Fall 2015, December--Vol 39, Issue 4

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Fall 2015, Issue 4, December

Triton’s Call celebrates 50 years

By Kevin Tano For Triton’s Call Triton’s Call celebrated its 50th anniversary on Nov. 13. at a banquet organized by the UOG Communication Society, the Lamba Pi Eta communication honor society, and the Communication Department.

The event was held at the Hall of Governors Latte of Freedom complex in Adelup. Students, dignitaries and past affiliates of Triton’s Call attended the event.

“It’s wonderful, it’s a great way to highlight all that the Triton’s Call has done to inform others and to be a part of the history that we have

INSIDE

Students, faculty and alumni gather for a group photo during Triton’s Call’s 50th anniversary banquet held Nov. 13 at Adelup’s Hall of Governors. Photo by Daniel Soto.

celebrated tonight,” said Matilda Naputi Rivera, Ph.D., former editor-in-chief of Triton’s Call.

Naputi dicussed how the newspaper has evolved over the years--from its roots as a print publication, to currently having an

online presence.

“I was really pleased to see people that I haven’t seen in years, and I made some new friends too,” said Maureen Maratita, publisher of Glimpses Publications. Maratita served as the edi-

been the University of Guam’s student newspaper since 1965. Since then, it has become a leading instrument for news and information for UOG students and the community, and continues to evolve over the years.

UFC hall-of-famer Royce Gracie visits campus

By Kevin Tano Triton’s Call Staff

Page 2: SBPA Students Acknowledged Page 3: Dodgeball Tournament Page 7: Gift Ideas for the Holidays

tor-in-chief of Triton’s Call 15 years ago.

She explained how the content of Triton’s Call has varied enormously, and she discussed that the staff has always cared about the newspaper’s success.

Triton’s Call has

Royce Gracie speaks during the Nov. 17 UOG Presidential Lecture Series. Photo by Kevin Tano

UOG held its 28th Presidential Lecture Series on Nov. 17, welcoming special guest Royce Gracie.

Gracie is a well-known mixed martial artist and pioneer of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

He is also an Ultimate Fighting Championship hallof-famer.

In attendance at the lecture were students and other jiu-jitsu practitioners.

Gracie spoke about his life experiences and the evolution and philosophy of jiu-jitsu.

Because lever-

age plays a large role in jiu-jitsu, he explained that the martial art emphasizes a defensive style.

“It’s self-defense, it’s not about beating up people,” Gracie said.

Gracie is expected to fight Ken Shamrock on Feb. 19, 2016, in the next Bellator.

Two recent forums deliberate community issues

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By Rianne Peredo and Kyle Twardowski Triton’s Call Staff Students from the CO355 Communication Field Experience class taught by Lilnabeth Somera, Ph.D., held a forum to discuss Bill 141-33, or the Youth Protection Act, on Dec. 1.

Through raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, the proposed bill seeks to decrease Guam’s youth’s risks of engaging in behaviors harmful to their overall health and well-being.

One of the guest speakers in attendance was Vice Speaker Benjamin Joseph “BJ” Cruz. Cruz introduced the smoking bill.

According to statistics, Guam ranks second nationwide in the rate of adult smokers, tied with Kentucky.

Also in attendance were Student Govern-

ment Vice President Samantha David and Peter Cruz, tobacco cessation counselor from the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

When asked about the challenges faced by ensuring that UOG is a smoke-free campus, David said that self-enforcement was the primary course of action.

Students would need to remind their peers that smoking is not allowed on campus.

Representatives from various student organizations participate in a forum In the event that self-enforcement is not held on Nov. 17. Photo by Kyle Twardowski effective, she said that ment, which leaves little student organizations In attendance were four G4S securty personnel room to enact change. on campus and how panelists from different and the proper authorStudent organizations students may benefit organizations throughities would be notified.

