October 26, 2017 | Subscribe to win at mccsokinawa.com/spotlight
Christmas in Boracay
From top to bottom: ingimage, Thomas Alan Smilie
Happy 242nd Birthday Marines!
I
t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…well, maybe not. But just because it never snows on Okinawa doesn’t mean the holiday season isn’t approaching at breakneck speed. This year, how about a truly memorable experience for that special someone? One of the best gifts that someone can receive is a break from the weekly grind; an escape from their tired routines and stressfilled days. This year, give them the gift of paradise—a Christmas in beautiful Boracay. Boracay is a tiny islet in the Philippines off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Far from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Manila (315 kilometers south), Boracay is known worldwide as a travel destination for relaxation. With average December temperatures ranging from lows of 28C (82F) and highs of 31C (88F), Boracay is the perfect place to bask in the sun and forget winter alto-
inside
gether. The only reminder of snow that visitors will find on this idyllic islet is the powdery sand on its beaches. Leisure activities on Boracay include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, golf and more. The island also features a lively nightlife with a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs. The Tours+ Christmas in Boracay Tour runs December 20–26. The tour price for adults is $1,955 (twin/ double occupancy) and $1,875 for triple occupancy. The single supplement charge is $475. Children 3–11 can enjoy this tour for $1,685 with one adult and $1,605 with two adults. Children 0–2 are $700 with no airline seat and no meals. Time is running out; register for this tour by November 1 at your nearest MCCS Tours+ Center! Visit MCCS Tours+ online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
Happy 242nd Birthday Marines! | 1 & 3 ActSeven | 3 Shuri Castle and Dancing Lion Dogs | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
Although celebrated informally, it's widely believed that the first official Marine Corps “birthday ball” was held in 1925 in Philadelphia. This event was attended by well-known national leaders, representatives from all military services, the Secretary of the Navy and the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps General John A. Lejeune. The celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday was formalized throughout the Corps on October 28, 1952 by direction of the 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. The traditions detailed in the Marine Corps Drill Manual, approved by General Sheperd, are still carried on in Marine Corps Birthday Balls held throughout the United States today, as well as on Okinawa at MCCS clubs. (cont. on page 3)
A Different Buffet Every Day | 7 Taiyo Turkey Shoot | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge Happy 242nd Birthday Marines! (cont. from page 1)
Since 2003, MCCS clubs have hosted an average of 44 birthday balls and served approximately 16,000 celebrants annually. Last year MCCS hosted 48 balls and dedicated 12,840 labor hours (excluding hours spent in planning and preparation) to ensure that the special occasion was as memorable as it deserved. This year, as MCCS Food & Hospitality stands ready to support 55 balls and serve 19,690 Marines and celebrants from now through mid-December. Due to this support, several MCCS clubs will be closing during the Marine Corps Birthday Ball season. The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma will be closed on October 27 and November 2, 8 and 16. The BeachHead on Camp Schwab will be closed November 7 and 9. The dining room and the lounges
at The Palms on Camp Hansen will be closed for dinner October 26, as well as November 2, 9 and 16; Chili’s Express will remain open. The Butler Officers’ Club dining room will be closed October 9 through December 16. The BOC will open
November 23 for the Thanksgiving buffet and resume normal operations January 3. The Kinser Surfside Ballroom will be closed December 2. Visit mccsokinawa.com/usmcball for more information.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
From top to bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie, ActSeven
events&happenings
F
ormed in 2010, ActSeven consists of eight talented and experienced musicians from the Philippines. Headed by lead male vocalist and band leader Mark Laurel A. Dela Cueva, ActSeven is a proven and versatile band with amazing range. Sharing the frontline are Maricel C. Esposo, Denith Abanilla and Charissa D. De Guz-
man—all possessing vocal prowess and charm that will surely mesmerize every audience. On the rhythm section, ActSeven is composed of four talented musicians with years of experience. These musicians are Renaldo F. Salazar (lead guitarist), Glenn R. Redondo (bass), Allen D. Dela Cruz (keyboardist) and Juan Carlo R. Palad (drums). ActSeven
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Mike Daley ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITOR | Amanda Carrasquillo DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie SOCIAL MEDIA | Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER | Roderica Mathis AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Angela Neal, Athena Garcia DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya
To advertise in Okinawa Spotlight, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975 or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
specializes in covering top hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s all the way up to the latest Billboard Top 40 hits. See ActSeven perform LIVE at an MCCS Club near you until November 23. For times, dates and locations, visit facebook.com/mccsokinawa.diningandentertainment or mccsokinawa.com/entertainment. This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Kono saki gōryū ga arimasu. Lane merging ahead.
