R&R Pacific - May 2015

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

MAY 2015

Guam-born ballet dancer shares her stateside story

collector’s items Hobbyists showcase their prized miscellanea

an icy journey

A Guam diver’s Antarctica expedition

Team Legacy and Sindalu face off in the first game of the women’s tackle football.

contents TRAVEL

Palau

ARTist spotlight

A life in ballet

CALENDAR

Guide to May events

essence of guam

Collectors share their interests

PROCREATE PRESENTS Keys to a beautiful C-Section

RESTAURANTS & food

Buffets

staycation

4

Southern Guam getaways

6

Diver explores Antarctica

8 10

Cover feature out & about

Event photos

16 20

4

22

sports

Women’s tackle football

24

14

13 14

23

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 About the cover: (From left) David Ramsay, head of diving, Magmadive, and Toni Brooks, Guam native and diver, went on an expedition to Antarctica in March. They are working on a photograph book to raise awareness for the Antarctica ecosystem. Photo courtesy of David Ramsay (Magmadive/www.magmadive.is).

10

2015

R&R Pacific/May

PUBLISHER

SALES MANAGER

Maureen N. Maratita

Annie San Nicolas

MANAGING EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jackie Hanson

Joedda Sanchez

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Samantha Guzman

ADMINISTRATION

Joy White

REPORTERS

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Thomas Johnson

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Bryce Guerrero

MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Marcos Fong

Rosanna Dacanay

SENIOR DESIGNER

Vikki Fong

Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To be a renowned communications company that connects people with information through creative, engaging and effective products.

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

R&R Pacific • May 2015 • Entire contents copyrighted 2015 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.

Travel///Palau

The getaway just a stone’s throw away STORY BY Joy White

When you want to get away from the modern world and just bask in the beauty of nature, visit Palau. The beaches of the island nation are a perfect place to relax. There are plenty of jungle areas, waterfalls and other natural sites to explore. The waters are full of fish and other sea life to admire, with one or two sunken World War II ships for some excitement, making it a diver’s paradise. Above all, the culture of the islands is one thing you won’t easily forget.

Jellyfish Lake in Palau.

4

facebook.com/rrpacificguam

(Clockwise from top) Bluestripe Snappers on a tropical coral reef off the islands of Palau; Milky Way Lagoon; a limestone island set in the midst of Palau’s scenic Rock Islands.

Palau, also known as Belau and the Republic of Palau, is an island nation that consists of a chain of islands. The most populated islands include Koror, where about two-thirds of the population lives; Babeldaob, home to the country’s capital, Ngerulmud; Anguar; and Peleliu. Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu lie within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is several miles to the south. Many of the islands are sparsely populated, seemingly deserted, which is perfect if one wants to relax without any distractions.

In these islands, one won’t find a gaggle of flashy tourist attractions. There are a few restaurants and shops, but for the most part, there’s not much except you and your thoughts.

The thing to do in Palau is get in the water. Swim, snorkel, dive or go out on a boat, though land tours and attractions are also an option. If you get a chance to rent a boat, which can come with a captain, that’s highly recommended, explore the Rock Islands, located between Koror and Peleliu. The Rock Islands are a World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Sprouting from the waves, the collection of some 200 to 300 islands is much like its namesake, rocks, with patches of lush greenery carpeting the surfaces.

Exploring these tiny islands, you’ll find the Milky Way Lagoon and the world famous Jellyfish Lake. The Milky Way Lagoon is known for its white sand, which is said to be good for the skin when applied

as a kind of mud pack.

Visiting Jellyfish Lake is a once in a lifetime experience. When the sun rises, the golden jellyfish swim to the surface and follow the sun during the day. The jellyfish don’t sting, and you can float along with them. Because of the isolation provided by the lake, the golden jelly fish are different from other species living nearby.

Other popular dive and tourist sites in the Rock Islands include, Blue Corner, Blue Hole, German Channel and Dolphin Bay. There are countless vertical drops to jump off of into the water and waterfalls to appreciate.

