Visit Guam Booth in PTAA Travel Expo

Posted on February 14, 2013 by jenni

Hello everyone! Miss Guam is baaaaack! Haha!

Remember my Guam blogs? ‘Have Blog? Will Travel: Guam‘ and ‘Sun, Sea & Shopping‘. From someone who’s been to Guam and has fallen in love with the place and people, I highly recommend that you visit the island. You get your “stateside” fix in less than three hours from Manila. All you need is a valid U.S. Visa and a plane ticket.

I promise you that you will love Guam’s city life with an island living vibe. The people, food, and shopping are all top-notch!

I hope you take advantage of this promo:

Been longing to pack your bags to a place where you can relax in beautiful beaches and indulge in tax-free shopping? Guam is your best option for a travel experience that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. To know about Guam and what’s in store for travelers coming to the island, visit the Guam booth during the upcoming Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 20th Travel Tour Expo 2013 on February 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex.

This year’s PTAA Travel Tour Expo is entitled ‘Gateway to Getaways’ and Guam is definitely the perfect getaway for travel-loving Pinoys. Take a stroll in different malls located on the island and feast your eyes on numerous luxury and outlet finds at tax-free prices. Experience Guam’s majestic underwater beauty by going diving, and then treat your palate to mouthwatering Chamorro cuisine while watching the sunset. End your day by having a cocktail or two by the beach with the locals and other tourists.

So what are you waiting for? Drop by the Guam booth in the PTAA Travel Tour Expo and familiarize yourself with the wonderful island located just a few smiles away. Guam’s booth will also feature Chamorro dancers from Guam and surprise raffle prizes. Special travel packages and deals will also be offered by Philippine Airlines, United Airlines and various travel agents during the 3-day event.

For more information about Guam, visit www.visitguam.org or e-mail info@visitguam.com.ph. You may also call the Philippine office at 519-6756. “Like” Guam on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitguamusa.

Guam: Sun, Sea, Shopping & More!

Posted on December 4, 2012 by jenni

The Guam Visitors Bureau invited me to stayed in Guam for eight days. Yes, that long. That’s because there’s so much to explore (and shops to conquer) in the island.

Needless to say, I fell in love with the place, and the people and I now know so much about the island. You may now call me “Miss Guam”! Haha!

Guam is gorgeous! The island is surrounded by clean and clear water, but what makes Guam even more AHMAYZING is the people — everyone was so warm and friendly. In fact, I never encountered a single snooty sales assistant in any of the high-end boutiques. It must be the island vibe.

Hafa Adai! The view of the ocean from my hotel room was spectacular!

You know you love it:

• Everyday, I wake up to the view of the ocean, the sound of the waves and fresh air.
• City life + Island living = Perfect combo
• Guamanians are warm and friendly, so much so that when you shop iat their high-end stores, sales assistants greet you with a smile and are ready to service clients. They are not snooty like some of the shops we go to in other countries.
• There are a lot of Filipinos living and working in Guam. I swear there’s a Pinoy in every establishment and shop I’ve been to! Guam is truly a home away from home for Filipino tourists.
• Shopping is the bomb for both value shoppers and high-end clienteles. From ABC Stores to LV, there’s something for everyone.
• The quality of produce and food is “first world”. They have all types of cuisines from Japanese, Korean, Italian, Filipino, Chinese, American to authentic Chamorro chow — a must-try!

Warning: Eight days in Guam means eight million photos! CHOZ!

Seashore soiree:

For some fun under the sun, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) organized water activities and dolphin watching at Agat Bay for the eight Shopping Ambassadors and our representatives.

I Googled the weather before going to Guam; it was supposed to be raining during my stay, but God is good, we had beautiful sunny weather most of the time.

Don’t you just love the sight of blue skies and white boats? Clazz.

Clear blue skies call for clear sandals and blue nail polish!

Our group was welcomed by the Shotguns crew.

All aboard!

Anchors away!

Fishing anyone?

We went snorkeling and fishing and because I enjoyed myself too much, I forgot to take photos! Oh well…

Spotted: “Flipper”

Dolphin watching is exciting! Our Captain was able to find the area where they play. Check out those cute fins:

Look!!! One came really close to our boat! I’m glad I was able to take a shot of it and didn’t drop my camera! Haaay!

