Skin Deep
Backyard tattoo artist turned pro
Sports trio
31st annual Tagaman Triathlon
Realm of relaxation
Boost your health and wellness routine
MARCH 2020
31st annual Tagaman Triathlon. See on page 11. ABOUT THE COVER Chris Sablan, owner of Marianas Ink Tattoo and Piercing, tattooing a client. Photo by D&R Visuals
4 Calendar March events
6-9 Artist
Skin deep
11 Featured Event
31st Annual Tagaman Triathlon
16 Sports
Seven and sevens
19 Health & Beauty Spas in Saipan
22 Recipe Seafood boil foil packs
23 On the Road
Event photos and special messages
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Glimpses Media include: Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Guam Business Magazine, Real Estate Journal, Buenas, Beach Road Magazine, Drive Guam, Pocket Deals
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel REPORTERS Wayne Chargualaf Rianne Peredo CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Vandrick Veloria MEDIA SALES Tina Palacios MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, March 2020. Entire contents copyrighted 2020 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.
MARCH EVENTS
Stay active this March with outdoor events focused on staying healthy! Mar. 7 IT&E 3rd Annual Race for Life Time: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Airport Field Fee: $300 Grab four other people, and register your team of five for this island-wide scavenger hunt. Compete against other teams and find those hidden island treasures while supporting Marianas March Against Cancer! Event will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Contact: Email RaceForLife@itehq.net
Mar. 14 Saipan Marathon in the Marianas Time: 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: American Memorial Park, Micro Beach Fee: Free for spectators
Mar. 28 JP Hero Run
The 2020 Saipan Marathon in the Marianas, sponsored and planned by the Marianas Visitors Authority, will include courses for a full and half marathon, 10K and 5K. The race begins at 4:30 a.m. for the full marathon, 5:30 a.m. for the half marathon, 5:45 a.m. for the 10K and 6 a.m. for the 5K. Northern Mariana Island and U.S. residents can register until Mar. 6 at 5 p.m. for a fee of $65 for the full marathon and $55 for the others. Contact: Email info@mymarianas.com
Mar. 21 Tagaman 2020 Location: Starting in Minachom, Atdao, Saipan Fee: $165 to $285 The Tagaman triathlon will be held on Mar. 21, co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Triathlon Association of the CNMI.
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The annual event will consist of a 2K swim, as well as 60K and 15K bike events. The starting point and swim leg will be at Minachom Atdao, Saipan. Bikers will transition at Kilili Pavilion parking lot in Susupe and head south to Airport Road, then north to Banzai Cliff and back south to Mina’chom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe for the finish line. Cash prizes await the Top 3 finishers in the women’s and men’s open categories. The last day to register is Mar. 18, with a fee of $165 for an individual and $285 per relay team. Contact: Email info@mymarianas.com
Time: 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Location: Garapan Fishing Base Fee: $10 if registered by Mar. 27; $15 day of The JP Hero Run, sponsored by Tan Holdings and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, commemorates the life and work of former Saipan Tribune publisher John Pangelinan, who passed away from cancer in February 2008. Net proceeds from the event will go to the 2020 Marianas March Against Cancer and the Commonwealth Cancer Association. There will be a 1.5K for kids under 10, and a 5K for ages 11 and up. Participants will receive an event shirt, cape and mask while supplies last. Contact: carline_sablan@tanholdings.com or 235-0561 ext, 100
MARCH
COVER FEATURE/ARTIST
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MARCH 2020
COVER FEATURE/ARTIST
SKIN DEEP BY WAYNE CHARGUALAF
It was in his backyard as a teenager that Chris Sablan, owner of Marianas Ink Tattoo and Piercing, would discover the manner in which his artistic talents would express themselves. Where some might go down the path of graphic design, animation, becoming an illustrator, comic book artist or even aim to get featured in a gallery, Sablan would use his skills to help others express themselves on their own skin. “My older brother was doing tattoos and I watched him put one on one of his friends and I thought, ‘That's really cool,’” he says. “Watching my brother got me thinking, ‘Man, I could probably do that, I'll give it a shot and see where it goes from there.” By the time he was in middle school, Sablan — a self-taught artist who enjoyed drawing and painting from the time he was a young child — was doing backyard tattoos for his friends and relatives. Eventually, word got around and he started to develop a reputation. Although he never apprenticed under anyone, even as a teenager Sablan was a devout student of his craft. “I would spend my lunch money on tattoo magazines,” he says. “Those were the references I would go to. I would get magazines and see if I could do the same thing. I looked up