While in Palau, it is unavoidable to eat delectable seafood. Many of the boats come equipped with a grill, so to say your meals will be fresh is an understatement.

When it comes to planning your trip, book your flight well in advance. The flight is about two hours from Guam, and there are a few other flights from various places in Asia. After leaving the airport in Babeldaob, taxis are available for getting about, but it might be better to arrange transportation with your hotel or for a car rental beforehand.

While many of the islands in Palau are sparsely populated, several hotels, resorts and even bungalows to stay in do have modern conveniences.

Be advised that there is a rainy season in June, July and August, which are not ideal times to plan an adventure out to sea.

5

The performing arts///Ballet

A life in STORY BY Joy White

A lot of little girls dream about being ballerinas, but not all of them carry that dream into adulthood. Even fewer make the dream a reality.

“The hard part [about ballet] is that it is finite. There is a small window of time to improve your technique,” says Caili Quan, Guam native and professional ballet performer.

Quan was just a little girl when her mother, Clarisa G. Quan, enrolled her in ballet classes under the instruction of John Grensback and Bettina Sanzotta. Quan’s mother thought it would simply be a nice activity. “She didn’t realize I would fall in love with it,” Quan says.

Finding the resources for ballet instruction on Guam to be limited, Caili convinced her parents at the age of 16 to let her go to New York for training at Ballet Academy East. By that age, she was already behind compared to other dancers trying to make ballet a profession.

The first six months were hard, Quan says. “It was a very rigorous program. I was in a lot of pain, and I had to play catch up,” she says. Other dancers were better trained and had more experience.

Despite the challenges, Quan says she was very fortunate to make it into the academy. Her sister helped her by hand-delivering her audition tape. At first, the academy’s director denied her, but Quan’s sister convinced the director otherwise.

Through the next several years and with a lot of hard work and luck, Quan auditioned was able to perform with several companies.

In 2007, Quan trained with the Richmond Ballet under scholarship and became an apprentice with the North Carolina Dance Theater two years later. She also spent three seasons with a small classical company in Delaware called the First State Ballet Theatre.

Finally, in January 2013, Quan was accepted into BalletX, a contemporary ballet company in Philadelphia, for which she currently performs. Being with the company is a dream, “coming from an island far away and not having sufficient training,” Quan says.

She realizes her dancing career may not last forever. Her ideal post-dance career is in physical therapy, possibly helping injured dancers. Quan is intimately aware of how an injury can impact a dancer. “Injury reminds us we’re not perfect,” Quan says.

Quan also hopes to give back to the island community. In early 2015, Quan returned to Guam as a guest instructor for a few classes at Step Up Dance Studio. “Kids here [on Guam] are especially hungry for it. I don’t think anyone here is spoon fed,” Quan says. “I feel it’s not a priority on the island. A lot of the time you have to have a ballet background [to be a professional dancer], and I want kids to have that option.”

However, those plans are far off. “Right now, I’m just trying to enjoy my career,” Quan says.

6

Caili Quan (pictured far left), a Guam-born ballet dancer now with BalletX in Philadelphia, performs “Gran Partita,” choreographed by Jorma Elo. Photo by Bill Hebert.

MAY

events May 2

Boonie Stomp: Sella Bay

featured event

Time: Meet at Chamorro Village Center Court at 9 a.m.

Length: Four hours for two miles Level: Medium Bring: Two quarts water, swimsuit, snorkel gear, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, lunch and camera.

Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old.

More information: Visit facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. May 2

Moonie Stomp: Anao Time: Meet at Chamorro Village Center Court at 5 p.m.

Length: Four hours for two miles Level: Difficult Bring: Flashlight, two quarts water, gloves, sturdy boots, snack and camera.

Special conditions: Evening event, steep slopes, rough sharp rocks Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old.