ingimage.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
islandadventure
T
Shuri Castle and Dancing Lion Dogs
wo opportunities are on the horizon to experience the wonder of Okinawan culture. On November 5, choose between (or even attend both) the Shuri Castle Festival or the Shishimai Festival in Uruma City— both tours are sure to fill you with awe and amazement. The Shuri Castle Festival & Kokusai Street Parade Tour includes a visit to Shuri Castle and traditional Ryukyu dance performances. The “Ryukyu Dynasty Parade” on Kokusai Street will feature approximately 700 participants in full period costume—including the king, queen and sapposhi (Chinese envoys). The Shuri Castle Festival & Kokusai Street Parade Tour runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $23, $16 for children 3–11 and FREE for children 0–2. Witness the dance of the liondogs known as “shishimai” at the annual Shishimai Festival held at the Agena Bullfighting Ring in Uruma
City. Dancers from throughout the prefecture and mainland Japan will be performing at this festival dressed in lion garb, complete with fearsome masks carved from the wood of the deigo tree. Shishimai dances are thought to bring good luck and prosperity to all who witness them (bonus points for those who are “bit-
ten” by one). The Shishimai Festival Tour runs from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $21, $14 for children 3–11 and FREE for children 0–2. For more information on these tours, call 646-3502. For a complete listing of November tours, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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pickoftheweek
didyou know?
A Different Buffet Every Day
S The origin of the buffet is the smörgåsbord—a type of Scandinavian meal in which multiple hot and cold entrées are served on a long table.
tarting October 30, The Palms on Camp Hansen will be offering a vast variety of lunch options Monday through Friday with a buffet! Each weekday will have a different theme of delicious food to chow down on. On Mondays, fill your belly with Mongolian BBQ for only 65¢ per ounce. Options include beef, chicken, shrimp, several different choices of fresh vegetables, sides and more. On Tuesdays, enjoy a taste of Hawaii with favorites such as kālua pork, char siu fried noodles, hulihuli chicken and lomi-lomi salmon.
Indulge in a variety of Italian and American dishes on Wednesdays with garlic-thyme mashed potatoes, roasted garlic oregano chicken, eggplant parmesan, pizzas and more. Spice up your Thursdays with TexMex and try some pork carnitas quesadillas, beef enchiladas, Coronalimed grilled chicken and Mexican rice. Thursdays also include a buildyour-own taco rice, nachos and tacos bar! On Fridays, celebrate the end of the week with American home-style dishes, some including Southern-fried catfish, mashed potatoes and gravy,
seasoned vegetables and fried rice. With such a wide range of choices that will make your mouth water, you just might have to eat here every day! So, stop by The Palms and enjoy these tasty themes! Lunch hours are 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, prices are $11.95 for adults, $5.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for children under 5. Dessert, a fresh garden salad and a soup bar are included with the buffet Tuesday through Friday. For more information, call 623-4375 or visit mccsokinawa.com/thepalms.
Roderica Mathis
photooftheweek
The legendary Masako Nozawa at Comic Con Okinawa 2017. Known nationwide, Nozawa-san is the Japanese voice of the original Goku of the popular Dragon Ball anime.
