R&R Pacific - April/May 2016

calendar of events • travel • restaurants & food • trends • recreation • sports • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more

APRIL/MAY 2016

Restaurants bring the heat

SOUTHERN PRIDE

Santa Rita and Merizo

Live it. Love it. Ride it.

All about that motocross life

Merizo Pier. Photo by Rueben Olivas.

contents TRAVEL

Malaysia

music

Guam Territorial Band

CALENDAR

Events in April and May

CULTURE

FestPac

HEALTH

Yoga

ESSENCE OF GUAM

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Merizo and Santa Rita

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Spicy selections

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restaurants & food Out & About

Events around the island

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COVER FEATURE

Motocross - a sport of dedication 18

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R&R Pacific is a lifestyle magazine that features the people, culture and activities that collectively make up Guam. We provide our readers a window into the different facets of Guam’s diverse community through vibrant photography and engaging articles.

www.facebook.com/rrpacificguam

@rrpacificguam

About the cover: Zachary Chang takes his KTM out for a spin at the Guam International Raceway. Chang, 19, won the title of champion in the 450cc division of the Guam Monster Energy Motocross Series for three years. See story on page 18. Photo by Vikki Fong.

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2016

R&R Pacific April/May

PUBLISHER

SENIOR DESIGNER

Maureen N. Maratita

Vikki Fong

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

Annie San Nicolas

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Joy White

Evelyn Sanchez

REPORTER

ADMINISTRATION

Lara Ozaki

Janice Castro

PUBLICATIONS INTERN

Carmelita McClellan

Vincent Leon Guerrero

CONTRIBUTORS

Jenalyn Aguon

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ashley Santos Rueben Olivas

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Marcos Fong

Rosanna Dacanay

Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.

Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine

R&R Pacific • April/May 2016 • Entire contents copyrighted 2016 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.

Travel///Malaysia

Sampling culture and beauty in

BY JOY WHITE

The sights, sounds and flavors of Malaysia will leave a lasting impression of the country’s cultural diversity, natural beauty and historical marvels.

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Travel///Malaysia

(On page 5): Batu Caves; (above:) Kuala Lumpur skyline with the Petronas Twin Towers.

Malay is the country’s official language, but English is taught in school and is widely spoken in the cities. Exploring Malaysia’s states is made easy with reliable transportation networks for planes, trains and buses. Cars are available but visitors should note that motorists drive on the left and that congested areas lend themselves to reckless drivers.

Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city, has much to offer in terms of modern attractions — including shopping, museums, zoos, animal sanctuaries, nightlife and dining. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur include photo opportunities at the Petronas Twin Towers, which were the world’s largest towers from 1998 to 2004, and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a former sultan’s palace that now houses government offices; bargain hunting in Chinatown and Central Market; fun at the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, KL Bird Park and the aquarium Aquaria KLCC; and feasting on a selection of cuisines in Jalan Alor.

About 7 miles north of Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves, three major caves and several smaller caves in a limestone hill. The Batu Caves are home to a century-old Hindu temple housing idols and statues that is considered an important religious landmark by Hindus.

Malacca, 92 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, is known as the historical state. Historical sites in Malacca include the Red Square or

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Dutch Square; Cheng Hoong Teng Temple, the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia; the Portugeuse historic structure A’Famosa Port; and the Malacca Sultanate Palace. The state is also home to a wide variety of museums, historical monuments, market places, zoos and animal sanctuaries. With a heavy Portuguese influence, the state offers Euroasian cuisines that are a must to sample. For a vibrant, bustling experience to include shopping for antiques, clothing and clay pots and eating, Chinatown in Malacca’s capital city, Melaka, will not disappoint.

Penang Island, located on the west coast of Malaysia, offers access to various cultural and spiritual architectures. The island is home to the the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, and the Thai temple Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, which houses a giant reclining Buddha statue. Fort Cornwallis is also one of Penang Island’s well visited sites. Penang Island also offers modern attractions, such as theme parks. A visit to the island is incomplete without sampling Penang cuisine.

