Maila Halom 2014

2014

4

Download the Call Guam

app for your IPhone

CALL GUAMThe Pacific Daily News launches CallGuam.comand the Call Guam app — the island’s first mo-bile digital telephone directory app for youriPhone and Android phone.Go to www.CallGuam.com, or download the CallGuam app for your IPhone using this QR code.

Maila’ Hålom Guam Publications Inc.Volume 162014

P u b l i s h e rRindraty Celes Limtiaco

M a n a g i n g E d i t o rDavid V. Crisostomo

V i s u a l E d i t o r Cid Caser

P h o t o E d i t o rMasako Watanabe

M a g a z i n e C o o r d i n a t o rKarla Borja

S t a f f W r i t e rMaria Hernandez

S t a f f D e s i g n e rAnthony Gumabon

A d v e r t i s i n g D i r e c t o rJae Fermin Medina

D i g i t a l D i r e c t o rKaren Gayle

O n t h e c o v e r

Maila’ Hålom is published annuallyby Guam Publications, which pub-lishes the Pacific Daily News. Copy-right 2014 Guam Publications. Allrights reserved.

06 .....................All about Guam

08 ......................House hunting

09 ................Getting hooked up

10.........................Getting a job

12.......................Get connected

13......Navigating Guam?s roads

14,16, 17...................Education

18 ................................Daycare

20......................................USO

22.......................Fun in the sun

23,24................Village fiesta?s

26 ....................Flavors of Guam

28 ................Typhoon readiness

29,30..................Guide to news

Guam’s history is shaped by morethan three centuries under Spanish,U.S. and Japanese control. TheSpanish laid claim to the island,

but the island was ceded to the United States in1898. In 1941 the Japanese invaded and occupiedthe island until U.S. forces retook it three yearslater toward the end of World War II. All theseinfluences have contributed to the diverse andcolorful culture found here.

lGeographic coordinates: 13°28’ N, 144°47’ E.lCapital: HagåtñalTerritorial bird: Ko’ko — Guam Rail, a na-

tive flightless bird.lTerritorial tree: Ifit, a dense, reddish hard-

wood.lTerritorial flower: Puti Tai Nobiu (Bougainvil-

laea).lClimate: Tropical marine; generally warm

and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds;dry season from January to June, rainy seasonfrom July to December; little seasonal tempera-ture variation.

lCoolest months: January to February.lWettest months: July to October.lHumidity: Averages between 72 and 86 per-

cent.lTerrain: Volcanic in origin, surrounded by

coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestoneplateau (source of most fresh water), with steepcoastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north,

low-rising hills in center; mountains in south.Time: One hour behind UTC plus 11 hours;

Two hours behind UTC plus 12 hours. Guamlies west of the International Dateline and is oneday ahead of Hawaii and the conti-nental United States. Itis the westernmostU.S . te r r i to ry.“Where America’sday begins” is apopular saying.

l Indigenousp o p u l a t i o n :Chamorro

lCurrency: U.S.dollar

Wa r h i s t o r y

Spain ceded Guamto the United States aspart of the Treaty ofParis following theSpanish-American Warin 1898. Guam wasplaced under the adminis-tration of the Department of theNavy and was used primarily as a coaling andcommunication station. That ended in 1941, whenthe island was invaded and conquered by Japanshortly after Pearl Harbor was bombed.

The island was officially surrendered to theJapanese on Dec. 10, 1941. The occupation ofGuam lasted for 31 months, until the United

States liberated the island on July 21,1944.

L i b e r a t i o n D a y

On July 21, 1944 —celebrated on Guam asLiberation Day — Ameri-

can forces landed on thebeaches of Guam, beginning

the battle to retake the islandand restore freedom and return

democracy to the island and it’speople. Every year the people ofthe Island take great pride in cel-ebrating Liberation. There is acarnival, packed with games andall sorts of food. It’s the perfectouting for a night with the fam-ily. The parade is also an amaz-ing spectacle. All villages, many

government agencies, private busi-nesses and other organizations take

great pride in constructing floats thatshowcase what is important to them.

A l l a b o u t G u a m

All aboutGuam

Ma

il

a’

H

ål

om

f

il

e

ph

ot

os

6

With the number of real es-tate agents on Guam al-most triple what is was adecade ago, around 400real estate professionals

are ready to help you find the right place to live.And while Guam’s real estate industry isn’t

exactly booming, Deanna Palmer, associate bro-ker with RE/MAX Diamond Realty, said it’sstill a good time to buy a home – especially forfirst-time homebuyers.

“It’s a buyer’s market,” Palmer said. “Manyof the contracts that are written are at or belowasking price.”

Palmer says although interest rates are high-

er than they are in the United States, they are stilllow for the Guam market and all depend on thecredit score and type of loan a person wants.

She also said since the military build-up won’thappen for at least a few more years, it might bea good time for first-time homebuyers to take ad-vantage of lower interest rates.

Palmer advises those coming from off-islandto carry or have electronic copies of all theirlast three tax returns and financial data to makethe process of getting a loan a lot easier. She alsosaid to start looking before you arrive t get fa-miliar with the price range, and always choosea realtor you can trust.

To learn more:Guam Association of Realtors: 477-4271To start looking for homes log on to:The Guam Association of Realtors Web site,

www.guamrealtors.comT h e P a c i f i c D a i l y N e w s o n l i n e :

www.GuamPDN.com; and the paper’s classifiedsare a great takeoff point for your search.

TIPS FOR RENTERSIdentify and prioritize what you are looking for.

For example, let your realtor know what you valuemost: a central-location, proximity to work, a rea-sonable price, comfort, safety, family-friendly, etc.

Look online at the MLS before you arrive on theisland. Contact the agents for the places you areinterested in.

Convey to your agent what your priorities are.They will narrow down your list for you and selectthe top choices according to your interest so youwon’t have to look at more than 5 to 10 places.

Don’t bring your appliances from the mainland.Many places include a stove, range and refrigeratorif you’re looking at rentals. But most rental unitsdon’t include a washer or dryer, so proximity to aLaundromat might be on your priority list.

C h e c k f o r h o m e s w i t h w i n d o w s t h a t a r eequipped with storm shutters. Guam’s storms canshake concrete homes, so when one of those supertyphoons come this way, you’ll be thankful. Alsocheck if your future rental has backup power andwater.

Air conditioning is essential with Guam’s humidtemperature. Make sure your home has units in theplaces you want to keep cool or central air to circu-late throughout the entire home.

Be careful of scams when looking for rental unitsonline. If a potential landlord asks for a deposit be-fore you get a chance to see the unit or home in per-son, be aware that this is a hoax. The best way tofind a place to live is through a real estate agent orword of mouth.

8

M a i l a ’ H å l o m f i l e p h o t o s

Buyingor build-

R e a l E s t a t e

9U t i l i t i e s

When moving into a new home,hooking up utilities is some-thing at the top of your to dolist.

But before traveling to each of the necessaryoffices, make sure you have everything you needso you don’t have to make multiple trips.

One thing you need to sign up for any Guamutility or municipal water service is proof ofyour new residence. This can come in the formof a property deed or mortgage agreement. Ifrenting, bring along a proof of lease arrange-ment accompanied by a current landlord’s au-thorization for utility services. It is also a goodidea to have photo identification with you whenapplying for any new utility service.

G U A M P O W E R A U T H O R I T YAs with other utilities, homeowners will need

proof of ownership; and renters, proofof lease with current landlord au-thorization.

Applicants can download ap-plications at www.guampower-authority.com, but must visitthe Harmon offices from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. or Hagåtñaoffices from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. to submit necessarypaperwork.

New GPA applicantscan contact the Authori-ty’s Customer ServicesCall Center: 647-5787/8/9.

Same day service isavailable for an additional$9.

GPA also offers Billpay,which allows you to pay

your electrical utility accounts online. Billpayrequires online registration.

GPA customers can also pay by phone with-out any registration needed.

Customers will also be able to track their us-age on GPA’s new e-Portal the power agencyis rolling out this year at www.myenergyguam.com.

G U A M WAT E R W O R K S A U T H O R I T Y

If you want to get water hooked up and youare renting, you need to provide lease agree-ment, written landlord authorization, ID, a serv-ice map location and a $52 deposit. For home-owners that need new water hookup a proof of

ownership will suffice.New customers should

come to the Tumon office tohook up water or the JulaleCenter in Agana. The docu-ments can also be e-mailed tocustomer service at cus-tomer@guamwaterworks .org

New hookups take three tofive business days.

