Digging into anything and everything that makes the CNMI tick beyond politics...

Friday, August 13, 2010

CNMI’s eco-tourism sites highlighted

PRISTINE beaches, historical sites, underwater wonders—these and more sum up the CNMI islands which lures hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world each year.
The CNMI is home to thousands of artifacts and relics found in World War 2 sites scattered across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. It has places that played a historical significance such as the Banzai Cliff, interesting bits and pieces of ancient history such as the Petroglyph found in the Kalabera Cave in Marpi, spectacular sites such as the Grotto, Bird Island, Managaha Island, white sand beaches for state recreation, and other sites ideal for bird watching, plant watching, and the most ideal sites to watch romantic, serene sunsets.
Honolulu-based Marine Science & Policy Advisor Dr. Stacey A. Tighe who conducted a brief lecture at American Memorial Park Visitors Center on Wednesday said that the CNMI is rich in natural beauty, with different kinds of attractions such as the mysterious ancient and current culture, recent history that is unique and relevant to many, scenic views and locations, and unique ecosystems.
Ecotourism, according to Tighe, means responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.
It involves the participation of the local people, particularly in ownership and business opportunities that abound in the islands.
Tighe highlighted the main scenic sites that continue to attract tourists to the CNMI in her presentation. She cited for example the beauty of the Northern Islands and the hardship involved in getting there that adds to the mystery and the value of the place for tourism.
“The CNMI can tap on these prospects to bring in more tourists but still maintain best practices in ecotourism,” she said.
From the cultural side, Tighe cited low impact arts and crafts, local attractions such as the zoo, annual celebrations such as the Flame Tree Arts Festival, and events where tourists can witness and learn cultural dances.
When people go for vacations, they want to see attractions that are different, unique and are not in their places of origin.
Residents in the CNMI should not take the place for granted because so many people would be willing to give much “just to have what we have here.”

Friday, August 6, 2010

Exploring Saipan’s northernmost jungles

ARE you one of those individuals who are confined in your offices or work place the whole day through and waiting for the clock to strike five, punch out and go home, watch television and go to sleep, then repeat the cycle day in and day out?
It may be time for you to stand up, stretch those muscles and see what more this beautiful island has to offer by exploring the roads least taken.
After five weeks of having no exercise (except for climbing up and down 10 steps of stairs to the office everyday- if you consider that as exercise), my buddy Andrew convinced me to break our muscle hibernation and join the hash run again last Saturday.
Just before leaving the assembly area at past 4 p.m., we were informed that the trail would be somewhere near the Suicide Cliffs so off we went, hitching a ride in the jeep of another companion.
We went all the way to Marpi, turning right before reaching the Last Command Post and passing the rough road below the Far East Broadcasting. We emerged on the road going to the Suicide Cliff and met with our other companions on the roadside.
After the usual instructions, the hike began and we followed a trail in the jungle which started simply but just got harder and harder as we progressed. We had to hoist ourselves over tree trunks or crawl under thick foliage before emerging into another rough road.
I thought that was it, but the pink and orange ribbon strips and mounds of flour on the road pointed us to follow another trail across from the road. This time, I had to raise my hands above my head to avoid bruising them. The tall and sharp grass blades obscured everything else from view but we plodded on. We must have been going very slowly because we no longer heard anybody.
It seemed like hours of laborious walking and groping for handholds and footholds before we finally emerged from the thicket and came upon a fenced area that looked like an abandoned ranch.
Cow Town, the sign above the arch said. I have written about the place in my previous police and court stories but it was the first time I have seen the place. One side of the area was fenced off by rows of old tires with tall bushes. There were no cows and no sign of life in the area. The place looked deserted for years and vines and grasses of all kinds have covered the dilapidated buildings, or what’s left of the buildings.
I read that the ranch belonged to Larry Hillbloom of the famous DHL (he’s the ‘H’), the multimillionaire who lived on Saipan and died in a plane crash here in the 1990s. I would have loved to stay by longer but it was growing dark.
A few minutes more of plodding on and we were finally free from the canopy of the thick tangan-tangan and thick bushes. We were in a clearing beyond the landfill in Marpi and we saw our companions from a distance.
I counted only a few bruises in my arms, and muscle pains that I knew from experience would leave me limping for the next few days. Andrew was not so lucky, judging from the ugly, long red gash on his right arm he got from a tree branch somewhere.
You say you have been here ‘long enough to have been everywhere’ and Saipan is just a small island? You may be right, but if you go out and explore some more, you will discover that there’s more places waiting to be discovered.