Malaysia has a number of national parks, each offering access to the country’s natural beauty: Gunung Mulu National Park is known for its rainforest, mountains and Karst formations; Kinabalu Park

Travel///Historic Okinawa

(Clockwise from top) Christ Church and Dutch Square in Malacca, Malaysia. The church was built in 1753 by the Dutch and is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. (5 / Shutterstock.com); nasi kerabu, blue colored rice salad, traditional Malaysian cuisine; a Hindu devotee taking part in the Thaipusam festival on Jan. 24 (18042011 / Shutterstock.com).

for mountains, hot springs, rainforests and botanical gardens; and Endau-Rompin National Park for its forests, backpacking, waterfalls and tigers. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including lounging at one of the many beautiful beaches, hiking, scuba diving or whitewater rafting.

One of the best ways to experience Malaysia is through food. Regional specialties abound, such as Penang char kwayteow, Kajang satay, Ipoh bean sprout chicken, Sarawak laksa, Kelantan nasidagang and Sabah hinava. Nyonya, or Peranakan cusine, is a fusion between Malay and Chinese cooking and is also among the cuisines to sample while in Malaysia.

As a multicultural country, a vast range of festivals are celebrated throughout the year, including Ramadan, Chinese Lunar New

Year in January or February, the Hindu festival of the lights called Deepvali or Diwali in October or November, the Buddhist holiday of Wesak in May or June and Christmas.

The Hindu festival of Thaipusam, celebrated in January or February, is a oneof-a-kind event. The festival is held at Batu Caves. Male devotees carry decorated alters, kavadi, up the 272 steps of the temple, while female devotees carry pots of milk on their heads. The men are adorned with religious spears and hooks pierced through their skin.

Festivals unique to Malaysia are the harvest festival, similar to the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving, in May and the Gawai Dayak, a festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, in June. During the Gawai Dayak homes are open for guests and the traditional drink tuak, rice wine, is offered.

MALAYSIA Travel time: Nine or more hours flight time with two layovers Exchange rate: 4.14 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) = $1 Getting around: Getting around: Reliable plane, train and bus routes between states are available. If driving, note that motorists drive to the left and be wary of reckless drivers in congested areas.

Must do: Visit the Batu Caves Visa: Not required for U.S. passport holders When to go: March to October to avoid the rainy season

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Artist///Guam Territorial Band

To the tune of 40 years

BY JOY WHITE

Join the band

For more information on auditions, visit http://guamband.weebly. com/ or facebook.com/ guamband.

Since its inception in 1976 as the Governor’s Youth Band, the Guam Territorial Band has been bringing musicians together and filling the island’s gaps in music education.

The Guam Territorial Band is the official band of Guam, performing for the community at inaugurations, graduations, military changes of command, government and federal holiday festivities, official visits of heads of state and village fiestas.

The band’s membership includes men and women of all ages, musical backgrounds and walks of life. Some join the band for several months before moving abroad and others stay with the band for decades.

“Music might not be our profession, but it’s our passion,” says Brandon Aydlett, band director.

The band’s major concerts and performances throughout the year include Christmas concerts in December, an anniversary concert in November — this year will be the band’s 40th — and a Liberation Day concert. The band also represents the island at music festivals and competitions internationally. In 2014 the band won the gold award and command performance at the Australia International Music Festival, Sydney.

The Guam Territorial Band’s signature event is the Tumon Bay Music Festival held annually in March. This year’s festival brought together more than 100 musicians from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Japan to showcase their talents and learn together.

The Guam Territorial Band has always provided an outlet for musicians to perform and develop their skills. The band has youth programs for students who wish to expand their musicianship outside

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of their school’s band or music program.The Guam Honor Band builds students’ skills and confidence in preparation for joining the main band.

The youth programs are co-directed by Joanne Mantanane Sosa, band director at Luis P. Untalan Middle School and Andrew Dongon, band director of Harvest Christian Academy. The Guam Band Academy was launched last year and is led by Max Ronquillo Jr. — former Guam Territorial Band band director — who offers musical theory instruction.

The youth programs help fill the gaps in the Guam Department of Education’s band programs caused by a dwindling number of certified band directors and funding. One of the Guam Territorial Band’s goals is to encourage its younger members to pursue higher education in music to eventually educate the next generation of musicians.

A band’s success depends largely on the camaraderie between its members, Aydlett says. The Guam Territorial Band is a close-knit group of friends who have developed knowledge of each other’s playing styles.