If you bill says “Due Now”please pay immediately at theTumon office.

GWA customer service canbe reached at 647-7800/03 orv i s i twww.guamwaterworks.org

To report water leaks

please call GWA’s 24-hour hotline at 646-4211

T R A S H P I C K U PResidents will need to register in person at

their mayor’s office or at the offices of the Sol-id Waste Management Division during workinghours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Registered customers will receive a new 96-gallon covered rolling trash cart, delivered totheir homes. This cart should be large enough fora week’s worth of household trash for most fam-ilies, especially if they recycle. Trash is collect-ed weekly.

With the new recycling program, residentsalso receive a 96-gallon cart at no cost. Pick-upfor the recycling cart is on the same day as your

trash pick-up, either the first and thirdweek of the month or the second

and fourth week of themonth.

If you move to yournew home before theregistration period be-gins in your village orafter it has occurred,please visit the SWMDoffices to register forcollection services.Please bring a valid dri-ver’s license or photoidentification.

There is no registrationfee – only the monthly feeof $30.38.

Maila Hålom

Getting hooked


10


Getting a job

E m p l o y m e n t

Finding a job on Guam can make youfeel lost if you’re new to the island anddon’t have personal connections.

Without friends and family who may be ableto refer you to a possible job lead, start with theInternet. There are at least four reputable sitesthat you can start with that will help you connectwith an employer.

The Pacific Daily News jobs finder serviceonline, http://www.guampdn.com/guampublish-ing/jobfinder/index.html; the Guam Departmentof Labor’s job finder service, http://guam.us.jobs/;the U.S. government’s www.usajobs.gov; andguamjobsonline.com can be your starting point.

Before you send your resume to an employer,however, check what’s being said on the Internetabout you through social networking sites andonline in general. Human resource managers ad-vise that you need to be prepared for questions thatmay come up if unflattering images or posts aboutyou come up.

Also make the time to go to the Guam De-partment of Labor’s One-Stop Career Center soyour name can be placed on a list of jobseekersand so your resume can be available to a poten-tial employer match.

The One-Stop Center can match you with a po-tential employer, and any employer seeking tohire a foreign worker is required to ensure,through the local labor department, that therearen’t local workers qualified for the job.

One important thing to keep in mind when try-ing to get a job on Guam: With the jobless rateat 13 percent when surveyed in March 2013, em-ployers are likely to have the upper hand.

So if you find a job that may suit your quali-fications, act quickly.

If your applications aren’t yielding suc-cess, volunteer with the various nonprofitsthat can help you make friends, connec-tions and earn referrals.

And while waiting for job leads to ma-terialize, invest if you can in enhancing yourskills, either by attending classes or gainingjob-specific trades or attending workshopsand seminars.

Some of the training and education pro-grams on Guam might even pay for yourschool or training if you’re on welfare, ifyou’re a senior citizen, or if you’re open to anapprenticeship program.

Pick up the phone, pound the pavement,make friends and be involved in the commu-nity.

The more you show you’re willing to be an ac-tive part of the local community, the better chancesyou’ll get to land your first Guam job.

JOB HUNTING ONLINElGuam Department of Labor jobs site:

http://guam.us.jobs/lFederal government jobs site: https://www.us-

ajobs.gov/lPacific Daily News jobs finder:

http://www.guampdn.com/guampublishing/jobfinder/index.html

lhttp://www.guamjobsonline.com/

TIPS TO GET AHEADlGain experience and training for more types of

jobs.lUse more job search techniques, including

networking, print and online job ads and applica-tions.

lBe flexible on the types of jobs, locations andhours of work. A not-so-dream job may open othercareer paths not previously considered.

lDress professionally, even if you’re only stop-ping by at a human resources office to pick up anapplication.

lBe truthful when answering questions on em-ployment applications.

lLook up what information is out there on-line about you, including on social media. Em-barrassing posts can cost you your chance ata job.

lVolunteer with community organizations.You may get to know someone who can rec-ommend you for a job as you volunteer.

S ources: Chief Economist Gar y Hiles, Guam D e-par tment of Labor ; Pacif ic D aily News f i les

GET TRAINING, EDUCATIONGCA Trades Academy: http://gcatrade-

sacademy.org/Guam Community College: www.guam-

cc.edu/ University of Guam: www.uog.edu

12 T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s

Competition in Guam’s phone, In-ternet and TV businesses remainsrobust despite the island’s smallmarket size.

And with international industry players in-volved, consumers can shop around for relative-ly good deals.

Some of Guam’s major telecommunicationscompanies involved in “quad play,” whichmeans they each offer landline phone, wire-less phone, fast Internet and TV under one cor-porate roof and billing system – bundled serv-ices can be within reasonable reach, even forthose with tight budgets.

“Bundling” for three services – landlinehome phone, Internet and basic TV – costs be-tween $65 and just a little under $100 a month,depending on the features and telecom provider,according to rates by some of the telecom com-panies as of November 2013.

If you add monthly wireless phone servicewith some online features on your phone, and ifyou prefer really fast Internet and a huge menuof digital TV channels, bundling can cost yousomewhere around $200, or maybe even muchless, if you choose wisely.

Read the fine print, if your selection is cov-ered by contract terms, because it could costyou hefty penalties – possibly more than whatyou saved by bundling – if you terminate theservices prematurely. Ask for month-by-monthdeals if you’re afraid of long-term contract com-mitments.

DOCOMO PACIFIC and GTA remain themajor players in providing a quadruple of digi-tal TV, Internet, landline phone and wirelessphone series after a series of telecom acquisitionsover the past several years.

Japan telecom giant NTT DOCOMO ownsDOCOMO PACIFIC, and DOCOMO’S Guampresence got larger with its acquisition of cableTV and Internet company MCV Broadband in2013, and two wireless phone and Internet com-panies a few years before that.

Another Japan-based entity, Advantage Part-ners LLP, through three of its private equity in-vestment funds, is the principal owner of GTA.Advantage Partners’ total capital commitmentexceeded $4.6 billion as of 2013, according toGTA.

If you want wireless phone and wireless In-ternet services in a separate contract or contractsfrom your other TV needs, IT&E and iConnectare the two other providers to consider.

IT&E offers home phone, wireless phone and

Internet, for a starting price of $99 a month.IT&E does offer TV viewingthrough Apple TV.

Wireless phone and wireless on-line service provider iConnect com-plete the four main te lecomproviders, which are geared towardGuam consumers.

Between all four, there’s also awide range of unbundled optionsfor pre-paid, or post-paid phone,data and long-distance services tochoose from.

The key is to shop around, askquestions, read the fine print andknow what contract, or pre-paid op-tion you’re getting into.

Go to a public library or café tocomparison-shop if you’re newon Guam and don’t have In-ternet access from homejust yet.

By Gaynor Dumat-olDaleno

Pacif ic Daily Newsgdumat-

[email protected]

GUAM TELECOM COMPANIES lDOCOMO PACIFICPhone: 688-2273 Online: www.docomopacif-ic.com/

lGTAPhone: 644-4482Online: www.gta.net

liConnect Phone: 888-8888Online: http://iconnectguam.com/

lIT&E GuamPhone: 922-4483 Online: http://www2.ite.net

TO LEARN MORElThe Federal Communications Commission offersa guide on how to read your phone bill. If youhave a complaint related to your phone bill, youcan file a complaint using an FCC online com-plaint form, by logging on to www.fcc.gov/com-plaints. You can also file your complaint with theFCC’s Consumer Center by calling 1-888-CALL-

FCC (1-888-225-5322).

Getting connected


13


Navigatingthe island's roads

T r a n s p o r t a t i o n

On Guam, getting around isn’t aseasy or practical as hopping on tothe next available public bus, ortaxi.

And walking to and around the business andcommercial districts can be a safety risk withoutsidewalks in some areas and with crosswalksmi les apar t in someplaces. Guam also haslimited bike lanes, andsudden rain might makebiking to work a challeng-ing daily routine.

With Guam’s masstransit system needing im-provements on routes, fre-quency and reliability,chances are you’ll be latefor a job interview if yourely on it.

So to go on a job hunt,and to keep your job whenyou do get one, you’llneed a car or find some-one who’s willing to car-pool.

Some employers re-quire that you have yourown car as a condition toaccepting a job offer.

