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Saipan Tribune

Efrain F. Camacho: Building for the future

Friday May 4, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Standing on top of Efrain Camacho's four-story building, Efrain explains the intricacies of the building and the design process like a proud father explaining the accomplishments of his child.

From double-paned windows to computer-controlled air conditioning units, the immense buildings were crafted to be lasting, with low-cost maintenance, demonstrating the immense benefits of what a long-term approach to development can achieve.

The same can be said for personal development. Camacho believes it is in one's long-term interest to begin with the basics, to start from the bottom. This is particularly true for local students who study off island. “If you just come right back to Saipan without experience you're not really offering much,” he said.

“My advice is to stay in the States for as long as you possibly can, get experience before coming back. There are some that have returned right after graduation, with no experience. Unfortunately, when they get back, they are put in a position way above their abilities. They don't get to learn from the bottom up,” Camacho said.

It's interesting what a huge impact seemingly insignificant events of our past shift the entire direction of our lives. Efrain remembers as a young boy seeing an engineer climb a utility pole and wanting to do just that. He stuck to that course through college and the following years, gaining experience with the largest Texas-based civil engineering firm, then a Honolulu-based firm until his eventual return to Saipan.

In preparing for the economic future, there are no short cuts. “Are we willing to change how we look at things?”

Efrain blames the lack of investor confidence on the unstable political condition. “Changing the laws to suit a particular interest is not in the interest of the CNMI.”

He relates back to his time in the United States, when he was the only Chamorro in the area. That forced him to mingle with the people and think differently. “[Our youth] need to get a better perspective and need to open themselves up to allow for outside ideas to flow in. Someone that has been away for four years, I expect that person to speak relatively good English. I've seen kids who graduated from college in the States and come back in the way they talk and present themselves. It's like they just went over to Guam.”

As Efrain slowly nears the time of his retirement, he looks with optimism to the future of the CNMI. “There's a lot of potential, but we just need to eliminate the politics.”

The economic slump, with its taxing effects on residents, is causing change to occur. In times like these, it will be the short-term sacrifices made for the long-term good of the islands that will ultimately bring about the necessary, positive changes.

The local boy that shaped the CD business

Friday, April 06, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Most people see CDs in circles. Not George Cruz; he wanted to see something more. In fact, this young Chamorro, a native of Guam, is the entrepreneur behind a business that cut CDs into different shapes.

“My mind is always thinking. I always try to look and see what's out there,” George said.

Quoting a line from the movie Toys, George said his personal catalyst for creative thought is: “Find a need, fill a need.”

Back in 1998, while moving forward with a document imaging company that he had started, George and some friends began exploring different options with compact discs (CDs)-still relatively new items at the time.

“We finally thought, what if we just make it to a different shape?” With a pair of scissors in hand, he actually cut a CD and put it into a computer. Unfortunately, it was unbalanced and quickly bounced out of the computer. Following many shapes and attempts with tools ranging from box knives to scissors, they finally managed to cut CD in a way that was balanced and was read by the computer. “This is it!”

George did his research and discovered that the only competitor at the time shaped CDs using a jigsaw. “C'mon,” he said, “We are in the 21st century, we need to use lasers!” Simultaneously, George happened to meet two engineers who had recently left old employment to seek the development of new inventions. It proved to be the right combination as George had the idea they were looking for. Motivated by the challenge, they accepted the limited financial incentives that George had to offer. Within four to five months, they created a prototype CD-cutting machine capable of cutting six to eight thousand CDs per hour utilizing lasers. “From this little company, this local boy growing up in Portland, Oregon, managed to meet with some of the biggest CD manufacturers in the United States. It was so exciting.”

In one case, he was to meet a CD manufacturer in Washington. Along with him was his sales manager, who was about 55, and his son, the company vice president and George's college buddy. This young Chamorro was the only non-Caucasian inside the beautiful boardroom that was lined with oak and cherry wood. As everyone was shaking hands, the President walked into the room, approached the 55-year-old sales manager, and asked, “Are you Mr. Cruz?” To his surprise, the sales manager referred the president to George, who was standing in the back at the time. “In a room of old white guys, who would think that I had come up with the idea.”