“We focus on the sound and dynamic. When the whole band plays in tune, it doesn’t matter how many musicians there are. If everyone is in tune, the music is phenomenal,” Aydlett says. The band membership averages about 30 musicians.

The Guam Territorial Band will soon have a permanent home in the Guam and Chamorro Educational Facility in Hagåtña.With the new home and the revitalization of its youth programs, the Guam Territorial Band is positioned to build its presence.

“The future is bright,” Ronquillo says. “We look forward to offering a greater music experience.”

APRIL & MAY events April 2

April 21 to 23 and 28 to 30

Maila’ Halom concert

University Theatre’s “A FESTPAC Festival of One-Act Plays”

4 p.m. – Gates open 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Pacific Fleet Band 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Steveolicious & the Heart Takers 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. – Pacific Fleet Band 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Soul Drop featuring Leah 7 p.m. – Eli-Mac, also known as Camile Velasco Location: Polaris Point, Piti Admission: Free April 2

EIF Sunrise Run Time: 5 a.m.

Location: Agana Shopping Center Admission: $20 Register online at http://bit.ly/eifsunriserun-2016.

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: University of Guam Fine Arts Theater Tickets available at the door.

April 22

Harvest Christian Academy choir and ukulele concert Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Harvest Christian Academy, Barrigada Admission: Free April 22 to 23

Guam LIVE Music Festival April 29

April 2

Cantate Community Choir concert: “Misa Criolla”

Harvest Christian Academy orchestra concert

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Agana Cathedral

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Harvest Christian Academy, Barrigada Admission: Free

April 8 to 10

April 29 and 30

8th Annual Malesso’ Gupot Chamorro & Crab Festival

University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase

Time: 6:30 p.m. to midnight on April 8; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on April 9 and 11:30 a.m. to midnight on April 10.

Location: Malesso Veteran Sons & Daughters Pier Park Grounds

Location: University of Guam For more information, visit www.guamfilmfestival.org.

May 7 and 8

April 9 and 10

The Guam Symphony Society presents: “Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy” Time: 7 p.m. on April 9 and 2 p.m. on April 10 Location: Lotte Hotel Guam For ticket information, visit www.guamsymphonysociety.com.

April 10

Guam International Marathon Time: 3 a.m. marathon start; 4 a.m. half marathon start; 5 a.m. 10k start; and 6 a.m. 5k start Location: Gov. Joseph A. Flores Memorial Park, Tumon For registration information, visit www.guaminternationalmarathon.com.

April 15 to 17

Smokin’ Wheels Time: Starts 7 p.m. on April 15 and ends at 7 p.m. April 17 Location: Guam International Raceway, Yigo

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Agat Mango Festival Location: Agat Community Center May 20 to 21

Relay For Life 2016 Time: 6 p.m. to 12:01 a.m.

Location: George Washington High School field For more information, visit facebook.com/RFLGuam.

May 22 to June 4

Festival of the Pacific Arts Location: Paseo For more information, visit www.guamfestpac2016.com.

May 29

2016 Coco’s Crossing Location: Merizo Pier For more information, contact 898-8466.

EVENTSCALENDAR

APRIL sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri 1 MOVIES

Miles Ahead Everybody Wants Some God’s Not Dead 2 Meet the Blacks

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MOVIES

The Boss Before I Wake Hardcore Henry Demolition • 8th Annual Malesso’ Gupot Chamorro & Crab Festival

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15 MOVIES

• The Guam Symphony Society presents “Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy” • 8th Annual Malesso’ Gupot Chamorro & Crab Festival

The Jungle Book Barbershop: The Next Cut Criminal Green Room

• Guam International Marathon

• Smokin’ Wheels

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21 • University Theatre’s “A FESTPAC Festival of OneAct Plays” (through April 23 and 28-30)

• Smokin’ Wheels

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MOVIES

sat 2 • Maila’ Halom concert • EIF Sunrise Run • Cantate Community Choir concert: “Misa Criolla”

9 • The Guam Symphony Society presents “Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy” • 8th Annual Malesso’ Gupot Chamorro & Crab Festival

16 • Smokin’ Wheels

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The Huntsman: Winter’s War The Meddler

• University Theatre’s “A FESTPAC Festival of OneAct Plays”

• Harvest Christian Academy choir and ukulele concert

• Guam LIVE Music Festival

• Guam LIVE Music Festival

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28 • University Theatre’s “A FESTPAC Festival of One-Act Plays” (through April 30th)

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Mother’s Day Ratchet and Clank

• University Theatre’s “A FESTPAC Festival of One-Act Plays”

MOVIES

• Harvest Christian Academy orchestra concert • University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase

• University of Guam Film Festival Spring Local Showcase

FEATURED MOVIE April 15

The Jungle Book Directed by Jon Favreau Starring Neel Sethi and the voices of Idris Elba, Sir Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken

The Jungle Book is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie, who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. Official synopsis from Disney.com *Event times and dates may change without notice.

