AGP Executive Report

Guam Culture Spotlight: CHamoru dance legend Francisco “Frank” Rabon was named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow, the nation’s top honor for folk and traditional arts, bringing fresh attention to Guam’s living heritage. Museum Update: The Guam Museum’s main exhibit, “I Hinatao-ta Nu I Manaotao Tano — I CHamoru Siha,” is set to reopen as soon as this week after storm repairs, with upgrades planned for next year. Community & Heritage: Guam Community Archaeology Day at UOG drew attention to protecting ancestral sites as development continues, and a Navy archaeologist said a public access tour program is paused due to a hiring freeze. Entertainment & Family Fun: PowerUP, a new 26,000-square-foot entertainment center at Micronesia Mall, is targeting an early December opening with bowling, go-karts, an arcade, and a 60-foot zip line. Sports & Local Drama: The ISA raised concerns about referee conduct after a fight between Guam High and Southern High, calling athlete safety the priority. Pageant Prep: Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 delegates held a Toastmasters session, including Guam’s Cyndal Abad in the “Circle of 5 Speakers.”

CHamoru Arts Spotlight: Francisco “Frank” Rabon was named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, honoring decades of CHamoru dance leadership and keeping traditions alive. Guam History & Preservation: Guam Community Archaeology Day highlighted how development pressures threaten ancestral remains and historic sites, with advocates pushing for stronger protection and community input. Museum Update: The Guam Museum says its main CHamoru exhibit, “I Hinatao-ta Nu I Manaotao Tano,” could reopen as soon as this week after storm repairs, with plans to add repatriated artifacts next year. Entertainment on Guam: The Addams Family Musical is set to hit Guam Oct. 28–Nov. 1, bringing local talent to the stage for a spooky, musical “One Normal Night.” New Family Fun: PowerUP at Micronesia Mall targets an early December opening with bowling, go-karts, a 60-foot zip line, and an arcade—plus a hiring fair Oct. 10. Local Sports Watch: The ISA raised concerns about referee conduct after a fight between Guam High and Southern High, calling athlete safety the priority. Pageant Training: Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 delegates practiced public speaking, including Guam’s Cyndal Abad in the “Circle of 5 Speakers.” Community & Culture: The Guam Museum Foundation’s 100-year gala celebrated the island’s museum journey and its role as a gathering space for Marianas storytelling.

Guam Museum Update: The Guam Museum’s main second-floor exhibit, I Hinatao-ta Nu I Manaotao Tano — I CHamoru Siha, could reopen as soon as this week after typhoon repairs, with curator Michael Lujan Bevacqua saying there’s no exact date yet and that upgrades are planned for next year. Education & Work Conditions: In a local opinion piece, a teacher-focused argument says pay matters—but working conditions and reliable communication pipelines matter just as much for keeping schools running. Security Watch: A former U.S. intel officer warns North Korea’s recent missile test could put Guam in range, raising stakes as diplomacy efforts stall. SNAP Changes: SNAP benefits are adjusting now, with inflation-linked increases for many recipients but new requirements that could affect access later; Guam’s benefits are higher than the contiguous U.S. Time Debate: The push to make daylight saving time permanent is still stuck in Congress, so Guam residents should still expect the usual “fall back” this year. Sports & Community: The ISA is questioning referee conduct after a Guam High vs. Southern High fight, while Guam’s PowerUP family entertainment center at Micronesia Mall targets an early December opening. Arts on Stage: The Addams Family Musical is headed to Guam Oct. 28–Nov. 1.

Stage & Screen: The Addams Family Musical is headed to Guam, with performances Oct. 28–Nov. 1, bringing Wednesday’s “One Normal Night” to local stages. Family Fun: PowerUP is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall, with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, indoor go-karts, and an arcade—plus a hiring fair Oct. 10. Sports & Community: ISA is raising concerns about referee conduct after a fight between Guam High and Southern High during Week 3, calling athlete safety the priority. Local Culture & Heritage: Guam Museum Foundation marked 100 years of museum-building with its first gala at Dusit Thani, spotlighting island history and preservation. Travel & Tourism: Guam brought CHamoru culture and food to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, reaching more than 183,000 visitors and partnering with WTTC. Pageants: Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 delegates held a Toastmasters-led speaking session, naming Guam’s Cyndal Abad among the “Circle of 5 Speakers.” Politics (Election Watch): The Guam Election Commission defended Attorney General Douglas Moylan’s ballot eligibility as early voting nears.