In the fiercely competitive market of the U.S. mainland, George Cruz found his niche. “No matter where you come from, no matter what background you have, anyone can succeed.” With only the prototype, they began getting orders from across the United States to Hong Kong. They even attracted prominent clients such as the NFL and the pop singing group Backstreet Boys. Gradually, the demands of the business consumed much of his personal life and began to affect his relationship with his future wife. “The choice was to stay in it and hopefully become a millionaire or savor my relationship with my wife,” George said.

It was no choice, really. George made the difficult decision in 2000 to sell the business and return to Saipan, the home of his wife Marlene.

Now three kids later, George still doesn't let his mind rest as he continues to find and fill needs here in our community. He is currently the president of Marianas Health Services, a home healthcare provider. In his spare time, if you don't find him down at the basketball court with the kids, you will find him with his family. Although he continues to pursue business, George has learned to focus on another type of success in the home with his family.

Who are these guys in white shirts and ties?

Monday, March 26, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The fact that it's another hot, sweltering day along Middle Road, doesn't stop these two young Mormon missionaries from trudging out under the sun to do what they came here for. Whether they're spotted on the south end of Middle Road in front of McDonald's or seen up Navy Hill, they're out walking.

“We probably walk about two hours a day,” says Elder Matt Roberts, from Alberta, Canada. “We get to meet a lot of very friendly people.” Saipan was his first area of service in his two-year mission and was recently informed of his transfer to Pohnpei. His companion Elder Jacob Peden from Highland, Utah will remain behind and receive a new companion to take Robert's place.

Each day starts at 6:30am and goes until 9pm, and without a car, they remain visible out walking. “The people are very open and invite us sometimes to join them at their barbeques,” states Peden. “They're different from people in the States.” These invites come as a relief as they otherwise do their own and not always impressive cooking. Majority of the time they spend out meeting people, and sharing their message.

After the two years, Roberts plans to return to Canada and enter the medical field of study. Peden intends to pursue business. As for now, they decided to put their studies on hold. “I'm here, because it's something that brings me happiness,” explains Roberts.

Their own personal funds and family sustain them, while they leave their jobs and school behind for these two years.

Always in a white shirt and tie, wearing the black nametag labeled “elder” for their title as missionaries, which they go by for the two years of service, followed by the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” These two young men at ages 19 and 20 choose to spend their days under the sun on a tropical island thousands of miles from home instead of the alternatives of studying, working or even chasing girls. They appreciate the occasional rides that they receive, even the friendly honks and waves. Regardless, they don't let a little walking halt their service as they venture out to share their message with anyone interested to listen.

Making the BIG step

Friday, March 16, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Imagine taking a step so immense and life-changing that will shape the whole course of your journey.

This is exactly what Joe Ayuyu did. For him, it was a step that brought the world-famous franchise McDonald's to our island.

Now a definitive landmark on Middle Road, the blue-tiled roof, cheerful clown displays and golden arches welcome hungry customers to the restaurant that stands as monument to what a man with diligence, persistence, and vision can accomplish.

From the humble beginnings of a large family in Chalan Kanoa, early on Joe desired to free himself from the bondage of a challenging economic condition. His father being an auto mechanic and mother a housewife, Joe, as the oldest of 12 children, learned to depend on making his own way.

“I really wanted to get out of that poor economic condition that we were in. My goal really was to be financially independent. Whatever it takes to be that, I will go in that direction,” he said.

Joe worked hard in school and went on to receive a scholarship in his junior year of high school to study in the U.S. mainland. “That really was an eye opener for me because it was the first time I had left this island. I said to myself, wow, there's so much opportunity out here.”

From there he went on to study at University of Hawaii- Manoa in the field of agricultural economics, quite an unusual beginning to a path that would eventually take him to becoming the owner of McDonald's-Saipan.

As a scholarship recipient, Joe returned to Saipan to fulfill his obligations and began to position himself by working for the Department of Economic Development, eventually becoming the Acting Director of Commerce and Labor.

“To prepare myself to become independent I needed to gain as much experience as I could. It is really important to get a well-balanced background,” he said.

He always intended to leave the government to seek financial independence. He finally made the step, having become acquainted with key individuals that cleared the way to venture into the private sector as a vice president and manager for Bank of Guam and then Hakubotan Duty Free.

The preparatory steps to make the metaphorical “leap” to McDonald's began as his contract at Hakubaton neared its end. “I was shopping around for businesses that were proven.”

That's when the prospect of McDonald's presented itself. “I didn't have a restaurant background, but with my upbringing, I'm the kind of person willing to take that step.”

