R&R Pacific - July 2014

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

JUly 2014

Perspectives of an island Guam’s landmarks

Diversity in language Guam’s language schools

A city less traveled

Visit Busan, South Korea

Students at the Huråo Academy flatten balls of dough to make tatiyas during a cooking lesson.

Photo by Joe Cruz.

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Busan, South Korea

artist spotlight

Pia Mia

CALENDAR

July events

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Guam’s Language Schools

SPECIAL FEATURE

1st Green Solutions

FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB

Sawdust pudding (Serradura)

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ISLAND FOCUS

Perspectives on an island

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OUT & ABOUT

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Readers and events photos

SPECIAL FEATURE Triple J Motors exhibit

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SPORTS

Alison Bowman

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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: A Saina, or elder, at the Huråo Academy instructs students on how to make tatiyas during a cooking lesson. Photo by Joe Cruz.

2014

R&R Pacific/July

PUBLISHER

Maureen N. Maratita

SENIOR DESIGNER

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

Vikki Fong

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Joy White

Annie San Nicolas

REPORTER

ADMINISTRATION

Thomas Johnson

Colin Leon Guerrero

CONTRIBUTORS

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Joe Cruz

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Nate San Nicolas

MANAGING DIRECTOR

WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT

Marcos Fong

Dain Rivers

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Rosanna Dacanay

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

R&R Pacific • July 2014 • Entire contents copyrighted 2014 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. R&R Pacific is published monthly by Glimpses of Guam, Inc., 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, GU 96913.

Telephone: (671) 649-0883, Fax: (671) 649-8883, Email: assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com • All rights reserved.

No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

Feature///Travel Spotlight

The Haedong Yongungsa Temple, or the Temple of the Sea, is a favorite for visitors for its view of the sea and waves.

Busan, a different look at South Korea STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Jackie Hanson

Busan, the second largest city and largest seaport of South Korea, is ideal for travelers who wish to experience a slightly different perspective of the country. Located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, Busan is known as having a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul. The city is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves, and annual event, festivals, and celebrations, such as the Busan International Film Festival. The city has hot and humid summers and autumns and mild winters. It almost never experiences snow.

There are many things to do and places to visit in Busan. There are a variety of museums, temples, and other attractions to see.

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There are many beaches to swim or sunbathe at, such as the most popular beach, Haeundae Beach. At Haeundae Beach, swimmers don’t just take to the water during the warm months. In January a special winter swimming festival is held at the beach for enthusiast to brave chilly waters.

The city itself is a spectacular sight. Going on a boat tour or a city tour on a double Decker bus are options for visitors to soak in the layout of the city. When touring the city, some must-see stops include the local fish markets, the museums, and the various temples. The largest fish market in the city is the Jagalachi Fish Market. Fish is brought fresh to the market from the neighboring Nampo

Port. There are fish stands, shops, and restaurants to choose from. One can purchase a fish and visit a shop to have it wrapped and cut or visit a restaurant and have it cooked and prepared. Traditionally, the fish stands are run by women.

To get to know a bit about the city and its history and art, there are a number of museums to choose from, including the Busan Museum, Busan Museum of Art, and Busan Modern History Museum. Some of these museums are several stories high and are large enough to spend a day in, wandering around and taking in the exhibits. A lot of the museums are free to get into, or offer entry at a reasonable price. And just for fun,

(Clockwise from left) the Sinsegae Centum City in Busan is listed as the largest department store in the Guinness Book of World Records; The Jagalachi Fish Market offers fresh fish from the neighboring Nampo Port; The Gwangalli Beach is one of the well known beaches of Busan.

there’s the Trick Eye Museum. Visitors to this museum can take photos with comical artwork and set pieces. A camera and a big smile are musts for this visit.

For the more adventurous, a hike up Jangsan Mountain may be a more enjoyable way to get an idea of the size and scope of the city. Jangsan Mountain is about 634 meters tall, or 2,080 feet. From its peak, one is rewarded with a spectacular view of all of Busan. Traversing through the mountain’s forests, one can forget the bustling city. For an added sense of adventure, there warning of potential mine sites.

