What the HECK is Guam ?!
74BEFORE you read my hubpage, answer this....
DO YOU KNOW WHAT AND WHERE GUAM IS ?
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I moved to south Texas on September 2007.
That fall, I applied for admission at the local college. The application asked where I previously resided, since I didn't apply as a resident. So I put down Guam, USA. I applied electronically, so questions about my application had to be done over the phone. Five days later, a lady from the Admissions Office called my cell phone and asked me, in regards to my application, if I needed to take ESL (English as a Second Language). "Ah, they've read where I came from", I thought to myself.
I knew someone was bound to be unaware of Guam's existence. But I never thought that someone would miss the neatly printed "USA" that I typed after "Guam" - I was hoping those three letters would tell the college that I, in fact, spoke English.They probably just saw that I was born in the Philippines and that I lived in some foreign land.
After telling the nice lady that although Tagalog is my first language, I am very fluent in English, it hit me - how many people in the states actually know about Guam? When you think of places such as Hawaii, Peru, the Bahamas, even Palau, you have a general idea - even the smallest percentage - of how the place is. You name a place anywhere in Asia, and someone can automically connect that place with the Asian culture and can imagine the probable lifestyle of its citizens. But what about Guam?
Guamanians are listed as Pacific Islanders. What does that tell you? That people who live in Guam wear coconut bras and grass skirts and chew betel nut all day? Oh, Ya. We definately wear coconut bras, we even have them in different colors - of course NOT! This reminds me of a time when one of my college classmates asked me where I moved from. I told him where I came from and he replied, "What's Guam?" well...
What the HECK is Guam?
Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands - located in the Pacific. It's only a 3 hour flight from Guam to the Philippines and approximately a less than 15 hour flight to California (if it was nonstop).
It is an island, yes, because the country is surrouded by water. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. It is a U.S. territory. So I told the lady at the admissions office, "Btw, ma'am, we serve the same President of the United States."
Let me tell ya a pinch of Guam's history.
The island's history of European colonialism began with the arrival of Spanish settlers including Padre San Vitores, a Catholic missionary, in 1668. But in 1898, during the Spanish-American war, the island was taken over by the Americans. Before WWII, Guam was the only American-held island in the region. Because it was the largest island in the Micronesia, it was very attractive to Japan. Eventually, in December 1941, the Americans surrendered Guam to the Japanese - two days after the Japanese bombing. [Note: Guam was bombed only hours after the bombing of Pearl harbor.] But don't worry, beause in July 1944, the Americans recaptured the defenseless island. Then years later, the Guam Organic Act of 1950 established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States. The Act provided for the structure of the island's civilian government and granted the people U.S. citizenship. So yes, people born in Guam are U.S. citizens.
Now that you know WHAT and WHERE Guam is, let's talk about...
What is Guam LIKE ?
I moved to Guam in 2002 from Saipan - a smaller Northern Mariana Island. So I may not be able to mention ALL of the island's tourist attractions. Besides, there are official websites you could visit if you wanted a list of those. My hub will just tell you what I personally experienced in Guam. First let's list some quick facts...
- the people of Guam are called Guamanians, but they are locally called Chamorros
- the official languages of Guam are Chamorro and English
- the Chamorro Time Zone is 18 hours ahead of Pacific Time
When i first move to Guam, i realized....
- that Chamorros in Guam have better American accents than the Chamorros in Saipan (All NM Islands speak Chamorro.)
- that most kids in Guam can't even speak their native language, just English (in Saipan, 90% of the population spoke the language)
- that people addressed adult males as "Sir" (in Saipan, we addressed our male teachers as "Mister)
NOTE: As you can see, Guam is the most American influenced of the islands
- that there was probably only one white kid in every public school (all the other white kids were soldiers' kids so they attended school at the military base private school) and most Ethnic Asian kids were at private schools
- that they called you a "Chaud" [Ch-aw-ed] if you had a Chamorro accent (Guam's equivalent to being called a RedNeck) and called you a "Fob" if you acted soo Filipino, since 30% of the population are Filipino immigrants ( FOB technically stands for Fresh-Off-the-Boat, which has a derogatory conotation refering to recently arrived iimigrants
NOTE: These terms are normally used between high school students but usually in a harmless joking way.