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may sun 1

mon 2

tue 3

wed 4

thu 5

fri 6 MOVIES

sat 7 • Agat Mango Festival

Captain America: Civil War

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• Agat Mango Festival

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MOVIES

Snowden The Lobster

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20 MOVIES

21 • Relay For Life 2016

The Angry Birds Movie Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising The Nice Guys • Relay For Life 2016

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MOVIES

• Festival of the Pacific Arts (through June 4)

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X-Men: Apocalypse Alice Through the Looking Glass

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• 2016 Cocos Crossing

FEATURED MOVIE May 27

Alice Through the Looking Glass Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway and Sacha Baron Cohen

Alice Kingsleigh has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit, Absolem, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock, which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out. Official synopsis from Disney.com

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Culture///Festpac

The crew of Che’lu Sakman Chamorro prepares the traditional canoe after its arrival on Guam from San Diego in February. Traditional seafaring will be part of the Chamorro cultural showcase at the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts to be held from May 22 to June 4.

BY JOY WHITE

The Festival of the Pacific Arts is a meeting of cultures. Known as the Olympics of culture, more than 20 island nations will be attending the 12th festival taking place from May 22 to June 4. The event is held every four years. As the host for the event, Guam is working to ensure the Chamorro culture is represented in its full glory.

The theme of the event is “håfa lyo-ta, gåfa guinahå-ta, håfa ta pått. Dinanña’ sunidu siha giya Pasifiku,” which translates to “What we own, what we have, what we share. United voices of the Pacific.”

The Chamorro culture will be represented in several disciplines: forums, workshops and seminars; the performing arts, to include traditional dance and chants; the visual arts; the literary arts, to include theater, writing, history, language and oratory; the traditional arts, to include seafaring, body ornamentation, weaving, carving, hunting, fishing, cuisine, tools, instruments, games; and the healing arts.

Cultural practitioners recognized by the Guam Council of the Arts and Humanities Agency will be participating and leading Guam’s delegations. Master of Traditional Dance Eileen Meno will be leading the traditional dance discipline, which consists of 274 local performers.

Master Blacksmith Francisco “Corn Beef ” Lizama will be hosting demonstrations on traditional blacksmith practices. He will be “pounding” a machete to present to the governor of Hawaii, as the state will be hosting the next festival in four years.

With the passing of Joaquin “Tun Jack” Lujan, Lizama is the only master blacksmith on Guam. The art is one that is not widely practiced today, but historically the blacksmith was an important person in the village.

“It should not be forgotten,” Lizama says. He has six students studying the practice in his Yigo workshop, and he says he hopes to bring on a full-time apprentice soon.

Chamorros from all over the world will be participating in

IF YOU GO: 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts

Date: May 22 to June 4 Location: Primary site – Paseo, Hagåtña; Additional sites – Sagan Kotturan Chamorru, Tumon; Sagan Bisita, Agat; Åmot Tao’tao Tåno Farm, Dededo; and Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian Point, Dededo For more information visit guamfestpac2016.com or festpac.visitguam.com.

the festival, including Mario Borja, a master carver with Sakman Chamorro, an organization based out of San Diego with the mission to build an ancestral canoe and sail back to Guam, the island of its origin.

The festival is a chance to bring the project full circle. In 2011, Borja and the group completed a sakman — the largest type of Chamorro canoe — based off a drawing from the 1700s.

The project began with eight people and grew to include to the younger generations as well to help perpetuate the craft and the culture.

The Che’lu Sakman Chamorro will include a mast made from materials on Guam. “We wanted to include part of Guam in the canoe,” Borja says.

