I woke up earlier than usual on Day Three of our Guam Travel. It is Thursday and church day and I am thankful for the “angels” who were with me that day. With only an hour of sleep, we prepared for the presscon at T Galleria for the Guam Micronesia Island Fair. 

The very reason we were in Gum was for the Guam Micronesia Island Fair. I was surprised to find out that aside from us, there were other media representatives from other countries present during the event. It is always good to represent #TeamPhilippines. 🙂 I love how I always carry the name Philippines whenever I travel – like when I stayed one month in Indonesia, attended a product launch in London and also in Beijing. I was traveling all by myself carrying my luggage and the Philippines name. But this time around it was good to have the #TeamPhilippines with me. 

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair is an annual cultural event which is hosted by Guam Visitors Bureau which gathers together delegations from the Federated States of Micronesia, Rota, Saipan and Tinian and the republics of Kiribati, Nauru, the Marshall Islands and Palau, to showcase their culture, crafts and talents. 

I love what Senator Tina Muna Barnes has shared during the presscon  – the GMIF aims to unite not just the island but all the other islands surrounding Guam. 

 

 These are the hardworking cameramen from GMA 7 who brought us good documentary shots for Byahe ni Drew and other GMA News TV shows. 

Side story: So my friend left a message on my instagram and told me she has seen the preview of the PopTalk Anniversary episode last night. It feels like starring in a movie and (un)anticipating the premiere. Haha.  It was not even close to a movie, because I did not act or rehearse any line. Everything that was shot was my real reaction, emotion, feelings and opinions. I am a bit scared, nervous and at the same time excited. Yes, I have insecurities. I am human. 

After the presscon, we had a free time to go to Micronesia Mall. This mall is like your typical mall with retail stores and some stores that sell novelty items you can find in flea market in Manila. There’s a Macy’s inside though which offers really good discounted items.

Lunch is at Panda Express. It is popular to quick-service restaurant in US which serves Chinese Food. It is my first time to eat at Panda Express and it does satisfy my Chinese food cravings! 

I fell asleep on our way to Two Lovers’ Point. Carmel had to wake me up and told me the view was too beautiful to miss.

Well, she was right afterall. 

  Two Lovers’ Point story speaks of the the same Romeo and Juliet story. A beautiful women who is a daughter of Spanish aristocrat and Chamorro chief who fell in love with a local Chamorro. 

Here’s an excerpt from the Two Lovers’ Point legend:

So, looking down the cliff made me a bit crazy and worried about Sky Diving. But I am telling you once I sat on the edge of the plane, it was a different feeling. Read about my Sky Diving experience. 

Back in the hotel, we had photoshoot with the other media partners for #GMIF. My afternoon was shaken when I was informed that we would do Sky Diving in the afternoon (!!!). Thankfully, I was able to confirm with our GBV host that it would happen at 5 in the morning the following day. My clock kept on ticking.

I was floating (but not sleepy) but I couldn’t complain about the schedule! Everything was just too awesome and festive. We had our special Global Media shirt, kit and even vest to wear during the #GMIF event. I felt so legit 🙂 The Guam Visitors Bureau even prepared roasted pig (aka lechon) for the guests. It was a jubilant affair with local Chamorro dancing and singing for us!

#TeamPhilippines
pictures by Carmel of Alouatta, Inc.

Cultural Shows

After the shoot, we headed to the Beach for the Cultural Show.
The beautiful sunset greeted us. I was in awe. This is the most beautiful sunset I have seen in my life. 

The Colors of Guam 🌴 #nofilter. #guam #wheninguam #ruthgoestoguam #UOtraveller #UOaroundyou @uoeurope @lonelyplanet The best #sunset I have seen so far. Thank you @visitguamusa. #onlyonguam

A photo posted by Ruth dela Cruz (@ruthilicious) on Jun 11, 2015 at 2:18am PDT

The stage shows the beautiful sea and sky as backdraft. No other words to describe how beautiful it was. I was excited for the main event.

The cultural show tells the story of the Chamorro culture mixed with fun dances and upbeat music. The performers even interacted with the guests and they make sure they are part of the show. I was impressed with the innovative and creative the stage is! Carmel said it was a big improvement from the last time we were there! More than anything, you can feel the performers enjoy their own show. I was trying to control myself from dancing to the beat of the drums.. BECAUSE.. well (you have to be there to find out why!) Haha I am not spoiling the fun for you!

I found out they do it every night but the energy and enthusiasm was there. At the end of the show, they invited the guests to come and dance with them. I was feeling a bit tired and I regret not joining the fun. I was all for good times and living the moment. Remember how we did the dance floor during the #LenovoTechWorld? (watch my video here!)  Well, we started the party!

Just when you thought the night was done. We transferred to Sandcastle Guam for some Las Vegas Style Entertainment

There was a magic show, acrobats and fun dancing on the stage. I remember seeing some of the parts of it in Beijing when I visited in 2011. But it was entertaining, heat-stopping and fun. I think it was my first time to watch a magic show live. You could imagine me in disbelief as I watch the guys slice the girl’s body in two and do levitation. I have never learned that in Hogwarts (speaking of, I need to finish my Hogwarts Tour blog post soon!!!)

I skipped the shopping (attendance check) that night because I was dead tired and sleepy.
The following morning, we were up early for…

SKY DIVING!!!

Read about my Sky Diving experience.

**Thank you Guam Visitors Bureau, Alouatta Inc and Pacific Star for having me in this trip!