AGP Executive Report

Local Arts & Community: Sånta Rita-Sumai is kicking off its first annual Papåya Block Party on June 13–14 at the community center, with food, games, arts and crafts, fireworks, and papaya contests (pickled papaya, desserts, dishes, plus biggest/unique and an eating contest). Sports & Fitness: The first-ever Guam Marianas Dumau Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament lands June 20 at UOG Calvo Field House, with gi and no-gi divisions for kids through masters. Hobby Culture: Guam’s first trading card café has opened in Harmon—My Wife Told Me To Sell It and My Husband Told Me To Chill It—expanding play tables, rare-card displays, and a café setup for Pokémon/One Piece collectors. Music: Rebel SoulJahz return to Guam for a one-night-only “Back 2 My Roots” concert July 25 at UOG Calvo Field House. Running: RUNGUAM Running Festival 2026 is set for Aug. 16 in Tumon, with 5K and 10K races and a 1,000-participant cap. Pageantry Buzz: Fil-Am titleholders Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo face backlash over “halfies” remarks tied to international pageant representation. Guam News/Service: A $12.47M DoD contract will fund maintenance work for Guam’s submarine fleet, including propeller and propulsion repairs.

Pageant Buzz: Guam-born Kapuso star Brandon Espiritu and Mister Pilipinas-Global 2025 Jether Palomo are facing backlash over “halfies” remarks after a social media reel sparked criticism for allegedly not singing the Philippine anthem. Sports & Community: Guam’s football connection stays in the spotlight as the Philippines routed Myanmar 5-1 in the Tri-Nation Friendlies, after beating Guam by the same scoreline. Local Youth Agriculture: Fam Farms brings kids back to the land this summer with its six-week Famagu’on Farmers program (June 13–July 25), pairing youth with local ag experts for hands-on workshops. Public Safety: Guam Police say a man attempted to escape by driving into four patrol vehicles, leading to a SWAT response and arrest. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja calls a June 23 oversight hearing on GDOE school closure plans and reopening for 2026-2027. Hobby Culture: Guam’s first trading card café expands in Harmon, adding more play space plus a café concept for Pokémon and One Piece fans. Island Reggae Night: Rebel SoulJahz return to Guam for “Back 2 My Roots” on July 25 at UOG Calvo Field House. Aquaculture News: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5M national aquaculture consortium to help strengthen America’s seafood supply. BJJ Tournament: The first Guam Marianas Dumau Open BJJ event hits June 20 at UOG Calvo Field House with Gi and No-Gi divisions. Basketball Summer Circuit: Mall Ball 3x3 Summer Circuit registration is open, with the high school tournament starting June 19 at Micronesia Mall.

Guam Sports & Community: Rebel SoulJahz are bringing their “Back 2 My Roots Tour” to Guam for a one-night concert at UOG Calvo Field House on July 25, with doors at 6 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Hobby Culture: Guam’s first dedicated trading card café has opened in Harmon, expanding from a 150-square-foot shop into a bigger space with play tables, rare-card displays, and a new café concept. Local Athletics: Four top Guam rugby student-athletes signed collegiate commitments, including Division I moves for Don Aldis and Christin Mafnas. Youth Sports: Registration is open for Mall Ball 3x3 Summer Circuit at Micronesia Mall, running June through August with high school, adult/open, and middle school tournaments. Regional Sports: The Philippines routed Guam 5-1 in the Tri-Nation Friendlies, using the series as buildup for next month’s ASEAN tournament. Science & Education: University of Hawaiʻi is joining a $13.5M aquaculture consortium aimed at strengthening America’s seafood supply. Disaster Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across the region, including Guam, before the threat later eased.

