Beach Road Magazine - November 2018

The spirit of giving

Gift ideas that will keep loved ones happy all year

Cruise Control To infinity and beyond

Giving thanks

Readers share their blessings

NOVEMBER 2018

It's the thought that counts — check out our gift guide and let us do the thinking for you. See story on page 5.

ABOUT THE COVER Great Harvest Bread Co. is famous for their signature pumpkin and chocolate chip bread.

Photos courtesy of Great Harvest Bakery Bread Co. Saipan

3 Calendar November Events

5-7 Gift Guide Perfect presents for everyone on your list

10-11 Holiday Highlights

Savor the holiday flavor from Saipan's top bakeries

14-15 Special Feature

Residents share what they're thankful for

17 Cruise Control

Arvin Mettao's 2003 Infinity g35 coupe

22-23 Artist

Travis Kaliga brings music of the Marianas to the world

24 Sports

Hell of the Marianas — not for the faint of heart

28 Recipe

Coconut fudge cookies in minutes

We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com

beachroadmagazine

Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Guam Business Magazine, Real Estate Journal, Buenas, Beach Road Magazine, Drive Guam, Pocket Deals

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jesse C. Babauta REPORTERS John I. Borja Wayne Chargualaf CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Louisa Joy Castro Angelica Eleno GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, November 2018. Entire contents copyrighted 2018 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.

NOVEMBER EVENTS As Saipan recovers from super-typhoon Yutu, some events may have been cancelled or rescheduled. Please call and verify if a specific event will proceed.

Nov. 3, 10, 17 Garapan Street Market Location: Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Enjoy live traditional music and a wonderful selection of local food.

Admission is free.

For more information contact the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs Office at 664-2576.

Nov. 11, 12 PIC Dodge Ball Tournament Location: Pacific Islands Club Saipan For more information contact Dennis Tababa at PIC at 237-5173 or e-mail sportsmanager@picsaipan.com Nov. 13 15th Annual Club at The Hyatt Golf Classic Tournament Location: Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort Time: Check in time: 6:30 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. Shotgun: 7:30 a.m.

Proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation.

For more information contact the Hyatt Regency Saipan Club Elan at 234-1234 Ext. 5827.

Nov. 12, 13 10th Annual Marianas Windsurfing Cup A two-day windsurfing event has competitors from Saipan, Guam, Japan and Hawaii.

Entry fee is $100 and includes a shirt, racing tank top and admission to the awards banquet. For more information contact Shigeru Tomita at 233-6965.

Nov. 18 Trench Warz 15 – SUPREMACY Location: Saipan World Resort For more information contact Cuki Alvarez at 483-4662, or e-mail trenchwarriorsaipan@yahoo.com.

Nov. 26 11th Annual Thanksgiving “Don’t Be A Turkey” Walk Location: Saipan Beach Pathway Time: Registration begins at 6 a.m. the Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc. parking lot.

Entry fee is $6.

For more information contact Mario Espeleta at 322-8770, e-mail pdiadm@pdisaipan.com or go topdisaipan.com

GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

It’s about that time of the year — the spirit of giving is in the air. Haven’t the slightest clue what to get that special someone, or a loved one? Let your worries fade and your mood be merry because we’ve got the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Ladies. Buy your beau a gift from our list and have him scratching his head wondering if he’s been naughty or nice.

Shaving/grooming subscription Cost: $ Choose a razor then decide how often you’d like new blades delivered to your front door.

Online gift card Cost: $-$$$ Eliminate the headache and let the man in your life get himself exactly what he wants. Clothes, shoes, gizmos and gadgets. Give yourself a pat on the back because whatever it is — you nailed it.

Bush-cutter Cost: $$-$$$ Tired of telling your hubby the yard needs to be cut?

Sick of watching him just lounge in his spare time? Seize the opportunity and buy him a new bush-cutter. He’ll feel obligated to put your thoughtful gift to use and you can mock his manhood if he decides to let it just sit and collect dust.

