R&R Pacific - September 2014

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

september 2014

Labor of love Career success stories and tips

Essence of Guam Not-so-typical humble abodes

NEW FASHION FEATURE!

Foray into fashion Tips from the experts

The Marshall home in Tamuning features an laps-sized swimming pool with a view of Tumon Bay. Photo by Joe Cruz

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

California

FASHION SPOTLIGHT

Tips from the experts

CALENDAR

September events

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Guam unique homes

artist spotlight

Raph Unpingco

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

FROOTS Guam

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SPECIAL FEATURE DJH Lawncare

ISLAND FOCUS

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Cooking up success; celebrating Guam’s workers on Labor Day

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FOREMOST® RECIPE CLUB

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Pumpkin porridge

OUT & ABOUT

Readers’ and events photos

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SPORTS

Five most influential in Guam sports

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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: Linda Tatreau, and her husband, Stanley Hall, built her dream home in Merizo. Photo contributed by Linda Tatreau.

2014

R&R Pacific/September

PUBLISHER

SENIOR DESIGNER

Maureen N. Maratita

Vikki Fong

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jackie Hanson

Annie San Nicolas

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Joy White

Clarissa Del Valle

REPORTERS

ADMINISTRATION

Thomas Johnson

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Manuel Cruz

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

CONTRIBUTORS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jennifer Stocker

Joe Cruz

Marcos Fong

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Rosanna Dacanay

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

R&R Pacific • September 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.

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Available online at:

www.rrpacific.net

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Feature///Travel Spotlight

Merced River at Yosemite National Park.

A Vacation in the Sun: California STORY BY Joy White

You are going to need a lot of time, and sun block, if you want to get the most out of California. From beaches to urban attractions to family fun, and historical wonders, the sunny state has it all.

There are various ways to see California. A tour of a single city, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco could be more than enough for an adventure. There are several places of interest in each city. In Los Angeles, one could visit the Griffith Observatory on Mount Hollywood. Admission to the observatory is free. It boasts a view of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean. There are various space and science-related displays. While in Los Angeles, there is of course Hollywood Boulevard.

In San Diego, visit the San Diego pier, which is 15 minutes away from the from the San Diego convention center where Comic-con and other fun events are held. There is the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and various zoos and aquariums to visit in San Francisco. For those with young children or a young soul, there are various theme parks to explore, such as Six Flags, Universal Studios, or Disneyland.

However, if you’re looking for a hands-on, whirl-wind escapade, a road trip is the way to go.

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California has its own natural beauty. One way to appreciate this is to go on a road trip to admire its mountains. One possible route is to start from Truckee and make your way to Yosemite Valley, which would take you about three to four days. Truckee sits on the boarder of California and Nevada and is home to the Tahoe National Forest. The natural beauty of the Tahoe National Forest includes Donner Lake and Castle Peak. After Truckee, you would then travel to Squaw Valley, then to South Lake Tahoe. On the second day, visit Kirkwood and Bear Valley. The third day can be spent at Mammoth Lakes and Lone Pine, famous as a backdrop for Western films. Relax under the shade of some of the oldest trees at Sequoia National Park on the fourth day, before saddling up for a trail ride into Yosemite National Park in Wawoa. Finally, the pinnacle of the road trip would be old Yosemite itself. Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park Going from Truckee to Yosemite Park is a total distance of 981 miles.

Another way to plan a road trip through California is by exploring it by region. You could try a road trip through Southern California, touching Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, Escondido,

and Hollywood, which would take about seven days and encompasses 186 miles. Anaheim is home to Disney Land, Adventure City, the Flight Deck Simulation Center, and many more. While in Escondido, you can visit the Deer Park Monastery and participate in one of its days of “mindfulness” or themed or general retreats. Just outside of Escondido is San Diego Zoo Safari, where animals can be viewed in an open habitat.

Then there is a road trip through Northern California to include Sacramento, San Jose, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. The Northern California route is about 308 miles, for about seven days.

