R&R Pacific - November 2015

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

NOVEMBER 2015

Patriotism and pride

Families that serve

Magic, laughs and wonder

Variety show raises its curtain

Let’s do brunch Meskla revamps its offerings

Duo Românesc acrobats dazzle with their hand balancing stunts at “Encore!

A Magical Extravaganza.”

Photo by Shaina Marie Santos

contents TRAVEL

History, mythology and more in Athens

4

ART

8

GAX: Adding to the palate

CALENDAR

10

Essence of guam

13

SPECIAL FEATURE

16

food/restaurant

19

Guide to November Families that serve

Sunday brunch at Meskla Ramen kudasai

PROCREATE PRESENTS

20

Cover FEATURE

22

Out & About

25

SPORTS

28

Topics in women’s health

Encore! A Magical Extravaganza Events around the island Billiards

4

25

19

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: Master Magician Anthony Reed signs an autograph for Ana-Lourdes Cook at the opening of the “Encore! A Magical Extravaganza” variety show at Fiesta Resort Guam.

Story on page 22. Photo by Shaina Marie Santos

16

R&R Pacific/November

PUBLISHER

2015

SENIOR DESIGNER

Maureen N. Maratita

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

Vikki Fong Annie San Nicolas

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Joy White

Joedda Sanchez

REPORTERS

ADMINISTRATION

Thomas Johnson

Janice Castro, Jessica Quintanilla

Shaina Marie Santos

Carmelita McClellan and Vincent Leon Guerrero

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Marcos Fong

Rosanna Dacanay

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 • November 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///Athens

Athens

A flavorful tour of Ancient Greece STORY BY JOY WHITE PHOTOS BY VIKKI FONG

Athens is a marvel of historic sites, beauty and unique experiences. Each street or monument is steeped in history.

The country’s financial crisis has made international the headlines this year, and visitors should be aware of current events in the country before arriving. However, those in the hospitality and tourism industry are at attention and ready to receive visitors.

Many attractions are in walking distance, and after the 20-hour flight from Guam, a walk will be refreshing. Getting around in Athens on the Metro is also more than adequate, and taxis and buses are also readily available. However, traffic is heavy in the city.

Kolonaki is well-known as one of Greece’s leading shopping districts and is home to high-end boutiques that cater to a wide range of shoppers. Kolonaki Square is where one will find cafés and restaurants.

There are also a variety of bars and taverns in the district as well as museums and galleries, such as the Benaki Museum, Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, the Museum of the History of Greek Costume and the Theater Museum. The district also has two metro stations, and the Lycabettus Funicular links Kolonaki

to the peak of Mount Lycabettus.

Mount Lycabettus is a popular tourist spot, and the funicular railway is a fun ride up the slope. Its peak houses a restaurant, the 19th century Chapel of St. George, an open-air amphitheater for concerts and performances, and offers a wonderful view of the city.

For a more extensive shopping experience, the Athens Central Market, or agora, on Athinas Street is the place to sample local produce, meat and other treats, such as olives, spices and cheeses. The Plaka is also a shopping must. The street is one of the oldest in Athens, and any manner of items can be found, from souvenirs to handcrafted products made by talented artisans. The maze-like streets of the Plaka wind themselves around the Northern and Eastern slopes of the Acropolis.

Of course, one of the best ways to experience a city or a culture is to eat the food. Greek meals are often eaten with large chunks of bread.

Bread is sometimes dipped in a leftover sauce or olive oil or coated with a dip or topping, such as tzatziki (garlic-cucumber-yogurt dip),

(Opposite page, clockwise from top): Temple of Zeus; moussaka, a Greek delicacy; The Plaka shopping district; Erechtheion, a temple in the Acropolis with the famous “Porch of the Maidens.”

4

5

Section///Spotlight

(Clockwise from left) Areopagus, or Mars Hill, where Apostle Paul spoke to the crowd in the book of Revelations; the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games was held in 1896; Acropolis Museum.

taramasalata (fish roe salad) or melitzanosalata (eggplant salad).

