In addition to different types of Kimchi dishes, such as cabbage, radish, cucumber, and ragu, the Village Pantry also carries pickles and pickled eggs and a variety of other snacks and groceries.
contents TRAVEL
Taipei
BEAUTY AND FASHION
Tips from the experts
CALENDAR
Guide to December
Essence of guam
The Best of Guam - Food Finds
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Body art exhibition
Retail spotlight
Colors of Christmas
SPECIAL FEATURE
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Jamaican Grill celebrates 20 years
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Specialties of the Season
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holiday FEATURE
FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB
Corn bread
KIDS AND FAMILY
Benefits of early education
SPORTS
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Wolverines Soccer Club
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Readers’ and events photos
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OUT & ABOUT
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 On the cover: Many types of food make up the appetite of Guam — Radish Kimchi, Cabbage Kimchi, salted anchovies with soy sauce and dried squid, all from Village Pantry. Pecan tarts, Chamorro cake and tatiyas all from Ipan Mobil. Created by Michele Blas, Vikki Fong and Joy White. Photo by Vikki Fong
2014
R&R Pacific/December
PUBLISHER
SALES MANAGER
Maureen N. Maratita
MANAGING EDITOR
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jackie Hanson
Annie San Nicolas Clarissa Del Valle
ASSISTANT EDITOR
ADMINISTRATION
Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero
REPORTERS
Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen
Thomas Johnson
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bryce Guerrero
Marcos Fong
Joy White
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Rosanna Dacanay
SENIOR DESIGNER
Vikki Fong
Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • Guam Business Magazine • R&R Pacific • Beach Road Magazine
R&R Pacific • December 2014 • Entire contents copyrighted 2014 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.
Feature///Travel
The Chang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei commemorates Taiwan’s famous president.
Taipei – a city full of charm and made for exploring STORY AND PHOTOS BY Maureen N. Maratita
Island residents who have been to Taipei rave about the variety of excellent food available in the city. It’s a fact that it’s hard to avoid the restaurants, coffee shops (American and local chains) and market street stalls, and you should certainly indulge. There is a special taste to a savory dumpling or a sweet tart, or a mixed bag of tropical fruit that has been prepared for you to snack on as you walk through one of the many markets spread around Taipei. And the good news is that it’s safe to eat from the food stalls, and you’ll see locals doing so, as well as tourists. Taipei has a variety of markets throughout the city and also by the river at Danshui, but perhaps the biggest and most well-known market is the Shilin night market, which opens around 4 p.m. From shoes to clothing to watches and more, the stalls and shops also offer a variety of goods and places to eat. Similarly, Taipei’s department store chain – Sogo, offers just about everything on its several floors. Taipei also offers a Mitsukoshi department store and a variety of malls around the city. For shoppers and souvenir hunters, Taipei offers high fashion at various price levels, electronics, a variety of traditional Asian wares from jade to artwork and packaged candy and pastries to take home for yourself or as gifts. Restaurants abound – from casual dining to more upmarket op-
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tions and a variety of cuisines from around Asia as well as locallythemed – to include various Chinese cuisines, Thai, Indian and Japanese eateries. Indulge yourself in noodles, seafood, meat and plenty of options for vegetarians. Convenience stores are everywhere for small purchases. The Taipei 101 mall is full of top international brands, perhaps not so tempting to residents of Guam, but the mall does offer a store specializing in tea and attractive tea caddies, and the basement level features a food court and a supermarket with interesting imported goods. However, the real reason for visiting Taipei 101 is the famous indoor observatory. The observatory tower is worth a visit for the high speed ride to the 89th floor alone, but the views of the city are unique. Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 2004. “Tallest” honor now goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but Taipei 101 remains hugely impressive. The tower is stabilized against earthquakes by a huge wind damper, which you can also see up close. The outdoor observatory on the 9lst floor is only open at certain times. Taipei 101 has 2,046 stairs. If you are feeling fit, you can time your visit for the Taipei 101 Run Up in April, and if you participate, be sure to send R&R a photo. A jewelry and fine arts gallery also is available to visitors. Other tourist attractions in Taipei include a variety of museums,
(Clockwise from top left) Fresh fruit at the Shilin Night Market; the waterfall at Wulai village; Wulai village dancers; one of the guards at the Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
and the Chang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This tribute to the country’s president, who died in April 1975, is set against the background of the history of the country and offers a view of memorable personal artifacts of the leader. A Changing of the Guard takes place at the memorial at various times during the day. It’s also possible to visit indigenous villages like Wulai in Taipei, where you will learn something about one group of original inhabitants of Taiwan. While the trip to Wulai village is firmly aimed at tourists, a half day tour does offer a ride through Taipei and into the hills, an experience in itself. The area is scenic and known for its hot springs. Wulai is set among the hills and offers a waterfall and a chance to see the Tai Ya people. Expect to ride a trail train, formerly used to transport lumber, and to see a folk singing and dancing show. Souvenirs available include woven goods similar to Indonesia’s attractive Ikat weaving. One important consideration when you are planning a visit is your accommodation. Taipei offers high end brand names, but also a variety of boutique hotel chains offering mid-range accommodation as well as more economical options. Mid-range accommodation can also feature different room choices if you wish a bit more space, and can pack a lot of services. Our hotel offered a gym as well as a well-tended roof garden – and complimentary coffee throughout the day in its lobby.