- that it'll only take less than a day to do a round-trip of the whole island
- that there are no highways, so your way to one place is the exact same way home - and the speed limit of the whole island is 35 miles / hour (but most don't follow it)
- that Guam has the best sunsets I have ever seen
- that there are only TWO malls, two stories each (but they are pretty wide decent-sized malls)
- that there quite a few pot-holes on the roads (similar to any small town)
- that people gave directions with landmarks, I never heard anyone refer to street names when giving directions
- that there is no winter
NOTE: The climate is generally hot but very humid. December to June are the dry months, and the rest are the raining months. We don't have hurricanes and tornadoes, we have tropical storms and typhoons, which can happen all year round
- that ALL houses are built with concrete
I was so surprised when I moved to TX and realized that I can easily punch a hole through my wall - growing up, I've always lived in a concrete house or apartment
- that MOST houses and buildings are built with typhoon shutters (it's a construction must)
- that the population is less than 200 thousand people
- that Catholicism is the predominant religion
CHAMORRO DANCE WITH TRADITIONAL COSTUME
- that Guam was heavily influenced by the Spanish settlement(most Chamorro food are spicy and there are days celebrated with some kind of fiesta)(and of course the Chamorro language has many similar Spanish sounds)
- that in traditional Chamorro culture, the young ones kiss the hand of the elder when they address them as a sign of respect (Filipino culture does it too)
- that Guam does have its own Chamorro cultural dance (ONLY during performances do Guamanians actually use grass skirts)
- that traditional culture deals with a lot of weaving, usually with coconut leaves (in high school, my friend taught me how to make a hat, a grasshopper, a basket, and other things with coconut leaves. It's so scool.)
- that usual souvenirs consist of shell necklaces, earrings, bracelets
NOTE: Personally, though, I think Guam is struggling to preserve their native Chamorro identity and culture, because as the years go by, the youth are getting more and more "American-ized" following American culture such as sweet sixteens, american slangs, fashion, how kids speak to their parents, and many more. And with most Chamorro high school graduates leaving the island to attend college somewhere else, it is getting even harder to pass down the Chamorro culture.
- that Guamananians can't cast any electoral votes
- that Guam's economy depends primarily on tourism
- that Guam is a popular destination for Japanese tourists
NOTE: The island has over 20 large hotels, a Duty Free Shoppers Galleria, Pleasure Island district, indoor aquarium, Sandcastle Las Vegas–styled shows and other shopping and entertainment features.
SideNote: Most of my Guamanian friends and many locals have never even tried these locations because they are rather expensive - obviously aimed towards tourists.
- that since Guam is surrounded by water, tourists are usually brought to snorkeling sites (and introduced to other water sports)
- that mail to Guam from the U.S. mainland is considered domestic and no additional charges are required
- that no one actually uses public transportation (just tourists) because mostly everyone has a car, you're lucky if you actually see a cab passing by
- that many tourists expect to see a brown tree snake just outside their hotels
NOTE: Guam is known for an abundance of brown tree snakes. It is true, but the snakes do stay in the forest-like parts of the island - they're not really an everyday attraction. However I have seen tiny baby snakes during the power outage after a supertyphoon. Oh, and also sometimes they are found at some construction sites.
- that Guam is commonly reffered to as "AMERICA IN ASIA" in the tourism industry
SOO, people, don't think Guam is a remote island somewhere in the Pacific with uncivilized native inhabitants....Think of it like a smaller version of Hawaii. Lol
So.... HOW ABOUT YOU ?!
Please leave me a comment answering the following:
Have YOU ever heard of Guam?
What did you think Guam was like?
If I told you it was an island in the Pacific, what would have been your first thoughts?
What do you think of Guam NOW?
If you could, and after reading this whole hub, would you actually want to visit Guam?
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Thank you so much. It means a lot especially since this is my very first real blog. But i really wud like to know your answers for the questions i posted at the end, if you don't mind. (Thanks again!)
Jackiepoo. I digg your stuff. I must be honest and say the there were parts, where I was like what?! Like the part you didn't close the parenthesis or where you used the word "white kid," being in California has definitely taught me that racism works all ways and wether you mean to do it or not people get hurt. I remember always fighting for being called mexican at first sight. Also, you could tell when you were getting tired of writing about the topic. HAHA. Girl, you know I'm kidding. I really did enjoy it. KUDOS to you. I definitely miss home and reading this made me reminisce about the days in Griffin's class and the many night I spent mulling over a paper I decided to write 6 hours before class. Here are my answers to those questions just because I'm trying to avoid doing homework.