to a lot of artists like Paul Booth, Chris Garver, Chris Nuñez, some of the bigger names in the industry. I looked up to a lot of different artists with different styles, because I didn’t want to just stick to one style.” While many artists, regardless of genre or medium, find themselves drawn to a single style, Sablan’s love of tattoos in general has found him unable to choose just one. Which may be appropriate since ultimately, a tattoo artist’s goal is to be a guide and vessel, a person who uses their craft to help someone else — their client — express themselves with a piece of art they’ll carry on their body for a lifetime. “I’d rather be well-rounded,” he says. “I love black and grey, but I also love color work. It really doesn’t matter what style, whether it’s photorealism or black and grey, I just try to do my best.” Even his own tattoos run the gamut. “I’m more of a multiple style artist, so I’d rather have multiple styles of tattoos,” he says. Sablan made the jump from the backyard to a professional studio when he was invited to Marianas Ink, which had opened in 2015. “I got invited to the shop to see if I want to work with the
MARCH 2020
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COVER FEATURE/ARTIST crew, so I came in and started to do my thing and I’ve been there since then,” he says. Eventually the original owner, Eugene Wong, moved on to other things and decided to leave the shop to Sablan. The shop has two other artists, Walter Florencio and Michael Nishimura. “To be honest I’m not really sure why he decided to leave the shop to me,” he says. “But I stuck with him and supported what he wanted to do in life, and he would even say, ‘If anybody were to have the shop, it’ll be you, Chris.’ So I guess because I had his back ever since, he decided to hand it over to me.” Although he’s now the owner of his own tattoo shop, Sablan says he’s never forgotten his humble beginnings and is willing to help anyone else who’s passionate about the art and is looking for a way to pursue it. “To anybody that wants to try and start tattooing, I’m always down to support them,” he says. “We’re down to support anybody that loves art or just tattooing in general. If we can help you share that passion, we would love to be right by your side and help you out. It’s just me lending another hand to another person that’s willing to put in the work and get there.”
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Photos by D&R Visuals
FEATURED EVENT
31st annual Tagaman Triathlon BY RIANNE PEREDO
Photos courtesy of the Triathlon Association of the Northern Mariana Islands
The 31st annual Tagaman Triathlon is scheduled for March 21 and is a signature event by the Triathlon Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. The triathlon is co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and is a sanctioned event by USA Triathlon. The race course challenges participants to swim 2 kilometers, bike 60 kilometers and run 15 kilometers. The triathlon’s namesake is Taga, an ancient CHamoru chief known for his feats of strength. “It’s unique because you have three sports/disciplines packed into one,” says Ricky Castro, secretary general of the Triathlon Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. Prior to his current role, Castro had been the TRAC president for four years. The entry fees are $135 per person and $245 per team. Registration for the triathlon closes on March 18 and is available online at webscorer.com by searching for the event name or race ID, which is 1988830. Castro says the triathlon is an international event and
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FEATURED EVENT
many participants travel to Saipan solely for Tagaman. “Most of our participants are from off island — from Korea and Japan.” The race starts at 6 a.m. with the swimming portion at Minachom Atdao in Susupe, followed by biking from the Kilili Pavilion parking lot, heading south to Airport Rd., north to Banzai Cliff and returning to the starting line. The running portion is a flat level course along the scenic Saipan pathway and through American Memorial Park before crossing the finish line at Minachom Atdao. The race officially closes at 2 p.m.; the awards ceremony is set for 6 p.m. at the Kanoa Resort Saipan. All participants receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt, while top three finishers in the women’s and men’s open categories will win cash prizes of $1,000 for 1st place, $700 for 2nd place and $500 for 3rd place. More information about the triathlon is available on TRAC’s website, saipantriathlon.com.