More information: Visit facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. May 15 to 17

Guam Micronesian Island Fair Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Beach Park (Ypao Beach Park) Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 15; Noon to 9 p.m. on May 16 and 17.

Free Admission.

May 9

Boonie Stomp: Nimitz Hill Caves Time: Meet at Chamorro Village Center Court at 9 a.m.

Length: Three hours for one mile Level: Medium Bring: Flashlight, two quarts water, gloves, insect repellent, lunch and camera.

Special conditions: Climbing and crawling in narrow cave passages.

Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old.

More information: Visit facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. May 16

Boonie Stomp: Southwest Coast Walk Time: Meet at Chamorro Village Center Court at 9 a.m.

Length: Six hours for eight miles Level: Difficult Bring: Four quarts water, swimsuit, snorkel gear, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera.

Special conditions: A long hike in the sun over sand, rocks, mud and water.

Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old.

More information: Visit facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc.

8

May 23

Boonie Stomp: Canuon River Join the Guam Boonie Stompers on an exploration of Guam’s natural beauty. On this excursion, visit a tributary of the Tarzan River, hiking up a deep gorge with rock formations, waterfalls and small swimming pools. This event is a bit challenging and will involve hiking over rough rocks, walking in the slippery river and some sword grass. The hike will take approximately five hours to cover the three-mile course. Be sure to bring: three quarts water, gloves, a swimsuit, sunscreen, lunch and a camera.

For more information: Visit facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc Time: Meet at Chamorro Village Center Court at 9 a.m.

Price: $2 for hikers over 12 years old

May 20 & 24

Guam Symphony Society’s Night at the Oscars Location: Hyatt Regency Guam Gala dinner on May 20 at 7 p.m.

Concert on May 24 at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $100 on May 20; $20 on May 24 More information: Visit www.guamsymphony.com.

May 24

Big Beat Guam DJ Wars Location: Club Icon Doors open: 8:30 p.m.

Price: $15 cover charge

EVENTSCALENDAR

MAY sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri 1 MOVIES

Avengers: Age of Ultron Far From the Madding Crowd

3

4

5

6

7

10

11

12

13

8 MOVIES

• Harvest Festival

Hot Pursuit Before I Wake

14

15 MOVIES

Mother’s Day

Pitch Perfect 2 Mad Max: Fury Road I’ll See You in My Dreams

sat 2 • Boonie Stomp: Sella Bay • Moonie Stomp: Anao

9 • Boonie Stomp: Nimitz Hill Caves

16 • Guam Micronesian Island Fair (thru May 17) • Boonie Stomp: Southwest Coast Walk

• Guam Micronesian Island Fair (thru May 17)

17

18

19

• Guam Symphony Society’s Night at the Oscars • UOG Graduation • DJ Wars

21

• Guam Symphony Society’s Night at the Oscars

• Guam Micronesian Island Fair

24

20

25

26

Memorial Day

27

22 MOVIES

• Boonie Stomp: Canuon River

29

30

Tomorrowland Spy

28

23

MOVIES

San Andreas Insidious: Chapter 3 Aloha

• Boonie Stomp: Gun Beach to Tanguisson

31

FEATURED MOVIE May 22

Tomorrowland Directed by: Brad Bird Starring: George Clooney, Hugh Laurie and Britt Robertson

A shared destiny brings together a former boygenius, who has grown into a disillusioned adult, and a gifted teenager filled with scientific curiosity to journey to Tomorrowland, a realm that exists between time and space. In a danger-filled mission to explore and unearth the realm’s secrets, they learn their actions affect the world they live in. *Event times and dates may change without notice.

9

Essence of Guam///Collectors

on display

Building a collection involves dedication, patience and research. It can be a hobby or satisfy one’s curiosity or search for knowledge. Whatever their motivation or attraction, collectors find a sense of accomplishment, pride and even happiness.