San Jose has various attractions, including the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Santa Cruz is well known for its beaches. It has several state beaches and a surfing museum.

Wherever you go in California, you’ll find your share of restaurants, attractions, and fun things to do.

(Clockwise from top left) Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles; Prison cell at Alcatraz Island; and San Diego Zoo entrance in Balboa Park (littleny/shutterstock.com).

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Section///Spotlight

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SEPTEMBER

R&R is... family fun.

events

Sept. 6

Sept. 1-13

Boonie Stomp: Bear Rock

Uffizi Virtual Museum

Level: Medium Duration: 3 hours Length: 1 mile Time: 9 am Price: $2 for adults over 12 Meet at Chamorro Village Bring: 3 quarts water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera.

Sept. 6

featured event

Time: 10 am to 8 pm daily until September 13 Location: the Plaza in Tumon (above Underwater World) Price: Free admission Guests can view life-sized replicas of Italian masterpieces.

Sept. 20

Guam Running Club: 37th Nimitz Hill 20k Run

Guam Running Club: 39th Ypao to Two Lovers Point Run

Time: 6 am to 9 am Location: Bank of Hawaii, Hagåtña Sept 20

Broadway Musical — “A Chorus Line”

Time: 6 am to 8 am Location: Ypao Beach Park Length: 8.6 miles

Boonie Stomp: Waterfall Valley

Guam Animals in Need and Margarita Dancel Entertainment in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, presents the Broadway Musical “A Chorus Line, ” — a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compelling authentic drama. This is the first time the musical will be presented in its entirety on Guam.

The show will be directed by Marc Marcos and choreographed and produced by Margarita Dancel. Live music will be provided by the Guam Territorial Band under the direction of Max Ronquillo, Jr.

Sept. 13

Boonie Stomp: Cetti 7 Level: Very Difficult (for experienced boonie stompers) Duration: 5 hours Length: 1.2 miles Time: 9 am Price: $2 for adults over 12 Meet at Chamorro Village Bring: 3 quarts water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera.

Special conditions: Steep slopes, swordgrass, walking in water, and serious rope climbing.

Level: Medium Duration: 4.5 hours Length: 1 mile Time: 9 am Price: $2 for adults over 12 Meet at Chamorro Village Bring: 3 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera.

Special conditions: Walking in water, slippery mud, and climbing with a rope.

Sept. 23 to 28

Guam International Film Festival Location: Agana Stadium Theater

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SEPTEMBER 12-14

Location: Southern High School auditorium Tickets: $25 general admission, $50 VIP; can be purchased from cast members, at the GAIN office and at the door.

Sept. 27

Boonie Stomp: Lower Sigua Falls Level: difficult Duration: 5 hours Length: 6 miles Time: 9 am Price: $2 for adults over 12

Meet at Chamorro Village Bring: 4 quarts water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera.

Special conditions: Swordgrass, steep slopes, walking in water, little shade, and a long hike.

EVENTSCALENDAR

SEPTEMBER sun

mon 1

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7Sprite was added

tue 2

wed 3

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thu 4

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to the Coca-Cola beverage line in 1961 and is currently ranked as the number-four soft drink worldwide.

• Broadway Musical - “A Chorus Line)

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23 • Guam International Film Festival (thru Sept. 28)

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The Identical God Help the Girl Frontera premiere at Regal Cinemas

• Boonie Stomp: Bear Rock • Guam Running Club: 39th Ypao to Two Lovers Point Run

MOVIES

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MOVIES

13 • Boonie Stomp: Cetti 7 • Broadway Musical - “A Chorus Line)

• Broadway Musical - “A Chorus Line” (thru Sept. 14)

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19 MOVIES The Maze Runner This Is Where I Leave You A Walk Among the Tombstones Tracks premiere at Regal Cinemas

Coke Fact: The Coca-Cola Company manufactures beverage syrups and concenrates that are certified as kosher under rabbinical supervisions.