If you’re on a budgetand don’t have establishedjob and credit history toqualify for a car loan,your best bet is to scourclassified ads, such as onwww.guampdn.com. Inaddition, you’ll see, alongMarine Corps Drive,some of the used-car carlots. On less-traveled butstill busy roads, such asRoutes 8, 10 and 16, youmay also find parked carsbeing sold by individual vehicle owners.

Driving your first Guam car means you’ll needto know how to get a Guam driver’s license, getyour car insured and register the vehicle.

Getting a Guam driver’s license

Stop by the Guam Department of Revenue andTaxation along Route 16 in Barrigada, which is

open weekdays, except during holidays. Also check out the department online if you

qualify to schedule an appointment. Go tohttps://realid.drt.guam.gov/ScheduleApplication/ScheduleApplication.aspx. Make sure you have aworking printer so you’ll have a printout to showto the department’s driver’s license application

desk on your appointment date. You might need to take a written driver’s test,

a road test, or both – depending on whether you’vehad a previous driver’s license and whether it wasissued in the United States or from a foreign land.It’s best to call the department at 635-7699 orstop by the department’s office.

Getting a driver’s license for the first time cantake weeks to months. It will be much quicker ifyou have a U.S.-issued driver’s license.

Getting your car registered

Getting a driver’s license is a pre-requisite togetting your car insured before it can be registered.The department lists accredited vehicle insurancecompanies on this site,

l https://www.myguamtax.com/ help/partici-pating_insurance.html.

In addition to havingyour vehicle is insured,the vehicle must pass asafety inspection beforeyou go to the depart-ment’s Motor VehicleDivis ion . Go tohttps://www.myguam-tax.com/ help/ partici-pating_inspection.htmlfor a list of auto shopsthat are authorized toconduct vehicle safetyinspections.

Speed limit: 15 to 35 mph

After clearing the dri-ver’s license and vehicleregistration process,know that the maximumspeed limit for cars andtrucks are 35 mph onGuam’s main roads,15mph in residential areas;and 15 to 25 mph inschool zones, accordingto the Governors High-way Safety Administra-tion.

DRIVER’S LICENSE, VEHICLEREGISTRATION

lWhere to go: Guam Department of Revenue andTaxation, Route 16 in Barrigada, near the Airport Roadoverpass/underpass intersection

lHours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,except local and some federal holidays

lPhone: 635-1761/1762lOnline: myguamtax.com

14

There’s no feeling like stepping intoa new school for the first time: theexcitement of making friends andthe terror of being the new kid.

Before that day arrives, there are a few stepsthat parents need to take before registering theirchild for school.

If you’re thinking of enrolling your child in thepublic school system, the first step is to find outwhat school district you fall under. That informa-tion is available at your village mayor’s office.

The mayor’s office will be able to provide youwill residence verification required to registerfor the school.

Parents can contact the schools directly to findinformation about registration deadlines and pa-perwork needed for enrollment.

I d e n t i f i c a t i o n

For Head Start applicants, students will needa birth certificate or passport or military ID; andverification of parental income. The Head StartProgram provides comprehensive services to low-income families, with a priority given to pre-school aged students starting Kindergarten thefollowing year. You may contact the Head Startoffice for details.

For K-12 applicants, students will need what-ever documents are required by a school’s prin-

cipal for establishing proof of age, such as thosedescribed above or other documents like schoolrecords or immunization records.

Birth certificates must be official, with eitheran embossed raised seal or official ink stamp.Any birth certificate bearing alteration marksmay be deemed unacceptable.

Children enrolling in kindergarten for the firsttime will be able to if they are 5 years old on orbefore July 31 of the school year.

I m m u n i z a t i o n

Students need an official immunization card,or a statement on official medical letterheadwhich has been signed by duly authorized med-ical personnel, or a copy of (or original) schoolhealth records, any of which clearly show thedates on which the child has received the re-quired vaccinations and clearances.

For more information, parents may call theGuam Department of Education at 475-0462.

Public SchoolsGuam Department of Education Website: http://www.gdoe.net

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Adacao Elementary SchoolPhone: 300-6500/1035Mascot: The HilitaiWebsite:http://adacaoelementaryschool.weebly.com/

Agana Heights Elementary SchoolPhone: 477-5798/8040/60Mascot: Bumble BeesWebsite:http://aganaheightselementaryschool.weebly.com

Astumbo Elementary SchoolPhone: 635-4363/70Mascot: ButterfliesWebsite: http://astumboelementary.weebly.com/

B.P. Carbullido Elementary SchoolPhone: 734-4341/4230Mascot: Ko’ko’ BirdWebsite: https://sites.google.com/site/carbulli-doelementary/

Capt. H.B. Price Elementary SchoolPhone: 734-2159/7766/7Mascot: LancherosWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/schools/home/price

Chief Brodie Elementary SchoolPhone: 647-4536/4554/4444Mascot: Busy Bees


E d u c a t i o n

n continued on page 16

16

Website: http://cbmesbusybees.weebly.com/

C.L. Taitano Elementary SchoolPhone: 475-4502/3/4/5/6 Mascot: DeerlingWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/cltaitano/

D.L. Perez Elementary SchoolPhone: 653-2646/0404Mascot: Friendly FanihiWebsite: http://mrfanihi.com/

Finegayan Elementary SchoolPhone: 632-9364, 635-0687, 633-1521/2/4Mascot: Flying FishWebsite: https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/fine-gayan-elementary/

H.S. Truman Elementary SchoolPhone: 565-5195/2533Mascot: Golden Eagles

Inarajan Elementary SchoolPhone: 828-8641/2Mascot: ChiefsWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/inarajan-ele-mentary/

J.M. Guerrero Elementary SchoolPhone: 633-6066/632-1540/7102Mascot: DolphinsWebsite: http://juanmguerrero12-13.wix.com/school-website

J.Q. San Miguel Elementary SchoolPhone: 477-9368/70/1Mascot: EaglesWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/jqsm/

L.B. Johnston Elementary SchoolPhone: 646-8871/5046/49Mascot: AngelsWebsite: http://lbjelementary.weebly.com/

Liguan Elementary SchoolPhone: 300-1680Mascot: Siheks

M.A. Sablan Elementary SchoolPhone: 565-2238/2946Mascot: StarsWebsite: https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/mar-cial-a-sablan-elementary-school/

M.A. Ulloa Elementary SchoolPhone: 632-5176/8090Mascot: CarabaosWebsite:http://mauelementaryschool.weebly.com/

M.U. Lujan Elementary SchoolPhone: 789-1535/3651Mascot: DragonsWebsite:http://mulujanelementaryschool.weebly.com/

Machananao Elementary SchoolPhone: 635-4381/2Mascot: MarlinsWebsite:http://machananaoelementaryschool.weebly.com/

Merizo Martyrs Memorial SchoolPhone: 828-2562/8779/8680Mascot: DolphinsWebsite: http://mmmsguam.weebly.com/

Ordot-chalan Pago Elementary SchoolPhone: 477-9645, 472-4687Mascot: AntsWebsite: https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/or-dot-chalan-pago-elementary/

P.C. Lujan Elementary SchoolPhone: 734-3971/2Mascot: SatellitesWebsite: http://www.pclujanelementary.com/

Talofofo Elementary SchoolPhone: 789-1171/1386/3218Mascot: Tigers

Website: http://talofofoelem.wix.com/talofofo-elem-school

Tamuning Elementary SchoolPhone: 646-8648/8058/9Mascot: WhalesWebsite: http://www.tamesguam.com/

Upi Elementary SchoolPhone: 633-1382/74, 653-1371/2Mascot: Tot TotWebsite: http://upielementaryschool.weebly.com/

Wettengel Elementary SchoolPhone: 632-7770/7870/7970Mascot: BinaduWebsite: http://wettengelelementaryschool.wee-bly.com/

Middle SchoolsAgueda I. Johnston Middle SchoolPhone: 472-6785/6947/5053Mascot: PiratesWebsite: http://www.aijms.net/

Astumbo Middle SchoolPhone: 300-2610Mascot: Dragons

F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle SchoolPhone: 653-2080/3732/1725Mascot: HawksWebsite: https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/fb-leon-guerrero-middle-school/

Inarajan Middle SchoolPhone: 475-0673/4/2Mascot: WarriorsWebsite: https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/fb-leon-guerrero-middle-school/

Jose Rios Middle SchoolPhone: 475-2412/2426Mascot: VoyagersWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/jrms/

