R&R Pacific - May 2013

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

MAY 2013

Hong Kong Getaway City island offers something for all

Join Jamille Hall as she relaxes at the poolside

Check out Guam’s urban art supply and skate shop

Section///Spotlight

contents TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Hong Kong

CALENDAR

May events

SPORTS

Dana McLemore

TECH THIS OUT

May’s pick

RETAIL SPOTLIGHT

Opake

on the cover

Jamille Hall

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Sheraton Laguna Guam

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OUT & ABOUT

Readers and events photos

10 THINGS

10 things to do for mom

RECREATION SPOTLIGHT

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Talofofo Falls

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Back to basics - lower back care

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Xterra

HEALTH & FITNESS

RECREATION FEATURE

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Cover photo by Joe Cruz of Fstop Guam Photography. Wardrobe from SM Store. Accessories from Etcetera. Hair & makeup by Domani Hair Design. Special thanks to Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.

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R&R Pacific/May

2013

PUBLISHER

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Maureen N. Maratita

Rosanna Dacanay

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR DESIGNER

Bruce Lloyd

Vikki Fong

ASSISTANT EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

Jacqueline Guzman

Annie San Nicolas

REPORTERS

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Paul Moroni & Tom Johnson

Yvonne Matanane & Larry Siguenza

CONTRIBUTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Joe Cruz

Janice Castro, Jessica Leon Guerrero

Patrick Lujan

Carmelita McClellan & Bernard (Mr. B) Leonen

Carmen Rojas

MANAGING DIRECTOR

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Marcos Fong

Taliea J. Strohmeyer

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

R&R Pacific • May 2013 • Entire contents copyrighted 2013 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. R&R Pacific is published monthly by Glimpses of Guam, Inc., 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St., Barrigada Heights, GU 96913.

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

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

Main Feature///Travel Spotlight

Hong Kong city skyline.

BY Maureen N. Maratita

Hong Kong offers the charm and options of a destination that has one foot in its past and one foot in its future — a mix of the old and increasingly the new. But Guam visitors to Hong Kong are advised to plan well ahead given the increasing popularity of this island destination, and its growing reputation as a hub for flights to just about anywhere in Asia and beyond.

While hotels are numerous and range from low to high end options, prices for accommodation have risen in recent years.

However, good planning and research and the attractions of Hong Kong continue to make it an attractive destination for all sorts of travelers, from families to singles in search of nightlife.

From Guam, flights have increased and United Airlines offers four flights a week. Its holiday packages offer base trips and airport transport.

If you are traveling independently from the airport, the MTR system has return ticket options of its own, and options to check in luggage early on your return.

Depending on the time of year, Hong Kong can be refreshingly cool — requiring a sweater or light jacket in the evening, but still warm enough that t-shirts and jeans or shorts will take you through the day. Just about anything you forgot to pack will be available in Hong Kong.

But if you pack lightly, all that space leaves plenty of room in your luggage for shopping and souvenirs, to include the latest electronics and accessories available.

Hong Kong is known not only for its luxury stores in the Tsimshatsui area, but increasingly for malls offering a one-stop experience for the ardent shopper.

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The markets are also open at night. Whenever you go, expect to rub shoulders with tourists from all destinations and these days Chinese travelers from the People’s Republic of China on a day trip or short trip to Hong Kong.

Souvenirs include artwork, hundreds of Chinese-themed gifts such as jade, jewelry, rosewood, china, pottery and Chinese pyjama suits for all ages.

There’s also plenty of modern clothing to include footwear, purses and the latest accessories. Expect to be distracted by shops surrounding the market.

Stanley Market is possibly the most famous of Hong Kong’s markets. It has multiple stalls and stores in a variety of streets, but there are plenty of other markets.

It’s obvious what you’ll find at Jade Market, but try Ladies Market in Mong Kok, which also stocks a variety of goods, despite its name, from sporting goods and clothing to dress shirts, jewelry, Chinese souvenirs and everything in-between. Bargaining in the markets is not only encouraged but essential!

Markets and other destinations are all accessible by the subway, or MTR as it’s known in Hong Kong.

This efficient and affordable system will get you around as it does local residents.

