April 2012 Triton's Call

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april 2012 | Vol. 33 | Issue 07

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fashion file on pg. 11

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index

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

05 *What is a Nampa Boy? Always on the hunt

03 *Student organizations spread their culture 06 *Check out Aaron agsalud’s Fashion FIle 04 *why is the CIS office a “model home”?

08 *Suduko puzzles & horoscopes

09 *Q & A with the Student Regent Joseph Villagomez

10 *18th Annual GSAT Fair *AmeriCorps UOG helps the community

University of Guam Campus Newspaper

TRITON’S

CALL

Established 1965

University of Guam Campus Newspaper Phone: 735-2224 Fax: 735-2721 E-mail: uogtritonscall@gmail.com Web site: www.tritonscall.net Publisher: Dr. Aristides E. Pereira Editor-in-Chief: Jerick Sablan Assistant Editor: Jasmine Stole

april is poetry month

Staff: Christina Cruz Marlon Molinos John Rousan, Jr.

Contributer: Joy White

check out the poem wall in the EC building and get creative Triton’s Call is published by the Division of Communication and Fine Arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and is funded in part by student fees. Reporters and editors participate in the newspaper as journalism students or as contributing writers, photographers, and designers.

student News

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

visit us online

travel to asia this summer

UOG philosophy professor Kim Skoog is planYou can’t get enough of Triton’s Call?

You’re always online? Check us out at ning a travel course to China, Tibet and Mongolia. tritonscall.net. We put up galleries, update you Visit elegant palaces and remote monasteries on UOG news, and you can interact with us. and many more. Travel begins June 8th and ends June 29th, for a total of 22 days of travel.

Individuals can take this as a UOG summer school course (PI 486/G undergraduate or graduate) or just join for summer fun and adventure. Complete cost estimate: $3000 +/- 10% plus tuition if taken for credit.

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fashion tumblr We’ve started a Campus Fashon File on Tumblr.

If you have a Tumblr follow us at

campusfashionfile.tumblr.com.

We’ve featured two UOG students already in the paper and a few others online. If you know someone who is on point or you are email us at tritonscall.cff@gmail.com.

For more information, please call Dr. Kim Skoog at 735-2800/2811

Four different student organizations pulled together to build huts, provide games, and share cultural activities as part of the 2012 UOG Charter Day celebration.

“The hut building camaraderie with PALS, YSO, PSO, and CSO was good,” said John Pineda, 22, President of the Public Administration and Legal Studies club.

Members of the Yap, Pohnpei, and Chuuk Student Organizations, and the Public Administration Legal Society spent over two weeks working day and night gathering bamboo, coconut leaves, and short grass to build the huts. According to Pineda, it was not just one group effort it was multiple groups working together.

The huts were open on all sides except for the PALS hut. The back was totally blocked with woven coconut leaves. Each hut had bamboo benches built-in. The YSO and PSO organizations built the biggest huts among the four.

The Charter Day celebration offered people a glimpse into many aspects and traditions of different Pacific cultures. Three of the student organizations showcased their cultural diversity by hosting activities, displaying crafts, and performing local dances.

“It seems very fun and is a good learning experience for everyone,” shared Babyano Retuleilug with a smile. Retuleilug, 25, is a member of the YSO and first time Charter Day attendee. Melissa Pillias, 18, and a member of the Chuuk Students Organization, said the Charter Day event brought Micronesians together.

Student Organizations build huts and spread island culture

By John Rousan, Jr.

Members from both the CSO and YSO clubs performed local dances during Charter Day. In addition to a cultural dance, the Pohnpei Student Organization also held a traditional sakau or kava ceremony within their hut. According to Hagen Ellias, a member of the PSO, sakau plays an important role in the Pohnpei traditional custom. It is served during weddings, social gatherings, feasts, and other special occasions.

UOG’s student organizations successfully entertained and educated at the 2012 Charter Day with many fun games, unique traditional activities, engaging dance performances, and many more.