STORY BY Joy White

The fan girl

Dhelcee Inclano has an unshakeable loyalty to the popular Korean band Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates to the “Bulletproof Boys.” Bangtan Sonyeondan, also known as BTS, is a seven-member male music group. The group has released four mini-albums and one full-length album.

Inclano originally stumbled upon the band in 2014 on YouTube. She started being drawn into their music and their personalities when she had been going through a rough part in life. “They make me happy,” Inclano says.

“They write their own songs and a lot of what they write is inspirational and has meaning.”

Inclano collects all things BTS including posters, autographed copies of their albums, photo cards, fans, pins and banners. Inclano is also a member of the band’s official fan club and subscribes to the band’s official “fancafe”— a website where the band members post blogs and videos and interact with fans.

Inclano has been to three of BTS’s concerts last year, two in Korea and one in Singapore. She plans to go to another concert this year in July in Melbourne, Australia.

She has stood in line for hours to purchase official BTS collectibles and merchandise and has exchanged some items with other fans, some of them made by fans themselves. “I consider them memorabilia. Some people sell them, and I can’t understand that,” Inclano says.

Photo by Joy White

The part-time archaeologist

Roman Duenas has been interested in fossils since he was a kid. He finds them on Guam’s beaches and in other places he visited.

When traveling, he occasionally purchases one or two from gift shops. His collection consists of crab fragments and an assortment of other fossilized materials.

“It’s interesting that my childhood hobby turned into something more meaningful, especially as I understand it better as I get older,” he says.

His most prized finds are two crab fossils of a species that existed more than two million years ago that he found on Guam. He also has a small collection of giant clam shell remains.

These are used for the traditional Chamorro sinahi, which hold monetary value.

“You can find a lot of weird things at the beach,” he says. He also finds and collects World War II bullets, old Coke bottles and even sling stones.

10

Photos courtesy of Roman Duenas

Essence of Guam///Collectors

The builder

“Building a Gundam is a mixture of engineering and art,” says Raymond Guevara, a Gundam collector and builder.

Gundam plastic models, called “Gunpla” for short, depict the vehicles and characters of the Japanese animated show, “Gundam.” One starts with building the skeleton of the plastic model and then adds the armor and weapons. The models are designed so that, if assembled properly and balanced, and they can stand on their own.

Gundam plastic model kits are available for different skill levels. “You grow as a builder.

It really reflects the amount of work you put in to build them. […] It’s not just building a robot or a figurine; it also offers a different way to express yourself,” Guevara says.

Guevara has built some 20 to 40 models and often gives them to friends to entice them to start building their own.

Photos courtesy of Raymond Guevara

The bug guy

Andrew Gulac’s insect collection began as a class project at the University of Guam for an entomology class. He started with a small cardboard box, which was required for class.

Then he was gifted with a larger display case.

Collecting insects involves not only catching and preserving the insects, but identifying the insects’ scientific name and labeling them appropriately. Specimens are placed in the freezer to aid in preservation.

Gulac has close to 20 types of insects in his collection, including several beetles, a lady bug and a praying mantis. His first catch was a kadid, which is common on Guam.

He captured a few that are in his collection with a net, while others he found already dead. His most prized piece is a monarch butterfly which is rare on Guam.

While collecting the insects, he refers to a guide to help him identify the insects and their scientific names. “The different classes are based on their characteristics,” he says. “A lot of it is based on observation.”

“People are always asking why I don’t have any spiders, but spiders are not insects. They’re arachnids,” Gulac says.

He also says people are usually very surprised that he collects insects and find it strange.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Gulac

11

Essence of Guam///Collectors

The collector extraordinaire

Music is a large part of Maureen Quenga’s life. She performs in the band Tropic Trio on the weekends, does other gigs as opportunities arise and teaches the ukulele during the weekdays. But there is more than music that keeps Quenga occupied. In addition to a collection of ukuleles, she has an impressive collection of toy cars and coins.

Quenga started collecting ukuleles a few years ago in search for an instrument that could be used for her band.