Exploring Saipan’s northernmost jungles

ARE you one of those individuals who are confined in your offices or work place the whole day through and waiting for the clock to strike five, punch out and go home, watch television and go to sleep, then repeat the cycle day in and day out?
It may be time for you to stand up, stretch those muscles and see what more this beautiful island has to offer by exploring the roads least taken.
After five weeks of having no exercise (except for climbing up and down 10 steps of stairs to the office everyday- if you consider that as exercise), my buddy Andrew convinced me to break our muscle hibernation and join the hash run again last Saturday.
Just before leaving the assembly area at past 4 p.m., we were informed that the trail would be somewhere near the Suicide Cliffs so off we went, hitching a ride in the jeep of another companion.
We went all the way to Marpi, turning right before reaching the Last Command Post and passing the rough road below the Far East Broadcasting. We emerged on the road going to the Suicide Cliff and met with our other companions on the roadside.
After the usual instructions, the hike began and we followed a trail in the jungle which started simply but just got harder and harder as we progressed. We had to hoist ourselves over tree trunks or crawl under thick foliage before emerging into another rough road.
I thought that was it, but the pink and orange ribbon strips and mounds of flour on the road pointed us to follow another trail across from the road. This time, I had to raise my hands above my head to avoid bruising them. The tall and sharp grass blades obscured everything else from view but we plodded on. We must have been going very slowly because we no longer heard anybody.
It seemed like hours of laborious walking and groping for handholds and footholds before we finally emerged from the thicket and came upon a fenced area that looked like an abandoned ranch.
Cow Town, the sign above the arch said. I have written about the place in my previous police and court stories but it was the first time I have seen the place. One side of the area was fenced off by rows of old tires with tall bushes. There were no cows and no sign of life in the area. The place looked deserted for years and vines and grasses of all kinds have covered the dilapidated buildings, or what’s left of the buildings.
I read that the ranch belonged to Larry Hillbloom of the famous DHL (he’s the ‘H’), the multimillionaire who lived on Saipan and died in a plane crash here in the 1990s. I would have loved to stay by longer but it was growing dark.
A few minutes more of plodding on and we were finally free from the canopy of the thick tangan-tangan and thick bushes. We were in a clearing beyond the landfill in Marpi and we saw our companions from a distance.
I counted only a few bruises in my arms, and muscle pains that I knew from experience would leave me limping for the next few days. Andrew was not so lucky, judging from the ugly, long red gash on his right arm he got from a tree branch somewhere.
You say you have been here ‘long enough to have been everywhere’ and Saipan is just a small island? You may be right, but if you go out and explore some more, you will discover that there’s more places waiting to be discovered.

Friday, July 30, 2010

An afternoon at a ‘resort away from the resort’

YOU haven’t seen it all on Saipan if you haven’t been to the eastern part of the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort in Kagman.
Dubbed as a “Resort away from the resort,” the Laolao Bay Golf Resort is indeed a paradise even for non-golfers.
As you turn off the main road in Kagman and enter the gates, you will start to feel being relaxed as you drive along wide, paved roads under the shade of tall trees.
Laolao Bay Golf & Resort’s assistant food and beverage manager Ren Sapkota took me up to the sixth floor of the newly-finished resort with its fresh and brightly-colored doors and emerged into the balcony from one of the suite rooms. The spectacular view from the top can make anyone breathless.
From the resort, we drove around the range in a golf cart, following arrows on the road until we reached the eastern coast.
The eastern course is more of the touristy side. For the daring, leaning against the railing at the edge of the cliffs with the view of the endless ocean stretched out before you is one of the most exhilarating feelings you can ever experience, with the wind blowing your hair and attempting to carry you off and the gigantic waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing on the rocky cliff lines a long way below.
The eastern views provides breathtaking views of stunning seascapes—the paved roads with its unique twists and turns, well-manicured lawns and golf courses, gentle swells and slopes—all of which add to spell a tropical island beauty. The stronger winds prove additional challenge to golfers in the eastern coast.
The western course is more of the classically designed inland golf course which provides a golfer a panoramic view of the Kagman Valley with Mt. Tapochao as the backdrop.
Ren and I ended our ride at the Tea House, an ideal rendezvous perched atop a cliff and nestled amidst lush foliage. It serves as a quick stopover for golfers who want to grab a drink or a quick snack.
The cool and comfortable ambiance of the Tea House, with its glass windows provide guests a full view of the ocean and the golfers nearby.
We were served shaved ice topped with tropical fruits, a very cool and refreshing respite from the heat outside.
If you need to get away from it all, you can find solace at the tropical beauty of this Resort away from the resort.
For inquiries, visit www.laolaobay.com, call 256-888, or fax number 256-8000.