With the immense capital commitments of McDonald's, this was the first time that Joe found himself “out on the limb” financially. “Going through this, I prepared my wife two to three years in advance. I had to sell my house and move into an apartment to raise all the money I could. I had to basically sell everything I had.”

Fortunately, his wife Marcia was supportive and stood by him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The 14th of March was the mark of their 14-year anniversary.

Joe and his wife Marcia exemplify what those willing to step out on the edge can accomplish. “The key to a successful person in business is you have to be all around. You have to learn it. You don't have any choice if you want to be successful. If it's necessary that I learn something even at this age, I do it. Making the business successful takes a lot of time and perseverance.”

Joe Ayuyu shows that, with vision and effort, one can come from simple beginnings yet make that big step to achieve substantial results.

Language of love

Friday, March 09, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

A man and a woman, two different species making compromises to live together in marriage is not an easy process, yet Victor Muna and his Thai spouse, Aporrnphan Rodjarun, managed with the added difficulty of no common language. Some months after the passing of his common law wife in 2001, my dad stopped by Vic's place to offer his condolences. Unexpectedly, Vic announced that he was remarried. My dad questioned, “So what's her name?” Turning to his new wife, Vic replied, “Hey, what's your name?” Not the most romantic reply, but understandable when one considers how unresponsive the English tongue is to Thai names. In Vic's words, “The names are too long, like 16 or 17 letters, to write on the paper not enough space!”

After the recent passing of his common-law wife, his current unique relationship began when Vic's sister told him of a young Thai lady who had arrived on the island looking for a husband. “I went to my sister's house and looked at her picture, oh yeah, she's skinny, nice looking, and young. Well, how can I know this lady only by her picture?” The Saturday morning after the last day of the Rosary, Vic ventured out to meet the woman in the picture. “Its really funny, because when I met her she didn't know how to speak English.” In the weeks that followed, he quickly learned the difficulty of intercultural dating. “I wanted to caress, but she didn't want until I marry her. That's the kind like a tiger, you have to break the teeth in with an appetizer.” He met her May 23, 2001. After working out the visa, the only catalyst of the delay, they married July 31, 2001.

Without a common language, communication was an obvious immense obstacle. “Little bit sign language, little bit language. I just waited for her to understand little by little it took her days, years, to understand.” Amidst the challenges, they continued to work at it. Nearly six years of marriage and one son later, they are still together. “The meaning of love is when you're married its all yours. Going out together, I cook for you, you cook for me. You have to throw yourself down and make your wife more up than you.”

He says that it took about three months to really start loving her, his “marshmallow.” “You can't just eat the marshmallow, but you have to barbeque it first. Make it color, something dark, that's how the marshmallow tastes good.” To me, Vic is an example of what people can overcome to make a marriage work. He's even learned how to say her name through the strong fluctuating tone of his thick Chamorro accent. In the house, he just calls her “honey” a title that she's definitely earned after sticking it out for all these years. As we get up to leave, Vic puts his arm around his young son for a gentle hug. Maybe he didn't roast his marshmallow the same way everyone else did, but he's definitely getting tasty results.

A young musician aims to shape Micronesian music

Friday, March 02, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The young hopeful Parker Yobei is on a quest sought by many passionate musicians over the ages: The quest for that new sound. At appearance, Parker carries the look of an island musician, with his thick dark hair spread across his shoulders with each passing gust of sea breeze. From the tattoos that stretch across his arm and chest to his thick-soled feet sheltered by standard island slippers, Parker is a guy who is living life the way he wants to, alongside his “better half” Christine.

It was the year 1985 that Parker left his island of origin, Palau, and set foot here on the island that would become his home. However, it wasn't until 1991 that he would return here without looking back. “I've always been in love with music. As a kid growing up my family was always involved in music.” The rich memories of families together making music fill his childhood. He remembers being fascinated by the different sounds made by his uncle's keyboard. Unable to get consent to play it, Parker would wait till his uncle would go to work, and venture out to explore the keyboard's range of sounds and tones combined to make music.

Inspired by his family, Parker said “I try to play different, to make new sounds.” Instead of following what has already been developed in Polynesia, slightly altered or translated, Parker strives to combine different aspects of the keyboard to add to the development of a more genuine Micronesian style. “You can't get stuck in one style of music.” With the ambitions to give variety to his music, he utilizes languages that range across the islands and even ventures into memorizing popular Chinese and Bangladesh lyrics, while mixing it with his island sound. It's just this artist's way of keeping the creativity and passion flowing.

