Get your groove on Local studio gets youth moving
Christmas in the Marianas Back and brighter than ever
Beauty bombshell Best products for 2019
DECEMBER 2019
Saipan’s 17th annual Christmas in the Marianas returns this year - Page 11 ABOUT THE COVER Gayle Vidal and Queen Anne Rectitud, from Saipan Music and Dance Studio’s junior division, take a break from a “purely hip hop” class to show off their moves. Photo by D&R Visuals
2 Calendar
December events
4-5 Artist
Get your groove on
7-8 Sports
Trade Wind Times: The Cool Season Kicks off
11-12 Featured Event
17th Annual Christmas in the Marianas
16-17 Health
Healthy eating tips for the holidays
18-19 Beauty
Slay All Day
21-22 Recipe
Snacks & Sips
24-26 On the Road
Event photos and special messages
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beachroadmagazine
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 MANAGING EDITOR Steve Graff 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 Marlon Regaton MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, December 2019. Entire contents copyrighted 2019 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.
DECEMBER EVENTS Nov. 30 to Dec. 28 Christmas in the Marianas Time: Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Paseo de Marianas, Garapan Fee: Free A five-week celebration with holiday entertainment to include caroling, various contests and a Christmas parade. Contact: Email info@mymarianas.com or call 664-3200. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 Mount Carmel School presents Mamma Mia! Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Location: Mount Carmel School Fee: $25 for premium seats, $10 for preferred seats and $5 for general admission Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club presents Mamma Mia!, the hit broadway musical based on the timeless music of ABBA. Mamma Mia! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Contact: 234-6184 or visit mountcarmelsaipan.com Dec. 7 Hell of the Marianas Time: Check in at 5 a.m. Race begins 6:15 a.m. Location: Mariana Resort & Spa Fee: $80 for individuals, $180 for two-person teams and $280 for four-person teams. First held in 2007, Hell of the Marianas is an annual 100-kilometer race starting and ending at the Marianas Resort & Spa and is a signature athletic event that attracts competitors from around the world. Cyclists may register through Dec. 4. Contact: Register online at webscorer.com
Taking submissions until Dec. 13 Winners Residence 1st Annual Art Contest Time: N/A Location: San Antonio, Winners Residence Fee: Free Winners Residence is hosting its first ever art contest! There are two categories, painting for those 12 and under and photography for those 12 and above. Prizes range from $300 for first place in photography and $50 for third place in painting. Entries must complete and sign entry form. Contact: Email saipanwinners9@gmail.com Dec. 15 Paskong Pinoy 2019 Time: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Location: Marianas Business Plaza Cost: Free United Filipino Organization (CNMI) and Tan Siu Lin Foundation presents Paskong Pinoy 2019. Everyone is invited to join the celebration. Come and watch live entertainment, join any contests and games, and win some awesome prizes from raffle drawing. Contact: Mario Espeleta, 322-8770
DECEMBER
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DECEMBER 2019
Dec. 21 to March 21 Saipan Polar Bear Swim Time: Varies for individual participant Location: Varies for individual participant Fee: Free Modeled on Polar Bear Swim cold water swimming events held around the world, the Saipan Polar Bear Swim is a three-month long event in which individual swimmers log the number of miles they’ve swum on a daily basis for a chance to win a trophy and bragging rights. Contact: Visit their website at 500sails.org/swim, email info@500Sails.org or send a message on Facebook at facebook.com/500Sails.