Students of the CO from them. out the UOG campus, Currently, there is no 355-Communication This session sought the Student Govgroup on campus that Field Experience class to encourage students ernment Association is trained to enforce the also hosted another to enrich their aca(SGA) and the Internasmoking ban. forum on Tuesday, Nov. demic lives by joining tional Friendship Club However, BJ Cruz be17, in the College of a student organization (IFC) to name a few. lieves that the biggest Liberal Arts and Social and motivate them to challenge is money. He Sciences Lecture Hall. become more informed Continued on page 3 stated that the tobacco The forum spearabout them being concompanies are enheaded the idea of veniently on campus. twined with the govern-

Spotlight event acknowledges SBPA students’ success

By Kreeshia Aquino Triton’s Call Staff The School of Business and Public Administration hosted its student spotlight presentation at the Anthony Leon Guerrero Multipurpose Room on Nov. 18.

The student spotlight event provides the opportunity to recognize students’ experiences and participation at occasions such as international conferences.

The event highlighted five individual student presentations based on their experiences during this year’s S.H.R.M. Annual Conference and Exposition 2015 at

Students pose with UOG Professor Richard Colfax and SBPA Dean Annette Santos. The students received certificates of appreciation as part of the school’s student spotlight presentation held on Nov. 18. Photo by Kreeshia Aquino ​

Las Vegas, Nevada.

There were ten students who attended the conference.

The five individuals who presented were Mark Canovas, Rachel Bongato, Jonah

May Guiking, A-Ichea Yamada, and Hannah Mortera.

Each individual discussed various presentations exhibited by many distinguished speakers at

the S.H.R.M. Conference.

They also shared their experiences during the trip. At the end of the presentations, each presenter was awarded a certif-

icate of appreciation.

S.H.R.M. stands for Society for Human Resource Management.

The S.H.R.M. Conference is the largest HR event in the world. It offers HR professionals from all over the world to gain the best human resource education available each year.

Among the speakers are international academicians, business leaders, consultants, and HR practitioners.

The next SHRM Conference will be located at Washington D.C. It is scheduled for June 19 to June 22, 2016.

By John Mugol Triton’s Call Staff The University of Guam held the Hunger Games Dodgeball Tournament on Nov. 19.

The event was sponsored by UOG’s Integrated Marketing Communications department.

Nine teams entered the Calvo Fieldhouse with the hopes of garnering bragging rights and a chance to win tickets to the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II premiere.

The teams were diverse as they represented the different colleges of UOG, the student government association, other student organizations, alumni, and

ROTC. The rules were that each team should have 10 tributes, with at least two female tributes playing at all times. A team should also have alternates, if necessary.

Balls were lined up at the center of the court, with opposite teams at both ends.

At the blow of the whistle, tributes took a ball as fast as they could, and ran back at the end of the court. With the start of the game, another whistle was blown.

A player with a ball would target a tribute of the opposite team.

A tribute hit by a ball would be eliminated. When a tribute caught a ball thrown

University of Guam Triton’s Call, December 2015

Dodgeball brings students and alumni together

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The Hunger Games Dodgeball Tournament winning team, The Avengers, is shown above. Photo courtesy of UOG Integrated Marketing Communications

by an opposing tribute, that tribute was also eliminated.

The team that eliminated all of the tributes in an opposing

team won a game.

According to Bernie Capindo, marketing communications coordinator, the winning team was The Aveng-

ers.

The Avengers comprised of a group of students not associated with any student organization.

Thanksgiving event recognizes Forums: Issues discussed to the list.

The campus housUOG’s student organizations The panel also Continued from page 2

By John Mugol Triton’s Call Staff The 54th Student Government Association sponsored the Thanksgiving Event Charter Recognition at the University of Guam Calvo Fieldhouse on Nov. 25.

“The event was a combination of the charter recognition and thanksgiving luncheon,” said Pollar Ngiralulk, current SGA senator.

Senior Vice President of Student Affairs Anita Borja Enriquez, Ph.D., was the keynote speaker of this event, giving an inspirational talk about the ideas of leadership.

The event recognized the 49 student organizations of the current academic year that are registered with the student life office.

