Forbes article encourages East Asian visitors to Guam to look beyond shopping
Forbes published an article on its website on April 5 by contributor Ralph Jennings titled, “Five Things Mighty East Asia Can Learn from Tiny Guam.” In the article, Jennings suggests that Asian visitors to the island can make more of their visits beyond shopping and water activities. Jennings outlines five possible lessons: 1)“Open space isn’t scary.” The article states that Guam’s undeveloped areas offer a buffer from the hustle of bustle of urban areas. 2) “The beach is quiet except for occasional dancing.” 3)“English-language on T-shirts might actually mean something.” 4)“Native islands can form a dominant economic class.” Jennings compares the numbers and influence of indigenous people in Guam with that in Japan and Taiwan. 5)Guam offers “a historic look of the United States.”
UOG publishes Chamorro book
Taiguini Books, a division of University of Guam Press that publishes literature for children
and adults, released a children’s picture book in Chamorro on March 12 titled “Ma Guaiya Yu’, siNånayansiTåta,” which translates as “Grandma and Grandpa Love Me.” The book was authored by sisters-in-law Simone and Dana Bollinger. The book features watercolor illustrations by Cielo de los Reyes that depict the love of grandparents for their children.
UOG students represent Guam in festival, receive scholarship
Robert Wang, a University of Guam theater major, received a scholarship from the California State University Summer Arts program to participate in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique theater course in July. Wang, along with UOG senior Joey Datuin had represented Guam at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival held in February in Hawaii.
‘American Idol’ finalist performs on Guam
“American Idol” finalist Ciara-Camille Roque Velasco, also known as Eli-Mac, performed on Guam at aMailaHalom concert on April 2 at Polaris Point. The concert was organized by Naval Base Guam and Armed Forces Entertainment. Velasco is a Filipino-American singer from Hawaii. She appeared in the third season of American Idol, a reality and talent search television series.
MVA and Delta host Japanese wholesalers
The Marianas Visitors Authority and Delta Air Lines hosted a second round of travel trade familiarization tours targeting wholesalers from Feb. 27 to March 1. The group included planners from JTB World Vacations, KNT Individual Tour, ST World and Tabikobo, as well as members of the MVA’s Japan office. The familiarization tour conducted site inspections at hotels and various tourist attractions in Saipan. The first familiarization tour visited in January and included representatives of JTB World Vacations, H.I.S., R&C Tours, Delta and the MVA’s Japan office. A third group is expected to visit
FSM government hosts contest for national anthem
The government of the Federated States of Micronesia is hosting a contest for the country’s national anthem. FSM citizens of Chuuk, Kosrae,Pohnpei and Yap are eligible. Original lyrics must be submitted in the contestant’s state language. Trumpet and organ music are the only allowed accompaniment. The top three entries will be considered by the Office of the President. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, third and fourth place. The deadline for submission is June 30.
MVA to target repeat Russian visitors
The Marianas Visitors Authority will target repeat visitors from Russia in its latest promotional campaign, according to a press release on March 23.
Ad Hoc Committee Chair Elitza Stoilova reported on March 22 to the MVA board of directors that almost all visitors from Russia at this time are repeat visitors. Due to the economic downturn in Russia, extreme devaluation of the Russian ruble and the cancellation of direct charter flights in August 2014, visitor arrivals from Russia have stabilized at a lower level, registering 932 visitors in fiscal 2016 compared to 2,760 visitors over the same period in fiscal 2015.
To capitalize on the repeat visitors, the MVA will launch a social media campaign in which visitors will share videos via YouTube of their trip to the Northern Mariana Islands for the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to the NMI. MVA approved $10,000 for the contest, which also aims to generate video content for the MVA to utilize in its other promotions and is tentatively scheduled to run from April 15 to June 30.
Hollywood actor takes environmental visit to Palau
Leonardo DiCaprio, environmentalist and award-winning actor, met with Palau President Thomas E. Remengesau Jr. and other government officials on March 28 while in the country to film a documentary on global warming. The actor discussed how the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation could benefit the Palau Marine Sanctuary.

Exclusive photo courtesy of the Office of the President of Palau