A visit to the city is not complete without seeing at least one temple. The most popular temples are the Beoneosa Temple and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The temples are peaceful sites honoring Buddha and his teachings. Built on the cliffs of the

Eat Sea, the Haedong Yongungsa Temple is a favorite. The temple provides a striking view of the waves and the sea. A less visited temple for tourists is the Samgwangsa Temple.

All temples have a celebration in honor of Buddha’s birthday in April, but the lantern festival in the Samswangsa Temple is known as one of the largest, if not largest festivals.

As with visits to other destinations, shopping and eating in Busan is a crutial. The city is home to Shinsegae Centum City, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest department store. The store offers great shopping in addition to leisure and cultural activities, such as a spa, a skating rink, and a multiplex theater. Aside from the world’s largest department store, there are smaller market places in the city where one can shop for gifts for loved ones or for oneself, such as the Haeundae Mar-

ket. Also at these markets can be found various restaurants serving local cuisine, such as gukbap, which is rice in a spicy broth; or Korean barbecue.

After a long day of soaking in the sights and sounds of Busan, one can relax in the evening by marveling at the brilliance of the Gwang-An Bridge, also known as the Diamond Bridge. The bridge connects Suyeng-gu and Haeundae-gu and is not for pedestrians. Its state-of-the-art lighting system provides external lighting, that at night shines with various colors. After getting an eye-full of dazzling lights, one can get ready for the next day of adventures in Busan.

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Feature///Artist Spotlight

Pia Mia, rising star

By Joy White • Photo by Dain Rivers

Pia Mia is living her dream of being a music artists – something she has wanted since she was a young girl. She is on the cusp of a successful music career and loving it.

Pia Mia Perez is the first Chamorro singer and artist to sign with a major record labor in the United States. In February 2014, Pia Mia signed to interscope Records and released an EP entitled The Gift. The EP includes her debut single, “Red Love,” which has over 1 million views on YouTube.

The singer initially gained fame on social media and is well known as a friend of Kylie Jenner and the Kardashians. She performed songs from her EP on island the first week of June at the Lotte Guam Live international music festival at the Paseo Stadium.

“I like to keep a journal of everything that happens in my life so I like to stay true to everything. I usually bring that to the studio and things get a little bit awkward because I’m very honest about everything but I keep it true. [My inspiration is] from my journal,” Pia Mia told the media at a press conference held at the Jamaican Grill in Hagåtña. The songs are based on her own experiences and emotions.

The 18-year-old singer worked in collaboration with Chance the Wrapper to produce “Fight For You” for the 2014 film “Divergent.” Pia Mia is also behind the song “Mr. President.” “It was the first real music video we shot. We had a real budget for that. It was cool for me because that video was based off of a picture,” she explains. The picture was of a girl in a car with people surrounding her. “So they saw this picture and it was cool to see this picture transform into the video,” she says.

Her first album with Interscope is expected to be released this year. “We’ve been working on it for the past six months. We’re trying to finish it soon.

[We’re] working on a single, haven’t dropped a single yet,” she says.

“I just want to make sure I stay true to who I am and make sure everyone knows I’m from Guam and I promote our culture and I promote this place, because this is home for me.” ~ PIA MIA

“I’ve known what I wanted to do since I was eight,” says Pia Mia. As a child on Guam she performed at different events and weddings before moving to Los Angeles as a young teen. Although she is at the center of the LA music scene, Pia Mia says she does her best to honor her roots. “I just want to make sure I stay true to who I am and make sure everyone knows I’m from Guam and I promote our culture and I promote this place, because this is home for me,” she says.

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Name: Pia Mia Perez D.O.B.: September 19, 1996 Parents: Angela Terlaje Perez and Peter Perez, Jr. Songs: Red Love, Mr. President, Fight For You Discography: The Gift EP, album TBA 2014

july

R&R is... family fun.

events July 3 through July 28

July 12

Guam Art Exhibit

Guam National Guard 5k

featured event

Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Location: Guam National Guard Readiness Center, Barrigada July 13

Guam HAWGS Coconut Olympics Location: the Beach July 17 and 18

Liberation Day Carnival Daily throughout July in Tiyan, Barrigada

Guam HAWGS Christmas in July Drive Establishments accepting donations: KD Toys (Micronesia Mall), Sunset Grill (Asan), Cloud K9 (Barrigada), Guam Harley Davidson Dealership (Asan), Sorenson Media Office (Bank of Guam Building in Agana), Camachile Store (Yona), and Econo Mart (Dededo) July 4

Independence Day Salute to America Time: 9 p.m.