Research will give you some indication of price to fit your budget and preferred amenities, but equally important is to check that your hotel is walking distance to one of Taipei’s Metropolitan Rapid Transit system stations. The metro transport system is designed to be efficient and affordable and offers a variety of economic day passes and options for tourists as well as residents. Maps are available, and stations clearly signpost interchanges, which are inevitable, as the metro crosses the city, as well as announcing upcoming stations and highlighting them on maps as you arrive. Taxis are also relatively cheap. Cab drivers don’t always speak English, but your hotel will write down the destination for you – just ask. If you don’t want to take hotel transport from the airport, the city’s excellent bus system also provides an economical ride to town. And lastly a word about Taipei and your hosts: While tourists should always be careful, Taipei is considered a safe city, and reportedly has less crime than Tokyo (which has very low crime statistics). For those unaccustomed to the confines of cities and the sheer numbers of people on the move in Taipei (the city has a population of 2.69 million), Taipei residents are friendly and polite to visitors. Locals respect your space on the metro and are even given to smiling and stopping to help you with directions.
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Spotlight///Beauty
Brought to you by Salon Fusion
December means parties, parties and more parties, and the agonizing question: “What to do with your hair?” These days, hairstyles for events appear more “undone” instead of tight, sleek and shaped styles held in place with heavy hair spray. Locks twisted to the side into an undone chignon or thrown up into a topknot or ballet bun — big or small — are trendy fashion statements. Hair: Soft, side-swept updos and tousled curls remain popular for evening events. Braids are coming back as well. Loose braids incorporated into an updo are youthful, yet romantic. When visiting your stylist, keep in mind that dayold hair will help these types of styles last longer. Makeup: Hair is only part of the look. Your face should also be made ready to dazzle the crowd. Start off by keeping hydrated before the event. Drinking a glass of water with a hint of lemon first thing in the morning will help cleanse your body, giving you better skin. Cosmetics will appear smoother without caking your face. “Smoky eyes” go well with soft, shaded lips, while soft and natural eyes compliment bold or bright lip colors. For the eyebrows, well-shaped and full eyebrows are the trend today. Make sure they are waxed no more than two days before the event to give that area time to heal. If your skin is sensitive, the redness can last for more than a day, and may become irritated when cosmetics are applied. Once you have perfected your look, you are ready to enjoy your holiday!
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December
R&R is... family fun.
events
December 3
December 13
University Music Fall student recital
Guam USO 10th anniversary Splash Run For Our Heroes 2k/5k Run/Walk
Location: University of Guam Fine Arts Theatre Time: 7 p.m. Free Admission December 5 to 15
Guam War Survivors Memorial Foundation Exhibit Location: Agana Shopping Center December 6
The Cutest Kid Pageant finals
featured event
Location: Old USO in Piti Show time: 5 a.m. Go time: 6 a.m. Registration: $10 per person – preregister at Hornet Sporting Goods; $15 on race day; $30 for a team December 13
“Holiday Friendship Spectacular” featuring the Guam Territorial Band, Cantate and high school bands & choirs
December 13
Home Sweet Home Gingerbread House Building Contest Presented by GPO and Dr. Shieh’s Clinic
December 14
Non-profit organizations are invited to participant in this sweet holiday competition to build the best houses out of gingerbread for cash prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in two categories: Most Original and Most Creative/Fun. Prizes are as follows: First place - $1,000; Second place - $500; and third place - $300. For more information on how to enter, visit www. gpoguam.com.