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more
indepth
information
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Left to right: olly2/bigstock.com, flippo/bigstock.com
The 2017 Taiyo Turkey Shoot is sponsored by Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel & Residence
Taiyo Turkey Shoot
hat if golf could save you from the grocery store nightmare this Thanksgiving season? What if you had the perfect excuse to grab your clubs and hit the green? You’re in luck! Taiyo Golf Club is hosting its annual Turkey Shoot on Saturday, November 11. Play golf on a visually stunning course and compete to win a free turkey for this year’s Thanksgiving feast! Imagine you decided not to go. So, you take that dreaded trip to the grocery store. You think it can’t be so bad, but it is. Every parking spot is taken. There’s a shopping cart traffic jam in every aisle. You struggle among the others to get a turkey. You somehow manage to get one. However, the turkeys were picked over and despite it being relatively expensive, you’re bringing home a disappointment. You go to checkout.
Every cashier has a long line. You feel lucky to get out of there. All of this can be avoided if you golf instead! Get the centerpiece of your holiday at this tee-time, individualstroke play, 100 percent handicap event! Maximum handicaps are 36 for men and 40 for ladies. Players must have a verifiable handicap. Gift certificates and turkeys will be awarded to the top 12 winners. Payouts run from $60 to $200, plus a turkey! This event is open to all DoD ID card holders and their sponsored guests. Sign up by November 8 for $30 at the Taiyo Pro Shop. For more information, call 622-2004/2006 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
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tours+
adventure begins here Spooky Sites Tour October 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31, 6–10 p.m. Adults $20, Children (3–11) $13 (under 3) FREE Get into the spirit of Halloween on this Tours+ annual haunted excursion. Many well-known spooky sites on island will be visited in the dark of night. How brave are you? Bring a flashlight and several pounds of courage.
Urashima Dinner Theater November 3, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $68 (with half lobster), $52 (without lobster), Children (6–12) $38, (3-5) $34, (0-2) FREE (no meal) Savour the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Choose from an Okinawan or American menu when you purchase your tickets. The tour price includes dinner and show.
Battle Sites Tour October 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Visit Hacksaw Ridge, the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser, the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and Peace Memorial Park in Mabuni. Bring dollars for lunch and yen for admission.
Valley of Gangala & Okinawa World Tour November 11, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Adults $47, Children (5–12) $20, (3–4) $11 Hike through the Valley of Gangala and enjoy the scenery and spectacular caves. The hike will be approximately 80 minutes, so wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Okinawa World while watching eisa dancing. Bring yen for lunch and additional purchases. Children under the age of 2 are not allowed.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
ingimage.com
upcoming semperfitevents Flag Football Tournament November 3–5 Camp Schwab Field 2 Register by October 30 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. A group trophy and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place. By-laws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed October 30. For more information, call 625-2654 or e-mail schwabsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Tennis Tournament November 3–5 McCutcheon Gym Tennis Courts Register early by October 30 (1 p.m.) for $15 at any MCCS athletic facility. Late registration (October 31– November 1) is $20. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place. By-laws and a tournament bracket schedule will be given out at the tournament brief November 1. For more information, call 636-2672 or e-mail futenmasports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Northern Camp Commanders Cup Softball Tournament November 3–5 Camp Hansen Softball Field Register by October 30 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for FREE. This event is open to eligible units. A group trophy will be given to first and second place. By-laws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed October 30. For more information, call 623-5569/5558 or e-mail hansensports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Southern CC Cup Softball Tournament November 10–12 MCAS Futenma Softball Fields Register by November 6 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for FREE. This event is open to all units aboard Camps Kinser, Foster and MCAS Futenma. A group trophy will be given to first and second place teams. Bylaws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed November 6. For more information, call 636-2674 or email futenmasports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
classof theweek
Muscle Madness This class is designed to build strength, increase endurance and burn body fat. Each class will focus on strengthening major muscle groups using weights. Appropriate for ALL fitness levels. For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.