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green living

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

The greenest house on the block solar panels on roof photo courtesy of uog green

The Center for Island Sustainability: House 32

backyard

– Solar Panels on Roof The Solar panels help keep their power bill less than $40

–Sustainable Garden They grow local produce in their backyard

–4,000-Gallon Water Harvesting System It collects rain water that can be used for irrigation, can be used indoors, and can be used for drinking

–House orientation The orientation of the house allows enough wind and light to reduce the use of air-conditioning and lights during the day

Photos by Jasmine Stole

sustainable garden

Feature: NaMpa boys 05

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

By Joy White for TRITON’S CALL “[After high school] I was supposed to follow my dad into the navy,” he tells me without meeting my eyes, “but I got misguided.”

Now thirty, “Chad” has circulated the fine dining restaurants of Guam as a server. Chad has never been married, has no children, and lives with his parents and sister. He takes his elderly mother to the Dededo flea market early on weekend mornings and his father to his doctors’ appointments. But once he lived a very different lifestyle.

At seventeen, it was hard for him to get a girlfriend at his high school. However, it was not hard for some of his friends that hung out in Tumon. These boys dated the cute Japanese tourist girls that came to the island to tan and shop. These girls were so appreciative of the company; they bought them expensive clothes and took them to expensive restaurants. Chad decided to try it out. The first girl he started “macking on” was a” success”.

From then on, Chad began dressing like a “pretty boy.” He dyed his hair blonde and spent his days at the beach. Observing the girls’ body language, he would wait until one of them had separated from her friends.

“It’s the only way [to get them]” he says.

“Keep them from speaking Japanese.”

The girl usually was not obviously pretty. She dressed simply and was a first-timer to Guam. When she was alone, he would approach her. Armed with basic language skills he would charm her. Over the span of the few days she spent on Guam, he would take her around the island and show her a good time, expenses paid by her. Chad would accept the many gifts she would buy him, bed her, then part with her, promising to keep in contact via

email.

The next day, or several hours later, he would be back on the beach smiling at another unsuspecting tourist.

Chad was one of the several “Nampa boys” that set up shop in Guam’s tourist Mecca. “Nampa” is a Japanese word meaning “hunter.” These boys “hunt” the female visitors to the island. Japanese women are not the only ones to fall prey to these hunters, but are predominantly the targets.

The Nampa Boy phenomenon is not limited to Guam. “Raoul”, who drove taxis in Honolulu off and on for seven years, reports similar activities in Hawaii.

Called “California Boys,” they represent the ideal American hunk. Usually blonde and tall, they rent hotel rooms along Paokalani or Lemon Street. They use a number of ruses to attract their targets, such asking for a cigarette or lighter or offering to teach them to surf. They do not speak much Japanese, which is preferable, because it makes them seem more exotic and exciting.

“They get them wet and splash around,” Raoul describes.

After all the fun in the sun, there comes a time for refreshment. He offers to take her to a nice place to eat, but – oh, no -- he forgot his wallet and – oh, no – shoes and shirt are required, but he’s not wearing either. So the girl pays for the meal and the outfit.

If he’s talented and she’s adventurous,

they have a bonfire on the beach and he sings and plays the ukulele. They charter a cab – this is where Raoul comes in -- and she is taken sightseeing. She is taken to places that most tourists do not get to see from tour buses and hotel rooms. She is made to feel as if she is living out a movie scene in a paradise. All on her own dime.

The boys sometimes work in tangent.

They introduce their girls to their “friends” and their “friends’ girls” (who are also Japanese.)

The women are more comfortable in a group and buy into the image that it is the norm.

Eventually, he takes her back to his “apartment” and she is swept away by the beauty of the island. A few days later she is gone and he is with his next client.

Some girls come back. Chad recalls many times in which the girls inform him that they are returning. Instead of staying in a hotel, however, he invites them to stay at his home for free, except for the various gifts and sexual favors. Four or five of such clients means easy living for a Nampa Boy. Although many female tourists may enjoy their company, Nampa Boys are generally looked down upon by the local community.

“They’re basically sluts,” says Nicky Mesa, 23, who works in a Tumon hotel. “I have heard that the Japanese tourists come here with the desire to try locals. But as a local, I find that disgusting.”