Location: Tiyan, Guam July 5

John Gerber Run

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UOG Theatre Summer Camp production of Hans Christian Andersen’s, “The Little Mermaid” Time: 7 p.m.

Location: UOG Fine Arts Theater July 19

J&G Special K 5K Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Location: Chamorro Village

JULY 21

Platinum Celebration Fireworks Spectacular In recognition of the 70th Liberation Day, the Mayors Council of Guam will be hosting the Platinum Celebration Fireworks Spectacular. The fireworks display will be directly over the site of the Liberation Carnival grounds in Tiyan on July 21, and is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. The theme for this year’s liberation festivities is “Generations of Service and Sacrifice.”

LOCATION: Liberation Carnival grounds, Tiyan TIME: 9 p.m.

July 19

National Park Service Sunset ceremony and Historic Tour

July 21

July 21

Liberation Day

70th Liberation Day Parade

Time: 6 p.m.

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Guam HAWGS Coconut Olympics Location: The Beach

July 21

30th Liberation Day Mile Time: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Location: Old Ace Hardware, Anigua

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Route 1, Hagatna

EVENTSCALENDAR

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MOVIES

Deliver Us from Evil Earth to Echo Begin Again premiere at Regal Cinemas Independence Day

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Coca-Cola introduced Diet Coke on this day in 1982. It is the first extension of the Coca-Cola and Coke trademarks.

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MOVIES

sat 5 • John Gerber Run

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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes The Fluffy Movie premieres at Regal Cinemas

• Guam National Guard 5K

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• UOG Theatre Summer Camp production of Hans Christian Andersen’s, “The Little Mermaid”

MOVIES Sex Tape Planes: Fire & Rescue The Purge: Anarchy premieres at Regal Cinemas

• J&G Special K 5K • National Park Service Sunset ceremony and Historic Tour

Collect Caps for Prizes Redemption at Day Buy Day (Piti) The one-billionth gallon of Coca-Cola syrup was manufactured this day in 1944.

• UOG Theatre: “The Little Mermaid”

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Liberation Day • 30th Liberation Day Mile • Platinum Celebration Fireworks Spectacular

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MOVIES Hercules Lucy Step Up: All In Magic in the Moonlight premiere at Regal Cinemas

Collect Caps for Prizes Redemption at Agana Shopping Center

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In July 1964, the famous and awardwinning “Yes Girl” Coca-Cola advertisement was launched.

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.

In July 1971, the “Hilltop” commercial — featuring young people around the world singing “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” had its debut.

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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Joe Cruz, Vikki Fong and Dain Rivers

English is the daily language of Guam, but because Guam is such a diverse place, there are so many other languages being spoken, that can be taught and learned. Formal language schools on Guam are very few. Many of us pass these schools without much thought, but they are just as important to the diversity of the island as the people themselves.

Students at the Japanese School of Guam practice for the sports festival held on June 15.

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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

Huråo Academy teaches students of various ages and grade levels.

One type of language school Guam has teaches regular school subjects in a particular language, such as the Japanese School of Guam, located in Mangilao. There are two schools on campus.

One school includes curriculum taught in Japan to Japanese public educational standards. Subjects taught in the school include math, Japanese, science, physical education, history, and English classes.

The school also has afterschool programs for further instruction in English and Japanese calculations. The school population is made of Japanese families that live on Guam. The second school provides instruction in the Japanese language on Saturday for English speaking students. The school was founded in 1989 with the permission of the government of Guam and Japan.

The Japanese School of Guam began on the campus of St. John’s School and later on the campus of Tamuning Elementary School.

The mission of the school is to provide students with the education to develop their personalities and abilities, to develop students’ intellectual and physical strength and to encourage them to be open-minded and have an international outlook to play an active role in the world. The school teaches kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school grades.

For more information on tuition rates, visit the school’s website at japaneseschool.com.

There are three semesters at the Japanese School of Guam. The

first semester is from April to July. The second semester is from August to December, and the third semester is from January to March.

