UOG Triton's Call Newspaper Issue 1, March 2022

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Fañomnåkan/Spring 2022, Vol. 48, Issue 1, March

Residents Still Divided on Abortion Rights

By Mikaylla Alcairo Triton’s Call Staff While the island awaits the outcome of an existing lawsuit, many in Guam remain adamant about their opinions regarding reproductive rights. In Guam, the reported abortion rates have gradually increased since it was first recorded in 1993. However, in 2018, it dropped below 100 abortions, coinciding with the same year the last provider retired.

Abortion statistics from 2019-2021 have not been recorded.

Due to the island’s predominantly Catholic beliefs, many individuals do not take lightly the concept of abortion.

Photo from Rally for Life in 2019. Retrieved from the Pacific Daily News.

Christy Alcantra, an active individual in the Catholic Church, comments, “Whatever side we take on abortion, facts must be taken as

they are. In all successful abortion procedures, one innocent person is killed.

Even in the least complicated procedure of taking abortion pills. Termination

no matter where they are on the island.

This app is designed for the ease of access having the tabs identifiable. Tabs such as academics give information on admission, degree programs, and the academic calendar that can be helpful for new students who are planning their college route.

With the UOG triton app, students are also able to access their WebAdvisor account, Moodle account, and their gotritons student email.

As the COVID-19 pandemic affects courses at the University of Guam, it is important for students to visit these sites. Jarina

Sablan, a student from the School of Business explains how having the app saves time and is efficient.

“This app has all the links and services that you can find on the UOG website, but to me, it’s just more convenient,” says Sablan.

Not only does the UOG triton app provide students with these useful features, but it also offers discounts at local stores and restaurants. Students may find it under the tab “triton privileges”.

Joseph Baik, a current student attending the University of Guam, was unaware of this feature.

of pregnancy is a more popular way of saying killing a very young human being.”

However, there are also many that support it or are known to be “pro-choice.”

Famalåo’an Rights is a local pro-choice activist group that promotes reproductive equity by emphasizing the importance of having access to reproductive health care and education.

“We’re not saying if you’re pregnant and you’re not ready, [then] get an abortion. We’re saying if you’re pregnant and you’re not ready, or if you are ready and you’re thinking about it, you should be able to exer-

cise the choice. Just like you have a choice everywhere else,” states Kiana Yabut, original member of Famalåo’an Rights.

In January 2021, the American Civil Liberties Union and two Hawaii-based Guam-licensed doctors filed a lawsuit against Guam government for failing to provide abortion access to the island. Guam has not had an abortion provider since the last one retired and left the island in 2018. or hospital, cannot be used to restrict access to medication abortion,” according to the ACLU. Continued on page 7.

The UOG Triton app: A Guidebook for Students

By Nathaniel Dulla Triton’s Call Staff If you are a current or incoming student attending the University of Guam, then the UOG Triton app can be a valuable tool at your disposal.

The UOG Triton app launched in the month of March 2018 and is still in full operation till this day. It provides students with the latest news and updates that are occurring on campus and provides information on upcoming events that students should be aware about.

Having this app on your mobile device allows students to stay connected to the University of Guam

Page 2: Guam Residents Expecting Another Power Increase Publisher

Home page of the UOG TritonGo app. Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Dulla.

“I did not know you can get discounts from using the app. I’ll download it and try it out whenever

Page 3: An Exciting Semester Ahead for Triton E-Sports

Staff Writers Atdao Natividad Eliria Sabeti Javeline Camposagrado

Jacques Masangkay Mikaela Yanto

I’m going out to eat or buy something,” says Baik.

The app is free and available on iOS and android.

Page 6: UOG Seniors Shadow at GMH

Assistant Editor Mikaylla Alcairo Copy Editor Nathaniel Dulla

Web Editor Reese Meno

Guam Residents Expecting Another Power Increase

By Atadao Natividad Triton’s Call Staff Residents of Guam will be facing a new monthly fuel surcharge that will increase from the current 15.08 cents per kilowatt-hour to 17.14 cents. This will be placed in effect starting Feb. 1st with the plan being implemented.

There was an increase up to 13.04 cents per kWh in August then increased again up to 15.08 cents per kWh in October.

By December, it finally increased to 17.14 cents per kWh affecting residents.