Tourist maps of both Hong Kong and the MTR system enable quick and easy planning. Expect to walk at junctions within the MTR system, which also offers ample options to purchase snacks and drinks for all sorts of commuters as well as tourists.

Alternatively you can hop a taxi when time is short or you want

Main Feature///Travel Spotlight

Street food in Hong Kong

to get quickly from A to B. Typically hotels offer tour desks for some on the spot gathering of information and maps, and ever-present convenience stores offer local English language publications for the latest What’s On information. Hotels make currency purchases easy, but banks abound in Hong Kong and credit cards are easily accepted, though you should ensure you have cash for small purchases and market souvenir shopping.

Options abound for breakfast, lunch and dinner, whether your preference is a buffet with Western and Asian dishes, or a simple on-the-go meal.

Take your pick from themed delights at your hotel, to just about any international cuisine around Hong Kong.

The Soho area offers not only shopping, but international fine dining options in its hilly streets. Your credit card will be perfectly at home here.

A visit to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without a ride to the heights of the Peak, where you can pass luxury homes and apartment blocks on the way, and see all of Hong Kong and its bays laid out before you, and stunning views on a clear day of the distant New Territories.

The peak also offers shopping and restaurants of its own and some casual roadside shopping experiences for likely souvenir buys.

Tourists not taking an organized tour of Hong Kong can ride the tram to the top — in itself an adventure.

Other attractions include the Clock Tower for an experience of Hong Kong’s colonial heritage.

Victoria Harbor is an experience all of its own. You can cross on the open-deck Star Ferry, or walk to the terminal and enjoy the view of the harbor, and get a sense of the areas around the harbor.

Hong Kong experiences include the ever-popular Disneyland but also a variety of theme parks worth your time. These include Ma Wan Park Noah’s Ark, Madame Tussaud’s in Hong Kong, Ocean Park for thrilling rides and an aquarium.

If you are so inclined, you can enjoy Hong Kong’s nightlife till the early hours with clubs, British-style pubs reflecting Hong Kong’s history, and a wide selection of bars and band destinations.

For a unique experience that only Hong Kong offers, you can dine at one of the multi-story Jumbo floating restaurants, or take High Tea at one of the hotels such as the Peninsula, as tourists and locals have been doing for generations.

In short, your Hong Kong trip offers numerous options for a short vacation near to Guam.

Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui

Cable car carrying tourists to Ocean Park Photo by: Attila Jandi/Shutterstock.com

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MAY

Section///Spotlight

events May 4

May 11 Public Health/ George Washington Like Mother, Like Daughter Look-aHigh School Like Contest Cheerleader 5K Run/Walk WHEN: Saturday, May 11 WHEN: Saturday, May 4 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Guam Premier Outlets REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets May 4

Pacific Island University 5K Run/ Walk WHEN: Saturday, May 4 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Pacific Island University Campus REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets May 5

Judiciary 5K Run/Walk WHEN: Sunday, May 5 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Chamorro Village REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets May 11

St. John’s Church 5K Run/Walk WHEN: Saturday, May 11 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Ypao Beach Park REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets

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featured event

TIME: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. location: Agana Shopping Center May 18

GTA 5K RunWalk WHEN: Saturday, May 4 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Chamorro Village REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets MAY 17, 18 & 19 at Gov. Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach Park) May 22

Emergency Medical Services for Children Health Fair when: Wednesday, May 22 Location: Agana Shopping Center TIME: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MICRONESIA ISLAND FAIR

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair is the annual signature cultural event of the Guam Visitors Bureau and this year’s theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Tourism,” marks the return of the GMIF to May, the Fair’s original month of commemoration.

DATE & TIME: May 17 (Friday), 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and May 18 & 19 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

PRICE: Free

May 25

Guam Running Club 13 Road Race Pre-Memorial Day 13.8 Mile Run WHEN: Saturday, May 25 SHOW TIME: 4 a.m. go time: 5 a.m.

Start: Andersen Air Force Base, Yigo (Front gate intersection) FINISH: Paseo Park, Hagåtña (boat basin side) LOCATION: Merizo Pier REGISTRATION: On race day at start line PRICE: GRC members: $5; non-GRC members: $10. Must be at least 16 years of age to participate with guardian consent.