After that, she continued to collect others that were unique or just cool-looking, she says.

Quenga has been collecting toy cars, mostly Hot Wheels, since she was a child. “Ever since I was a little kid, I liked [toy] cars,” Quenga says. “I’m not too good with the model of the car, but once I see it I know if I already have it,” she says.

Almost as long as she has been collecting toy cars, Quenga has been collecting coins. However, the collection has not grown as large as her toy car collection. She collects U.S. state quarters, silver coins, half-dollars and dollar coins. She also has a small stash of two-dollar bills and realistic fake bills, such as three-dollar bills and most notably a one-dollar bill with Bob Marley on it.

With all of her collections, Quenga learns all she can about the items. She has learned the difference between mass produced ukuleles and handcrafted ukuleles made from a special wood artisans must get permission to use.

Quenga has also done research on which coins are collectibles. She learned about the different Hot Wheels lines and that earlier lines were more realistic, made from metal while current lines are made from a mix of plastic and other materials.

12

Photos by Joy White

13

Restaurant & Food///Buffets

Get in line

Here are some of our favorite buffets, each with its own array of dishes to serve.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White

Main Restaurant Location: Guam Reef & Olive Spa Resort Cuisine: International Hours of operation: Lunch on Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner with show from 6:45 p.m. and dinner without show from 7:15 p.m.

Dinner buffet closes at 9:30 p.m.

Price: Lunch $19; dinner $42 for dinner show and $32 for regular dinner daily.

Service charge added.

Club Infinity Members get special discounts and offers.

Ban Thai Restaurant and Lounge Location: San Vitores Road, Tumon (across from Acanta Mall) Cuisine: Thai Hours of operation: Saturday lunch buffet featuring the restaurant’s new Thai Soup Cart from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Phone: 649-2437 Price: $11.95 Reservation not required.

14

Restaurant & Food///Buffets

World CafĂŠ

Location: Fiesta Resort Guam Cuisine: International Hours of operation: Dinner served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily Contact: 646-5880 ext. 1811 Price: $24.95 Sunday to Thursday; $28.95 on Friday and Saturday; $14.50 for children aged 5 to 11 years.

Service charge added.

Reservations recommended.

La Sienne Location: Lotte Hotel Guam Cuisine: Euro-Asian Fusion Phone number: 646-6811 Hours of operation: Breakfast 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Price: Breakfast $25 for adults and $13 for children; Lunch $30 for adults and $15 for children; Sunday brunch $40 for adults and $15 for children; dinner from Sunday to Thursday: $40 for adult and $20 for children; dinner on Friday and Saturday: $50 for adults and $25 for children.

Reservations recommended.

15

Special Feature///Staycations

Many think it’s impossible to disappear on Guam, short of not leaving their house, but the island has several places to stay that are remote, allow guests to appreciate the beauty of the island and offer various activities to keep entertained.

16

Special Feature///Staycations

A getaway on the shore Story and photos by Bryce Guerrero

Located on Guam’s seldom occupied but always appreciated Southern shore, Inarajan Garden House whisks visitors away to a place where peace and pleasures intertwine.

The harmonious coupling is most noticed when guests look out of their bedroom windows. Rooms in the Garden House boast visions across the ocean, as the warm Southern air treats guests to the scents and sounds of the sea.

The resort houses 16 studio deluxe rooms and two suites on its 4-acre property that sits on the raw, mostly untouched land that differs immensely from the heavily occupied properties of Tumon. The two suites have full kitchens. All of the rooms have balconies that overlook the beach.

Originally used as a resort solely for Japanese executives who wanted some rest and relaxation, the Garden House management transitioned last year and underwent extensive renovations, while still keeping the charm of the original building that was first constructed in the late 80s. The building’s exterior is composed of volcanic rock that was flown in from Hawaii.

The resort’s in-house gift shop features artwork from Chamorro art expert Judith Flores, who also works for the Garden House as its sales manager.