Luis P. Untalan Middle SchoolPhone: 735-3110/9/28Mascot: WildcatsWebsite: http://www.gdoe.net/ums/

Oceanview Middle SchoolPhone: 565-2961/3292/4002Mascot: Knights

V.S.A. Benavente Middle SchoolPhone: 632-1226/5647/8086Mascot: RoadrunnersWebsite: http://vsabms.weebly.com/

High SchoolsGeorge Washington High SchoolPhone: 734-29112Mascot: GeckosWebsite: http://gwhs-guam.weebly.com/

J.P. Torres Alternative SchoolPhone: 565-5291

E d u c a t i o n

n continued from page 14



17

John F. Kennedy High SchoolPhone: 642-2100Mascot: IslandersWebsite: http://www.jfkislanders.com/

Okkodo High SchoolPhone: 300-1870, 635-1176Mascot: BulldogsWebsite: http://www.okkodohighschool.com/

Simon Sanchez High SchoolPhone: 653-2313/3625Mascot: SharksWebsite: http://simonsanchez.org/

Southern High SchoolPhone: 479-2103Mascot: DolphinsWebsite:https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/southern-high-school/

Private SchoolsAcademy Of Our Lady Of GuamPhone: 477-8203Website: http://www.aolg.edu.gu/

Asmuyao Community SchoolPhone: 475-9276, 482-1847Mascot: CougarsWebsite: http://asmuyaoschool.com/

Bishop Baumgartner Memorial SchoolPhone: 472-6670/477-4010Mascot: ObisposWebsite: http://www.bbmcs.org/

Dominican Catholic SchoolPhone: 653-3021/3140Mascot: VeritasWebsite: http://dcsguam.com/wp/

Evangelical Christian AcademyPhone: 734-3241Mascot: Doves

Father Duenas Memorial SchoolPhone: 734-2261/3Mascot: Friars

Website: http://www.fatherduenas.com/

Guam Adventist AcademyPhone: 789-1515Mascot: AngelsWebsite: http://www.gaasda.org/

Harvest Christian AcademyPhone: 477-6341Mascot: EaglesWebsite: http://www.hbcguam.net/harvest-chris-tian-academy.html

Mount CarmelPhone: 565-3822/5128Mascot: PhoenixWebsite: http://mcs57.com/

Notre Dame High SchoolPhone: 789-1676/7/1745/17Mascot: RoyalsWebsite: http://www.ndhsguam.com/

Saint Anthony Catholic SchoolPhone: 647-1140Mascot: RaidersWebsite: http://www.sacsguam.com/

Saint Francis Catholic SchoolPhone: 789-1270/1350Mascot: St. Francis CrusadersWebsite: http://sfsguam.com/

San Vicente Catholic SchoolPhone: 735-4240Mascot: Braves

Santa Barbara Catholic SchoolPhone: 632-5578Mascot: Spartans

Website: http://sbcs.edu.gu/

Southern Christian AcademyPhone: 565-7020/5Mascot: DolphinsWebsite: http://scaguam.com/

St. John’s SchoolPhone: 646-8080Mascot: KnightsWebsite: http://www.stjohnsguam.com/v2/

St. Paul Christian SchoolPhone: 637-9855Mascot: WarriorsWebsite: http://www.spcsguam.com/

St. Paul Christian School North CampusPhone: 653-1311/12/13Mascot: Warriors

St. Thomas AquinasPhone: 473-7821Mascot: LionWebsite: http://www.staguam.com/

Temple Christian SchoolPhone: 477-9507Mascot: Eagle

DODEADepartment of Defense Education ActivityWebsite: http://www.dodea.edu/Pacific/Guam/

Commander William C. McCool Elementary /Middle SchoolPhone: 339-8676/8Mascot: Seahawks

Andersen Elementary SchoolPhone: 366-1511/2Mascot: Dolphins

Andersen Middle SchoolPhone Number: 366-3880/5973Mascot: Dragons

Guam High SchoolPhone Number: 344-7410/11Mascot: Panthers

E d u c a t i o n



18


Day care

D a y c a r e

Parents shopping around for a day carethat will provide their children with anurturing and safe environment have a

variety of options to choose from in villagesthroughout the island.

For parents looking for a day care center fortheir children, the most pressing concern is cost.

Many day care centers have a variety of optionsto accommodate parents schedules and budgets.

Tina Leon Guerrero, owner of Tina’s LearningCenter in Mangilao said many parents are send-ing their kids to day care on a part time basis.

“Finances are important to them,” LeonGuerrero said.

She also said parents need to make surewhatever day care they choose is licenced,that their staff are certified and that theymeets recent legal requirements.

The law was intended to protect andpromote the welfare and positive devel-opment of the children being served.

As of 2011, staff at the island’s daycare centers are required to undergo aphysical exam every year to ensurethey’re in good health.

They’re also required to post the fol-lowing documents in a prominent andvisible location to be viewed by the pub-lic at all times:

lLicence to Operate a Child Care FacilitylSanitary PermitlCopy of Health CertificateslDaily Schedule

lFire Evacuation PlanlFire Extinguisher SignslEarthquake Preparedness ProcedureslExit Signs lEmergency phone numbers and procedures,lInspection reports from government agencies, in-cluding the Department of Public Health and SocialServices and the Guam Fire Department.

A current listing of licenced child care centerscan be found at the Department of Public Healthand Social Services.

See CallGuam.com, the Pacific Daily News’digital telephone directory for a listing of daycare facilities on island.

20M i l i t a r y

Aplace of solace for the island’s mili-tary members and their families canbe found in the heart of Tumon.

The Guam United Service Organization, alsoknown as the USO, is located on the groundfloor of the Royal Orchid Hotel in Tumong.

This USO offers a comfortable and welcom-ing environment, a “home away from home.”

The center offers a wide array of amenities in-cluding an Internet café, long-distance telephoneaccess, gaming consoles, lounging areas, lightsnacks and refreshments, and their world fa-mous, homemade chili.

All a member needs to do is sign in, show anID and they can enjoy the facilities free ofcharge.

Leigh Leilani Graham, director of the GuamUSO,said the military is an intergral part of thecommunity and the USO plays a vital role intheir quality of life.

“We’re open 365 days a year for everyone toenjoy,” she said.

Being located in Tumon military memberscan enjoy the indoor activities and easily enjoythe outdoors by walking out the door. Take ashort walk or a trolley to the many white sandbeaches that line the village shore.

The USO is an official part of the newcom-er tour hosted by Naval Base Guam and Ander-

sen Air Force baseeach month and peopleare encouraged to takethe tour.

Opening its Tumonsdoors in 2006 the USOGuam has providedcomfort and relaxationsto thousands of troops onisland,

The center is open allyear and for the holidays, the centers routinelytransform into celebration spots, complete withevents, dinners and care packages.

With over 160 locations around the world,the USO is uniquely positioned to keep familiesand friends connected to their cherished ser-vicemen and women when they are

away from home.

USO Hours of Opera-tion:

lSunday through Thurs-day 0800-2200, Friday andSaturday 0800-2400. Call647-4876 for more infor-mation or if you are inter-ested in volunteering or

donating to the USO. Go to their website atwww.uso.org/guam or their Facebook www.face-book.com/GuamUSO


Guam USO

You’re now on an island — livinghere temporarily or making it yourhome. It’s inevitable you’re goingto run into some surf and sand or at

least see some from your drive to and from wher-ever you’re headed.

Guam’s coastlines are covered with beachesworthy of a day soaking up rays or swimmingthrough the crystal blue waters.

From a day at the beach barbecuing and toss-ing around a football in the sand to diving in thedeep blue, there are countless activities you canenjoy while at one of many of Guam’s beaches.

There are plenty of public beaches to stretchyour towel down on where visitors and residents,alike, will frequent.

Some of those locations, including the popularYpao Beach and Matåpang Beach in Tumon havelifeguards but a majority won’t.

While the water may appear calm and inviting,never underestimate the power of the ocean. Bemindful of possible conditions, like currents andmarine life, including jellyfish.

And even if it’s cloudy out, don’t forget to pro-tect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays withsunblock, hats and other forms of protection.

After a day at Guam’s beaches, don’t forget toclean up after yourself so you can enjoy anotherday in the sun and sand.

