R&R Pacific - February 2014

calendar of events • travel • tech • recreation • health & fitness • restaurants • culture & arts • special features • nightlife • coupons & much more

FEBRUARY 2014

The tradition of chenchule’

Travel Alaska

The Last Frontier

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Alaska

HEALTH & FITNESS

Meal replacement shakes

CALENDAR

February events

SPOTLIGHT

My Secret Garden

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Chenchule’ for all occasions

FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB

Loaded mashed potato bake

SPOTLIGHT

4

Buen Provecho

6

To buy or not to buy

8 10 13

Real ESTATE

ISLAND FOCUS

Valentine’s Day heart-to-hearts

18 20 21

OUT & ABOUT

Readers’ and event photos

22

SPORTS

Olympic cyclist opens own shop

24

17

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: Newlyweds Rogelio and Catalina dela Peña exchange nuptials on Jan. 8 at the Hotel Nikko Guam. Photo by Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography.

2

R&R Pacific/February

2014

PUBLISHER

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Maureen N. Maratita

Rosanna Dacanay

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR DESIGNER

Jackie Hanson

Vikki Fong

ASSISTANT EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jacqueline Guzman

Annie San Nicolas

REPORTERS

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Thomas Johnson & Joy White

Yvonne Matanane

CONTRIBUTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Joe Cruz

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Carmen Rojas

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Patrick Lujan

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 • February 2014 • 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.

Feature///Travel Spotlight

Mushing (Alaskan dog-sledding) on Norris Glacier.

STORY BY Jacqueline Perry Guzman PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

It is very common for visitors to arrive in the beautiful state of Alaska via cruise ship during the winter months for a white and wondrous vacation. The cruises commonly begin from the port of Seattle, which is familiar to Pacific islanders because of the number of students who study there.

Cruise lines sail north via the cool waters to the first stop, the city of Juneau, where passengers begin their Alaskan adventures. Whether you are a sightseer, an adventurer, a partier or a relaxer, a cruise to Alaska has it all for you.

Even the locals who have spent their lives in Alaska’s capital city may not have experienced all there is to do in Juneau. There are forests to explore, snow-capped mountains to gaze upon, ice caves to check out, glaciers to see, spawning salmon to see, wildlife including bears and moose to watch for and marine life like whales and other mammals to also sight.

If you are interested in fishing, charter boats offer excursions that promise exciting memories and breathtaking scenery.

4

Once you have taken in all of the nature and serene beauty of Juneau, indulge in the spectacular architecture, art galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and historical landmarks. Juneau is a lively city as well.

A popular activity for visitors is helicopter rides to the glaciers and Alaskan dog-sledding or “mushing.”

On the flight to the dogsled camp, you will see some of the last glaciers in the world. One can imagine the beauty and serenity of the pure white glaciers. But they are even more magnificent set as the backdrop and racetrack for Alaskan mushing sled dogs.

The dogs wait in kennels for their masters to tell them it is time to take off. They are always excited before it is time for the run. You can either learn to drive the dogsled or you can ride with a guide. Once passengers are strapped into the sled, the dogs are given the message to “mush!”

The cruise ship’s voyage will often include an up-close trip to a glacier, such as the Hubbard Glacier. The stop would be a no-disem-

Clockwise from top: A dock in Sitka; city of Ketchikan; passengers viewing the Hubbard Glacier on the Rotterdam cruise ship.

barking one; however, it will make for a tremendous photo opportunity while seals frolic and play along the glacier and you are served hot soups and beverages and given a lesson on the discovery and history of the glacier.

The journey will most certainly take you on a stopover to the sea-side community of Sitka. The former Russian colony is often described as the most beautiful in Alaska. It is known for its rich natural, historical and cultural qualities.

Because of its Russian and American influences, deep-rooted cultural meshes are evident in the art, characteristics and style of the city.

There is no shortage of things to do while in Sitka. For nature lovers, one adventurous activity is to plan an excursion to go whale watching via smaller vessels for a closer and more personal feel.

