FAMILIA, THE FORCE, & THE FIGHTING ISLANDS | The Alvarez Family

FAMILIA, THE FORCE, & THE FIGHTING ISLANDS

The Alvarez Family that once highlighted motocross events across Micronesia for decades since the 80′s has moved onto new things.

Setting the Foundation for MMA athletics in the CNMI-From the #FokaiThrottleProject and the Alvarez Racing Team to their more-than-a-decade-strong reign in outer island MMA, Fokai is proud to have joined them with TrenchTech/Purebred Saipan and Trench Warz on their long course journey

#clothandculture
#sinceeversince
#itsafamilyrhing

EVERYDAY PEOPLE // Joseph Aguon

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

Joseph Aguon has been picking up hazardous materials from the waterfront at Ypao Beach to save people and families from unnecessary injury and for other good reasons.
He was featured in Guam media last week where he discovered a live grenade in a high foot traffic are on one of our most populated beaches unearthed by severe rains that eroded sand.
He has been doing this daily since January, without pay nor solicitation of pay and has no intention of slowing down

#teamwork
#defendguahan
#theforce

 

Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Quotes!

Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Quotes!

The world lost a legend last week. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3.

Ali was not only a world-class boxer but a world-class talker and his enigmatic personality and showmanship completely changed the face of boxing. Making not only the fight itself, but the promotion, training and lead-up to the matches must-see events.

In 1999 Sports Illustrated named Ali Sportsman of the century ahead of other athletes such as Jesse Owens, Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky further solidifying Ali’s place among the greatest athletes ever.

The same passion and workmanship that made Ali into a world champion could still be seen well after his retirement from boxing in 1981 with his charity work and dedication to finding a cure for Parkinsons disease, one he lived with for the last 30 years of his life.

Ali was truly one of a kind.

Here, in no particular order, as some of the best quotes from one of the most quotable and charismatic athletes the world has ever seen.

“THE FIGHT IS WON OR LOST FAR AWAY FROM WITNESSES—BEHIND THE LINES, IN THE GYM, AND OUT THERE ON THE ROAD, LONG BEFORE I DANCE UNDER THOSE LIGHTS.”

“IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST A BIG WORD THROWN AROUND BY SMALL MEN WHO FIND IT EASIER TO LIVE IN THE WORLD THEY’VE BEEN GIVEN THAN TO EXPLORE THE POWER THEY HAVE TO CHANGE IT. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A FACT. IT’S AN OPINION. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A DECLARATION. IT’S A DARE. IMPOSSIBLE IS POTENTIAL. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.”

“IF YOU EVER DREAM OF BEATING ME, YOU BETTER WAKE UP AND APOLOGIZE”

“THE WILL MUST BE STRONGER THAN THE SKILL.”

“YOU LOSE NOTHING WHEN FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE … IN MY MIND THE LOSERS ARE THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A CAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT.”

“BRAGGIN’ IS WHEN A PERSON SAYS SOMETHING AND CAN’T DO IT. I DO WHAT I SAY.

“ONLY A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE DEFEATED CAN REACH DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF HIS SOUL AND COME UP WITH THE EXTRA OUNCE OF POWER IT TAKES TO WIN WHEN THE MATCH IS EVEN.”

“CHAMPIONS AREN’T MADE IN GYMS. CHAMPIONS ARE MADE FROM SOMETHING THEY HAVE DEEP INSIDE THEM—A DESIRE, A DREAM, A VISION. THEY HAVE TO HAVE LAST-MINUTE STAMINA, THEY HAVE TO BE A LITTLE FASTER, THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE SKILL AND THE WILL. BUT THE WILL MUST BE STRONGER THAN THE SKILL.”

I’VE WRESTLED WITH ALLIGATORS. I’VE TUSSLED WITH A WHALE. I DONE HANDCUFFED LIGHTNING AND THROW THUNDER IN JAIL. YOU KNOW I’M BAD. JUST LAST WEEK, I MURDERED A ROCK, INJURED A STONE, HOSPITALIZED A BRICK! I’M SO MEAN, I MAKE MEDICINE SICK!