Friday, July 23, 2010

La Fiesta Mall The glory that was

IN broad daylight, the ruins of what was once a flourishing mall teeming with life and activity looks like what it exactly is—sprawling dilapidated buildings, but cloaked under heavy darkness, the view changes. The crumbling buildings take on a sinister form and everything about the place feels creepy.
It was getting dark and I and a buddy were at the parking lot of the former glorious La Fiesta Mall in Marpi. Sitting under the old, ominous-looking tower with the huge clock up above, I could not stop the goose bumps as the silence engulfed the whole place.
I’d been at the La Fiesta mall several times in the past with companions, picking our way among the ruins, through the debris-filled hallways, peeking through the rooms and shouting “hello” into the vast emptiness. As always, our voices ricocheted through the walls.
I had seen the place come to life with gun shots echoing through the hallways when the Department of Public Safety used the place as a training area for shooting.
I’ve heard hundreds of stories about the glory days of La Fiesta Mall before the bustling mall finally closed its doors.
Now, no traces of the once-largest shopping and entertainment center on Saipan remained except for these forsaken buildings with its peeling paint, shards of broken glass from the shattered windows and dangling plywood from the cracked ceilings. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for these buildings that had been mute witnesses to events of the past.
Somehow, in the deepening darkness and deafening silence, it was hard to imagine that just a few years back the place bustled and throbbed with life.
The three sections– Fiesta I, II, and III which used to house shops, fast food restaurants, designer boutiques, movie theaters and a concert hall where performers belt out live musical renditions every night have become a thing of the glorious past.
We didn’t dare wander thought the empty halls in the darkness albeit the temptation to do so was strong. I didn’t exactly relish the thought of being caught by authorities and mistaken as burglars.
We left the ruins with a heavy heart, feeling sorry for the days-gone-by when La Fiesta stood in all its glory, a past that I was not even a part of.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Up close with a sand sculpture

SCOOPING water from a bucket with his hands, he allowed the salty droplets to trickle through his fingers to wet the mound of sand he shoveled to his workplace in the beach.
Unmindful of the sweltering heat of the noonday sun, the world ceased to exist for Australian photographer turned world-champion sand sculptor Dennis Massoud as he focused all his attention to the sand for the next 10 minutes, patting, scrubbing and brushing, trimming and blowing until very soon, the form of a young dolphin became recognizable.
Known as the “Sandman”, Massoud lived practically all his life near the beach.
From a matter of minutes to several days or weeks, Massoud can form simple to the most intricate designs of castles, animals, humans, mermaids and anything else.
“I think I have already sand-sculpted everything I can imagine, but I cannot stop,” he said.
Massoud recalls that his most fulfilling work was when he worked with a group of other world champions to create a huge sculpture in Luliang, China using the natural multi-colored sand.
“That sculpture has generated over $180 million a year for the producer from the millions of people who visited the sand forest,” Massoud said.
He has been invited to do sand sculpture in several parts of the world for both private and government agencies. He is also available for corporate team building workshops or sculpting workshops, for themed sculptures such as Christmas, weddings, and more.
“I’ve been everywhere around the world doing sand sculpture and the sand is my life,” Massoud said.
“If you won’t be allowed to touch or work with sand again, what would you do for the rest of your life?”
For several long seconds, Australia’s famous sand sculptor Dennis Massoud stared blankly at this reporter, clearly caught off guard by the question as he grasped for an answer.
“I would probably spend the rest of my life looking for sand and working with sand again,” Massoud finally answered in a faltering voice.
For one who has spent most of his life on the beach and the past 15 years playing with sand as his source livelihood, that would be equivalent to taking away the meaning of life.
“In every man or woman, there is a child who wants to come out to create sandcastles and play in the sand,” Massoud said.
The Sandman has been on Saipan last and stayed for a few days for the Sandcastles for Wishes 2010 building competition at the Hyatt Beach Park on July 10 where he created a mermaid hugging a little girl that were washed ashore.
To see more of Massoud’s works, visit www.sandinyoureyes.com.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Up close with a sand sculptor

SCOOPING water from a bucket with his hands, he allowed the salty droplets to trickle through his fingers to wet the mound of sand he shoveled to his workplace on the beach.

Unmindful of the sweltering heat of the noonday sun, the world ceased to exist for Australian photographer turned world-champion sand sculptor Dennis Massoud as he focused his attention on the sand for the next 10 minutes, patting, scrubbing and brushing, trimming and blowing until very soon, the form of a young dolphin became recognizable.

Known as the “Sandman,” Massoud lived practically all his life near the beach.

From a matter of minutes to several days or weeks, Massoud can form simple to the most intricate designs of castles, animals, humans, mermaids and anything else.

“I think I have already sand-sculpted everything I can imagine, but I cannot stop,” he said.

Massoud recalls that his most fulfilling work was when he worked with a group of other world champions to create a huge sculpture in Luliang, China using natural multi-colored sand.

“That sculpture has generated over $180 million a year for the producer from the millions of people who visited the sand forest,” Massoud said.

He has been invited to do sand sculpture in several parts of the world for private and government agencies. He is also available for corporate team building workshops or sculpting workshops, for themed sculptures such as Christmas, weddings, and more.

“I’ve been everywhere around the world doing sand sculpture and sand is my life,” Massoud said.

If you won’t be allowed to touch or work with sand again, what would you do for the rest of your life?

Massoud stared blankly at this reporter, clearly caught off guard by the question.

“I would probably spend the rest of my life looking for sand and working with sand again,” Massoud finally answered.