Armed with basic language skills he would charm her. Over the span of the few days she spent on Guam, he would take her around the island and show her a good time,

expenses paid by her.

Story continued on page 09

TRITON’S CALL, April 2012

06

A A

aron gsalud

Name, height, major Aaron Songcuan Agsalud, 5’10”, Majoring in Nursing with a Minor In Communications Where do you find fashion inspiration?

I find inspiration in nature, people, fashion magazines, and runway shows.

Do you have any particular favorite brands?

I have no favorite brands in particular. I feel that if something looks good and you have to absolutely have it, it doesn’t matter if it’s cheap or expensive.

How would you describe your style?

To be honest, I struggled trying to find the right words to de-

scribe my style. I acquired the assistance of my close friends to help me define my style and this is what they had to say: “chic with an edge,” “classy sophisticated,” and “colorfully intriguing.”

Places you shop?

I prefer to shop when I travel off-island and online. This lessens the possibility of a “Bitch stole my look moment.”

Favorite items of clothing? Why? Jackets, vests, blazers, and cardigans. These are great structure pieces that pull an outfit together.

Do you feel you spend more on accessories or clothing?

I feel that I spend more on clothing than I do on accessories.

Student STyle

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

07

Campus fashion file

What do you wear on lazy days that you know looks chic and is easy to put together?

On lazy days, I rely on the power of the V-neck shirt paired with Rayban Wayfarers.

Do you have any favorite trends?

I don’t really have a favorite trend, but if you would consider mixing and matching clothing and accessories together, then that would be it.

Do you find people often stare at you when you are dressed so faboosh?

Yes. I often glance back at them and smile.

Where did you get the confidence to wear whatever you want to wear?

After high school; I became comfortable with my body and sexuality.

What would you say to someone who is cautious to try trends, or is shy about dressing to stand out?

Don’t be afraid to take risks because dressing up is fun and expressive. When you go shopping, what might not look good on the hanger or mannequin might look good on you in the fitting room. If you look good, you feel good.

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Entertainment

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012 from ehoroscope.net

horoscopes for may 2012 Soften what you say, but keep the point up front. Your home life is going to get a real boost now. There are only about a million little improvements you’ve been wanting to use those dusty power tools on, so get to it.

aries libra Happiness surrounds you and you spread the joy everywhere you go and with everyone you meet. People may accuse you of Perma-Grin. But who wouldn’t be happy with all the love and attention your getting this month.

Financial demands are starting to grow and change. You’ll be tested this month on how to do more with a whole lot less. You can be very tight fisted when you have to be, the trick here is how to be that way and still have fun with it.

The truth is never easy. But You are on a roll now. Life is The 15th could prove some- Happy times abound throughwhat you see this month will very rosy and things could not thing of a shock from your out the month. It’s just that you tell you what you need to be better if Santa Claus showed committed other,they may un- may not feel quite up to par, as change and you get to do this up in May instead of Decem- veil a side of themselves you your endurance level is at a low two more times over the next ber. There are many changes have been unaware of. Saturn during this time of the year. going on, especially at the is continuing to help you build Have fun, just don’t go over year just to see if you are headed in the right direction. upper levels. It’s just best to a better future, so pay attention. board. roll with it and be positive.

taurus

gemini

scorpio

sagittarius

cancer

leo

capricorn

aquarius

You’ll be fighting “The Good This month could be “High There may be the partner in What you’ve got looks one Fight” this month with your Noon” in the relationship de- your life who brings you joy way. What you want doesn’t checkbook. Time to put a stopand spurs you on to greater look like it used to. And what partment. You’ve grown and per in those financial leaks.