May 26

Memorial Warrior 5K and 10K Run/Walk

Pier. There is also an alternative race option for those who wish to test their endurance in an attempt to reach the island and quickly

WHEN: Sunday, May 26 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: Ypao Beach Park REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets

swim back to Merizo Pier.

Start & FINISH: Sunday, May 26 LOCATION: Merizo Pier FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Guam Visitors Bureau

May 26

Cocos International Crossing An adrenaline-pumping race more than two miles in length, with more than 100 swimmers fighting to the finish line. The race starts from Coco’s Island and ends at Merizo

May 27

St. Paul’s altar nation 5K Run/Walk WHEN: Sunday, May 26 show TIME: 5 a.m. go time: 6 a.m. location: St. Paul’s School REGISTRATION: Hornet Sporting Goods, Guam Premier Outlets

EVENTSCALENDAR

MAY sun

mon

tue

wed

thu 2

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fri 3 MOVIES Iron Man 3 The Iceman premiere at Hollywood Theaters

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Judiciary 5K Run/Walk

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10 MOVIES The Great Gatsby Peeples premiere at Hollywood Theaters

Coca-Cola was first introduced at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Ga. on this day in 1886.

Cinco De Mayo

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MOVIES

Star Trek: Into Darkness Frances Ha premiere at Hollywood Theaters 26th Annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair

Mother’s Day

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24 MOVIES Fast & Furious 6 The Hangover III Epic premiere at Hollywood Theaters

26th Annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair Armed Forces Day

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Memorial Warrior 5K and 10K Run/Walk Coco’s Crossing Swimming Competition

The Coca-Cola Company’s first automatic fountain dispenser debuts at the Century of Progress Expo in Chicaogo today in 1933.

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The first Coca-Cola newspaper ad appeared in the Atlanta Daily Journal on this day in 1886.

sat 4 Pacific Island University 5K Run/Walk Public Health/George Washington High School Cheerleader 5K Run/Walk

11 St. John’s Church 5K Run/Walk The “Coke adds life to...” ad campaign was launched on TV in the U.S, this day in 1976.

18 26th Annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair GTA 5K Run/Walk

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Guam Running Club 13 Road Race

On this day in 2007, Coca-Cola acquired glacéau, maker of smartwater® and vitaminwater®

31 MOVIES Now You See Me The Kings of Summer The Purge premiere at Hollywood Theaters

In May 1963, TaB, The Coca-Cola Company’s first diet soft drink, was introduced. It spurred the early growth of lowcalorie soft-drinks.

SPONSORED BY:

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

beverages.

In May 1886, the month of the drink’s introduction, the first CocaCola advertisement was an oil cloth sign at a drug store awning with “Drink Coca-Cola.”

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

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Feature///Sports

ONE ON ONE WITH 49ER

Dana McLemore BY: Patrick Lujan

Dana McLemore played six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers during the Glory Days of the 80’s. McLemore

went on to play six seasons with the 49ers, winning Super Bowl XIX in 1984 along the way. McLemore and quarterback John Paye, linebacker Cam Johnson, defensive end Tony Jerrod-Eddie and starter Michael Thomas were brought to Guam by Tropical Productions to promote football in March. GSPN caught up with the veteran 49er before the group departed back to the states.

GSPN: After a couple of days on Guam, how do you feel about the island and the reception you’ve had here?

DMc: Except for the last day, when it rained all day, you have beautiful weather just like Hawaii — people are very, very friendly and gracious. People have treated us like kings out here and I’d come back any time.

GSPN: With you playing in what is considered the Glory Days in the 1980’s, how was it playing with the best quarterback of all-time?

DMc: Joe Montana, by far the best quarterback of all-time, is a great guy and a great teammate. One thing about the 49ers is it’s a first-class organization. Everything they do and Joe did was first-class.

GSPN: You were there when some receiver came on to the scene, and he was later rated the best player of all-time by the NFL Network. How was that when Jerry Rice joined the team (in 1985)?

DMc: Jerry Rice was the best receiver in the NFL in his first practice at training camp. He showed that ability and skill the first day he came out there. People probably know this, but he was the hardest working player in the NFL, bar none. No one even came close to his work ethic.