He believes that “in every man or woman, there is a child who wants to come out to create sandcastles and play in the sand.”

The Sandman stayed for a few days on Saipan for the Sandcastles for Wishes 2010 building competition at the Hyatt Beach Park on July 10 where he created a mermaid hugging a little girl.

To see more of Massoud’s works, visit www.sandinyoureyes.com.
(This article was first published HERE)

Friday, July 9, 2010

Looking for America on Saipan

THE spotlight is focused on a bar known as the Statue of Liberty on the dot of an island called Saipan, a melting pot of people with various nationalities.

The Statue of Liberty (which is the former Hamilton’s Bar in Gualo Rai) is the regular meeting place of people with different backgrounds brought together by a common goal. They are all looking for “America” on Saipan.

The Statue of Liberty bar is a mute witness to these people’s quest for fulfillment.

“The State of Liberty: Looking for America” is a film shot entirely on Saipan in 2005 by Dan Shor, an award-winning television/film actor, director, writer and teacher at Northern Marianas College who used to live on Saipan, and Ben Salas, a Hawaii-born actor and producer whose family moved to the island in 1985.

They envisioned their film as Saipan’s gift to the world of entertainment.

The characters are Japanese, Chinese, Chamorro, Carolinian, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Russian, and statesiders.

The film’s five interconnected story lines take the viewer to all the scenic spots and captures the beauty and local color of the island.

The story is centered on a Chinese woman searching for her half-brother named America.

Starring in the film are Saipan residents, some of whom have already left the island, including Elena Alexandrova, Tony Angelo, Heather Calderwood, Joseph Calimlim, Myla Capilitan, Li Ying Guo, Sean Maycock, Tanya Oscar Nobuko, Kyoko Reber, Ben Salas, Angel Santos, Dan Shor, Raby Syed, Joe Taijeron, Jason Tarkong, Jing Yang and Bo Zancanella.

A copy of the DVD is available as part of the Passion Profit Company’s SaipanLiving series for $19.95. Buy your DVD at http://www.amazon.com/Looking-America-Saipan-Story-Shor/dp/B003KK5ARK.

(Article first published HERE)

Looking for America: A Saipan story

THE spotlight is focused on a bar called Statue of Liberty on the dot of an island called Saipan, a melting pot of people with various nationalities in the Pacific Ocean.
The Statue of Liberty (which is the former Hamilton’s Bar in Gualo Rai) is the regular meeting place of people with different backgrounds but brought together by a common goal of They are all looking for ‘America’ on Saipan.
The Statue of Liberty bar is a mute witness to the quest for fulfillment to their different aspirations, dreams and goals.
“The State of Liberty: Looking for America” is a film shot entirely on Saipan in 2005 by Dan Shor, an award-winning television/film actor, director, writer and teacher at the Northern Marianas College who used to live on Saipan, and Ben Salas, a Hawaii-born actor and producer whose family moved to Saipan in 1985.
When the two met, a creation was born –The State of Liberty: Looking for America, which the two envisioned as Saipan’s gift to the world of entertainment.
The lead characters in the story – a mix of Japanese, Chinese, Chamorro, Carolinian, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Russian, and Americans represents the different people who share the pursuit of life together.
The five interconnected story lines in “The State of Liberty: Looking for America” takes the viewer to all the scenic spots and captures the beauty and local color of the island.
The story is centered on a Chinese woman who is searching for her half-brother named America.
Starring in the film are Saipan’s international residents, some of whom have already left the island) including Elena Alexandrova, Tony Angelo, Heather Calderwood, Joseph Calimlim, Myla Capilitan, Li Ying Guo, Sean Maycock, Tanya Oscar Nobuko, Kyoko Reber, Ben Salas, Angel Santos, Dan Shor, Raby Syed, Joe Taijeron, Jason Tarkong, Jing Yang, Bo Zancanella, and other people in the CNMI.
“The State of Liberty: Looking for America” has been reissued so grab the chance to see your friends bring the true color of Saipan to life.
A copy of the DVD is available as part of the Passion Profit Company’s SaipanLiving series for $19.95. Buy your DVD copy at http://www.amazon.com/Looking-America-Saipan-Story-Shor/dp/B003KK5ARK.

