Green thumbs
Gardeners create personal paradises
Life lessons
Teachers heed the calling
Kicking it up a notch Girls soccer team hits the field
AUGUST 2017
ABOUT THE COVER Jack Muna takes pride in the garden he and his wife, Laling, attend to on their Koblerville property.
4-5 Cover Gardens bloom with pride
6 Calendar
Photo by Sylvan Tudela Chelu Photos
August events
8 Community Police cadets train to serve and protect
10-13 Back to School Teachers share life lessons
14 Featured Event International Festival of Cultures
18 Business Red Door Boutique
20 Artist Tahj Salas, aspiring Tinian filmmaker
22-23 On the Road Event photos and special messages
24 Sports United Armada football club grooms athletes
Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Hanson ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White REPORTER Lara Ozaki CREATIVE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Keisha Marie Gozum Marcus Villaverde GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Duenas PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVES Minda Castro Norlyn Cabrera MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong
26 Special Feature Green Meadow School
We’re Online! www.brmsaipan.com
beachroadmagazine
Beach Road Magazine, August 2017. Entire contents copyrighted 2017 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@ glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.
Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.
COVER
Blooming with pride By Joy White | Photos by BRM
Juan and Becky Tenorio’s San Vicente garden is a spot of tranquility and peace.
While many will be ducking indoors during the rainy season, residents with green thumbs will be taking advantage of the season to add to their gardens and properties. Juan and Becky Tenorio draw tranquility from their San Vicente garden. They take pride in anything green, including cactus, orchids, plumeria and palm trees. The Tenorios have been cultivating the garden since they built their home in 1993, the upkeep and improvement of their garden constantly on their minds. While traveling to visit their children in the United States, they saw many beautiful landscape treatments they would like to try, but the island does not have the supplies needed to do so. “This being said, Saipan, Rota and Tinian is a landscape in itself, naturally,” the Tenorios say. The hard work they put into their garden is mirrored in their daily lives. They strive to live up to nature’s intent of tranquility and growth.
4
AUGUST 2017
COVER
Jack and Laling Muna’s garden on their Koblerville property is ripe with fruits, vegetables, trees and flowers.
Jack and Laling Muna’s garden takes up about 60% of their Koblerville property. Their garden is lush with bonzai trees, silver queen trees, ixora, decorative pineapples, evergreens, crotons and asparagus cat tails. The garden is more than just decoration, however, as the Munas grow green onions, hot peppers, bananas, mango and papaya. Maintaining the garden keeps them busy and from being bored. “It is a good feeling knowing that you accomplished something and the result is amazing,” the couple says.
“The pride of having a home garden is the compliments from people that have seen our house and the joy of gardening is the result of what you've planted and harvesting the fruits,” they say. The Munas have been working on their garden for 10 years. It takes a lot of years to really appreciate the results of attention. “My goal now is to improve my landscaping around my house fence to go in line with the beautification projects happening around our island,” Jack Muna says. AUGUST 2017
5
AUGUST Aug. 3 CARE CNMI’s Soudelor Anniversary Fundraiser Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Location: CARE CNMI booth at the Garapan Street Market at Garapan Fishing Base
Aug. 5 Siheky Mini Golf Challenge Time: All-day event Location: Pacific Islands Club Open to all in-house and waterpark guests.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 Garapan Street Market Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Garapan Fishing Base
Looking ahead...
Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 Sabalu Farmers Market Time: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Location: Civic Center on Beach Road in Susupe Aug. 5 Island Summer Auto Fest 2017 Time: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Marianas Business Plaza Registration for competitors: $50 until Aug. 4. Register at Tribe Marianas.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 3rd Annual International Festival of Cultures Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Garapan Fishing Base Admission: Free For more information: Contact Janerlinse Sablan, community projects coordinator at the Marianas Visitors Authority, at (670) 664-3210 or jsablan@mymarianas.com. Sept. 9 KONQER Saipan obstacle course challenge Location: Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park, Puerto Rico Registration fees: $75 for participants age 18 and up; $40 for students ages 15 – 17; $750 and up for business teams; free for kids under age 14. Register online at konqersports.com. For more information: Contact Kellie Wedd at support@konqersports. com or visit konqersports.com.