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sat

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No Good Deed Dolphine Tale 2 The Drop premiere at Regal Cinemas

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fri

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26 MOVIES The Equalizer The Boxtrolls Laggies The Two Faces of January premiere at Regal Cinemas

20 • Boonie Stomp: Waterfall Valley

27 • Boonie Stomp: Lower Sigua Falls

30 • Boonie Stomp: Mt. Finansanta and Geus River • Bark for Life of Guam

• Guam International Film Festival (last day)

The Polar Bear was featured in ad campaign “Always Coca-Cola” in the early 1990s. The creator, Ken Stewart, drew inspiration from his puppy, which he thought looked a bit like a polar bear.

SPONSORED BY:

For showtimes: Call 649-1111 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing

*Event times and dates may change without notice “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

beverages.

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Cover Feature///Essence of Guam

Guam’s Unique Homes

STORY BY Jackie Hanson and Joy White

Home is where the heart is, and many of Guam’s residents put a lot of heart into building their dream homes. These homes are unique and full of character. Some people go for an abode that meets all their comfort needs while others want their home to be exciting.

Mark Lopez crosses the rope bridge to his pirate themed tree house (Photo by Jennifer M. Stocker)

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The Marshall home is custom built by a local architecture firm and contractor. (Photo by Joe Cruz)

With Halloween just around the corner, there is enough time to strike up a friendship with the one couple you’ll want to know for the occasion: Mark and Airean Lopez, the only people on Guam with a pirate ship tree house in their backyard. Crow’s nest, plank, rope bridges, escape hatch — it’s all there — and not to mention a zip line to the roof of their house and a secret stash of Kraken spiced rum in the steering wheel post.

“For Halloween we have it all decorated up,” Mark says. From stem to stern, a mysterious mood is set amidst orange orbs, pirates hanging from nooses and a sea creature Medusa awaiting those whose fate is the plank.

This 40-foot long, 12-foot wide grownup playhouse was a one-man project. With a master’s in engineering, a 20-year career as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer with the Seabees, and a creative imagination, Mark had all the tools necessary to dream up every intricacy of his own pirate ship and then build it with his own two hands.

“When I first moved in, I always wanted to put something in this tree,” he says.

It started as a platform to get the couple’s tool shed off the ground, Airean says.

“Then he says, ‘While I’m doing that, why don’t I just put a little deck on top of the shed so we can sit out there?’ and it morphed into this,” she says, descending one of the four stair cases and passing by a rotating caged skeleton.

The project took about 14 months from start to finish, consuming every weekend straight for a year to include one week off work. But it may never really be complete, Mark says. He’s always browsing ebay and local boutiques for pieces to give it an authentic edge. The ship’s wheel is an antique from an old Chinese fishing boat.

For his next addition, he is planning a large oval-shaped lower deck to span what is now the ditch of the plank-walkers’ doom.

From there he envisions a bridge to the patio of the house.

On a creation of such detail and thought, one can only assume that hidden compartments and treasures abound. But alas, Captain Mark will not divulge the secrets of his sea-faring vessel.

When asked why she chose to live in a domed house, Linda Tatreau says, “First of all, it’s a lot of fun.” The Tasi Dome in Mer-

izo is an egg-shaped domicile nestled right at the shore’s edge.

Linda, a marine biologist, was reading a Popular Science magazine when she noticed a stamp-sized advertisement for a Monolithic Dome. Once she saw it, she knew it was the house she wanted. She had always wanted to lived in a round house. The design also lends itself to being energy efficient. In a warm environment, the inside stays cool, so the air conditioner doesn’t have to be used much, and vice versa in a cold environment.

Linda and her husband, Stanley Hall, received their building permit more than seven years ago, which was a long process because the design was new to Guam. A contractor prepared the cement foundation, then representatives from the company came out from Utah to inflate the mold made of rubberized canvas. Then, insulation was sprayed on the inside and rebar was placed. The air compressor was on nonstop for about 10 days, connected to a generator. After the rebar was placed, concrete was poured over the mold.