GSPN: You came out to Guam with three rookies. You played in two different eras from these rookies. What is the difference of the football OF today?

DMc: When I played in the 80’s, the NFL was more 50/50 run/pass and it didn’t have as many rules as it has nowadays. Now they’re trying to make the game safer for the next generation with [avoiding] all the head injuries.

Now they are really protecting the quarterback and defense receivers. The players of my era aren’t as big as they are today. Cam Johnson is a linebacker and he’s 6’5,” 260 pounds. Back when I played, that’s a defensive lineman or offensive lineman’s position.

They are much bigger today.

www.guamsportsnetwork.com

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Tech This Out///May Picks

TECH THIS OUT! Fill up your room with Absolute 3D sound

By Alfred C. Calinagan Imagine having to dock your iPod or iPhone and listen to your music.

Now, imagine having to play your music from across the room wirelessly from your device.

Onkyo introduces the iLunar Dock Music System. Turn your whole room into a stereo playground, featuring Absolute 3D sound processing technology from Swiss company Sonic Emotion. This spectacular system envelops the listener in stereophonically balanced sound regardless of where they are positioned within the room.

Just dock your iPod® or iPhone®, if you don’t have one, fear not. You can stream wirelessly from any Bluetooth-compatible smart phone, tablet, or personal computer.

Providing greater sound than the average compact system, the iLunar has six precision drivers nested above a down-firing subwoofer.

So if you are having a get-together, or enjoying family time, this stylish music system has the power to offer everyone the best seat in the house.

Visit Micropac, Inc. at any of its two locations nearest to you; hear a demo, and pick up your iLunar Dock Music System.

iLunar Dock Music System

This spectacular system envelops the listener in stereophonically balanced sound regardless of where they are positioned within the room. www.micropacinc.com

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Special Feature///Spotlight

Opake

READY TO PAINT THE TOWN RED

BY Thomas Johnson

Opake, a new urban art supply and skate shop, has opened its doors next to American Grocery in Dededo. In addition to carrying various types of highend spray paint and broad-tip markers, the store also carries a complete line of affordable skateboarding products and accessories, as well as local and and off-island apparel brands.

“Guam has so much local talent and it’s a shame that they go unrecognized,” says Ed Gaza, the store’s owner. “People speak through art, and it’s time they got heard. We would like to see

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our business grow, not only in sales, but as a positive part of the community.” The store held its soft opening on Nov. 30 of last year, and has been gradually gaining momentum in the local art community since.

As an active participant in the urban art scene, Gaza’s well aware of the reputation that spray painting has acquired over the past few decades. But he’s optimistic that Opake will be a positive influence on the community as a whole. “There are so many negative views about spray paint and graf-

fiti,” says Gaza. “Our mission is to turn those views around and show the community that art and beauty usually made with paint brushes can be just as easily created with markers and paint in a can.” Gaza hopes to reach out to the young skateboarding community, as well. “The best way to keep the youth out of trouble is to give them something to do, so we have plans for skate competitions and art exhibitions in the future.” The store requires customers to be 18 or older to purchase any of its spray paint or

“we would like to see our business grow, not only in sales, but as a positive part of the community.”

ED GAZA OWNER

Spotlight///Retail

broad-tip markers, and signs are prominently displayed around the store depicting the illegality of graffiti.

Opake has already conducted several art workshops and contests since its opening, and Gaza has more plans in the works. “We have several different activities this year,” says Gaza. “We have gone to Jose Rios and Benavente Middle Schools to teach the kids the right ways to express their art. At the schools, we painted the Voyagers mural, and are guiding the Roadrunners on how to paint their own mural. We also host breakdancing competitions, sketchbook contests and signings and have monthly featured artists, with hopes to conduct art shows and clinics in the future.”

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Feature///On the cover

Jamille Hall is a young beauty whose interesting looks come from her ethnic background, which is French-Canadian, Creole, American Indian, Irish and Chinese.

When Jamille lived in Arizona, she attended Barbizon Modeling School, learned to use make up and was taught to model. “I also really became interested in

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modeling after running for Miss Guam World, and since then I do photo shoots with different photographers just for fun,” she says.