There were several new chartered student organizations that were also acknowledged, such as Reusing Injustice and Supporting Equality or R.I.S.E. and the UOG Lambda Pi Eta – Alpha Beta Eta Chapter, to name a few.

These student organizations were given certificates of recognition by SGA Vice President Samantha David and Interim UOG Enroll-

ment of Management and Student Success Division Dean Michael Gunn, Ph.D. “We also recognized the top 15 organizations from last year based on the points system. The top 15 were given banners (which were decorated onstage),” said Ngiralulk.

Following the recognition ceremony, students were treated for a luncheon.

There were also games and entertainment coordinated by the student government.

The winners of the essay contest were also presented.

included the program coordinator of the Student Life Office, Eden Galvez, who manages the establishment of student organizations and clubs on campus and the renewal and recognition of new clubs.

“Any group of friends can establish their student organization,” Galvez said.

The checklist and a list of necessary information can be found at the Student Life Office.

UOG was home to 40 current and active student organizations, which had increased to 49, with a recent recognition ceremony inducting more clubs

es a diverse mix of organizations, ranging from cultural organizations to a certain lifestyle organizations.

Some organizations discussed certain scholarships and how joining certain clubs can benefit the students.

“By earning enough hours, members of our club can qualify for the International Experience Scholarship which means they can go to a university abroad and experience that universities language and culture,” said Jason Aquino, president of the International Friendship Club.

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EMC2 fosters engagement in STEM fields

By Ari Santos

For Triton’s Call The University of Guam’s Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Club, also known as EMC2, has been around since the early 2000s.

Although it has been through a few name changes, according to Jaevani Isidro, the club’s secretary, it was not until 2014 when the club expanded to include engineering, did they change to the name of EMC2.

Pi(e) Day On March 14, 2015, EMC2 held their Pi(e) day at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

The event was important for the club’s members because a day like this only comes once every Triton’s Call staff Publisher Francis Dalisay, Ph.D. Editor-in-chief John Mugol Assistant editor Kevin Tano Staff writers Kreeshia Aquino Rianne Peredo Kyle Twardowski Contributors Yvonne Manglona Ari Santos Fu’una Sanz Email us: tritonscalluog@ gmail.com Visit our office: EC Building, Rm 212

century—the exact date and time were numbers that correspond with the numbers in Pi, which is 3.1415926.

The event included a memory challenge of how well attendees knew about the decimals found in pi, a pie eating contest, and free pie was given to attendees.

“Contestants had to eat the pie only using their mouths to finish it,” Isidro said. “It got really messy, but it was hilarious.”

Battlegrounds In Spring 2015, the club also hosted the first-ever “Battlegrounds.”

The event held gaming tournaments that included YuGi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom, Super Smash Bros, and Pokemon Ome-

Students participate in a video game tournament during a recent event sponsored by UOG’s EMC2, a club that fosters involvement in engineering, mathametics and sciences. Photo courtesy of EMC2.

ga Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

In the current semester, they will be hosting the second “Battlegrounds.” This event was initially scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, but due to the recent storm it was cancelled and moved to Dec. 18, 6 p.m.

“Battlegrounds”

also includes gaming tournaments in Super Smash Bros, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom.

The event is free and also would include free movie screenings of Inside Out, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Jurassic World.

EMC2 also hosted

a movie fundraiser with a special screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Thursday, Dec. 17.

For more information about EMC2, check out their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/uog. emc2, or website at www.uogemc2.org.

seling and student health services.

According to SGA’s office manager Kyle Sandbergen, SGA comprises of student leaders who want to try and make the university a better place for students.

“We are the bridge between the students and the administration,” said Sandbergen. “We have the power to bring up concerns that we relay to the administration.”

Students are encouraged to speak with the officials of SGA about any needs or concerns that have

not been addressed because the officials are well-versed in the procedures and policies around the UOG campus.

If a student addresses a particular issue to an SGA member, a bill or resolution will be drafted by the senator and voted upon in the next SGA open session.