B y L a c e e A . C . M a r t i n e [email protected]

SUN PROTECTIONUV IndexlUse the UV Index forecast to help protect your-

self from harmful Ultra Violet exposure. (A higher UVIndex on a scale from 1 to 11-plus means more skin-damaging UV radiation is reaching the earth.)

lCheck the UV Index — published daily in the Al-manac weather section of the Pacific Daily News.

Cover uplWhen you are out in the sun, wear clothing to

protect as much skin as possible.lIf you can see light through the fabric, UV rays can

get through, too. Be aware that covering up doesn’tblock out all UV rays.

Use sunscreenlSunscreen is a product you apply to your skin for

protection against the sun’s UV rays. However, it’s im-portant to know that sunscreen does not provide to-tal protection against all UV rays.

lSunscreens are available in many forms — lo-tions, creams, ointments, gels, wipes and lip balms, toname a few.

lWhen choosing a sunscreen product, be sure toread the label before you buy it. Many groups, in-cluding the American Academy of Dermatology, rec-ommend products with a sun protection factor, orSPF, of at least 30. The SPF number represents thelevel of protection against UVB rays provided by thesunscreen — a higher number means more protec-tion.

lWhen using an SPF 30 sunscreen and applying itthickly, you get the equivalent of a minute of UVBrays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So,one hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is thesame as spending 2 minutes unprotected.

lPeople often do not apply a thick enough layerof sunscreen, so the actual protection they get is less.

lBe sure to apply the sunscreen properly. Alwaysfollow the label directions. Most recommend apply-ing sunscreen generously. When putting it on, payclose attention to your face, ears, hands, arms andany other areas not covered by clothing. If you’re go-ing to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply thesunscreen first.

lBe generous. Ideally, about one ounce of sun-screen (about a palm-full) should be used to coverthe arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult.For best results, most sunscreens must be reappliedat least every two hours and even more often if youare swimming or sweating.

lProducts labeled “waterproof” may provide pro-tection for at least 80 minutes even when you areswimming or sweating. Products that are “water resist-ant” may protect for only 40 minutes.

S o u r c e : A m e r i c a n C a n c e r S o c i e t y

WATER SAFETY TIPSlStay within the reef line.lNever enter the water unless you know about

hazards, water depth, rocks and currents.lIf you’re caught in a current, don’t waste energy

fighting the current. Swim with it diagonally until youno longer feel the current pull,then swim to shore.

lSwim parallel to thereef, and if you see a spotthat looks safe, try to swimback in . I f the water i srough or you don’t see agood spot, wait for res-cuers.

lWhen surf is 6 feet orh i g h e r, i n e x p e r i e n c e dswimmers should stay outof the water, and experi-enced swimmers shouldexercise extreme caution.

lNever swim, dive orsurf alone.

lWear gloves beforeputt ing your hands onanything. There are a fewdangerous creatures suchas stone fish, lion fish, crownof thorns and eels that you might want to watch outfor.

lIf you are an inexperienced snorkeler, it is bestrecommended that you use a life vest in the water atall times.

lMake sure you have some type of protection onyour hands and feet if you

lCheck warning signs or flags indicating hazardousconditions. Don’t go out just before or after a ty-phoon, which usually brings along hazardous surfconditions.

lNever go out after someone who is swept overthe reef.

lIf unexpected situations occur, do not panic.lNever leave a child unobserved around water.lKeep a phone nearby so that you can call 911 in

an emergency.

lKnow if a trained lifeguard is on duty.lRecognize and follow posted rules.lLearn basic water safety, first aid and cardiopul-

monary resuscitation.lDon’t go in the water under the influence of al-

cohol or drugs.

BEACHES

Some of the beaches have pavilions that can be re-served for gatherings. Call the Department of Parksand Recreation’s Park Reservations division at 475-6288. There is a minimal deposit to reserve your space,as well as a refundable mandatory cleaning depositfee.

Be advised that all beaches under the purview ofthe local government are alcohol-free zones. Publicparks are also secured daily.

lAsan Beach Park offers an enormous grassy fieldperfect for holding large-scale functions or simplyexercising. It is also a War in the Pacific National His-torical Park, as it provides valuable history as a key lo-cation in the World War II.

lGov. Joseph Flores Beach Park, better known asYpao Beach, has sand volleyball courts, pavilions withbarbecue pits, and walkways for walkers, runners andjoggers.

lEast Hagåtña Bay is a popular site for commercialand private personal watercraft operators. Fishermenalso can be seen here casting lines and nets, knownas talayas, during certain fishing seasons.

lFamily Beach is at Cabras, off the Glass Breakwa-ter in Apra Harbor. There’s a picnic area, and it’s agood place from which to see the harbor’s activities.

lGabgab Beach is located on Navy Base Guam.Easy access to great snorkeling

and diving.lGun Beach and Fafa’i

Beach can be reached by arough, unpaved road at theend of San Vitores Road, afterthe entrance to the NikkoHotel Guam. At the end ofthe road is Gun Beach, walkaround the point to reacht h e m o re s e c l u d e d Fa f a’iBeach. Snorkelers and diversshould exercise caution asthe current here can be de-ceptive.

lMatapang Beach Parkcan be reached by turningleft in the Holiday Inn ResortGuam parking lot. Calm wa-ters make this beach popu-

lar.lNimitz Beach is in Agat;

there are pavilions and a park-like experience.lRitidian Point, home to the Guam National

Wildlife Refuge. No barbecue pits or fires allowed andyou must take out your own trash. Although thebeach is beautiful, the currents are dangerous.

lTagachang Beach is in Yona. It’s rocky and se-cluded, so take precautions and watch out aroundyou. Lock your car and wear shoes.

lTepungan Beach in Piti, near the Piti Bomb Holes,is a popular snorkeling and dive site.

ETIQUETTERespect for people and the environment is the

best way to keep the beach a great place to go.

Guam’s beachgoers are allowed to bring dogs, pic-nic lunches, balls and other outdoor toys. Dogs shouldbe kept on a leash and any droppings should bepicked up — not buried. The balate’ and other seaanimals are protected in marine preserves. Clean upall trash after your beach visit.

S o u r c e : M a i l a H å l o m

22


R e c r e a t i o n

23

A g a n a H e i g h t sMayor’s Office: 472-8285/6/6393Saint: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. When: Always follows Thanksgiving week-

endHistory: Before World War II a number

of families in both Sinajana and Tutuhan hadtheir own chapels. When the Japanese forcessent the Catholic missionaries as prisoners toJapan and took over the Cathedral, Father Os-car Calvo kept the Blessed Sacrament at theCruz chapel. Father Calvo said mass therewhenever possible. When Bishop ApollinarisW. Baumgartner arrived with Father Paul andFather Anselm, they would each go to Tutu-jan to say Mass.!Since the bishop believedthat it was the only place on Guam that theBlessed Sacrament had been preservedthroughout World War II and the occupationof Japanese forces, he called the chapel, “OurLady of the Blessed Sacrament.”

A g a tMayor’s Office: 565-4338/2524/4330/4336Saint: Our Lady of Mount CarmelWhen: JulyHistory: In Carmelite tradition, Mt. Carmel

had been a place devoted to monastic-styleprayer. They built a!monastery and it was ded-icated to the Virgin Mary, whom they calledOur Lady of Mt. Carmel. According toCarmelite tradition, a scapular—a small pieceof rough wool cloth—was given in a vision bythe Virgin Mary to the monastic Simon Stock,living in England in the 13th century. Thescapular is associated with Mary’s promisesof protection and salvation for the devotedwearer.

A s a nMayor’s Office: 472-6581/479-2726Saint: Niño PerdidoWhen: Last Saturday in DecemberHistory: The feast day of Niño Perdido

refers to the Day of the Lost Child. The tra-dition refers to a biblical account in theGospel of Like called Finding in the Temple.For the three days, the young Jesus stayed ata temple in Jerusalem, unbeknownst to hisparents. When they finally found him, he wasteaching and preaching about God’s word inJerusalem.

M a i n aMayor’s Office: 472-6581/479-2726Saint: Our Lady of PurificationWhen: First weekend in FebruaryHistory: Our Lady of Purification is the ti-

tle given to the Virgin Mary. The feast of OurLady of Purification commemorates Mary’sobedience to the Mosaic law by submitting

herself to the Temple for the ritual purifica-tion. As a woman born without original sin,Mary did not need this purification. Yet, shesubmitted out of humility and obedience to theLaw.