Friday, June 11, 2010

A colorful cultural exchange


I WAS watching a young Japanese guy reach out for an apigigi from the Hula Girl booth. It was obviously his first time to try it because he peeled it all the way down before taking a tentative bite. I saw the surprise registered on his face as he obviously liked what he ate, took another bite and another until there was no more.
Turning around, he talked excitedly to three other companions and they all trooped back to the Hula Girl stall for more. When that guy goes back to Japan, I’m sure the taste of apigigi will stay in his memories of Saipan.
At the next booth, a little local girl was concentrating as she tried to throw a ball into boxes with drawings of Japanese costumes. She squealed with delight when her ball landed in the box with the drawing of a girl wearing a Japanese kimono.
Immediately, she was whisked into the back of the stall and Japanese assistants donned a kimono on her for picture taking, a photo I’m sure she will treasure.
American Memorial Park’s usually serene atmosphere was transformed into one colorful, lively and spirited ground as over a thousand people— a mix of young businessmen from Japan and island residents stamped their feet in time with the lively beating of the drums.
By sunset, the friendship party hosted for the visitors for a cultural exchange was in full progress.
The locals got a taste of Japanese culture through the dances they presented, games and entertainment.
Kids were delighted in playing all games the visitors introduced to them.
In exchange, the over 800 visitors got a glimpse of the island life as cultural dance groups and Saipan’s dynamic Awaodori Team presented their winning dance steps.
Right after the presentations, everybody rushed to the food booths where you get to try a mix of unlimited Japanese and local specialties, unlimited beverages including beer, juices, soda and bottled water, as long as you have a yellow band on your hand— your passport to the food stalls.
All too soon, the party has to end, with everybody sated and happy. The visitors went back to Japan via the Fuji Maru cruise ship yesterday afternoon. Island officials who welcomed the guests said “till we meet again.” Sayonara.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hot pepper business gets hotter | business-edge

YOU see these red-labeled, locally produced bottles and jars of red hot pepper in grocery stores, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants.
You see similar jars and bottles of different sizes and shapes during annual events like the Flame Tree Arts Festival in April, the Taste of the Marianas in May and during the regular Thursday street market in Garapan.
Over the years, bringing home a taste of the islands in the form of red hot peppers has become a routine for tourists who come to the CNMI.
Mary Susan M. Cruz, general manager of Tinian-based Susan’s Creations which been processing Tinian Red Hot Peppers for the past 16 years, said Tinian’s peppers have already created their own niche in the global pepper industry.
Locally known as donne sali, Cruz said Tinian’s peppers are considered one of the hottest in the world.
The Tinian hot pepper grows in abundance in the jungles during the peak season, from January to March, and is also known as “boonie pepper.”
“Donne sali can be harvested from the jungle during these months because they grow in abundance but it is not that easy,” she said.
“Donne” means pepper and “sali” is the name of a black bird that feeds on the pepper and spreads the seed throughout the jungle.
Boosting local economy
To help local residents, Cruz said she buys high quality pepper from them for $8 per pound.
A drought reduces the volume of hot peppers that can be harvested from the jungle, but Cruz has a plantation to support the demand.
“Tinian’s Red Hot Peppers have already become a household word for tourists and most of them feel that they should not go home without bringing hot peppers with them, so we need to have a constant supply,” Cruz said.
If you cannot stand the extreme heat of donne sali, try the variations of pepper products made by Cruz such as pepper powder, paste and vinegar with a blend of donne Sali, which produces a unique combination of heat and flavor.
These products are perfect for spicing up any meal, sauce, meat, fish, ramen, pasta, soup and other dishes.
They also make ideal all-occasion gifts.
More exposure
Tinian’s annual Hot Pepper Festival sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority allows hot pepper processors to promote their products.
Tinian is the place to be during the second week of February as the island celebrates the Hot Pepper Festival.
It features a competition involving daring individuals who try to consume the hottest of the hot peppers.
Cruz said the festival has boosted their sales.
“For example, my sales in 2007 doubled in 2008, and the figures kept increasing as donne sali gets more exposure,” she added.
With her business getting “hotter” even as the economy remains in a slump, Cruz said the people should find more ways to make use of available natural resources like hot peppers.
Tinian hot peppers are available at the DFS Galleria, the DFS airport outlet, Gentle Brook Café, the 360 Revolving Restaurant, hotel stores, souvenir shops and groceries.
For online orders, e-mail susanscreations@hotmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Cruz said they only accept payments through Paypal but will accept credit cards in the future.

Hot pepper business gets hotter | business-edge

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

No substitute for a mother’s milk

DID you know that you spend approximately 144 hours during the baby’s first year to prepare a baby’s formula? This includes going to the store to buy formula, finding and washing the feeding bottles and any other chores related to feeding the baby.

Take this scenario:
A piercing wail wakes you up in the wee hours of the morning, ending what little sleep you just got. You stumble sleepily into the kitchen, look for the feeding bottle to prepare a formula for your baby whose cries are starting to wake up the whole household. This is a routine that goes on day and night where you have to drop off whatever you are doing to prepare the formula and feed your baby. If you are not fully awake by then, there is the possibility of putting more formula than you should, or using less water — the baby will suffer.
Now consider this.
You wake up to your baby’s crying at night and you just have to pick him up from the cot, snuggle the baby and feed him from your breast. You both go to sleep and relax during the feeding session and you get time to form a deep bond with each other.
These are two scenarios presented by Cathy Carothers of Every Mother Inc. who was recently on island to train the staff of the Women, Children and Infants program on breastfeeding.