Have YOU ever heard of Guam?Definitely, plus I heard of this awesome girl from there i think they call her Brittanysan. Every heard of her??What did you think Guam was like?I thought Guam was hott all the time, a place to call home no matter where you ended up, and definitely an island with the friendliest and kickback*est people ever.If I told you it was an island in the Pacific, what would have been your first thoughts?Mmmm... water.What do you think of Guam NOW?I miss it terribly and cannot wait to finish this semester of college up so I could run home to my mom, who supports me no matter how bad I mess up in college.If you could, and after reading this whole hub, would you actually want to visit Guam?Because I've been there and lived there my whole life, yah I would want to go.Your "hub" though is definitely insightful and helpful to those who have no clue what to think when hearing the word Guam..."what is that a place in South Africa?" yes someone totally asked me that. Seriously, even i know several places in South Africa...Guam?, Not one of them.Alright Jacks, I gotta hit the books but thanks for sharing a little bit of the island with those who haven't had the chance to experience it first hand. It definitely has changed since I left to college a year ago. I went back this summer and was definitely taken aback at how different things are in California than back home.KUDOS AGAIN!
Have YOU ever heard of Guam? Yes
What did you think Guam was like? A little like Hawaii but not as commercial as honolulu.
If I told you it was an island in the Pacific, what would have been your first thoughts? More polynesian/micronesian culture.
What do you think of Guam NOW? A modern place with a cultural heritage.
If you could, and after reading this whole hub, would you actually want to visit Guam? Yes if I get a good flight deal.
Great informative hub.
Hi,
Lived in Guam in'73. Visiting my Uncle, Eshu, a long time resident of Guam. Going there end of this mnth.
The water is just beautiful. Small Island but very nice. Guam was a parking lot for the B52's during the Wars.
Gary
Toronto, Canada
i have beene looking at Guam as a possible place to move . i have had all the maine winters a pearson can take. it was nice to read something from someone who lived their.
i've been to guam probably 2 dozen times. it seemed like every time my ship left yokosuka, we'd pull into guam for stores.
your article was very informative. while i've been there several times, the duration of my stays was usually 3-4 days. my family and i are moving to guam in about 6 months so i'm trying to read up a little more on what it's like to live there.
we did live in honolulu for 4 years. when you said, "it's like hawaii but not as commercial" that really gives me a good feeling about the move. I'd go far out of the way to avoid tourist traps in hawaii, i'm pretty sure the tourist traps in guam will be easier to get away from.
great article!
Very nice writing. There part about Chamorro native dances, Chamorros are known around Micronesia to not have any dancing culture. The dances they dance today were made up by two men on video that they have been teaching borrowed Movement from all over the pacific. Chamorros did not wear grass skirts like other Micronesians , the women wore a leaf just to cover the front area. Still I really liked your writing and I love chamorro party food. I love chicken kelaguen, empanadas, im starving!
Great hub! Way to represent the island girl!
•Have YOU ever heard of Guam?
Yes,I'm Guamanian myself & my mom lived there and my grandpa was born there & spoke their native language.
•What did you think Guam was like?
Exactly how you described it (:
& I also think it's a small , Isolated island.
•If I told you it was an island in the Pacific, what would have been your first thoughts?
It must be really pretty.
•What do you think of Guam NOW?
I still think the same,But after reading your blog,I honestly like it more .
•If you could, and after reading this whole hub, would you actually want to visit Guam?
Yes ! I plan on visiting and would love to live there.
Thank you for this article. I've read so many articles about Guam which put it in a bad light. Guam really isn't that different than the US. Finally some truth.
testing
"that there was probably only one white kid in every public school (all the other white kids were soldiers' kids so they attended school at the military base private school) and most Ethnic Asian kids were at private schools"
That's not true at all.
What you say is a major exaggeration.