Island Reggae Night: Rebel SoulJahz return to Guam for “Back 2 My Roots” on July 25 at UOG Calvo Field House, with doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. New Hobby Spot: Guam’s first trading card café opens in Harmon, expanding My Wife Told Me To Sell It into a bigger space plus a new café concept. College Rugby Pipeline: Four top Guam student-athletes signed letters of intent—Don Aldis and Christin Mafnas to Division I programs, and Aliyah Riffey plus Jeremiah Sablan to Thomas College. Philippine Month Kicks Off: Guam’s GovGuam and the Filipino Community of Guam launch a month of celebrations for Philippine Independence and cultural ties. Sports Spotlight: NMI women’s soccer ends its EAFF E-1 run with a 13–0 loss to Chinese Taipei. Travel Update: United Airlines shifts its Micronesia island-hopper service to all 737 MAX 8 by early October 2026. Earthquake Alerts: A 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings across the region including Guam and the CNMI, with damage and casualties reported.

Island Reggae: Rebel SoulJahz are back on Guam for a one-night “Back 2 My Roots Tour” stop at UOG Calvo Field House on July 25 (doors 6pm, show 7pm), with tickets sold exclusively online via TMR Events. Hobby Scene: Guam’s first trading card café has opened in Harmon, expanding a 150-square-foot shop into a 1,290-square-foot hangout with play tables, rare-card displays, and a new café concept. Local Sports + College Pathways: Four top Guam rugby student-athletes signed letters of intent—two to Division I programs (Belmont Abbey, Mount St. Mary’s) and two to Thomas College—highlighting growing opportunities for island players. Education + STEM: SIFA secures a Tamuning campus and will expand into 9th grade for the 2026–27 school year, adding science lab and robotics, with AI research as a focus. Regional Safety Watch: A powerful 7.8 earthquake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region including Guam and the CNMI before alerts were later canceled.

Guam Sports Pipeline: Four more Guam high school rugby players signed letters of intent in Hagåtña, sending Don Anderland Abraham Aldis, Christin Mafnas, Jeremiah Sablan, and Aliyah Riffey to college programs across the U.S. Philippine Month in Guam: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio kicked off a monthlong Philippine Independence celebration with events recognizing the 72-year Filipino community in Guam and its contributions to culture and the arts. Student Spotlight: Shieh Su Ying Scholar Athlete finalist Charlotte Oh adds another standout chapter to her résumé, balancing tennis, academics, and musical theater. Community & Learning: SIFA secures a Tamuning campus and expands into 9th grade, adding science labs and robotics with AI-focused learning. Disaster Watch: NWS warns the Marianas could see a busier typhoon season in 2026, with CNMI projected to face multiple storms as El Niño shifts cyclone patterns. Regional Earthquake Alert: A powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings that also reached Guam and the CNMI before being canceled.

Public Health Alert: Authorities in Pinar del Río report an unusual rise in hepatitis A cases, warning outbreaks could spike this month as rainfall and groundwater contamination spread the virus; officials urge stricter hygiene, water chlorination, and disinfecting routines. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao near General Santos, collapsing buildings and triggering tsunami warnings/advisories across parts of Asia, including Guam and the Northern Marianas, with residents urged to move to higher ground. Education & Community: SIFA secures a Tamuning campus and will expand into 9th grade for 2026–27 with new science lab and robotics space. Guam Sports Pathways: Four more Guam student-athletes signed letters of intent for college rugby, including Division I commitments at Belmont Abbey and Mount St. Mary’s, plus Division III at Thomas College.

Guam Education Board Clash: Guam Education Board chairwoman Judith Won Pat’s school closure push is facing fresh backlash, with board member Angel Sablan demanding an immediate halt to plans to close six southern elementary schools, calling out a lack of transparency and communication in the decommissioning process. School Wellness Update: In a separate education win, GDOE secured board approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening what’s sold in Guam public schools—from vending and student stores to fundraisers. Typhoon Season Watch: The NWS says CNMI (and the broader Marianas) could see a busier 2026 storm season, with up to five typhoons expected, as El Niño shifts cyclone formation eastward. Sports Tourism Boost: The Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned to Seoul with record participation, positioning Guam as a growing destination for international sports events. Local Arts Spotlight: UOG Fine Arts seniors are set to showcase “Interflow: Currents of Connection,” while Guam Museum’s “Yanggen Ti Hita Pues Hayi?” highlights CHamoru self-determination through photos and artwork. Community Passport Help: Rev & Tax launched “Passports for the Pack,” reserving Wednesdays for families to apply for passports by phone reservation.

