calendar of events • travel • tech • recreation • health & fitness • restaurants • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more
Riveting Beauty Introducing the lovely Severina Koss
Oishi Indeed
Japanese curry house defines delicious
A Taste of China Our travel spotlight this month takes us to Beijing and beyond
Section///Spotlight
contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT
A Taste of China
CALENDAR
April events
SPORTS
Is wrestling really over?
TECH THIS OUT
Apri’s pick
riveting beauty
Severina Koss
OUT & ABOUT
Event & reader photos
HEALTH & FITNESS
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Spring has sprung!
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Legends of Guam
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local feature restaurant spotlight
Oishi Japanese Curry House
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Cover photo by Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography. Wardrobe from Etcetera. Hair and makeup by Essence Hair Artistry. Special thanks to Talofofo Falls Resort Park.
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2013
R&R Pacific/April
our team PUBLISHER
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Maureen N. Maratita
Rosanna Dacanay
MANAGING EDITOR
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Frank Whitman
Vikki Fong
ASSISTANT EDITOR
SALES MANAGER
Jacqueline Guzman
Annie San Nicolas
REPORTERS
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Yvonne Matanane & Larry Siguenza
Paul Moroni & Tom Johnson
CONTRIBUTORS
ADMINISTRATION
Joe Cruz
Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero
Patrick Lujan
Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen
Carmen Rojas
MANAGING DIRECTOR
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION MANAGER
Marcos Fong
Taliea J. Strohmeyer
Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine
R&R Pacific • April 2013 • Entire contents copyrighted 2013 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. R&R Pacific is published monthly by Glimpses of Guam, Inc., 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, GU 96913. Telephone: (671) 649-0883, Fax: (671) 649-8883, Email: assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com • All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.
Pick up your free copy at the following locations: Andersen • Alamo Rent-a-Car • AFB (Main Exchange) • AFB (Commissary) Dededo • Baker’s Delight • Captain Kid • Grumpy’s Cure • Opake Hagåtña • Agana Shopping Center (main entrance, Sunglasses, Etc., Agana Marketplace, Dudus Couture/Mia J, and New Memories) • Essence Hair Artistry • Proa Restaurant • Guam Chamber of Commerce • Main Street Delicatessan & Bakery Maina • Sylvan Learning
Santa Rita • NEX (Main Exchange) • NEX (Commissary) Talofofo • Talofofo Falls Resort Park Tamuning • Coral Reef Marine Center • Gold Buyers (GPO) • Rhino Linings • Hollywood Theaters Tumon • Guam Visitors Bureau • Blake’s Rent-a-Car • Etcetera (Acanta Mall) • The Green Lizard • Proa Restaurant • USO (Royal Orchid) • Pho Thanh Xuan Noodle House Upper Tumon • Avis Rent-a-Car • Dollar Rent-a-Car
• Hertz Rent-a-Car • National Rent-a-Car • iConnect (Main branch) • Oishi Japanese Curry House • Pat’s Window Tinting • Ypao Breeze Inn All 76 Circle/K locations ...and more locations to come!
TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT US TODAY! Yvonne Matanane (671) 649-0883 ext. 118 mobile: (671) 788-9891 email: sales6@glimpsesofguam.com Larry Siguenza (671) 649-0883 ext. 121 mobile: (671) 685-8801 email: sales1@glimpsesofguam.com
Main Feature///Travel Spotlight
The Forbidden City, Beijing.
BY Maureen N. Maratita
If you are going to visit the People’s Republic of China, some tough choices lie ahead, particularly if you are limited by time, as the attractions are numerous and the distances between points of interest vast. However, if you do some research and view the trip as a sampler of what is possible from a long list, then you’ll likely leave with the desire to return — a good feeling at the end of any vacation. When to go is as important as where. Simply put, although China is a vast country and there are some regional climate differences; the summer is hot and the winter is cold. So spring and fall are the easi-
est times to plan a trip, though rates at attractive times of year may be higher. Many visitors to China enter by air, with flights possible on a number of international and regional airlines. The main gateways in China are Beijing and Shanghai. With regard to accommodation, China is like any other destination; it depends on your budget and your preference. Similarly, getting around offers the same options depending on how you view walking, budget travel and taxis.