COVER FEATURE/ARTIST
Photos by D&R Visuals
Get your groove on By Wayne Chargualaf When Ester Sablan saw the way her son’s passion for dance positively affected his life, she knew it could help other kids as well. “My son didn’t even know how to dance, but because of his determination and passion he became a good dancer,” she says. “I believed that this would work with other kids who are interested in learning and have a passion for dancing.” Sablan’s son, James Jr., had made waves with a dance crew called Project Impact that was active from 2007 to 2009. After high school, James Jr. and his crew came up with the idea to open a studio to teach young kids how to dance hip hop. In 2010, Ester Sablan’s son, along with Project Impact members Mike Tangcoy, Kevin Razon, Adrain Tangcoy and Ester’s friend Sarmain Casquero helped her secure a space and business permit to open the Saipan Music and Dance Studio. The studio — frequently shortened to SMADS — started with three students. Today, it has about 50 students
whose ages range from five to 21 years old. Dance styles taught run the gamut from hip hop to ballet to ballroom to cultural dance. For adults, aerobic dance and kickboxing classes are also available. Often, long-time students will return to teach and volunteer to choreograph routines. “This is a way to give back to the studio,” Sablan says. “They want to help young dancers learn and unlock their potential.” Jeroen Montenejo, an eighth grader at Hopwood Middle School, has been with SMADS for eight years. “What made me interested in joining SMADS is how big the dance community is and how dance can express how you feel, no matter if you’re happy or sad,” he says. “Also, this studio allows me to do different kinds of styles like hip-hop, urban, contemporary, ballroom and so much more. I enjoy dancing so much because I was able to meet new friends, and being able to create my own dance club, Profound Bandit, is so amazing. Dance is my whole life.” Students have a variety of opportunities to show off their skills to the public. SMADS students often perform routines during events, such as the Garapan Street Market, the Flame Tree Arts Festival, Miss Marianas and
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COVER FEATURE/ARTIST
various private and non-profit events. They also have the opportunity to compete in international competitions, such as the World Hip Hop Dance Championship. “They always look forward our yearly recital and the Hip Hop Dance Championship,” Sablan says. “It’s great they get to experience performing in big events.” One of the benefits of SMADS, Sablan says, is the
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effect it has on the students’ character and lifestyle. “The best thing is seeing to our students improve in their style and technique, taking them away from their gadgets, getting them physically and mentally fit and improving their self-confidence,” she says. “It’s great to see them treating each other like a family and learning to work as a team.”
SPORTS
TRADE WIND TIMES: THE COOL SEASON KICKS OFF
By: Morgan Legel and Steve Graff Ahh, it’s that time of year again on Saipan. When the trade winds come in from the northeast in December and stick around for about five, blissful months. Tourists — and locals — love it for the cooler temperatures but also for the outdoor and sporting activity opportunities. “Generally, the peak season is mid-December through March and then again from June to August,” says Priscilla M. Iakopo, managing director for the Marianas Visitors Authority. “This is when most people are traveling and is a period that includes several international holidays.” Winds during that first peak season average between 14 mph and 20 mph — perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Also known as kitesurfing, kiteboarding is a popular water
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sport that’s a mix of wakeboarding, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, paragliding, and skateboarding. The season on Saipan starts around December and lasts through March to early May. Kiteboard Saipan in Garapan offers courses on kiteboarding, from beginner up to advanced, and gear and equipment rental. The instructors will teach riders everything from riding upwind, turning, jumping, and progressive tricks. Check out kiteboardsaipan.com for more information and videos of riders in action. Saipan is a hidden gem for windsurfing, too. “People come from all over the world to windsurf in Saipan,” according to the travel site Saipan Explorer. “The best spot is right between Micro Beach and Managaha Island, which catches the strong north/northwest winds.” Gear can be rented at hotels on the island, including the
SPORTS
Hyatt Regency Saipan. Harry Blalock, founder and owner of Axe Murder Tours — Saipan, a dive shop that offers private lessons and guides, says trade wind season is his busy season, even though waves are larger and choppier due to the wind. “Trade winds make things more challenging for boat dives because the waves are bigger,” Blalock says. “But the visibility is better and tourists like the visibility.” While surfing isn’t as popular on Saipan as it is on other islands, like Hawaii or even Guam, the increased winds do bring bigger waves better suited for the surfers who do want to hang ten. The trade wind season makes for a cooler and breezier experience on Saipan, but that doesn’t mean people should forget the rest of the year. “Overwhelmingly, the NMI continues to deliver an extraordinary outdoor experience on most days of the year for our visitors,” Iakopo says. “Many of our visitors choose the Marianas expecting to enjoy warm weather year-round and a clean environment. They often travel to escape the cold climate or pollution.”
WHY ARE THEY CALLED “TRADE” WINDS?
