R&R Pacific - February/March 2017 by R&R Pacific

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

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

Essence of Guam

The Chinese community

The Houamla Collection of African Arts

Amorous Accommodations Romantic restaurants

Fish, birds and a rice pack woven by Rose San Nicolas of Gef Pa’go Chamorro Cultural Village in Inarajan. Photo by Joy White. See story page 8.

contents TRAVEL

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

ARTIST

The art of weaving

CALENDAR

Events in February and March

COMMUNITY

African history and art museum

EVENT HIGHLIGHT

Saipan races

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Chinese community of Guam

4 8 10

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

Romantic restaurants

HEALTH

Heart health

out & about

Readers’ and event photos

16 18

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.

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About the cover: The Chinese School of Guam performs a Lion Dance on Jan. 29 at Two Lovers Point for good luck and prosperity. Photo by Joy White.

R&R Pacific February/March

PUBLISHER

SALES MANAGER

Maureen N. Maratita

Annie San Nicolas

MANAGING EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

2017

Matthew Arevalo

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ADMINISTRATION

Janice Castro

REPORTER

Carmelita McClellan

Vincent Leon Guerrero

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Jenalyn Aguon

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Joy White Lara Ozaki Rosanna Dacanay

SENIOR DESIGNER

Marcos W. Fong

Vikki Fong

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

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

R&R Pacific • February/March 2017 • Entire contents copyrighted 2016 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. R&R Pacific is published bi-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///Rapa Nui

BY JOY WHITE

Travel///Rapa Nui

Watching the sunset behind the majestic stone Moai of Rapa Nui should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Many know Rapa Nui by its Western name, Easter Island. The island was named for the date European explorers first laid eyes on it in 1722. The Rapa Nui people are Polynesian, though the island is an official territory of Chile. Much of Rapa Nui is identified as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site. Under UNESCO, Rapa Nui National Park comprises 887 Moai, monolithic statues hand-carved from volcanic rock by the island’s ancient people. Rapa Nui is also a place of natural beauty that visitors will enjoy exploring. The most popular time to visit Rapa Nui is in January and early February, when the island holds the Tapati Festival. The highlights of the week-long event are athletic competitions between two teams each directed by a young woman. The leader of the winning team is crowned the “Queen of the Island.” In between exploring the island’s Moai, beaches and jungles, visitors can relax in Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui’s main village. Most of the island’s hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, as well as other businesses, are located in this area within walking distance of each other. Seafood is plentiful in Rapa Nui and used in many of the local dishes. Other traditional cuisine includes dishes made from taro, coconut, banana and other fruits and vegetables. Chilean dishes are also widely available on Rapa Nui. Public transportation is not available. Taxis and rental cars are plentiful, but the best way to admire the island is by biking, hiking and trekking. The Moai are important to the Rapa Nui culture and are revered. It is important to remember to treat them with respect. Visitors should not walk on the platforms of the Moai, called Ahu, and should not approach them too closely. The Moai are protected by law. CONTINUED ON Page 6

Travel///Rapa Nui

RAPA NUI (EASTER ISLAND) Visa: U.S. citizens can enter without a visa and stay for 90 days with a U.S. passport and flight ticket. (Clockwise from top): Orongo ruins; Members of the Rapa Nui Delegation share a traditional Rapa Nui dish at the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts held in Guam last spring. Umu Rapa Nui, or Easter Island curanto, is cooked in a hole in the ground over hot stones and firewood. Chicken, fish and other meat are set on top of plantain leaves to cook covered in a second layer of taro, sweet potatoes and tapioca (Photo by Jackie Hanson); Rano Kau volcanic crater lake.