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Top: The Bund at Shanghai; above: food from street vendors in Beijing.
However, there is one good piece of news — tipping is not customary, though you may encounter service charges. Credit card usage is not widespread, except at brand name hotels and stores, but ATMs do exist. It’s best to go being aware of the current Yuan rate (the official name of the currency is Renminbi), and some idea of anticipated daily costs, as ATMs do have a daily limit, and you will need cash. But there are banks you can visit, and travelers checks are accepted, though not at some of the smaller hotels and facilities. Please check carefully on visa requirements, photo requirements, cost and whether there is a visa outsourcing center near you, or an appropriate express service, or if (as is the case with U.S. passport and other passport holders), you can enter the country without a visa. No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the nation’s capital — Beijing.
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Sites of importance include • The Forbidden City, the former palace of emperors. Surrounded by a moat, and situated in the middle of Beijing, guides and audioguides are available to view this sprawling ancient complex that gives insight to the life of the residents who inhabited this city within a city. Many artifacts are on display. • The Summer Palace in Beijing was — as its name implies — a refuge for the court from the summer heat of Beijing. With a dominant lake, large gardens, views and temples, the palace and its grounds offer a rural respite from the bustle of the rest of the city. • Tian’anmen Square is reputedly the largest square in the world, and has become famous as the scene of riots in the 1970s and 1980s. The square is lit at night. The Great Hall of the People, where the national congress meets is on one side of the square. • The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall was constructed following
Main Feature///Travel Spotlight
The Great Wall of China.
the death of Mao Ze Dung in September 1976. The Hall is a good place to purchase Mao memorabilia. • The Great Wall of China has a variety of accessible sites, depending on your preference for walking, willingness to hike, and whether you wish to visit a less popular site. The wall is accessible from Beijing. It was built as separate walls at various times to protect the country from invasion, with some walls being built as early as the 7th century B.C. and later walls joined to them. With a variety of materials used in construction — to include earth, stone and brick, parts of the wall no longer exist, though restoration has been undertaken in its history. It is still possible to see watchtowers and walk part of the wall. Other attractions abound, such as food — with regional dishes, but especially the famous Peking Duck, night markets and clothing markets. With planning you can visit a variety of restaurants, more historic and cultural sights than this article has room for and bring home a variety of memorable souvenirs. Options exist for visiting
factories so you can see exquisite embroidery and handcraft before you buy. Items available include jade, cloisonné, calligraphy scrolls, clothing, wood carvings, embroidered and silk cushion covers, cloth slippers, jewelry and all manner of furniture that can be shipped to your home. Most popular for visitors with more time is extending your trip to Shanghai, situated on the Yagtze River estuary. Shanghai is bisected by the Huangpu River, and offers not only the riverside Bund with its historic European buildings, but a unique combination of the ancient and modern face of China. Ancient gardens, the Jade Buddha Temple and the tallest TV tower in Asia – the Pearl Tower awaits. For shoppers, Nanjing Road offers more than 600 shops along its length. Wherever you travel in China, be prepared for an assault on your senses — China has a population of more than a billion and many of the places you visit can be crowded. But the Chinese are friendly, often eager to practice or speak English, and enjoy meeting foreign visitors.