Sports Tourism: Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned to Seoul with record participation, nearly doubling the 2024 turnout and reinforcing Guam’s “Road to Guam” pathway to local BJJ events. Retail & Community: Crowns Guam opened a new Hagåtña flagship store at Ada Plaza Center, expanding to about 15,000 sq. ft. with a runway show and community block party. Education Watch: A Guam Education Board member is pushing for an immediate halt to proposed southern elementary school closures, calling for a more transparent, data-driven process. School Wellness: GDOE won GEB approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards across Guam public schools, tightening what’s sold during the school day. Arts & Culture: UOG Fine Arts seniors unveiled “Interflow: Currents of Connection,” while Guam Museum’s photo exhibit spotlights CHamoru self-determination. Music Night Out: Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 is back at Ypao Beach Park with Sammy J and J Boog, plus local opener Mix Plate. Film Buzz: “Tayo Sa Wakas” continues its run after a strong P12M opening day, with Guam slated for June 12 screenings.

Guam Education Board Showdown: Angel Sablan is calling for an immediate halt to plans to close six southern elementary schools, saying the Guam Department of Education moved ahead without board approval, public input, or key planning documents ahead of a June 16 meeting. School Wellness Update: GDOE won Guam Education Board approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening what foods and beverages can be sold across public schools during the school day. Passports for Families: Rev and Tax launched “Passports for the Pack,” reserving Wednesdays for families to apply for passports, with phone-only reservations and weekly July slots. FBI Fraud Watch: The FBI added Guam-linked bingo fraud defendant Michael Lizaso Marasigan to its new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, alongside two other Filipino American fugitives. Art in Focus: UOG Fine Arts seniors open “Interflow: Currents of Connection,” while Guam Museum runs a self-determination photo exhibit through June 27. Music Night: Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 brings island reggae stars J Boog and Sammy J to Ypao Beach Park on June 5. Sports Spotlight: Guam-born swimmers Kokona Watanabe and Luke Leon Guerrero placed among the top finishers at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation meet in Texas. Community Calendar: Strides for the Cure returns Oct. 3 to Tumon Bay, with fundraising tied to the Kids for the Cure program. Film Buzz: “Tayo Sa Wakas” keeps rolling after a P12M opening day in the Philippines, with Guam screenings starting June 12.

Guam Arts & Culture: UOG Fine Arts seniors are showcasing “Interflow: Currents of Connection” at the Isla Center for the Arts (May 14–June 25), while the Guam Museum’s self-determination photo exhibit “Yanggen Ti Hita Pues Hayi?” runs through June 27. Family Services: Rev & Tax launched “Passports for the Pack,” reserving Wednesdays for families to apply for passports (June–July), with appointments by phone only. Music & Live Events: Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 returns Friday at Ypao Beach Park with Sammy J and J Boog, plus local opener Mix Plate. Film Buzz: “Tayo Sa Wakas” (Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan) hit P12M at the box office and is set for Guam screenings starting June 12. Sports & Community Pride: Guam-born swimmers Kokona Watanabe and Luke Leon Guerrero placed among top finishers at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation meet in Texas. Health & Awareness: Strides for the Cure 2K & 5K is back Oct. 3, supporting the Kids for the Cure program in Guam elementary schools. Local Policy: GDOE adopted USDA Smart Snacks standards to keep junk food out of public schools. Fraud Watch: Michael Marasigan, tied to a $34M bingo fraud case, is now on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.

School Wellness: Guam Department of Education got Guam Education Board approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, blocking junk food sales across public schools—including vending, student stores, and fundraisers. Film Buzz: DonBelle’s final love-team movie, “Tayo sa Wakas,” is racking up P12M+ at the box office and is set for Guam screenings starting June 12. Sports & Culture: Guam’s Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returns to Seoul with record participation, and Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 brings J Boog and Sammy J to Ypao Beach Park on June 5. Community Updates: Guam Solid Waste Authority is reverting bulky waste to appointment-only curbside collection (with limits) after a budget overrun. Local Spotlight: Guam-born swimmers Kokona Watanabe and Luke Leon Guerrero placed top at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation meet in Texas. Public Safety: FBI added Guam bingo fraud convict Michael Marasigan to its new Most Wanted Fraudsters list, offering up to $150,000 for tips.