Other notable staples of Greek dishes include feta and other cheeses, grilled meat on skewers called souvlaki, olives and olive oil.

Notable dishes to try while in the Greek peninsula include moussaka, a baked dish of layered sautéed aubergine, minced meat, tomato, onion, garlic and spices and a topping of cheese and béchamel sauce. The dish can be found throughout the region in different variations, but Greece’s version is a must.

Desserts include baklava; a custard-filled pastry called a galaktoboureko; or a simple dollop of Greek thyme honey on fresh Greek yogurt.

Shopping and eating are minor distractions compared to Athens’s rich history.

Overlooking the city of Athens is the Acropolis. The most famous of the Acropolis’ monuments is the Parthenon, which has long been a symbol of Ancient Greece itself. The temple’s sculptures are considered a prime example of Greek art.

Erechtheion, a temple in the Acropolis built to honor Athena and Poseidon, features the famous “Porch of the Maidens,” with six

6

draped female figures, known as caratids, as supporting columns.

Less than a mile from the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum, built atop the archaeological remains of an ancient Athenian neighborhood of Makrygianni and the ruins of part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. The entrance to the museum is adjacent to the Athens Metro.

North of the Acropolis is Areopagus, known as the Mars Hill, a low, rocky hill that was the meeting place for the earliest Athens aristocratic council. It is also a point of Biblical interest, as in the Book of Revelations, Paul spoke to the crowd from Areopagus.

The Panathenaic Stadium is where the first modern Olympic Games were held and where the Olympic flame handover ceremony takes place before every Olympic Games. Located in the central Athens district of Pangrati, the stadium, entirely made of marble, is built upon the ruins of an ancient stadium.

The currency in Greece is the Euro, and it is recommended to keep cash handy when out in the city, as media have reported cash flow from ATMs might be limited. As always when carrying cash, be careful.

Art///GAX

GAX

Adding to the palette STORY BY Joy White PHOTOS COURTESY OF The Guam art exhibit

The Guam Art Exhibit successfully concluded its seventh showing, The Portrait, in September and because of its success plans to continue to expand its reach to artists and appreciators of art. This year’s GAX featured works from 40 artists, live painting sessions, open mic nights and the first-ever presentation of Ancestors Reflections by Iniguai.

Josh Agerstrand, the exhibit’s curator, and Myracle Mugol, art coordinator, share with R&R Pacific that there are big plans to broaden the scope of the exhibit next year.

A lot of plans are in the pipeline, but the biggest announcement for next year’s exhibit is that there will be two shows, with the first to be held sometime in the spring.

GAX will continue to find ways to give artists exposure, as well as to build a network for artists to meet and collaborate on works. The organizers of GAX have also been working on their own collaborations with local and international entities.

“We’ve teamed up with Guam Visitors Bureau’s Håfa Adai pledge, involving artists to sign off on it.

GVB is building a more comprehensive artist directory,” Mugol says.

In addition, GAX is working to bring in outside artists to participate in the exhibit and to showcase their skills.

GAX pushes artists to pursue a sense of self-expression that goes beyond producing sellable artwork, Agerstrand says.

“We’re trying to get the people that join the art show to get outside of pleasing others for artwork. That’s what

8

Art///GAX

happens a lot. To get sales, people want to create work that is sellable and in the process they might lose their own style or identity or their own meaningfulness in their work,” he says.

To be featured in the exhibit, artists are asked to avoid common tropes, such as landscapes, sunsets or even widespread depictions of ancient Chamorro culture.

Agerstrand says these requirements are not set to be exclusory, but to challenge artists to explore their work and find an honest and realistic depiction of Guam’s contemporary culture, which is more than one thing.

“We’re trying to find artwork and artists who are achieving a unique vision. And if they’re halfway there, we try to get them all the way there. Or if they’re close, we try to nurture them,” he says.