Barriers to breastfeeding

In these modern times, work is one of the challenges that hinders women from breastfeeding their babies exclusively.
“After giving birth, most of today’s mothers are anxious to go back to work to help meet the growing household expenses,” Carothers said.
The world used to be a breastfeeding society, she added, but as more women joined the workforce, more mothers are turning to the use of formula for their babies.
Lack of knowledge on how breastfeeding works and how to go about it is another challenge that healthcare workers face in encouraging more mothers to breastfeed.
If a mother has to go back to work, Carothers said she can extract her milk and save it in the refrigerator.
She said a mother’s milk placed in the freezer has a shelf life of up to one year or from four to eight days if inside the refrigerator. At room temperature, the milk will still be good from eight to 10 hours.
Carothers said even women who have inverted nipples can breastfeed their babies.
“We breastfeed, not nipple feed. It’s just a matter of learning the right technique because the baby will latch onto your breast by instinct,” she said.
Some women, however, are embarrassed to feed their babies in public places.
Generally all women are capable of breastfeeding, except in cases when it is not possible, such as when a mother is HIV positive, or undergoing chemotherapy, Carothers said.
Giving pregnant women the right education and information before the baby arrives is important to make the right choices.

Support system

Carothers said in a survey they conducted, most of the companies and businesses that showed support to nursing moms have less the problems encountered by those companies who don’t show any support at all.
She said the survey shows that businesses can save a lot on medical costs and absenteeism of employees, if they’re allowed to spend a few minutes each day to breastfeed their babies.
“We also found that businesses that support breastfeeding have more loyal, happy and productive workers because their needs are being met,” Carothers added.
She recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months.
“This is the time when babies need all the nutrients which they can get best from their mothers,” she said.
When the baby reaches six months and above, they start to take in solid food but mothers can breastfeed their babies for as long as they want.
WIC clinic manager Dianne Esplin said the more mothers will breastfeed, the less risk there is for diabetes and obesity.
“When you breastfeed, both and the baby get many benefits. Not only is it convenient for both the mother and the baby but it will create a closer relationship with each other,” she said.
Esplin said being well-informed gives women more options in breastfeeding.
Karen Buettner of the Commonwealth Health Center said the participation of the husbands plays an important part in the breastfeeding process.
“Women, especially first time mothers, have a lot to learn and they need all the help and support they can get, especially from their partners,” Buettner said.
She said breastfeeding is a learning experience, and women with multiple births are becoming more confident with each birth.
WIC nutrition technician Gigi Gomez said women who come to the clinic early in their pregnancy get more help and guidance than those who come later or not at all.
“We make appointments with pregnant women for every trimester so the earlier they come in, the more time we can spend with them in giving them more information in what to do,” she said.
The new food packages distributed by WIC to its clients each month have been redesigned to give pregnant and lactating mothers more attention.
Gomez said exclusive breastfeeding mothers get more food allowance compared to those who do not breastfeed exclusively.
Carothers, Esplin, Buettler and Gomez, all certified lactation consultants, said there is no substitute for a mother’s milk.
This article was first published HERE

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Konflikt at the helm of MMA clothing lines

THE business scenario in the CNMI has turned from bleak to bleaker, with one misfortune hitting the islands one after the other. The demise of the garment industry from over 30 factories to zero, the changes in regulations brought about by the federalization of immigration which has driven residents search for better opportunities elsewhere, and the global crisis which has spared no one.

These and more have caused businesses to close and investors to be on a “wait and see” stance before pouring money into the island.
Doors seem to be closing in from all direction, leaving everyone uncertain of the future.
But not for one individual who succeeded in bringing Saipan to the limelight with his talent in T-shirt designing.
Konflikt, the Saipan-born Mixed Martial Arts clothing company has made it to the third place in the “Top Five MMA clothing brands you don’t know but should” in the online Bleacher Report, the world’s largest network which is powered entirely by fan-generated content.
The other featured designers and Konflikt’s contenders were the Scrappler, Boston Brawler, Crooked Jaw, and Insanity Fightwear.
Konflikt designer Norman Del Rosario said he feels very much honored to be recognized by the Bleacher Report (www.bleacherreport.com) for his designs.
“The power of the internet allows people from all over the world to see the designs and wear the Konflikt brand,” he said.
Nick Colon, senior analyst for the Bleacher Report, said Konflikt MMA is a brand that many MMA clothing fans and other clothing fans in general should take a hard look at the short term future.
“This company’s brand is exceptional, with popular designs such as fleur-de-lis and a quite brutally good-looking font of text,” Colon stated.

Beginnings

Konflikt entered the MMA clothing scene six months ago and immediately caught the eye of MMA fighters and their fans from Saipan as well as those from off-island fighters.
Despite the limited resources, Konflikt have already made its way into the hearts of famous MMA fighters including Mark Munoz, Junie Browning and Philippe Nover who tried the designs of del Rossario.
MMA fighters, fans and enthusiasts will see the latest Konflikt designs as the company breaks into the Ultimate Fighting Championship scene in UFC 109 on Feb. 6, 2010.