What a way to end our boat trip! I’m so glad I saw the dolphins! Maybe one day I’ll be able to swim with them too.

Culture vulture:

After our water activities, we visited Ypao Beach to learn about the Chamorro culture.

Wiki says: “The Chamorro people, or Chamoru people, are the indigenous peoples of the Mariana Islands, which are politically divided between the United States territory of Guam and the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia. Today, significant Chamoru populations also exist in several U.S. states including Hawaii, California, Washington, Texas and Nevada. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 65,000 people of Chamoru ancestry live on Guam and another 19,000 live in the Northern Marianas.[1] Another 93,000 live outside the Marianas in Hawaii and the West/Pacific coast of the United States. The Chamoru are primarily of Austronesian stock.”

The wonderful folks of TASA (a tax-exempt, non-profit, Chamorro cultural organization that encourages active participation in all matters pertaining to the people of the Sinahi archipelago, the Northern Marianas) welcomed all of us with a fiesta at the beach!

Thanks to the TASA (Traditions Affirming our Seafaring Ancestry, Inc.) tribe, the Shopping Ambassadors were blessed with Chamorro knowledge.

Must: For those interested in Chamorro history, a step on Guam’s Ypao is like a step back in time. Since 2009, the park has been ground zero for the building of ancient Chamorro canoe replicas, as well as a massive Guma Latte, or canoe house, an impressive 42 feet wide and 80 feet long and feature ten 14-foot tall latte stones.

Some of the girls rode the canoe…

While others made the canoe!

Shopping Ambassadors Chihiro-san (from Japan) and Jessica (from North America) hard at work in helping the Chamorro elders build a canoe.

When there’s fiesta, there’s food!

Preparing a pig for a Chamorro fiesta is a family and community affair. Men are responsible for slaughtering and cleaning the pig to prepare it for roasting.

Chamorros have also used an ancient cooking method called chinahan (derived from the word “chahan”) to cook vegetables, fish or a pig. This method of underground cooking is common in Pacific cultures and is similar to how Hawaiian Kalua pig is prepared.

It involves digging a pit in the ground, lining it with lava stones and wood, building a fire, waiting for the fire to cool before placing food wrapped in breadfruit and banana leaves. Chahan was originally used in the preparation of seafood and starches such as yams, but when pork (and beef) were introduced to the Chamorro diet it was cooked in the same method.

When the roasting is completed, the pig is placed on a serving tray that is decorated with sometimes elaborate dressings of fruit. Other times an apple is simply placed in its mouth.

Lovely woven basket made from coconut leaves!

Chow time!

Art attack:

Cocktail hour in Guam is either on the beach or in one of the bars in the mall.

We were lucky to catch the GAX: Guam Art Exhibit V at the 2nd floor of DNA in The Plaza Shopping Center.

Wine + Art = My kind of cocktail hour!

We found artists working on their pieces at the entrance of the gallery.

Guam’s art secen

I'm buying on of the artwork in this wall, can you guess which one?

The GAX V exhibit extended outside of The Plaza

Cool graffiti artists at work

GVB is the “Good Vibes Barkada”:

Model citizens. Guam Visitors Bureau's (GVB) Marketing Manager (and a former beauty queen) Ms. Pilar Laguña and Deputy General Manager of GVB, Mr. Nathan Denight

Say "Mabuhay" to GVB's Marketing Officer Brian Borja!

Partner in crime. GVB's Philippine representative Jelly Macachor

Just shop:

OK! Now that’s we’ve got the cultural part done, it’s time to shop!

This time we head off to The Plaza Shopping Center, 1225-1275 Pale San Vitores Rd., Tumon Bay, Guam 96913.

The Plaza Shopping Center, with direct access from the Outrigger Guam Resort Lobby, is home to over 60 boutiques, including some of the world’s most exclusive luxury brands. More than 20 cafes, bars, and restaurants cater to all tastes and occasions. Spoil yourself with the largest variety of shops in Pleasure Island, and a wide selection of entertainment and international cuisine, all at your fingertips.

Luxury shopping, dining & entertainment in the heart of Pleasure Island, Guam

Rimowaaaaaaa!

In the Rimowa shop at The Plaza is where I discovered the cool function of their Salsa Deluxe Business Trolley.

