Guam as you are

A  visit to Guam opens up to a 220-square-mile world of breathtaking beauty and adventure. Think earth, sky and ocean — the illusion of endless space vanishes as you touch down on the largest Micronesian island. Now, that’s a slice of heaven.

It’s amazing how you can do countless things here. Walk a remote stretch of white sand while watching the palm trees sway. Kayak to a hidden spot and snorkel above the coral reef. Plus, you can enjoy five-star dining or feast on Chamorro food.

Dig this, Guamanian culture is similar to our culture. Well, the first inhabitants were the Chamorro people until Magellan set foot on Guam. Like our homeland, Guam was ruled by the Spaniards, until it eventually became a US territory. No wonder this tropical destination feels like home in many ways.

So, if you’re thinking of jet-setting to Guam, there’s just never been a better time to pack your bags and discover what island cool is all about — just like Hawaii but with a more exotic vibe and more diverse activities to explore.

A Side Of Culture

Indulge in tradition from the colors, sights and sounds of Micronesia at the Micronesian Island Fair at Ypao Beach Park in Tumon. During our stay, different islands showcased their traditional art and skills like seafaring and weaving. Plus, there were cultural dances and performances by Kapena and Parker Yobei.

“The Micronesia Fair represents who we are and the region as a whole,” says Candy Hanson, publicist of Guam Visitor’s Bureau. “Around 300,000 people visit the fair to immerse themselves in various cultures.” 

Since Guam Visitors Bureau invited journalists including Philippine STAR to experience Guamanian culture, they also invited Dyan Castillejo-Garcia and Marc Nelson from Sport’s Unlimited together with Dyan’s sister Jackie Castillejo and surfer dude Corey Wills to participate at the Ko’Ko’ Road Race. Oh, what a fun run for the endangered Ko’Ko’ bird. Runners from around the Pacific Rim participated in an early morning 20 kilometer road race along the beautiful, scenic west coast.

A Slice Of History

If your plan is to promise yourself forever to your loved one, buy a lock and seal your love at Two Lover’s Point. Legend has it that two Chamorro lovers jumped to their deaths from this cliff because they were forbidden to marry like Romeo and Juliet. Sad, huh? Well, this place has the best view of the waves crashing against the rocks that is something truly unforgettable.

Water World

Unleash the explorer in you like Ariel from Disney’s Little Mermaid with the Atlantis Submarine Expedition. The excursion starts off with a boat ride to the sub’s location. Then, as it descends deep down in the ocean, enjoy 45 minutes of watching magnificent coral reef beds and schools of colorful fish for a relaxing treat.

To explore various realms of the sea without the sub factor, the Underwater World Aquarium is the perfect place to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, a 500-pound grouper and other ocean animals up-close. At night, it is transformed into Kaitei Lounge where you can chill with exotic cocktails under the sea-like atmosphere. I was able to touch a bamboo shark in one of the petting pools. At last, my fear of Jaws diminished.

Oh, The Sweetest Things

Perhaps the most memorable event in Guam is Pastries in Paradise held at the Okura Hotel. This annual event features the best to-die-for desserts as top chefs whip up amazing concoctions to tantalize the most discriminating of palates. I enjoyed the Bailey’s Bon-Bon, which is frozen Bailey’s ice cream with caramel crunch. Another sweet treat was a shot of Illy espresso with coconut ice cream. The macaroon cookies were really delicious because of the butter. But my favorite of all the desserts was the Heineken ice cream. Who would’ve thought that up? Yum!

Love The Nightlife

Guam’s nightlife is pretty exciting. Well, don’t forget to bring whatever ID you have, as the “21 and above” policy is strictly imposed. Club Pash started kicking at around 11 p.m. For that night, ladies got in for free during the hip-hop set. Another club the gang and I really enjoyed was The Globe, as the music was back to the ’80s with New Order, Madonna, Michael Jackson and even Prince. Dance fever, indeed.

Money To Burn

Guam is known for shopping tax-free. A lot of tourists went gaga over the super high-end brands (Chanel, Hermés, Christian Dior, Gucci, etc.) at Tumon Sands Plaza to great finds like Funions and Hostess Twinkies. If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy shopping, go to the world’s largest K-Mart that is open 24 hours a day.

DFS Galleria was the biggest I’ve ever seen complete with everything your heart could desire from beauty, luxury to fine leather and fashion items. I got excited to see they had BeneFit cosmetics from San Francisco with their cute and cult makeup. Oh, and that large Speedy bag from Louis Vuitton was just $575.

For cheap thrills, head over to Guam Premier Outlet, which features stores like Ross, Payless and Nine West in “buy one, take one” promos. Among all the malls, Micronesia Mall owned by Lucio Tan tops the shopping spree list. Cheryl Tiu of Lifestyle Asia and I enjoyed eating Cold Stone cookie dough ice cream. We even shopped for Tokidoki’s latest and last collection from LeSportsac.

The good news is that there will soon be more to Guam than shopping. 

Hanson concludes, “There will be new and exciting resorts, hotel renovations, American classic and favorite restaurants and attractions in Guam next year.” Expect Margarita’s Burritos & BBQ, RubyTuesday, Chili’s, Colors Restaurant Red and, yes, Hooters. Plus, the Isla Horse Ranch & Garden will be a winner for kids who are into animals. The Home Depot will be largest of the world and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Guam is a tropical playground blanketed by sun worshippers — a perfect vacation destination for those who want to disappear. When you arrive to this island full of pristine beaches, there is no traffic and no distractions — just fun in the warm sun, the ocean, good ‘ol American service and a chance to recharge to feel light as a tropical breeze.

* * *

Shop at Eastwood City or Paseo Center this month. and get a chance to win one of six Guam packages. For more information on Guam, call the Guam Visitors Bureau at 727-7755 or log on to www.visitguam.org. Special thanks to Philippine Airlines, G.I.T Tours, Pacific Islands Club, Guam Reef Hotel, Hyatt Regency Guam and Outrigger Guam Resort.