Event sponsors Title sponsors: Marianas Visitors Authority, Kanoa Resort, Triathlon Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.
GOLD SPONSORS: IT&E, DFS, Triple J Enterprises Inc., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Skymark Airlines.
SILVER SPONSORS: Brabu Pharmacy & Wellness Center, Marianas Variety, KFC Triathlon Club of Japan, Neo Timing System, Pacific Development Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS: Bridge Capital LLC, Fiesta Resort & Spa, J.E.T. Holding Co. Inc., RNV Construction.
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SPORTS
Sevens and Sevens:
A new shot at rugby in the Mariana Islands BY MORGAN LEGEL
Spring showers bring May flowers… and a new rugby union for Saipan? Local teams on the island have begun coming together to form a union, which consists of at least six teams. The two main ways to play rugby is via union or league; the basics are the same but the flow of the game is different and considered to be two different sports, like tackle and flag football — there are a lot of similarities, but they are still two different sports. Inside of a rugby union, which is what the new formation is aiming to be, there are five ways to play a game, depending on how many players are on a team. From five, to seven, to 10, 12 and 15. “Seven’s,” as the players call it, is what the new union will use, and is also considered an Olympic sport. There is also a world-wide seven’s tour, and every four years you have World Rugby. Currently the “union” only has five teams, and is looking to fill the sixth spot quickly. There are other teams on the island, possibly up to 12. However, not all of them see the benefit of joining the new union. According to Coach Willie Kaitabu of the Marianas Rugby Club, once the last team is added to the roster, the real fun can begin. What’s in it for the teams to come together and
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form a union? Once a union is created, the six teams will play against each other, and ultimately, will select the best players from the union as a whole to compete internationally against the Guam Rugby Football Union and the Oceana Rugby Union, where all the “big boys,” like Australia, are at, according to Kaitabu. And the promise of MarPac Inc. being a corporate sponsor for the union and games can’t hurt either. As far as the teams that are already formed, there are four men’s teams and one women’s team. The hopeful union is looking for another women’s team to join the other five. Some of the teams have dedicated organizations to them, like the MRC, fire department and a team from Kagman, according to Dan Chase, a rugby veteran whose aim is to be a mediator for issues between different teams and clubs, as well as an educator on new laws. Chase says the issue with forming the rugby union is that there is roughly 12 teams on the island, and there has been some animosity between them in the past. That is why, he says, he began a rugby clinic on the first Saturday of every month, starting Feb. 8. “When we have all the teams come together, and
SPORTS
learn together, they build a comradery and it increases competition and decreases fights,” says Chase. He wants all twelve teams, and even visitors and spectators, to come join in and learn the basics of the sport, and new rules that are constantly forming. In a show of cooperation, the Mariana Rugby Club decided to hold a tournament on the third Saturday of every month. Teams from around the island can come together and play in these, no matter the club or union. “Everybody is a friend at the end of the day, that’s rugby,” says Chase about bringing the island teams together.
contact information Interested individuals can reach Chase at dchase1974@gmail.com Photos courtesy of Northern Mariana Islands Rugby
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
SPAS IN SAIPAN BY MAUREEN N. MARATITA A well-rounded health and wellness routine includes not only exercise and a positive diet, but regular attention to boosting the various parts of the body that need the attention of professionals. After an exercise session or to reach those parts that only a masseur can reach, or to maintain hardworking feet at their optimum through pedicures, makes perfect sense as part of your planning.
MANICURES AND PEDICURES Popular spa treatments typically include manicures and pedicures. Remember to take appropriate footwear to slip into after a pedicure and plan your manicure so that chores are light on the hands immediately after your session. Manicures and pedicures offer immediate results and improvements to nail beds, cuticles and the surrounding skin, which is typically exfoliated and moisturized. Discuss with your nail artist or manicurist whether your preference is for Gel nails, nail extensions, a French manicure or pedicure or a natural look after your treatment. Ask how much time you should allow for your appointment.