Borja says another mission of Sakman Chamorro is to push for the development of the Chamorro lexicon for seafaring. Descriptions of the Chamorro sea vessels were recorded by European explorers so developing the story of the canoe and the culture in the native language is important to both perpetuate the culture and to pay respect to ancestors, Borja says.

“We love telling the story in Chamorro because part of the story comes alive,” he says. “Our ancestors abound and they are listening.

So we speak the native language for them.”

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Health///Yoga

STORY BY JOY WHITE PHOTOS BY VIKKI FONG AND JOY WHITE

Many practice yoga today to get fit and achieve mental and emotional health. On Guam, traditional and modern types of yoga are widely offered.

Yoga for specific needs For Catherine Manlapaz, prenatal and aerial yoga instructor and owner of Mantrasana Fitness Studio, her journey in yoga started reluctantly, but she learned to love it, eventually opening her own yoga studio in March.

“I hated my first yoga session,” she admits. She originally did yoga once a week as part of the Power 90 Xtreme fitness program. She kept to the routine and began noticing she had less knee strain when she did 5K runs. Soon she was able to do a half marathon. Eventually she was inspired to become a yoga instructor. Manlapaz’s pregnancy with her son nudged her onto the path of prenatal yoga.

Manlapaz became certified to teach prenatal yoga, which focuses on helping mothers relax and find relief from the weight of the baby. She emphasizes that a certified prenatal instructor is a must as some regular yoga poses can be harmful. She also offers Mom and Baby yoga to help mothers’ bodies recover from child birth and to bond with baby.

She is also a certified aerial yoga instructor, a first for Guam, which utilizes a cloth hammock suspended from the ceiling. “The good thing about aerial yoga is that you use a hammock as a prop. With the hammock, it forces you to do postures you may not be able to do with regular yoga,” she says. Aerial yoga helps increase body alignment and it strengthens the arms, back and core muscles. The more you practice, the more flexible you become, she says.

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Health///Yoga

Yoga for balanced wellness Clare Calvo has been practicing yoga since 2000 and instructing since 2006. Calvo is an instructor and co-owns Synergy Fitness Studio with Judy Rosario and Lillian Reyes. Calvo had been a dance instructor in Los Angeles and started practicing yoga to help alleviate the stress of a hectic schedule and city life.

For Calvo, yoga brings emotional and mental benefits in addition to physical benefits. “It brings clarity and focus because you are constantly reminded to breathe and be in the moment,” she says. In addition it relaxes the mind and sharpens attention.

Synergy Studio offers five types of yoga: hot yoga, which replicates traditional yoga but in a humid environment; gentle yoga, which focuses on alignment and proper posture; Vinyasa, which focuses on the fluid transition from sequence to sequence; and power yoga, which incorporates added strength and muscle toning.

All sessions begin with meditation. “[Yoga] is about aligning yourself mentally, emotionally and physically and achieving optimal wellness,” Calvo says.

Catch a yoga session Mantrasana Fitness Studio Aerial Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Mom and Baby yoga Location: RK Plaza, Barrigada Phone number: 929-2359 (2FLY) /MantrasanaFitnessStudio @mantrasanafitnessguam Synergy Studios Vinyasa Yoga, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, Gentle Yoga Locations: Synergy I - Market Wholesale Building, Maite; Synergy II - East Marine Corps. Drive, East Hagåtña Phone number: Synergy I – 472-9642 (YOGA); Synergy II – 472-7674 (SNRG) Website: www.synergystudiosguam.com /synergystudiosguam @synergystudiosguam Yoga Chill Studio Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga Location: Mamis Street, Tamuning Website: www.yogachill.com /yogachill

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Cover Feature///Motocross

A sport of dedication story by Joy White PHOTOS BY joy white and vikki fong

“It allows me to be free. If I’m having a bad day, it’s like nothing happened,” says Zachary Chang about what it feels like to get on his bike.

Chang, now 19, has been doing motocross since he was just 3 years old.

Guam’s nonprofit motocross organization, Guam International Raceway Motorcycle and ATV Corp., or GIRMAC, brings together motocross athletes of all ages to do what they love. The organization provides a safe environment for racing by educating riders on safety; encouraging sportsmanship and maintaining the motocross track at the Guam International Raceway in Yigo.

Motocross is a tough sport. Athletes fall and get hurt. Additionally, a big financial commitment is required to purchase bikes and gear.