The Saturday classes are adjusted according to the Guam school schedule. The school continues to grow. In 2013, the school built brand new sports facility.

Another type of school teaches Chamorro, the language of the indigenous people of Guam. Chamorro is taught in schools, but in 2005, Anna Marie Arceo wanted to create a school that provided more extensive instruction in the language. Huråo Academy, a Chamorro immersion school, is located in the Chamorro Village in Hagåtña. At Huråo, Chamorro is spoken 90% of the day and English is used 10% of the day. “We try to infuse culture to teach language, but our main goal is to teach the language and culture and restore self identity,” says Arceo, founder and president. By resorting to self identity through language and culture, the school helps promote self confidence and restores Chamorro core values such as respect and inafa’maolek.

Huråo has an official curriculum, developed with a grant from administration for Native Americans. Teachers wrote a curriculum and piloted and implemented the curriculum. The academy is modeled after the New Zealand Maori and Hawaiian immersion schools. Language lessons are held daily, and then are followed by history, cooking, weaving, and performing arts (dancing, singing,

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(Clockwise from top) Students present their artwork during an art class at the Japanese School of Guam; Kindergartners at work at the Japanese School of Guam; Students at Huråo Academy listen quietly during a cooking lesson.

and changing, planting and nutrition, and storytelling. Additional cultural programs included apprenticeships in carving, seafaring, weaving, and blacksmith.

Arceo and her husband started the Huråo Academy in 2005 as Hurao Cultural Camp under a business license. In 2006, the academy became a nonprofit organization.

The school first started as a summer program at the Sinajana Mayors office. After a successful summer and at the request of parents and the community, the program was extended to after school sessions. At first Arceo, was expected a small start with 10 students. To her surprise 200 students showed up the first session.

Huråo Academy includes family immersion classes, adult classes, and corporate classes. A language radio station is in

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the process and Arceo plans to submit an application to establish a Chamorro language immersion charter school in the 2015 to 2016 timeframe.

“The successes of Huråo are that we have produced fluent families that are already on their own,” says Arceo. Formers students often return to volunteer and to become student aids and models for younger children.

Huråo caps its student number at 80 to preserve the quality and class sizes. The second summer session runs from July 14 to Aug. 8, and an after school program starts in the third week of August and is held from 2 to 6 pm. For more information on tuition rates, contact the school at 472-5858.

“The successes of Hurao are that we have produced fluent families that are already on their own.” ~ANNA MARIE ARCEO Huråo ACADEMY

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Section///Spotlight

Save money by going green STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

Technology is available that will help reduce power bills and protect electronics and equipment. The company 1st GREEN (Global Renewable Energy Efficiency Network) Solutions Guam LLC offers Guam the Universal Shunting Efficiency System, USES. The USES converts unusable energy that would normally be wasted, into usable energy, and at the same time provides full power conditioning with spike and surge protection. The technology is internationally patent protected and is used by the White House, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, U.S. government, and many other large and small companies throughout the world.

Installing a USES Energy Saving System can result in as much as 25% in energy savings and reductions in power bills. The system does this by reducing kilowatt per hour demand; and creating power factor correction credits, when applicable, from GPA. The estimated return of investment is about one year to 18 months. The USES units have a life of 17 years and are maintenance free. The units are low profile, silent, do not get hot or vibrate and are mounted right onto the wall.

The USES can be safely used with other energy efficient or green products, such as solar panels, VFD’s, new inverter A/C units and

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LED lighting. “There are occasions when power factor is fairly efficient [and] they might not have much wasted energy, but they are still subject to power issues. Our system is being selected by many clients for the protection and conditioning, even if we can’t offer the kilowatt per hour reduction. The reason is because it saves those customers thousands every month in reduced maintenance and replacement cost in their valuable equipment and electronics and that’s worth it to them,” says Rick Sparacio, CEO and general manager, of 1st GREEN Solutions Guam, LLC. The USES can be safely used with other energy efficient or green products, such as solar panels, VFD’s, new inverter A/C units and LED lighting. “We are not just offering a product that is stand-alone and that only provides benefit just from itself. It is also a foundation for other green technologies, either already installed or will be installed in the future, to be integrated into a facility for additional savings that will then have a longer lifespan from the USES System power conditioning and protection. We’re able to accommodate many different conditions here on Guam that may be otherwise affected by poor power quality, such as older motors, new and more sophisticated