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Section///Spotlight
APRIL
events April 6th & 7th
GEEXPO GAMES WHEN: Saturday, April 6 TIME: 12 noon to 10 p.m. WHEN: Sunday, April 7 TIME: 12 noon to 6 p.m. LOCATION: Micronesia Mall
are welcomed to join in on the racing spectacle. For more information: Email track@guam.net or call (671) 727-5381 Start Date: April 12, 2013 End Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Yigo Raceway Park
featured event
April 6
Hike the crest of the southern mountains from Cetti Bay Overlook to Mt. Shroeder. Bring: 5 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, no shade, steep slopes, and a long hike. LEVEL: Very difficult DURATION: 7 hours for 6 miles
April 7th
Guam International Marathon Start Date: April 7, 2013 End Date: April 7, 2013 Location: Tumon, Guam The Pacific Islands Club, along with the Guam Visitors Bureau and United Airlines will host the inaugural Guam International Marathon (to include a half marathon, 10k and 5k) on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Interested participants are able to register online now at the website provided below. For more information and to register: www.guaminternationalmarathon.com. April 12th – 14th
Smokin’ Wheels The Guam International Raceway is getting ready for another Smokin Wheels event. Racing enthusiasts, families and visitors
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Photo by Sophia Oropesa
BOONIE STOMP: Southern Mountains
APRIL 20TH - BOONIE STOMP April 13th
Inarajan Falls Hike over the hills of southeastern Guam to the best waterfalls in the Western Pacific. Bring: 3 quarts water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Long walking in sun through open, hilly terrain, climbing a steep slope with a rope, some mud. LEVEL: Difficult DURATION: 4 hours for 5 miles
TARZAN FALLS Journey to a series of cooling waterfalls. Bring: 2 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera. LEVEL: Medium 5:30 a.m. DURATION: 3 hours for 1.4 miles more activities for the whole family to enjoy. Start Date: April 19, 2013 End Date: April 21, 2013 Location: Ipan Beach Park TIME: April 19, 6 – 10 p.m. and April 20 & 21, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. April 27th
44th Perimeter Relay 4th Annual Talofofo – 48.6 Miles Start & FINISH: Agat Mayor’s Banana Festival April 19th - 21st
This festival will be held at the shores of Talofofo Ipan Beach Park where will take place, the crowning of little Mr. & Mrs. Banana. Vendors will showcase their different types of bananas and the importance of the fruit to the culture. There will also be a cooking contest, local food, arts and crafts, music and
Office. 10 per team (maximum) START TIME: 4 a.m., 4:15 a.m., 4:30 a.m. (3 waves start) Pre-registration: $12 per person Captain’s Meeting April 20 at Outrigger Guam Resort. Last day to register is on April 20th. Race packet pickup is between 6pm-8pm. No race day registration.
April 28th
Guam Fiesta Tour – Merizo Fiesta – San Dimas The Guam Fiesta Tour was developed by the Guam Visitors Bureau to allow visitors a chance to experience a true Chamorro fiesta celebration at the homes of Chamorro people thus engaging the local community to open its homes to our visitors and share a warm Hafa Adai spirit that is unique to each of the village fiestas and local families. Start Date: April 28, 2013 End Date: April 28, 2013 Location: Merizo, Guam Price: Adult $30 / Child $20 For more information: Contact Lam Lam Tours at (671) 649-5314/5
EVENTSCALENDAR
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Smokin’ Wheels
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Guam Fiesta Tour – Merizo Fiesta – San Dimas Robert W. Woodruff was elected president of The Coca-Cola Company this day in 1923.
12 MOVIES Oblivion Scary Movie 5 premieres at Hollywood Theaters Smokin’ Wheels
Geexpo Games Guam International Marathon
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5 MOVIES Evil Dead Trance premieres at Hollywood Theaters
April Fool’s Day
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fri
Earth Day
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23 The new formula for Coca-Cola (referred to as “new Coke”) was introduced on this day in 1985.
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MOVIES Jobs and The Lords of Salem premieres at Hollywood Theaters Talofofo Banana Festival Budweiser London Fly-Away Drawing
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MOVIES Pain & Gain The Big Wedding premieres at Hollywood Theaters
sat 6 Geexpo Games Boonie Stomp: Southern Mountains Passover Week
13 Smokin’ Wheels Boonie Stomp: Inarajan Falls
20 Boonie Stomp: Tarzan Falls to lower Sigua Falls Boonie Stomp: Tarzan Falls Talofofo Banana Festival
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44th Perimeter Relay
Boonie Stomp: Umatac Bay to Toguan Bay
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SPONSORED BY:
649-1111 • www.gohollywood.com Proudly serves refreshing
beverages.