Guam Museum Milestone: The Guam Museum Foundation held its first-ever gala at Dusit Thani Resort Guam, celebrating 100 years of preserving island history and culture, plus 20 years of the foundation and 10 years of the Hagåtña museum building. Pageant Spotlight: Miss Asia Pacific International 2026 delegates trained with Toastmasters for confidence and public speaking, naming Guam’s Cyndal Abad as part of the “Circle of 5 Speakers.” Family Fun Coming to Micronesia Mall: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot entertainment center with bowling, indoor go-karts, and a 60-foot zip line, is targeting an early December opening and will host a hiring fair Oct. 10. Holiday Community Energy: The U.S. Marine Corps and Guam Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off Toys for Tots, aiming to deliver “over 100,000 moments of holiday joy” across the Marianas. Local Culture & History: A feature looks at Guam’s pirates through the lenses of buccaneers and privateers, tracing how Spanish galleons and royal orders shaped the island’s past.

Family Fun Opening: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot entertainment center with bowling, indoor go-karts, an arcade, and a 60-foot zip line, is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall, with a hiring fair set for Oct. 10. Pageant Spotlight: Guam’s Cyndal Abad was named to the “Circle of 5 Speakers” during the 2026 Miss Asia Pacific International prep session, after Toastmasters’ “Voice of Beauty” coaching. Community & Fitness: Guam Cancer Care and The Baker Foundation kick off the 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk on Oct. 3 in Tumon Bay, with proceeds supporting “Kids for the Cure.” Local Farewell: Oishi Curry House is closing after 13 years, with owner Hisashi Watanabe moving into consulting and advising for other Guam businesses. Sports Roundup: The Sports Leigh-Out highlights volleyball action, including RHI’s undefeated run in the PSS-NMIVA mid-season tourney. Holiday Giving: The Marine Corps and Guam Chamber of Commerce officially launched the 2026 Toys for Tots campaign, aiming to bring “holiday joy” to local children. Arts/Entertainment: Island comedian Mike Garcia brings “Shishi Your Pants” to Guam for one night only Oct. 2 at Zefiro Ballroom.

Guam Tourism Spotlight: Guam brought Chamorro culture, island food, music and hospitality to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, landing on a global stage for Japanese travelers and industry partners. Community Giving: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $7.047M to the American Red Cross, including support tied to Guam and the Marianas after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Holiday Fun for Families: The Marine Corps and Guam Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off the 2026 Toys for Tots campaign, aiming to deliver “over 100,000 moments of holiday joy.” Local Sports: Kinnick’s boys volleyball program is pushing for more Far East opportunities as it competes in the YUJO tournament. On-Island Entertainment: Island comedian Mike Garcia brings “ALOHAHAHA” to Guam for one night at LeoPalace Resort. Fitness & Fundraising: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure returns Oct. 3 in Tumon Bay with a 2K/5K run-walk. Arts & Heritage: Guam Preservation Trust hosts the first Guam Community Archaeology Day at UOG, with talks and hands-on activities. Big Screen Buzz: “Always Yours, Never Mine” is now showing.

Guam Entertainment & Community: Island comedy is landing fast—Hawaii’s “Island Magic Mike” (Mike Garcia) brings his “Shishi Your Pants” show to the Zefiro Ballroom at LeoPalace Resort on Oct. 2, with Guam comics Kallen Perez and Peter Santos opening. Local Fitness & Charity: The 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk hits Tumon Bay on Oct. 3, with proceeds supporting Guam Cancer Care’s “Kids for the Cure.” Arts & Culture: Mission Bayfest returns Oct. 16–18 at Mariner’s Point Park with big-name headliners (Rebelution, Kolohe Kai, The Offspring) plus local DJs and themed stages. Sports Spotlight: Kinnick’s Nile C. Kinnick boys volleyball torch-bearers are in Tokyo for the YUJO tournament, pushing for more Far East opportunities for boys volleyball. Guam Tourism Buzz: Guam brought Chamorro culture, food, music, and hospitality to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, partnering with WTTC to boost global reach. Food & Lifestyle: Oishi Curry House closed after 13 years on Guam, with the owner moving into consulting and business support.