The volcanic craters of Rano Raraku and Rano Kau are the most popular sites to visit. Rano Raraku, about 30 minutes by car from Hanga Roa, is the quarry for most of the rock used to sculpt the Moai. In ancient times, the Moai were transported from Rano Raraku to other parts of the island and mounted on the Ahu. Walking on the slopes of Rano Raraku, visitors can see Moai, some partially buried by landslides. About two kilometers away is Tongariki, a site which comprises 15 Moai. Other Moai sites include Uri A Renga, Ahu Vaipu, Ahu Akiki and Ahu Akahanga. Rano Kau, about 15 minutes from Hanga Roa, features a volcanic lake and is the site of what was once a ceremonial village, Orongo. The Heritage Route, or Ruta Patrimonial, is the most frequented trail for visitors. The route starts at the slopes of Rano Raraku and ends at Orongo in Rango Kau and takes about four hours. Other treks include a three-hour climb of Mount Terevaka, the highest point of Rapa Nui, and a hike around Poike peninsula, which takes about a day. Rapa Nui has many pristine beaches, the most popular being Anakena on the northern side of the island. Anakena is surrounded by a coconut tree forest. Visitors may also find vendors selling beverages, banana cake and other snacks. Anakena is also the the home of the Moai site Ahu Nau Nau and on a hill above the beach is Ahu Ature Huki, a solitary Moai. Ovahe, east of Anakena, is a secluded beach located at the foot of a volcanic cliff that is reached by a difficult path. Beach goers can enjoy the sand and sea or explore a nearby cave, but should be mindful of falling rocks.

Getting there: By cruise, ship or by air. LATAM Airlines, formerly Lan Airlines, is the only airline that offers flights to Rapa Nui, operating four to seven flights a week via Santiago, Chile, or twice a week from Papete, Tahiti, depending on the season. Travel times from Guam depend on route variations but range from one day and 15 hours going by way of Tokyo, Los Angeles and Santiago to two days going by way of Busan, Tokyo and Tahiti. Languages spoken: The official languages are Spanish and Rapa Nui. English and French are common in tourist areas. When to visit: December to March is the peak season and has the most temperate weather, though the island does not experience a winter. Currency and exchange rate: Chilean peso; $1 U.S. is $667.30 Chilean pesos Must see: Rano Raraku Must eat: Seafood

Artist///Weaver

The art of

Weaving

PHOTOS AND STORY BY JOY WHITE

Rose San Nicolas demonstrates and teaches weaving at Gef Paâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;go Chamorro Cultural Village in Inarajan.

Artist///Weaver

Rose San Nicolas’ nimble fingers tuck bright green coconut leaves into a crisscross pattern, and the end result is a sturdy basket or a wide-brimmed hat made using an art that has long been with island people. She learned weaving the hard way — by watching her mother and through trial and error. Tourists would visit her mother in their home to watch her weave. Her mother was not able to give her one-on-one instruction, so San Nicolas would sit in on demonstrations to observe her mother’s technique. “She couldn’t hold my hand, so I had to watch and learn,” she says. At first it was difficult. San Nicolas recalls making many errors, particularly when weaving the bottoms of her baskets, and having to discard the leaves. Eventually her mother told her to fix her mistakes instead of throwing them away. Now the 71-year-old mother of five and grandmother of seven can weave a basket in 20 minutes. In addition to forming baskets of various sizes and uses, coconut and pandanus leaves can be used to make lunch bags, hand fans and special placemats for a bride and groom at their wedding reception. In the past, woven baskets were widely used in the home to store and display food, as there was no refrigeration. When San Nicolas was young, her father would bring home his catch from a day of fishing in a sack woven from coconut leaves and cut a slit in the bottom for the fish to spill out when the family was ready to clean and prepare the fish for dinner. Today, San Nicolas continues to practice, teach and demonstrate her art as a weaver at Gef Pa’go Chamorro Cultural Village in Inarajan. She has been with the organization since 1993, when operations first began. Her audience includes tourists and students from the island’s schools. “The young ones, they inspire me to teach them. They’re so eager to learn,” San Nicolas says. After a weaving lesson, students are excited to find the right leaves for weaving and San Nicolas is more than happy to stroll the jungles to point out the right leaves. The closer together the leaves are on the stalk, the easier they are to weave, San Nicolas says. Coconut leaves can be used immediately after cleaned of insects and dirt, whereas pandanus leaves must be dried in the sun for several days before they are used. After the weaving is completed, it can be preserved by being dried out in the sun or frozen. Though weaving has a practical purpose, “It is an art because you make different designs when you’re weaving,” San Nicolas says. In addition, San Nicolas is skilled in making decorative pieces, such as fish and birds that delight all. Gef Pa’go offers hands-on training for anyone interested in learning to weave. To schedule a lesson and for more information on fees, contact Gef Pa’go at 828-1671. Lessons must be scheduled two to three days in advance. In February during Dinana Minagof, a cultural festival, Gef Pa’go hosts classes for children to learn weaving.