Hall wants to become a child psychologist but she first wants to gain experience in teaching elementary school.

She was born and raised on Guam

but her family came back from Arizona to help other relatives to migrate here from Taiwan. “I have had a lot of Asian influence and teaching in my upbringing,” she says. “I love French-Polynesian hula; I’ve been dancing for about three years.” Her other interests are reading, photography, music, shopping and food.

Introducing the lovely

SEVERINA KOSS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Joe Cruz of FStop guam Photography Wardrobe: SM Store Accessories: Etcetera Hair and Makeup: Domani Hair design Special Thanks: Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort

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Feature///On the cover

ON LOCATION: TALOFOFO FALLS RESORT PARK Talofofo Falls Resort Park features a beautiful natural 30-foot waterfall into the Ugum River with a cable car system to experience the park and falls from a heightened view. The park also features recreational rides like bumper cars and turn around chairs, a gift shop and a Guam historical museum. The famous Yokoi’s Cave is also located at the park.

The cave was the hiding place for a Japanese soldier named Shoichi Yokoi for 28 years after American Forces arrived on Guam in 1944.

Visitor Information: Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Local and military rates available.

For more info, call: 828-1150.

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Spotlight///Restaurant

A dining experience for every palate

BY Thomas Johnson PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

Whether you’re looking for a buffet lunch or dinner, a fine dining experience, or just a casual drink overlooking the ocean, the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort has something for everyone.

Those in the mood for more casual fare may want to check out The Point, Sheraton’s juice

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bar and coffee shop. The Point offers a wide variety of coffees and juices, as well as a breathtaking view of the poolside and ocean. “All of our juices are freshly made,” says Vincent Cruz, Sheraton’s general manager. “Take our ginger orange juice, for example. The orange juice is freshly squeezed. The ginger

is fresh. We do our best not to use any processed ingredients and make sure our customers get the freshest juices possible.”

The Point also offers an assortment light food items and finger foods, including sandwiches, fruit plates and desserts.

For those with slightly larger appetites, La Cascata, the hotel’s

international buffet, is located on the Sheraton’s garden floor.

There, you can experience a different taste of the Pacific every weekday for lunch and dinner as you enjoy the view of the hotel’s man made lagoon.

On Mondays, the restaurant features various dishes from around the Asian-Pacific re-

gion. Tuesdays feature Chinese cuisine, complete with dim sum, roast duck, and a Mongolian grilling station. Wednesdays showcase traditionally prepared Korean dishes, including bulgogi and kalbi. Thursdays offer authentic Filipino dishes, followed

by Cascata’s all seafood showcase on Friday. On weekends, the restaurant mixes it up a little, with Saturday featuring an international buffet for lunch, and prime rib and seafood for dinner; on Sunday featuring a standard brunch through the earlier part of the day and international cuisine in the evening.

“Friday and Saturday is our busiest time,” says Cruz, “Because we offer fresh seafood that you can ask our chefs to fry, steam, or grill any way you like.” Cruz adds that the promise of fresh seafood holds great appeal for many of the restaurant’s patrons, matched only by the popularity of its Mongolian grill station on Tuesdays.

For diners seeking more of a fine dining atmosphere, The President (Nippon) is also worth a visit, offering a wide variety of high-quality Japanese cuisine for a reasonable price. The restaurant boasts a sophisticated dining atmosphere and a highly memorable teppanyaki experience. In addition, the President also houses several private teppanyaki rooms for those more intimate dining occasions.

“I believe some people think that it’s very expensive, so they’re reluctant to try it, but many of our dinner menu items are less than $30,” says Cruz. “We have set menus for $35 and it’s a fantastic spread. That’s pretty much what you’d pay anywhere else on the island for a nice dinner. I brought my own wife here for dinner recently, and I assure you won’t be disappointed. I was quite impressed and I highly recommend it.”

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OUT&ABOUT

out & about

Photos by Islandtech Photography Photo submitted by Amy Thompson

15th Annual Japan Arts and Crafts Fair on March 9 at the Hotel Nikko Guam.

Fellow boonie stompers taking a trike ride around the island.

Photo submitted by Joshua Gallahan

Joshua Gallahan diving at Inarajan Pools!