The perfect small carryon case - big enough for an overnight trip, terrific as a carryon. On its own it is the perfect wheeled business case - strong, lightweight, with a full divider and laptop case inside, which can be removed entirely and the case converted into a small suitcase style carryon. It has an elastic strap on the rear to hold it securely on top of other wheeled suitcases, so with your matching Rimowa suitcase, you're traveling singlehanded!

New!

Eye-catching and elegant, the limited edition Rimowa Salsa Pearl Rose

I am not a Coach bag fan, but their new Legacy Collection is so up my style alley! I love their colorful leather iPad Clutch that can also double as a chic bag. The clutch has no ubiquitous branding which makes it cool plus it’s affordable (Coach is now on sale with their new collection in Guam) too.

Coach iPad Clutch in Emerald

All that shopping can leave a girl hungry!

Lunch was served at the elegant Sea Grill.

Show and tell portion:

Eto na ang katas ng The Plaza! Haha!

Seriously, I love that I found the perfect Christmas gift for Tom in one of their stores. It’s so hard to buy for him, but I did good on this trip. I will reveal it after the holidays so tune in!

Very 'The Price is Right' lang ang peg!

Water break:

I spotted Underwater World while on my way to the Rimowa shop and I thought it would be a great place to visit. I wish my kids were with me, they’d be blown away by this place!

What a colorful entrance — just like I imagined Ariel’s lair would be!

UnderWater World is home to one of the longest tunnel aquariums in the world! The transparent tunnel, well over 300 feet long, winds its way along the bottom of the “ocean”, simulating a scuba diving adventure without getting wet!

The Aquarium’s Sealife Gallery showcases a variety of exhibits that enable you to explore diverse ocean realms, from shallow coral reef habitats to deeper, darker waters.

Going up!

Surreal steps

More aquariums and sea creatures on the second floor

Don’t for get the souvenirs!

Fashyon:

I’m the kind of person who uses things I buy agad-agad. SO, kahit tirik-tirikan ang araw, todo AVAIL! Haha!

Ray-Ban Aviator, Caronel, GPO ; Chambray shirt, Zara; Couch Legacy clutch, The Plaza; Levi's camo, GPO

Azure or “asus”?

Prada sunglasses; Leopard coat, Zara; Marc Jacobs bag, The Plaza

So I did a bit of shopping, but I also did a lot of exploring the island and I met new friends. Like what I always say, life is all about balance.

Despite the telenovela blog post, this is only half of my Guam adventure. Tune in for more luxury shopping, a show-stopping affair and meet the other Shopping Ambassadors from different parts of the world on my next “Guam” post!

Shoppingero/shoppingero, visit Guam now!

Have Blog? Will Travel: Guam

Posted on November 28, 2012 by jenni

Håfa Adai (pronounced as “Half a Day”, it’s their version of “Mabuhay!”) from Guam!

First of all, I’d like to thank the Guam Visitors Bureau (GBV) for inviting me to their beautiful island. It’s my first time here and I’m ready to shop, swim, surf, and shop some more!

I arrived in Guam rock star style — in the wee hours of the morning with my luggage and eye bags in tow. LOL

Dream job + Dream vacation = Dream come true!

Even without sleep, Guam's fresh air, the sound of the sea and the view from my hotel room energized me! Let's go, Guam!

Did you know?

• Guam is only 3 hours and 17 minutes away from Manila.
• Guam, an island territory of the United States, rich with cultural heritage and pride, is located 900 miles north of the equator in the Western Pacific.
• Guam is four to eight miles wide and 32 miles long and is the largest of the Micronesian islands. Guam’s lush tropical terrain along with urban areas within the island covers 220 square miles and is the southernmost island in the Mariana Island chain.
• Because of its western location from the International Date Line, Guam is the first to experience the new day in the United States; hence Guam is “where America’s Day begins.” Its capital city is Hagatña (formerly Agana).

My "Marshmallow Palace" in Marriott Resort & Spa, Guam awaits me... but not till I'm done with the day's work and play...

GBV’s Philippine representative Jelly Macachor and I arrived in Guam super early in the morning. We just had enough time to unpack and freshen up in the hotel and it was time to get our “finances” in order.

Good morning Bank of Guam! What a fine day to withdraw some shopping money.