“We’re trying to find artwork and artists who are achieving a unique vision. And if they’re halfway there, we try to get them all the way there. Or if they’re close, we try to nurture them.” ~ Josh Agerstrand The ultimate goal is to help artists become competitive on a global scale and to possibly showcase Guam talent off-island.

“Just because Guam is a small place doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve world-class quality artwork. And we do have artists here that just need to be pushed,” Agerstrand says. “And if we don’t push, they won’t [create quality art]. If you don’t push, people will just go to the beach.”

Mugol, who has done other art shows, says the diversity of GAX sets it apart. “I think it has to be because of the passion behind it. It’s not just, ‘Oh, I’m going to showcase.’ I’m going to push and do better and I’m going to inspire,” she says.

Agerstrand says Guam has potential to be an art hub. “Guam can be this cultural, exciting, energetic and artistic hub for people. I think it’s already happening, but we have to make it more visible,” he says.

9

NOVEMBER events

Nov. 7

Boonie Stomp: Maguagua Falls

featured event

Level: Difficult

Duration: Four hours Length: Three miles Bring: Three quarts of water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera Special conditions: Sword grass, steep slopes, and climbing with a rope Meet at 9 a.m. in the Center Court of Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.

Cost: $2 for hikers over 12.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. Nov. 8

Guam Ko’ko Half Marathon and Ekiden Relay Show Time: 3 a.m. for half marathon; 4 a.m. for ekiden relay Go Time: 4 a.m. for half marathon and 5 a.m. for ekiden relay Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park For more information, visit www.guamkokoroadrace.com.

Nov. 21

Boonie Stomp: Sinesa Falls to Lower Sigua Level: Very difficult Duration: Five hours Length: Six miles Bring: Four quarts water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera Special conditions: Rope climbing, steep slopes, slippery mud and walking in water Meet at 9 a.m. in the Center Court of Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.

Cost: $2 for hikers over 12 For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GuamBoonieStomperInc. Nov. 21 to 22

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Top o’ the Mar, Asan Admission: $5 Nov. 28

“At the Movies: a Celebration of Song,” Guam Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Song festival Location: Agana Shopping Center Free admission

10

Nov. 21

36th Japan Autumn Festival A much anticipated event, the Japan Autumn festival highlights the Japanese culture with food, games, crafts and entertainment. This celebration has become the main venue where local residents and the Japanese community come together to bond and participate in an exchange of cultures.

Location: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park ADMISSION: Free

Nov. 28

Boonie Stomp: Guatali Falls

Level: Difficult Duration: Four hours Length: Four miles Bring: Four quarts of water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera Special conditions: Walking in water, climbing with a rope and a long hike up and out Meet at 9 a.m. in the Center Court of Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.

Cost: $2 for hikers over 12 For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc. Nov. 29

Adventure Expo Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Guam International Raceway, Yigo Admission: $2 for adults; Free for children 14 years old and below

EVENTSCALENDAR

november sun 1

mon 2

tue 3

wed 4

thu 5

fri 6 MOVIES

Spectre The Peanuts Movie Spotlight Miss You Already

8

9

10

11

12

MOVIES

• Guam Ko’ko half Marathon and Ekiden Relay

15

13 By the Sea The 33 My All American

16

17

18

19

20 MOVIES

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 2 The Night Before Secret in Their Eyes Legend

22

23

24

• Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

29

25

26 Thanksgiving

27 MOVIES

The Good Dinosaur Creed I Saw the Light

sat 7 • Boonied Stomp: Maguagua Falls

14 • Boonie Stomp: Tarzan Swimming Hole

21 • 36th Japan Autumn Festival • Boonie Stomp: Sinesa Falls to Lower Sigua • Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair (thru Nov. 22)

28 • At the Movies, a Celebration of Song • Boonie Stomp: Guatali Falls

30

• Adventure Expo

FEATURED MOVIE Nov. 20

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Directed by Francis Lawrence Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Josh Hutcherson and Donald Sutherland

In the fourth and concluding chapter in the film series, Katniss Everdeen confronts President Coriolanus Snow in a final showdown as she fights for the future of Panem. Katniss has been a symbol of rebellion against the oppression of District 1 and its ruthless and tyrannical president since her and Peeta Mellark’s victory in the 74th Hunger Games, an annual televised death match between representatives of Panem’s districts. Katniss and her closest friends embark on a mission backed by District 13 to finally bring down President Snow.

