14
Let’s Talk Trash! NOV/DEC 2017
©2017 The Keenan Group, Inc
WHERE IS GUAM?
The culture of Guam reflects traditional Chamorro customs in a combination of indigenous pre-Hispanic forms, as well as American, Filipino, Spanish and Mexican traditions.
Guam is located in the Mariana Islands . It’s easier to calculate distances as flight times versus miles and kilometers. Flight times from Japan, Taiwan and Manila are between 3.5-4 hours and Honolulu, Hawaii is about 7 hours. It is located west of the International Dateline. Since it is a United States territory and the first American soil to welcome a new day, it has widely adopted the slogan of ‘Where America’s Day Begins.” It is 14 hours ahead than the USA’s east coast. SPAM (canned salted pork with ham) is also a common and favorite island food. Common enough for TIME Magazine to report that Guam is the world’s leading consumer per capita of SPAM – 16 cans per person annually! Guam has battled Hawaii over the years for SPAM capital of the world. In fact, they have many different flavors of SPAM on store shelves that include garlic or teriyaki. Liberation Day - The biggest annual, islandwide celebration is Liberation Day on July 21. The United States freed Guam from several years of Japanese occupation during World War II on July 21, 1944. Guam is still an unincorporated United States territory granting its people U.S. citizenships and a non-voting delegate in congress. This island-wide event includes a parade, a multi-day carnival, ceremonies and plenty of home parties and barbecues. Former Guam residents, no matter where they are in the world, also celebrate this day. It’s a great way to gather friends and family and eat all the delicious and homemade island food. Guam’s heat and humidity can be pretty intense depending on the time of the year. It might be surprising to know that cold sodas or water bottles aren’t the go-to beverage for the locals. A cold King Car Lemon Tea can or bottle is the top choice which is originally from Taiwan. Other top choices are Mr. Brown’s Iced Coffee and Assam Black or Assam Strawberry Milk Tea. Hawaiians may have their own version of a fruity Hawaiian punch but Guam has their version called Chamorro Punch. It is sweeter than a regular fruit punch.
Selina shares life in Guam with fellow CCCHS
T E A M
How hot and cold does it get in Guam? Salina: The lowest it can be is about 60, but it can get as hot as 115 degrees. What is your favorite thing to do in Guam? Salina: Probably when we go around the Salina: Well, one of them is the white lady bridge: Legend is, if you go there at night, you will see the ghost of a lady on the bridge. How many villages are there? Salina: Between 19-21 What is the best place to go? Salina: THE BEACH!! What village did you live in or are you from? Salina: I’m from and used to live in a small village called Merizo. It’s located on the southside of the island and it’s one of the most popular villages because Merizo has some of the prettiest views of the sunset and pretty beaches. How old were you when you left Guam? Salina: I was fifteen years old when I left the island whole island and pick up the trash. Are there legends on the island?
What is the culture like? Salina: Well, we all look at and reflect our ancestors and the Chamorro traditions. Out of all places, why did you choose to come to Tennesee? Salina: After my dad died, my family didn’t feel complete anymore and wanted to try something new. Culture in Guam is alive and genuine. The Chamorro people who were the island’s first inhabitants still make up over 37 percent of Guam’s population, and their language is celebrated by people from many ethnic groups. Give your best “Håfa Adai” to anyone you meet on your journey, or take an extra step and try out these simple Chamorro greetings. After all, the casual and friendly atmosphere of Guam is the ideal place to practice a new language! Chamorro English Manana Si Yu’os Good Morning Ha’anen Maolek Good Afternoon Pue’ngen Maolek Good Evening Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ Thank You Na’an hu si My name is . . . Hunggan Yes Ahe’ No Adios Goodbye
http://www.visitguam.com/chamorro-culture/greetings/
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker