The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tumon on Thursday was host to a number of local individuals and groups who proudly displayed their “Made in Guam” products, from local jewelry to food, to photo prints and to artwork.
Facilitators held discussions in breakout rooms. One question was, “What ways can the Chamorro language be incorporated into the Guam tourism experience?” One answer provided by a participant was for hotels to hire retired Chamorro teachers and provide a program in which tourists and their children can sit with these teachers who can teach them simple conversational Chamorro.
The afternoon guest speaker, University of Guam President Robert Underwood, gave a humorous, yet serious talk about how people from Guam should be authentic and truthful of where they came from. He said Chamorro culture does not have to be re-invented or re-invigorated, as long as the people of Guam are authentic and hold on to their heritage, which will manifest itself in cultural tourism.
A number of artists attended the conference as well.
Ed and Lani Villanueva from Yona, have been designing unique pieces of jewelry created from spondylus, clam, and other natural, organic pieces for years.
Spondylus was sacred to the ancient Chamorro and they wore jewelry with pride, said Villanueva.
Villanueva and his wife want to pass on their art to their children and to tourists who buy their pieces.
“Everyone who buys our pieces is an opportunity to educate them and share the story of our ancestors. The new generation of Chamorros need to learn to promote the culture.”
Cynthia “Gigi” and Sam Flores create custom-made jewelry and photo prints. From Inarajan, the couple creates beautiful handmade resin pieces with a local flair. Customers just have to provide a photo and Gigi is able to create a unique piece that will be treasured and passed down to family members.