Katniss is faced with moral traps, enemies and challenges to bring peace to her country. *Event times and dates may change without notice.

11

Don’t just photo booth, RendezVooth!

Guam@RendezVooth.com // 648 RVTH (7884) // RendezVooth.com Photo Booth DJ Photography and new Flipbook Booth now available

12

Essence of Guam///Families that serve

Families that serve STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY WHITE

(From left) Victoria S. Aguon, wife of Frank Aguon III, and Zayd; Staff Sgt. Frank B. Aguon III; Maj. Frank B. Aguon Jr., father of Frank, Christopher, Brittany and Royce Aguon; Jennifer L. Aguon, wife of Frank B. Aguon Jr. and mother of Frank, Christopher, Brittany and Royce; Senior Airman Christopher T. Aguon; Brittany Aguon; and Senior Airman Jesus Babauta.

There’s no question that Guam has a lot of respect for servicemen.

For some local families, the call to serve is in their blood. Guam’s families that serve do so out of pride for their island and nation.

Two members of the Aguon family were called to action in September. Staff Sgt. Frank B. Aguon III and Senior Airman Christopher T. Aguon were deployed with the National Guard. For Frank, this is his second deployment since he joined the Guard before graduating from high school, and for Christopher it is his first deployment.

The family is no stranger to having members serving overseas, as Frank and Christopher’s father, Maj. Frank B. Aguon Jr., who now serves as a senator in the 33rd Guam Legislature, also served in the Guard for more than 17 years.

Being in the Guard is like having two families, says Frank B. Aguon Jr. “For me it has always been God and family. I can always lean on my immediate family and also my Guard family,” he says.

Frank B. Aguon III says he saw his father enjoy his time in the Guard and knew that he wanted that experience for himself. He says having been in the Guard, there is a level of closeness among he and his family members. “We have that shared experiences to relate to each

other. It bridges the gap of understanding between each other,” he says.

In addition, Brittany Aguon, daughter of Frank B. Aguon Jr. and sister to Christopher Aguon and Frank B. Aguon III, is a Guard recruit. Enlisting had been a goal since she was in high school to help build her self-discipline and open up opportunities.

Being a member of the Guard alongside her brothers and following in the footsteps of her father makes her proud. “My whole family is [in the Guard] and I think it just brought us together,” she says.

Serving is also a way to connect with veterans that have left active duty. “Their service in a way, made our nation possible and now it’s our turn to serve,” Christopher Aguon says.

1st Sgt. Celso M. Leonen, his two sons and his son’s fiancé are members of the Guam National Guard. His eldest daughter is married to a servicemen who is stationed in the United States. Leonen has been in the service for 26 years.

The Leonens raised six children while the sergeant was in the service. “Being in the Guard helps me show my pride in our island. Putting on the uniform also the opportunity to serve the country, and raising kids in the military lifestyle they just followed along,” he says.

13

Section///Spotlight

(From left) Cecelia Leonen, wife of Chaves; Sgt. 1st Class Chaves Leonen; Caden Leonen, son of Cecelia and Chavez; 1st Sgt. Celso M. Leonen; Emeri Leonen, wife of Celso, and mother of Chaves, Czyz and Candice; Candice Leonen; Rylee Leonen; Staff Sgt. Melissa T. Aguon; and Czyz Leonen.