Visit a Burger King near you: • Guam Premier Outlets • Micronesia Mall • Tumon • Guam International Airport
Asa Candler, an early Coca-Cola leaser, acquired 100% ownership of The Coca-Cola Company on April 22, 1891.
*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-ColaCompany.
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Feature///Sports
IS WRESTLING REALLY OVER? TERRY DEBOLD & MARIA DUNN
www.guamsportsnetwork.com
BY: Patrick Lujan
The threat of the International Olympic Committee to cancel the sport of wrestling in 2020 has caused the Guam wrestling community to be in a state of concern. “It’s one of the founding sports of the Olympics. That’s why a lot of people are shocked,” said twotime Guam Olympic wrestler Maria Dunn. According to national reports, the IOC is contemplating removing the sport in 2020, a two-cycle process that must be made for proper notification. “Basically, they’re saying that 2016 will be the last of wrestling,” added the 26-year-old Dunn. “It’s not final, but they’re deciding now that 2020 could be it. It’s a preliminary decision. Dunn, who trained for nearly a year in England prior to the 2012 Games, said it’s been a rumor for quite some time now that the lack of spectators has been the primary reason for such a drastic decision. “Everyone was banking on it (being safe) being one of the three oldest sports in the Olympic Games and the fact that it was one of the traditional sports. I think it’s sad because I believe the Olympics is the spirit of sport, not the spirit of money or politics.” The threat had led to a worldwide protest from wrestlers from around the globe. It has even brought to the countries of the United States and Iran to actually agree on something. As for our local wrestlers it
will surely hurt the aspirations of the select few who have legitimate shots at their Olympic dreams.“My initial reaction was that it was crippling to wrestling worldwide,” said Terry Debold, who has been coaching wrestling on Guam since 1982. “But after reading about it, it shouldn’t deviate our local interest and our local wrestlers
from being world champions. “The Olympics is the pinnacle, but it’s certainly not the only level to achieve their goal. There’s still a lot of arenas for these guys to demonstrate their abilities. We should continue to develop the program.” Like Debold, Dunn feels the sport will carry on either within just the wrestling world or as a
building block to other sports. “It’s more for hobby or part of the mixed martial arts game,” she said. “We’ll still have a lot of people wrestling because it has a good MMA base and it’s good for a lot of other sports.” The Olympian hopes to coach high school wrestling next school year.
“...it was one of the traditional sports. I think it’s sad because I believe the Olympics is the spirit of sport, not the spirit of money or politics.” — MARIA DUNN
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Tech This Out///April Picks
TECH THIS OUT!
Watching TV just got better with one speaker, one connection By Alfred C. Calinagan Notice the newer televisions now are improving in picture quality and thickness of design, but also notice the sacrifice on losing sound quality because the slim design cannot accommodate a nice audio system. Bose introduces the Solo TV sound system, an unobtrusive, single speaker designed specifically for watching television. The Bose® Solo system dramatically improves the dialogue, music, action and sound effects from everyday programming, takes just one connection to the TV, and fits
neatly under many TVs. The Bose Solo TV sound system measures just 2.8” high x 20.7” wide and just over 12” deep — yet it delivers detailed, wide, even sound using proprietary Bose digital signal processing and Bose speaker array technology. Owners will hear program audio clearly and naturally, even at lower volumes. And regardless of what’s being watched, it can now be heard with the intended impact — the whispered conversation between two actors, the power-
ful vocals of a talent show, the music supporting a drama, or the crack of a bat for a gamewinning home run. The Bose® Solo TV system will work with any TV, but was designed for placement under flat-panel televisions that have a base up to 20” wide and 10.25” deep — requirements met by TVs with screens up to 32” and many 40” to 42” televisions. Set-up and use is simple. The Bose Solo TV system connects to a television with just one cable and one plug to the wall.
No additional equipment, wiring or adjustments is required. People will enjoy the Bose Solo TV system every day. It’s not a product reserved for special occasions, or movie night — and that’s what makes it so exciting. Every time you watch TV, the Bose Solo system improves the experience. Visit Micropac,Inc. at any of their two locations nearest to you, hear a demo, and pick up your Bose Solo TV system.