However, the riders are dedicated and passionate.

“Other than the adrenaline, I love how motocross brings the family together,” Darian Chang, 16, says. Darian Chang has been involved in the sport since she was 13 years old. She, along with her father, Dongman Chang, and brother, Zachary Chang, cousins and other family members are an example of the family togetherness and camaraderie the sport encourages.

There are no teams in the series, as riders compete individually, but families act as a team. Behind every rider is family that helped prepare for the race months in advance, to include maintaining and repairing bikes and ATVs and coaching the racers. Weekends are spent supporting each other at the track, and weeknights are spent in the shop working on the bikes.

Zachary and Darian Chang’s family team includes cousins Ethan, Deven and Damian Manibusan, Tobin Perez and Donnavan Pitter, as well as Dongman Chang, Tria Pauliono, Angelene Guzman, Michelle Catahay Perez and Ali Tatagui.

Athletes compete against each other and take the races seriously. But once the race is over, the athletes are friends and family.

Zachary and Darian Chang and their cousins are all in the same competitive class and compete against each other at the races. “With all of us here, there is no ‘I’ because we’re at team. We’re all here to push each other,” Zachary Chang says.

For Dongman Chang, who is also the vice president of GIRMAC, it is not about winning or losing, it is about finishing the race. Motocross racers are dedicated to the sport. “One way or another you’re going to fall,” he says. And yet athletes get back up and try again.

All athletes have a different reason for sticking with the sport, but the feeling of being on a bike doesn’t compare to any other experience.

Out on the track on a bike, “I don’t have any stress. That’s when the adrenaline comes in and you’ll feel the rush,” says Ethan Manibusan, 16.

He started racing at 13 years old.

“Going on the line, everything goes away … that’s all that matters in 20 minutes,” says Deven Manibusan, 18, who also started racing at

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(From left) Motocross athletes Damian Manibusan, Darian Chang, Tobin Perez, Zachary Chang, Ethan Manibusan, Deven Manibusan and Donnavan Pitter.

Cover Feature///Motocross

13 years old. The sport has also taught him skills he uses in his daily life, such as discipline.

The passion for the sport is not easily forgotten. Donnavan Pitter, 25, took a break from motocross after having raced since he was 5 years old but found himself back at the track. “What brought me back was watching on the sidelines,” he says. “When you get older, you go to work and you have other priorities. But now I’m able to come back and do what I enjoy. It’s in my blood. I’ll never forget it. “ And as Damian Manibusan, 11, and Tobin Perez, 13, say, the sport is fun.

Competing in motocross involves physical fitness as well as mental fitness. It’s a misconception that the bike does all the work.

“You’re controlling the bike. You’re riding the bike; the bike is not riding you,” Zachary Chang says.

The sport is one of a kind, riders say. “The unique thing about motocross [compared to other sports] is that anyone can say they play a sport, but not everyone can say they do motocross,” Zachary Chang says.

GIRMAC organizes the Monster Energy Motocross Series. The series has 12 rounds of races. Points are awarded that go to the final placing. The first and second rounds were held on March 6 and 13.

The third round of the series will take place during this year’s Smokin’ Wheels from April 15 to 17 at the Guam International Raceway in Yigo. The series ends in October. Racers can join the series at any time during the season but should be mindful they may not be able to make enough points to place higher in the rankings.

The organization is evolving and growing. It has more than 100 members.The group tries to accommodate everyone, including girls — of which the group has several.

The club has several competition classes based on the bikes’ cylinder capacity, as well as classes for youth from the ages 16 to 18 years old and riders 40 or above.

GIRMAC membership is open to all ages, but those interested must have their own motorcycles, safety boots and helmets, which are required. The organization can be contacted through its website, guamatvm.com, or Facebook page.

Round 1

Feb. 28/March 6

Umatac

Round 2

March 13

Guam International Raceway

Round 3*

April 16

Guam International Raceway

Round 4

May 15

Guam International Raceway

Round 5

May 29

Guam International Raceway

Round 6*

June 12

Guam International Raceway

Round 7

June 26

Guam International Raceway

Round 8

July 17/24

Liberation Grounds (Barrigada)

Round 9

Aug. 7

Guam International Raceway

Round 10

Aug. 21

Guam International Raceway

Round 11

Sept. 4

Guam International Raceway

Round 12*

Oct. 10

Guam International Raceway

RACE CLASSes 50cc 65cc 85cc 150cc School Boy/Novice (up to 250cc) 16-18 years old 250cc 450cc Open Champ 1 Trophy Vet Class Champ 1 Trophy Mini ATV Big ATV UTV/Trophy Kart Buggie Class *Minimum of 6 Motocross/ATV races required to place in any class. * Minimum of 2 UTV/Trophy Kart and Buggie races required to place in a class.