The Inarajan getaway’s rates start at $125, with a discounted rate for locals. Early reservations are encouraged, and a 50% down payment is required for confirmation. For those in sore need of some R&R, the respite the Garden House provides is well worth the price.

Rooms in the Garden House boast visions across the ocean, as the warm Southern air treats guests to the scents and sounds of the sea.

(Clockwise from top left) The Inarajan Garden House’s rooms are spacious, breezy and pristine; Every room looks out to the resort’s secluded beach; The building’s exterior is covered with imported volcanic rock, giving it a distinct charm; The resort houses offers a bar, restaurant and gift shop among the many attractions on its 4-acre property.

17

Special Feature///Staycations

A hideaway in the hills Story by Joy White • Photos courtesy of Leo Palace Resort Guam

Located in the Manenggon Hills, Leo Palace Resort Guam is a sanctuary that also provides a variety of activities to do without leaving the property. The resort offers a 360 degree view of the island.

In the resort’s Olympic-grade sports facilities, one can sweat away one’s problems and worries. The resort’s most popular attraction is its 36-hole golf course. And for those who are interested in learning to golf, Leo Palace Resort Guam offers lessons at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy and an indoor golf simulator.

Other forms of entertainment include a series of karaoke rooms, mahjong rooms, a bowling alley and swimming pools and shows. The property is very secure, so going on an early morning or sunset jog, all the while enjoying the view of the surrounding hills, is divine.

There are also plenty of restaurants on the property, including fine European dining at Feeregalo, traditional Japanese fare at Iki, a sampling of cuisine from throughout Asia at Ten, fun at the sports bar, Sana, and a mixture of Japanese and Western foods at the clubhouse restaurant, Gold Club.

The Leo Palace Farm is also growing in popularity. Guests can tour the farm and sample the fresh fruits and vegetables grown on the property, including several types of banana, coconut, eggplant and cucumber, depending on the season.

Accommodations at the Leo Palace Resort Guam include hotel rooms and larger condo-type rooms that allow for multiple occupants and have kitchenettes.

The Leo Palace Resort Guam boasts a 36-hole golf course with a spectacular view of the surrounding Yona hills.

18

Special Feature///Staycations

The property is very secure, so going on an early morning or sunset jog, all the while enjoying the view of the surrounding hills, is divine.

(Left) Bowling lanes provide indoor entertainment. (Right) Rooms of all sizes fit the needs of any guest.

19

Cover///Antarctica

Deep South Guam diver visits the Antarctic shelf STORY BY Thomas Johnson PHOTOS COURTESY OF David Ramsay

For many divers, braving the icy waters at the bottom of the world might seem like a chilling proposition. However, local dive enthusiast Toni Brooks has made her dream of diving the waters of Antarctica a reality.

Born and raised on Guam, the 37-year-old Brooks took on the Antarctic waters after taking up diving for just a little over a year. “Once I had my certification, I immediately wanted to dive everywhere,” Brooks says.

Brooks says that diving on the Antarctic shelf required her to learn how to dry suit dive, for which she had to travel to Japan and Korea to train before conducting her practice dives in Iceland with David Ramsay of Iceland-based diving company Magmadive. In order to go on the expedition, Brooks was required to complete 50 dives, including 20 dry suit dives in cold water and advanced open water dives.

“I was determined to get those in as quickly as possible,” she says.

Brooks left for Iceland for training on Feb. 12.

Then she and Ramsay traveled to South America to meet with the rest of the expedition on Feb. 27.

“We made first landfall in Antarctica on March 2, but we were slightly behind schedule because of the weather. The first dive on March 4 was so scary; I was scared out of my mind. It was very shallow, but also incredibly murky because of biomass from nearby penguin and elephant seal habitats,” Brooks says.

She says that after experiencing the natural untouched beauty of Antarctica, she wants to use her experience to help spread awareness of the dangers that may seriously impact Antarctic ecology.