To be included in our calendar of events, submit details to assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com.
COMMUNITY
DPS academy trains cadets, offers college opportunity By Joy White | Photo by BRM
(From left) Aamie Omengkar, DPS Police Academy cadet; Assistant Chief Lawrence R. Camacho, Department of Public Safety; and Jaylee Laniyo, DPS Police Academy cadet.
Being a police cadet means showing a high level of commitment. For Jaylee Laniyo and Aamie Omengkar, a 12-hour shift in the NMI Department of Public Safety Police Academy started at 6 a.m. sharp, when cadets were expected to be in formation. Then, the cadets went to their first two classes of the day. After lunch there was physical training, and before their shift ended at 6 p.m., they attended one final class. The cycle repeated six days a week for about six months. On July 28, 30 cadets were due to graduate from the academy, including five from Tinian and five from Rota. Through a partnership with the Northern Marianas College, cadets of the 22nd cycle of the NMI Department of Public Safety Police Academy graduated with credit hours toward an associates in criminal justice. The academy combines NMC criminal justice and Police Academy courses. Toward the end of the training period, cadets received field experience under the supervision of law enforcement officers. Each cadet also got the opportunity to serve as squad leader to hone their leadership skills. After completing the program, cadets have the option of attending NMC to pursue an associates in criminal justice or applying to DPS with the Police Academy certification. “The credibility of our officers is of the utmost importance,” says DPS Assistant Chief Lawrence R. Camacho, who oversaw the program. Laniyo and Omengkar both have families in safety and law enforcement. Laniyo’s sister graduated from the 8
AUGUST 2017
DPS Police Academy in the 21st cycle, and Omengkar’s brother is a firefighter and her sister is a corrections officer. “When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a law enforcement officer. I gave it a try and was lucky enough to get into the academy. What I like about the job is enforcing the law in the community,” Laniyo, 25, says. In addition to being able to pursue his childhood ambition, Laniyo has improved his fitness through the academy. His stamina has improved, and he has lost weight, he says. The field experience was fun for Laniyo and the classes allow him to pick up where he left off at the college. “I took NMC classes before, but I stopped. This academy gave me the chance to get my scholarship back. I’m thinking of finishing off my classes to get my associates degree,” Lamiyo says. Omengkar, 23, was one of two female cadets at the academy. All cadets are treated the same. “If one fails, we all fail,” she says. Omengkar appreciates that the academy has helped her build inner strength and discipline. “I love being yelled at and being told what to do because it makes us stronger on the inside. They tell us, 'If you can’t take the heat, then don’t play with fire,’” she says. After graduation, Omengkar hopes to go straight to patrolling the island’s highways. She sees herself pulling people over, giving citations and bringing in the bad guys, she says.
BACK TO SCHOOL
“A” for “Above and beyond” Teachers share what calls them back to the classroom year after year By Joy White As August rolls around, students are not the only ones preparing themselves to return to the classroom. Teachers are also readying themselves to return to a profession that many view as a calling. Some may have not heard the calling initially, but once they stepped into the classroom, they realized it to be true. An unexpected dream job Rosalie Habijan has been teaching for 32 years, of which 15 have been in Saipan. When Habijan was younger, she wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor, but her family could not afford to send her to college. Pursuing a career in education was a more affordable option for her. “Though teaching was not my dream job, I [grew] to love it. It became something I enjoyed doing. I wouldn’t be teaching for almost 32 years if I was not enjoying it,” she says. Today, she is a fifth grade teacher of language arts at Green Meadow School. She also coaches the Primary Grade Forensic Competition, Elementary Academic Challenge Bowl, the STEM Fair and GMS dance troupe and is editor of the school’s publication, The Sequoia.