BODY TREATMENTS Body treatment is a catch-all term for any nonmedical procedure you choose to have at the spa. But you should leave feeling more relaxed and happier with yourself than when you arrived. These days the choice is so wide, that selecting from a typical menu of treatments can be confusing. Spa staff will be happy to explain what each treatments involves, and what the specific treatment does, and whether it is for your skin, or for other parts of your body. For instance, there are many types of massage, but the aims are typically to relax tired muscles, and stimulate your circulation, with the result that you feel better as your body produces endorphins, which generally give you a sense of wellbeing.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
BEFORE YOU GO Typically you want to be well-hydrated before you arrive for any treatment, and avoid big meals and drinking a lot of alcohol. A spa or body treatment is a relaxing activity that often leaves you sleepy or ready for a nap. Plan your day accordingly to allow your body to take advantage of that urge to nap at home or at your hotel if you are visiting Saipan, so you’ll get maximum benefit from your visit and feel great afterwards.
HERE’S A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE IN SAIPAN: Aromatherapy offers a classic massage but with essential oils which should meet your aim for the treatment, whether calming or energizing for instance. Reflexogy is a sort of message that involves the application of pressure to the feet, hands and ears, based on the theory that these body parts are connected to certain body organs and systems. Shiatsu massage applies pressure that aims to enhance energy flow around the body and relieve stress. For this therapy you can stay fully clothed. Swedish massage is a classic massage, suitable for people interested is relaxing and tension relief.
TO GET IN THE RELAXATION ZONE, CONTACT ONE OF THE POPULAR SPAS ON SAIPAN: Hanamitsu Hotel & Spa Body and foot massage, spa combination, Shiro Dahra – Indian traditional healing, manicures, pedicures, facials. iSagua Spa Hyatt Regency Saipan Variety of packages and treatments to include bath, massage and body wrap, with “elements from the Mariana Islands.” Facility includes pools and sauna. Lagoon Spa Grandvrio Resort Saipan Variety of body treatments, massages and facials. Ni’lala Spa Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan Offers traditional massage and yoga, as well as spa techniques from a variety of cultures.
Special thanks to healthandfitnesstravel.com, healthline.com and webmd.com 20 MARCH 2020
RECIPE
Seafood boil FOIL PACKS Ready for a chill, weekend hangout with friends? Don’t want to put too much effort and prep into a bangin’ meal for everyone? Seafood boil foil packs are the way to go! Prepare them the night before, or throw the ingredients in five minutes before the pack hits the grill — either way, everyone is in for a buttery treat in under 20 minutes!
INGREDIENTS • 1 pound cooked shrimp • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds • 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced • 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered • 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 2 tsp lemon juice • 3 tablespoons butter melted
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INSTRUCTIONS: 1.
Boil corn and potatoes for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside in large bowl.
2.
Add shrimp and sausage to the bowl containing corn and potatoes. Add three tablespoons of melted buttler, cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and two teaspoons of lemon juice. Use a rubber spatula to stir and coat ingredients and seasonings.
3.
Divide between four to six aluminum sheets, and wrap so no ingredients can be seen from the outside.
4.
Cook on preheated grill over medium-high heat for eight to 10 minutes on one side, then flipand cook another five to six minutes on the other side. Check to make sure corn and potatoes are tender. If so, time to serve!
TIP When serving foil packs, have chopped parsley, lemon wedges, melted butter, salt, pepper and extra cajun seasoning for topping! Guests will rave about being able to personalize their pack.
Photos by Marlon Regaton
International Roller Skates held its grand opening on Feb. 15, with guest performances by various K-Pop groups.
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ON THE ROAD
Photos courtesy of McDonald’s of Saipan
McDonald’s of Saipan held its McFun Run on Feb. 22, with participant numbers reaching 260.
Photos by Mildred Pabilando
Tinian’s Hot Pepper Festival, known locally as Pika Fest, was held Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose. Saipan Music and Dance Studio performed at the event.
For more On The Road photos, visit BRM's Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to editorial_coordinator@glimpsesofguam.com. 24 MARCH 2020