His concerts have taken him from this island to Palau, Hawaii, and even Seattle, as he shares the island sound with interested fans. Currently, he's in the process of compiling a CD featuring all original songs that has been the center of his focus over the past year. He's also pursuing a grant that will sponsor an effort to promote island music education in the schools. “I want to see new musicians with new stuff.”

With his lighthearted laugh, Parker expresses, “When I see the people smiling and enjoying themselves it makes me really happy. It's like someone asked for a million-dollar loan and I hand it to them.” Having found a way to give a part of his self through his music, this young musician continues to do what brings him the satisfaction. “When I really feel the music and close my eyes, well, I've never been to heaven, but that really feels good.”

A Local Doctor Aims Towards Prevention

Friday, February 23, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

“I wanted to help people.” Came the well-rehearsed response of Dr. Norma Ada anticipating the first question on my list that I intended to ask her: “Why did you want to become a doctor?” I then made a mental note to be a little more creative in formulating not such generic questions for next time. Yet, this woman conveyed passion and confidence as she spoke.
The sense of determination in her voice was evident as she expounded on her life’s ambition. “Growing up on a small island enhanced my desire to become a doctor. When you come from an underserved area, you become even more motivated.” Her decision to return was solidified with the years of enduring hours of intense studying with the added affect of the cold winters. Finally, after completing long strenuous years of medical school and the commitment of residency upon that, she was ready to return home.
In 1997 her career commenced at CHC. She confessed that it was not always easy with the system in place, but the sincere appreciativeness of the patients gave great value to her efforts. However, it was not until after nearly eight years at CHC that she was ready to start her own practice and focus on realizing her dreams. “I thought if I could start out on my own, I could implement the things that I had always wanted to do.”
The Pacific Medical Associates opened doors in 2005. With an island that is plagued by chronic disease, Dr. Ada acknowledges the need to focus on preventative care. “The major obstacle is to change our life style… You have to be non-judgmental and look at the barriers.” She has found that significant differences can be made even through little changes. “We work to empower our patients through making them more health literate.” Although the results in combating chronic disease in this manner do not happen immediately, the will come.
In reflection of what factors in life helped enable her success she stated, “The greatest teachers I’ve ever had are my parents.” In her family, there were standards in place and expectations to be met. “They laid a strong foundation for me and my siblings to be who we are now.” Learning was always a priority greatly emphasized. Now, she seeks to impress the need for change to originate within the family. “There are I changes, and I see it especially among the young families.” It is people like Dr. Ada instilled with a sense of purpose and hope that perpetuate the positive changes that are taking place.

Doug the Banana Painter

Friday, February 16, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The painting shows a picturesque scene of the deep blue ocean sparkling in the sunset, with the shoreline stretching across the soft sand and receding in the distance. Yet the textured surface reveals fine contours and grooves that cannot be achieved with a traditional brush. That was part of the art in the works of Doug Rankin, who pioneered the use of various parts of a banana tree as tools for his painting. With his passing on Friday, Feb. 9, the late Rankin will be remembered for his unique contribution to Pacific island art with his development of what he called “banana painting.”

As recounted by Ben Scales, close friend of Doug, the concept of banana painting came to him in the early '80s, while clearing out toppled banana trees in the wake of a recently passed typhoon. Each slice of the machete uncovered an elaborate unrepeated pattern of spirals and swirls among the pulpy trunks and branches. Ben describes his reaction. “In those opened up tree trunks, Doug imagined that he saw images. First, he saw crab legs, palm leaves, fish parts, and lobsters. And he painted them with his hand-carved banana tree brushes.”

More remarkable still is the simple way of life that was reflected in his work. On living at his secluded home of Kannat Tabla, Russel, his second son reminisces, “I grew up without electricity and running water. Going to my aunties' house to watch TV was like the greatest thing.”

His children narrate the story of their father's draw to Saipan, with fond memories and laughter. Doug's initial stay of several years on Saipan happened at the age of 16 as his father, who was in the Navy, was stationed here. Although Doug and his family moved on, his heart remained here. Following a brief military service, he responded to the call of his heart and returned to his island home in the year 1966. It was here that he spent the rest of his life, capturing on canvas the jungles, beaches, and other unique scenes of Saipan

“I remember my dad coming up to a beach, capturing the memory in his head, then coming home and putting it on canvas,” said Russel.

