By Gianna G. Maniego
ADMIT it. You dream of running away. Especially when you’re stuck in traffic in 30-degree weather, and you’re surrounded by a cacophony of blaring horns and irritated motorists shouting invectives at the world.
You probably dream of lolling about on the beach, sipping piñacoladas and watching sunsets, or strolling down a traffic-free shopping district. Or, you could be gluttonously working your way through a hefty platter of ribs.
Times like these, a stick of gum just won’t do. Neither would a KitKat. What you need is a respite. And a short break on the island of Guam might just fit the bill.
A go-to honeymoon destination for many Filipinos in the past, Guam is the perfect getaway for those long weekends or spur of the moment excursions this summer.
With its balmy air, friendly people and laidback vibe, the island offers a relaxing stay for those looking to destress and recharge. That is, if you’re not into shopping. (Did we mention that Guam is a shopper’s paradise for tourists?)
Moreover, with more than 26 percent of the islanders being of Filipino descent, the place feels just like home. One can’t take more than 10 steps without chancing upon someone speaking in Tagalog, or making some reference to the Philippines, which some people still call “sa atin” (as in “Kumusta na po doon sa atin?”)
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
For those interested in visiting this tropical paradise, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that Cebu Pacific Airlines has made it really easy for us to travel to and from the island, with the launch of its four-times-a-week flight schedule to Guam.
Regular prices for a one way ticket is P7,203, all in. But the smart travelers among us know how to keep an eye out for seat sales, where tickets to the island can go down to about P1,500.
The bad news? Since Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, you must have a valid US visa to travel to the island. Already have a visa? Then there’s nothing holding you back, is there?
“Guam is a great destination if you have like a few days of free time, like a long weekend, coming up,” says Candice Iyog, vice president of Cebu Pacific who joined members of the media at the back end of the maiden trip. “It also makes it easier for the Filipinos living in Guam to come and visit relatives and friends in the Philippines.”
Those of us who joined the leading budget airline’s inaugural trip to Guam can attest to this. Both flights to and from the island were full.
WHERE AMERICA’S DAY BEGINS
A scant three-and-a-half-hours’ flight away, Guam is the closest US destination for those coming from this part of the world, thus making it the gateway to America in Asia. A trip to Guam gives visitors a taste of the American lifestyle but tempered by the laidback pace of island living.
According to Mark Manglona, Guam Visitors Bureau marketing manager for the Philippine and Russian markets, there are more than 150,000 residents on the island, composed of Chamorros (37.1 percent), Filipinos (26.3 percent) and other Pacific Islanders (11.3 percent). Guamanians are courteous to a fault, greeting everyone “hafa adai [hello]” anytime and everytime you meet them.
When you get to the island, you can either flop back on the sand at any of the beaches (most hotels have access to the beach, not to mention boasting of their own infinity pools) or go on a quick tour of the islands.
There’s a joke among Guamanians that “hafa adai” (pronounced “half a day”) is also enough time for visitors to tour the island. Suffice to say there are more than enough points of interest on the island to keep tourists occupied during their visit.
For example, there’s Two Lovers Point, a favorite among honeymooners. Situated on top of a cliff, where legend has it that two ill-fated lovers—a Chamorro native and his wealthy mestiza fiancée—jumped to their deaths to avoid recriminations from the maiden’s family (who disapproved the union), the spot provides a majestic view of Tumon Bay. Sunsets are the best time to visit to get the best view.
Fort Santa Agueda, the only surviving Spanish fort (like the Philippines, Guam was under Spanish rule for centuries) also provides a spectacular view of the Philippine Sea, as well as the island’s capital, Hagatña.
For marine enthusiasts, a stopover at the Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti is a must. Aside from enjoying a 360-degree view of Piti Bay from its upper deck, visitors can descend the stairs of the observatory to the ocean floor where they can view more than 200 species of fish from the comfort of the air-conditioned vestibule.
One of the biggest churches on the island, the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica, in downtown Hagatña is the center of the Catholic movement on the island. It houses a shrine to Filipino Saint San Lorenzo Ruiz.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
For a taste of the island’s fiesta culture, head off to the Chamorro Village, an outdoor mall along Paseo Loop in Hagatña. Open from 5:30 to 9:30 pm every day, the area houses a collection of stalls offering food and souvenirs, as well as services, like karabao rides, to visitors.
(Among our group’s favorites: the 3-foot-long sausages, turkey leg and the fruit slushes.)
Also spotted were stalls specializing in Filipino fare, like Kris and Lynn’s. The place gets really hopping on Wednesdays, when bands and other cultural activities are showcased. Cash is the only currency allowed, but don’t worry: if you run out of money there are two ATM machines mounted on a trailer near the gate to withdraw from.
WHICH BRINGS US TO…
If shopping is your thing, then this island’s got game, with its hubs of retail outlets that will attract shoppers, from the frivolous to the frugal.
Bargain hunters can head for the Guam Premier Outlets in the Tamuning area, where stores, like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and BCBG, offer premium items at discounted prices. Forever 21 also has a home nearby.
For more bang for your buck, make a beeline for the Ross Dress For Less store at the end of the mall, where tops can go as low as $5 (about P230), and beddings go for $40 (less than P2,000). This is also the place to buy that second piece of luggage you’ll surely need after splurging on those four bags, five pairs of shoes, and about a ton of Hilfiger clothes.
If you’re looking for Macy’s, head for Micronesia Mall in the Dededo area. The mall is reportedly owned by Filipino taipan Lucio Tan and, aside from Macy’s, houses several American brand stores like Gap and Levis, a Philippine National Bank branch, and an amusement park (yes, complete with rides).
Those who prefer a more sedate (read: expensive) shopping experience, head for the Tumon area, where most of the high-end designer outlets are situated. Tumon Sands Plaza is where you will find outlets like Louis Vuitton, Furla, Bulgari, Rolex and Tiffany & Co. The place is so tony, visitors are compelled to talk in whispers, lest the bags and watches get offended. Also, no photos allowed. Take your selfies elsewhere.
At T Gallery, shoppers can avail themselves of a 20-percent discount if they present their passports. Makeup and perfume are the best purchases here, as well as coffee beans.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
When you dine in any of Guam’s restaurants or dining outlets, be sure to bring along a huge appetite (or about two or three more companions). In these parts, where saucers are as large as plates, platters are spelled ALL CAPS, and portions are euphemistically described as for sharing, food comes in abundance.
Spicy is the default mode of Guamanian dishes, and protein is the ingredient of choice.
Among the dishes, you might want to try are the red rice (goes well with a hefty platter of ribs), the kelaguen (a dish made of chicken, beef or seafood strips, mixed with lemon juice and local chili), and, of course, the barbecues (any or all of them).
If you’re missing Filipino food, don’t fret. Some outlets, like Denny’s, have dishes like tapsilog and pritong bangus on their menu. And just like that, your snap vacation is over. But that’s okay. You can always go back whenever you need to go on the lam.
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The Philippines’s leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air flies between Manila and Guam four times weekly. Lowest year-round fares start from P7, 203 (one way) all-in, while seat sale fares go as low as P1,499 all-in. For bookings, visit www.cebupacificair.com. The latest seat sales may also be found on Cebu Pacific Air’s official Facebook and Twitter pages.
For more information on Visit Guam 2016 events, visit the Guam Visitors Bureau web site at www.guamvisitorsbureau.com or www.visitguam.com.
Image credits: Rosemari E Razon and Gianna G. Maniego