Sports Spotlight: The Philippines kicked off the Tri-Nation Friendlies with a 5-1 win over Guam, with Cole Mrowka scoring early and Andre Leipold adding two more as Guam’s Levi Burg pulled one back. Local Talent: Guam-born swimmers Kokona Watanabe and Luke Leon Guerrero turned in top performances at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship in Texas, repping the Guam Tsunami Swim Club. Music & Live Events: Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 returns to Ypao Beach Park on June 5 with Sammy J and J Boog sharing the stage for the first time, plus local opener Mix Plate. Film Buzz: “Tayo Sa Wakas” opened with P12M at the box office and is set for screenings in the US, Canada, and Guam starting June 12. Community & Culture: Santacruzan at Micronesia Mall brought Filipiniana gowns and a grand procession to celebrate Philippine Heritage Month. Guam Watch: Guam Solid Waste Authority is reverting to appointment-only curbside bulky waste collection after a self-haul trial ran over budget.

Box Office Buzz: “Tayo Sa Wakas” opened in the Philippines with P12M on May 27 and is now in 250 cinemas, with Guam screenings starting June 12 as the Belle Mariano–Donny Pangilinan romance expands globally. Hafaloha Live Music: J Boog and Sammy J team up for the first time at Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5 on June 5 at Ypao Beach Park (doors 5 p.m., Mix Plate 7 p.m., Sammy J 8 p.m., J Boog 9:30 p.m.). Local Sports Spotlight: The Philippines beat Guam 5-1 in the Tri-Nation Friendlies opener in Manila, setting up Guam’s next match versus Myanmar. Guam Community & Culture: Santacruzan returned to Micronesia Mall with Filipiniana gowns and a grand procession hosted by the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam for Philippine Heritage Month. Guam Public Service: Guam Solid Waste Authority is reverting to appointment-only curbside bulky waste collection from June 1 after a costly self-haul trial.

Guam Military & Community: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16–20 as it continues spring patrols in the Indo-Pacific, with the USS Blue Ridge also departing Yakuska and more drills tied to Valiant Shield 2026. Local Arts & Culture: Santacruzan brought royal gowns and Filipiniana tradition to Micronesia Mall, spotlighting Filipino heritage and second-generation Chamorro/Filipino pride. Guam Entertainment & Lifestyle: A Guam Museum display connects today’s woven niyok and åkgak crafts to older weaving stories—right down to pottery impressions. Sports Spotlight: Team Masakåda kicks off EAFF E-1 prelims at home this week, starting June 3 vs Korea Republic, with women’s football front and center for local fans. Community Notes: Guam Solid Waste Authority is reverting bulky waste to appointment-only curbside collection after a self-haul trial ran $341,000 over budget. Legal/Local Court: Jose and Christine Chan won continued release pending appeal in the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case. Travel/Info: A Philippines vs Guam friendly is on the World Cup warmup slate today in Manila.

Sports Spotlight: Guam’s Women’s National Team, Team Masakåda, kicks off the EAFF E-1 prelims at home this week, opening Wednesday vs Korea Republic and returning Sunday vs Macau—an international stage for local talent and a big moment for young girls watching women’s football. Local Arts & Culture: Natibu Dance Academy marks 31 years with a two-day Hō’ike performance at the University of Guam Fine Arts Theatre, celebrating CHamoru and Pacific dance legacy. Athlete News: T’ana Adamos adds another milestone for Guam, winning the IBJJF World Championship in Long Beach and becoming the first World Champion in Carbs Jiu-Jitsu Guam history. Tourism Watch: Marianas visitor arrivals dip 8% in March, with Korea down sharply and Japan steady—GVB says Sinlaku impacts and travel softness are key factors. Community & Recovery: More than a month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities are still rebuilding, with thousands displaced and thousands applying for aid. Governance: DPR budget hearing paused after the appointed department head didn’t show up, drawing criticism from Sen. Chris Duenas.