For bird lovers, it is not uncommon to see a bald eagle or puffin at any time of year in this part of the state. Not to men-

tion hundreds of other species of birds and other wildlife.

The voyage would not be complete without a short visit to Ketchikan. The historic city where the first settlers of Alaska made their home also has a rich history. It was placed on the proverbial map by being called the “salmon capital of the world” due to its heavy salmon cannery production in the 1900s.

There are a number of historical sites to see including Ketchikan and Creek Street; the Tongass Historical Museum; Dolly’s House; Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show; The Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center; and the Totem Heritage Center.

You won’t want to miss hiking at Ward Lake Recreation Area or taking a guided walk through the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Alaska Canopy Tours and Southeast Exposure feature zip line and ropes challenge courses.

The possibilities are endless as far as out-

door adventures are concerned in Ketchikan.

There are camping trips, beach tours, bear watching excursions and so much more.

And once you’ve taken all of that in and you want to relax, you can indulge in some of the freshest seafood bounty Alaska has to offer from the ice cold Pacific.

No matter how many stops you are lucky enough to get on your Alaskan cruise, these will sure to be on the agenda. It is a clever way to travel the “Last Frontier” during the winter months and definitely a voyage not to be forgotten. So pack up your parka and water-resilient boots because your adventure awaits you aboard an Alaskan cruise.

— Editor’s Note: This feature was in response to a reader’s request. The photos accompanying the article are those of a member of the Glimpses team. R&R Pacific welcomes requests and suggestions for coverage for future travel features. Please send requests or suggestions to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.

5

Feature///Health & Fitness

R&R is...

HEALTH & FITNESS.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKES

By Carmen Rojas

Now that it’s officially the New Year, many of us are trying to hold firm to our resolutions to start losing weight.

You may or may not have seen results last year, but this year is different. This year is going to be the year that you make it. One of the most commonly asked questions is our opinion on meal replacements, specifically meal replacement shakes.

We are often asked if we recommend them, which ones we recommend and more. Here is the skinny on meal replacement shakes.

• Replace a bad meal with a good one. Often times we make poor meal choices simply because it is easier, faster, and sometimes cheaper than making a good meal choice. We choose to go through the drive-thru because we only have 15 minutes before we have to be back at the office. We choose to grab a bag of chips and a soda because it is cheaper than the salad in the cafeteria. It’s easier to grab the slice of pizza out of the fridge than it is to prepare a complete meal for lunch. A little planning ahead can make replacing a bad meal with a good one much better for you than even the best meal replacement shake. Start making your meals the night before. Portion your food as soon as you get home from the grocery store so all you have to do is grab it and go. Keep food that does not have to be refrigerated where it is easily accessible.

• If you are going to drink a shake, eat some fiber along with it. Try a vanilla shake with some whole wheat crackers. Eat some fruit with your shake. This has a two-fold effect on satiating your hunger. First, it satisfies your need to chew. You have programmed your body that chewing is part of satisfying the need to fuel itself.

Many of us find ourselves eating when what we really want to do is “chew”. If

6

all you do is swallow, you will fight the need to chew and that’s a tough battle to fight! Second, the fiber will help slow the absorption of the shake leaving you to feel fuller, longer.

• Fat we can handle, sugar is a problem. No, that is not a typo. There is new evidence that low to moderate amounts of fat in our diets is not nearly as big a problem as high amounts of sugar. Often when the label says “No Sugar” basically means that a chemical sugar substitute is being used. These trick the body by tasting sweet but not providing any sugar. The body tends to over react and you can see cravings, inflammation, and other negative side effects. Also, sugar is what takes us on that energy roller coaster. If you spike at lunch on a “low fat” shake not only will you spike your blood sugar and cause a crash, but you will also leave yourself feeling less satiated and feeling the need to eat much sooner than you would on a more “fattening” shake.

I have to say that I am a bigger fan of eating a complete balanced meal, exercising portion control than I am of drinking meal replacement shakes.

You can’t drink shakes forever, and in the long run you won’t learn how to eat healthy by drinking shakes.