Rosalie Habijan 5th grade teacher and assistant principal Green Meadow School
10 AUGUST 2017
Photo by BRM
Kristal Ann Babauta Johnson 5th grade teacher Koblerville Elementary School Photo courtesy of Kristal Ann Babauta Johnson
Lifelong love for learning Kristal Ann Babauta Johnson decided to become a teacher when she was in the seventh grade to inspire students the way she was inspired by her own teachers and mentors. Though learning came easy to Johnson, becoming a teacher did not. “I worked hard with the intention of changing the minds and the hearts of children — to help them find their inner strength to make it through the times when they think they can’t figure it out,” she says. Johnson has been teaching since 2012. She now teaches fifth grade at Koblerville Elementary. She is also an adviser of the National Elementary Honor Society. Johnson was voted the 2016 Teacher of the Year and placed in the top five teachers statewide. “If you do not have the strength or the passion to show up each day with a smile on your face and something funny for the day after all you’ve learned and done, then this profession probably isn’t for you,” Johnson says. At home in the classroom When she was in college, Bona V. Angeles had wanted to be a nurse, but her mother, a teacher, encouraged her to go into education. “Maybe she saw my patience in taking care of and teaching basic skills to my sister, Myra, who had Down Syndrome. When I graduated with a bachelor’s in elementary education and got a teaching job, I realized that my mom was right because I love teaching, and I started to give my time and dedication to it,” Angeles says.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Bona V. Angeles 2nd grade teacher and preschool assistant principal Green Meadow School
Photo by BRM
Now Angeles is a second-grade teacher at Green Meadow School and has been teaching for 23 years. She is also a coach of the Primary Grade Forensic Competition and director of the GMS Summer School Camp and recently became the assistant principal for the school’s preschool program, Pure Love Day Care. There was a time when Angeles tried to pursue a different career. Twelve years ago she decided to work at a spa. For two years, she had recurring dreams of returning to the classroom. She eventually realized teaching was her calling. “My joy as a teacher and as assistant principal gives me the motivation to improve my craft. Teaching is like a rainbow of challenges and a passion that gives happiness within you,” Angeles says. Top of the class Gerard van Gils came to Saipan unemployed and burnt out from a decade working in banking management. He volunteered as a soccer coach for the Marianas High School and then he applied to be a classroom teacher at the school. He eventually joined Kagman High School, where he has been teaching for four years. He has been recognized as the high school’s Teacher of the Year and as the Marianas Young Professionals Young Professional of the Year in 2016. He is presently the 2017 State Teacher of the Year for the Northern Mariana Islands. He also launched Mentor for a Meal, which pairs high school students with industry professionals, and the Million Dollar Scholars, which in its first year raised $2.5 million in scholarships to assist 21 students to attend college off island. Teaching is definitely a calling, he says.
Kagman High School teacher Gerard van Gils attended a congratulatory reception in April at the Oval Office with President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump along with 54 other State Teachers of the Year followed by a private photo and conversation with the president and first lady at the resolute desk. Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
“People do not stay in their professions, teaching or otherwise, for the money. […] I teach because I believe in the obligation of the fortunate to improve the lives of those less so; teaching is noble,” he says.
What’s your teaching style? Angeles: “Setting classroom rules is very important. I ask the students to make the rules and agree to follow them. …From day one, I tell my students that I’m strict because I love them. I want them to be competitive and be the best class in the school.” Habijan: “As a teacher I always remember that students have different learning styles. I have to be flexible to attend to different students. When I ask my students what they think about me, they say I’m strict, but kind.” Johnson: “I treat my students like young adults – enough room for improvement but high expectations to meet in all aspects. […] I challenge them to be better people than even they think they can be. I push them hard because I want them to know the world isn’t all cotton candy and rainbows.” van Gils: “Our best lessons are multi-disciplinary and foster understanding over memorization. I feel that if I am engaged in the world then my excitement will flood into my teaching and into my student’s psyche. When done right, curiosity and creativity will bloom such that students become self-masters and education proliferates beyond my curriculum.”