Photos by Islandtech Photography

Game of Thrones Premiere Party on Apr. 1 at Zen Ultra Lounge.

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

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Latiya INGREDIENTS: 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk 1 2/3 cups water 1/4 cup cornstarch 6 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons butter 2 eggs, beaten ground cinnamon yellow cake or sponge cake

Join R&R Pacific’s recipe club!

Directions: 1. Slice the cake into 1/4-inch thick by about 3 inch long slices. Layer the slices onto a platter, overlapping each piece just a bit.

2. Make the custard by combining in a sauce pan, 1 and 1/3 cups water, bring this almost to a boil. Add the evaporated milk and the sugar. Mix the remaining water with the cornstarch and vanilla. Gradually add this to the milk mixture, making sure to stir constantly so not to scorch the custard.

3. Once thickened, remove from heat and add the butter; whisk in the beaten eggs a little at a time, making sure to stir constantly and combine well. Pour the hot custard over the prepared cake and spread over to completely cover.

4. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the custard and let set. The amount depends on how much you like cinnamon. Chill then serve.

We are seeking out your best recipes for our collection.

Share your most prized recipes with our readers! Email your favorite recipes and a clear, high-resolution photo along with your name and village to rrpacificguam@gmail.com for a chance to see your recipe featured in R&R Pacific Magazine.

Recipes can be of any origin. We look forward to your contributions!

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Spotlight///Recreation

BY Paul Moroni PHOTOS BY Vikki Fong

Many longtime residents of Guam will probably remember visiting these falls as a kid. Years ago, the trek down to this triple waterfall hidden in the heart of the island’s southern jungles required a bumpy winding truck ride followed by a muggy hike.

In the late 1990s, Hamilton Tourist Development Inc. began a large scale modernization project at the park, including the installation of an aerial cable car to take visitors from the base of the park down to the mouth of the falls. Today, Talofofo Falls Resort Park is one of the unique attractions in the Marianas, an eclectic mix of jungle reserve, historical park and gimmicky carnival.

If you’ve never been to the park, the campy side-shows alone warrant a visit.

Marketing for the park is geared heavily towards Japanese tourists. Central to that marketing effort is the park’s replica of Yokoi’s cave, where WWII Japanese serviceman Soichi Yokoi is said to have spent 28

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years in hiding until he was found by a pair of local hunters in the early 1970s. Add to that the revisionist historical exhibits and eccentric (read: erotic) botanical gardens and you have a park where Japanese tourists account for more than 90 % of visitors. The haunted house, the museum portraying U.S. and Japanese soldiers battling it out on Guam’s beaches and the out of place carnival rides all add to the flavor of the park.

But, the three cascading waterfalls are definitely the park’s center attraction.

Swimming is encouraged (although guests do so at their own risk) and the lower pools are deep enough for jumping. A pavilion overlooks the lower falls and visitors are welcome to bring in their own barbecue pits and spend the day.

Locals have always found a warm welcome at Talofofo Falls and the park is undergoing something of a renaissance in popularity amongst island residents. When I visited

the park a few weeks ago, at least a couple of groups were there spending the day, having brought in their own food and drinks.

While the base of the park is heavily landscaped, the area around the falls is for the most part left in its natural state.

Tropical fruits of all kinds grow wild and abundant around the fresh water pools and the rushing water sends a cool breeze back up through the valley. It leaves little wonder why someone might have chosen to spend nearly three decades living along the shores of the Ugum River.

Talofofo Falls Resort Park is open seven days a week. Just make sure not to go looking for the falls in the village of Talofofo.

Actually located in Inarajan, getting to the falls from Hagåtña is about a thirty minute drive south along Route 4 on the east coast of the island. You’ll know you’re close when you start running into teams of wild pigs un-intimidated by your presence.

Feature///Health & Fitness

BACK TO BASICS LOWER BACK CARE

By Carmen Rojas

This month i want to talk to you about an area that most of us don’t think about.

This area is a common source of pain, and often deters people from continuing exercise. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to your lower back.

Your lower back includes the area between the bottom of your ribs and your hips. This seemingly small area is critically important for your overall health.