Time to assess where all the your partner probably hasn’t. heights. If you’re single, you you’ve got is starting to look could meet that very special like a burden rather than an money is going and why. You You want to move and your someone this month...if you asset. The whole situation is committed other is may have to take a strong and can slow down enough to take sapping your creative side. stonewalling you. final stand on someone who is a look. draining your resources.

virgo pisces The boss could hand you something of a surprise around the 15th. On top of all that, your love life is glowing with some tempting opportunities. Don’t let career and job worries spoil the chance for an unlikely romance to blossom.

horoscopes for may 2012

Suduko

Courtesy of http://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku.html

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TRITON’S CALL, april 2012 Story continued from page 7 Working in Tumon myself, I also have seen these Nampa Boys in action. I have seen them, wearing nothing but Quick-dries, sitting with Japanese women, sipping on beers. I have witnessed them wave at the patrons of the shop I work in, offer to take their pictures, and make them laugh. The next day those same guys are with different girls, holding their hands as they stroll down the sidewalk.

Despite popular theory that Nampa Boys are jobless bums who take advantage of naïve female tourists for money and sex, “It is work,” Raoul argues. “Let’s not pretend it’s not, but not everybody can do it.” Their work is to make sure their “clients” have a good time. This makes them different from con-

student regent q & A We sat down with joseph villagomez the current student regent How did you get involved in being the student regent?

I’m not the conventional student regent in that I didn’t go through election. I kind of just filled a vacancy. There was nobody interested in the position at that time. There was a public confirmation hearing that I attended and there was no one else vying for the position. SGA was very happy with my responses and I got the position.

Can you explain what you do as the student regent?

He’s the voice of the students during the board of regents meetings. They control the policy side of the University. They are the governing board. The regent sits on the board and has the same powers as any board member.

What does the Board of Regents do?

We’re sort of like a legislative body. How we enact rules and regulations on campus are through board resolutions.

What are you most proud of being the student regent?

Working with the University of Guam students and the F.I.T.E. club as well as SGA when we held the public forum at SPBA to stop the tuition in-

“It is work,” Raoul argues. “Let’s not pretend it’s not, but not everybody can do it.” Their work is to make sure their “clients” have a good time. artists, who just rip them off, Raoul points out.

“They’re not criminals,” he says.

“I didn’t think of it as using them,” Chad insists. “[we were] just having a good time.”

There can be negative repercussions to this “job” and “good time” as well, however.

Sometimes the girl returns nine or ten months later with a baby. In that case, no matter how hard she looks for him or how many people she asks she never sees him again.

Raoul, who currently lives on Guam,

crease. The grassroots of the students, the student government, and the student regent all came together for one cause. It was great.

Is there a specific issue you fought for as the student regent?

There is a couple. The change of Spring Break some students are happier, some are shocked. The tuition increase was another issue. The issue with the dorms. I took a tour and talked with the director and tried to see where funds could come from to help them. I’m trying to see if there is a way for a quick fix. I feel for the students at the dorms.

How does it feel to be in a meeting with the board?

At first I didn’t know what to expect. They don’t treat you like a student. They make you feel just like a respectable person in the community. They introduce you to what you need to know so that you caught up with everything. They respect you and they honor what you have to say.

What should the next student regent expect?

For the 60th anniversary of the University there will be many projects going on at the university.

Try to attend as many events as possible and always smile. Be there with the students. Show them you are one with them. Be ready for a lot of big events. It’s a very exciting time for the university.

How has your time as student regent been?

Some weeks were intense. Other weeks were less intense. I have no regrets being student regent. I loved it. I was asked to run again, but I wanted to give the opportunity to another student. It’s a great opportunity for them. It was a rewarding experience. I will take away from the expereince and always remember it for the rest of my life.

Any last comments?

Just thanks to the students of the university. Biba UOG! Biba Guahan!

also reports that two Nampa Boys on Guam he knows personally had contracted HIV. At present, he is unsure of whether either of them is still alive.

Chad got out of the business two years after he started. He thought he had found “the one,” but things had not worked out. When he tried to pick it up again, all the other Nampa Boys he knew had left, some moved on to other things, while some had gotten married and had kids.

To pay bills he took on other jobs and followed other paths until he ended up at his current phase of life.

I asked Chad if he would do it again.

Without hesitation, he said, “Yeah. I would.