However, if you are going to drink a shake observing the tips I laid out will help you to make the most out of your shake craving. Remember, to drink plenty of water and get as much exercise as possible.

FEBRUARY

R&R is... family fun.

events

Feb. 1

Feb. 14

Boonie Stomp: Lajuna

Boonie Stomp: Valentines Boonie Stomp and Overnight at Mt Jumullong-Manglo

Descend the northeastern cliff to the coastline and head north for a view of the massive landslide from the 1993 earthquake. Bring 4 quarts water, hiking boots, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera. Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks and a long ascent.

Level: Difficult Duration: 4 hours Length: 4 miles Time: 9 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chamorro Village Center Court, Hagatna Cost: $2 for adults over 12 Feb. 1

Compassion for Children 5k Walk/ Run Time: 6 a.m.

Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Yigo Feb. 1

Maina Fiesta Feb. 8

Yigo Village Fiesta Feb. 8 and 9

Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival Location: Gef Pa’go in Inarajan Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free admission

8

Hike up to the large cross on top of a mountain next to Mt. Lamlam. Bring flashlights, personal camping gear, food for dinner and breakfast, and beverages for the evening, 2 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, insect repellent and camera. Special conditions: Night hike, swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes. Meet at the Chamorro Village at 5 p.m.. You may opt not to do the overnight.

Duration: 3 hours Length: 2.2 miles Time: 9 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chamorro Village Center Court, Hagatna Cost: $2 for adults over 12 Feb. 20

16th annual Art-athon Exhibition Location: Isla Center of the Arts

2014 Swirl, Sniff and Sip: An Evening with PBS Guam wine tasting and fund raising Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Sheraton Laguna Guam For more information: Call PBS at 734-5483, email lcklawbyerly@ pbsguam.org, visit www.pbsguam. org or PBS Guam Facebook.

featured event

FEBRUARY 8

Boonie Stomp: Pagat Loop Descend the cliff and through the limestone forest to explore the coastline with a great view north and then head to the ancient Chamorro village and cave. Bring 3 quarts water, hiking boots, swim suit, water shoes, flashlight, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera. Special conditions: Stretches of steep climbing and walking in cave water and over rough limestone rocks.

LOCATION: Chamorro Village Center Court TIME: 9 a.m.

LEVEL & DURATION: Difficult; 4 hours Feb. 22

Feb. 22

Boonie Stomp: Mt Santa Rosa Cave

Guam Girl Scouts World Thinking Day

Explore a unique cave along the volcanic/limestone geological junction.

Bring 3 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, long pants, insect repellent, lunch, camera and flashlights. Special condition: Climbing in narrow cave passages with water.

Level: Difficult Duration: 3 hours Length: 0.5 miles Time: 9 a.m.

Meeting Location: Chamorro Village Center Court, Hagatna Cost: $2 for adults over 12

Time: 9 a.m. to noon Location: UOG Field House Feb. 23

Guam Running Club’s 43rd Guam Marathon Time: 3 a.m.

Location: University of Guam Field House

EVENTSCALENDAR

FEBRUARY sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri

sat 1 • Boonie Stomp: Lajuna • Compassion for Children 5K Walk/Run • Maina Fiesta

3

2 Groundhog Day

• Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival • Guam Senior Bowler of the Month

5

6

The “Coke is it!” advertising campaign launched this day in 1982.

• McDonald’s Guam Youth Bowler of the Month • Guam Senior Bowler Qualifying Round for Asian Sports Bowling Championship

9

4

10

11

7

MOVIES

The Lego Movie The Monuments Men premiere at Regal Cinemas

12

13

14

Valentine’s Day

MOVIES Robocop Vampire Academy Winter’s Tale premiere at Regal Cinemas

16

17

• Budweiser King and Prince of the Lanes

President’s Day

23

24

18

25

• Guam Running Club’s 43rd Guam Marathon • Guam Senior Bowling Federation Annual Championship

19

26

20

21

• 16th annual art-a-thon exhibition

MOVIES

27

28

Pompeii 3 Days to Kill premiere at Regal Cinemas

8

• Boonie Stomp: Pagat Loop • Yigo Village Fiesta • Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance Festival

15 • Boonie Stomp: Mt. Lamlam North

22 • Boonie Stomp: Mt Santa Rosa Cave • Guam Girl Scouts World Thinking Day

MOVIES

Non-Stop Son of God Welcome to Yesterday premiere at Regal Cinemas

Sprite was introduced in the United States in this month in 1961 and Cherry Coke was introduced in 1985 this month.