The power increase will leave many families having to find extra money to compensate for their monthly power bills. Local Guam resident Bryant Leon Guerrero of Inarajan said, “I will have to find ways to reduce my power consumption to handle the increased bill.”

Many other residents will

Diesel Power plant in Talo’fo’fo, Guam. Photo Courtesy of Atdao Natividad. soon be faced with these decisions.

The formal name for this surcharge is known as the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause and is a part of the consumer’s monthly power bill. Along with what consumers pay for their monthly power bill it also pays for the cost of fuel oil for the power plant.

GPA was faced with a notable loss as fuel prices increased. The Consolidated Commission on Utilities and the Public Utilities Commission have decided to maintain a loss on fuel purchases. There is an estimate of a loss of $18.4 million since January 2022.

GPA’s savings can help

mitigate the $5 million in capital expenses. Although, if the surcharge is maintained at 17.14 cents per kWh, there is a loss of roughly about $17.5 million by the end of the next six-month period.

Students and families living in Guam will now have to find ways to adjust to this increase by

making tough decisions to reduce their power consumption. Turning the air conditioner off, opening windows, and drying laundry on clotheslines will all help in reducing their power bill.

Guam Power Authority Official Vehicle in Yoña, Guam.

Mistaken Priority: Law Enforcement vs. Education

By Javeline Camposagrado Triton’s Call Staff In early January of thIn early January of this year, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed a public law allowing an increase of pay towards law enforcement. It led to a noted 18% increase in overall pay towards Guam’s law enforcement, and while at the same time there has been no word towards the education faculty.

The argument for this mandate was that many law enforcement officers of Guam ended up going to other international agencies for what is believed to be the “Wage Gap”.

After numerous meetings with Governor Leon Guerrero, the Guam Police Department, and law enforcement divisions, they concluded to have that an increase of 18% to make up for the 18% lacking in the national average for law enforcement salaries.

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According to a quote from an Instagram post of Governor Leon Guerrero’s account, “This is a necessary action to take, otherwise we will continue losing our trained and certified officers to competing agencies and the federal government.”

The post goes on to say that this was the right time to act, in this regard, and how law enforcement has been vital to Guam’s communities.

However, the comments on the post say otherwise with many outrages that the priority was mistaken. “this is what ur concerned about?” from user, exunderscoreandthenmyname, states.

“Nothing like buying votes in an election year!

Way to go, Lou!” mocks user, _jr_monty_.

Many also argued that law enforcement was not the department that needed the funding, but rather,

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

the education department because of their efforts during the COVID pandemic.

Referring to an article from the Post Guam website, “Education Board backs increase in teacher’s; pay” by Jolene Toves, it seems that Guam Education Board member Alecxis Ada had noticed the disparity of treatment of education faculty and had tried to propose a solution towards the issue.

Ada proposed to the board, in a desperate 5 minutes, to add education pay raises to the fiscal year 2023 draft proposal budget topic.

While the argument stands that Ada believes that the numbers could lean towards the salary raise, there is a firm understanding that implementing it or even arguing for it is an endeavor all on its own.

Newspapers; a fading medium, but still deemed necessary. Photo courtesy of Javeline Camposgrado.

An Exciting Semester Ahead for Triton Esports

By: Jacques Masangkay Triton’s Call Staff The beginning of the year has been quite eventful for the organization so far.

Under the new management of Latte Esports president, Ken San Nicolas, the months to follow look good for the organization and those involved, with many events planned for the semester.

“It’s a busy year, and there’s a lot to do moving forward. The first two years of the program was kind of more of an orientation. We were trying new things to what sticks- now that we’re a few years in, we have a clear direction on where we want to go, and now it’s just trying to make it to the finish line for the goals we’ve set.”

San Nicolas explained.

Among the many events planned for this semester, the most significant is a month-long series of weekly tournaments to be held in March to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of

The Triton Esports 2022 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team. Photo retreived from @ uogtritonesports on Instagram. the University of Guam.

