Hafa Adai, my dear readers!
I was invited at the 1st ever InstaGuam Fair held at Bonifacio High Street last June 1-3, 2018. With the power of social media, it is but perfect to name the campaign Instaguam to describe the initiative to drive Guam as an "instant destination" through the "instant share" ability online.
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| Guam Hafa Adai Show performers |
What makes Guam an instant destination? Well, it is only a 3 hours flight from Manila. If you are looking for a quick getaway during long weekends, whether it's an adventure packed itinerary or just a relaxing vacation, Guam has something for you.
Let me tell you more about Guam and I'm sure you'll be planning your vacation after reading the last word of this article.
History of Guam
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| Image courtesy of Visit Guam PH |
The Chamorro is known as the oldest civilization in Micronesia. The indigenous people of Guam has deep-rooted respect for family and tradition passed down from generations. Like the Filipinos, they also practice kissing the hands of the elders to show respect.
Ferdinand Magellan discovered the island of Guam in 1521. It was under the control of the Spanish government for more than 300 years. The island was surrendered to the United States after the Spanish-American War of 1898. The US purchased Guam for $20 million.
Planning Your Visit
The requirement to enter Guam is just like any other US destination. Filipinos planning a trip to Guam must possess a valid passport with U.S. visa. Airlines that flies to Guam includes Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and United Airlines to name a few.
The best months to visit Guam is from December through June. Rainy season is from July to November. The rainiest months are September and October.
The official languages of Guam are Chamorro and English.
Finding an accommodation will never be a problem. Whether you are a budget-conscious or a luxury traveler, there are over 8,600 hotel rooms ranging from affordable motels to high-end hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt, Outrigger and Westin.
Getting around Guam is very convenient. Buses are operating on nine routes and are servicing almost all of the villages of the island. There is also a trolley system which transports visitors to shopping destinations throughout central Guam. The fares are inexpensive. If you plan to explore the island beyond resort Tumon and Pleasure Island district, it is advisable that you rent a car or make arrangements with your hotel.
The currency is US Dollar and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Must See and Do
Guam is not all about beaches. You can enjoy a sightseeing tour with the island's historical landmarks and scenic sites. You can marvel at the beauty of Guam on top of Two Lover's Point in the village of Upper Tumon. Fort Agueda in Agana Heights or the Cetti Bay gives you an overlooking view of southern Guam.
A visit to historical sites such as Senator ANgel L.G. Santos Latte Memorial Park, Plaza de Espana, Guam's Historical Village Gef Pa'go Park in Inarajan, War in the Pacific National Historical Park and the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica is also a must.
Like the Filipinos, they also celebrate fiestas, a village-wide festivity introduced by the Spanish where families prepare food to be shared with the neighbors and visitors. The Annual Agat Mango Festival happens every May.
If you are looking for adventure, water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing and diving are available for water lovers. The Atlantis is the island's only submarine tour. There is also the Underwater World Aquarium in Pleasure Island.
Golfers will have a grand time with Guam's seven golf courses. And for those who wants a more extreme adventure, see Guam from up above through Skydive Guam.
Shop Guam
What's traveling without shopping? You can shop for luxury brands duty-free thus making the items less expensive. There are also night markets for handicrafts and unique finds. Shopping malls and open-air shops offers everything you can think of. Along the Marine Corps Drive in Dededo is a weekend flea market that opens as early as 5 in the morning. The residents set up tents to sell merchandise, produce, and home-cooked local food.
The InstaGuam Fair
The InstaGuam Fair 2018 was a huge success. From discounted airline tickets (courtesy of Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and United Airline), to special hotel rates and tour packages, travel opportunities were plenty thanks to sponsors like Pacific Star, PacTours, Vacation Guam, Discover Guam, Phil-Guam USA and Two Lovers Point.
In addition to the activities highlighting the simplicity and vivacity of Guam’s everyday living, audiences were able to participate in different coconut-related games, such as the Coconut Olympics, Tap the Coconut, and Coconut Grinding Contest. More so, Ms Marte Hara-Parr of Discover Guam brought the house down with a spontaneous Chamorro dance class that got everyone grooving, including the event’s security team, much to everyone’s delight.
The
exhibition culminated with an SM raffle giveaway courtesy of Pacific Star
Resort and Spa, Kloppenburg Enterprise, Wyndham Garden Guam, and PhilGuam USA
Travel and Tours. Raffle winners will be announced in GVB’s social media
accounts, so make sure to follow @VisitGuamPH on Facebook and Instagram for
updates. Finally, the over-all success of the event was able to establish two
things; first, Filipinos are economically capable to travel abroad should they
wish to do so, and second, Guam is on its way to becoming the next IT travel
destination for Filipinos.