February & march Through April 14

Feb. 12

Applications accepted for the Pacific National Historical Park Youth Conservation Corps

Guam Symphony Society Young Artists Awards Concert

Program dates: June 12 to Aug. 4 Requirements: Must be 15 to 18 years old Four youths will be selected at random for the work-learn-earn program, earning the federal minimum wage and learning about national parks and the environment. Applications are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park T. Stell Newman Visitors Center in Santa Rita and administrative offices in Hagåtña or online at www.nps.gov/wapa. For more information, contact Theo K. Chargualaf at theo_chargualaf@ nps.gov or 477-7278, extension 1005.

Time: 2 p.m. Location: Hyatt Regency Guam For more information and ticket prices, call 477-1959 or email guamsymphonysociety@gmail.com. Feb. 18

Guam Women’s Club Mardi Gras Celebration

Every Saturday in February and March

Time: 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Location: Hyatt Regency Guam Price: $70; Tickets can be purchased at The Cop Shop in Maite. Attire: Mardi Gras costumes are encouraged or island formal

Sylvan Learning Center Robotics 101 Camp

Feb. 25

Children in second to sixth grades will learn to build and program robots, while making friends and developing engineering skills with Lego. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Location: Sylvan Learning Center For registration and fee information, call 477-0700 or email sylvanguam@yahoo.com. Feb. 11

Annual Valentine’s Day Bazaar Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Elk’s Lodge, Agana Heights Free admission. Feb. 11

Boonie Stomp: Pagat Point Meet at 9 a.m. at Chamorro Village food court Level: Difficult Duration: Four hours Length: Two miles Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks, steep hills, little shade. Bring: Three quarts of water, sturdy shoes, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera. Price: $2 for hikers over 12

Boonie Stomp: Ija to Mt. Schroeder Meet at 9 a.m. at Chamorro Village food court Level: Very difficult Duration: Five hours Length: Four miles Special conditions: Sword grass, little shade, a lot of steep climbing and a long, hard hike. Bring: Four quarts of water, good shoes, gloves, sunscreen, lunch, snacks and camera. Price: $2 for hikers over 12 March 12

19th Annual Japan Club of Guam Arts & Crafts Fair Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Hotel Nikko Guam Free admission. March 13 and 14

University of Guam Charter Day and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Conference Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday Location: University of Guam campus For more information and schedule of events visit www.uog.edu.

Feb. 11 to 12

Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro Dance and culture festival Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Gef Pa’go Cultural Village, Inarajan Free admission. For more information, contact Gef Pa’go at 828-1671.

March 26

Guam Running Club 46th Guam Marathon Showtime: 3 a.m. Race starts: 4 a.m. Location: University of Guam Calvo Field House Registration: $50, register at Hornet Sporting Goods or contact the Guam Running Club at guamrunners@gmail.com or visit www.guamrunningclub.com.

EVENTSCALENDAR

february sun

mon

tue

wed 1

thu 2

fri 3

sat 4

MOVIES

The Space Between Us Rings Renegade The Comedian

10 MOVIES

The LEGO Batman movie Fifty Shades Darker John Wick: Chapter 2 A United Kingdom

11 • Yigo Village Fiesta • Annual Valentine’s Day Bazaar • Boonie Stomp: Pagat Point • Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro

Valentine’s Day

• Fiestan Dinana’ Minagof Chamorro

18 • Guam Women’s Club Mardi Gras Celebration • Boonie Stomp: Sella Bay • 13th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival

President’s Day

MOVIES

The Great Wall Fist Fight A Cure for Wellness

• Guam Symphony Society Young Artists Awards Concert

MOVIES

Rock Dog Tulip Fever Get Out

25 • Boonie Stomp: Ija to Mt. Schroeder

FEATURED MOVIE Feb. 10

The LEGO Batman Movie Directed by Chris McKay Starring Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes and Mariah Carey

The Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader — Batman is the crime-fighting vigilante everyone can count on to save the day. When Gotham City is threatened once again, the brooding, heavy-metal rapping machine is forced to work with a new police commissioner and a certain young orphan to save the day. Will he find that working alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Maybe the Dark Knight will learn to work as part of a team, finding new friends and happiness along the way. (Official plot version from warnerbros.com.) *Event times and dates may change without notice.

march sun

mon

tue

wed 1

thu 2

Ash Wednesday

MOVIES

Kong: Skull Island The Last Word The Ottoman Lieutenant

• 19th Annual Japan Club of Guam Arts & Crafts Fair

• University of Guam Charter Day and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences conference

17 Beauty and the Beast Free Fire The Belko Experiment

MOVIES

Power Rangers King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Keep Watching

• Guam Running Club 46th Guam Marathon

31 MOVIES

Ghost in the Shell The Boss Baby The Zookeeper’s Wife • Guam Symphony Society’s Chamber Series III – The Music of P.D.Q. Bach

FEATURED MOVIE March 3

Logan Directed by James Mangold Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant and Elizabeth Rodriguez

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide-out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces. (Official plot version from foxmovies.com.)