B a r r i g a d aMayor’s Office: 734-3737/3859Saint: San VicenteW h e n : E a r l y A p r i l

History: San Vicente Ferrer was a Domini-can friar who is noted for his work as a mis-sionary and logician. At 18 years old, San Vi-cente committed himself to the service of Godin the Order of St. Dominic. For three years,he read only the scriptures and knew thewhole Bible by heart. Soon after his solemnprofession, he was appointed to read lecturesof philosophy. At the end of his course, hepublished a treatise on Dialectic Suppositions.For twenty one years he traveled to England,Scotland, Ireland, Aragon, Castile, France,Switzerland, and Italy, preaching the Gospeland converting thousands of people.

C h a l a n P a g oMayor’s Office: 477-1333, 472-8302Saint: Sacred Heart of JesusWhen: JuneHistory: The Feast of the Sacred of Heart

of Jesus is a religious devotion to Jesus’ phys-ical heart as a symbol of his perpetual love forhumanity. The devotion highlights Jesus’undying love, compassion, and eternal suf-fering. In religious art, the Sacred Heart isillustrated as a flaming heart shining with di-vine light, wounded by a lance, and encircledby a crown of thorns.

O r d o tMayor’s Office: 477-1333, 472-8302Saint: San Juan Bautista When: Late JuneHistory: San Juan Bautista is the Spanish-

language name of St. John the Baptist, apreacher and religious figure who led a bap-tism movement. He is believed to have bap-tized Jesus Christ. Christians often refer tohim as the forerunner of Jesus, as he an-nounced Jesus’ arrival and had previouslybeen followed by some of Jesus’ early fol-lowers.

D e d e d oMayor’s Office: 632-5203/5019, 637-9014Saint: Santa BarbaraWhen: Early DecemberHistory: Santa Barbara was a maiden of

great beauty whose father locked her in a tow-er to keep away suitors who did not like. Healways wanted to keep her from indulging inher habit of constantly helping the poor. Shespent years in the tower and received her foodfrom a basket attached to a rope. One day, astranger put a book about Christianity in thebasket. Santa Barbaba longed to learn more.When she refused to renounce her new faith,her father grabbed her beautiful long hair andbeheaded her. A moment later, lightningstruck the father and killed him.

HagåtñaMayor’s Office: 477-8045/47Saint: Our Lady of Camarin When: December 8History: Our Lady of Camarin, also known

as Santa Marian Kamalen, is the patron saintof Guam. Though there are many legends sur-rounding the origin of the Santa Marian Ka-malen statue, oral tradition explains that afisherman from Merizo spotted the statuefloating in the water alongside two gold-spot-ted crabs. The statue of Santa Marian Ka-malen is made of wood, except for the ivoryface and hands. On December 8, thousands ofCatholic residents honor the patron saint witha procession around the island’s capital.

I n a r a j a nMayor’s Office: 475-2509Saint: St. Joseph, Husband of MaryWhen: March 19History: St. Joseph is the husband of Vir-

gin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ Hewas a compassionate, caring man. When hediscovered Mary was pregnant after they hadbeen married, he knew the child was not hisbut was unaware that she was carrying theSon of God. In accordance with the law, hewas supposed to divorce Mary, but he wasconcerned for her suffering and safety. He isconsidered the patron saint of workers, fa-thers, unborn children, and immigrants.


V i l l a g e F i e s t a s

Celebratingpatron saints


24

M a l o j l o jMayor’s Office: 475-2509Saint: San IsidroWhen: Weekend After Mother’s DayHistory: San Isidro is the patron saint of

farmers. Legend has it that while the saintwas praying, two angels ploughed the landfor him. According to legend, San Isidromiraculously made a spring gush by bangingthe ground while he ploughed. The water fromthe spring restored the health of Prince Fe-lipe of Spain. In 1528, Empress Isabel ordereda hermitage to be built in honor of San Isidro.

M a n g i l a oMayor’s Office: 734-2163/5731Saint: Santa TeresitaW h e n : L a s t w e e ke n d o f S e p t e m b e r

History: Santa Teresita is the Spanish name ofSaint Therese of Lisieux. Nicknamed the “Lit-tle Flower of Jesus,” she became a FrenchCarmelite nun when she was just 15 years old.Though she died of tuberculosis at age 24,she left behind an autobiography that has in-spired thousands of people spiritually and re-ligiously. “The Story of a Soul” is a collectionof Santa Teresita’s autobiographical manu-scripts, letters, poems, and prayers.

M e r i z oMayor’s Office: 828-8312/2941/8772Saint: San DimasWhen: AprilHistory: San Dimas is described in the

Gospel of Luke as the “Penitent thief.” Ac-cording the Scripture, San Dimas was one ofthe thieves crucified with Jesus. Unlike theother thief who mocked Jesus for claiming hewas the Son of God, San Dimas asked Jesusfor forgiveness and to remember him in hiskingdom.

MongmongMayor’s Office: 477-6758/9090Saint: Nuestra Señora de las AguasWhen: Last weekend of JanuaryHistory: Nuestra Señora de las Aguas is

translated to Our Lady of the Waters. This ti-tle was given to the image of Mary for hav-ing saved a priest who was in danger of ship-wreck.

TotoMayor’s Office: 477-6758/9090Saint: Immaculate Heart of MaryWhen: JuneHistory: The Immaculate Heart of Mary is

the devotional name given to the Virgin Maryfor her virtues, her love for Jesus, her virginallove for God the Father, and her love for allhumanity. In traditional images of the Immac-ulate Heart of Mary, the heart is pierced withseven wounds or swords, which represent theseven sorrows of Mary. Flowers may also be

wrapped around the heart.

PitiMayor’s Office: 472-1232/3 Saint: Assumption of Our LadyWhen: Last weekend of AugustHistory: The feast of the Assumption of

Our Lady celebrates the taking up of Mary’sbody into heaven. The Assumption of OurLady recalls the glorification of Mary’s fleshat the end of her early life and teaches thatMary rose to heaven soon af ter death .

Santa RitaMayor’s Office: 565-2614/4337Saint: Santa RitaWhen: Third weekend of MayHistory: Santa Rita is the Spanish name for

St. Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian nun notedfor her austerity, devotion to prayer, and char-ity. At 12 years old, she was married to a cru-el and harsh man and later had two sons. Whenher husband was killed in a brawl 18 yearslater, she tried to enter the Augustinian con-vent in Cascia. At first they refused her due tothe requirement that all nuns be virgins, but in1413, they allowed Santa Rita to enter. In themidst of chronic illness, she received woundsthat resembled the crown of thorns. Upon herdeath, many miracles were reported instantly.

SinajanaMayor’s Office: 472-6707, 477-3323Saint: St. Jude ThaddeusWhen: OctoberHistory: St. Jude Thaddeus was one of the

12 Apostles of Jesus, not to be confused withJudas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ. Inhis New Testament letter, St. Jude highlightsthe importance of staying faithful and perse-vering during difficult times. Thus, St. Jude isthe patron saint of desperate causes.

TamuningMayor’s Office: 646-5211/8646, 647-

9816/9820Saint: St. AnthonyWhen: JuneHistory: St. Anthony of Padua was a

Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Or-der. St. Anthony is known as the “hammer ofheretics” for his powerful preaching and greatknowledge of scripture. In religious art, thesaint is often pictured with the infant Jesus. Heis the patron saint of lost things and missingpersons.

TalofofoMayor’s Office: 789-1421/3262Saint: San MiguetWhen: SeptemberHistory: San Miguet is the Chamorro lan-

g u a g e n a m e g ive n t o S t . M i c h a e l t h eArchangel, who is described in Holy Scriptureas “one of the chief princes.” St. Michael wasthe leader of the forces of heaven in their suc-cess over the evil powers of hell. Known as theprotector of the Church, the saint is the patron

of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police andsickness.

TumonMayor’s Office: 646-5211/8646, 647-

9816/9820Saint: Blessed Diego Luis de San VitoresWhen: Second weekend of JanuaryHistory: Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores

was a Jesuit missionary who is credited forbringing Christianity to Guam in 1668. Onhis way to a mission in the Philippines,Blessed Diego stopped by Guam and promisedto return. He founded the first Catholic Churchon island. In April 1672, Chamorro chiefsMata’pang and Hurao murdered BlessedDiego after had baptized Mata’pang’s new-born daughter without his permission. Thus,Blessed Diego is recognized as a Catholicmartyr.