SPONSORED BY:

For showtimes: Call 649-1111 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing

beverages.

*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola,” “Sprite,” and “Cherry Coke” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

9

Feature///Spotlight

STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

Located at a busy street corner, stepping into My Secret Garden is like stepping away from the everyday noise of modern life and stepping into the quiet of a garden. My Secret Garden, on West Soledad Avenue, is a floral and gift shop for all occasions. The shop sits across from the historic San Antonio Bridge and Sirena statue in Hagåtña. Melanie Toves, general manager of My Secret Garden, says the name of the shop represents the magic that can be found in the garden. “In the garden there are so many stories,” says Toves.

10

“It’s something whimsical.”

Anywhere your eyes rest is something intriguing or mystifying. “We’re kind of a one-stop shop for gifts,” says Toves. Customers can choose a gift and have it gift-wrapped for free, in addition to picking up a flower arrangement. “We’re more than willing to accommodate customers’ ideas and work with their budget,” says Toves.

In operation for more than 10 years, the staff is accustomed to fulfilling requests for the perfect gift for girlfriends, wives, or other loved ones. She recalls assisting male customers as

their relationships progress, going from Valentine’s Days through the years, to the wedding, to the anniversaries, and to the first child. Past requests have ranged from flower petals strewn across the floor to a vase of lemons capped with a floral arrangement.

The blooms of My Secret Garden are available year round for floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals. Lilies in cream, pink, and white are an elegant choice and provide a subtle fragrance. The shop carries other popular flowers such

“We’re kind of a one-stop shop for gifts...

We’re more than willing to accommodate customers’ ideas and work with their budget.”

— MELANIE TOVES GENERAL Manager

as the classic rose and the purple orchid. Blue orchids, less common, are also available. The shop also rents out decorations for special events, such as backdrops, fabric swatches, vases, candelabras, Roman or Greek style columns, and custom artwork designed in-house.

In addition to gift items such as jewelry, potted plants, candles, intention cards to “empower, enlighten, and stimulate� your day, frames with inspirational quotes, greeting cards and post cards by local artists, My Secret Garden also carries items leaning toward the metaphysical and spiritual nature, such as stones, medicine bags, crystals, and incense, and oils. A card reader is also employed at the shop to offer spiritual guidance.

My Secret Garden offers a 15% sympathy discount for funeral floral arrangements and a 20% military discount. The staff appreciates orders in advance, but will also accommodate same-day orders. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

11

Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography and Joy White

Social reciprocity is a practice found in many cultures throughout the world. Families and communities will come together to celebrate birthdays, weddings, or christenings and to offer support during difficult times, such as funerals or burials. On Guam, the Chamorro term for this act is chenchule’.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 14

Rogelio and Catalina dela Peña exchanged wedding vows on Jan. 8 at the Hotel Nikko Guam and shared a photo of their chenchule’ box, sometimes referred to as a “wishing well” with R&R Pacific.

13

Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

It is a well known and highly regarded tradition many families follow and most islanders understand. At some events there is a decorative box for friends and family to place envelopes containing their contributions. At other events, such as rosaries, family and friends may instead choose to help set up the canopies and chairs or prepare the food.

Zina San Nicolas Ruiz, 46, of Yigo shares her definition. “Reciprocation. It helps strengthen familial ties. The different types are monetary, and going to a family function, especially a wedding and helping prepare. It’s not just money, it’s the gift of labor, offering your hand,” she says.