Chaves Leonen, says that along with the pride that came along with joining the Guard, he was able to bring up his family the way that his father did. “Growing up, it helped discipline me and opened my eyes to many opportunities,” he says.

Czyz Leonen says the experience brings the family together and that — the experience is not just shared by the servicemen, but by their families as well.

“We all experienced, in one way or another, training and experienced military service — the sacrifice and late hours. We can relate to each other when we need to and do what we need to do. […] It became a family thing. Our spouses became involved in the family readiness program,” he says.

For the members of the family that maintain the home front, they also share in the act of serving the country.

“I’m proud of my sons and daughter,” says Jennifer Aguon, mother of Brittany, Christopher and Frank B. Aguon III. She says that while she was surprised when her daughter said she wanted to enlist, she did not discourage her.

“My family defends the country. It’s a huge responsibility. As a spouse and mother, it was natural for me to support them in any way I could and I just took it in stride,” she says.

14

She has experienced her fair share of her family going on deployments. Frank B. Aguon Jr. had been deployed during two Christmases, and she admits it is hard when she’s at home missing them and worrying about them.

“I just give them my care and love and simply ask that they come home safe,” she says.

Emerie Leonen, mother of Czyz and Chaves Leonen, is a member of the family readiness program. It helped the her meet and help others going through the same experience.

“There’s a lot of sacrifice, especially during deployment. We have to maintain the home front. Everyone has a responsibility. From fixing things to making sure the kids are safe, everyone helps out,” she says.

It can be stressful, however, says Cecilia Leonen, wife of Chaves Leonen, who went into labor when her husband was on deployment.

“Being the youngest, I’ve grown up with them being gone at some point. I decided to get involved, not just sit around,” says Candice Leonen, daughter of Celso Leonen and sister of Czyz and Chaves Leonen. She is a team counselor in the youth program.

“Our whole family embodies the warrior spirit,” Chaves Leonen says. “We were all infantry members. Not everyone can make that sacrifice. ... We grew up in the military and it made the family stronger.”

Special Feature///Meskla

Let’s do Brunch

Meskla raises the bar on its Sunday brunch buffet STORY BY THOMAS JOHNSON PHOTOS BY JOY WHITE

Meskla Chamoru Fusion Bistro will be revamping its weekend brunch offering with a brand-new live waffle and pancake station and an à la carte breakfast menu available exclusively from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m on Sunday.

“We’ve been doing this Sunday brunch buffet for a while now,” says Chef Peter Duenas, owner of Meskla.

“Part of the culture on Guam is family brunch after church on Sundays, which is why we decided to start our brunch service, and it’s been very successful. But we’re always tweaking things here and there to give our customers something new, and the live stations and breakfast menu are a big part of that.”

The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet at Meskla — $26.95 for adults and $14.95 for children — has always featured a wide sampling of the restaurant’s best specialty dishes, including staples like tinalakatne, fried rice, sashimi, Chamorro sausage, and a variety of chicken and fish dishes, as well as a honey-glazed ham carving station and a live “any way” egg and omelette station. But Duenas says that he wants to give his customers even more options to choose from.

“Some people don’t really need a buffet; they just want something

16

nice and tasty for breakfast without having to fill up on a whole bunch of stuff,” Duenas says, “and that’s why we’re rolling out our new à la carte menu.” The new brunch menu features Meskla’s take on classic favorites like steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and hot cake platters, while also introducing new offerings like the awesome pork chop benedict, fried salt-cured pork chops served over toasted pan de leche with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.

As for the live waffle and pancake station, Duenas says customers can expect their waffles and pancakes made on demand, which can be topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, toasted nuts, chocolate and caramel sauces, powdered sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder and strawberry and mango compotes.

Customers 21 years of age and over can wet their whistle with a few glasses of free-flowing Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light, all on tap, or try one (or three) of Meskla’s delicious house-made mimosas.

So whether it’s a place to take the family after church, a place to have a nice brunch with friends, or a craving for Meskla cuisine, the new and improved Meskla buffet and brunch menu just might be the answer.