Location: Guam International Raceway
KPRG 11th Annual Postcard Art Silent Auction
LOCATION: Guam Premiere Outlets Building starts: 10 a.m. Judging starts: 2 p.m.
December 7
Location: the Mermaid Tavern
Location: John Robert Powers, Maite December 6
The Official Slammed Society and Hellaflush Showcase
Guam Symphony Society 25th Annual Holiday Seaside Concert Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial beach Park Time: 3 p.m. Free Admission December 8
Jamaican Grill 20th Anniversary party Location: Chamorro Village stage Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Southern High School Auditorium Time: 7:30 p.m.
December 14
The Compassionate Friends 3rd Worldwide Candle Lighting Location: Governor’s complex, Adelup Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please provide your personal chairs and bring a 4x6 photo of your child/ children to be included in our quilt/ candle pillars. For more information, please contact tcfguam@hotmail. com or call 988-9662.
December 14
December 25
2014 Holiday Craft Fair
Christmas Day
Location: Jeff’s Pirate’s Cove Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $1 (includes raffle ticket) December 20
Kurason Ysengsong Community Garden meeting Location: Island Girl Power, Ysengsong Road, Dededo Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 688-4752 or email islandgirlpower671@gmail.com
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Merry Christmas from R&R Pacific!
EVENTSCALENDAR
DECEMBER sun
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• Guam Symphony Society 25th Annual Holiday Seaside Concert
thu
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Chicago was the city where The Coca-Cola Company unveiled the first automatic fountain dispenser in May 27, 1933.
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• University Music Fall student recital
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The Coca-Cola Company has 39 juice drinks under its portfolio, which includes Cappy, FUZE, Minute Maid Orange Juice, Five Alive, Sunfill, Bright & Early and Fruitopia.
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MOVIES
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• The Cutest Kid Pageant finals • The Official Slammed Society and Hellaflush Showcase • Dededo Village Fiesta
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MOVIES
• Santa Rita Village Fiesta • Guam USO 10th anniversary • Splash Run For Our Heroes 2k/5k Run/Walk • “Holiday Friendship Spectacular” (Guam Territorial Band, Cantate and high school bands and choirs)
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Inherent Vice Exodus: Gods and Kings Top Five premiere at Regal Cinemas
• KPRG 11th Annual Postcard Art Silent Auction • The Compassionate Friends 3rd Worldwide Candle Lighting • 2014 Holiday Craft Fair
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The Pyramid Wild Pioneer Comet Life Partners premiere at Regal Cinemas
• Our Lady of Camarin Hagatna Festival • Jamaican Grill 20th Anniversary party
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MOVIES The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Annie Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb The Gambler premiere at Regal Cinemas
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• Kurason Ysengsong Community Garden meeting
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31 New Year’s Eve • GHRA New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Coca-Cola became popular among American consumers after free samples were offered to the public. Dr. John Pemberton, Coke inventor, passed out coupons on the streets of Atlanta and they were also mailed to some prominent citizens. The coupon was for one complimentary glass of Coca-Cola. SPONSORED BY:
For showtimes: Call 649-1111 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing
*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola factoids from Coca Cola Smarts trivia by SmartsCo.
beverages.
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Feature///Essence of Guam
STORY BY Bryce Guerrero and Joy White PHOTOS by Bryce Guerrero, Vikki Fong and Joy White
A road trip around the island — we’ve all done it on a day off, uneventful weekend or maybe as teenagers with loads of extra time. We look at the sights and enjoy the company of our friends or family. Along the way we might stop by somewhere — a small convenience store or a gas station — to pick up a snack. Or, maybe those snacks are the reason for the whole road trip. Either way, R&R Pacific toured the island and found what could arguably be the best places to find certain snacks or light meals, and found that even the smallest locations can serve up some award winning food.
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Eugene Jeon, who has a background in business and culinary, says the Kimchi dishes at the Village Pantry and Island Pantry started out as a side attraction, but grew into a main feature of the stores.