Trademark

Konflikt carries the trademark of Saipan in all its designs.
While working and designing T-shirts for famous MMA fighters in the world, the designer aspire to bring recognition to Saipan and the CNMI by incorporating the place in all the designs he creates.
Every design has its own character, made to match various moods and temperaments.
Konflikt t-shirts stick to one solid color of black, white or red.
Owning and wearing a Konflikt t-shirt has become a status symbol not only for the MMA fighters but for the hundreds of fans.
Konflikt maintains a very limited edition in all the designs they release to the store.
“We want anybody who wears the Konflikt designs that they are unique and not mass produced. Once you miss a design, you cannot see it in the market again because new designs will come out and take its place,” the designer said.
Konflikt MMA clothing portrays the image of always accepting challenges, refusing to play it safe, taking chances, never backing down and putting it all on the line for what you believe in.
Any Konflikt design embodies the heart and soul of those who are into the MMA lifestyle, and dedicated to provide excellence in design and quality at a value that consumers can appreciate.

Expansion

Konflikt will soon be able to serve clients in three other places such as Hawaii, Ohio, and the Philippines.
Negotiations are ongoing and the designer hopes to proceed with the expansion within this year.
“We want MMA fighters and fans all over the world to have instant access to our brand wherever they are,” the designer said.
Konflikt recently introduced its line of female apparel with new designs coming out every week. Konflikt’s clients are eagerly waiting for the latest additions to its product lines such as shorts, gloves and other accessories.
Konflikt T-shirts are exclusively available at the 670 Rock Steady Shop in Gualo Rai.
For more information, e-mail info@konflikmma.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.konfliktmma.net.

This article was first published HERE

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Getting in shape fast with BodyPump

WOULD you like to lose fat and shape up your body real fast? Answering yes would require more than nodding your head to this question.
Nothing beats having a well-conditioned and healthy body, but you have to work at it and work at it hard, according to Gloribel Oro Tan, one of the fitness instructors at the Gold’s Gym.

Photo by Raquel C. Bagnol“If you are determined to tone and condition your body, try out BodyPump because it is the fastest way to shape up,” Tan said.
Tan, also an APEX Fitness Professional and Les Mills Certified Group Exercise instructor for both BodyStep and BodyPump said that BodyPump is the best starting point to develop strength as it is more focused on weightlifting.
“BodyPump is a one-hour session to get you in shape and it is both for males and females,” Tan said.
A mix of experienced and beginners comprise a typical class, but everybody can work in rhythm for the whole routine together, Tan said.
BodyPump requires the use of a step platform, a bar and a set of weights. Tan said that beginners should use the light weights first, then after a few classes they can then determine how much weight is right for them.
BodyPump Routine
The one-hour routine includes the warm-up where everybody uses only light weights to get the entire body moving. Next, the students will move on to the slightly bigger weights to develop the legs, chest and back. Development of the triceps, biceps and shoulders follow and this require only slightly bigger weights but as the students get stronger, they can then move on to medium weights.
The students will then move on to the abdominals to help support the core posture, before finally cooling down, a step which is important after a hard workout to stretch one’s muscles.
“The important thing to remember is not to overdo the weights but to work gradually and constantly until a student finds the weight that is right for him or her,” Tan said.
Beginners will usually experience muscle pain and soreness after the first workout but gradually, the body will get used to the exercise.
Frequency
Tan said that as soon as you have your first session of BodyPump, a maximum of two or three classes a week and a one-day rest in between classes is recommended.
Anybody can do the BodyPump workouts at home, but working with a whole class inspires you to execute the routine along with the others in time with the music and the choreography.
“It’s different when you work alone than when you work with a whole class,” Tan said.
She added that the results of the BodyPump can be felt after about six weeks of continuous workout.
“As you gain more strength, your muscles tones will improve and you will start to notice fat loss,” Tan said.
Other students do back-to-back workout with BodyPump and BodyStep.
“This is a good combination because the BodyWalk is for cardio development,” she said.
Tan said that over the five years she had been teaching BodyPump and BodyStep, she has a good number of faithful students who are regulars in the BodyPump classes.
BodyPump classes are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Saturday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
BodyPump students must wear comfortable workout clothes and gym shoes, and bring a drink, towel and the right attitude.
Tan said that non- members of the Gold’s Gym can use the gym facilities in one day and join classes such as BodyPump, BodyStep, Yoga, Spin Bike, Abs, Body Balance, Pilates, Cardio Strength and Tai-Chi for a $10 fee.
“We would like to encourage everybody to join the almost 200 individuals who visit Gold’s Gym to work out everyday, and get better health,” Tan said.
For schedules of the other classes, visit Gold’s Gym at Garapan Central Park, call (670) 233-4000, email goldsgym@saipan.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.goldsgym.com/saipanmp. For more information on BodyPump check out www.lesmills.com.
This article was first published HERE

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

CNMI’s 2009 auto sales at a glance

2009 has been a very challenging year for the businesses in the CNMI, and the island’s car dealers are not immune to the difficulties.