Doug's passion showed as he described how he used each part of the tree to make the shapes of nature from each painting. Peeling away layers of the trunk, each piece or leaf-shaped with a knife and a hand-became the tool for duplicating remarkable landscapes in his memory. Now Doug has left his art works as a memory of one who truly looked at what nature had to offer.

For those who would like to join the family in remembering the artist Doug Rankin, the Mass will take place Feb. 20 at 11am in Chalan Kanoa.

A photographer and a writer

Friday, February 09, 2007
By Nathan Benson
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Enough of the bad news, let's hear some good. That's what this section is all about, telling the stories and experiences of individuals who contribute so much to the uniqueness of our island. This is our most valuable resource.

Today, I want to introduce who we are and our motives for doing this section. I'm sure many of you already know my dad, Del Benson. He has a very engaging way of expressing himself not only vocally, but through his photography as well. With his love for the island and the people, he has always wanted to capture this to share what Saipan has to offer. He tells his story through his images.

I, on the other hand, never really considered myself a writer. It wasn't until I attended Brigham Young University Hawaii that, for the first time, I sincerely put my heart into a work of prose and discovered that it felt good. Through each weekly story, I aim to convey the profound lessons that I learn chatting with these individuals in a way that we can all learn and benefit.

My family originally moved to Saipan in 1991, when I was six. Although my dad came out as a schoolteacher for Marianas High School, his short attention span soon took him toward his life-long hobby, photography. My dad describes his connection with photography beginning as far back as he can remember smelling the film developing chemicals of my grandpa's photographic dark room. He combines this experience with an original style of his own, making a mark of his appreciation for life and people in each artistic image rendered. Unfortunately, this paternal business has not yet found its way to the third generation, as my brothers and I have pursued different paths. After being away from the island for four years, I've returned to the place I consider home. Together, my dad and I are working to help bring businesses to Saipan to improve our economy. This island has so much to offer.

Meanwhile, my dad, with his almost childlike excitement, continues to create new images. His goal with this weekly section is to show each individual photographed as they truly are, deeper than what our daily interaction often shows. My intention is to transmit their experiences and strengths for the benefit of all of us. Through seeing the contributions and accomplishments already made by our neighbors, family, and friends, the rest of us can continue to do our part. For this reason I ask you to let me know of anyone whom you know whose contributions or experiences could be highlighted in a story that will enrich the rest of us. Feel free to email me at natebenson@gmail.com with your thoughts and suggestions.

Additional images and the stories from the Saipan Tribune are located at www.delbenson.com under Saipan Tribune.

Woman’s Hard Work Realizes Her Dream

Friday, February 02, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Driving along the back road, coming up from San Vicente, the hill becomes a descent and off to the right emerges a dirt road indicated by a sign that says, “Santos Acres.” Turning down the dirt road, one shortly is greeted by the familiar bark of typical Saipanese strays that wander the island. Around the first bend, with a soft bump, the loud clunky sounds of gravel flinging below the car dissipate as asphalt replaces it. Continuing up the smooth road then unfolds a magnificent panorama of the southern half of the island. On this isolated hilltop resides the product of the dream and hard work of Mrs. Maria B. Santos.
Born in the midst of the war in 1942, Maria learned about the importance of hard work through the example of her mother who was widowed 3 months after Maria’s birth. “I never knew how to call someone tang or daddy.” Perhaps it was the example of her mother that instilled a sense of independence and self-confidence that helped her achieve her goals. For her education, she attended the available public schools on island and went on to Guam for high school, but had to return before finishing due to the death of her grandmother. She went on to get a job as a nurse that led to her meeting the man she married in 1961.
In 1963, they were first offered the agricultural homestead that later became Santos Acres. However, in those days recipients were required by the government to grow certain produce and plants. “My husband said to me, I am not a farmer, so I told him, well if you don’t want to move up there, then I will.” Determined, Maria put in long hours every day, including weekends to meet the requirements. “Before, I didn’t know farming at all… They called this an agricultural homestead, so I learned what agriculture means and I started planting and raising.” She invested many full days of work for the initial six years to fulfill the contract until she was able to call the land her own.
“We’re very lucky and fortunate, I didn’t know what it looked like up here until we cleared it. I always had the intention of building housing units.” By the first part of the 1980’s, she began to actuate her dream. Regarding the process of preparing the jungle she said, “Do you know how many years I’ve been burning? So many years.” Her kids became very familiar with weeding and cutting back jungle as many days were spent working with Mom to make it possible. “I had all my six kids line up and clean here, pulling up tanga tanga.” Many years of work made it possible to fulfill her goals, as she now own and manages the eight rental homes of Santos Acres.
Driving through the vicinity, the hard work and care is visible with the variety of colorful plants and trees planted throughout the maintained lots that enhance the beauty of the landscape. Santos Acres shows what a committed woman with foresight and hard work can accomplish. To the women of our island she invites, “Dream something that will better yourself and your community. You got to take a dream that you can really focus on and build it up.” Looking back on her results, she sees something that she has built that will benefit her children and grandchildren.