The term trade winds originally comes from the 19th century usage of the word trade, meaning "path or "track". Crews on sailing ships historically took advantage of trade winds to aid them on their trading journeys across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
DECEMBER 2019
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FEATURED EVENT
Feelin’ Pine
17TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE MARIANAS By Rianne Peredo Saipan’s 17th annual Christmas in the Marianas returns this year after Super Typhoon Yutu forced organizers to cancel the event in 2018. The event begins on Nov. 30 and will be ongoing for the four following Saturdays until Dec. 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan. The #MarianasStrong Year-End Celebration and Yutu 5K Holiday Fun Run, which were held on Dec. 29, 2018, became the substitutes for last year’s Christmas in the Marianas. The fun run event also featured a costume contest, which is one of the Christmas in the Marianas mainstays. This year’s event is sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority, PDM Promoters Inc., Pacific Development Inc., and other partners, such as Skymark Airlines Inc. The event starts with a Japanese cultural performance by the Saipan Awaodori Team. After the performance is the illumination countdown of the official Christmas
tree, which includes 17 trees decorated with recyclable materials by participating local schools at the pedestrian mall. A brief description of each tree will be given by each school, and judging will take place for prizes. The trees will remain on display until after the new year. The remainder of the evening involves caroling by students from the local elementary schools. Ray Villagomez, MVA lead event coordinator and community projects specialist, says there will be a free shuttle service for attendees this year. “There’s limited parking in Garapan. We partnered up with American Memorial Park for visitors to park at AMP, and [they] can be shuttled to Paseo every 15 minutes.” The shuttle service is also provided in partnership with the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority. On Dec. 7, the Christmas caroling continues for the middle, junior and high school students. A caroling contest for the students is held with a chance to win cash prizes. “They get extra points for coming up with an original
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FEATURED EVENT
song,” Villagomez says. Festivities on Dec. 14 include the Christmas parade, where parade floats will start a route from Garapan Fishing Base at 6 p.m. and arrive at Paseo for a costume show to be held onstage. Award ceremonies for the various contests, as well as additional entertainment, are also planned for the evening. The newest event in the scheduled line-up is Skymark night on Dec. 21 — which will be hosted by Skymark Airlines — featuring giveaways and performances. Three roundtrip tickets to Japan will be raffled throughout the evening. Performers from Japan and local dance groups will entertain the crowd. Winners of the Skymark Night Plane contest will also be announced. Contest entrants were tasked with making Skymark plane sculptures consisting of recycled materials. The final evening on Dec. 28 will feature the Saipan Awaodori Team’s second performance and the annual Mochitsuki Festival. The festival is a Japanese holiday where the pounding of mochi, or glutinous rice, commences in celebration of the new year. Other entertainment includes a holiday performance in American Sign Language. Villagomez says Christmas in the Marianas is one of the biggest events in December. “I encourage everyone to come down and support the kids,” he says.
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HEALTH
Healthy eating tips for the holidays By Morgan Legel The holidays are here again, which means family barbeques and gatherings galore. In Saipan, healthy holiday meals and options are tougher to find. If watching those calories and demonstrating personal restraint is important to you, Beach Road came up with six tips to stay healthy throughout the whole holiday season, from dinner and desert to cocktails and celebrations:
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Pick a mostly healthy dish that will be at most every holiday gathering, like kelaguen or fresh lumpia. When making a plate, make sure to grab lots of this dish, keeping fried foods to a minimum. Find new ways to re-create classic entrees and sides in a healthier way — like using whole grain rice for red rice, wheat pita bread for titiyas or light mayo or salad dressing for potato salad. When bringing dishes to gatherings, these are good options because they are already healthier than alternatives. As far as drinks are concerned, stick to low-calorie and calorie-free drinks like water, tea and diet soda. With alcoholic beverages, choose one with low-sugar mixers and do so in moderation. It’s a great idea to alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
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When visiting with family and friends, try to create two separate areas — eating and socializing. If the food area is further away it prevents mindless eating; out of sight, out of mind! A major no-no is being so overwhelmed and overjoyed by all the food options, that you grab one of everything and overeat. Make sure to recognize the difference between stuffed and satisfied — stop at the latter. The most important tip for healthy holiday eating: do not get discouraged. One time of overeating or indulgences can make a person feel guilty or unsuccessful in their healthy ventures, but that’s not the case. Try to remember, it is the holiday season, and it only comes around once a year, focus on friends and family and not the food.