After a bill or resolution is passed by SGA officials, the process begins to make its way for approval toward EMSS. Despite how formal SGA’s duties can be, the organization

is still comprised of students who value networking and hosting fun events for other students across the UOG campus.

Pollar Idesou-Ngiralulk is a senator of SGA who has written bills and resolutions.

Idesou-Ngiralulk also understands the duties of hosting events like Charter Day and Spring Assembly.

“We work for the students and try to be the students’ voices,” said SGA Senator Idesou-Ngiralulk.

“Being a senator is a lot of fun because

SGA plays role of communicating students’ needs

By Yvonne Manglona For Triton’s Call

The 58th Student Government Association is like the “glue” that binds all of UOG’s student organizations together.

SGA plays an integral role in communicating student needs with UOG’s administration, such as Dean Michael Gunn, Ph.D., who is in charge of the Enrollment of Management and Student Success Division.

EMSS manages all student services like admissions and records, student housing, student coun-

Continued on page 6

By Kyle Twardowski Triton’s Call Staff Some hooking, cheating and repeating went on at the University of Guam for two weeks straight. Not to fret-these three words were the themes of the student-directed scenes performed this Fall semester at the Fine Arts Theater at UOG. The showings of the cumulative of eight plays ran from Nov. 12 to 14 and Nov. 19 to 21.

“Hook, Cheat, Repeat” showcased eight UOG student directed scenes dealing with, of course, hooking, cheating, and repeating.

Out of these eight scenes, five were

also written by students from Tali Ariav’s UOG playwriting class.

Each of these scenes had three themes that seemed to attract the audiences with their vulgar dialogue, interesting and funny plot lines, and just knowing that these works of art were created by some of our fellow “The Next Mrs. Jacob Anderson,” shown above, was one of the students should have scenes performed in the recent student-directed theater performance made the experience held at UOG in November. Photo by Kyle Twardowski that much sweeter.

“I love theater be“An Act to Save a bring their old, spicy ro culture to have a cause it’s flesh and Marriage.” marriage back into space in art, because blood, you know, the Roberto’s scene the picture. it’s not always repart is not just acting, was the only one-act After a few lines resented well, and I it’s drawing emotion that contained eleof Chamorro, and a wanted to give the from your crowd ments of the Chamor- few funny references Chamorro culture because the crowd is ro culture, bringing to Chamorro stereosomething it could be the last part of thethe audience into a types, the audience proud of and say ‘this ater,” said Andrew modern day loss-ofcould not resist but is Chamorro theater,’” Roberto, the writer of love story of a marlaugh into tears.

Roberto said. the one-act play titled ried couple trying to “I want the Chamor-

Island Girl Power continues to assist community of young women

By Kreeshia Aquino Triton’s Call Staff Island Girl Power is a local prevention program founded by the Ayuda Foundation offering many activities and assistance for young girls and their families.

According to the Program Director of Island Girl Power, Juanita Blaz, IGP helps girls from age seven to 14. During these years, girls begin to transition from childhood to adolescence.

Island Girl Power is also a community venue allwoing young girls to learn from different mentors and role models. It is

not just a one-to-one mentoring program for the girls.

“It is about having a larger community support the young girls,” Blaz said. “It is hard to see the change in the girls because it occurs over years working with them.”

IGP partners up with many organizations, volunteers, and has various projects that benefit the community.

Blaz encouraged college students to see themselves as positive role models in the community.

“College is an amazing goal and a step in life. If they are

going to help out the community, volunteer with an open mind and an open hearts” Blaz advised.

Audrey Brown, operations manager, said she enjoys volunteering at IGP because it has taught her a lot about suicide prevention. She had friends who contemplated about suicide or hurt themselves.

After attending IGP’s suicide prevention workshops and trainings, Brown was able to identify warning signs and help out her loved ones.

“Being here made me care more about the community and realize that pre-

Sitting from left to right, IGP managers Doreen Mendiola, Audrey Brown, and Eileen M. Castro smile in front of their decorated Christmas tree.