A tribute to five decades of service

Friday, January 26, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Next Friday, February 2nd will commemorate the memorable day when 50 years ago, Sister Mary Balzarini took her vows to dedicate her life to service. Six months later, and thousands of miles away, her assignment brought her to Saipan to work with Sister Felicia with the special mission to open the first high school on the island. The American military provided only up to a 9th grade education, obligating anyone wanting to pursue further education to go to Guam. The local people aimed to resolve this problem.

“The people really came together in those days. It was very impressive.” It was due to the continual requests of the people to Father Arnold in Guam, they agreed to build what started out as the high school and would later become Mount Carmel.

Thirty-one boys and nine girls composed the first tenth grade class. “The kids were very eager to learn.” Initially, much of Sister Mary’s effort went to teaching English as much of grade school was taught in Chamorro. “Look at your words, I’d tell them. In the beginning we focused on teaching words, even comparing them to similar-sounding Chamorro words.” The emphasis was education to prepare these anxious young people for the changes that would take place in the islands still recovering from the war.

Seeing the successes of her former students is a source of great satisfaction. “When I learned that two of my former students are now heads of banks here it made me very happy. They have come so far. Another is now a prominent doctor here. I insist on calling her by her title, because she has earned it, although her first name does come out at times.” Sister Mary continues to revitalize the impressionable student-teacher relationship as she still on occasion encounters her former students, bringing back memories and feelings from decades past.

In life, Sister Mary’s call has been to teach. Her years of teaching and church-service took her from Saipan to Guam, even Palau. The Maria Artero Nursery of Guam was another one of her projects, which she started in 1967. She recounts, “It was October 17th that we started the nursery with our first ten babies. By December, we had reached one-hundred.”
In 1996, once again the time came that service called her back to Saipan where she concluded her last 9 years at the Sister Remedio Early Childhood Center.

As she reflects back on her many decades of teaching and the first assignment at Mt. Carmel that brought her here, she expresses the thought, “What pulled me through all those years was the kids.” Now The school stands as a memory to those whose desired more for the children than what they had, to those who did not content themselves with a 9th grade education, but pushed for more. To those like Sister Mary who have given so much to the furthering of our youth through education and service, we say “thank you.” May we remember February 2nd as a day of service in memory of a life well lived.

Bob Kenney: Keeping things simple

Friday, January 19, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

Pulling into the driveway that had previously escaped the eye due to the wall of greenery that surrounds the house of Bob Kenney, my senses feast on the scene that presents itself. Upon stepping out of his pickup, Bob takes me through his yard, a botanical-rich experience in itself. My hand caresses a lucid leaf that releases the stimulating smell of the vibrant, flavorful oregano that for a time covered the stench of the overly ripe noni fruit that Bob had just smeared onto his head forsaken by hair in previous years. The blossoming orchids, the falling lemons are all a part of Bob Kenny's home of 25 years. This place has developed into an expression of his unique approach to life demonstrating living off little, while finding joy in simple pleasures.

His decision to move out to Saipan back in 1968 was a defining moment of his life. He was discontented with the teaching conditions in Florida so began exploring other options. He heard of a teaching job available in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Having always wanted to live on a tropical island he applied for the position. In response, he received a cable instructing him to wait for their contract as they were in the midst of Typhoon Jean. He thought, “Well that must be interesting.” And interesting it was as he moved to Saipan later that year and taught math and science at the high school until his retirement in 1995. He would have had perfect attendance for his 27 years of teaching on Saipan had it not been for part of one day that he missed due to obligations for jury duty. “I'm very thankful that I came to Saipan.” He has now spent more than half of his 76 years here on the island.