Prizes for tournaments League of Legends. With The tournaments will be are still to be announced, Valorant not being one of open to all and will be but San Nicolas hinted the games this season, free to enter, encouragthat they will be big and some of the members of ing everyone interested definitely something to last semester’s Valorant in joining to participate. look forward to. team switched over to Along with the tournaThe new National CSGO but they are set to ments, Fridays are also Association of Collegiate transition back to Valorant scheduled to showcase Esports (NACE) season in about two months, said games to promote the has also begun, and the San Nicolas. organization’s athletes by University of Guam’s Now that the organicompeting in exhibition varsity esports teams will zation has pushed its matches against some of be competing in Countteams to compete full-time the island’s best players. er Strike, Smash, and at NACE, competing at

the collegiate level can be intimidating.

It is usually the first few games of the season where nerves are at an all-time high.

According to Jonah Hermosilla, “It was a surreal experience for me since it was my first time competing against another collegiate team.

We ultimately lost due to nervousness and not enough confidence.”

Although the League of Legends team did not win their first game of the season, they still has their heads high and are doing a lot to improve their game moving forward.

“The team’s plan moving forward is to improve continually each week both in-game and as student-athletes in our respective communities.”

League of Legends team captain, Ivan Rosell said.

The athletes are looking forward to another semester of competition and enjoy the challenges that competition brings.

A Look into Super Bowl LVI By: Atdao Natividad Triton’s Call Staff This year’s Super Bowl LVI had the Los Angeles Rams competing against the Cincinnati Bengals for a shot at the Lombard trophy.

Hard work and training were displayed by both teams in preparation for the game. Both teams had a somewhat successful last week of the regular season.

The Rams were sitting at the top of their division with a record of 7-2, while on the other hand, the Bengals had a record of 10-7 to finish the regular season.

When discussing a strategic offense, the Rams come to mind with their powerhouse of offensive players.

Matthew Stafford was a vital key for winning the Super Bowl as he read the defense play by play and was able to execute offensive plays.

Rams rejoicing on winning the SuperBowl. Retrieved from TheSportingNews.

Aaron Donald on the defense was breaking through the line giving the Bengals a hard time gaining yardage.

Although the Rams’ head coach, Sean McVay, was mainly calling run plays, Stafford was still able to make big plays by getting the ball in the air.

Many experts asked if Joe Burrows could handle the pressures of the Super Bowl.

Maxon William, a communications major, stated, “Stafford probably has more pressure on him as he has been in the game longer, but I believe Joe Burrows works better under pressure.” The Rams’ offensive line has Brian Allen, Andrew Whitworth, and Tremayne Anchrum Jr., who give Stafford enough time to get the ball out.

Odell Beckham Jr. and

Cooper Kupp worked well together, but sadly Beckham tore his ACL late in the second quarter, which had him benched for the rest of the game.

Roland San Nicholas, a UOG librarian, stated, “Cooper Kupp is the best wide receiver in the NFL, hands down. He won the triple crown of WRs with the most catches, yards, and TDs. He will be almost impossible to cover

if Matt Stafford is on.”

San Nicholas predicted that the score would be Rams, 30-27, but the final score ended with 23-20, Rams.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

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By Jacques Masangkay Triton’s Call Staff After two long years of COVID-19 affecting everything we do, the wrench it threw into the gears began to loosen itself these past few months. Since the semester of Fall 2021, face-to-face classes are being offered again, and life has been returning to campus almost back to the way it used to be.

This transitional phase of returning to normal is a huge relief to most, but it does bring concerns up as cases still occasionally rise.

For faculty especially, classes must adhere to the rules of social distancing and wearing masks.

Sometimes even face shields depending on the number of students. This can lead to a handful of difficulties for faculty in handling their courses.

Some courses offered by UOG take a more handson approach, creating a greater need for face-toface meetings such as the courses taught by Raymond Anderson, that require a lot of hands-on experience with equipment and software for students to more effec-

Returning to the Old Normal

tively learn.

Anderson voiced his initial concerns of last semester’s transition back. “It was a little nerve-wracking teaching a full class when you can’t be six feet apart, so the students had to wear face shields along with their masks, and we did have some online. But on the days we were working with cameras, we were fully in the green screen room or outside.”

Larger in-class activities were difficult to organize as everyone had to be mindful of social distancing. Grouping a large group of students in a room, or even having smaller groups students come in to class for equipment training became difficult due to the risks.

Although lectures have somewhat become easier by simply screensharing, teaching students how to use programs like editing software did not have the same effect as it did faceto-face.

