R&R Pacific - January 2014

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

JANUARY 2014

Guam’s godparents and godchildren

New Year’s resolutions – going green

Destination Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland Harbour Bridge, New Zealand

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Auckland, New Zealand

REAL ESTATE

Why you need pest control

CALENDAR

January events

SPOTLIGHT

Salina’s BeautiWorks

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Guam’s godparents and godchildren

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FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB

Vanilla Ice Cream French Toast with Bananas

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ISLAND FOCUS

New Year’s resolutions - going green 18

out & about

Readers and event photos

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SPOTLIGHT

International Health Providers

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SPORTS

Pete Perez

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

www.facebook.com/rrpacificguam On the cover: Andy Wheeler with goddaughter Serena Hendricks. Photo by Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography. Special thanks to Häagen-Dazs.

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R&R Pacific/January

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

Kolby Chang

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 • January 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

Auckland Viaduct Harbor Basin, Auckland, New Zealand (ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock).

STORY BY Charmaine Chan and Jacqueline Perry Guzman

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It is located in the North Island as is often mistaken for the capital city (Wellington).

Because of its rapidly increasing size, its diverse urban offerings and the cosmopolitan nature of is population it is home to a large Asian demographic as well as the largest Polynesian population in the world.

Auckland encompasses Auckland City and North Shore City, Waitakere and Manukau cities as well as Papkura, Rodney and Franklin districts. The central part of the city rests on a narrow cape between Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. Few other cities have harbors on two separate major bodies of water and it is these twin harbors that give Auckland its maritime flair and its fitting moniker – the City of Sails.

Hundreds of yachts decorate each harbor. The city boasts more

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yachts per capita than any other in the world. The city is also known for its sailing clubs and Westhaven Marina, the largest marina in the southern hemisphere. Auckland is well-known for hosting many nautical events.

Another attractive feature of Auckland is its mild, temperate climate. There are no unpleasant extremes — summers never get too hot and winters never get too cold. There is plenty of sunshine and adequate rainfall to keep the city lush and green.

A great way to get the feel of the city is to explore specific neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct character, which is expressed by the nature of the establishments found in each area.

Auckland boasts a highly sophisticated retail scene with lots of depth and variety to make it a great place to shop, no matter whether

Top: Ponsonby Road, known for vibrant restaurants and nightlife; above: Parnell Road, oldest suburb in Auckland (ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock).

your tastes run to the mainstream or the offbeat. Even if you don’t plan to spend money or buy anything, exploring Auckland’s shops and boutiques is a lesson in the fine art of display.

The main shopping thoroughfare is Queen Street where the big department stores and mass-market brands are clustered. If your tastes are for high fashion, Newmarket will be the place for you. You will find the best of New Zealand designers there. There are also more than 25 shoe stores crammed into this area, making it the highest concentration in the country. Aside from boutiques you will also find elegant eateries and classy house ware stores here too.

For a younger, trendier vibe, head for Ponsonby Road. This strip of road is lined with boutiques and stores offering the latest in fashion, interiors and gifts. Alongside the retail outlets are chic restaurants, bars and cafés, perfect places to laze with a latte or cocktail and watch the world go by. As night deepens, the mood ramps up and the lively dining scene transforms into a glittering mosaic of bars, pubs and dance clubs.

Parnell is another must-see part of Auckland. It is the city’s oldest suburb and has the architecture to prove it. Its streets are lined with colonial villas, with delicate white wood trim. Vintage charm is strong here in the old-fashioned cafés, art galleries, book stores and jewelry boutiques.

Last but not least is Karangahape Road, probably New Zealand’s most famous road. The name is quite a mouthful so it’s no surprise it’s

more referred to by locals as K Road. This street has more of an urban edge and artistic flair. Retro vintage stores sit next to street wear boutiques and tattoo parlors jostle for attention next to drag cabaret clubs and art galleries. Culture and color are everywhere and the diversity of the mix only adds the quirky charm of the place.

Foodies will also find much to delight them in Auckland’s culinary offerings. It offers the international range expected of a big city but also the very finest of Pacific Rim cuisine with world class quality, freshness and presentation. The restaurant scene is vibrant and dynamic with atmosphere and variety almost as big as a draw as the food itself.