MOVIES

• Inarajan Village Fiesta

MOVIES

sat

Logan The Shack T2 Trainspotting Table 19

Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day

fri

25 • Pay-Less Kick the Fat 5K Run/ Walk and Community Fair

Community///African art museum

Houamla Collection of African Arts PHOTOS AND STORY BY JOY WHITE

Tucked away in Guam’s northernmost village is a slice of African history and culture. Tapestries hand-woven from strips of colorful fabric hang from above. African music and drumming plays in the background. On display is an array of fascinating artifacts from all over Africa, including masks, tools, instruments and carvings of wood and bone. “It started with a few items in the living room. Every time I traveled I would bring something back,” Haououot Diambra-Odi says. DiambraOdi and his wife, Marcelle, eventually turned their private collection of African artifacts into a museum, the Houamla Collection of African Arts, named after his mother-in-law. The collection features more than 120 items gathered during 15 years of travel. Each piece is certified and authenticated by the National University of the Ivory Coast, he says. The museum’s extensive array of masks is of immediate interest. The style and design of the masks are specific to each region. Some depict scarification practiced by certain tribes. Others denote cultural symbolism, like Dan masks that depict a bulging forehead to represent knowledge. “Each mask has a purpose,” Diambra-Odi says. The masks are often used in ceremonies, such coming-of-age rituals, weddings or funerals, he says. The Bete Nyabwa mask, or the spider mask, is worn to war. The collection includes themed displays, such as displays dedicated to African royalty and motherhood. An exhibit displays pottery from all over the continent, from the

(Below) Wood carvings and masks from the Ivory Coast depict a bulging forehead to represent knowledge; (right) worn by the Dan people during a performance, this mask covers the entire head like a helmet.

colorful glazed pieces made in the north to the dark, earthy pieces made in the south. “You can see the striking difference between the regions,” Diambra-Odi says. The craftsmanship of the items on display, even for everyday items such as spoons and combs, is amazing. “Here we may use them as decoration, but in Africa they are used,” Diambra-Odi says. Traditional remedies are exhibited, including a bird’s nest said to cure ailments of the nervous system and a finger of clay Diambra-Odi inherited from his mother that, when prepared properly, is said to cure a variety of common ailments, such as stomach aches and wounds. While he likens choosing a favorite piece to a father of 10 choosing his favorite child, Diambra-Odi says a set of Dan masks from the Ivory Coast are a definite must-see. The masks are worn by the Dan people as they perform dances on bamboo stilts seven or eight feet tall. Entrance to the museum is free, although donations are accepted. The mission of the museum is to educate the community of the various cultures of Africa. “There is plenty for students of history and anthropology to do research on [and] there is so much to learn about,” Diambra-Odi says. The Houamla Collection of African Arts, located at 213 Chalan Milalak in Yigo, is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To make an appointment or for more information, call 653-1466.

Haououot Diambra-Odi and his wife, Marcelle, opened the Houamla Collection of African Arts in Yigo to display their collection of artifacts acquired over 15 years.

African fashion is also on display at the museum.

Woven baskets and carvings from Nubia and the Ivory Coast, art on papyrus from Northern Africa, colorful fabrics and handmade instruments are just a few things on display.

On display are a Butterfly Mask made by the Bwa people and dolls and a decorative comb from the Ivory Coast.

