Issue 10: Everyone Brings Something to the Table 🥭
Lessons from our manåmko' about life and the sea 🌊
Buenas yan Hafa Adai!
While March is commonly known as Mes CHamoru (CHamoru Month), did you know that you can also refer to it as Pulan CHamoru? Pulan means “moon” or to “watch over,” and together, it means to watch over CHamoru things. (Thanks, Guam Bus for sharing this!)
After all, the ancient CHamoru lunar calendar has 13 months.
This week, we had the pleasure of sitting with some of our wise manamko’ over at I Sengsong Chamorro (Chamorro Village). Yes, we’re all about food, outings, and entertainment, but our experiences would be nothing without our people, our unique culture, and the connections we share.
We talked stories and ventured a bit into identity while they openly invited us to their table with delicious treats prepared for their weekly potluck. 🥹 Their lightheartedness and humor reminded us that life’s journey is truly spectacular, and sometimes it’s all about slowing down and sharing a cup of delicious pumpkin arroz caldo with strangers.
Venture with us through Chamorro Village and get more than just photos and full tummies 😉
As Dr. Marilyn Salas shared with us, “Everyone brings something to the table.”
Saina Ma’åse for being here,
WW Team
Let’s Take it Back – History of Chamorro Village
Chamorro Village lies at the heart of our island in the capital of Hagåtña. It’s where locals go to feel a bit touristy and to spend time with family while supporting our entrepreneurs and farmers; the true heart IN the heart of our island – our people.
What started off as a farmers market in the 60s, later became a public market for produce and local foods. At the time, Guam experienced rolling typhoons, which annihilated the original structures and led to the government’s investment of $10MM to construct permanent structures completed in 1994.
Their sole mission is to “encourage, promote, and provide a centralized support facility for local entrepreneurs” and to “maintain a facility that will promote local products and produce of Guam.”
The Wednesday Night Market has been going on since the late 90s. For us, it’s where we hold fond memories with our parents, and now as adults, we get to share them with our young ones.
⛵️ Pacific Lighthouse Restaurant - 23 years and going
Toward the exit of Chamorro Village, there is Pacific Lighthouse restaurant, an iconic staple that’s been around for 23 years. While newcomers may first miss the vintage wooden sign, the restaurant is located right across the Fishermen’s Co-op and has been a favorite lunch spot for many locals and long-time visitors.
If you’re looking for a light meal, order the sashimi platter. Owner, Mr. Jung Suk Kim gets his fish from the Fishermen’s Co-Op right across the street and each meal comes with an array of banchan from kimchi, blanched bean sprouts, fishcakes, and more. He’ll even give you bubble gum at the end of your meal!
Fun fact: Mr. Jung Suk Kim is a five-time 1st place Kick the Fat Champion! He’s getting ready to take the upcoming race on Saturday, March 18, 2023, so make sure to cheer him on! 🏃🏻♂️
Check out Mr. Kim’s picture below joyfully gleaming with pride in front of his impressive display of medals. You go, Mr. Kim
🐟 Fishermen’s Co-op
After lunch, we walked to Guam’s Fishermen’s Co-op and had the chance to chat with the president of the non-profit organization, Manny Duenas. At the age of 65, Manny has been a fisherman and a farmer for almost his whole life and has been running the Co-op for the past 28 years. That’s over half the lifetime of the Co-op! (founded in 1976).
“It’s an organization created for fishermen to sell their excess catch. It was never meant to be a commercial entity. The premise behind every local person fishing is to feed their family and then feed the community.”
Manny is as straightforward, light-hearted, funny, and as badass as you can get. We shared that we had the sashimi at the Lighthouse, which he beamed with a smile and said, “Mr. Kim and I have been supporting each other for a long time. I’m really proud of the guy… when you look at his wall, you see all his running awards.”
In fact, a majority of the Co-op’s clientele is mom & pop stores and some local bars.
We did not know that when fishermen sell their excess catch, they hope to recuperate expenses incurred during the fishing trip, such as gas, ice, food, and lures that they lose to predators. A single trip can cost about $200, and there isn’t always a guaranteed catch.
From Manny’s vast experience and observation, he believes that fishing in Guam is a dying passion. As costs continue to rise, priorities change as our local fishermen are forced to join other workforces; the average career span of a fisherman is now 3-5 years.
Fun fact: Fish are seasonal and come in spurts, and Guam has one of the best environments for fish. For March, we can expect our local catch to consist of mahi mahi and wahoo.
When we asked Manny why he continues to do what he does and why he loves it, he shared that it’s because this is a 4,000-year-old tradition that needs to be perpetuated.
Manny is hopeful for the Co-op and believes that this tradition will continue.
🥭 At the Table
Everyone brings something to the table - Dr. Marilyn Salas, owner of Salas Gardens: I Lanchera
Colorful table of fresh organic fruits, vegetables, beautiful flowers, and the faces of our wise manåm’ko’. After our visit to the Fishermen’s Co-op, we were quickly invited to sit with them as they shared stories over homemade sweet delights and pumpkin arroz caldo.
Life Lesson: If you bring something home, it’s for everyone.
This was one of our favorite stories and humbling lessons we learned from exchanging stories about childhood upbringings. Our island culture is centered around hospitality, so if you bring something to the table, it’s meant to be shared and enjoyed with everyone – new and old friends, family, and even strangers.
Events
March 3-6, 2023: Guam History and CHamoru Heritage Festival
After two years on hiatus, enjoy the festivities starting today! The festival includes a petting zoo, food truck vendors, arts, and performances, including the Magellan re-enactment. Payments to vendors and food trucks are cash only.
📍Humåtak Mayor’s Office
Schedule:
Friday, March 3: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Drone show)
Saturday, March 4: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday, March 5: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday, March 6: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
March 2-11, 2023: Tumon Bay Music Festival 2023
Various locations, including Guam Plaza Hotel, Micronesia Mall, and Ypao Beach Amphitheater
See the full schedule here
March 11, 2023: Bank of Guam’s Hagåtña City Run & Block Party
📍Race starts at the Bank of Guam Headquarters
City Run Show time: 4 PM
City Run Go time: 5 PM
Register for the run here
March 19, 2023: Ina Wellness Sound Bath Meditation
This event was created with the intention of supporting you to take a pause to reconnect to yourself. These small group sessions held close to the new moon are the perfect opportunity to reflect and restore your inner balance.
Session 1: 5:00-6:30 PM
Session 2: 7:00-8:30 PM
Register here
Esta Later!
Stay tuned for our Love Local Guide, where we’ll be featuring local businesses and must-have items. This newsletter is made with lots of love and a ridiculous amount of coffee. You can support us by sharing our newsletter with your homies and/or by showing some love on Buy Me a Coffee ☕️