Great areas to check out for dining options are Viaduct Basin and Mission Bay. Viaduct Basin offers the marina as an exciting backdrop and is a popular venue for events and art installations. Mission Bay is Auckland’s only beachfront dining strip, a long line of restaurants and cafés offering a wide range of international cuisines.

There are also a host of activities you can partake in if you choose to explore the northern part of North Island. There is the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula where you can scuba dive, snorkel and fish and indulge is many more outdoor activities.

No matter what you plan to do in Auckland, you are sure to find your niche. There is something for everyone. It is a city for sailors and shoppers, diners and partiers.

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Special Feature///Real Estate Spotlight

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JANUARY events

Jan. 1 to 31

Jan. 18 and 19

Daily Zumba Class

Latte Peace Festival

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Micronesia Mal

Opening ceremony: 9 a.m. (all day event) Location: Tamuning Mayor’s office community park

Jan. 1

Fukubukuro Lucky Bag Celebration Time: 10 a.m.

Location: DFS Galleria Jan. 4

41st Cross Island Road 10 M Run Show time: 5 a.m.

Go time: 6 a.m.

Race day registration only Fee: $5 for GRC members/$10 for Non member Jan. 11

McDonald’s Guam Youth Bowler of the Month

Jan. 18

43rd Guam “Hafa” Half Run Show time: 4 a.m.

Go time: 5 a.m.

Fee: Pre-registration -$15 for GRC members, $20 for non-members / Race day: $50 per runner Pre registration deadline: Jan. 10 at Hornet Sports Jan. 18

Chalan Pago Fiesta Time: Mass at 4pm followed by the Village Procession and a Fiesta Dinner Location: Church Social Hall

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center

Jan. 19

Jan. 11

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Central Lanes Bowling Center

Tumon Fiesta Time: Nobena at 4 p.m. Mass at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner Location: Blessed Diego Luis San Vitores Church Jan. 11

Annual Health Fair by Lions Club International – District 204 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Micronesia Mall

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featured event

Budweiser King and Prince of the Lanes

Jan. 19

Hornet Sporting Goods “Tour Around the Island” Race Show time: 5 a.m.

Go time: 6:45 a.m.

Start Location: Hornet Sporting Goods Tamuning

JANUARY 11, 18 & 25

Pa’a Taotao Tano Showcase The showcase includes a cultural dance show, dance lessons and weaving lessons. Pa’a Taotao Tano is a non-profit cultural organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the cultural traditions of the indigenous people of Guam and the Marianas and specifically to develop a forum in which our Chamorro cultural practitioners can perform, exhibit and share those traditions.

LOCATION: Guam Premier Outlets TIME: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 19

Jan. 25

Guam Federation McDonald`s 15th of Teachers Martin annual 5k/2k Event Luther King Festival — Guam Crime Stoppers fund Location: Agana Shopping Center raising benefit Jan. 19

Nanying National Orchestra – Guam Visit Recital 2014 United Chinese Association of Guam Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Micronesia Mall

Go time for 5k is 6:30 a.m.

Go time for 2k Youth is 6:45 a.m.

EVENTSCALENDAR

JANUARY sun

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1 New Years Day Fukubukuro Lucky Bag Celebration

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The slogan “Thirst knows no reason” appeared in Saturday Evening Post for the first time, this month in 1922.

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This day in 2009, Coca-Cola opened the world’s largest plastic bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

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19 • Latte Peace Festival • Nanying National Orchestra: Guam Visit Recital 2014 • Hornet Sporting Goods “Tour • Around the Island” Race • Guam Federation of Teachers Martin Luther King Festival

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

16 Japanese School of Art Display (Jan. 16-23)

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MOVIES Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones premiere at Regal Cinemas

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MOVIES

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4 • 41st Cross Island Road 10M Run

11 • McDonald’s Guam Youth Bowler of the Month • Tumon Fiesta • Annual Health Fair by Lions Club International • Pa’a Taotao Tano Showcase

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MOVIES Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Ride Along Devil’s Due The Nut Job premiere at Regal Cinemas

I, Frankenstein premiere at Regal Cinemas

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sat

One Chance premiere at Regal Cinemas

MOVIES

The “Open Happiness” campaign was launched this day in 2009.