HEALTH
CDC's food for thoughts While aimed at folks with diabetes, the Division of Diabetes for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's ideas for a healthy holiday can resonate with all audiences. The main point is to start with a “holiday-proof” eating plan and follow that stringently. A holiday-proof healthy eating plan begins by eating close to the usual time and not skipping meals to prepare for a holiday feast, stay active before and after meals and get the right amount of beauty sleep (seven to eight hours a night). The CDC also says to try and outsmart the buffet with a small plate of food you like in the beginning, and then moving away from the buffet table. The CDC recommends
starting with a vegetable, which can take the edge off of any hunger. It helps to eat slowly as well, since it sometimes takes up to 20 minutes for someone to realize they are full. The CDC notes that it is important to fit in favorite dishes, even if they are slightly unhealthy. Choose the dishes that are not around any other time of year, like Auntie’s pumpkin pie. Just eat a small serving with a little whipped cream. Just like Beach Road, the CDC wants everyone to “remember what the season is about — celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. When you focus more on the fun, it’s easier to focus less on the food.”
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BEAUTY
Slay All Day BY RIANNE PEREDO
Trends are ever-changing and influenced by different factors, such as television shows and celebrities. Makeup and beauty trends are no exception. Makeup artists and enthusiasts alike have adapted certain trends to fit their lifestyle. Beach Road asked Grace Veleña, a Saipan-based makeup artist, and Meriden Hocog, a makeup enthusiast, to share their favorite current beauty and makeup trends. Both agree that false eyelashes and eyelash extensions are popular among teens and women in the NMI. “Falsies transform the eyes, and it’s my favorite accessory to add on clients. I believe that false lashes complete any makeup look,” Veleña says. False eyelashes are natural or synthetic fibers attached to a lash band, which varies in length, and are made of latex or latex-like material. Eyelash glue is applied to the lash
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band, then placed on the lash line of the eyelid. Eyelash extensions are like hair extensions for one’s eyelashes, designed to add length, thickness and fullness to a person’s natural eyelashes. The procedure — which involves using adhesive glue to attach individual extensions to the wearer’s natural eyelashes — is advertised as temporary or semi-permanent. As the wearer’s eyelashes grow, the applied extensions detach and fall off. The results last between two weeks to six weeks. The trend has been a positive effect on the community, according to Hocog. “We have local businesses that have opened up or expanded just to cater to our teens and ladies,” she says. Another product Veleña recommends is a makeup sponge, which is a tool that artists and enthusiasts alike use on clients and themselves. Makeup sponges vary in
FINISHED LOOK
BEAUTY
NATURAL LOOK size, shape, texture and color. The sponges are typically made of latex or non-latex material, such as hydrophilic polyurethane, for those who may prefer alternatives or are allergic to latex. “The base of every glam look is an important step, and by using a makeup sponge, you can evenly and easily blend your foundation. A good base can change your whole makeup game,” says Veleña. Hocog’s second recommendation is full-coverage liquid foundation, which helps your complexion look smooth and flawless. “[It] is great for people who are busy and don’t have time to retouch their makeup,” Hocog says. “When it comes to beauty…I’m very much inspired by [celebrities] such as Bretman Rock, Nikkie [de Jager] and Rihanna.” For makeup wearers, “retouching” can involve reapplication of products such as foundations or powders. However, some products can extend the longevity of makeup applied in the morning until the end of the day. Another product used for that purpose is setting spray, which is an important product in Veleña’s makeup kit. “Setting spray is great for locking in your look and helps with the longevity of your makeup,” Veleña says. Setting spray also reduces the risk of smudging your makeup. Hocog’s final recommendation is liquid eyeshadow, which can improve a makeup look with minimal effort. “Liquid eyeshadows are great at giving that extra pop, shimmer and glow on your lids,” says Hocog.