The Bose® Solo system
Dramatically improves the dialogue, music, action and sound effects from everyday programming, takes just one connection to the TV, and fits neatly under many TVs. www.micropacinc.com
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Introducing the lovely
SEVERINA KOSS 16
Feature///On the cover
Severina has been modeling since she was very young but discovered her niche when she ran in the 2011 Miss Guam Earth Pageant. Though she did not earn the title, she already felt like a winner. ‘I didn’t need an excessively decorated 9 inch tiara to prove my worth,” she says. The 21-year-old is pursuing her degree in primary education and will someday be a kindergarten teacher. During her photo shoot at the Talofofo Falls Resort Park, she was unmoved by the challenges. “My favorite part about the shoot was being daring and adventurous, climbing my way through the actual waterfalls in a maxi dress that I wasn’t allowed to dampen,” she says. “It was a challenge and I actually almost ate rock, but I wouldn’t have done anything differently.” This charming girl is fearless, unafraid of heights and treacherous surroundings. “What’s life if you can’t get out of your comfort zone and enjoy the view?” she says.
Photos: Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography Hair & Makeup: Essence Hair Artistry Wardrobe: Etcetera Special thanks: Talofofo Falls Resort Park
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Feature///On the cover
ON LOCATION: TALOFOFO FALLS RESORT PARK Talofofo Falls Resort Park features a beautiful natural 30-foot waterfall into the Ugum River with a cable car system to experience the park and falls from a heightened view. The park also features recreational rides like bumper cars and turn around chairs, a gift shop and a Guam historical museum. The famous Yokoi’s Cave is also located at the park. The cave was the hiding place for a Japanese soldier named Shoichi Yokoi for 28 years after American Forces arrived on Guam in 1944. Visitor Information: Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Local and military rates available. For more info, call: 828-1150.
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OUT&ABOUT
out & about Photo submitted by Kelly Ambrose
Kelly Ambrose and her children diving at Gab Gab on Naval Base Guam.
Photo submitted by Guam Trekkies
Guam Trekkies had a sci-fi gathering on Feb. 23 at the University of Guam Planeterium.
Photo from Guam Football Association
Top left: Students and instructors after the grand opening ceremony of the Hagåtña Dojo. Top: Sensei Tony Rodriguez leading the class in stretching during the Hagåtña Dojo Grand Opening. Left: Japanese Tea Ceremony Master Junka Swanson prepares to serve tea during the opening ceremony at the Hagåtña Dojo Grand Opening.
Photos by Michael Cepeda
The Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association annual gala on March 2 at the Hyatt Regency Guam featured a Fire and Ice theme.
Photos submitted by Shanna Rodgers
Below: Ryan Rodgers, Shanna Rodgers, Brian Bickam at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, ZipGuam. Right: Alex Robinson, Nicole Robinson, Shanna Rodgers, Brian Bickam at the 5k run in Yigo at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
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TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS FOR OUT & ABOUT, EMAIL HIGH-RES PHOTOs to: rrpacificguam@gmail.com PLEASE INCLUDE: - CAPTIONS (NAMES, DATE, EVENT NAME AND LOCATIOIN) - YOUR NAME AND VILLAGE
Feature///Health & Fitness
By Carmen Rojas
It’s now springtime. It’s the time of growth, renewal, and a fresh start.
Speaking of fresh...let’s talk about the fresh fruits and vegetables and more importantly why you need to eat more fresh fruits and veggies. Let’s talk about “fresh” fruit and veggies and how eating them will help you look and feel better.