• The Serve Guam Commission & AmeriCorps Programs Martin Luther King Day Event

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Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program - Training

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• 43rd Guam “Hafa” Half Run • Chalan Pago Fiesta • Latte Peace Festival • Pa’a Taotao Tano Showcase

• McDonald`s 15th Annual 5k/2k Event Guam Crime Stoppers fund raising benefit

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MOVIES Labor Day That Awkward Moment premiere at Regal Cinemas In 1893 this day, the trademark “Coca-Cola” was registered in the U.S. Patent Office.

The Sprite Boy, created by artist Haddon Sundblom, appeared in magazines for the first time this month in 1942 until the late 1950s.

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.

beverages.

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Feature///Spotlight

STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

Tucked away in Chalan Pago, Salina’s BeautiWorks is a cozy salon dedicated to making its customers look fabulous. “It’s not a big spot, but we can do big things here,” says Sean Sapp, general manager and co-owner of Salina’s BeautiWorks. The salon is a family business; his mother Regina Sapp, has about 25 years of experience and ran BeautiWorks, which was open for 10 years in Maite. Regina does hair and color.

The shop is named after Sean’s sister, Salina, who is also co-owner of Salina’s BeautiWorks. Sean himself does hair and color.

Sean gets inspiration from his mom, who he worked for as a shampoo boy for many years. “Hair is an art. Anybody can do it,

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but not everybody can do it well,” says Sean.

Salina’s BeautiWorks offers style, cuts, highlights, perm, and eyebrow waxing. The shop has four stylists, including a color specialist, a barber, and cosmetologists. The salon offers anything from classic looks to fun new designs and styles. The shop uses a variety of products, because not one product works on everyone. It’s about finding the right product, says Sean.

The salon offers a fun friendly environment, with excellent service. “I love just doing hair and connecting and making friends with clients,” says Sean. As stylists, it’s important to play up a customer’s likes and to acknowledge their dislikes. “The

customer knows best,” the Sean say.

Sean is a young man starting off a small business. He is a graduate of Mariacy Beauty Academy. Although he is trained in all areas, his specialty is eyebrow waxing. “Eyebrows make a big difference on a person’s face,” says Sean.

The salon has four chairs, so it is helpful for clients to schedule an appointment in advance, but staff do what they can to accommodate everyone. Salina’s BeautiWorks is located on Route 4 in Chalan Pago, next to Mamason Market. Salina’s has a rewards program, for every 10 cuts or waxes, you get one free. In addition wedding packages are available.

“HAIR IS AN ART. ANYBODY CAN DO IT, BUT NOT EVERYBODY CAN DO IT WELL.” — SEAN SAPP GENERAL Manager AND CO-OWNER

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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam Section///Spotlight

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

Two sets of parents means double the love. On Guam, the presence of godparents in a family is a lasting cultural and religious tradition. Being a godmother or godfather or nina or ninu in Chamorro respectively, is considered both a great honor and responsibility. The origins of the practice are rooted in the Catholic religion. The role of the godparent is to help parents raise children in the Christian faith.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 16

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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

anita & dari-rae

Marc Sablan is the godfather and uncle of two and a half year old Cohen David Echeverry. Cohen is the son of Erika and Christian Echeverry who live in Tamuning. In addition, Erika, Marc’s younger sister, is the godmother of his two sons. For the family, it is a way to cultivate a close bond between their children.

Marc recalls growing up with cousins from his father’s 13 siblings. However, in this day and age second cousins are not as close as they once were. “It’s very important to

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us that they keep close,” says Marc. The families try to get the boys together at least once a week, with sleepovers every month.

“IT’S LIKE BEING A SECOND PARENT.” ~ MARC SABLAN As Cohen’s godfather, Marc is a source of support and guidance. “It’s like being a second parent,” says Marc.

For Marc it also has significant

religious importance, as it is one of his duties to ensure Cohen follows the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Anita Toves is a godmother of six year old Dari-Rae Guzman, daughter of Norine and Darry Guzman of Mongmong. Although she is not a blood relative, she and Norine share a strong bond as friends and coworkers. The two taught together in the education system and have known each other for 12 years. Toves was honored when she was asked to be Dari’s godmother

“IT MEANS I’M THERE TO PROVIDE EXTRA GUIDANCE IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES AND TO GUIDE HER IN THE CHURCH.” ~ ANITA TOVES

Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

during a lunch.