“It’s a little easier to show Premiere or After Effects online, but it’s still not quite the same because they’re all dependent on me- if students

The library is open to students again but some parts remain closed. Photo courtesy of Jacques Masangkay. need help they can’t just put up their hand and ask the TA, so it slows the whole class down because we would have to stop and figure it out together.” Anderson explained.

With things on its way to go back to normal though, some professors have started to go back to fully

face-to-face instead of the hybrid options students had last semester, and according to Anderson, there are plans to continue with this transition, offering more face-to-face classes for Fall 2022.

The general response of students to things going back to normal has been very positive. Many are

relieved to be free from an online learning environment, returning to the old routine of going to campus and physically attending their classes.

There is also a social aspect of being on campus that students missed.

Tested Positive for COVID? Here’s What to Do

By Eliria Sabeti Triton’s Call Staff The COVID-19 outbreak has caused extensive stress for all of Guam. The pandemic has affected schools and other businesses around the community. Through shutdowns and multiple quarantines, it has been hard for many of us to sustain a job or get the full potential of our education for ourselves and our children.

Since the start of COVID-19 hitting our island in 2019, many of us have been worried about getting infected with COVID-19 or infecting others with it.

Although our numbers are up and down, the recent rise in COVID-19 4

has taken a toll on us again. It is best to provide some information and guidance from our own Public Health department and CDC on how to stay safe and healthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, better yet known as CDC states that “ Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.”

In addition to getting vaccinated, the public is still encouraged to follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; wear your mask in public, stay 6 feet apart from each other, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often.

The situation we are in

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

Provided above is a flowchart from the Guam Public Health department on some safety guidelines that we can put into practice. Retrieved from KUAM News. is dynamic, unstable, and is always changing very rapidly. We have to be extra cautious in order to keep ourselves and our community safe.

Guam Public Health tells us some steps we can take if you are feeling some early on symptoms of COVID-19 but are not vaccinated, vaccinated,

or even if you have a booster.

The Reality of Being A Student Realtor

By Reese Meno Triton’s Call Staff As an upperclassman, I felt pressured to start thinking about my future career path. Yet, just like other students that work, I also felt pressure to start making some sort of income as soon as possible. After some research, I landed on the idea of getting into Real Estate while still attending school.

I watched a couple YouTube videos of people my age who were getting into real estate and thought, this would be a walk in the park. If I had known back then what I know now, I would travel back to stop myself from making such a rash decision.

Real estate is a great and competitive field, but if your experience is anything like mine, and you’re only hoping for some fast cash, you’re in for a rude awakening. Real estate agents work for a commission based on their sales versus a bi-weekly salary. In other words, if you don’t make a sale you don’t make any money.

To become a real estate agent, you need to fulfill multiple requirements that

cost a number of fees.

First requirement is to be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident. Next, you would need to enroll in a pre-licensing course that satisfies the 30-hour requirement.

The two courses offered on Guam are the National Institute of Continuing Education and Guam Real Estate Academy and Training. Fees to enroll can range from $500-550.

After completing the course and obtaining your certificate, you would need to sign up to take the real estate salesperson’s examination offered at UOG. The exam is split into two parts, state and general, for which you would need a 75% or higher for both parts to pass. Fee to take the test is $50.

Once you’ve passed, it’s time to start the application process to get your license, and then interview with When you find a team you want to join, you will need to gather all required documents to submit to DMV and pay the license fee of $100. You would, then, begin the process of

(Left to right) Reese Meno pictured with her client, Claudia Albin, on Albin’s move in day. Photo courtesy of Reese Meno. becoming a realtor, which is different from the typical agent.

Realtors have access to Multiple Listing Service, a system that holds a number of listings and information, which is extremely helpful in handling your business. The trademark realtor also signifies your membership in the G.A.R. This is an entirely different process that includes

its own required documents, and a new member fee of $1865. Keep in mind, that once you are a member you will also be required to pay quarterly dues that can range from $500+, dependent on G.A.R. So before even getting into actual real estate, you are looking at spending around $3,000.

Don’t consider this a

warning not to join real estate, but a guide into the reality of starting your journey. If you are prepared and willing to invest in yourself and your real estate business, this can be an incredible career path that can offer you all sorts of opportunities.