The global economic crisis, the mass exodus of residents to the mainland and other countries to look for greener pasture, the onset of federalization and the uncertainty of their immigration status just some of the factors of the steadily decreasing figures in car sales for the past five years.
But the year ended with a positive result as sales for the month of December produced the highest increase for the year.
Statistics based on the monthly reports released by the Commonwealth Auto Dealer’s Association, the island’s three car dealers — Joeten Motors, Microl Corporation and Triple “J” Motors ­— showed total sales of 1,885 units sold in 2005. The figure dropped to 1,352 in 2006, 1,101 in 2007, and 966 in 2008.

Up and down trend in ‘09

For the first quarter of the year, the three dealers sold only a total of 203 brand new cars and this figure indicated a 32.3 percent dip in sales for brand new cars as compared to the sales for the first quarter of 2008 which was 300.
Sales for brand new cars continued to drop in April by 40 percent compared to the same month in 2008. The figures dipped lower in May when sales posted a 45.83 percent decrease.
From June to December, sales figures went on a see-saw trend. In June, the figures went up by 23.53 percent with the three car dealers selling a total of 42 brand new cars compared to the 34 units sold in June of 2008.
The June increase was momentary as a 44.62 percent drop in the July sales took over.
Sales picked up again in August, with the three dealers selling 60 brand new units and posting a 39.53 percent increase. The dealers sold only 43 units in August 2008.
By September, sales again dropped by 8.51 percent but slightly recovered in October with a 5.56 increase.
By November, sales for brand new cars dipped by 34.69 percent, brought about mainly by the impact of the takeover of the U.S. immigration as potential buyers hesitated to purchase automobiles.
But the December sales picked up, posting the highest increase of 72.97 percent for the total 64 brand new cars sold compared to the sales in December 2008.

Summing up

From January to December, the three car dealers sold a total of 469 brand new cars, indicating a 21.18 percent overall decrease compared to the 595 units sold for 2008. The total cars sold last year are broken down into 246 sedans, 59 trucks, 23 vans, and 141 sport utility vehicles.
December brought in the highest number of brand new cars sold this year with 64 units, while May posted the lowest sales with only 26 units sold.
Of the three dealers, Microl Corp. sold the most number of brand new cars which totaled to 200 units, representing a 42.64 percent market share. Joeten Motors followed with 146 units sold and claiming a 31.13 percent market share. Triple “J” Motors’ 123 units sold represented 26.23 percent of the market share.

Popular car models

Toyota is the leading brand of cars sold by the three dealers for 2009. It sold a total of 194 brand new units. Nissan brand followed with 83 units sold, and Mazda came third with 59 units sold. Other brands were Honda — 36, Mitsubishi — 30; Hyundai — 27, Ford — 14, Kia — 13, Suzuki — 7, and Chevrolet — 6.

Used cars, an alternative

As the economy got tougher and the uncertainty got stronger, customers turned to used cars to pay lesser amounts for transportation expenses. The car dealers saw an increase in the sales of used cars.
From 2009, sales for used cars soared and reached a total of 380 units sold, nearly closing the gap with a difference of 89 units to level off with the sales for brand new cars.
Microl Corp. led the dealers in used car sales, selling 145 units during the 11-month period. Joeten Motors came next with 120 units, followed closely by Triple “J” who sold 115 units used cars for the year.
CADA president and Joeten Motors general manager Matthew Deets said that 2009 was a good year for used cars as consumers turn to it as an alternative to paying for brand new cars.
“Sales for used cars had been going up for the past two years,” he said.

Hopes for a better year

Triple “J” Motors general manager Randy Steele said that car sales for Triple “J” had been stable in 2009.
“We think consumers recognize the value in our products during these tough economic times,” Steele said.
He added that the federalization of the immigration in the commonwealth created a big impact.
“A huge number of potential buyers were taken out of the market to purchase an automobile due to their uncertain immigration status,” Steele said.
Deets said he sees 2010 as a stable year for the car dealers.
He said that with the federalization of the local immigration, more federal money and federal projects will be poured here and they are hoping for stability in terms of car sales for the year.
Microl Toyota general manager Doug Brennan said that while CADA was hoping 2009 sales figures remained at least at the same levels as 2008 (or improve), the apparent lack of consumer confidence in the CNMI economic future contributed to a drop in sales.
He said that Microl-Toyota did well.
“Austerity measures instituted over the past several years have allowed us to control operating expenses and remain a strong, viable company,” he said.
Brennan added that initially, the impending move to federalization caused the market to fall off.
“The actual influx of new Federal agencies has created a slight surge in the car market, but we don’t expect the surge to last,” he said.
He added that while they would like to see an improvement in the market, there are still many questions yet to be answered in regards to the future of the CNMI economy.
“We anticipate the passenger vehicle market to remain at about the same level as 2009,” he said.

This article was first published HERE