On being a godmother, Toves says it means a lot of things. “It means I’m there to provide extra guidance in everything she does and to guide her in the church,” says Toves.

Andy Wheeler is the proud godfather of twoyear old Serena Hendricks. Wheeler has known Serena’s parents, Maria and Derek, separately before the two were married, for about 10 years.

Wheeler is not a godfather in the traditional sense; instead it is a symbolic role. Wheeler essentially serves as a helping hand in raising Serena.

“Whatever they ask, I’m more than happy to help with,” says Wheeler. “It was an honor to be asked to be the godfather type of figure for Serena,” says Wheeler.

“IT WAS AN HONOR TO BE ASKED TO BE THE GODFATHER TYPE OF FIGURE FOR SERENA.” ~ ANDY WHEELER However, most of the basic rearing is handled

by Serena’s mom and dad. “I’m all fun. I get to take the fun stuff,” says Wheeler. Wheeler and Serena are very close and have special names for each other. Serena calls him “No-no,” while Wheeler calls his goddaughter “Serena-saurus.” “I could not be more proud of her,” says Wheeler.

MARC & COHEN

ANDY & SERENA

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Feature///Island Focus

New Year’s Resolutions

Going Green

BY Joy White

A new year is a good time to begin good habits. While we ring in 2014, R&R Pacific has some tips for your resolutions to help the environment, save energy and to go green.

1. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs 4. When drying smaller loads of laundry, 7. Use a water filter to purify tap water. or LED light bulbs when your older incandescent bulbs run out. They emit the same amount of light using a much smaller fraction of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs.

try hanging your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack to cut down on the energy used by machine dryers.

Purifying your water helps save you money on expensive bottled water, and prevents the huge amounts of container waste caused by plastic water bottles.

8. Get an energy audit. It’s easier to save

energy when you know exactly how much you’re using and where you’re using it and an energy audit can save you an average of up to 30% on utility bills.

9. Pay your bills and do your taxes online.

5. If you have a short distance to travel, try 2.

Unplug appliances when you’re not using them or use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are not in use and cuts the power off automatically.

3.

If you machine-wash your clothes, use cold water whenever possible. Up to 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes toward heating the water.

walking or biking instead of driving. You’ll be saving on gas money, and it’s good for you and the environment.

By doing your paperwork online, not only are you saving yourself huge amounts of time and hassle, but you’re also doing the environment a favor by saving massive amounts of paper.

6. Use cloth diapers and napkins. Wash-

able cloth alternatives can drastically reduce the amount of plastic and paper waste created by traditional diapers and napkins.

10.

Support local farmers. Most grocery story produce travels thousands of miles before reaching Guam, and all that travel burns massive amounts of fossil fuel, which converts into air pollution. Buying local doesn’t just ensure you get the freshest food.

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OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Jackie Hanson and David De Leon

Shop Guam, Taste Guam festival on Dec. 1, 2013 at Pleasure Island in Tumon.

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

R&R is...

DIVERSITY.

OUT&ABOUT

Photos courtesy of Big Fish Creative

Hip Hop artists Pharcycle and Ugly Duckling on Dec. 14 performed at the L.A. Hip Hop Invasion Concert at Greyhound Fairgrounds.

Photo by Joy White

Photos by Joy White

Cars Plus Guam on Dec. 18 launched its new lineup of Fiat models.

Hip Hop artists Ugly Duckling on Dec. 13 sign autographs at the Micronesia Mall center court.

Photos by Vikki Fong

Gingerbread Housewarming & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

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Feature///Spotlight

STORY BY Thomas Johnson

Since its soft opening in June, the IHP Medical Group has gone on to quickly establish itself as one of the most prominent primary care medical practices in northern Guam. Owned and manned by health care industry veterans and some of the island’s most experienced medical practitioners, the new clinic’s patient list has grown by leaps and bounds since its opening, going from treating 500 patients per month to 2,000 in the span of merely six months.

And through the entirety of its operation, the clinic has provided comprehensive care for both children and adults, offering family practice, adult internal medicine, lab and radiology services, and full pharmaceutical services..