“The most important thing that directs my life is the words of Jesus,” he said. “Although I taught math and science all those years, to me they're pitifully weak compared to the teachings of Jesus. ”

In his sincerity to follow these teachings, Bob keeps his material needs simple, so he can live off of a fraction of what he earns and give the rest away. He shares the adjacent farm with his neighbors to help focus on eating natural foods and has adapted so that even a telephone or running water have become unessential. He lives by the idea that “if you have a lot of money when you die, then you haven't managed your money correctly.” However, you will not find his name plastered across any building, because his contributions come directly to those who need them at an individual level.

In his retired years, he spends his time appreciating what this beautiful island has to offer. “I am very interested in all the creations of our Father. They are amazing!” Walking along the beach in shorts with his walking stick, followed at a distance by his free-spirited dogs, you can find him picking up trash or gazing across the seascape. Otherwise, he's among his garden flowers and plants, talking to them.

“What a beautiful color you are!” he says to a vivid red hibiscus flower. “They say that talking to them helps them grow, so I think they appreciate it.”

He then shows me to his asymmetrical bower surrounded by hand prints and heads crafted of cement. In the center was placed a pull-up bar, with which he does multiple sets of pull-ups equaling 76 a day, until his upcoming birthday in April for which he will start to do 77. Bob finds satisfaction in being himself and does what he feels.

I can't help but smile as I leave Bob's house and think about the unforgettable experience that it has been. Bob provides a reassuring reminder of what it means to focus on the simple joys of life.

A man's devotion to the Blessed Virgin

Friday, January 12, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The Santa Lourdes Shrine in As Teo has quietly developed into memorable stop for many tourists, its calming presence in the forested surroundings providing a moment's respite for people from all walks of life and religions.

Resting in the sheltered recess of the aged rock wall, the shrine is dwarfed by a magnificent, century-old banyan tree whose branches firmly reach over all who come to look at where lies the statue of the Blessed Mother.

Not far off from the shrine is its dedicated keeper, Frank Borja. A three-minute walk from the site through extraordinarily vibrant vegetation that feeds off the fresh underground well, you will find the house of Borja, whose family 57 years ago donated this land for the resting place of the Blessed Mother.

Frank recounts the story of how the statue of the Blessed Mother came to reside in this remote corner of As Teo. Some of the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz nuns were visiting local farmlands and came across the land of the Borja family. Here they found a site that, with its natural spring water and intimate surrounding, resembled the location where Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have appeared to a young girl in Lourdes, France. This prompted them to ask that the Borja family gather the necessary contributions to move the statue of the Blessed Mother from Chalan Kanoa to what is now known as Santa Lourdes.

Thus began a legacy that has continued for three generations. What started as a sincere gesture of a family's faith has now become a way of reaching out to people of multiple ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“We get Thai people, Japanese, Koreans, locals, everyone is welcome here.”

Next to the candle house, you will also find an incense stand to accommodate those who are accustomed to burning incense. “We get as many as 50-100 tourists a day here.”

Among the tourists and visitors, many bow and offer a silent prayer, not always followed by a sign of the cross, but equally done as an act of faith.

Now retired, Frank is the keeper of the shrine and volunteers his time to maintain, clean, and even earn donations for the improvement of this sacred place. In reference to the development process, Frank said, “Probably, the Blessed Mother is giving me the ideas.” Now hardly a day passes that he does not visit the shrine. “I feel different when I come here. My day is not complete if I don't visit her,” he said. “Every day before I close the candle house I ask the Blessed Mother to help me out and guide me in what I do.”

His next task is to continue this expression of faith. “I'm teaching my grandkids that this is a part of the family tradition and so that they will follow.” In fact, he has already begun preparations for the annual celebration of the Blessed Mother for the upcoming ninth of February.

With the passing of his wife 19 years ago, Frank now commits his devotion to serving the Blessed Mother and her visitors. Often visitors will find him passing by to provide a hand or to ensure that no harm befalls the statue or the grounds of the Blessed Mother.

From nothing to prosperity

Friday, January 05, 2007
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

As I enter the office doors of the former U.S. Marine Scout, Manny Villagomez, a scene resembling footage from a documentary of the History Channel presents itself. Pictures significantly outdating myself by decades adorn every corner of the wall. Each photo is a glimpse of the vast history experienced by Villagomez.