MEMBERSHIP FEES $60 / Membership $40 for the 1st additional family member $25 each for the 3rd to 5th member, up to a total of 5 with only 2 being adults More than 5 in a family, please call a GIRMAC officer

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Essence of Guam///Merizo and Santa Rita

Merizo

POINTS OF INTERESTS

Malesso’ Mayor: Jessy C. Gogue Mayor: Ernest T. Chargualaf Population: 1,850 Fiestas: San Dimas in the third weekend of April and Malesso’ Fiestan Tasi in November Photos by Rueben Olivas

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1. Ajayan River 2. Faha Massacre memorial 3. Merizo Bell Tower 4. Merizo Combento 5. Merizo Pier 6. Santa Marian Kamelin Public Park 7. Coco’s Island Resort

7 Joshua Tyquiengco Lifelong Merizo resident “There’s something magical about it. It’s family. It’s home. … I can swim at Merizo Pier or go to my grandma’s house. I just love it … It’s the essence of southern hospitality.

There are days I drive home, I forget about everything. The drive allows me to unwind and by the time I get home I’m relaxed and at peace. If I catch a sunset, all the better.”

Essence of Guam///Merizo and Santa Rita

santa rita Santa Rita Mayor: Dale E. Alvarez Population: 6,080 Fiestas: Santa Rita in May and Our Lady of Guadalupe in December

POINTS OF INTERESTS 1.

2. Santa Rita Baseball Field 3. Santa Maria Memorial Lady of Santa Guadalupe 4. Our Catholic Church Namo Falls

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Photos by Rueben Olivas

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Kenneth Cruz, Resident since childhood “Moving back to Santa Rita after I got out of the Army last year was the natural choice for me because I really wanted my kids to experience all that I did growing up. I also like being tucked away on the mountainside because it’s so peaceful, and the drive through the village is unlike any other on island.”

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Restaurants & Food///Spicy selections Section///Spotlight

Whether you like only a small tingling or a full-on burning sensation in your mouth, Guam’s restaurants are happy to accomodate. Local choices for spicy fare are endless with soups, curries, stir-fry, meats and even salads.

Fiery food finds on island

BY LARA OZAKI

Pochon Chicken

Locations: 583 Route 10, Mangilao and Pacific Plaza on Marine Drive, Upper Tumon Phone: Mangilao - 734-9281; Tumon - 649-9282 Hours of operation: Mangilao - 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily; Tumon – 11 a.m–11 p.m. daily Korean peppers are the secret spicy ingredients at Pochon Chicken. Juicy, savory Korean style chicken wings can be ordered non-spicy, mild, medium, or very spicy, depending on your liking with the addition of more Korean peppers. Wings can be ordered in a mix with drumsticks, and other menus can also be made in different degrees of spiciness.

The Dukboki is another popular spicy dish, with Korean rice cake, fish cake, ramen noodles and onions, dressed in sweet red chili sauce. Many menu choices can be ordered in a set with rice, salad and pickled radish to balance the spice.

Ban Thai Restaurant & Lounge

Location: 971 Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon Phone: 649-2437 Hours of operation: Lunch - 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday to Thursday; Dinner - 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

Monday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday At Ban Thai, make any dish as spicy as you want. Levels of spiciness are mild, medium, hot and Thai hot. Guests can request to have it even hotter, if they can handle it. Depending on the dish, fresh local peppers, Thai chili peppers and other spices are added to adjust the spiciness.

Some popular dishes are the panang curry — tender slices of chicken, beef or prawns sautéed with chilies in panang curry and coconut milk — as well as the Tom Yum, which pairs tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and Thai spices with your choice of chicken, seafood or prawns.