Linda and Stanley have been living in the home for two years, but they are still working on it. Linda says much of the de-

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(Above) Friends visit Linda Tatreau at her domed home. Photo contributed by Linda Tatreau. (Left) a curved stair case leads to the loft and bathroom. Photo by Joy White.

sign was done by her husband, and for the most part she just agreed.

The interior of the home is cozy and houses many wonders. “I’m still amazed every time I come in,” Linda says.

Upon entering, one will be amazed by the custom oak woodwork, done by Western Pacific Casework. A curved staircase leads to a breezy loft, which also leads to a balcony and the outside shower, which Linda says is a lot of fun.

The home is decorated in a marine biology and boating theme, including various decorations that are inspired by marine life and a chandelier made from a ship’s steering wheel. The house is fitted with custom made cabinetry and wood work in order to fit snuggly against the curves of the house. “It’s still a working project; we may never be done,” Linda says. The couple is currently working on its various fixtures and cabinetry.

A separate domed home houses a garage on the first floor and a guest studio on the second floor. The garage is equipped with a car lift, as can be found in industrial garages. Two cars can be stored, one on top of the other, using the lift. The studio apartment has its own kitchenette and is often used for visitors.

Although Guam is often said to be a nice place to live, it might amaze some that there are homes worth millions. Former U.S. Olympian Joe Marshall built his palace overlooking Tumon Bay. Marshall is also the owner and founder of International Sports Center.

However, a once-in-a-life time opportunity beckoned from off island and he relocated his family. Since then, his house on Ypao Road

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(Clockwise from top left) The Lopez’ pirate tree house glows eerily in the dusk (Photo contributed by Mark Lopez). Mark Lopez built and aquired all he needed to build his swashbuckling tree house (Photo by Jennifer M. Stocker). The Marshall home pool is one-of-akind. The dining area of the Mashall home is spacious and classy (Photos by Joe Cruz).

in Tamuning has been on the market. The selling price for the house is $6.5 million. The home was completed in 2013 and is custom built. The architecture was done by RIM Architects. Construction of the home took about one and a half years. Realtor Beverly Brad, says as far as she knows, it is the most expensive home on the Guam market.

The house is two stories and has a basement and five bedrooms.

The basement is not just a basement but a recreational room as well.

There is a bar with a wine fridge, a gym and sauna, the wine room, a pool table, and a sitting area with a television. Plus, the basement can be reached through the garage for late-night guests.

In addition to the five bedrooms, there is a reading room and a music room. These rooms include uniquely designed windows that look into the living room and formal dining room. The living room looks out onto a Japanese garden, which can be lit at night. Two guest rooms are located on the first floor; one opens directly into the reading room.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, the master bedroom and an office. The master bedroom has the best view of the house, second to maybe the kitchen’s view. In total there are eight bathrooms, two of which are half bathrooms. The kitchen is spacious and will please any chef. It is equipped with a convection oven and microwave, two refrigerators sitting side by side and a double oven. The kitchen overlooks the backyard, which itself overlooks a magnificent view of Tumon Bay.

Feature///Artist Spotlight

R&R is... art & culture

Turning culture and history into art Story and Photos By Manuel Cruz

For Raphael “Raph” Unpingco, working with Guampedia and the Guam Museum came naturally. The 38 year old artist began exploring art at the age of four and hasn’t looked back since.

Unpingco’s gift for the arts fused with his strong interest of Chamorro culture and history, allowing him to create pieces which are not only visually appealing, but create interest and curiosity in the history of Guam and its native inhabitants. Throughout July, Unpingco’s work, along with artifacts, photos, and displays from the Guam Museum, were featured at the Chachalani Guahan exhibit at the Julale Center in Hagåtña.