He was raised in a time when elementary students received punishments for speaking native languages, not Japanese. To the question, “What was it like back then,” he responds, “Hard. We're lucky to be American.” Surviving only through the self-sustained effort of farming, hard work became a fundamental element of survival. “The only money we ever got was from leasing our land. .Back in those days, life was hard, but we enjoyed it, because we didn't know about the outside world. We did what we had to do.”

With the arrival of the Japanese military, Villagomez, at the age of 18, was recruited as an interpreter and sent to the recently conquered territory of Guam. During this period he recalls that the little amount of food available was rationed. Through the difficult years of the war, his position prepared him for his later service as a U.S. Marine Scout. With the arrival of the Americans heralding the end of the war, he continued to translate, but this time familiarizing himself with the best hiding places, working to recover and convince the concealed remnant of Japanese soldiers to come out of hiding.

This was a time to start anew as the rebuilding effort began. “There wasn't even grass outside,” he recounts, referring to the devastation that had occurred. Each worn nail, showing signs of its previous use, was a valuable commodity in the process of reconstruction. Resourcefully making use of limited supplies, stray pieces of plywood, and scraps of lumber-all assisted in forming the foundation of what would become the CNMI. “Everyone started from nothing.”

It was under these circumstances that Villagomez learned to apply the principles of hard work ingrained in his youth. After 10 years working as a police officer and inspired by the success of friends, Villagomez decided to start his own little store. This was the beginning of what grew quickly into a wide array of business ventures and real estate investments.

The financial stability and affluence that he now enjoys is quite a significant contrast to what he had experienced in his youth.

“You have to work hard. Now, too many are lazy. You also have to save money. If you make a little you need to save a little.”

From a man who has seen both sides, Villagomez shows that it was done before and that it can be done again to overcome the islands' current economic obstacles. We just need to build on what was built by those before us.

From nun to health care educator: Different yet still serving

Friday, December 29, 2006
By NATHAN BENSON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

After 27 years as a nun, why change? The story of Chailang Palacios began in the wake of the recovery of the war-worn island of Saipan. She personified the island's survival effort through her hard work and service to others. At a time when papaya and tapioca were limited, she, being the youngest child, was assigned to carry a basket of this precious food to a neighboring convent of nuns. “It was the deep spirituality of my mother and the great kindness of the sisters that drove me to become one of them.”

A young yet determined Auntie Chailang entered the convent at the impressionable age of 14. The decision made that day enriched her life, along with the lives of many children from Micronesia to the United States whom she later taught. She was often heard to say, “If you are planning for a year ahead, sow rice; for 10 years, plant trees; for a hundred years, educate the people.” She internalized this principle during her next 27 years as she educated children with that great optimism and love for which she is known. Service became the underlying motive and driving thread of her actions. It was a hard life but one that she had embraced and one that she thought would be hers forever.

Forever is a long time, though, and life's unpredictable course took Auntie Chailang on an unexpected detour. In 1980, an inner beckoning led her through a dramatic change that saw her leave the secluded tranquility of the convent to assume the role that we know her today-as a public health care advocate and wife of Uncle Bob.

The catalyst for this course came from her search to resolve personal health struggles, while observing the rampant spread of preventable disease among her people. At the age of 40, she entered a master's program in public health at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Adding her scholarly studies to her previous years of service formed her philosophy on public health education.

With tears in her eyes, she recounts the following: “Go to their houses. You can't truly assess community struggles, while sitting comfortably in the air-conditioned office preaching diet and exercise over the radio. This is how you can truly understand and serve the people.”

“So what do you do now,” I ask. “I'm retired,” she responds, “but not really.”

Working with professional data researchers from the United States, she continues the campaign to curb the rising statistics of diabetes, currently focusing on third graders. She calls herself the troubleshooter. If there is any difficulty finding information, she knows who has the answers.

“I'm more people-oriented, so I prefer going down to the school or speaking on the phone instead of communicating through the Internet.”

Speaking with Auntie Chailang, you feel it. From her lively exclamations, such as “Ha cha' bebe!” or “Mamma mia!”, to the expressive gestures, Auntie Chailang demonstrates her passion for life. Beyond what is said, she conveys sincerity and genuine concern for people. Although Auntie Chailang has no children of her own, she has been “auntie” or “sister” to so many of us.

 

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