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Restaurants & Food///Spicy Section///Spotlight selections

Meskla Bistro

Location: 130 E. Marine Corps Drive Suite B103, Hagåtña Phone: 479-2652/3 Hours of operation: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday; and 10a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday (brunch buffet only) The “Pika Challenge,” the hottest dish that Meskla offers, is not for the faint of heart. Steamed rice is topped with a coconut milk based kadun pika using one pound of boneless chicken and the hottest locally grown peppers available. You must eat the bowl clean within a 10-minute period to win the challenge and get the meal for free, as well as get your name on the “Wall of Fame” for everyone to see.

The Dinanche Crusted Pork Chops are a favorite with regular diners, and not as spicy. Meskla’s signature Finadene Dinanche is also a very popular and spicy condiment. All spicy dishes are made with locally grown hot peppers, like donne sali, kalilot, Thai, wax, ghost, batunes and habanero.

Meskla has spicy new additions like the Pork Cutlet with Green Curry Sauce and the Pasta ala Chamoru — cooked with spicy Chamoru sausage.

Bangkok Café Bar & Restaurant

Location: 1 Sun Plaza, San Vitores Road Tumon Phone: 969-2489 Hours of operation: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday to Sunday Go as spicy as you dare at the Bangkok Café with spice levels from 1-10. Using red and green peppers, all menu items can be made as spicy as you like, exceeding 10 if you love the heat.

Some popular salads include the Beef Salad, Larb Gai (chicken salad) and Som Tom (green papaya salad), which can all be made very spicy despite appearances.

Curries are also an obvious choice for spicy food lovers. Try the Red Curry, Green Curry and Panang Curry, as well as Bangkok Café’s other menu options, including fish, meats, rice, noodles and much more.

Chowon Korean Restaurant

Vivian’s Coffee Shop

Red pepper powder is used for the spicy dishes at Chowon, similar to those used for kimchee.

Dishes can vary in spiciness to your liking from mild to very spicy.

Open from lunch to dinner, the restaurant features spicy choices include the Yukgaejung — spicy beef soup with egg and vegetables — as well as stir-fried spicy pork or squid.

If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can enjoy a variety of BBQ meats, such as Kalbi beef, marinated pork or Korean pancakes. Like most Korean restaurants, all items come with a generous portion of banchan, or small side dishes.

Though Vivian’s Coffee Shop serves a variety of fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Sichuan Hot Pot is a musttry. With assorted vegetables, vermicelli, different choices of meats and seafood and an array of other add-ins, diners can customize the ingredients.

The Hot Pot kettle is split into two sections, one for a spicy broth and the other for a mild broth, though you may order two spicy or two mild as well.

Sichuan peppers are used to kick up the spice for the red broth, and the cooking is all done at the table atop a butane burner.

Location: Next to Tamuning Cost-U-Less Phone: 646-3269 Hours of operation: 11:15 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday

Location: 102 Manhattan Plaza, Dededo Phone: 647-5158 Hours of operation: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily

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OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Justin Green

The Guam Chamber of Commerce Business Women’s Network, through the Nina Project and in partnership with Catholic Social Service, held its “Give A Garment Drive” on Feb. 11 at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort to collect prom dresses and formal wear for teens.

Photo contributed by Monty Martin

The MTX Made to Excite Auto Club held its 2016 beach party on March 13 in front of the Outrigger Guam Beach Resort.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS FOR OUT & ABOUT, EMAIL HIGH-RES PHOTOs to: rrpacificguam@gmail.com

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PLEASE INCLUDE: - CAPTIONS (NAMES, DATE, EVENT NAME AND LOCATION) - YOUR NAME AND VILLAGE

OUT&ABOUT

Photos by Justin Green

Photos by Lara Ozaki

Matson celebrated 20 years in the Pacific on Feb. 25 with the launch of the Che’lu Sakman Chamorro, a traditional Chamorro sea vessel that Matson shipped from San Diego to Guam for the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts. The event took place at the Hagåtña Boat Basin.

Therese Fegurgur, who suffers from lupus, was granted her wish to visit Paris by Make-A-Wish Guam. A send-off ceremony was held on March 16 at Caffé Cino.

Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that arranges experiences, or wishes, to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Photos by Lara Ozaki

R&R Pacific attended the exclusive launch of the #MustPack campaign celebrating travel by T Galleria Guam by DFS. The March 11 event featured a preview of the best in travel essentials and globetrotting trends.

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