“I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF TRAINING, BUT I SAID, ‘DON’T QUIT. SUFFER NOW AND LIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AS A CHAMPION.’”

FestPac Creates Connections: From Guampdn.com

 

Sandy Flores Uslander, For PDN 5:58 p.m. ChST May 28, 2016

 

Being here in Guam to witness the Festival of Pacific Arts is something that I have planned for years now, along with thousands of others. There are many old friends and families coming together to enjoy this event. There are also important new connections being made among professionals, artists and academics from all over the Pacific, and the world.

Along with the Festival of Pacific Arts, there are two major conferences scheduled during this time. One is the Pacific Asia Travel Association conference known as PATA. The Guam Visitors Bureau hosted this global tourism forum to enhance the future of travel in the region. The other is the Pacific History Conference hosted by the University of Guam. This is a treasure of presentations from around the world that exposes Pacific connections through history.

Our island is literally humming with the energy of the Pacific people. I have heard spontaneous song in airports, sidewalks and from the transportation buses. I have seen delegates from other countries, strangers to one another, stop to ask about their jewelry or dress, and progress to learn about each other’s countries and cultures. On any given night, you could find yourself dancing to a contemporary Tongan band or singing along to favorite Chamorro classics.

In our island right now, governors, chiefs and PhDs mingle. Keepers of ancient knowledge and modern filmmakers walk alongside officials from the Smithsonian and UNESCO. What this gathering brings together is like an amazing fiesta table full of bright color, and fresh flavor for the choosing.

In anticipation of this event Guam has risen to support the production of art to showcase. There have been new books printed, a new Sakman launched and new music composed. This festival’s rare gathering of Pacific seafarers is facilitating a canoe summit concerned with the perpetuation of the knowledge of seafaring, unique to the ingenious Pacific people.

In the months and years to come, this mix of energy and beauty and expertise hosted on our island will undoubtedly shape new art, new dance, new business, new areas of study and our next generation of cultural leaders. This has been the legacy of FestPac since its beginning. This is what Guam is making possible by graciously hosting this Festival of Pacific Arts, bringing the most important cultural event of the Pacific to the people of Guam. It is everything I hoped it would be.

Sandy Flores Uslander lives in San Diego and promotes Chamorro culture. Reach her at www.GoIsland.net

VIDEO: Yoshiko San Nicolas, 75 years old: Share Culture: Sling&Sword

Yoshiko San Nicolas, 75 years old: Share Culture: Sling&Sword

 

 

 

 

 

Yoshiko San Nicolas, 75 years old and a survivor of the bombing of Nagasaki during World War 2 on an amazing first three tries with pre-colonial Guam’s signature weapon — The Acho (Stone) Atupat (Sling)

FESTPAC FILMS: ‘Beat The Beetle’ Directed by Sarah Filush | May 26th, 7PM, Agana Guam Museum

Be sure to catch Beat The Beetle at the Agana Guam Museum at 7pm on Thursday May 26th!

FESTPAC FILMS: ‘Beat The Beetle’ Directed by Sarah Filush

Director of Photography: Michael Marriott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the featured films for FESTPAC is the highly anticipated ‘Beat The Beetle’ by Sarah Filush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film Synopsis:

In 2007, the coconut rhinoceros beetle invaded the island of Guam. Without hesitation, the beetle immediately began feasting on every coconut tree in sight, thus risking the extinction of what the Chamorro people consider to be the “tree of life” and very foundation of the Chamorro culture. Finally after 7 years, with at least 30% of the island coconut trees nearly destroyed, scientist Roland Quitugua in collaboration with the University of Guam and support from the island’s leaders, discovered a simple solution to conquer these devastating invasive critters once and for all!

Determined to instill hope to the people of Guam, four beauty queens Sarah, Skye, Lori, and Nicole set on a mission to showcase how easy it is to protect the island from losing their precious coconut trees…with a little sass of course!

Watch full interview below:

Good Vibrations! Visitors from the Solomon Islands!

Hafa Adai Solomon Islands!

Showing our visitors where we come from at Budfest and Capitol Fokai.