Photo by Kreeshia Aquino

vention begins with yourself,” Brown explained. “It forced me to face what I was going through in my life and taught me how to cope with it better than what I

used to think.”

Brown said the girls in the clubhouse shared experiences that no one should not go through.

Continued on page 6

University of Guam Triton’s Call, December 2015

“Hook, Cheat, Repeat” showcases students’ work

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Guma Tasa: A cafe that embraces “local”

By Fu’una Sanz For Triton’s Call From outside it, locally owned Guma’ Tåsa might appear to be a typical café.

However, when you step inside it, you may find yourself admiring the artwork that lines the walls or the pool table situated inside of the café.

But what would probably most surprise you is that this “café” has an entire bar selection behind its counter.

Guma’ Tåsa combines the best of both worlds to bring their customers an unforgettable experience each time they decide to grab a quick bite or have a round.

Starting in 2013, Guma’ Tåsa was founded by Denise Mendiola as a business idea with her

father. She liked the combination of a café and bar, and she liked latte stones.

This led to the birth of Guma’ Tåsa, which literally translates to “house of cups.”

The latte stone theme can be noticed as part of the architecture in the café.

Mendiola’s passion for her business venture is to keep it Chamoru and to keep it local. Those beliefs transcend into the popular menu items they have to offer.

They order their produce from Grow Guam, which they incorporate into the popular paninis, wraps, and smoothies they serve daily.

Mendiola takes pride in knowing, as a local businesswomen herself, that she supports other local

SGA: Encouraging involvement Continued from page 3

we get to meet new people and get to know them. We help each other.”

SGA Senator Darryl Navarro mentions that lack of student engagement can be frustrating, but through SGA, they continue to reach out to the students and hold events.

Navarro is also an active general member of UOG’s American Marketing Association and majoring in Business Public Administration.

Additionally, SGA

offers a point system incentive program to student organizations increase participation throughout the academic year.

There are 49 recognized student organizations on campus, which can earn points by hosting events or by participating in other events.

The top-three student organizations from last year were the Pohnpeian Student Organization, the Chuukese Student Organization, and the Residence Hall Governing Council.

businesses as well.

The popular menu items include their turkey spinach wrap and teriyaki mushroom panini. These are paired with flavored beverages, including coffee specialties such as the Kaduku Mocha and Caramel Haze.

The one thing that keeps customers in line and hungry for more is Guma’ Tåsa’s famous garlic dressing, which is served with almost all their sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

“I’ve never tried anything like it anywhere else on Guam,” said Aubreeana Taylor, a senior at the University of Guam and a customer of Guma’ Tåsa.

Guma’ Tåsa also offers a 10% student discount to UOG

students and students from the Guam Community College.

Mendiola says they cater their menu to offer budget-style food that is also healthy and provides energy.

She understands the struggles many college students face financially and hopes to ease the burden by providing a menu that fills their stomachs without emptying their wallets.

She also offers her café as an environment for any college student to spend the day. Guma’ Tåsa’s space is large enough to serve as meeting places for group projects and there is also free wifi for their customers.

Well into the night, you can still find Guma’ Tåsa lit up

and hear music flowing out their doors.

That’s because they also offer nightly entertainment throughout the week.

Andrea Grajek, barista and marketing personnel, mentioned that they are restarting their openmic Mondays, which had been definitely a crowd drawer previously.

You will also find different bands playing during different days between Wednesday to Friday, including R & R, G Strings Aloud, and The Vetones.

Guma’ Tåsa can provide exactly what you need. Check them out daily or nightly in Legacy Square, Mangilao, behind Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Island Girl Power: Empowering females Continued from page 5

through. Without IGP, they would not know that they have a choice. IGP helps to empower, encourage, and inspire, them Brown noted.

Brown is also in charge of the Island Girl Power Thrift Store, which accepts donations from the community.

In addition to prevention workshops, Eileen M. Castro, IGP’s family enrichment center coordinator and manager, explained that

they provide other workshops such as self-defense and yoga.