Section///Spotlight
(From left) Lory, Weis, both Ipan Mobil employees and Yvonne Rosario, general manager, show off one of the popular mocha and vanilla twist soft serve ice cream cones; Empanadas and donuts are some of the tasty offerings; and pistachio cake and Chamorro cake are two of the many cakes available for sale.
Happy Mart Happy Mart, centrally located in Barrigada, is known as the one-stop shop for everything consumers might need. From cereals to fresh soups, Happy Mart has it all. Opened in 1985, Happy Mart has been through numerous phases of renovation over the years and has grown from a simple “mom and pop” store to a midsize supermarket. Dominic Kim, manager for the store, says that they provide many different types of kelaguen such as beef, squid, shrimp and even tofu for vegetarians. “The texture [of tofu kelaguen] is like chicken, so when you first taste it, you can’t tell the difference,” Kim says. Happy Mart also boasts store-made sushi along with tatiyas, empanadas and other local finger foods from local vendors. The mart is also known for the substantial provision of Korean produce, which is delivered to them once a week. “We should be telling the customers thank you, but we’re hearing it the other way where the customers are thanking us for bringing certain products or being good with the prices as well,” Kim says. The Village Pantry The Jeon family has two locations if you’re looking for a convenient place to find homemade pickled and Kimchi dishes, as well as the normal convenience store fare. The family prefers to keep the business a small opera-
tion to focus on quality and consistency. The Village Pantry is the main location in Latte Heights and the Island Pantry is located on the Back Road in Yigo. The Village Pantry has been in operation for three years and the Island Pantry in Yigo has been open for less than a year The establishments’ array of Kimchi dishes has become popular with the neighborhood and the whole island. It started as a side line, but grew into a staple of the store. Eugene Jeon says customers from the south often visit just to buy their Kimchi dishes. Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables with a variety of seasonings. It’s often spicy. The spread at the Pantries includes Kimchi dishes found year round, such as cabbage, ragu and radish, and seasonal types – mango, cucumber, mango and papaya. When in season, mango is the bestselling item, with papaya as the second best seller. Other goodies include pickles, salted anchovies with soy sauce, dried squid, pickled eggs and Daigo. Catarina Jeon, Eugene’s mother, makes the Kimchi items in-house, using her own technique. Traditionally Kimchi is fermented underground, but Catarina uses a special refrigerator. The family also does their own packaging, which means they make sure it’s packed to bursting with goodness. The authentic Korean cuisine and fresh produce allow Eugene to pursue her goals of promoting healthy food. There are many
healthy aspects of Korean food, she says. Eugene has a background in business and the culinary arts. “I like to focus on the basics, with something extra,” Eugene says. Therefore, in addition to the basic cooking ingredients for Asian, local and American dishes and household items, the Latte and Village Pantry also carry something extra. The stores carry fresh produce. “Sometimes it’s not convenient to go to the big stores for fresh vegetables, so we carry some for our customers,” she says. The Village Pantry also carries locally made foods and snacks, such as tatiyas, tapioca and apigigi. “It’s a multicultural neighborhood, so we like to have a variety of products,” she says Ipan Mobil Ipan Mobil is not your average gas station and convenience store. It is widely known for its exclusive line of baked goods. Yvonne Rosario has been the manager of the establishment since 1987. Over the years, there have been a variety of offerings, but it remains a landmark stopover for visitors and locals cruising around the island. Pecan tarts, turnovers, sweet tamales, brownies and a breakfast spread of soup, sandwiches, Tenorio’s Empanadas and more are just a sample of what can be found at the Ipan Mobil. Each of the baked goods are made by a vendor in Ipan and delivered daily. One of the vendors is Ellie Diego, who makes
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(Top left) The dried squid at the Village Pantry is made in-house by the owners. (Clockwise from top right) Happy Mart in Barrigada has a wide array of Korean and Chamorro products, including Lemmai Chips, vegetarian keleguen, tatityas and more.