Free live contemporary and indigenous performances by our new friends from far and near. 
Standing Invitation. Everyone is more than welcome. 
#goodvibrations
#shareculture
#fisforfestpac

What You Need To Know About the 12TH FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS on Guam

FESTPAC ADVISORY: Parking, road closures and other facts

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 12TH FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS

 

The 12th Festival of Pacific Arts starts on May 22.

- 5 a.m., May 22: Traditional Welcome of the Seafarers
o Delegation members and the public will welcome 15 vessels representing Guam, Palau, Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Australia. (approx. 3 hours long)
o There will be road closures in anticipation of this event

- 5 p.m., May 22: Official Opening Ceremony
o Doors open at 3 p.m.
o This will include a special presentation by the Guam delegation and the parade of the 25 nations. (approx. 3-4 hours long)
o There will be road closures in anticipation of this event

ROAD CLOSURES

The Paseo peninsula will only be open to pedestrian traffic during the festival. Motorists are asked to drive with caution as they approach Hagåtña.

- Sunday, May 22
o From 2 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Route 1 Marine Corps Drive will be closed from the intersection of Route 1 and Aspinall Avenue (in front of Agana Bay Marina) to the Route 1 and Route 8 intersection.
o The end of Route 4, leading to the Paseo Loop, will be closed off at the Bank of Guam intersection.

PARKING

Because a large turnout is expected for FestPac, additional parking will be available at the following areas:

o Hagåtña Swimming Pool
o The Department of Land Management lot (adjacent to the Julale Shopping Center parking lot)
o Government House overflow parking
o Adelup
o Tiyan Parkway (near the Cars Plus intersection

SHUTTLE SERVICES

o A FestPac flag will identify the designated parking areas and shuttle stops.
o Shuttle services will run between the festival grounds and the parking areas every 20 to 30 minutes.
o ADA parking will be available in front of the Chamorro Village.

PARKING FOR THE OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

On May 22 and June 4, additional parking also will be available at the following areas for the opening and closing ceremonies:

o The Superior Court of Guam Parking Lot
o Academy of Our Lady of Guam Parking Lot
o Julale Shopping Center
o Fort Apugan

Chamorro Slinging | Acho Atupat

The sling and sling stone have been a part of Chamorro History between 1500 years to 3500 years depending on who you talk to. As a citizen under the only national flag of the world with a sling stone–I’ve been fascinated with slinging for a really long time now. But like most other locals, was happy enough putting it on a pedestal and out of reach. Because it  was so iconic for our ancestors and for the Biblical David.

Im pursuing the art for different reasons–Chamorro People Honorification, Culture Sharing, and Versus Goliath.

For every aspect of culture and language that I am slacking on-slinging is something that i can help bring to our people’s table

- Roman DLC

 

Article By Julian Aguon of Guampedia

Signature Chamorro weapon  Åcho’ Atupat

The signature weapon of the ancient Chamorro warrior, slingstones of various sizes were sharpened at both ends and hurled from a sling with deadly force in combative times. These stones, called åcho’ atupat in the indigenous language of Chamorro, were fashioned from either limestone, basalt, or fire-hardened clay and were hung from slings of made of pandanus or coconut fiber, the latter being far better by way of durability.

The most notable aspect of these most oftentimes oval-shaped stones were that ancient Chamorros used them with deadly accuracy as documented in historical texts. Though commonly associated with weaponry of the Latte period, these stones were used in early colonial history as the arms of resistance to Spanish colonization, hurled at the harbingers of that particular destruction. A prized art of warfare, the knowledge of how to fashion and hurl these stones was kept in the men’s domain and was passed down from older to younger males, most likely from father to son, or mother’s oldest brother to son.

Today, the sling-stone shape is part of the design of the official Guam flag and is incorporated into architectural designs. Like the latte the slingstone is a cultural icon used in Guam’s contemporary pop culture (in tattoo and clothing designs) to exhibit Chamorro pride and cultural identity.

By Julian Aguon

 

ROOTS: Fokai OLD VILLAGE REAL FLAG TANK! Where the Guam Flag was designed.

ROOTS: Fokai OLD VILLAGE REAL FLAG TANK! Where the Guam Flag was designed.