Cologne Cost: $-$$ What is that smell? Oh, it’s your boyfriend … sorry.

He’ll smell like a new man when you buy him a cologne that you like.

Video game console Cost: $$-$$$ If your guy is a gamer, then get him his console of choice. Now that he’ll be preoccupied playing Fortnite, you’ve got time to get your nails done, hit the gym or get a drink with your girlfriends.

NOVEMBER 2018

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GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

Let’s face it, women are hard to shop for. If it didn’t come from a high-end store and the receipt doesn’t make you want to cry, chances are you didn’t put enough thought into it. Try one of these gifts and see what happens.

Jewelry Cost: $-$$$$ The amount you spend is up to you. Are they real diamonds? Will she ever really know? Probably not. If you opt to go with jewelry that’s a little easier on your wallet, play it cool and be realistic. You’re going to raise suspicion when she opens the box and sees the Hope diamond from Titanic. And don’t be too cheap — opt for real gold. It’ll be extremely awkward when she asks you why her finger is turning green.

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NOVEMBER 2018

Cold hard cash Cost: $$-$$$ You can’t go wrong with an envelope full of money.

Since cash is king — give the woman in your life a wad of Benjamins and she will surely treat you like a prince … at least until she runs out, at which point you’ll turn back into an ugly toad.

Take her to dinner Cost: $$$$ Surprise her with a dinner somewhere you know she’s always wanted to go. Try somewhere secluded and romantic — not your favorite pizza joint.

GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE

FOR THE KIDS

Children are by far the easiest to please. If they haven’t already told you a million times what it is they want, then ask. We don’t suggest you guess on this one — and it’s probably in your best interest to buy them exactly what they wanted. Don’t cut corners when it comes to your kids … the look of disappointment you get on Christmas morning will always haunt you.

Don’t be a grinch. Make Christmas as wonderful a memory as possible for your kids — they’re only young once.

Happy Holidays!

NOVEMBER 2018

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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT

BAKERIES OFFER SAVORY AND SWEET HOLIDAY GOODS

By John I. Borja The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a parade of parties among friends, families and colleagues in the work place.

With all the hustle and bustle of the festivities, it can be difficult to find the time to put together a wholesome meal.

Fortunately, there are a couple of bakeries that provide catering and special holiday packages that are enough to feed the family.

Great Harvest Bakery Bread Co. Saipan Facebook: facebook.com/greatharvestbread saipan Instagram: @greatharvestsaipan Website: greatharvestsaipan.com Phone: 234-2733

Great Harvest Bakery Bread Co. Saipan has a variety and meals and baked goods to set the mood for the occasion.

For Thanksgiving, Great Harvest Bakery rolls out a bunch of pumpkin-themed breads and other baked goods.

Sweet-tooth enthusiasts can indulge in the pumpkin chocolate chip mini teacake, pumpkin bars and a variety of pies, including the classic pumpkin and pecan pie.

For the individuals who prefer savory flavors, Great Harvest Bakery will also have its pumpkin soup served in a pumpkin bread bowl. The bakery’s stuffing bread is great for accompanying the Thanksgiving turkey, but the bread can also be enjoyed by itself.

Customers can also call and place an order on the company’s turkey and ham. Great Harvest Bakery uses its unique recipe to get these entrees roasted and ready to dine. However, it is advised that customers call ahead of time to ensure availability.

After more than a year of serving Saipan, Great Harvest Bakery has come to be known for its blueberry scones, which is not your typical scone. Instead of a hard-crusted 10 NOVEMBER 2018

Photos courtesy of Great Harvest Bakery Bread Co. Saipan

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT

Herman’s Modern Bakery Facebook: facebook.com/HermansModernBakery Instagram: @hermansmodernbakery Phone: 234-1726 Photos courtesy of Herman's Modern Bakery

pastry, the company prefers to make the exterior soft and flaky, with about the same texture as a soft cookie. And each bite is sure to have some cream cheese. Another one of the bakery’s popular items is the taro bread, or “purple bread,” as the customers call it. The taro bread is a local twist of the franchise, catering to Saipan’s residents.