By Eliria Sabeti Triton’s Call Staff Julia Areieta, a former GCC student, had been serving her community in a variety of ways while she studied at the Guam mmunity College. Areieta grew up on the island of Kuchi Ku in Ebeye, Marshalls, until the age of 14, when she moved to Guam.

Areieta is still heavily involved with her Marshallese culture even in the Guam community. Another big part of her life is the Baha’i community and being raised up by their teachings and morals.

The Baha’i faith is a fairly new religion whose purpose is to unite all the other religions and all the peoples into one universal Cause and one common

faith. Its main teaching is unity. The Baha’i faith started back in 1844 in Tehran, Iran by its newfound manifestations, The Bab and Bahá’u’lláh.

Areieta is actively involved in the activities and studies that they provide for the community. “We have a global process called the Ruhi Institution that is designed to help build our capacity to apply the teachings of the Baha’i faith to the transformation of society,” Areieta said.

Areieta has made the time to participate in a series of global conferences, online and in-person meetings, and youth and children’s development classes for the advancement of the community.

Balancing school while

participating in this global process was a challenge for Areieta. Although she does feel that being raised in the Baha’i community since such a young age has really helped her to shape her personality to become more caring, giving, and patient.

“I find myself trying to incorporate these characteristics of being a Baha’i and a family-orientated person in my daily life, with school and community service. It has helped me have a different perspective on things in life,” Areieta said joyfully.

Former Student Lends a Helping Hand to Her Community

Julia Areieta. Photo courtesy of Julia Areieta.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

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Jamaican Grill Mangilao opens up “Student Shack”

By Nathaniel Dulla Tritons Call Staff The newest Jamaican Grill location opened its doors on September 2021 in the village of Mangilao.

This new branch features the unique Jamaican Grill “Student Shack” that no other branches have.

This room can cater to teachers, professors and students who would like to use the room for hosting lectures. This room can accommodate 25 people and has a 65-inch TV that can be used as a presentation screen.

Mangilao is a populated village having two large high schools as well as the University of Guam and the Guam Community College. Omar Nobuo, marketing assistant of Jamaican Grill expressed how the new “Student Shack” attracts students in the area.

“Since our Mangilao location opened in Sep

The entrance to the Jamaican Grill Student Shack, located in the Jamaican Grill Mangilao branch. Photo courtesy of Jamaican Gril. tember 2021, we have experienced students coming in and utilizing the Jamaican Grill student shack.” says Nobuo.

Nobuo also explains how Jamaican Grill offer special items for students, but is in the process of revitalizing this feature.

“Jamaican Grill does offer $8 student plates for FBLA members out of Harvest Christian Academy through their Atlas

card,” says Nobuo He also mentioned how the University of Guam students can get the same discounts.

“This offer was available to the University of Guam, but we just need to update this feature on the TritonGo app.

The Student shack is not only available for students and teachers but Jamaican grill welcomes all.

“Jamaican Grill welcomes the academia community, business people, local artists, and families to use this space.

This space would be ideal for family outings.” says Nobuo.

The student shack brings new opportunities for Jamaican Grill and can become a new hangout zone for students in the area. This new location is taking

a different approach to attracting customers and Omar expressed how they would like the input from the students on what they want to see incorporated for the future.

the head nurse for the Labor and Delivery department at GMH. “A day of shadowing may consist of visualizing and understanding our preceptors’ roles and responsibilities as a nurse leader. Examples of which include observing them as they conduct/attend meetings, make work schedules, handle conflicts within their unit, and do performance evaluations,” Batangan states.

The total required hours for the course consists of 36 hours, half of which is spent shadowing their assigned preceptors.

Students are randomly assigned to various health care settings, while others have beenare assigned to Guam Regional Medical Center or even the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

Batangan believes the program is necessary to prepare students for graduation. “An ideal situation for me would be able to observe my preceptor per-

form all of her duties as a unit supervisor before our practicum ends.”

She mentions that while the course is well structured, she would have liked even more time to shadowmore time shadowing her preceptor.

As these students prepare to receive their BSN, they are also preparing for future employment.

Batangan has already taken her NCLEX after receiving her associate’s degree in Arizona, so she has decided to take a break to give herself some time to decide whether to apply to GMH or GRMC. “For the students who will soon be taking this class, I advise managing your time as efficiently as possible.”