“It’s about reciprocity. Usually a party.

14

It can be in the form of money, but also in labor or in food. It really shows how together our culture is how we help each other out. Usually when I go, I grew up learning that you never go to a party empty handed. I usually bring a dish to contribute,” says Esther Manglona, 20 of Malojloj, Inarajan.

The importance of chenchule’ for others is more than having something to offer at an event, but is also beneficial to the person offering. “It’s mainly money with our culture. When we don’t have money it’s offering help. It shows self-worth and how you value other people and how you value helping others. Mostly I give money and with family you go early to help set

“RECIPROCATION. IT HELPS STRENGTHEN FAMILIAL TIES. THE DIFFERENT TYPES ARE MONETARY, AND GOING TO A FAMILY FUNCTION... it’s not just about money, it’s the gift of labor, offering your hand.” ~ ZINA SAN NICOLAS RUIZ

Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

up or stay back to help clean,” Kitanna Pocaigue, 18, of Mangilao, says.

It reaches across all cultures. Rick Pocaigue, 27, of Agat tells R&R Pacific Magazine, “It’s when you give a gift. In the Japanese culture it’s called omiyage.

It doesn’t have to be money, it could be food or it could be anything, for different reasons. Like birthdays, funerals and for burial, or when there’s a new baby, you would give baby stuff. Even Valentine’s Day is a kind of chenchule because we give gifts to our loved ones. In different cultures it means something different.”

“In English terms, we’ve grown up with the word in regards to reciprocity, meaning one good turn deserves another. It’s

not simply money. Traditionally it is the act of helping, knowing the person who has helped will need help in the future. It’s not necessarily money because we were a barter type of society. It’s more like a recycling. Money goes around, but at the right time,” Peter Constantino, 50, of Agat, says. The term also brings to mind other traditions associated with the family, says Constantio, such as poksai, which is a term that describes the duty of the whole family to participate in child-rearing.

“IT REALLY SHOWS HOW TOGETHER OUR CULTURE IS HOW WE HELP EACH OTHER OUT...I GREW UP LEARNING THAT YOU NEVER GO TO A PARTY EMPTY HANDED ” ~ esther manglona

15

Feature///Spotlight

STORY BY Jackie Hanson PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

When Carmen Burke says she makes authentic Mexican food, she means real, authentic Mexican food — with a bit of California love on the side. Born in Mexico, Burke grew up in California living behind a Mexican food restaurant. She would spend a lot of time there as a little girl watching the cooks and helping to roll tacos.

From elementary age, she developed a refined palate for the mixture of spices that create the complex flavors of Mexican sauces and salsas. This was reinforced at home, where she would learn the traditional cooking secrets of her dad and neighbors. “I remember Christmas Day always cooking tamales,” she says. They would try out different ways to make the beans and would taste-test different salsas. “Just like Chamorros have finadene, we do salsas,” she says.

Living in Guam for about a year now, Burke is using her lifetime of firsthand cooking experience and a genuine passion

18

for cooking to bring “California love to the 671,” she says. This has become the motto of her à la carte taco business, Buen Provecho.

Those who have been to the Mangilao Night Market or the Agat Night Market since September were among the first in Guam to experience Burke’s special creations. She made her debut at the Donne Festival in September. Now she regularly sets up a booth at both night markets with set menus for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and sopes (deep-fried tortillas topped with beans, a choice of meat, lettuce, a cheese mix and pico de gallo). These items are made fresh to order and served à la carte with a self-serve salsa bar. “We want to cook it for you on the spot, so it looks and feels right,” she says.

She also serves up something new each time with weekly specials, available only at the Mangilao Night Market for now, which have included Mexican corn on the cob,

chile rellenos, enchiladas suiza (enchiladas topped with cheese and a cream sauce) and even desserts like fresas con cremas — a version of strawberry shortcake, but better, she says — when the ingredients are in season.

In a short time, Burke has developed a repeat-customer base, and people have started recognizing her out in the community. “It’s cool to see people catching on to it,” she says. And people know to come to the night markets early before she starts selling out.