She has begun a campaign for awareness and is collaborating with Ramsay to create a photobook documenting the beauty found in and around the Antarctic shelf.

20

(Opposite page from top) Travelers navigate between ice floes in Antarctica; Toni Brooks, a Guam-native, traveled to Antarctica to dive and learn about the ecosystem; Travelers board a plane on King George Island, located on the Northern tip of Antarctica, before boarding a ship to further explore the continent. (Clockwise from top) Toni Brooks (second from left) and fellow travelers with Aurora Expeditions on a trip to Antarctica; Brooks on board the ship; An Antarctic fur seal swimming in the waters of Deception Island, a harbor in Antarctica; and Brooks explores the underwater landscape.

“Spreading awareness wasn’t the original intent; I just wanted to go on an expedition and do something crazy,” she says, “but the more I researched, the more I learned about the Antarctic Treaty [an international agreement that establishes Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation and bans military activity on that continent] and that it expires in 2041. There are already organizations starting up and working towards extending the treaty and making it more concrete and enforceable [. . .]. In diving, specifically, I learned about marine health and how our marine environment relates and compares to other marine environments, and I feel that the situation in Antarctica is something that affects us all.“

“I learned about marine health and how our marine environment relates and compares to other marine environments, and I feel that the situation in Antarctica is something that affects us all.”

21

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Justin Green

Fairies and wood nymphs ran free during a Midsummer Night’s Dream themed gala hosted by the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association on March 7 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

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

22

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

OUT&ABOUT

Photos courtesy of the Guam International Marathon

The 2015 Guam International Marathon, organized by the Guam Visitors Bureau, Pacific Islands Club Guam and United Airlines, was held on April 12. Some 3,240 athletes from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Asia, Palau, Europe and the United States took part. Winners of the event were: Yusuke Inose of Japan and Sung Hwa Ryu of South Korea in the marathon male and female divisions; Derek Mandel and Rhea Macaluso as first local male and female in the marathon; Sho Masumota of Japan and Manami Iijima of Maite in the half-marathon’s male and female divisions; Hiroo Tonegawa of Japan and Yukie Tamura of Japan in the 10K male and female divisions; Yasuhiro Tago of Japan and Jacqui Slack of the United Kingdom, both setting 5k course records.

Photos by Vikki Fong

The 2015 Marianas Open Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament took place on March 28 at the Father Duenas Memorial School Phoenix Center.

23

Sports//Women’s Tackle Football

Women score in Tackle Football STORY AND PHOTOS BY Joy White

(Top left) Linda Salas, president, and Vanessa Longosco, public relations officer, both of the Guam Women’s Tackle Football League. (Top right and bottom left) Team Legacy and Sindalu face off in the first game of the season on March 28.

24

In a bout of gridiron glory, the Bud Light Guam Women’s Tackle Football League launched its 2015 season on March 28 with a match between Team Legacy and Sindalu at Raider’s Field Tiyan.

A total of six teams competed for the title of champion this year: Team Legacy, Steel Blazers, Sindalu, the Falcons, Lady Raiders, the Lady Spartans and Tough Chicks. Sindalu bagged the first win, 12-8.

The Guam Women’s Tackle Football League has grown since its creation about four years ago. Linda Salas, president and founder of the league and a huge fan of football, posed the idea, “If only women could play football...”

From there, the idea blossomed. A scrimmage was

organized to gauge the interest of the public, and to Salas’ surprise about 50 women showed up.

Salas and Marge Leon Guerrero formed the league in 2012 with two teams, Island Stunnerz and the Steel Blazers. From two sixwoman teams, the league grew to ten 11-woman teams in 2014.

The Guam league is affiliated with the International Women’s Football League. Since the league’s inception, it has been contacted by various countries to compete, but for now, Salas says the group is focusing on building the game on island.

New teams are welcome to join the league. For more information contact, Salas at linda@gwtfl.com.