Advertorial///Special Feature

“Overall, we are satisfied in terms of the installation and in terms of the operation of the system. The bottom line is, we have to save energy and at the same time save on our power bill, and we are seeing that.” ~ STEVE PALOMERO DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING, WESTIN RESORT GUAM

Interested clients receive a free consultation, a power assessment or energy audit, and a performance guaranteed proposal, projecting kilowatt per hour savings, dollar savings, return on investment, and joules of protection, before the unit or units are installed. 100% financing is available for Residential and Commercial clients for their USES units. 1st GREEN Solutions can be contacted at 979-1474.

motors, chillers, VFD’s, electronics, etc. That’s why we call USES a multi-use product,” says Sparacio.

Triple wrap Magnetic chokes within the USES units capture unusable reactive power caused by different loads, and safely re-injects it back into the home or business for this energy to be reused. The USES brings the Power Factor (Efficiency measurement) closer to a perfect level of 1 or .99. A perfect Power Factor is 1.

The USES provides five methods of energy reduction and efficiency: magnetic field energy conversion, magnetic phase balancing, transient energy conversion, power factor correction, and harmonic current and content reduction. In addition the system also provides two forms of surge and spike protection: low voltage protection and high voltage and lightning strike protection, as well as voltage stabilization.

1st GREEN Solutions has been in the community for about two years and is getting positive feedback from its clients. “We are very satisfied with the performance [. . .] I would definitely recommend the USES. I know utility costs are one of the biggest expenses for businesses on Guam and I would recommend this product to reduce consumption and bring a power bill down to what it would be [without it]. Because of the short return on investment, it’s a great way to help reduce utilities costs. We found our experience with 1st GREEN to be very professional,” says Ajay Pothen asset manager of Marianas Properties, LLC. Currently 31 units are installed at the company’s property, Pacific Star Resort and Spa. The USES is helping the Westin Resort Guam to meet its 2020 strategic goals of reducing power consumption by 30% by the year 2020. “Overall, we are satisfied in terms of the installation and in terms of the operation of the system. The bottom line is, we have to save energy and at the same time save on our power bill, and we are seeing that,” said Steve Palomero, director of engineering of Wesitn Resort Guam.

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Feature///Island Focus

Perspectives of an island

BY Joy White

Guam has the type of scenery that brings out the photographer in all of us, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, the lush greenery, or one of the many iconic landmarks or historical sites of the island. Although you might see the same beach, building, or tree every day, it is amazing that someone else can come along and point out a different point of view. In this issue, we highlight both the photographers and the beauty of the island. These reader submitted photos reflect a unique perspective of some of the island’s landmarks.

Photo by Kevin Wang. The Fonte River Dam, also known as the Libugon Dam, on Nimitz Hill is of late 19th century and early 20th century architecture and was abandoned surrounding the time of World War II.

(Left) photo by Jolynn Redmond.

The Tailafak Spanish Bridge in Agat dates back to the Spanish colonial era. The bridge spans the Tailafak River and was part of the El Camio Real, a coastal road from Hagåtña to Umatac built by the Spanish.

(Right) photo by Kevin Wang. The Latte site at Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Memorial Park is composed of eight Latte Stones transferred to the Hagåtña location from their original location in Me’pu in the southern part of Guam.

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Photo by Jolynn Redmond. Two Lovers Point is the site of the famous Chamorro legend of two lovers who tied their hair together and leapt from the cliff to be together rather than be kept apart by their disapproving families.

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos submitted by Maryann Pascua

Pia Mia Perez performed at the Guam Live concert held on June 7 and 8.

Photos by Mike Cepeda

Micronesian Chefs Association’s “Maila Ta Fan Chesa” event was held on May 25 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

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

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

R&R is...

DIVERSITY.

OUT&ABOUT

Photos by Norman M. Taruc/671mma.com

Participants in The Adjutant General’s Cup engage in combatives tournament at the Guam High School Gym on May 24. Competitors included members of the Guam Army National Guard and Guam Air Guard. (Large photo) Finalists of the TAG Cup 2014 qualified for the combatives finals that will be on July 12.