What continually draws people to her booth are the aromas, and what keeps them around is the atmosphere she creates. She sets up chairs in a cozy café-style setting and puts on music, creating an atmosphere that encourages people to sit, relax and enjoy great food and company.

“We like going and interacting,” she says. “People bring their families, and they become like my family.”

Her food business has naturally expanded into catering. Her first catered event was for 50 people, but she says she could do larger parties as well.

With her natural creativity when it comes to flavors and food, she can develop a menu of appetizers, main courses, and desserts for the event of specialty items, like white queso cream cheese wontons.

Some of her fans will be excited to know that Buen Provecho will be available on a daily basis come February. When she came across a canteen trailer for sale, she knew right away that she would be taking her street-style cooking on the road. Now painted seafoam green and outfitted with a black-and-white striped awning, the “taco truck” will set up shop from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday across the street from the GCIC building. Eventually, she hopes the business will grow into a full-scale restaurant.

“People need to learn what

real Mexican food is. That’s what people [who have lived in California] miss, especially military people,” she says.

Her goal is to make sure each customer sees and tastes the love

“You can taste the love that we put in our food. We cook from our heart.”

— CARMEN BURKE OWNER AND CHEF

that goes into each dish. “You can taste the love that we put in our food. We cook from our heart,” she says. She describes her cooking as comfort food developed from all of her childhood memories.

“Even when I eat my own tacos,” she says, “I’m like, ‘Oh, this is good!’”

Carmen Burke, left and her sister Diana Alvarado.

19

Special Feature///Real Estate Spotlight

20

Feature///Island Focus

Valentine’s Day Heart-to-hearts

BY Joy White

Roses are red, violets are blue, what does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

Poems such as this will be in full force on Feb. 14. Some see it as the one day of the year dedicated solely to love. Flowers and cards will be sent.

Romantic endeavors will be launched. Candy makers will make a fortune.

The day also holds some religious significance to others who will be celebrating the feast day of St. Valentine, who, according to one of many legends, is said to have performed marriages for young lovers in secret when Emperor Claudius II of Rome outlawed marriage for young men in the third century. Then there are the Valentine’s Day “Grinches” who see the day as just another day. With so many meanings behind the day and ways to celebrate, R&R Pacific went out to find out what the day means for some and what they have planned.

Many love the idea of it. “I have always enjoyed Valentine’s Day. It was always exciting for me whether I was in a relationship or not. This is because it is a day to celebrate love. The excitement of Valentine’s Day is that it creates opportunity. Opportunity

Justin Benavente to spark a new flame or rekindle the spark in a current relationship,” says Justin Benavente, 28, of Tamuning. Benavente recalls the origins of the Valentine’s

Day. “St. Valentine was put in prison and sentenced to death for allowing people to declare their love through the act of marriage in secrecy. This selfless act and sacrifice is what I think love is about,” says Benavente.

There will be some who will be sitting the day out. “It’s usually a day for loving couples,” says Rond Molina, 28, of Yigo. “But I’m single right now, so I plan to just spend it with my daughter and other members of my family.”

year, such as eating at Papa’s or at one of the Tumon hotels.

While for some couples the day is a special occasion, for others the day is bitter-sweet. “I see a lot of couples and I think about

Karmela Espinosa

Palo Dizon & Sarah Manibusan

Others will seize the opportunity Valentine’s Day presents.

“It’s a good day to show each other how we feel and express our love,” says Palo Dizon, 25, of Dededo. Dizon and his significant other, Sarah Manibusan, 25, of Mongmong, plan to celebrate the day with a dinner out on the town. The couple has known each other for seven years, and has been dating for a year and a half. “We’re both busy so it’s a great excuse to go out and enjoy our time together,” says Manibusan. The couple has their heart set on trying something new this

my other half even though he’s far away,” says Karmela Espinosa, 22, of Tamuning. Karmela and her husband, Ralph, married on Christmas Eve after four years of courtship. Ralph is currently deployed to South Korea and will not be with his wife on Valentine’s Day. The newlyweds

at their favorite coffee shop and once wrote their names on a luggage tag and secured it onto the fence of Two Lovers Point with a heart-shaped lock.