AUGUST 2017 11
BACK TO SCHOOL
College Bound Photos by BRM The new school year brings with it a fresh start. Students share with BRM their college plans and strategies for the new semester.
(From left) Stephanie Gury and Chelsea Cayabyab
“Right now, I’m thinking of taking a year off because I’m actually also working at Hyatt Regency Saipan as a cook. I’m still a bit undecided. After graduation, I’m planning to get my AA either in education or business at NMC. I wanted to be a physical education teacher and teach students and basically inform people about staying healthy and fit.“ — Stephanie Gury, 17 Senior at Marianas High School
“This school year, I plan to work on getting up early to improve my attendance at school. My grades are good, but the problem is always arriving late for my classes. That’s what I need to improve on because tardiness affects my grades.” — Athena Guzman, 19 Nursing student at Northern Marianas College 12 AUGUST 2017
“I plan to be a school counselor. After going to NMC for rehab studies, I’m going to study psychology in Guam. I want to stay close, and I want to help the kids here because I know what it’s like to grow up here so I want to prevent people from seeing the things that I saw. “ — Chelsea Cayabab, 18 Student of Education and Science Rehabilitation Human Services at Northern Marianas College
BACK TO SCHOOL
“I’m looking forward to the college environment. After spending a majority of my life here on Saipan, I think flying somewhere new would be a nice change of pace. Whether it is making new friends or studying for my classes, I’m excited of what’s to come. Along with keeping my grades up, I want to develop a better understanding of my core studies. Grades are one thing, but truly understanding the material is another.” — Michael Roy E. Ortizo, 18 Graduate of Mount Carmel School, to attend the University of Delaware to study criminal justice
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, experiencing new things and making new memories with the people I meet. My main goals are to enroll myself into interesting yet challenging courses and to make the Dean’s List. By doing so, I hope that I may also learn how to manage my time efficiently.” — Jackie B. Doctor, 17 Graduate of Mount Carmel School, to attend Emory University to study biology
AUGUST 2017 13
FEATURED EVENT
International Festival of Cultures returns to celebrate diversity Contributed by Marianas Visitors Authority | Photos by BRM
Photo courtesy of Tanya Salas
The 3rd Annual International Festival of Cultures will return in September at the Garapan Fishing Base. The festival will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Saturday evening throughout September and will celebrate the cultural diversity of The Marianas, with special emphasis on the indigenous cultures of Micronesia. The festival will include cultural demonstrations, arts and crafts, food sales, and live cultural entertainment. Admission is free. Slated to participate are the communities of Korea, China, Japan, Chamorro, Carolinian, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Bangladesh and the Philippines. The hosts of the event, the Marianas Visitors Authority, hopes to also include the communities of Micronesia, Russia, India, Pakistan and Nepal. 14 AUGUST 2017
“The Marianas Visitors Authority is very excited about the upcoming International Festival of Cultures to be held in September,” said Christopher A. Concepcion, managing director of MVA. “We will host the IFC at a new venue this year so we expect to see greater community participation.” The festival is an annual signature event of the MVA aimed at giving visitors an incentive to visit The Marianas during the traditionally slower season of the year. It also provides added value for visitors who had already planned to come. Representative groups of different cultures interested in participating may contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Janerlinse Seman Sablan at jsablan@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3210 for more information.