Special Feature///Meskla

17

18

Restaurant & Food///Ramen

Ramen, kudasai (Ramen, please) STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY WHITE

A bowl of Ramen warms you from the inside out. The subtle, yet flavorful, broth and wheat noodles are complemented by bamboo shoots, chives and other vegetables. Some Ramen dishes are dressed up with different kinds of toppings, such as the Shrimp Shumai Ramen at Ajisen Ramen, which is topped with shrimp dumplings. Others have a little spice, such as the Taiwan Ramen at Fuji Ichiban, which is topped with spicy, minced beef. Ramen is one of the many dishes that add to Guam’s multicultural dining experience. Slurping is encouraged.

Ajisen Ramen Locations: Guam Premier Outlet and Dededo (next to American Grocery) Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at both locations Phone number: GPO - 649-8896; Dededo – 633-6476 Our suggestion: Ajisen Ramen; Shrimp Shumai Ramen; and Zen Nose Ramen.

Fuji Ichiban 1 and 2 Locations: Tumon – 1) Across from Acanta Mall 2) Across from Guam Reef Hotel Hours of operation: 1) 24 hours 2) Noon to midnight Phone Number: 1) 647-4555 2) 646-4477 Our suggestion: Tonkatsu Ramen and Taiwan Ramen

Ramen Misoya Location: Fujita Road, Tumon Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Phone number: 649-6476 Our suggestion: Cha-shu Ramen (Hokkaido style)

19

20

Cover Feature///Encore

(From left) Anthony Taitano, Sophia Taitano, and Ana-Lourdes Cook join silent comedian Mr. Robb onstage during the Oct. 6 ribbon cutting of “Encore! A Musical Extravaganza.”

Lions, vaudeville and stunts — oh my!

Guam’s newest magic shop has a lot up its sleeves STORY BY BY JOY WHITE PHOTOS BY SHAINA MARIE SANTOS

The plush red seats of the theater, the coolness of the air-conditioning and even the urge to check your notifications on your mobile device melt away as the stage is illuminated and you enter a world of costumed performers where people levitate and plates are for entertainment, but not for eating.

“Encore! A Magical Extravaganza” held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 6. R&R Pacific got a front row seat to the island’s newest variety show alongside special guests and dignitaries, including Gov. Eddie Calvo and First Lady Christine Calvo. Red Door Productions’ new show,

22

located at the Fiesta Resort Guam, includes magic, comedy, acrobatics and other variety acts.

Magician Anthony Reed has performed for national television as a magician on NBC’s “The World’s Most Dangerous Magic 2,” where he was able to work with his mentor Gary Ouellet. Several years later he performed on “America’s Got talent.”

However, despite having the opportunity to perform anywhere in the world, Reed has stayed on Guam to keep magic alive.

“Guam has been my home since 1989,” he tells R&R. Reed is raising

(From top) Le’a Patterson levitates with the help of magician Anthony Reed; Rio, the white lion, makes an appearance.

two children on Guam, and loves the closeness of the community.

“People say, ‘Hi.’ It’s a tight-knit community. It’s all about family.

And I feel that connection... I fit right in and it just feels right,” he says.

Reed was preparing to go off-island to tour when he was approached to develop a new show for Guam.

“It was a dream come true,” Reed says. The opportunity allows him to work with fantastic people who bring a lot of energy and passion to the performance.

“I get to surround myself with the very best talent I could find,” he says. The show was built on trust — trust in his fellow performers’ artistic talent and trust that they would bring their best to the show. The performers were given artistic license to put together an act that would dazzle.

The combination of acts in the show is a perfect balance of intense illusion, comedic relief and entertaining stunts, he says.

“It’s a very vaudeville theater,” he says. “[The audience] gets the feeling of being up close and intimate.”

The theater is the perfect size for both the audience and the performers. “When you’re in a big theater, the audience feels more like a customer. But in [the Encore!] Theater, every seat feels like the front row.”