Featured Event///Saipan Races

run swim bike your way around Saipan this March BY JOY WHITE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIANAS VISITORS AUTHORITY

March is the month for sports in Saipan, offering the perfect way to get to know Guam’s neighboring island. Saipan will host three events: the Ironman 70.3 Saipan on March 11, the XTERRA Saipan Championship on March 18 and the Saipan Marathon on March 25. For the first time ever, the Marianas Visitors Authority will host an Ironman 70.3 triathlon on March 11. The event is part of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corp. The Saipan event features a 1.2-mile swim in the waters off of Pau Pau Beach, a 56-mile bike ride along the western and northern coasts of the island — from Bird Island south to Pacific Islands Club Saipan — and a 13.1-mile run passing through Marpi. The Ironman 70.3 Saipan will offer 30 age qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn. To register, visit www.ironman.com. The 13th Annual XTERRA Saipan Championship will be held on March 18 and is an event for the most adventurous of athletes. The course starts with a 1.5 kilometer swim. Next, participants go on a 30 kilometer mountain bike ride to the top of Saipan’s highest point,

Runners compete in the 2016 Saipan Marathon.

Mount Tapochau. The finale is a 12K run past World War II relics and though jungles and caves. The event is a qualifier for the XTERRA World Championship, which will be held on Maui. The 12th Annual Saipan Marathon, to be held on March 25 has something for everyone. It includes a 50 kilometer course, a halfmarathon and a 10 kilometer course. The events start at American Memorial Park at Micro Beach at 4 a.m. for the 50K and the marathon; 5 a.m. for the half marathon; and 5:45 a.m. for the 10K. Arrive one hour prior to the start time. Early bird registration is available until Feb. 24. Afterwards, a late fee of $10 will be added to the total registration fee. The final registration deadline is 5 p.m. on March 10. Participants must pick up their race packets from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 24 at the Paseo de Marianas.

Featured Event///Saipan Races

The registration fees for the 12th Annual Saipan Marathon are as follows: â&#x20AC;˘ U.S. and local fee: $55 for the 50k/marathon and $45 for the half marathon/10k â&#x20AC;˘ High school/junior high students: $30, school ID required â&#x20AC;˘ International fee: $90 for the 50K/marathon and $60 for the half marathon/10k For more information and to register for any or all of these events, contact the Marianas Visitors Authority at mva@mymarianas.com or visit mymarianas.com.

Haruki Okayama placed first in the male category of the 2016 Saipan Marathon. Volunteers and runners give each other support at the 2016 Saipan Marathon.

Essence of Guam///Cultures

Essence of Guam: Sharing the language and culture The Chinese culture is a big component of the multicultural fabric that makes up the Guam population. Totaling 2,667, according to the 2010 Guam Census, the Chinese population of Guam is composed of residents from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, all of which enrich Guam with their distinct traditions and foods.

The Chinese School of Guam offers individual and class lessons in Mandarin – the international language of China – to both Chinese and nonChinese residents, says Sonia Lai, principal of the school. The Chinese School of Guam was established in 1977 and offers lessons in culture, including the famous dragon dance performed during Chinese Lunar New Year and other traditional Chinese dances. Classes are open to students 5 years old and older, and the staff is willing to work with students to cater lessons for specific needs, such as servicerelated language for workers that must communicate with Chinese customers, Lai says.

Helping the community The Chinese Ladies Association of Guam brings together women in camaraderie to promote the Chinese culture and to help women, children and the less fortunate of all cultures in the community. The CLAG has more than 60 members and counting. Non-Chinese can also join the group as non-voting members. The CLAG’s biggest event of the year is the Chinese Ladies Association of Guam gala held in May, which raises funds for various other organizations including Alee Shelter, Erica’s House, the Rigalu Foundation, the Chinese School of Guam and disaster relief, when needed.

Promoting business

Chinese population of Guam: 2,617 Official organizations and associations: Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam; Unified Chinese Association; Chinese Ladies Association of Guam Holidays and events: Chinese Lunar New Year – Jan. 28, 2017; Chinese Ladies Association gala - every May

he Chinese School of Guam performs a Lion Dance for good luck and prosperity for the new year on Jan. 29 at Two Lovers Point.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam has more than 100 members, including businesses led by residents of all ethnicities. The chamber is a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing together Chinese businesses and contribute to the Guam business community, as well as to give back to the Guam community through humanitarian and community service efforts, including feeding the homeless, donating to and organizing toy drives and aiding natural disaster recovery efforts. Other organizations that serve to help bring together the local and Chinese communities include the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the Unified Chinese Association.

Essence of Guam///Cultures

The Chinese School of Guam performs a Lion Dance. Photo courtesy of the Chinese School of Guam.

The Chinese Ladies Association of Guam attends the 22nd Federation of Asia-Pacific Women’s Association Conference. Photo courtesy of CLAG.