UmatacMayor’s Office: 828-8258/2940Saint: San DionisioWhen: OctoberHistory: San Dionisio is the Spanish lan-

guage name of St. Dionysius the Areopagite.He was the judge of the Areopagus, the high-est court in Greece. After he converted toCatholicism, St. Paul gave him the title ofBishop of Athens. San Dionisio eventuallyfollowed St. Paul in missionary travel. In theyear 96, he was martyred through beheadingunder the reign of Emperor Domitian.

YigoMayor’s Office: 653-9446/9119Saint: Santa LourdesWhen: Second Weekend of FebruaryHistory: Our Lay of Lourdes the devotion-

al title given to the Virgin Mary in honor ofthe Marian apparitions that occurred in Lour-des, France. A Marian apparition occurs whenthe Virgin Mary supernaturally appears to oneor more people. The most famous apparitionin Lourdes occurred when the Virgin Maryappeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous,who was later canonized as St. Bernadette.

YonaMayor’s Office: 789-4798/1525 Saint: St. Francis of AssisiWhen: First weekend of OctoberHistory: St. Francis of Assisi is the founder

of the men’s Franciscan Order and thewomen’s Order of St. Clare. He was the sonof a wealthy cloth merchant and had the atti-tude of the average young man—arrogant,conceited, and feeling invisible. After havinga dream that he believed was from God, he leftthe worldly life of wealth to live a life forGod. St. Francis is noted for his love of theEucharist, his sorrow during the Stations of theCross, and for the creation of the NativityScene. He is the patron saint of animals andthe environment.


V i l l a g e F i e s t a s

To get a glimpse into tradition-al family and religious cultureon Guam, you’ll want to check

out fiesta, held each month in the differ-ent island villages.

Since the Spanish first colonized theisland several hundred years ago, Guamresidents have been predominantlyCatholic. Churches celebrate their patronsaint with an accompanying fiesta, typi-cally thrown at the church for those whoattend Mass and at village homes on Sun-days, says Carlos Paulino, and Inarajanresident who celebrates two fiestas eachyear.

At the homes, expect a seemingly end-less buffet table of local foods preparedby friends and family members for theguests who visit the fiesta.

There are a couple of rules to follow,but in general, Catholic or not, friendsor not, you’re invited to celebrate, Pauli-no says.

“Nobody is turned away. It’s open tothe public,” he says. “People come downand we prepare lots of food and drinks.”

A fiesta Mass is usually held on a Sat-urday and guests at the Mass are invitedto eat at that dinner called the “na’taotaotumano’ “.

The next day, many villagers put upcanopies and open up their homes and ta-bles for their own fiesta celebrations.

Because it’s a tradition, Paulino sayshis family members, including his sixchildren, usually pitch in to contributefor and drinks.

Guests aren’t required to bring any-thing but if you’d like to offer a case ofdrinks or anything else, you’re welcomedto do so.

To - g o

Because there’s an abundance of foodprepared for guests, there’s often plentyof leftovers, for those who’d like to takefood to-go.

“We’d rather people see it take foodthan it to go to waste,” Paulino says. “The fam-ily prepares a lot of food. But during almostclosing, - the family will ask to pack something.”

Before you consider taking any food home,allow the host to first offer. Before that evenhappens, they wait at least a couple of hours be-

fore making the offer, allowing other guests tohave at the feast before letting people take “ba-lutan”, or wrap food to go.

Many villagers have games and other enter-tainment at their fiestas so don’t be shy whenyou’re there.

When you’re all danced out and full from thefeast, thank your host and leave with a little bitof insight into Guam food and culture.

By Lacee A.C. MartinezPacif ic Daily News

lcmar [email protected]

26 L o c a l C u i s i n e


The Pacific Ocean can generate someof the most intense storms in theworld and Guam’s location makes ita target for typhoons. Although

heavy rains aren’t an unfamiliar sight for Guam,residents are always wary of the torrential rainsand damaging winds that typhoons can bring tothe island. Here are some ways you can makeyourself typhoon-ready.

Maila Halom

TYPHOON TERMSlTropical disturbance: A moving area of thunder-

storms in the tropics that maintains itself for at least24 hours.

lTropical depression: A tropical cyclone with ro-tating wind circulation and maximum sustained sur-face winds of no more than 38 mph.

lTropical storm: A tropical cyclone with windsfrom 39 to 73 mph.

lTyphoon: A tropical cyclone with strong, pro-nounced winds in excess of 74 mph.

lSupertyphoon: A tropical cyclone with winds ex-ceeding 149 mph.

BEFORE A STORM

Securing YOUR HOMElSeepage: Cover beds and other items with plas-

tic sheeting to protect from water seeping in aroundwindows and doors.

lSurge: Use surge protectors on major appliancesand phone lines to avoid power spikes.

lKit: Stock up on supplies such as candles, batter-ies, fuel for stoves and lanterns, toiletries and dis-posable plates and flatware.

lOrganize: Arrange flashlights, lanterns, candlesand lighters in places where adults can easily findthem.

lWater: Have several gallons of purified water onhand.

lDebris: Secure all loose items such as garbagecan lids, potted plants, gardening tools and othermaterials that could become airborne during highwinds.

lTin: Tie down tin-covered roof extensions with ca-bles.

lFlood: Do not put valuable items and applianceson ground level to protect them from any flooding.

lPower: Have the main breaker or fuse box and theutility meters raised above the flood level for yourarea. This way, if your home floods, water will notdamage your utilities.

lBuy typhoon insurance: If you have one, makesure it is current.

Securing YOUR CAR

lFuel: Fill your vehicles’ tanks with gas. Cover: Ifyou do not have a covered garage, move your vehi-cle away from trees or structures that may topple orcollapse.

lInsurance: Check with your insurance provider iftyphoon damage is covered. If you paid for a premi-

um that covers only liability, it is likely you do nothave typhoon insurance coverage.

DURING A TYPHOONlStay inside and away from windows. Watch tel-

evision or listen to radio bulletins. If you are in a low-lying area or do not have a concrete home or stormshutters, consider seeking shelter elsewhere.

lStay inside, even when the eye of the typhoon ispassing and all appears to be calm, as heavy windswill soon follow from the opposite direction.

lFill in holes around doors with old towels or blan-kets; if these gaps are left open, it may lead to flood-ing.

lTurn off and unplug all appliances. Shut off themain gas valve and power switch. Use surge protec-tors on major appliances and phone lines to avoidpower spikes.

AFTER A STORMBe mindful of the following safety tips when re-

turning home after a flood or severe storm:lCheck your home before you go in. Carefully

check outside your home for loose power lines, gasleaks, foundation cracks or other damage. If you seedamage, a building inspector or contractor shouldcheck the building before you enter.

lTurn off the electricity. Even if the power compa-ny has turned off electricity to the area, make certainyour house’s power supply is disconnected.

lIf you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave yourhome immediately and call the gas company from aneighbor’s house.

lEnter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, itcould mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you forcethe door open, wait outside the doorway in case offalling debris.

lCheck the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain,or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It isvery heavy and dangerous if it falls.

lMake sure the electricity is off and hose down thehouse to remove health hazards left behind by flood-water mud. Remove water quickly using a mop orsqueegee.

STAY INFORMEDIf power and Internet connection is available, get

weather updates by logging on to:lPacific Daily News: www.guampdn.comlNational Weather Service Forecast Office, Guam:

www.prh.noaa.gov/guam/lGuam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense:

www.guamhs.org/main

NOAA Weather RadioNOAA Weather Radio broadcasts National Weath-

er Service warnings, watches, forecasts and otherhazard information 24 hours a day. The radio pro-gram broadcasts on frequencies 162.550 and 162.400in the Mariana Islands. Weather radios can be pur-chased at local electronics stores, mail order cata-logs and various other locations.

lNWR TRANSMITTER CALL FREQ (MHZ)lGuam (Nimitz Hill) WXM-85 162.400lSaipan (Mount Tapochau) WXM-86 162.550

CONDITIONS OF READINESS

When a storm is headed Guam’s way, the GuamHomeland Security Office of Civil Defense issues con-ditions of readiness to alert residents. The conditionsof readiness are based on the onset of damagingwinds of 39 mph.