the pecan tarts and turnovers. Another is Victoria Quenga and her son, from Yona, who make special hazelnut and sugar donuts only found on sale in Ipan and Yona. Customers sometimes call in advance for these donuts — they’re that good. Annabelle Estrada makes tamales and a variety of cakes, including red velvet, pistachio, carrot and German Chocolate. She also makes Chamorro and cassava cakes. The Chamorro cake is a yellow cake that is delicious in its simplicity. The cassava cake is not always available, as it is difficult to make, but is worth the wait. “It’s very convenient for us in the south to buy for parties and rosaries and things like that,” Rosario says. Residents sometimes don’t like “going into town” to buy things, so residents from all villages visit for the cakes. Students who have attended schools in the south, graduate and go off-island for college have been known to return. “It’s worth the drive to come down and enjoy the scenery,” Rosario
says. Having lived in the village all her life, she still enjoys the ocean view, she says. Ipan Mobil is also known for having the best soft serve ice cream, which comes in vanilla, mocha and twist. Just like the cake, people come from miles away to purchase it even servicemen and women from the military base. Rosario says the secret is the pure and clean water from Ugum River. “I can truly say we’ve become a destination for cakes and ice cream,” Rosario says. Plus the extra hospitality from the south keeps people coming back from more, she says. Rosario is a second generation convenience store owner. Her mother, Antonita Perez, owned and operated Perez Store in the exact location for 21 years. Perez Store was also very popular and known for catering to visitors, and sold souvenirs. In 1985, the store was damaged by a fire, and Rosario took the opportunity to open her own business.
Feature///Artist Spotlight
Body Language
Body art exhibition showcases creation myth Story and photos by Thomas Johnson
In November, the Guam Community College chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society hosted “A Cultural Legend Revitalized Through Body Art,” a live art exhibition that told the story of the island’s creation myth. The exhibition featured the work of several local artists, all of whom collaborated to paint the story of Puntan yan Fu’una on male and female models. According to Jamn Nacpil, chairwoman for this year’s PTK event, the purpose of the event was to rekindle an interest in cultural appreciation. “I just feel that it’s far more important for us to understand our cultural roots,” she says, “especially now when technology is so prevalent and people are growing more detached.” Hayah al-Sayeh Each of the participating artists has worked in community projects and collaborative artwork previously, but the most experienced body artist of the group is Hayah al-Sayeh. As a backstage and wardrobe assistant at Sand Castle, al-Sayeh has had her body paint work featured at many events, such as the Guam Visitors Bureau’s 50th anniversary gala and the Miss Earth and Miss Guam pageants.“To me, body painting is an unappreciated art form,” al-Sayeh says. “One’s culture or story may be better expressed through body art because you work with three-dimensional canvases, and culture can be shown through traditional designs, stories and legends, and the values which can be painted across the body and given new life.” Myracle Mugol With three different art-related production studios and a freelance art career, Myracle Mugol is one of the island’s busiest visual artists, although most of her previous art shows have featured acrylic and watercolor painting. “Hayah is definitely the most experienced of us by far,” she says, “But we’ve all dabbled in the medium in one way or another. This event is wonderful because it brings awareness back to the culture through art. And not just art, but a more traditional sense of art. Body art is as traditional as it comes, every civilization has used some form of body art to define their culture, whether through tattoos, symbols, or body paint. I love how this brings it all full circle.” Joe Certeza Joe Certeza has created several cultural community murals as part of local cultural artisan group Kannai, as well as Sagan Kotturan Chamorro. “Body art is similar to certain styles of painting murals where you work with the space and the environment to create visual illusions; I enjoy that kind of challenge,” says Certeza, who gave a presentation on the significance of the Puntan yan Fu’una legend and the role of each piece to the myth. Certeza was assisted by fellow artist Ana Won-Pat Borja and several students from Academy of Our Lady of Guam, where he teaches art. Baltazar “BJ” Bell Baltazar “BJ” Bell holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in sculpture, and is also one of the event’s first-timers. “I love to dabble in different mediums, but I tend not to specialize in anything,” he says. An independent artist and art teacher who has worked on numerous freelance projects, as well as murals for Sagan Kotturan Chamorro, Bell says he answered the call for artists because he was intrigued in the mythological aspect of the project.
(From top) Myracle Mogul, Ana Won-Pat Borja, and Baltazar “BJ” Bell work with models to depict the creation myth.