Guam Tourism: Guam brought CHamoru culture, island food, music and hospitality to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing 183,270 visitors and boosting Guam’s push in a key Japan market. Local Food & Community: Oishi Curry House closed after 13 years, moving from Tumon to Dededo, with the owner shifting to business consulting. Entertainment & Nightlife: Hawaii comedian Mike Garcia brings “ALOHAHAHA” to Guam for one night only Oct. 2 at LeoPalace’s Zefiro Ballroom. Live Shows: “Hard Candy: A Well ‘Lei’d’ Male Revue” hits Hilton Guam Oct. 16, featuring trained performers and audience interaction. Fitness for a Cause: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk returns Oct. 3 in Tumon Bay. Sports & Culture: Guam Girl Scouts’ Tough Cookie Fun Run drew nearly 400 people, with plans to add a 10K and half-marathon in 2027. Community Heritage: UOG hosts Guam Community Archaeology Day Friday, with talks and hands-on stations including military-land archaeology. Aviation & Travel: Korean Air and other carriers face a Guam seat-cap requirement fight after regulators signaled they may reject easing demand-based limits. Public Support: SNAP benefits rise Oct. 1, with Guam’s maximum higher for many households.

Girl Scouts Spotlight: Guam Girl Scouts wrapped its 2nd annual Tough Cookie Fun Run on Sept. 12 with nearly 400 participants, featuring 1K, 2K and 5K races and plans to add a 10K and half-marathon for the 2027 event. Global Recognition: Guam’s Julian Aguon made TIME100 Next 2026, the first person from Guam to land on the list of influential rising stars. Community & Culture: Guam Preservation Trust’s first Guam Community Archaeology Day is set for Friday at UOG, with hands-on stations, a live-streamed program, and a focus on archaeological sites on military land. Music & Festival Buzz: Mission Bayfest returns Oct. 16–18 at Mariner’s Point Park with headliners Rebelution, Kolohe Kai and The Offspring, plus new stage setups and beach-stage energy. Live Entertainment: Under the Wig Productions and Hit Radio 100 bring Hard Candy: A Well “Lei’d” Male Revue to the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa on Oct. 16. Film Night in Guam: Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s reunion movie “Always Yours, Never Mine” opens in Guam on Oct. 23.

Guam Culture & Community: Guam’s Hispanic Cultural Heritage debut is set for Madrid’s Hispanidad 2026 parade on Oct. 4, with a CHamoru delegation (about 17 people) marching in Spanish-era inspired “mestiza” dress and music. Local Arts & Entertainment: ARTSOLUTION GUAM at Dusit Place in Tumon opened Sept. 17 with 52 paintings, including the “Miracle Mouse” that became a summer sensation on a Bayview Hotel banner. Film Night in Guam: Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s romantic drama “Always Yours, Never Mine” is now showing, with Guam screenings slated for Oct. 23. Food & Fun: Taotao Tasi Beach Dinner Show returns as a family-friendly Tumon beachfront cultural performance (Gun Beach), with shows 17:30–20:00. SNAP Update: SNAP benefits increase effective Oct. 1, with Guam’s max benefit for a family of four listed at $1,507. Women’s Summit: The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce hosts Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort.

Guam Culture on the Global Stage: Guam will march for the first time in the Hispanidad 2026 parade in Madrid, showcasing CHamoru-inspired “mestiza” outfits and music during Oct. 2–12 festivities. Local Arts & Entertainment: ARTSOLUTION GUAM opens at Dusit Place in Tumon with 52 paintings, including the “Miracle Mouse,” plus a new gallery home for the piece that went viral on a Tumon banner. Film Spotlight: Guam-rooted actress Blake Kennedy makes her big-screen debut in A24’s action horror “Onslaught,” now showing at Regal Guam Megaplex. Community Events: The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce hosts Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, with masterclasses and a women-owned marketplace. Sports Tourism Buzz: RECON, Guam’s anime convention, is eyeing bigger venues and even a Marianas-wide “tour” concept. Food & Fun: Taotao Tasi Beach Dinner Show keeps the island vibe going with fire-and-knife performances, live music, and optional buffet at Gun Beach in Tumon.

