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! @.@
Always consult your doctor
This Spidey toothbrush is for my two-year old son Dylan. Isn’t mommy the best! Haha!
The art of war is in wearing cool Levi’s camos
Dahil bet ko ang militar, lalo na pag pasabowg ang price! Got this pair at 50% off! BOOM! LOL
Happy shopping in Guam!
A day after our press presentation, check out what came out of their local paper:
Bunga ng kadaldalan ko:
Bring the whole family! Shop Guam!
Shoppingero/shoppingera, tune in for more of my sun, sea, and shopping adventures in Guam!