Herman’s Modern Bakery is also serving a variety of foods for the holiday season. With locations in Dan Dan and Garapan, the bakery has been offering its Thanksgiving and Christmas meal specials for more than 15 years.

Customers can choose from a range of small and large sets of entrees for a Thanksgiving feast. Depending on the package, customers can order turkey, ham or chicken, or a combination of the three, along with side dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. Each package comes with Herman’s special pumpkin pie. For Christmas,

the bakery offers prime rib and pork leg roasts that are sure to fill a family.

Herman’s also opens its kitchen to customers who have purchased their uncooked meats but need a place to cook them. For a small price, the bakery can roast a customer’s turkey, ham or other meats.

As for its sweet baked goods, Herman’s adds holiday elements to its already delicious array of cookies, pies, breads and cakes. The bakery makes a mean fruit cake that is especially popular around Christmastime.

On top of these seasonal goods, Herman’s also offers a 10% to 15% discount on its cakes, conscious of the increased spending of its customers. Don’t forget — Herman’s also takes custom design requests on cakes, so a cake that matches the holiday décor won’t be out of the question.

NOVEMBER 2018 11

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

By John I. Borja As we enter the season of giving, we tend to reflect on the year and think about what we are grateful for, whether it is the blessings that kept us in high spirits or the challenges that made us grow stronger. Beach Road Magazine asked residents of Saipan what they are thankful for — aside from faith and family — and here is what they had to say.

“I will always be grateful for my beautiful wife Diann, my six children and all my family and friends who have always been so supportive. With the aftermath and wake of Typhoon Soudelor, Typhoon Manghkut and Typhoon Yutu, I am so thankful for our community and our resilience during these times of disaster and recovery.

Our preparedness as a Commonwealth is a testament to our sense of community and the importance of keeping everyone who call these islands home safe and secure.

As we continue to prepare, I am extremely grateful for our emergency responders, countless volunteers, donations and all the time and effort we have put in as a community to stay Commonwealth strong and to build our community up no matter what comes our way. I have been so honored and humbled to serve our Commonwealth and better the lives of our community and for all this, I am forever grateful.”

— Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to live and work here at home. Ten years ago I would never have thought it possible. Opportunities for work in my field were scarce and underpaid. It has been five years since I have graduated from college and I have grown so much personally and professionally. Now I am a graduate student currently pursuing clinical psychology, and I am hopeful that I can contribute to my community in this way one day and to empower others to do the same.”

— Daisy Demapan, public information specialist for the Office of the Governor

14 NOVEMBER 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

“I have so many things to be thankful for and love is one of them. We find love everywhere — in the kindness of strangers, in the eyes of our children and in the work we do for our communities. It is powerful and magical.”

— Janice E. Castro, director of the Division of Coastal Resources Management

“I am thankful for the wonderful people I work with and for our loyal customers. I am also thankful for our positive economic outlook and for the opportunities and the challenges that present themselves.”

— John Z. Arroyo, president and CEO of Bank of Saipan

“I’m very thankful for my God-given talent as a carver.

It’s been a blessing to have others see through my eyes with my work.”

— Michael K. Finey, carver

“There are many things I am thankful for. First is my life, being able to wake up every morning, breathe the wonderful air, enjoy walking along the beach in this island paradise and participating in many events. I am also thankful for the people in my life, those who I continue to maintain friendships with and those who I’ve met this year. I am thankful for them because I continue to enjoy their friendship and learn from them.”

— Velma Ann M. Palacios, director of network operations, IT&E CNMI, and president, Saipan Chamber of Commerce

“I am extremely thankful for the power of print!

Growing up, I always had printed photos on my walls and was constantly reminded of the moments that were happening within them. With my daughter recently being born, we've been sharing our photo albums and pictures with her. Since our family lives all over the world, it's amazing that we're able to use photographs to tell her stories of the people that love her dearly, even though she does not see them on a daily basis.”