Get your Fokai OLD VILLAGE REAL FLAG TANK here!

The Great Seal of Guam by: ns.gov.gu

The blueprint shows a tree and proa (canoe) in front of a silhouette of Urunao (It is not Two Lover’s Point, see below) and specifies the flag’s colors. There are several possible inspirations of the flag’s design, including a photograph from Gov. Robert E. Coontz’s collection from 1912, and the works of local artist Francisco Feja and Helen Paul, the wife of a U.S. Navy officer.

On July 4, 1917, Gov. Roy C. Smith approved the plan, and two days later, the flag was unveiled for the first time at a Hagåtña parade.

Taken from the center portion of the Guam Flag, Governor Roy C. Smith approved the design as the “Official Coat of Arms” for the territory of Guam on July 4, 1917. April 4, 1930 was the formal adoption date of the official Seal of the Territory of Guam, under the administration of Governor Willis W. Bradley Jr. who changed it from one with an eagle on it.

The Seal was designed in the city of Agana from a scene where the diverted Agana River formerly empties into the Philippine Sea in a spot to the left or south side of the Navy Yard Reservation. The ‘Landing’ at the end of the present day Hagatna Boat Basin Channel was where the Navy Yard used to be (from interview with Dr. Lawrence Cunningham). Following a disastrous typhoon which left only a coconut tree standing, this setting inspired the design for the official Seal of Guam. The shape of the Seal represents the shape of the slingstone which the ancient Chamoru warriors employ as an implement for defense. That iconic shape cradles and protects the rest of the features within the seal. At the heart of the seal is the coconut growing in the unfertile sand which depicts determination. Although partly uprooted during the recent typhoon, as if in utter defiance to all adversities, this tree with trunk partly bent, turned its open fronds to receive illumination from the heavens and continue its growth.

According to the Organic Act of Guam 1GCA, Chapter 4, Sections 410 and 411, “The Lieutenant Governor of Guam shall have custody of the Great Seal of the territory of Guam,” thus the Lieutenant Governor is the official “keeper” of the Seal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FLAG’S SYMBOLS: The shape of the seal is that of a Chamorro sling stone used as a weapon for warfare and hunting. The sling stone was quarried from basalt and coral. The Coconut Tree, growing in unfertile sand, symbolizes self-sustanance and determination to grow and survive under any circumstance, with its fronds open to the sky — defies the elements to bend its will. Its bent trunk attests to a people which have been tested by famine, natural calamities, genocide and foreign wars but have continued to endure as a race. The Flying Proa, a seagoing craft built by the Chamorro people, which was fast and agile in the water required great skill to build and sail. The spanish marveled at the grace and speed of the proa which typifies the courage and freedom of the ancient Chamorros to fearlessly navigate and trade with islands thousands of miles from Guam. The original River channel (south side of present day Hagatna Boat Basin Channel), where fresh water rush out to interact with the ocean, symbolizes a willingness to share the resources of the land with others. The permanence of the land mass of Urunao (Ulu Enao) in the background (Rogers, Robert. Destiny’s Landfall. 1995 Univ of Hawaii Press. pg 142) demonstrates the Chamorro’s commitment to their homeland and environment, be it sea or land. The historian Pale Eric Forbes (http://paleric.blogspot.com)has written that the background of the seal is not Puntan Dos Amantes (aka Two lovers point, Cabo de Dos Amantes, Pt Desamante (from William Edwin Safford, Rev. Jose Palomo Y Torres, R.P. Tolman 1904 map)). Father Eric Forbes has stated that one cannot see Two Lover’s Point from Hagatna since Oka Peninsula (near Apurguan) blocks Hagatna’s view of the Two Lover’s Point. The background cliff juts majestically into the endless waters of the sea, protraying the people’s faithful commitment to passing their proud heritage, culture, and language to the endless sea of future generations. GUAM or GUAHAN means “we have” (see *notes below) is the home (“Tano Y Chamoru”) of the Chamoru people. A red stripe surrounding the Guam Seal representing the blood shed by its people during World War II and Spanish occupation. A field of Blue represents Guam’s unity with the sea and sky.

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