BUSINESS
DRESSED FOR
Anything
By Joy White | Photos by BRM Leilani Ellis has returned to Saipan after 12 years and has opened her own clothing store, Red Door Boutique, in Chalan Kanoa. “After being away for so long and seeing the vast variety of fashion out there, it has really broadened my take on what clothing can do for the human body,” Ellis says. The boutique opened its doors on July 1, offering a one-stop shop for all women’s fashion. Ellis chooses the products personally, taking into account women’s specific needs and budget. “I like to be comfortable in what I wear. No blisters, no fold-downs, etc. As women our bodies go through so many changes. Being able to finally find that pair of jeans that fit perfectly or that top that sits well is really not an easy task. When purchasing, I like to be able to feel the fabric to determine its value and to make it cost effective for my customers to be able to be in something that makes them feel beautiful yet comfortable,” she says. Ellis gets her fashions from various vendors and also travels to the United States for her stock. In addition her store will soon feature one-of-a-kind accessories she makes herself. “I love making things. I will be featuring handmade bags, wristlets as well as jewelry made from things our ocean spits out,” she says. Starting a business has always been Ellis’s dream. She operates the boutique with the help of her 18 AUGUST 2017
niece, Erica Desebel, who is her only employee. Ellis does the buying, selling, accounting, cleaning and even the folding. Choosing the right location was also an important part of starting the business. The shop is on the main road and near other clothing shops and is easily accessible to shoppers, she says. “I love being able to do it all and experiencing the difficult moments of opening up a business,” Ellis says. As an entrepreneur, Ellis’s advice to other aspiring business owners is, "Don't let failure or the word 'no' be a deterrent. Research, use your resources and don't be afraid to ask for help. My help has been my back bone, my family."
"Don't let failure or the word 'no' be a deterrent. Research, use your resources and don't be afraid to ask for help. My help has been my back bone, my family." - Leilani Ellis
Owner Red Door Boutique
ARTIST
Big dreams and the silver screen By Lara Ozaki | Photos courtesy of Tanya Salas
Multi-talented Tinian high school filmmaker Tahj Salas’s dream is to work together with his father, who is also a writer and filmmaker, to produce a father-and-son film about his grandfather’s life. “Every time he told us stories I can picture everything so vividly, and now that I have a passion for film, I can hopefully turn them into a movie one day,” Salas says. Although he would like to get started on filming right away, he needs to first secure equipment, a filming location, actors and extras. “I pray my Tata [grandfather] can see our film when it releases,” he says. “My goal is to make it in time for him to enjoy it during his lifetime.” In addition to filmmaking, Salas expresses himself as a writer, musician, painter and athlete. “If I’m not sleeping, doing schoolwork, doing something with family or putting God first, then I’m either out filming with friends, playing sports, exercising, drawing, making beats, taking pictures, editing my videos and being on social media,” Salas says. Born in Pohnpei and raised in Saipan, the 17 year old of Chamorro and Nukuoroan descent will soon begin his senior year at Saipan Southern High School.
“i'm just an artist-jock, who loves the art of film and loves sports." Salas covers school events by taking photos and videos, many of which can be found on his YouTube channel, Tajii671. Although on occasion he credits music he uses on his videos to others, Salas likes to create all the elements himself. “For the most part, my work is all made originally, and I try to keep it that way as I continue to make more videos and films,” Salas says. Salas is working on a school project called Make a Difference, in which he is organizing a film festival he named Local Youth Film Festival. “It has been a struggle to accomplish this goal, but I am working on it with the help of my mentors and core team to make this event happen and [for it to be] enjoyable for everyone,” Salas says. High school and college students interested in showcasing their films may contact Salas at Tahj26s@gmail.com.
20 AUGUST 2017
ON THE ROAD
ON THE ROAD
Green Meadow School summer campers learn arts and crafts with instructor Virginia Ogerio on June 30. Photos by BRM
"Happy Birthday to my one and only beautiful sister, Norie Rhose. More blessings to come. Through thick and thin, I will always love you and even if we’re thousands of miles apart, I will always be there for you." - With much love from Ate Norlyn Don Farrell, right, photographed with Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion, launched his latest book, “History of Saipan,” with a book signing on June 30.
22 AUGUST 2017
Photos by Corey Shadow
Contributed photo
ON THE ROAD
More than 300 people attended the 29th Pacific Islands Environment Conference held from June 13 to 15 at the Saipan World Resort. The theme was “A Sustainable Pacific: Preparing for Change, Voyaging with Knowledge.�
Photos courtesy of Reina Camacho
Saipan celebrated the 71st Liberation Day of the Northern Mariana Islands on July 4 with the annual parade along Beach Road.