Guampedia and the Guam Museum preserve Chamorro culture and history, endlessly piecing together Guam’s history and making their information accessible to the public. “They [Guampedia and The Guam Museum] help connect archaeology and written history. I just try to illustrate it,” Unpginco says. In addition to being the resident artist of the Guam Museum and Guampedia, he also serves as the vice president for Inadahen I Lina’la Kotturan Chamorro, Inc., which operates the Saggan Kutturan Chamoru cultural center, a project which has been in the works for several years.

The artist gains his inspiration from his unique perspective of life on Guam. Although he is rooted here, he has spent many years in and outside of the U.S. Army abroad, exposing him to both good and bad experiences and giving him an appreciation for island life. “We live so close to beauty that we don’t know what it is anymore,” he says.

At a young age, Unpingco found his calling in surrealism, a style of art that emphasizes the visions of the unconscious mind.

“Everything from surrealism is about dreams. These are my dreams now, and I’m going with it,” the artist explains.

Aside from illustrations and painting, Unpingco dabbles in photography and, more recently, video production. “I’ve stepped into multimedia, taking some of the illustrations I’ve done and turning them into live-action flicks with Chamorro as the main language with English subtitles.”

One of Unpingco’s most notable videos, a no budget docudrama entitled, Sanglo: The Chamoru Warrior, gained over 11,000 hits on YouTube without advertisement. The story of Sanglo is an excerpt from “I Manmanaina-ta: The Chamoru-Spanish Wars of 1668-1695” by Ed Benavente, which Unpingco illustrated. The video, produced with the help of Clynt Ridgell and Mike Sanchez, has gained the attention and interest of other cultural enthusiasts, many of which Unpingco now works with on related projects.

The documentarian also produced, I Manmofo’na: The Latte Stone, a documentary tracing the origins of the Latte Stone, an iconic symbol of Chamorro culture, has also gained mainstream popularity, being featured on local TV. “We are hoping this is the

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(Top) Raph Unpingco leads a tour at of the Chachalani Exhibit at the Julale Shopping Center in Hagatna. (Bottom) Unpingco’s work was featured at the Chachalani Exhibit, which ran throughout the month of July.

first video in a potential series under the same name, I Manmofo’na, about Chamorro origins and Guam,” he says.

Collaboration with other artists has led Unpingco to pursue bigger projects, such as a children’s variety show, which he is currently writing a script for, and a Chamorro history video game. His progressive, everforward attitude is inspiring as he searches for new ways to transform consciousness of Guam and Chamorro history.

To watch I Manmofo’na and Raph Unpingco’s other videos, visit his YouTube channel: CCIC671.

Spotlight///Restaurant

FROOTS Guam, a healthy option for the island STORY & PHOTOS BY Manuel Cruz

The idea of eating healthy often frightens people. Many think that eating healthy means sacrificing taste and satisfaction, but the fine people at FROOTS have consistently proven otherwise. Their menu and beverage options are known for being delicious.

The health-conscious franchise offers a broad selection of healthy options ranging from smoothies, shakes, protein shakes and wheat grass shots to delicious wraps, salads, and grilled sandwiches that not only taste great, but are great for the body. FROOTS also offers the powerful antioxidant Acai in three forms – an Acai Bowl, Acai Smoothie, and Acai Shake. FROOTS currently operates two locations on-island at Agana Shopping Center and the Guam Premier Outlets.

The restaurant also delivers ready-made menu items to the Navy Exchange’s Grab to Go program in select mini mart locations.

Soon residents of northern Guam who want to bite into a savory

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sandwich or slurp down a filling post-workout smoothie and feel great may not have to travel too far. A new location is in the works in Yigo to service patrons in northern Guam.

Aside from the franchised core menu items, the Guam restaurants offers unique items exclusive to Guam that capture the essence of local staples. These body-friendly, yet delicious creation include the decadent latiya shake, which is a blended take on a fiesta favorite. Other local items include the Hafa Adai Sunset smoothie and the Hafa Adai griller, which is the top sandwich purchase at both the GPO and Agana locations.