Under Condition of Readiness 4, or COR 4:lDamaging winds may arrive on island within 72

hours.lNormal day-to-day activities are expected.Under Condition of Readiness 3, or COR 3:lDamaging winds may arrive within 48 hours.lReview or update your family disaster plan.lBuy and replenish supplies for your disaster sup-

ply kit.lFill your cars’ gas tanks.lSecure outdoor objects.lPrepare household for long-term power and wa-

ter loss. (Do the laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.)lTune in to radio and/or television.Under Condition of Readiness 2, or COR 2:lDamaging winds may arrive within 24 hours.lClose and secure shutters.lFill containers with water.lMove vehicles to a secure and protected area.lReview family disaster plan with entire family.lSeek emergency shelter if your home is not ful-

ly concrete or prepared to withstand damagingwinds.

lTune in to radio and/or television.Under Condition of Readiness 1, or COR 1:lDamaging winds are occurring or expected with-

in 12 hours.lOnly mission-essential personnel and vehicles

are allowed outdoors.lTune in to radio and/or television.

GENERATOR SAFETYTurn off the main breaker or breakers to all hous-

es or buildings connected to your generator. Thisprevents a backfeed of power from the generatorinto the islandwide power system, which could injureor kill power workers.

lKeep generators in a well-ventilated area, awayfrom air-conditioning units and ducts.

lProtect generators from exposure to water.lNever refuel generators while they are running.

Allow generators to cool off before refueling.lNever obstruct the generator’s exhaust muffler.lDo not overload circuits.lDo not let the generator run out of fuel while run-

ning or air will get into the hoses.lKeep the fuel system clean.lLook for generators with an oil shut-down switch.lChange the oil after every 200 hours of use. Some

generators also have oi l f i l ters that should bechanged periodically.

lCheck the fan belt.lCheck for leaks in the filters and make sure the

air filter is clean.

28


T y p h o o n R e a d i n e s s

29

The Pacific Daily News is Guam’s onlydaily newspaper and delivers through-out Guam, the Marianas.

The PDN is owned by Gannett Co. Inc., alarge, diversified news and information compa-ny. Gannett is the United States’ largest newspa-per publisher. The company’s daily newspapersinclude USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-sell-ing daily newspaper, with a circulation of approx-imately 1.7 million.

The PDN Web site — www.guampdn.com— is visited by hundreds of thousands of read-ers a round the wor ld . OnGuamPDN.com, you’ll find the latestbreaking news and updates throughoutthe day. You’ll also find announcementsfrom political leaders, businesses, non-profit organizations and people like youwho want to share their information.Visit GuamPDN.com to sign up for thelatest in news, traffic, water and powerupdates via text alerts.

But it’s more than just an online area to learnabout what’s going on here on Guam. It’s a placefor you to share your news, pictures, blogs andopinions, as well as calendar your upcomingevents.

G E T P U B L I S H E DVisitors to guampdn.com have access to so-

cial media tools that allow readers to blog, sharephotos, keep up with friends and sound off in ourcomments sections. We also provide tools thatallow readers to submit their stories, photos andletters to the editor for publication online and inprint. Readers can also search our online eventscalendar to find out what’s happening aroundthe island.

G U I D EIf you have a story to tell, an opinion to share,

a news tip to leave or an event you’d like to letthe public know about, this guide can help.

The following is a list of frequently askedquestions of the newsroom, followed by a direc-tory of sections and departments at the paper tohelp you get your information to the right per-son.

Q:We’ve tried several times to get ournews into the PDN without success. Isthere anybody we can talk to?

A:Yes. Discuss it with the par-ticular section editor, but if

you don’t know who that is or if youdon’t get a very good answer from thatperson, call David Crisostomo, themanaging editor.

Q:How do I write a press re-lease?

A:Just provide the facts. Answer thesequestions:

lWho is involved? Provide complete names.Affiliations, titles, villages and other identifyinginformation helps.

lWhen? Give a time and date.lWhere? Be specific.lWho is affected by this announcement?lWhy is this important? Put your news into

perspective for the community.l Whom should we contact for more infor-

mation? Let us know the best way and time forus to contact you if we need more information.

Q:How do we send in our press release?

A:Email is best, or submit your informa-tion online at www.guampdn.com. Use

the “Share your news” link at the bottom of thewebsite. You can also mail, fax or drop a note atthe front desk.

Mail: (Section), Pacific Daily News, P.O. BoxDN, Hagåtña, Guam 96932. The section couldbe News, Lifestyle, Business, Sports, etc. Ifyou’re not sure, just use News.

You can also fax it to 477-3079.Drop it off. The PDN is in Hagåtña in the

DNA Building, 244 Archbishop Flores Street.It’s best to make a follow-up call to make

sure the right person received your press release.

Q:How do I get my news on the paper’sWeb site?

A:The same way you’d get it into the pa-per. The PDN s i te ,

www.guampdn.com, has the news of the day,plus updates throughout day and any breakingnews that may occur. Under the “Customer Serv-ice” banner, there is a “contact us” button thatwill link you to a form for sending a press re-lease, comment or question, letter to the editorand advertising or delivery question.

The site also has a host of other useful infor-mation and access to the paper’s magazine prod-ucts, such Pika, The Pacific Marketplace andMaila Halom.

C U S T O M E R S E R V I C EThe Pacific Daily News business hours are

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and closedSaturday and Sunday. To call, dial 472-1PDN.


P a c i f i c D a i l y N e w s

Complete news source


30

I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R

M A G A Z I N E S , S P E C I A L S E C T I O N SA N D W E E K L I E S

The Pacific Daily News staff produces sever-al quarterly and annual magazines. The two an-nual magazines are the Bridal Guide, which ispublished to help couples plan the wedding oftheir dreams; and the other is this, Maila Halom,a guide to Guam for locals and new residents.

Pika is the section’s monthly entertainmentguide that’s included in the daily paper on the firstof every month. There are happy hour, movieand boonie stomp listings, and features on whereto catch performances of local bands. Pika alsocovers music, fashion, club openings and the lo-cal arts scene.

A weekly supplement in the paper includes:Bayanihan, a publication geared to Guam’s Fil-ipino residents, which is published on Saturdays.

B U S I N E S SThe section covers a wide range of topics,

from mom and pop stores to local multi-mil-lion industries like the retail landscape,tourism, business and economic trends onGuam, the Pacific region and around the world.

Phone: 479-0414E-mail: [email protected].

S P O R T SThe section covers all sporting activities.

Ron Ige is the sports editor.Sports NotesSports Notes is a daily collection of events,

meetings and notices. Contributions from resi-

dents are welcomed. Call 479-0420. Other-wise, forms are available at the Pacific DailyNews.

Write Sports Notes on mail, fax anddropped-off items.

Phone: 479-0420E-mail: [email protected]

W H O ’ S W H OPublisher and President: Rindraty Celes Limtiaco, 479-0100. Fax: (671)472-1512. E-mail:[email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Carmelita Blas, 479-0102.Fax: (671) 472-1512.

Human Resources Principal Business Partner: EdnaNery, 479-0106. Fax: (671) 472-1512.

Market Development Director: Jason Sakazaki,479-0500. Fax: (671) 472-5045.

A C C O U N T I N GController: Gerald “Jake” Woo, 479-0300. Fax: (671) 472-1512.Billing questions: 479-0301.

A D V E R T I S I N GAdvertising Director: Jae Fermin Medina, 479-0200General ad information: 479-0203Classified ads: (671) 472-1PDNClassified fax: (671) 472-4641Classified e-mail: [email protected] fax: (671) 477-0359

O N L I N EOnline Director: Karen Gayle, 479-0222, e-mail: [email protected]

P R O D U C T I O NOperations Director: Bill Windham, 479-0600, e-mail: [email protected]

N E W SManaging Editor: David V. Crisostomo, 479-0400,e-mail: [email protected]

Community Editor: Duane M. George,479-0415, e-mail: [email protected]

Visual Editor: Cid Caser, 479-0429, e-mail:[email protected]

Local News Editor: Steve Limtiaco, 479-0419, e-mail: [email protected]

Assistant Local News Editor: Oyaol Ngirairikl, 479-0417, e-mail: [email protected]

Photo Chief: Masako Watanabe, 479-0425, e-mail:[email protected]

Sports Editor: Ron Ige, 479-0420, e-mail:[email protected]

Magazine Coordinator: Karla Borja, 479-0421, e-mail: [email protected]

Projects/Data Editor: Steve Limtiaco, 479-0419, e-mail: [email protected]

News tips hot line: 475-NEWS.

P a c i f i c D a i l y N e w s


Complete news source

Documents

Maila Halom 2014