Villagomez at Charter Day. Photo by Jerick Sablan

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student News

TRITON’S CALL, April 2012

18th Annual GSAT Fair

By Marlon Molinos Triton’s Call For the past 18 years, the Guam Systems for Assistive Technology, or GSAT, has held an annual fair to showcase assistive technologies to inform and educate the island on what is readily available for all to use This year, the fair was held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Micronesian Mall from 10 AM to 3 PM. According to Carla Torres, A.T. Specialist for GSAT, "This year's theme was ‘Living Life: Enhancing the quality of life through A.T.’" Torres also states that some of the technologies featured in this year's fair focused on communication. For example, Proloquo2go is an app which creates sentences

or phrases that are constructed through selecting symbols from a variety of categories.

The ABC Wildlife is a reading app where one learns about letters and animals through photos, clear labels, and videos.

The UbiDuo is a portable, wireless, battery-powered, stand-alone communication device that allows text base and face to face communication amongst the hearing impaired and the general public.

Many agencies on Guam have started to use assistive devices and have incorporated them in their businesses. Cars Plus has started to sell minivans with retractable ramps suitable for those individuals that are in wheelchairs, which was featured in the GSAT fair a few years ago.

Other car companies have also sold vehicles that have automated wheelchair lifts and racks. Others are requesting for the use of the UbiDuo so they can use it to better communicate with their hearing impaired customers and patrons.

The GSAT fair keeps the community informed of the ever-changing technology that gets released each year to the community. An event such as this is definitely needed on island to ensure that the community stays well-informed and open-minded to the needs of everyone in the community.

Being prepared to accommodate the needs of the community is not only the law, but it should be a common thing for the island community to do.

“I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done” is the pledge that over a hundred AmeriCorps members on Guam uphold everyday. Many members are students at the University of Guam, and provide services to students on campus and in the community. At the AmeriCorps UOG Success Center, like many other AmeriCorps programs, they offer help wherever they are needed.

The program has two locations, the AmeriCorps Computer Lab and the Reading Lab. At the AmeriCorps Computer Lab, located in the Student Center, students can access tutoring for subjects such as, Math, English, Language, History, Business, and Chemistry, according to Courtney Mummert, AmeriCorps UOG Program Coordinator. Tutoring is free for any student and walking in is fine, there is no need to schedule ahead of time.

Treasure

Diego, who joined AmeriCorps this year, said tutoring is rewarding.

“Serving in AmeriCorps has been a gratifying and humbling experience. To be part of a student’s academic success is an awesome feeling,” Diego said.

Additionally, AmeriCorps members are not only tutors; they are also trained to help with campus and island-wide community activities.

Just recently, on March 31st AmeriCorps UOG members assisted the Future Educators Association Professionals with their annual Mini Eggstravaganza Carnival held on the School of Education lawn. They helped set up for their Easter egg hunt, at the game booths, cupcake decorating, and arts n’ crafts stations.

Members also are currently looking forward to other exciting volunteer projects in the coming months. This summer, UOG members will assist the Center for Island Sustainability in planting gar-

dens around campus as well as starting plots for growing crops. This is to help with their efforts to educate the community about food sustainability, says Sunny Lee, Program Director of AmeriCorps UOG. “We will be helping to grow tomatoes, peppers, and other plants while providing educational awareness about our environment, which is something new and exciting,” she said.

Even with new volunteer projects on the way, AmeriCorps UOG members are available to provide services to students to help them achieve goals for success. For any assistance the UOG AMERICORPS OFFICE is open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm daily at the Student Center near the cafeteria.

AmeriCorps UOG Helps Students and Community AmeriCorps members Kim Pacay and Eunice Salonga are all smles as they help two children at the Carnival. Photo by Courtney Mummert

By Christina Cruz

Celebrate the triton spirit

TRITON’S CALL, april 2012

This month, bring along a fundraising flyer to CPK and a portion of your bill will be donated to the UOG Capital Fund!

Celebrate the Triton Spirit!

During the month of May, be sure to frequent Froots and celebrate the Triton Spirit with many of their signature wraps, smoothies, or salads.