FROOTS uses only the freshest ingredients, offering an array of locally grown produce like cucumbers and alfalfa sprouts, and the wheatgrass used in the wheatgrass shots is personally grown by FROOTS operations manager Ren Francisco. The produce that is

Spotlight///Restaurant

(Clockwise from top) Salad with chips and drink; California turkey wrap; and chicken Ceasar salad from FROOTS Guam.

shipped in from the mainland, like strawberries and blueberries, are individually frozen upon harvesting to ensure their nutrients are preserved. All juices used in smoothies have no added sugar and are all natural. Shakes are made with customer’s choice of 2%, Fat Free, or Soy Milk. Further, customers have a choice of white or multigrain bread when ordering their sandwiches; and Spinach, Wheat, or White tortilla when ordering Wraps.

Guam is synonymous with great tasting food. Unfortunately, many of these foods are consumed at the risk of your waistline and your health. According to a study by doctors Henry M. Ichiho, James W. Gillan, and Nia Aitaoto, two of the leading causes of death on Guam are heart disease and diabetes. FROOTS gives Guam a variety of healthy eating options that allow adults and children to “Eat Delicious and Smile.”

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Special Feature

Reviving Guam’s natural beauty STORY & PHOTOS BY Joy White

DJH Lawn Care and Janitorial Services celebrated its one year anniversary in August and looks forward to a future of providing services at a fair price and doing its part to keep the island beautiful.

The company’s slogan is “Beauty is our Nature.” Since it first began operations, the business has seen a growing customer base with projections for that customer base to increase. Dominic Joaquin Hernandez, general manager and owner of DJH Lawn Care and Janitorial Services aims to run a fair business.

The company’s lawn care services include bush cutting, lawn mowing, tree trimming or cutting, minor trash collecting to clear a property, and tending to trees and plants. The company’s janitorial services include residential cleaning for homes and apartments.

DJH Lawn Care and Janitorial Services often works with realty companies to prepare a home for new tenants. Hernandez says the company has recently ventured into office cleaning and is hoping to break into restaurant and bar cleaning. DJH offers basic floor

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services, such as buffering, polishing, or waxing for hardwood or tile floors. Hernandez offers free consultations or estimates, and just gives friendly advice on plant and lawn care.

Hernandez is a first time business owner. A former, U.S. Marine Corp. serviceman, Hernandez started his business with a $500 check and hard work. He brings much of the work ethic he gained during his service to his current work. “We take all jobs, no matter what the size. We will figure out a way to do it. Even if we have to do it by hand,” says Hernandez. He implements strict standards and operating procedures for his staff and ensures they are hard working. He makes it a point to follow all laws and regulations related to his work.

For Hernandez, the business is more about preserving the beauty of the island and offering his customers a fair deal, than becoming wealthy. “Our goal is to restore Guam to its original beauty,” Hernandez says. Growing up, Hernandez recalls that the island was fa-

Special Feature

mous for its beauty, but he feels over the years residents have let this slide. This is the reason he tries to help people keep their property and the island clean. He also wanted to bring fair pricing and fair competition back into the industry. “I’m all about family,” Hernandez says. “That’s why we try to make our customers feel like they are a part of our family.” Hernandez is willing to work with his customers’ budgets to provide affordable services.

DJH Lawn Care and Janitorial Services also offers various deals

and discounts. There is a “Share a Friend” promotion, in which customers who recommend the company to a friend get $50 off their next service. Military servicemen and their families and veterans receive a 10% discount. Senior citizens also receive a 5% discount. The company also has a strong presence on social media.

Customers can reach Hernandez via Facebook, Twitter, or instant message on WhatsApp.

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Feature///Island Focus

Cooking up success

BY Joy White

Hard work and dedication has served Dennis Salenga well. Salenga has been with the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa for 21 years, starting in the kitchen as a butcher in 1993 and rising through the ranks until he was promoted to executive chef on Jan. 1, 2014.