The size of the theater, along with the fact that only light refresh-

ments are being served, ensures that all focus is directed on the performance in which Reed offers an eyeful of magical feats.

Adding laughs to an evening of dramatic demonstrations is silent comedian Robb “Mr. Robb” Zeiser. He combines physical comedy, circus tricks and audience participation. Mr. Robb is an internationally acclaimed comedian and has performed in circus, stage, film and television settings.

Duo Românesc dazzles the audience with their hand balancing stunts. The hand team has been performing since they met in 2007 at the Sailor Circus Academy, the United States’ oldest youth circus.

“It’s only going to get better from here,” Reed says.

“Encore! A Magical Extravaganza” features Guam’s first and only white lion, Rio. Rio arrived on Guam in May at 8 months old. He made the journey from Florida. As a white lion, Rio is particularly rare because of his white coat, which is the result of a recessive gene inherited from both parents that only occurs in one out of four cubs.

Performances run at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and reservations are available through tickets@rdproductions.net or by calling 647-7227. Tickets can be booked at the show’s website, rdproductions.net.

The website contains show schedules, cast introductions and ticket purchasing information.

23

OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Jackie Hanson

Good food and fun was had at the Micronesian Chefs Association’s fourth annual Maila Ta Fan Chesa held on Sept. 30 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The event raised funds for culinary scholarships and to promote the local farming industry, showcasing dishes made from local fruits and vegetables.

Photos by Jackie Hanson

Chefs Fabrizio Tumminello and Warit Jadpratum of Alfredo’s Tuscan Steakhouse and Soi, respectively, the Dusit Thani Guam’s newly opened restaurants, welcomed R&R Pacific to meet their teams and sample their menu offerings.

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

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

25

OUT&ABOUT

Photos by Jackie Hanson

R&R Pacific sampled brewed beverages at the Circle K Craft Beer Fest held on Sept. 26 at Guam Greyhound Park. The festival featured samples of craft beers available on Guam, as well as live entertainment, presentations and food vendors.

Photos by Joy White

Family members honored servicemen at the Guam Air National Guard send-off ceremony on Sept. 24. The ceremony recognized the members of the 254th Red Horse Squadron, which was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

26

Sports///Billiards

Taking the cue: Billiards on Guam STORY BY Joy white PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERNEST CID

While not a highly visible activity, pool is played for fun throughout Guam, and games between billiards venues are hosted by Pacific Amusement Guam annually.

Pacific Amusement hosts a league where teams represent different pool bars and lounges for a chance to represent Guam in Saipan.

Pacific Amusement organizes the Bud Light 8-Ball Call Pocket Pool League every Wednesday; the Bud Light 8-Ball Call Pocket Pool League on Fridays; and the Budweiser 9-Ball Pool League on Saturdays.

Teams are made up of three to 10 players who represent a venue, and the competitions rotate among venues. For each team, half of the games are home games and the other half are away games. This year there are 16 teams, and most teams have 10 members.

“The Guam players work together, and many of them play every day of the week for different bars,” says Ernie Cid, operator of Pacific Amusement.

The games are friendly and played for the love of the game. No

28

cash rewards are given. Winners are rewarded with trophies. “It’s a friendly thing. It’s all about the sportsmanship,” Cid says.

The league started in April and will last eight months. The MVPs of the winning teams get the opportunity to challenge each other to represent Guam in Saipan, where they will challenge other MVPs. On July 26, Pacific Amusement sent three MVPs to compete in Saipan.

On the days Pacific Amusement is not hosting a league, the venue hosts its own games. The games are played for fun, or sometimes for a monetary prize. “They play for the camaraderie,” says Chris Babasa, owner of Cloud 9 Sports Bar. “It’s how the guys have fun.”

A women’s league is held on Wednesdays. The players are also on the other teams in the regular league, but they get an additional night to play.