Editor, writer and stylist Kazuya Misawa and photographer Ryoichi Sato of Japan-based OCEANS visited the islands last week to follow the adventurous travel of father and son models on the tropical islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
OCEANS has a circulation of 70,000 and targets men in their 30s and 40s. A six-page feature is anticipated to be released in their Sept. 24, 2009, issue at an estimated ad value of $100,000.
While in Saipan, the family team took a guided hike to Forbidden Island, while the media crew later had dinner at Oleai Beach Bar & Grill.
They also enjoyed a barbeque lunch of their own catch after trolling and bottom-fishing. Photography was also taken of horseback riding, Price-Costco, and a camping scene at Wing Beach.
The media team spend two full days on Rota, renowned for its natural beauty and the friendliness of it residents.
Staying at the quaint Rota Coconut Village within sight and sound of the rolling surf, they also dived at the Rota Hole and the sunken vessel Shoun Maru.
Their first evening was spent stargazing, before they began a new day of island tours including the renowned aquamarine Rota Swimming Hole, Chugai Pictograph Site where cave drawings by ancient indigenous Chamorros are preserved, and Rota Latte Stone Quarry, where limestone monoliths were excavated by ancient Chamorros for use as building support structures.
Other stops included I’Chenchon Bird Sanctuary, Gagani Fruit Farm, Honey Garden, Rota Zoo, and Song Song Village lookout.
On the final day of adventure, the group toured Tinian on rented scooters and snorkeled in waters frequented by sea turtles. Barbeque lunch was enjoyed at Taga Beach, where the Chamorro dish “kadun pika,” chicken seasoned with soy sauce, black pepper, and Tinian’s small but potent hot pepper “donni sali,” was also sampled.
“Marianas Visitors Authority is very pleased have supported OCEANS magazine on this feature for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota,” said MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio. “The more media outlets visiting our islands that we can entice by providing logistical support, the more exposure and value the Northern Marianas receives for our modest investment.”
The familiarization tour was also supported by Mariana Resort & Spa, Rota Coconut Village, Saipan Sea Ventures, Oleai Beach Bar & Grill, Gagani Fruit Farm, Rota Zoo, and Blue Palms Dive Service Rota.