Salenga says the hotel saw potential in him and helped him develop his skills. He has learned under the various chefs that have worked in the kitchens through the years. During his career, Selenga traveled throughout Asia to study the various “mother” cooking and to participate in Micronesian food fairs abroad. He visited Hawaii every year to train with Roy Yamaguchi.

As an executive chef, his job does not only revolve around preparing food, but also balancing cooking technique, food and labor costs, sanitation, and quality. These components must be present to meet quality standards. “Working in a kitchen, you have to be professional.

It’s different from cooking at home, where you can just throw things together,” says Salenga.

Behind every dish is a technique and long list of procedures to meet both quality and sanitary standards. In addition, Salenga’s position requires him to work with suppliers and vendors, making site inspections and choosing the right supplies and equipment that will bring efficiency to the kitchen.

“You have to put love into what you do,” says Salenga. “The next generation should be in love what they do.” He says success in cooking, as in all career paths, lies in being passionate, focused, and serious.

It is also important to be role models for the new generations, who will learn techniques. He says it’s not only about book smarts, but also learning in real life.

When he arrived on Guam as a young man, he knew he had to push himself to succeed. Throughout his career, he worked two jobs, working for various restaurants on the island; also helping to start Taste in the Westin Resort Guam. Recently he decided to focus mainly on his work at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. “I remember when I started,

whenever I cracked an egg I was thinking about my future,” says Salenga. A high school graduate, Salenga began working in the kitchen of the Fujita Hotel in 1990. His dream is to travel abroad as a chef in different countries and explore. “Cooking is for life,” he says.

When it comes to starting a career, what are some tips you can share for success?

From Pacific Human Resource Services Inc.

1. Understand yourself - your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.

2. Once you know your personality, determine what type of jobs or career best suit the personality.

When you enjoy what you do, it will not feel like work. You have a better chance at succeeding in something you enjoy than in a profession that you dislike.

3. Never say, “That’s not my job”. Somewhere along the way, even if the person does not like hers/his job, s/he might find a niche that s/he enjoys. Accepting any job that is offered is a good way to find out, which jobs they like, and dislikes.

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Feature///Island Focus

Celebrating Guam’s workers on Labor Day

BY Joy White

Each year, on Labor Day many private businesses and government agencies celebrate the hard work of their employees by giving them the day off. The weekend prior to Labor Day, events such as picnics or barbecues are held for employees and families.

According to Pacific Human Resource Services Inc. Labor day is important because it reminds us of the value and importance of the people who do the work and to appreciate all the things they do to help all organizations succeed.

However, employee appreciation can extend the whole year around and not just on Labor Day. While the annual bonus is always nice, the little things are very effective way to show appreciation. Pacific Human Resource Services Inc. advises doing even the little things, such as birthday celebrations for every individual, having the manager serve employees ice cream, a simple “Thank you - you did a great job” or “My apologies - I sent you the wrong information,” or employee discounts.

To keep things fresh for employees who have been with the company for years, it is advisable to keep the mind continuously engaged through training, gradual accretion of duties, giving additional responsibilities, or rotating responsibilities periodically is a good way to keep learning and keep things fresh, as well as providing well rounded employees cross trained in various duties.

When it comes to hardworking employees, Guam has its fair share.

Rose B. P. Cruz, from Dededo has been with Guam Waterworks Authority since November of 1986. “I started as an Auxiliary Worker which means I was started at the bottom of the totem pole,” Cruz says.

One day she just applied for the job, and it was the best decision of her life, she says. Cruz was promoted to collection agent supervisor in October 2012, after working her way up. Even after 28 years, Cruz enjoys her job.

“I love helping GWA customers and staff. Our last general manager had a vision which I really got excited about. I hope our new general manager will continue the good work,” says Cruz. Her motivation comes from her commitment to the agency and drive to be the best leader and team player she can be. For her, Labor Day is a time for all the GWA employees to get together and celebrate teamwork, leadership, and commitment. “I especially enjoying meeting some of our newer employees and hopefully can inspire them,” she says.