Of course love is not always about couples. “What I like about Valentine’s Day is that it’s about of love. Love is precious like your heart. No matter if you’re single, a couple, or married on Valentine’s Day, love is spread all over the world. If you feel lonely or not love on Valentine’s Day, don’t because you are not alone and you are loved by God,” says Diane Inclano. On Valentine’s Day, Inclano usually spends the day with her family, as they visit her father in Guam Memorial Park. The evening is spent with her love, Geonard Martinez. “This year will

Diane Inclano

Rond Molina instead will have to make due with a Skype date. In the past, Karmela and Ralph spent the day

be my first Valentine’s Day that I won’t be able to spend it with my boyfriend, Geonard, because he will be leaving for the basic training. I will continue to spend my Valentine’s Day this year with the people I love my family and continue to cherish the moments with them,” she says.

21

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

R&R is...

DIVERSITY.

Junior Achievement announces Company Program winners: ROOTS will represent JA Guam at the JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year competition in February in Singapore. An awards ceremony recognizing this year’s students’ accomplishments was held at the Hotel Nikko Guam on Jan. 11.

Photos by Joy White

Pa’a Taotao Tano held a cultural showcase on Jan. 18 at the Guam Premier Outlets.

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

22

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

OUT&ABOUT

Photos by Joy White

The Tamuning Mayor’s Office hosted the second annual Latte Peace Festival on Jan. 18 in Tamuning Park.

Photos by Vikki Fong

A Human Trafficking and Stalking Awareness Month proclamation signing and presentation of resolutions was held on Jan. 10 at the Latte of Freedom.

23

Feature///Sports

Olympic Cyclist opens own shop

By Patrick Lujan

Two-time Olympic cyclist Derek Horton lived his dream – twice – representing Guam in both the Sydney and London games. Now his latest dream has been fulfilled as well.

After more than 20 years working for someone else, Horton is now his own boss after opening up Bikefix — Guam’s newest bike sales and repair shop located near Oka Payless in Tamuning.

Married to Monessa and the father of Cadence and Miles, Horton shares with Guam Sports Network his thoughts on his new shop and what it has to offer Guam’s biking community.

How long have you worked on bikes?

I have worked on bikes unofficially since I was around eight. My dad made me learn to fix my own BMX’s myself. As I got older and moved on to bigger bikes, especially 10-speed road bikes I started reading bicycling magazines and learning how to tinker. I then started working officially on bikes for a living at Hornet in 1991.

How long ago did you consider opening your own shop?

People have been pushing me for more than five years. I have developed a huge network of clients/friends. A lot of people hold their bikes in the same regard as their cars and they need to trust that the person working on them will take a personal interest in them.

How important is it to have passion about what you’re doing?

Anything you do in life — even if it’s taking out the trash — has to have passion and a sense that nothing is beneath you. Passion and drive and belief in what you love to do will almost always ensure success.

Bicycles have been my passion for so long that work never seems like work. If you love what you do you never have to work a day in your life, so they say.

What is your focus with the shop?

Basically the shop’s focus is service first. I don’t have staff, but I have friends who are integral in the service I provide in terms of bike service and repairs. Since I am incapacitated [from a recent injury], I need help.

Two close friends of mine are learning from me while I maintain my presence with peoples’ bikes. My customers trust that it’s me working on their bikes as I have done for them for years and I must maintain that trust, even in my broken state. I’m just using someone else to turn some of the wrenches for now.

Is there any bike you can’t fix?

Yes, there are bikes I cannot fix. If all the parts are available and compatible, I can fix almost any bike. But there are instances where I need to look for advice. I’m not a master at anything, so I’m not afraid to learn something new if it means a problem that exists now won’t be a problem later. No mechanic should be afraid to admit something is stumping them. That’s how you learn. How you handle difficult situations determines how good you can become.

24