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STORY BY Thomas Johnson
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas cheer in full swing. Of course, everybody will be hanging up the usual lights, tinsel and ornaments, but if you’re looking for something new to put on your tree this year, you should check out the Christmas decor at the SM Store in the Agana Shopping Center. Christmas, especially here in paradise, is full of colors. Each year, SM Store has more and more colors — from the usual red, white, green, gold and even blue, to vibrant colors, such as fuchsia and hot pink — to make each home have that feeling of wonder, excitement and cheer that makes this time of year so special. Whether you’re going the classic route with wreaths and Santa Claus figures, decking out your home with religious decor or expressing yourself with something cuter or more artistic, SM Store has something for you and your family’s decorating tastes at reasonable prices. Poinsettias are one of the many offerings, in different colors and sizes, available from $2.99 to $4.99. SM Store is open 365 days a year, making it convenient to shop during the holidays. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing additional shopping time, until Dec. 24. Then it will return to regular business hours starting Dec. 25, which is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Celebrating 20 years of business on Guam, Jamaican Grill wants its customers to know that its prosperity is “’cuz of you.” Owners Frank Kenney and Tim Murphy started Jamaican Grill in 1994 as a food booth in Chamorro Village, sprouting from the idea of catering to three of Guam’s overarching passions: barbecue, the donne’ boonie pepper and reggae music. “Why not open up a restaurant serving spicy barbecue and reggae music in the background?” Kenney says. The question became a concept, and the concept materialized into a household name on island for the restaurant.Today, it has grown from its humble roots as a tiny food booth whose only employees were its two owners, to three spacious restaurants and over 100 employees. Jamaican Grill’s mission statement is, “To wow every
single guest we serve with Ya Mon Serious Food and serious service,” and reflects the staff’s desire to give back to the customers and community that made their restaurant into what it is today. Every year on September 11 Jamaican Grill provides free plates to active duty policemen, firefighters and paramedics on island. “We’ve been honoring the men and women in our community that hold these positions for two reasons. One was, first and foremost, giving them thanks for their service to our own community […] it’s only in times of tragedy that people in these jobs might make the papers or might get some notoriety. We try to do this every year. And then the second […] is for us to remember their fallen comrades in New York City during that tragic day in our country’s history,” Kenney says.
(Top right) From left to right — John Thompson, Andersen Air Force Base Fire Chief and Western Pacific Islands Association of Fire Chiefs board member; Frank Kenney, president and co-owner, Jamaican Grill; Stanley Torres, Anderson Air Force Base Assistant Fire Chief and Western Pacific Islands Association of Fire Chiefs Board President; and Senior Master Sergeant Rod Vega, Andersen Air Force Base Deputy Fire Chief. (Also present, Benny Baza, Airport Fire Chief and Western Pacific Islands Association of Fire Chiefs). Kenney; and Tim Murphy, kitchen manager and co-owner, Jamaican Grill.
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Francesca Tamannalon, Joleen Obak and Christine Matsuoka are the general managers at the three Jamaican Grill restaurants and have appreciated the opportunity to work for the company through the years. “It’s a family-oriented business. The owners show a lot of affection and a lot of care. That’s the biggest part of it because, if they weren’t like that, then maybe we wouldn’t be here for so long,” Obak says. The three general managers say they all started at the bottom and have grown to love their time at Jamaican Grill. “I think we owe a lot to our two mentors [Kenney and Murphy], because we came here with no experience and now we see things differently than we used to, and that’s pretty amazing,” Matsuoka says. Tamannalon, who has been with the restaurant for 17 years — from back when the restaurant was just a booth and employment meant everything from making the dish, to serving it, to cashing out the payment for it — says her career was able to flourish along with the restaurant. “It was just a job, and then I grew with the company as the company moved forward,” she says. The ability to rise from the bottom to the top comes from Kenney and Murphy’s desire to hire individuals with a special drive. “We like to develop young people that are of the attitude that they want to work. They want a career in the food industry,” Murphy says. A testament to this development is Kevin Wariy, who has been at the restaurant for a year, yet has grown significantly as a cook in the short amount of time. “I like working here because when I first started working here, I didn’t know anything, even washing dishes […] I learned a lot from [Jamaican Grill],” he says. Chefs Clay Wai and Tim Cruz have had similar experiences, and appreciate how working for Murphy and Kenney impacts their lives positively beyond the walls of the restaurant. “They both teach you stuff, not just about restaurant business, about life as well,” Cruz says. “It’s great working for them because they have good hearts. They’re good people to begin with,” Wai says. (From top)” Carlo Calicdan, server; Kevin Wariy, cook; Mikay Sos, assistant kitchen manager; Angel Quinata, cashier/server; Francesca Tamannalon, general manager; Calvin Hesus, assistant kitchen manager; Latonya Naval, restaurant manager; Tim Cruz, kitchen manager.