FINISHED LOOK
Meet Our Experts
GRACE VELEÑA @styledtogracexo
MERIDEN HOCOG @xoxomeri__ DECEMBER 2019 19
RECIPE
CHRISTMAS TREATS FOR KIDS:
Snack & Sips Christmas is a holiday favorite
of
many,
especially
young
children searching the skies for Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. Make their holiday even better with this snack and drink combination they can enjoy all afternoon and well into the evening.
MONKEY MUNCH Sometimes known as monkey munch, puppy chow or muddy buddies, this popular holiday treat from the United States mainland is a perfect snack for kids and adults alike.
DIRECTIONS 1. Combine the peanut butter and both types of chocolate chips and melt, either on stovetop or microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until completely melted. 2. In a large mixing bowl, pour a palm-sized amount of peanut butter and chocolate mixture at the bottom. Add 3 cups of cereal to the bowl and pour 1 cup of melted mixture over. 3. Mix well with spatula or hands, taking care every cereal piece is covered in mixture. 4. Add 3 more cups of cereal, and the rest of the melted mixture, and repeat step three. Make sure cereal is evenly coated. Do not add too much cereal; a thick coating of chocolate is best. If there is excess chocolate, add 1 more cup of cereal.
INGREDIENTS • ½ cup each, semisweet and dark chocolate chips • 1 cup creamy peanut butter of your choice • 6-7 cups any crispy rice square cereal • 1-2 cups powdered sugar • Chocolate coated candies, if desired 5. Let mixture cool for about 10 minutes in the fridge. It should still be slightly gooey to the touch, not hard. Add half of powdered sugar and mix until every piece is dusted with powder. 6. Cool for 15 more minutes, and then add rest of powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing as you go. Once cereal pieces are covered to satisfaction, they should be able to be touched without getting any chocolate on hands. 7. If desired, mix in red and green chocolate coated candies for a more festive look.
TIP Store in an airtight container. Does not need to be refrigerated once done.
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RECIPE
LOW-SUGAR SHIRLEY TEMPLE MOCKTAIL
DIRECTIONS 1. Wet rim of glass using grenadine, and dip rim into sugar or candies and twist, making sure whole rim is covered. 2. If using ice, fill glass before adding any other ingredients. If not, chill your sparking water or soda and grenadine.
Need a drink to wash down all that monkey munch? This Shirley Temple mocktail is a fun and festive nonalcoholic drink to indulge in this holiday season.
INGREDIENTS • Sparkling water or diet lemon lime soda • Grenadine
3. Add 6 oz, of sparkling water or diet lemon lime soda. If desired, flavored waters like lemon, lime or cherry can be used instead, as well as light lemonade. 4. Measure out 1-2 tbsp of grenadine and pour over the water. Mix until color is the same throughout. 5. If desired, drop two cherries into drink and garnish with two to three more cherries on a toothpick.
• Sugar or red rock candies • A kid-friendly festive glass • Maraschino cherries, if desired
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TIP Add or subtract grenadine to taste and need. Grenadine does have a lot of flavor, but it also has a lot of sugar.
Photos by D&R Visuals and Marlon Regaton
The American Red Cross NMI Chapter’s Club 200 hosted its Latin Nights event at the Fiesta Saipan Resort & Spa on Nov. 9.
Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce hosted an election of board members during its monthly general membership meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan on Nov. 6.
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Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Gen Z pop-up mixer event was held at Cha CafĂŠ & Bistro in collaboration with Tribe Marianas on Nov. 8.
ON THE ROAD
Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce hosted its Business Expo at the Saipan World Resort on Nov. 9.
Photo by Marlon Regaton
The Surfrider Resort Hotel held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its grand opening on Nov. 22.
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ON THE ROAD
Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Indigenous Affairs Office hosted its Cultural Expo at the Civic Center on Nov. 9.
Photos by D&R Visuals
The Super American Circus entertained crowds at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17.
For more On The Road photos, visit BRM's Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to media_coordinator@glimpsesofguam.com. 26 DECEMBER 2019
GEN Z
CLUB
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