This is a portion of your spine referred to as your lumbar area.

The major nerves that control the legs, bowel, feet, and other parts of your lower body protrude from this area of the spine.

Inflammation in these areas can cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, lack of control and other unwelcome problems.

There are lots of major muscles that control this area as it is the major mover of the body after the cervical region. Indirectly, yet importantly, the abdominal muscles also serve to mobilize and protect this region.

The reason why things go wrong in this area is the weight strain throughout it. As we age the compressive forces of the vertebrae on the cartilage between them wear down and decreases the ability to absorb force and ease of movement. Also, weight gain in the abdominal region stretches the abdominal muscles and weakens them. In addition, as we age we spend more and more time seated. All the time we spend driving, at a desk and eating adds up. Injury from falls, accidents, and other unexpected maladies build scar tissue and further decreases mobility and ultimately function.

3 ideas for improving the health and function of your back 1. Move more.

Walk around on your lunch break. Stand for five minutes after you have been sitting for an hour. Make a strong attempt to get some exercise. Walk, jog, ride a bike, walk the dog, dance, swim or whatever floats your boat. Motion will improve blood flow and help loosen up the joints in this area.

2. strengthen the entire area – abdominals too.

Planks, push-ups, and other stabilizing exercises are great ways to strengthen the area as a whole. Core stability exercises are particularly good at strengthening this area.

Strengthening this area will improve coordination and reduce the overcompensation of stronger muscles and makes for less efficient movement.

3. Flexibility is a commonly overlooked area that makes a huge difference.

all day, chances are your hip flexors have been in a contracted position for a long period of time. This causes tightness throughout the pelvic region and weakness into the abdominal region.

Weakness in the abs will lead to instability in the spine. And this is one of many problems that can be caused by strength and weakness imbalances.

Back problems can result in headaches, numbness, aches, sleeplessness, and a barrage of problems. All of which can lead to less and less activity which exacerbates the problems. This is one case where an ounce of prevention can be better than a ton of treatment. If you have an injury or diagnosed problem the advice of your doctor should be taken wholeheartedly.

Odds are, many of the things your doctor will suggest will incorporate one or more of the ideas mentioned above. Treat your back well, and it will support you for a life time.

Stretching helps balance the overly contracted muscles.

If you have been sitting

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Feature///Recreation Spotlight

BY Thomas Johnson PHOTOS BY Takamitsu Usami

The 2013 XTERRA Guam Off-Road Triathlon was held on March 23. Ben Allan of Australia took top honors in the male category, while Jacqui Slack of the U.K. dominated the female cateogory. The event, a grueling off-road competition which is equal parts triathlon and trail run, begins with a 1.5 kilometer swim through the waters of Piti, followed by a 31-mile off-road biking session through the rolling hills of Manenggon and finishes with an 8.2 kilometer run through Guam’s winding jungle trails, rivers and streams.

This year will mark the ninth time that the event has been held on Guam, and XTERRA Guam’s seventh year as a member of the official XTERRA American Tour. According to Eric Tydingco, XTERRA Guam’s race director, this also marks XTERRA Guam’s second year as a ‘championship’-level race on the American circuit. As a championship-caliber race, contestants not only earn points to qualify in the XTERRA USA Championship, but are also capable of offering age group slots for the XTERRA world championship, all while vying for a $15,000 professional prize purse.

Of course, like the race itself, keeping the event alive has proven to be a somewhat rigorous undertaking. “I can’t stress enough how financially difficult this endeavor is,” says Tydingco, “but I feel it’s worth it as the caliber and quantity of professional athletes that have visited Guam just keeps getting better.” Tydingco adds that the race has grown by leaps and bounds since its original inception in 2005, and Guam’s reputation as a premier racing site can only lead to a healthy boost in sports tourism down the road.

In 2010, XTERRA Guam was voted one of the Top 5 Off-Road Triathlons in the world by Triathlete Magazine, and since then, the island has played host to several world triathlon champions and Olympians, as well as a healthy influx of amateur participants from all round the world. “This year alone, we had amateurs from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Colombia, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Michigan, Massachusetts and California,” Tydingco says. Produced

by Reklam + Orange LLC, the triathlon also partially benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Guam.

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