Peter and Vicky Terlaje have been taking their family to the Hagåtña location since it first opened and the restaurant holds some special memories for them. “Because we’re from down south we come here [Hagåtña], but we frequent all of the Jamaican Grill locations,” Peter Terlaje says. “We always brought them here […] we even used Jamaican Grill for my daughter’s graduation party,” says Vicky Terlaje, who also says that she and her husband eat at the restaurant at least three times a month, and because of the atmosphere and good customer service, it is definitely a favorite. Like the Terlaje’s, Arthur and Dorothy Borja from Windward Hills have been going to Jamaican Grill since it opened, and say that the restaurant’s great food and customer service keep them coming back.
Arthur and Dorothy Borja
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“It’s the barbecue, the sauce […] and of course the atmosphere,” says Arthur Borja. “They’re very nice people,” Dorothy Borja says. “Customer service is very good.” As Jamaican Grill celebrates its anniversary on December 8 at the location at the Chamorro Village, the staff would like to remind customers that every plate consumed, every restaurant opened, and every dollar made, is all “’cuz of you,” and invites everybody to celebrate with them. “We’re going to give away a car. We’re going to roll back our prices to 1994. We’re going to have a reggae band out here. We’re just going to make a big party […] we just want to get the message across that we’re so appreciative of customers,” Murphy says.
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Dear Sirs, The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce congratulates Jamaican Grill on the occasion of your 20th year of service in Guam. We salute your entrepreneurial drive and success in establishing three restaurants that expose Jamaican Jerk BBQ, fused with the best flavours of Guam to people in the Western Pacific. Your organization is a true ambassador of Jamaica, sharing not just our cuisine but also elements of our culture with the rest of the world. As you continue to expand into new markets, we are confident that with your solid networking and partnership with Jamaica exporters/producers will continue to have a significant impact to the socio- economic development of both countries. We are proud to endorse your efforts and extend our best wishes for your continued success. Yours sincerely,
G. Anthony Hylton Minister Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica
Hafa Adai! We congratulate Jamaican Grill in their 20th Year Anniversary of doing business on Guam. Since Jamaican Grill opened its door in December 1994, the restaurant has drawn thousands of Guamanians and visitors with its delicious food and impeccable customer service. Over the years, Jamaican Grill has grown from a small 200 square-foot booth — staffed by its two owners — to three full-service restaurants employing more than 100 people. Jamaican Grill also has helped the community as a corporate citizen, preparing thousands of fundraisers for various organizations; hosted an annual 9-11 Commemorative Luncheon for Guam’s police, firemen and paramedics and donated thousands of “serious food plates” for charity and good-will events and causes. On behalf of the people of Guam, we thank you for 20 years of outstanding service to the island.
Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo and Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio Office of the Governor of Guam
Jamaican Grill, Hagåtña — November 1995
Jamaican Grill Headquarters, Tauming — Present Day
“After a year in business we realized we had a ‘Serious Food Product’ that the market was receptive to with much hard work ahead of us. Some things never change, as this proves to be the case today now 20 years of being in this blessed business.” Ya Mon, 20 years and beyond! - Frank Kenney President and Co-owner Jamaican Grill
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Special Feature///Specialties Section///Spotlight of the Season
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OUT&ABOUT
out & about
R&R is... DIVERSITY.
Photos by Joy White
The Japanese Club of Gum held its 35th annual Japan Autumn Festival at the Gov. Joseph Flores Beach Park at Ypao Beach on Nov. 22.
Photos by Jackie Hanson
Photos by Jackie Hanson
John Santos, the Carabao Man, was laid to rest with a procession on Oct. 23. He was known for walking his carabao and dogs along Marine Drive.
Comedian Dat Phan performed live at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort on Oct. 10.
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