It's true that since the military opened up schools on their bases in the '90s a lot of white kids who would normally be in public schools are not there as they now have their own schools on base to go to. But there are still white kids. Not just one. Come on! There are white people who have been on Guam for generations and also since Guam is a super multi-cultural, multi-racial society, so many kids are half white, or a quarter white, etc. So some kids who are say, Chamorro, might look white just because they got white-skin genes. After all, there are no pure-blood Chamorros today and all Chamorros today are a mix of indigenous Chamorro blood and Spanish blood. So a Chamorro kid whose parents and grandparents are all Chamorro might be born white just became he ended up getting a lot of Spanish genes. I went to public school and there was more than just one or two white kids in school.
And most Asian kids don't go to private school. It may seem that way as private schools are smaller and so they are more obvious there while public schools are larger and so they are not as obvious there. Filipinos are the second largest ethnic group in Guam after Chamorros and Filipinos are classified as "Asian" so there is no way that most Asians go to private school as the public school is full of Filipino kids. Chamorros and Filipinos make up the bulk of public school students as most of Guam is make up of Chamorros and Filipinos. I went to public school and I knew Asian kids besides Filipinos, particularly a number of non-Filipino Asians who were immigrants who had just recently arrived in Guam, USA, and so they had trouble with their English and took ESL classes. There are Asian peoples who have been on Guam for generations and also since Guam is a super multi-cultural, multi-racial society, so many kids are half Asian, or a quarter Asian, etc. So some kids who are say, Chamorro, might look Asian just because they got Asian-skin genes. After all, Guam is near Asia and so there have been many people from Asia who have come and settled in Guam. So a Chamorro kid whose parents and grandparents are all Chamorro might be born Asian looking just became he ended up getting a lot of Asian genes.
Guam is one of the most racial and cultural diverse places in America!
theres a guy i really like from guam :)
GoooooooooooooooOooooooo Guam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi there, my name is Antonio Ciccarone - I'm Italian, my wife is Chamorro. I wrote a song for her about Guam, it's called "The Haole Song". There's a lot of good references, kinda catchy - I'm just leaving the link here in case anyone wants to check it out, use it, share it, link to it, etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztfhD-x57g
Hafa,
Antonio
This is a super-informative Guam primer! Thanks!
hehehehe.
i live in Guam :)
down at Agat.
reading your blog made me want to visit this island.
then i was like " wait. i'm already here. "
lol :)
I live on Guam 4 three years Hafa Dai
Komo sinia un taitai este pues hungan ginen guam or the marianas hao mauleg hafa un sangan lao komo ginen phillipines pues tisinia un sangan pot otro tanu sangane todu pot tagolue land munga ma sangan pot y taotao chamoru's sa taiguenao una lache todu y infomacion.
Nice hub! I grew up there but left in '82. After reading, I want to go visit! Also, I heard a micro-brewery opened up in Tamuning - ISHII Brewing Company. This is cool.
Thanks!
I retired months earlier in Connecticut and have been wondering where to live for rest of my life. Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, et etc. One day I got inspiration, hey how about Guam? A month ago I flew to Guam via Tokyo. My local real estate agent was so helpful in finding an affordable/quiet beachside cottage. I am moving shortly in a week. Swiming every morning, spearfishing for dinner, playing guitar on the beach, hitting a ball on the fair way, writing books in the night. If I got bored, I'll fly to Tokyo ($550 round trip), If I miss snow, I fly to Sapporo. If I miss Karaoke, I fly to Manila. Thank you so much wonderful info of Guam. I am going! Mr. Miyagi
my parents were born in guam, my father was in the navy move to calf.in the sixties,late sixties transfer to pensacola florida wish i could take my family & show them what guams about, best people you could ever meet
I totally agree with "chadananamu".
Esta ki!!
I left guam when i was 9 years old in 2000, i miss it! Reading this makes me want to go back A.S.A.P!
I'm from The Bahamas and found the info. here very enlightening! Great Job!
Now, I'd sure like to visit Guam; our countries seem to share a lot of similarities
I lived on Guam as a kid from 1970 - 1974. My father was in the Navy, but we attended the local schools off base. It was weird being the minority, but we quickly got used to it and made lots of friends. We absolutely loved our time on Guam.
Hafa Adai! oh, that's right you speak Tagolog Kamusta ka. I have lived in the US since 15 and am a blue eye from the Naval base (Father was Air Force). Miss the old place and hope to take my daughter soon. We had the north and southies there but not quite the same as the states, eh?
lboogy7 3 years ago
This is really a very nice hub! You are a very talented writer, I like your style! Welcome To Hub Pages!!