Guam Arts & Culture: ARTSOLUTION GUAM at Dusit Place in Tumon opened Sept. 17 with 52 Heo Injung paintings, including the “Miracle Mouse,” blending Korean feng shui-inspired art and destiny traditions into a new local gallery home. Film & Local Talent: Guam-rooted, Florida-based actress Blake Kennedy made her big-screen debut in A24’s action horror “Onslaught,” now showing at the Regal Guam Megaplex. Community & Women’s Events: The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce is set for Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, with masterclasses and a women-owned marketplace. Entertainment Calendar: Taotao Tasi Beach Dinner Show keeps the island vibe going with nightly cultural performances, fire & knife dancing, and an optional buffet at Gun Beach in Tumon. Sports Tourism: RECON, Guam’s anime convention, is planning bigger future editions and even a “tour around the Marianas,” while Haggan Dragon represents Guam at the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta in Cebu. Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, spotlighting Guam suicide loss survivors and prevention.

New Art Opening at Dusit Place: ARTSOLUTION GUAM just opened to the public in Tumon, featuring 52 paintings by Korean artist Heo Injung—including the “Miracle Mouse” that’s been drawing attention for its feel-good message about anxiety and moving forward. Women’s Summit: The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce is set to host Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, with keynotes, masterclasses, and a women-owned marketplace. Film on Guam Screens: Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s romantic drama “Always Yours, Never Mine” opens in the Philippines Sept. 30 and lands in Guam in October, with special screenings planned in the U.K. and Spain. Local Screen Star: Guam-rooted actress Blake Kennedy makes her big-screen debut in A24’s action horror “Onslaught,” now showing at the Regal Guam Megaplex. Tourism & Events: Guam is pushing hard in Japan—GVB’s MegaFAM brought 240 travel pros and media/influencers to the island, while RECON’s anime convention is eyeing bigger spaces and Marianas-wide expansion. Community Health: Free childbirth education workshops are coming Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, and UOG Press’ suicide-prevention documentary “One Kind Word” premieres Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres.

Guam Film & Local Talent: Guam-rooted actress Blake Kennedy, 10, makes her big-screen debut in A24’s action horror “Onslaught,” now showing at the Regal Guam Megaplex. Anime & Tourism Buzz: RECON, Guam’s anime convention, is plotting bigger spaces and even a “tour around the Marianas,” with hopes to pull more visitors from Japan and Korea. Community Faith & Culture: Guam’s Santa Marian Kamalen was marked with a 20-year DC commemoration, bringing together residents, diaspora, and clergy for Mass and shrine tours. Sports & Fun: Haggan Dragon from Guam joined international teams at NUSTAR Cebu’s second Dragon Boat Regatta, with about 1,500 paddlers across 40-plus squads. Youth Arts & Health: Benavente Middle School’s “Be Tough, Don’t Puff!” vaping and underage cannabis prevention message comes to life through a new student-inspired wall mural. Science Storytelling: UOG selected Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to bring research to island communities. Mental Health Film Premiere: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films’ documentary “One Kind Word” premieres Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, spotlighting suicide loss and prevention.

Guam Screen Spotlight: Guam-rooted, Florida-based actress Blake Kennedy, 10, made her big-screen debut in A24’s action horror “Onslaught,” now showing at the Regal Guam Megaplex and available on major streaming platforms. Anime & Tourism Buzz: RECON, Guam’s anime convention, is plotting bigger spaces and even a “tour around the Marianas,” aiming to pull more Japan and Korea interest. Sports & Community: NUSTAR’s second Dragon Boat Regatta drew 1,500 paddlers and international teams, including Haggan Dragon from Guam. Mental Health in Focus: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a documentary on suicide loss and prevention, Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres. Local Culture & Faith: Guam residents and diaspora marked 20 years since Santa Marian Kamalen’s enshrinement in D.C. Youth & Learning: Guam 4-H kicks off National 4-H Week with free hands-on workshops, and UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow. Tourism Push: GVB’s MegaFAM brought 240 Japan and Asia-Pacific travel pros and media to Guam, generating hundreds of B2B connections.