UOG Seniors Shadow at GMH

Rayel Batangan (right), shadowing her preceptor, Valerie Meno (left). Photo courtesy of Reese Meno.

By Reese Meno Triton’s Call Staff The University of Guam offers a nursing program that prepares its students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge needed to 6

pursue a nursing career in various departments.

One of the last classes needed to graduate is NU418: Leadership in Nursing, which highlights the leadership role nurses take on in order to provide efficient patient care and positive work environments.

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

Students will then have the chance to practice what they learned from this course and apply them in clinical settings in NU419: Leadership in Nursing Practicum.

Leadership student, Rayel Batangan, is a senior currently assigned to shadow, Valerie Meno,

Continued from Page 1 ACLU is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that serves to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States

guarantee everyone in this country, as stated in their website.

A few months after the lawsuit, the District Court of Guam agreed to a partial settlement on March 5.

The settlement entails that “one of the two laws challenged in the filing, a 1978 law that requires abortions be ‘performed’ in a clinic or hospital, cannot be used to restrict access

to medication abortion,” according to the ACLU. National statistics retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website display a steadily de-

crease until 2018 when it rose by 1%. The following year, there was another 1% increase. It is important to note that the data collected is from voluntary reporting

Isla Center Prepares for Newest Exhibit

Front entrance of Isla Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of Javeline Camposgrado.

By Javeline Camposagrado Triton’s Call Staff The Isla Center of the Arts is about to have its exhibit rotation in early to mid-March: “A Retrospective of the Visual Arts at the University of Guam. It will not only be the new exhibit but will also be a featured part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Annual Research Conference as well as the 70th Anniversary of the University of Guam.

“This will be the featured display during the Charter Day celebration on March 31, 2022. The exhibition will

feature the works of former and current faculty and alumni” comments Velma Yamashita, faculty of the Isla Center for the Arts.

The planning and consideration that went into the exhibit’s release seemed to have had a lot of thought put towards it as the timing could not be any better to highlight its release. While Yamashita could not give the specific names of any artists yet, as the list is still under consideration, the efforts going towards the exhibit’s progress speak of their hopes and expectations.

Other than its release at such an attention-grabbing time, there will be

other efforts made to spread the word of the release.

“We will disseminate information about the exhibition through the University of Guam media team as well as social media (Instagram and Facebook). We will also send email digital invitations to those on our mailing list,” Yamashita answered.

The upcoming weeks will have the staff of the Isla Center of the Arts busy with careful planning. Before the exhibit rotation, people are encouraged to check out the current exhibit to enjoy the displayed works of art.

“Night Lover” and Creating Guam’s Music Industry: A Feature on Local Artist Harmony Chea

By Mikaela Yanto Triton’s Call Staff Local artist and UOG Alumni Harmony Yatar, known by her stage name “Harmony Chea,” released her single “Night Lover” on February 12th, 2022 - setting a standard that you do not have to leave Guam to create good music.

“If you look at stories it is usually the person being cheated on, but I thought of writing a song where you are the side chick though this is nothing specific that happened to me. At the end of the day, I just wanted to write a story about a sneaky link because sometimes you just have to glamorize girls in their phase,” describes Yatar.

“Night Lover” is the second release in a trio of singles that Yatar planned to release from January to March of this year, which are all part of her debut album that is coming

sometime in fall.

In terms of genre, Yatar does not identify her music as precisely just one style because she pulls inspiration from lots of different artists. Additionally, Yatar confirmed that she did write all her music herself and co-composed with Straight Up Studios.

Straight Up Studios is an independent music label based on Guam, and while Yatar is not officially signed with them, she is a part of the label.

“In terms of me being signed or having a contract, there’s nothing like that. All of the artists are really just coming on their own time because of their passion for music,” shares Yatar.

Straight Up Studios has an official recording studio located in Tamuning which is shared with Project Inspire, a local production company in Guam that helps Straight Up Studios film their music videos.

As an artist, Yatar wants her own music to be prominently known outside of Guam. However, together with Straight Up Studios, she believes in a long-term goal of creating a more extensive music industry here in Guam.

“At the end of the day, my goal with whatever funds we get from this venture is to bring it back to the island and grow it here. I want the future generations growing up here to think ‘Hey, I can be a recording artist like Ariana Grande or Billie Eilish and not have to leave Guam.’,” says Yatar.