— Lauren Benson, owner of Lauren Benson Photography “I am most grateful for good health — physically, mentally and spiritually. Mind, body and spirit are all intertwined, and I thank God I have had the opportunity to grow stronger in each of those areas.”

— Catherine Perry, public relations representative, Integrity Communications

NOVEMBER 2018 15

CRUISE CONTROL

Image courtesy of Arvin Mettao

2003 INFINITI G35 COUPE Owner: Arvin Mettao Engine: V6, Berk Z tube, Jwt Pop charger, Motordyne 5/16 Plenum spacer, Admintuning oil catch can, Mishimoto radiator, Mishimoto fan & shroud kit, Mishimoto oil cooler, Weapon R coolant reservoir, Berk non-resonated test pipes, HKS hi-power exhaust Modifications: Exterior: Bayside blue TV2, gloss black roof, Kuruma Z bumper, Impul side skirts, OEM rear splash guard, Outcast Garage CF rear diffuser, Vicrez side splitters

Wheels: Rims: ESR SR01 19x9.5 +22 F & 19x10.5 +22 R Tires: 245/40/R19 F & 275/35/R19 R Muteki SR48 lugnuts Suspension: Tein basis coilovers Interior: Sparco R333, JDM double din conversion, Pioneer NEX touchscreen, NRG steering wheel

NOVEMBER 2018

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ARTIST

Photos courtesy of Travis Kaliga

SONGS OF SELF-REFLECTION

By John I. Borja Travis N. Kaliga was at church the day he first realized his songs were well received by a large group of people.

The 21-year-old songwriter from Tanapag was singing to himself as the people around him were conversing and going about their business.

“I had a dream about me and you. We were just walkin’ under the moon,” Kaliga sang while strumming the ukulele.

It didn’t take long for the people around him to gather near him and listen to him sing. They were astounded by the tune and Kaliga’s voice while he played his original, “I Had a Dream” — a song named by his fans.

“I didn’t realize they were paying attention to me. It was just a song I wrote, but they told me that they liked it so I thought, ‘Oh, okay. I guess this is a good song,’” Kaliga says.

His seemingly oblivious perception of his musical talent is a testament to how humbly he holds himself. He 22 NOVEMBER 2018

Travis Kaliga’s Soundcloud page has more than 190,000 total plays on eight of his tracks.

doesn’t sing or write songs to be recognized or famous, he says, but rather to help him process how he feels at one moment in time.

This resonated well with people, and Kaliga soon found himself producing his music and sharing it on social media. He posted eight original songs on YouTube and Soundcloud for combined total views of nearly 300,000 as of Oct. 23.

Music of the Marianas, a collaboration project that puts the spotlight on musical artists in the Northern Mariana Islands, created its first volume of Saipan music, which featured two of Kaliga’s songs: “I Had a Dream” and “Situation.” These songs, along with the album, are available for purchase on iTunes.

Growing up in a musical family, Kaliga recalls singing ever since he was a little child, but he wasn’t aware of how well he could sing until the 8th grade. He often listened to his father sing and play the ukulele. Through observation he was able to teach himself how to play the instrument.

He turns to music whenever he needs to relieve stress or get something off his chest. The songwriting process

ARTIST

Travis Kaliga’s song “Situation” is one of his two songs featured in Music of the Marianas Made in Saipan, Vol. 1.

can take as quickly as 20 minutes or as long as two weeks, depending on how well he can convey his emotions into words.

“I Had a Dream,” a song about dealing with heartbreak, was written in three days during the time Typhoon Soudelor hit Saipan in 2015, he says. With no power, water and telecommunications, Kaliga had some time to put the song together. Interestingly, the lyrics he started with became the second verse of the song, while the rest of the song wrapped around the lyrics: “You came to mind and all of my troubles and all of my pain, yes, all of my sorrows came back again.”