Photos by Dain Rivers

The Guam Visitors Bureau and Lotte Duty Free held a press conference for Guam Live on May 28 at the Jamaican Grill in Hagåtña.

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Special Section///Real Estate

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Triple J Motors exhibit showcases Ford Heritage Month and more

By Maureen N. Maratita

Triple J Auto Group’s Upper Tumon showroom offered a fascinating window on the past in June.

The Triple showroom highlighted the Ford Motor Company’s 111th Anniversary by participating in the auto giant’s Heritage Month with its own history exhibition on Guam, adding a local flavor and photos from Guam’s own Ford collection to the display through Triple J’s partnership with the Guam Museum Foundation.

On June 16, 1903 the legendary Henry Ford and a group of 11 investors formed what would become a mainstay of the auto industry, bringing the dream of private transportation forward and offering employment through the years around the world.

Visitors to the Guam showroom were able to take a close look at the vehicles and memorabilia of yesteryear, as you can see. Ford has been doing business on Guam since the 1960s, and

a number of vehicles from that time and even earlier are kept in pristine condition by Ford lovers of today.

In honor of Heritage Month, Triple J launched a variety of special offers for customers that focused on the fabulous Ford F-150 STX, offered free limited edition Heritage month gift packs, and included a discount on the Epic Summer Car Care Package.

Triple J also sponsored a Ford Epic Movie Weekend on June 28 and 29 on Channel 2 to entertain local viewers and delight Ford fans in Guam.

Triple J Enterprises is also celebrating its own anniversary this year – the parent company of the Auto Group will be marking 30 years of servicing Guam in all sorts of ways, so keep an eye on the showroom and in touch with your sales representative.

You can expect more excitement to come for the rest of the year!

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Feature///Sports

Introducing 4-Sport Star Bowman

By Nate San Nicolas

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Alison Bowman is a young athlete that is hard to miss. One moment she’s towering over opponents on the basketball court then the next she takes off her basketball shoes to break records on the track.When the current JFK Islander is finished blocking shots and burning rubber, she moves to the beach, where her board and the waves let her shine just as much in the water as she does on land. Just when you think she’s had enough, Bowman decided to give volleyball a swing for the first time and did considerably well for a first-year. Simply put: she’s everywhere.

IT’S A FAMILY THING Her parents, Mark and Andrea Bowman, both have their fair share of experience in sports as well. Mark Bowman is a current pilot for United Airlines, but before he was flying the friendly skies, he was a Pilot at the University of Portland who earned himself a spot on the track and field and cross country team. Alison’s mother Andrea also has her experience at the track and field collegiate level, having coached at William & Mary and the University of Florida for a good number of years. Being exposed to the track at a young age, it seems fitting to say Alison was born in to a family with athletic prowess Alison definitely did not disappoint. Taking after her father on the track and with her mother’s coaching expertise, she was able to recently break the record for the 800 meter event with a time of 2 minutes, 28 seconds in the final regular season IIAAG meet.When Alison isn’t breaking records, she’s hitting up the beach to catch a good set of waves with the new surfing community. She’s already considered the top female surfer on Guam.

“Although surfing is a sport, it’s more of a lifestyle to me. I grew up surfing with my family and don’t really ever remember learning how to surf. It’s a community sport and coming here, the surfing community really took me in,” says Alison when asked about her surfing experience.

Soon enough, she was representing Guam at the 2013 Melanesian Cup in Fiji. She finished first in the Female Shortboard division and thanks to a last minute spot opening, Alison borrowed a longboard and displayed her versatility finishing second in the Female Longboard division.

ISLANDER COMMUNITY “I really like it here. My family and I are very appreciative of the teammates and friends I’ve made. Coming in, I didn’t know if I wanted to continue running track, but when I started with JFK, it’s been nonstop, thanks to them,” said Alison.

Alison gives much credit to her family, friends and coaches that she’s met when arriving here. As an athlete, one can agree that success is made easier with the great support from the people around you, and the support behind Alison stands firmer than ever. What is also humbling about Alison’s story is her sense of humility through it all. The experiences this young lady has will take her far, and you can bet she will definitely be making more headlines in the near future.

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