“Night Lover” and the rest of Harmony Chea’s music can be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify.

Her music videos and her fellow artists can be found on the Straight Up Music YouTube channel.

Harmony Chea. Photo retreived from @boywonder.co on Instagram

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

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The Coconut Tree Company: A local sweet treat makes a comeback

By Mikaylla Alcairo Triton’s Call Staff Walking into his shop and taking in the smell of coconut candy is very nostalgic for store owner, Gary Tanaka, 48, as it reminds him of the reason he started his small local business.

Located in Hagatña, The Coconut Tree Company was established in 2018 and officially opened its doors at its new location in 2020. They specialize in a modern, gourmet twist of local coconut candy.

Driven by his grandfather, Tomas S. Tanaka’s love for cooking, he knew he wanted to continue to honor his memory, so he established the business alongside co-owner Joseph Connelly. He also wanted to give “truly traditional gifts” with aesthetic packaging.

“I know it’s not truly unique to Guam, and that

there are other islands that have that (coconut candy), but [I am able] to take somebody from the states who hasn’t had that, or a visitor, and share that experience with them. [It inspires me to continue] sharing our culture, our memories, our heritage through candy,” states Tanaka.

Due to the scarcity of coconuts on the island, the business chooses to get their source elsewhere.

Danielle Luces, operations manager at The Coconut Tree Company, states, “Because we source our coconut from local farmers in the Philippines, the consistency of the candy may not always be the same. We try our best to maintain the quality of our candy, but at the end of the day, [in] some batches you’ll get a nice chew while some batches may get a nice

A display of coconut candy wrapped in the variety of colored foils offered for custom orders. Photo courtesy of The Coconut Tree Company silky chew.”

They currently offer this gourmet treat in two flavors: traditional and chocolate. Occasionally, they do introduce limited time creations such as mango-coconut candy during mango season.

They also offer pre-orders for any custom orders. Custom orders

include different packaging as well as a variety of colored foils to choose from.

They sell their products in-store and at other remote locations such as 76 gas stations, Tendan Inda, and Navy Exchange.

Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more

information, you can reach them on Instagram, @thecoconuttreecompany, or call 671-472-3775.

Netflix’s Leatherface sequel is a massacre itself

A still of Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Photo from Netflix. same time that the Texas the good graphics of

By Mikaela Yanto Chainsaw Massacre bloodshed, I felt that this Triton’s Call Staff franchise started.

Though film lacked excitement in Leatherface, one of the there are around nine terms of plot and characmost famous on-screen movies in this series, ter development. killers in horror movies, is none of them are really Texas Chainsaw Masbrought back to the movie dependent on each other. sacre begins with one scene in Texas Chainsaw Viewers can watch the of the main characters Massacre. It was released movies as standalones.

Lila watching a Leatheron Netflix last February As an avid watcher of face documentary in the 18th, 2022. horror films, I personconvenience store.

This The iconic chainally expected to see a feels like a summary for saw-wielding killer has well-structured plot to the people who are not been going on rampages support the gore in the familiar with the series, since 1974 around the film. However, despite thus disappointing me 8

University of Guam Triton’s Call, March 2022

with poor plot structure.

We are then given a surface level introduction to both main characters, sisters Melody and Lila.

Melody is introduced as a snotty, rich Gen Z who purchased Harlow, Leatherface’s hometown, with dreams of making it some sort of “haven” for those who want country life. On the other hand, Lila is a girl with a traumatic past who is taken under Melody’s wing.

Both characters have potential to be more than their superficial introductions. However, throughout this whole 83-minute film, I was disappointed that we are given nothing about their pasts and are left to sit on non-existent character development.

Lila’s trauma regarding guns is only explained through split-second cut scene flashbacks, and Melody’s snotty rich persona only showed outward change after wit-

nessing intense murders.

What really makes this film a total bust for me was the massacre scene on the bus. As Leatherface walks in to murder all of them, the first thing the young adults do is pull out their phones to take videos and go live on the internet. It was such a typical Gen Z stereotype to document traumatizing situations instead of taking it seriously.

Despite the awe-inducing visual effects in the kill scenes and graphic wounds, I think that the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise should have been left on its own instead of being butchered in this reboot.