First, the “fresh” part. The longer a fruit or vegetable stays attached to the plant the more vitamins and minerals it absorbs. It actually tastes much better too. This is up to a point of course, because food can go bad still on the plant. So walk backwards with me from your grocery cart and you will see why fresh makes a difference. Before that piece of fruit got into your cart, it sat on a shelf, and before that in a warehouse. If it was not grown locally it would have to be transported. Prior to that, it had to be picked. Depending on the fruit or vegetable, the journey from farm to store may take weeks. Here is a rule of thumb. The farther away your food is from you the less healthy it is. Not many of us are going to grow all of our own fruits and veggies, but this is why farmers markets are key. If it’s grown closer to you then the transport time is less, and that delicious pepper or apple has actually absorbed more nutrients and will likely taste better than the one that is plucked super early so that it “ripens” on the trip over. The farther you are from the place where your food is grown the less nutrient dense your food will be. While this isn’t a problem on Guam, in the states the issue of seasonality with fruits and vegetables effects the travel time of food considerably. To guarantee nutrition, it is recommended that you buy local in-season fruit and veggies as much as possible. Fruits and veggies have three major things working for them — fiber, vitamins and minerals. I like to think that fruits and veggies are sweet because that’s the only way to get humans to eat a wad of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is the trouble with juice. We squeeze out all the sweet parts and leave behind almost all of the fiber and a significant amount of the vitamins and minerals. Some companies have tried to add more,
but it changed the flavor of the juice. So, even more sugar was added to make it taste good. There has been a lot of attention lately about the negative effects of consuming too many sugary drinks, which include most commercial fruit juices. Springtime is a great time to try new fruits and veggies. Try putting them whole (without the inedible rinds or peels) in a smoothie; that way you get the juice and the solids. Discover new ways to eat nature’s candy as we come into the most delicious time of the year. To make it simple, the vitamins and minerals in fruits and veggies help your body work right. They contain fiber which aides in digestion and the vitamins manage a variety of functions ranging from nerve impulses to hair and nail growth. They are also great for the environment. Take a chance on a fruit or vegetable and it’s a chance that will pay you back in more ways than you can imagine.
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Local Feature///Guam Legends
Local Feature
legends of guam BY Thomas Johnson
The Legend of the Breadfruit (Story Courtesy of Chamorro Language Commission)
While Guam was still very young, the island was divided into a northern village and a southern village, ruled by two brothers. One day, a great famine struck the island. With food nearly exhausted, the chief of each village decided to go to the opposite end of the island to search for food. The chief from the south packed his bag with a small portion of food and started towards his brother’s village, bringing with him his three children and the three strongest men of his village. Unknown to him, his brother, the older chief, was traveling south, accompanied by his three children and several strong men. After going two days without eating, the two groups met in the center of the island and discovered that the famine was island-wide. The children, who were very tired and hungry, were put to bed for the evening while the men talked late into the night. Arising later than usual the next morning, the men learned that all of the children had died in their sleep. In sorrow, the two chiefs buried their children. After the ceremony, they placed a latte stone at the heads of their children’s graves and collapsed from exhaustion. When the men awakened, they saw a strange tree growing at the head of each grave where the latte stones had been. They ate the fruit of the trees and called it breadfruit. From that day on, there has never been a famine on the island, because of the miracle of the breadfruit tree.
Legend of Santa Marian Kamalen (Story Courtesy of Chamorro Language Commission)
A few centuries ago, a fisherman went down to the bay in Merizo to fish. He wore his usual fishing clothes, which were a pair of shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. He also had a net and a spear with him to help him get a large catch of fish. As the fisherman was preparing to throw his net into the water, he saw burning candles and a statue resting atop a golden crab. The fisherman tried to catch the crab, but each time he tried, it would disappear. Disappointed, the fisherman started towards
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Local Feature///Guam Legends
shore when the crab suddenly reappeared and spoke to him. It told him that he should go home and wear his finest clothes, and then he could have the statue. Returning fully dressed in long pants and a clean, long-sleeved shirt, the fisherman raced to the water’s edge and the crab reappeared. The fisherman reached down and took the statue from the back of the crab, which then disappeared beneath the water. The fisherman took the statue to the village priest in Hagåtña, who placed it on the altar of the cathedral. After many years, the priests in Hagåtña sent the statue to Rome to have it cleaned. Each time the workers tried to clean it, it bled, until officials decided to return it to Guam, uncleaned. To this day, the statue of Santa Maria Del Camarin can be seen in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral in Hagåtña.