Anthony P. Chargualaf Jr. from Inarajan has been with GWA for three years, but in that short time he has risen from a trades helper to the operations and maintenance manager. Chargualaf is level IV certified in both water and wastewater. He takes his job seriously, and is motivated by the knowledge that the services he provides are needed to sustain human life and all living things. Chargualaf will be celebrating this Labor Day with a party. For him, Labor Day is a day set aside to honor and recognize all the hard work put in by employees.

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(Top) Rose B.P. Cruz, collection agent supervisor, Guam Waterworks Authority. (Below) Anthony P. Chargualaf Jr., operations and maintenance manager, Guam Waterworks Authority.

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OUT&ABOUT

out & about

R&R is...

DIVERSITY.

Photo by Joy White

Dennis Tangonan, a member of the Lexus Owners of Guam, at the Upshift Slammed Summer Meet held on July 27 at Napa Paint & Supply.

Photos by Michael Cepeda

Photos by Ben Estavillo

Guam Premium Chocolate held its grand opening on Aug. 7 at Patterson Enterprises in Barrigada.

J&G Distributors & Wholesalers held its 2nd Annual Special K “Fits My Lifestyle” 5K Fun Run/Walk on July 19 at the Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Tumon.

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

OUT&ABOUT

Photos by Joseph Yanez and Steven Dauterman

Otaku Recon 2014 was held on Aug. 9 and 10 at the Agana Shopping Center.

Contributed by Tabitha Owens

The Electric Island Festival drew a crowd at Paseo Stadium in Hagatna on July 26.

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Feature///Sports

Five most influential in Guam sports

By Patrick Lujan

Guam is crazy about its sports! But behind all the thrills of victories and the agonies of defeats, there are those who are in positions (selected or not) that have great influence in our sporting community.

GSPN has selected five individuals who have the most impactful positions on island. We took into account the level of competition, the amount of athletes they affect and the residual effects they’ve had in their respective sports Gary White Technical director Guam Football Association, and head coach, Men’s National Team The Great ‘White’ Hope has done wonders since his hiring.

The Men’s National Team has gone from #192 in the world to its highest ranking at #160 with first-ever wins over the likes of Macau, Chinese Taipei and Cambodia while recruiting professional players A.J. DeLaGarza, Ryan Guy, Shawn Nicklaw and Doug Herrick to play for Team Guam – unprecedented before his arrival in Feb. 2012. The Men’s National Team are currently ranked #174.

just as unprecedented, if not more. Coach Taitano started his coaching career at JFK, he’s surpassed more than 50 championships in more than four decades of coaching basketball and running.

er as other Asian countries have joined in the fight. The stable it holds and the talent it’s exported to the UFC and other big MMA promotions are world-class. The former Guam National Team point guard stepped up last year to take on the helm as the men’s national team head coach. Guam men’s basketball has always been one of the island’s sporting prides and joys.

Joe Taitano Coaching legend (Basketball/ Running) To me, Joe Taitano is the best athlete ever from Guam!

What he’s done as a coach is

E.J. Calvo CEO, Pacific Xtreme Combat and head coach, Guam Men’s Basketball PXC is a household name now in the Philippines, thanks to CEO E.J. Calvo and his team.

The competition is much high-

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Marty Boudreau President, Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association of Guam He’s been at the helm for almost 10 years now and deals with everything from rescheduling games to dealing with protests and even being the spokesperson for the organization. Boudreau was instrumental in requiring all IIAAG coaches to complete the concussion course at the National Federation of High Schools that was mandated just this past school year.

Rick Blas President, Guam National Olympic Committee The GNOC president is tasked with upholding the charter of the International Olympic Committee. He runs a tight ship, leaving no room for error/misinterpretation of rules and is not afraid of holding federations accountable for their actions. He’s been re-elected to the helm of the GNOC for a couple of decades and has served as secretary general of the Oceania National Olympic Committee, the second highest rank in the Oceania region.