Lucia, is all about simplicity.

She will be happy with a simple gift and showing of our love.”

– CLAIRE CABRERA and siblings, Victor, Chealsea and Caroline

MAY 2015

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Business

Toy store to open in Gualo Rai

By Joy White

The young and the young at heart will rejoice at the opening of Kid Stuff, a new toy store set to open this month in Gualo Rai, just off of Middle Road.

Although his grandmother owned a toy store in Arizona for more than 40 years, Kid Stuff owner Robert Hunter never dreamed he would open one of his own.

“When I was younger, I worked in the shop in high school and right before heading off to college. I loved it. The thought never occurred to me, however, that it might be a business to get into ourselves,” Hunter says.

The venture is new for Hunter and his family. Hunter’s career experience includes the management of nonprofits and government agencies and the arts as a commercial and fine artist. Hunter’s wife, Armi Rosario Hunter, is an accountant and owns a bookkeeping business.

The goal of the business is to offer all the popular toys at affordable prices to combat the low prices found at online stores.

“We want to provide quality toys at prices that are comparable to having to order the same toys over the Internet.[…]

We have worked hardand will continue to work hard to source toys at prices that will provide us with the ability to sell them as close to online price as possible.

We think that the community would

rather see their dollars remain on-island, and so much is going out. Then there is the benefit of not having to wait for the mail and going through the process of retrieving your box,” he says.

In addition to a selection of popular toys, such as Lego Friends and Lego Elves sets and Nerf products such as N-Strike and Rebelle, Kid Stuff will carry unique items, including a variety of high-tech toys, such as drones with cameras and robots that can follow voice commands and connect to an iphone or ipod.

The Hunter family is working hard to set up the shop, as no outside contractors were hired to prepare the space. Despite the hard work, Hunter is looking forward to opening up shop.

“Everyone loves toys. I do. My wife and kids do. You can’t help but like being around them. There’s nothing like the reaction of a kid who spots that special toy,” he says.

Kid Stuff may evolve into something more than just a toy store. Hunter says if the business does well, the family might open a stand-alone storefront with the space to open up activity areas for story-telling and art and maybe play equipment.

Stock for Kid Stuff comes from abroad, but eventually Hunter hopes to offer toys handmade in Saipan.

Photos courtesy of Robert Hunter

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MAY 2015

Sports

Andy Galvez takes badminton to the highest level

By Thomas Johnson

When Andreau “Andy” Galvez first picked up a badminton racket as a 16-year-old in 2008, he had no idea what a large part badminton would play in his life over the course of the next seven years. Now 23, Galvez has gone on to win multiple medals, trophies and prizes and has become part of the Northern Marianas Badminton Association as a board member, club president and chairman of the association’s tournament committee.

While many might think of badminton as a more casual net sport, Galvez says that one of the things he loves about it is the intensity of a good match. “It’s a very technical sport,” he says, “and it’s actually the fastest racket sport in the world. Experienced players can smash the shuttle at speeds over 200 miles per hour. The sport requires tremendous amounts of skill and technique, physical and mental. The pace of the game can be very demanding, especially if you play at a high level. You need agility, fast reflexes, fitness and skill to play competitively.” Galvez also says the sport is great for those looking to burn off calories and make friends in the process.

According to Galvez, his badminton training regimen consists of stretching, running and sprinting and light weight-lifting to improve his quickness on the court. He was promoted to level A, the highest level in the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, several years ago, and recently concluded the Sun Palace Singles/Doubles Badminton Competition.

While Galvez also enjoys other sports, particularly soccer, as well as basketball and bowling, he says he wants to continue helping to promote the sport of badminton in the NMI. “I’m just working to save money and have plans to continue with my education,” he says, “and afterwards will grab any opportunity that comes my way that will be of great benefit to me.”

Photos by BRM MAY 2015

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On the Road

Happy 10th birthday to Chelsea Nicole Soriente. Love from Papa, Tita Irene, Ate Annie, Tito Ronald and Eonzen.

Happy birthday to Chielo Sayas on May 10.

Lots of love, Daddy Mario, Marchie, Marion and Mitch.

Volunteers Veronica Choi, Guadalupe Sabino, Rita Tenorio and Ray dela Cruz on April 23 at the Commonwealth Health Center Gift Shop.

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MAY 2015

The Environmental Awareness Months Environmental Expo was held on April 16 at American Memorial Park.

On the Road

MAY 2015

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On the Road

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MAY 2015

Kick Butts Day was recognized on March 24 at Hopwood Junior High School grounds, coordinated by Community Guidance Center and Project Brabu.

On the Road

The 34th Annual Flame Tree Festival was held on April 23 to 26 at the Civic Center, Susupe Park, coordinated by the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture

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MAY 2015