As for the melody of his songs, they come naturally.

“I’m not sure if it’s the same with other musicians, but for me there are certain keys that could paint a beautiful sunrise and other keys that describe how dark is night,” he says. “So when I want to sing something positive, I play those keys that remind me of the sunrise.”

His eight available tracks range from good vibes from a drive around the island to lamenting over heartbreak.

Though Kaliga says he doesn’t have a specific genre of his musical style, his songs closely resemble island and

reggae music. After he records the melody, he adds beats and synths through editing software before he uploads them online.

Music initially wasn’t a career path Kaliga had in mind, but after strong encouragement from his friends and his parents, it’s a future he says he would like to pursue.

“I normally don’t write songs to see what it’s going to do for others. I write for me. But now that a lot of people are actually giving me this feedback about my music, I’m think it can be a career.”

Follow Travis Facebook, YouTube, Soundcloud: Search for“Travis Kaliga” Twitter and Instagram: @kalino_88

NOVEMBER 2018 23

SPORTS

SEE YOU IN HELL! THE 2018 HELL OF THE MARIANAS CENTURY BIKE RACE DARES THE WORLD TO SEND ITS BEST

By Wayne Chargualaf The Marpi pool in Saipan marks the beginning and end of a 100-kilometer bicycle race that loops around almost the entire island.

“The name speaks for itself,” Vince Seman, president of the Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation, says. “It’s the toughest bike race in Micronesia, probably the region.”

From monster climbs to quick downhill descents, Seman says it challenges cyclists of every level.

“Since the race began 12 years ago we’ve been bringing world-class cyclists who want to test themselves to our tiny island,” he says.

First held in 2007 and sponsored by the Pacific Islands Club Saipan, the race is now a joint venture overseen by the by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Northern Marianas Cycling Federation, which took over the event five years ago. Previously hosted by the Mariana Resort & Spa, this year’s race will be sponsored by the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

“The MVA really saw the value of this event,” Seman says. “Last year’s race saw as many off-island participants as on-island participants, coming from as far away as Singapore and Russia. The natural beauty of the island and the course layout sells itself.”

Seman says sports tourism helps to diversify the tourism industry, making it more resilient, especially since an annual event helps attract repeat visits.

“It’s so much easier to bring back a past visitor than to try and attract a new visitor,” Seman says.

And back they have come.

“We have a lot of repeat off-island participants and the more they keep coming back the more they tell their friends they need to try this,” Seman says.

Ultimately, however, it isn’t tourism industry numbers that drive the people behind the Hell of the Marianas, or what keeps its participants returning in growing numbers.

It’s their desire to compete and test themselves, the thrill of pushing themselves past their limits — and then coming back to do it again.

“Once they’re done with that last mile, I hope they say ‘I can’t wait to beat my time next year‘” Seman says.

This race is hell, the whole world is invited and they’re all just dying to meet you there.

24 NOVEMBER 2018

Photos courtesy of the CNMI Cycling Federation

The 2018 Hell of the Marianas Century Bike Race will be held on Dec. 1. Registration opened on Sept. 1 with fees ranging from $80 for individuals, $120 for twoperson teams and $280 for four-person teams. To enter the race, register online at hellofthemarianas.com.

RECIPE

NO-BAKE COCONUT FUDGE COOKIES

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + chilling Makes 3-1/2 dozen Ingredients • 1-1/2 cups sugar • 2/3 cup 2% milk • 1/2 cup baking cocoa • 1/2 cup butter, cubed • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 cups quick-cooking oats • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 cup white baking chips • 1 teaspoon shortening

Directions 1. In a large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Cook and stir 3 minutes.

2. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter and vanilla until blended. Stir in oats and coconut. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets.

3. In a microwave, melt baking chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Refrigerate until set. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 101 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein

*Recipe adapted from “A Taste of Home” Submit your recipes with photos to lifestyleeditor@glimpsesofguam.com.

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