History of the Bank

Bank of Guam was first conceived as a dream and aspiration in the early 1970s by its founder and former Chairman of the Board, Mr. Jesus S. Leon Guerrero. During the time he was a vice-president in Guam for Bank of America, Mr. Guerrero grew concerned that the banking needs of many within the community were not being adequately met.

Because of his dedication to the people of Guam and the other islands of the region, he resolved to take the risk of starting a new, locally organized bank. After securing a commitment for deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mr. Guerrero literally went door-to-door, offering Bank of Guam stock for sale. When the Bank was officially chartered on March 13, 1972, what had started as a dream became a reality.

Guam Shopping Ambassadors

When you are welcomed with a lay made of shells and a “Guam’s Shopping Ambassador 2012″ sash, you know that it’s going to be one of those unforgettable trips!

Naka-sash talaga aketch?!

Representing the Philippines... Don't laugh, my official title in Guam is "Shopping Ambassador". As you can see, I have the sash to prove it. Haha!

We were welcomed by non other than the Bank of Guam President and CEO Ms. Lou Leon Guerrero.

The eight Shopping Ambassadors from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, North America, and the Philippines were also introduced to the local media and presented with welcome gifts.

The Shopping Ambassadors received a super warm Hafa Adai from Bank of Guam's President and CEO (in glasses) Ms. Lou Leon Guerrero; Ms. Joann Camacho, General Manager of GVB; Deputy General Manager of GVB, Mr. Nathan Denight.

When in Guam, shop agad-agad!

First stop, value shopping at Guam Premier Outlets (GPO), 199 Chalan San Antonio. Tamuning, Guam 96913

(Photo taken using Instagram)

GPO is Guam’s only outlet mall. It features more than 30 diverse shops from small boutiques to the franchise outlet, Ross-Dress for Less, attracting locals and tourists alike. The two-story outlet mall also has a sizable food court and an indoor playground for kids.

My favorite shops at GPO:

Just like the Philippines, Guam is a tropical island and sun protection is a must! At ABC Stores you will find all sorts of sun protection and tanning products that you’ll be hard pressed to find in Manila.

Major discounts = Time to hoard!

Pasalu at its yummiest!

In Guam, Hello Kitty sports a tan. So kyooot!

For Dylan’s “owie”

My new friend, Japan’s Shopping Ambassador Chihiro-san recommended I get RevitaLash. According to her, this is popular in Japan and costs more than double the price. It’s suppose to help condition and elongate eyelashes.

BCBG Max Azria is where I found party dresses and poufy skirts for my daughter Aryanna at 70% off! Happy mommy!

Holidaze style

Shoe heaven

Spotted: Next season’s pointy pumps at last season prices! Aaaack!

Love Fury x Nine West patent pointy pumps on super sale!

You can never go wrong with anything leopard, especially when it's on sale!

Everblue is Guam’s version of Forever 21

In Everblue you will find "everyday" clothes at marked down prices.

Twinkles is “A Place for Children’s Dreams” and parents will sleep tight at night knowing they paid for their kids’ “dreams” at 50% off! Haha!

American Vintage doesn’t exactly sell American brands (more Korean and Chinese brands) but I love the vintage inspired pieces in their shop.

Real leather jacket with studs

Military bagelya

Ross is everything!!!

They have everything!

Everything is affordable!!!

If I could, I would bring these French-inspired chairs home. These would be perfect addition to Aryanna's room.

I focused on the bahay-bahayan stuff

Throw pillows pero walang itapon!

Moroccan bling for the home. Lavs et!

Visit GPO for discount shopping and more!

Here are some of my GPO loot:

Ray-Ban was on sale. I bought two pairs (gold and purple lenses) for the price of one. Ubusan!

This gold Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses is now my new favorite pair! Hindi nagdidilim ang paningin ko pag suot ko ‘to! Haha!

Carrie Bradshaw will be proud!

Mothers never just shop for themselves, we always have our family in mind. I know, it sucks. CHOZ!

I love the packaging of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. According to my afam hubby, this company has been around since he was a teenager. Surfers love using it because it’s organic and for the peppermint scent. I’m sure Aryanna will love this… She better.

American beauty

Self medication is a reality especially when cold & flu attack at the wee hours of the morning and you can’t call your doctor. Nyquil Liquicaps ay ang pangtawid-trangkaso. Aminin! @.@