(Left) The teacher of the basic class with her students at the Chinese School of Guam. Photo courtesy of the Chinese School of Guam; (Right) Chinese School of Guam.

(From left) Dr. Tan Siu Lin, the president of Tan Holdings visited the Chinese School of Guam and gave a donation. Photo courtesy of the Chinese School of Guam; The Chinese Ladies Association of Guam volunteers with a local non-profit organization. Photo courtesy of CLAG.

Cultural Pride

Judy Ho

One of the best things about the Chinese culture is that everything has a meaning, says Judy Ho, president of the Chinese Ladies Association of Guam. An example is the CLAG’s logo, which depicts a phoenix, which symbolizes femininity in the Chinese culture, Ho says. The dragon, meanwhile, symbolizes masculinity; and at weddings the phoenix and the dragon are depicted together, she says. Originally from Taiwan, Ho says she is proud of her culture, which she says has influenced the culture and food of Asia and the surrounding region. One such food introduced to the region is noodles. Pancit is a popular noodle dish that often make an appearance at fiestas and other local parties. “The Chinese culture is unique and has a long history . . . China had a lot of influence on the food and culture of the region. So I am proud to be Chinese. Taiwan street food is the best … Walking in Taiwan, you’ll never get hungry and it’s wonderful,” she says.

Restaurants & Food///Romantic Restaurants Section///Spotlight

Dinner for

Romantic restaurants of Guam BY JOY WHITE

Guam is home to many romantic rendezvous spots, but when it comes to making an impression on Valentine’s Day, there are a few that stand out.

Papa’s, located on Airport Road, has the look and feel of a timeless romance, featuring a view of the glittering lights of the Harmon, Tamuning and Tumon. Papa’s has become a venue of choice for proposals and is also a popular date night spot. Complementing the romantic atmosphere, the menu brings together familiar flavors in a new way. Executive Chef Ivan P. Mendiola says the restaurant combines classic French techniques and local flavors. He recommends the rib-eye steak, which is dry-aged in-house with the use of an aging machine. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients. Seafood and beef arrives chilled, but never frozen. In addition to quality cuts of beef, Papa’s also offers a selection of local favorites, such as its meatloaf tinaktak and parrot fish escabeche, as well as a barbecued short ribs, mahi mahi and chicken in Papa’s Local BBQ Salver plate. The ocean has long been a backdrop for romantic rendezvous. The Tunnel of Love in the UnderWater World tunnel and gallery brings a “wow” factor to a traditional romantic setting and will definitely impress. The Tunnel of Love offers a Valentine’s Day four-course dinner, including one welcome drink, lobster tail, filet mignon and Miller Lite or Kendall Jackson Wine. The event is limited to two seatings by reservation — 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

A specialty cocktail menu and wine listing will also be available for the event and guests will also receive a photograph, a personalized love note delivered under water, a gift package and Valentine’s Day Card, as well as a single long-stemmed rose. Next door, Sea Grill Restaurant will be serving Valentine’s Day dinner courses on Feb. 13, 14 and 15 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., with the last call at 9:30 p.m. at its five dining venues — the Rooftop Beer Garden, Garden View Room, the main dining area, Tail of the Whale Bar and the Sky Lounge. This year, the restaurant will offer a selection of dishes for two, including filet mignon and whole main lobster, a crab cake crusted salmon and a portabella ham and cheese stuffed baked chicken. A glass of wine will be included with the entrée. Café Kitchen, previously the La Mirenda, at the Hyatt Regency Guam is a new favorite place for a relaxing, yet elegant meal. Reopened in December, the restaurant features an open-kitchen concept with salad and dessert bars. The menu includes such as delicacies as rosemary chicken, galbi and lamb, as well as a signature oat bread made in-house. With the ocean just a stone’s throw away, a romantic stroll is a perfect way to end the evening after a dinner at Café Kitchen.

Restaurants & Food///Romantic Restaurants Section///Spotlight

Café Kitchen

R&R recommendations for a romantic evening

Papa’s

Location: Airport Road, Barrigada Hours of operation: Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. and Dinner starts at 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch on Sunday. Phone: 637-7272 Reservations recommended.

Sea Grill Restaurant

Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily Valentine’s Day special event: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 13, 14 and 15 Location: The Plaza, Tumon Phone: 649-6637 Reservations required. Papa’s

Tunnel of Love

Valentine’s Day special event Location: UnderWater World, Tumon Time: 6:30 p.m. for first seating and 8:30 p.m. for second seating Phone: 649-9191 By reservation only.

Tumon Bay Lobster and Grill Location: 1010 La Isla Plaza, San Vitores Road, Tumon Hours of operation: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Phone: 649-5858 Reservations recommended.

Café Kitchen

Location: Hyatt Regency Guam Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday Phone: 647-1234 Reservations recommended.

Puzzle///Learn Chamorro

Down 1. School 2. Sandwich 4. Scissors 5. Green 8. Good/well

Across 3. Hat 6. Seven 7. September 9. Happy 10. Hand

Answers 1: eskuela; 2: inafuyot; 3: tuhong; 4: tiheras; 5: betde; 6: siette; 7: Septembre; 8: maolek; 9: magof; 10: kannai

Health & Fitness///Heart health

Don’t be salty

show your heart some love BY JOY WHITE

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is one of the three leading causes of death for Asian and Pacific Islander populations. The other two leading causes are stroke and cancer. One way to maintain a healthy heart is to reduce the amount of sodium in the diet. Consuming less sodium helps control blood pressure, as high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, as well as strokes. The Food and Drug Administration’s dietary guidelines recommend that the general population should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Eating a low-sodium meal at least three times a week will go a long way in maintaining healthy blood pressure. There are several ways to reduce sodium in your diet:

• Cut back on condiments. Condiments that contain a lot of salt include soy sauce — an island favorite — bottled salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, pickles and relish. One tablespoon of soy sauce contains 879 milligrams of sodium. That’s almost a third of the FDA daily recommended intake of sodium. • Check labels and select canned vegetables labeled no sodium, check the fine print of fresh and frozen poultry for terms like “broth,” “saline,” “sodium” or other variations to avoid purchasing products injected with a sodium solution. Also look for products with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check symbol. The Heart-Check indicates the product meets AHA’s sodium criteria. • Cater your diet to your tastes by selecting or preparing dishes and foods with varying amounts of sodium. If you love soy sauce, balance it out with low sodium products or avoid using additional salt when preparing the rest of the meal.

• Practice it in the home by preparing low-sodium meals by substituting salt with onions, garlic, citrus juices and vinegars or other spices and flavorful ingredients. Grill, braise, roast, sear or use other methods to bring out the natural flavors of food to reduce the need to add salt. • Continue the habits when out and about. When eating at restaurants, taste food before adding salt. When browsing a menu, avoid food described in ways that indicate a high use of salt, such as pickled, brined or cured. Also, don’t be afraid to let your server know that you would like your food prepared with less or no salt. • Be mindful of the secret culprits. Obviously salty foods, such as chips, should be avoided, other products are less obvious, such as some breakfast cereal, breads and tortillas, dairy products and beverages. This is why checking labels is an important habit.

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Joy White

R&R Pacific attended a “kitchen warming” event for the Café Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency Guam on Dec. 15.

Photo by Lara Ozaki

Japan barista champion Yoshikazu Iwase visited Guam in January to train Infusion Coffee & Tea employees.

Photo by Justin Green

McDonald’s of Guam held its employee Christmas party at the Lotte Hotel Guam.

Photos courtesy of the Guam Football Association

The NAPA Rovers (top) won first place in the Bud Light Women’s Soccer League Fall 2016 Championship after beating Quality Distributors (bottom) at the finals on Dec. 11 at the Guam Football Association National Training Center. They defeated Quality Distributors 4-3 in overtime.

J Boog attended a meetand-greet event on Dec. 10 at the Hotel Santa Fe while on Guam for a concert. Photo courtesy of Hotel Santa Fe

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OUT&ABOUT

Photo by Joy White

Photos by Joy White

Love Vitamin Supply held a grand opening of its Hyatt Regency Guam location in conjunction with a Chinese New Year celebration on Jan. 28.

R&R Pacific attended the opening night of Broadway Guam’s and Step Up Entertainment & Dance Company’s production of Miss Saigon on Dec. 2 at the Southern High School Auditorium.

Photos courtesy of Sorensen Media Group

The Shark Guam and Nyah Joe’s held a joint 25th anniversary party on Dec. 11 at the Beach Bar.

Photos courtesy of Andersen Air Force Base Public Affairs Office

Former NASA Astronaut and U.S. Air Force Col. Paul S. Lockhart, featured in the December-January issue of R&R Pacific, visited students at Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School in October.