Castro said IGP partners with other organizations that would like to demonstrate or training with the public, especially to keep the community aware of things such as family violence, sexual assault, and how to prevent it.

IGP Clubhouse Manager Doreen Mendiola explained that she has been volunteering at IGP for over 10 years.

The clubhouse that

Mendiola manages provides activities such as arts and crafts, cooking sessions, exercises, and cultural presentations for the young girls participating.

There are two Island Girl Power locations. One is at Dededo and the other at Malesso.

For more information, visit the website, www.islandgirlpower. com. You can also contact Juanita Blaz, program director, at 688-4752 or email: islandgirlpower@671@ gmail.com.

OPINION

Try these gift ideas for the holiday season

By Rianne Peredo Triton’s Call Staff As the holiday season rapidly approaches, an important dilemma arises: what gifts will you get for your family and friends?

Being a college student also means that you may be frugal and less susceptible to over splurging.

Listed below are some affordable and creative gifts that won’t break the bank in the process.

1. Gift baskets These can be themed or color-coordinated, depending on the recipient. Because you are in charge of what will be in the basket,

chances are you won’t overspend.

An example of this is making a basket filled with hand towels, bath soaps, gels, and hand creams for a co-worker or someone that needs to unwind after their workday.

2. Gift cards or certificates Gift cards or certificates to the recipient’s favorite store, restaurant, or the movie theater are simple but practical presents for the holidays. If you have some extra cash, you could splurge on a gift certificate to a spa.

Consider the giving of simple items, like a mug. This might help you ease the pressure involved in deciding the perfect gift, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season.

Photo by Rianne Peredo

3. Perfume/cologne If you know the recipient’s scent of choice, then purchasing their favorite fragrance is guaranteed to be a fantastic gift.

4. Coffee beans or a bottle of a wine

If the recipient is a coffee addict or wine connoisseur, they will surely appreciate receiving their beverage of choice.

5. Mug or insulated water bottle A coffee mug or insulated water bottle

(such as a Hydro Flask) is another practical gift for a person that is always on the go.

Rianne Peredo is a Triton’s Call staff writer and junior majoring in communication.

The daunting task of balancing college life with a job

By Kreeshia Aquino Triton’s Call Staff I applaud those who do try to balance many aspects of their life, and still find a way to smile and make what they do look easy.

I am a full-time student with a double major in communications and linguistics and a minor in writing. Like many college students, I also have a part-time job.

I have been working since I started college, which was roughly two years.

Fortunately, I have a scholarship that helps me pay for my tuition and books, but that

doesn’t mean I do not have to work.

Holding a job while attending college isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. It may be stressful, especially during midterms and finals, but overall, having a job while attending college has its benefits.

First, having a job means extra income.

Scholarship or not, having extra money come in means more to save or spend. My scholarship pays for my tuition and books, but I have house and car bills to worry about on the side.

Not to mention, I like to eat, so I like buying

groceries.

Second, having a job makes you feel more independent.

As a college student, it would be best to start earning your own money instead of having to depend on your parents. Just like the first benefit, having a job can help you save your own money, especially for emergencies.

Third, having a job, for the most part, lets you interact with other people. You get to meet different kinds of people.

Yes, you do meet different people in your classes. What I mean is, you get to

meet customers and work with coworkers.

These are the people you can talk about other things with, other than what the next assignment is or what the professor said.

Fourth, having a job forces you to manage your time wisely.

My boss lets me turn in my school schedule before each semester. She works well with my school schedule because she believes school is a priority.

Although my school and work schedule do not conflict, how I manage my free time is my responsibility.

My “free” time means

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choosing between: catching up on homework, meeting up for group projects, studying for exams, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, paying bills, sleeping, shopping, exercising, or watching TV. Juggling school and work is not easy.

There will be times when you wonder if all you do is worth it.

It may not seem like it, but the experiences are what make your college years memorable.

Kreeshia Aquino is a Triton’s Call staff writer and junior majoring in communication.

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