The Legend of Puntan Dos Amantes(Two Lovers Point)
(Story based on I Dos Amantes: The Two Lovers by Baltazar B. Aguon) Long ago, in the time when Spain ruled Guam, there was a proud family living in Hagåtña, the capital city. The father was a wealthy Spanish aristocrat and the mother was the daughter of a great Chamorro chief. The family owned land and were highly esteemed by Chamorro and Spanish alike. Their daughter was a beautiful girl, admired by all for her honesty, modesty, and perfectly natural charm. One day, the girl’s father arranged for her to take a powerful Spanish captain as her husband. When the girl discovered this, she was so distraught that she ran from Hagåtña all the way to the north of Guam until she found a secluded and peaceful shore. There, on the moonlit shore, she met and fell in love with a young warrior from a very modest Chamorro family. He was gentle, with a strong build, and had eyes that searched for meaning in the stars. When the girl’s father learned of the two lovers, he grew angry and demanded she marry the Spanish captain at once. That day at sundown, she stole away to the same high point along the shore, and met her lover. Her father, the captain, and all the Spanish soldiers pursued the lovers up to the high cliff above Tumon Bay. The lovers found themselves trapped between the edge of the cliff and the approaching soldiers. All the young warrior could do was warn them to stay back, and the father ordered the soldiers to halt. The lovers tied their long black hair into a single knot. And acting as if they were entirely alone, they looked deeply into each other’s eyes and kissed for the last time. Then they leaped over the cliff into the roaring waters below. The girl’s father and all who remained rushed to the edge to stare in great anguish. The lovers were gone, never to be seen again. Today the place where they jumped is known as Two Lover’s Point.
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Spotlight///Restaurant
Oishi Indeed JAPANESE CURRY HOUSE DEFINES DELICIOUS BY Thomas Johnson PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong
With a wide assortment of Japanese-style curry dishes and sides, Oishi! Curry House is ready to serve up the Japanese curry that the island has been missing, according to owner Erika Readdy. As the restaurant’s website and table literature proudly proclaim about the history of Japanese curry, the dish was “created in India, renovated in Britain, improved in Japan, and now, enjoyed in Guam.” And as a product of British and Japanese parents
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herself, Readdy is bringing a wealth of curry knowledge to the table. Since arriving on island over two years ago, she and her partner Hisashi Watanabe have been steadily working towards opening Guam’s first restaurant specializing in Japanese curry. “We knew there were restaurants that had curry here,” says Readdy, “but there were no curry specialists. There are a lot of restaurants that feature ramen, but Fuji-Ichiban spe-
cializes in it. We specialize in Japanese curry.” And with over a dozen different types of curry to choose from — ranging from milder vegetable curries to rich, flavorful pork katsu curries — as well as a wide variety of toppings, it’s quite clear that Oishi! takes its curry seriously. “We want people to know we take a lot of time preparing the curry,” says Readdy. “We add the vegetables, the fruit, and the meat, which we actually broil and stew for
“we knew there were restaurants that had curry here, but there were no curry specialists.” ERIKA READDY OWNER
about six hours. Then we take the stock from that, strain it, and begin adding in the spices. Then we leave it to thicken for another six hours. That’s how we get the flavor.” And the customers love it, according to Readdy. “The chicken and pork katsu curry are our most popular dishes right now, but the ladies really seem to like the vegetable curries,” Readdy says. “And if you don’t like curry, we still do all the rice and you can add anything we have as a topping. So if you want rice with pork katsu, we actually make a special sauce for the katsu. You can mix and match every topping and sauce that we have.” Readdy says, while she and her staff are working on creating some pure vegetarian dishes, none of the curries on the current menu are purely vegetarian yet. “A lot of vegetarians come in asking for vegetarian dishes, but we have to use meat for the sauce stock to get the right flavor, even with the spinach and eggplant curries. “We’re working on creating a pure vegetarian curry, as well as a beef curry and our version of Tokyo curry, with carrots and potatoes in it,” Readdy says. “We’ll also be introducing meal sets sometime in the future. We’re always testing, sometimes staying up into the wee hours, trying to make sure that customers are happy.”
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