According to Jerry Crisostomo, IHP’s

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clinic administrator and CEO, the clinic’s success has been due to several factors, not the least of which is the diversity of its practitioners. “We like to think of ‘international health providers’ as more than just a name,” Crisostomo says. “We serve a very culturally diverse community up north, and we felt that our staff should also reflect that. That’s why the cultural make-up of the practitioners here is so incredibly unique. They all come from varied cultural backgrounds whether they’re physicians, physician’s assistants, or nurse practitioners, and it gives us a good well-rounded group to serve our diverse community.

We do our best to make sure that all of our patients feel comfortable during their visits with us, and we feel that being able to

“We serve a very culturally diverse community up north, and we felt that our staff should also reflect that. That’s why the cultural make-up of the practitioners here is so incredibly unique.”

— Jerry crisostomo clinic administrator and chief executive officer

choose a primary physician that they can relate to will enhance that level of comfort.”

In addition to a more personal approach to primary care, the clinic is also one of the first to use a digital X-ray machine as well as digital record-keeping, innovations that Crisostomo says will minimize the amount of time doctors spend doing paperwork and maximize the amount of time they get to spend with patients.

“One thing that really sets us apart is the electronic health records,“ Crisostomo says.

“There’s only one other clinic on island that’s implemented this technology. All of the medical records are in the system and can be retrieved and edited instantly, the billing is electronic, and even third-party payments can be made electronically. This ensures that doctors get to spend a little more time with the patient, understanding their medical challenges, and making medical recommendations and treat-

ments that suit their needs.”

The clinic has done so well in such a short amount of time that expansions are already in the works, with plans to add an obstretrics and gynecology wing as well as an ear, nose and throat clinic. In January, the clinic will also be extending its current hours of operation, pushing its opening time from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and its closing time from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m in order to better serve those who can’t away from work during the day. And to further meet patients’ needs, Crisostomo adds that IHP has chosen to accept payments from all health care providers. “We accept healthcare payments from almost all private health care providers, as well as from public health care entities like Medicare and Medicaid.

We also accept payment from most of the on-island insurance companies, as well as various offisland insurance companies such as Blue Cross, AETNA, United Healthcare, Tricare and Cigna.”

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Feature///Sports

Pete Perez

Heading to ATL

By Kolby Chang

Pete Perez of Hagåtña, Guam will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia this Sunday to start preparing for Spring Training with the Atlanta Braves in late February.

Pete Perez and Trae Santos could be playing Single A ball or higher. 2013 has shaped up to be a banner year for Guam baseball.

This marks the first time two players from Guam have signed a major league contract in the same year.

Time on Guam Pete was born on Guam to Pete and Renee Perez, and started playing baseball at five. His dad started throwing him socks and small baseballs. The young Perez would watch pitcher Barry Zito and then emulate Zito in his own game. He played baseball together with Trae Santos, and both of their dads are good friends.

California Dreaming By age 14, Perez was relocated to Sacramento, California and was living with his uncle. His parents stayed in Guam, allowing him to pursue his baseball career.

Perez played his varsity baseball at River City High School in West Sacramento. His two year record as a right-handed pitcher was 7 wins and 8 losses and he posted a 4.50 ERA. He started his college career at nearby American River College. He pitched for the Beavers during the 2009 and 2011 season.

Perez appeared in 15 games and started eight in 2009, was second on team with 27 strikeouts, held opponents to a .295 average, played in eight games and started six in 2011, and led his team with 37 strikeouts and a 4.50 ERA.

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Gone Country Perez sought out Abilene Christian University to play baseball. When he was rejected, one of Perez’s friends recommended conference rival Tarleton State.

He moved to Stephenville, Texas, a place more known for high school football than college baseball. Pete flourished in his last two years of college. In 2012, he led the Texans with eight wins in 13 starts.

He was a First-Team AllLone Star Conference Selection.

In 2013, Pete had 53 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched, five wins in seven starts, posted a 2.43 ERA, and again made First Team All Conference. The Texans won their first LSC conference title, and won 6 out of 9 games in two years against Abilene Christian.

Next Level Perez signed a contract on June 28, 2013 with the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League and finished with four wins in seven starts. The season concluded September 5, 2013.

On October 9, 2013 he became a member of the Atlanta Braves’ farm system.

Pete has spent the last few months in Stephenville, Texas.

He has kept busy lifting weights, working on pitching mechanics, running extra miles, and even worked a night job. He plans on finishing his bachelor’s degree in the off-season.