Photo by BRM
AUGUST 2017 23
SPORTS
EYE ON THE GOAL By Joy White The Southern United Football Club, or the Southern Armada, is the newest soccer club in the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association and is ready to make a name for itself. “Unfortunately, we have not won anything yet, but I am proud that my club is improving and shows lots of promise after two seasons,” says Ruselle Zapanta, president and coach of the girls soccer club. Other executive members of the club are Jeremiah Benavente, president; Megan Aglipay, general secretary and treasurer; and Rodwealth Espana, technical director. The one-year-old team has 60 athletes divided among four age groups: U8, U10, U12 and U15. In the coming season, the team will have U6 group for athletes ages 5 and 6 years old. The goal is to get players on the island’s national teams. Zapanta’s approach to win involves hard work and dedication. “Success will come from the output and commitment an individual or team puts into a task, so a lot of hard work and heart and passion will drive one or an organization to success,” Zapanta says. Another part of her strategy for success is to “set practical and achievable goals, achieve those goals and take it step by step to reach ultimate success,” she says. The team so far has played a friendly match in Tinian and participated in MIFA youth leagues and tournaments, as well as participated in the American Red Cross, the Balloon Fun Run and Walk, Marianas March Against Cancer — where the athletes ran a booth to introduce soccer and promote being active in the community — and a sports camp hosted by the team’s sponsor, Marianas Health Services. By participating in community projects, the girls learn
Contributed Photo 24 AUGUST 2017
Photo by BRM
Contributed Photo
more than how to be good athletes. The Southern Armada strives to teach its athletes important skills so they can enjoy life and be successful, Zapanta says. Coaches help the athletes manage their time between soccer and other extracurricular activities. “On and off the pitch, my coaches and I provide for kids when we can, teaching life skills and giving advice or mentoring them when the time or opportunity comes. Kids are curious and have the cutest and most random questions. It’s our coaches’ and club’s duty to guide them to the right path,” Zapanta says. Through it all, the athletes are having fun and staying fit.“Soccer is fun. It’s two halves of non-stop action that can be very intense on the field. You cannot go wrong doing something fun that also keeps you fit and healthy,” Zapanta says. “It’s about having a quality life, and I think sports will provide for that. Keep life exciting and stay healthy so that you can be active and live life to the fullest.” To join the Southern Armada as an athlete or a coach, contact the team through email at southern.united.spn@ gmail.com or send a message via the team’s Facebook page at @southernarmada.com.
SPECIAL FEATURE
BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH GREEN MEADOW
Countributed by Green Meadow School
Green Meadow School has been helping Northern Marianas children with their education and preschool care since 1996. We hope to see you and your children join the GMS family in the 2017–2018 school year. Pure Love Daycare, a division of Green Meadow School, continues to grow and is happy to serve the community with its two locations. Daycare services for preschool and kinder-3 up to first grade are offered at our Gualo Rai branch, and daycare and preschool up to elementary and middle school are offered at the Green Meadow School main campus located in Chalan Kiya just behind Saipan Health Clinic. Green Meadow School is proud that our students are consistently winning in different extracurricular activities, including the Primary Grade Forensic Competition, the National Junior Speech and Debate Association, the Spelling Bee, MathCourt and the STEM Fair.
26 AUGUST 2017
We also avail of programs like Achieve3000, which helps improve the reading skills of students, Smarty Ants for the kinder-5 through second grade students and Kidbiz for third through eighth grade students. Another innovation for the coming school year is the opening of Glee, Reading, Math and Science Club. Students will have fun and at the same time gain additional information about the subject. Enrollment for the 2017–2018 school year is ongoing. DCCA applicants are also welcome. For inquiries, please drop by the school or call 2352185, 234-0898 (daycare) or 233 6452. Here at Green Meadow School and Pure Love Daycare I and II, everyone is treated as a partner in your child’s intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual development. Classes start on Aug. 14. We look forward to serving you.
AUGUST 2017 31