Contemporary Guam

Contemporary Guam Gallery

Art, Architecture, and Music

1961 Jazz. Tina Muña Barnes photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Band Ensembles
ProaB
Canoe Building
Ancient CHamoru/Chamorro quarry men chipped limestone with basalt adzes and axes, they removed the rubble by hand or wooden shovels.
Carving
Ceramics
Ceramics
Stick dance, 2008 Salland Festival. Inetnon Gef Pa'go collection.
CHamoru/Chamorro Dance
Spondylus and Conus
CHamoru/Chamorro Jewelry
Kantan Chamorita Masters. Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA).
CHamoru/Chamorro Music
I Fanlalaian
Chant
compadres
Compadres
Maria Yatar McDonald
Contemporary Tattoo
Noon Sunday was a commercial film from 1971 that was shot on Guam and in the Philippines.
Filmmaking
Graphic Arts Guam Census 2000 Ariel Dimalanta, well known Guam graphic artist, designed this logo for the Guam Census in 2000. Ariel Dimalanta/Ariel & Company
Graphic Arts
Modern Hollow Block Home, Santa Rita. Shannon Murphy collection.
Hollow Block Cement Homes
1961 Jazz. Tina Muña Barnes photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Jazz
Spirit of the Nunu Tree by Judy Flores.
Painting
Fanai Castro unceasingly spits conscious poetry at Sinangån-ta Poetry Slam.
Poetry/Spoken Word
Rita Sablan-Diaz, Chamorro de Guam. Paul Jacoulet, 1934.
Printmaking
University's Greetings. UOG Island Theater
Theater
Weaving, Guampedia collection.
Weaving

Biographies

Sleepy Lagoon by Adriano Pangelinan.
Adriano Pangelinan
Andrew “Andy” Laguaña
Andrew “Andy” Laguaña
Activist, Champion of Chamorro Rights, Senator, these are titiles Angel Leon Guerrero Santos has held in bringing awareness of federal landtakings and constraints imposed on original landowners.
Angel Leon Guerrero Santos
In 1998 he ran for Governor as a Democrat, with Jose “Pedo” Terlaje the Mayor of Yo’na (Yona) as his running mate. Their campaign was built around the slogan “Hita” the CHamoru/Chamorro word for “we.” Photo courtesy of the Santos Family.
Angel LG Santos
Anthony A. Leon Guerrero
Anthony A. Leon Guerrero
Marianas Storytelling Program at American Memorial Park with (from left to right) Ranger Brooke Nevitt, NMI Humanities Council Board Member Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Guampedia Managing Director Rita P. Nauta, and Department of Parks and Recreation Historian Anthony "Malia" Ramirez.
Anthony “Tony” Ramirez
Ariel Dimalanta
Ariel Dimalanta
The Bautista Brothers. Mico and Steven Scott photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Bautista Brothers
Chamorro amulet made from the hima or giant clam shell.
Ben "Sinahi" del Rosario
Bill Muna center formed a band with Pete Bautista. Tina Muña Barnes/Humanities Guåhan collection.
Bill Muna
Candelaria Taitano Rios
Candelaria Taitano Rios
Carlos T. Laguana, following in the footsteps of his father, Carlos C. Laguana, became a bassist. Laguana studied the bass at Berkeley College of Music in Boston and has been teaching band.
Carlos T. Laguana
Dr. Clair Lynn Raulerson
Clair Lynn Raulerson
Concepcion Cruz Barrett and Governor Carlos G. Camacho (1924 – 1979). Barrett, known as “Chong,” was a representative in the Guam Congress before the Organic Act of Guam was adopted by US Congress in 1950. She was also a senator in the Guam Legislature, a leader of the Republican Party of Guam and served as its National Committee member.
Concepcion Cruz Barrett
Congressman Vicente "Ben" Garrido Blaz
Congressman Vicente "Ben" Garrido Blaz
Young Elizabeth P. Perez, on return from graduating from a US college
Elizabeth Perez Arriola
Seated left to right are Maira Camacho Johnston (wife of Joseph with daughter Jennifer), Margaret Johnston Goetz, Agueda Iglesias Johnston, Emilie Green Johnston (wife of Herbert), Marian Johnston Taitano (with daoughter Linda). Standing left to right are Eloise Johnston Sanchez, Cheryldine Goetz (daughter of Margaret) and Cynthia Johnston Torres. Johnston Family Colleciton.
Emilie Green Johnston
Dolphin Day by Evelyn Flores.
Evelyn Flores
Gadao Spondylus by Filamore Palomo Alcon
Filamore Palomo Alcon
Flora Baza Quan is known as the Queen of Chamorro (CHamoru) Music.
Flora Baza Quan
Frank D. Perez
Frank D. Perez
GM Sanchez poses with awardees at 2006 Valencia Spain event
Martial Arts Profile: Frank E. Sanchez
Frank Rabon
Frank Rabon
Fred Schumann sets off on his trans-Japan run in 1983.
Runner Profile: Fred Schumann
Gloria Borja Nelson
Gloria Borja Nelson
Carl Tommy Cruz Gutierrez was the 11th civilian governor of Guam, serving two consecutive terms, along with Madeliene Z. Bordallo, his Lieutenant Governor, from 1995 until 2002.
Governor Carl TC Gutierrez
Governor Carlos Camacho
Governor Carlos Camacho
Eddie Baza Calvo is the thirteenth civilian Governor of Guam. He was elected in 2010 and sworn into office on January 2011.
Governor Eddie B. Calvo
Governor Felix Camacho in 2006 re-election Campaign speech. Courtesy of Governor Felix Camacho
Governor Felix P. Camacho
Commission members meet with congressional delegates;(l-r) Judge Alberto Lamorena, Senator Francisco R. Santos, Governor Joseph F. Ada, Virgin Islands Delegate RonDe Lugo, Guam Delegate Robert Underwood, Senator Pilar C. Lujan and Sinajana Mayor Francisco N. Lizama. Courtesy of the Department of CHamoru Affairs.
Governor Joseph F. Ada
Governor Lourdes A. "Lou" Leon Guerrero
Governor Lourdes A. "Lou" Leon Guerrero
Gov. Paul  Calvo (1979-1983)
Governor Paul M. Calvo
Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo
Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo
Greg Flores Yigo Mural
Greg B. Flores
Herman Crisostomo's photograph of a sea goddess is an example of his ability to sensually photograph a beautiful woman with a balance of light and color.
Herman Crisostomo
Herminia Duenas Dierking
Herminia Duenas Dierking
Ignacio "Buck" Cruz
Ignacio "Buck" Cruz
Jesus Sablan Leon Guerrero (1927-2002) founded the Bank of Guam, Guam's first locally chartered full-sservice banking institution, along with Jose Leon Guerrero Untalan.
Jesus Sablan Leon Guerrero
Joey San Agustin
Joey San Agustin
Johnny Sablan is an accomplished, singer, musician, composer, producer, and entrepreneur. He defines himself as more of a “contributor” to the preservation, perpetuation, and promotion of the Chamorro language and culture.
Johnny Sablan
Jon Anderson
Jon Alan Anderson
Jose Babauta's Tronkon Niyok in pen and ink and is 12 x18in.
Jose J. Babauta
Jose Leon Guerrero Untalan (1919-1990)
Jose Leon Guerrero Untalan
JD Crutch performs at GW in the late 1970s with the Gaga Brothers. Chuck McJohn and JD Crutch. Carlos Biti
Joseph "JD Crutch" Duenas
In this batik by Judy Flores, the idea of showing wealth or capability to the bride's family is emphasized through a show of labor and materials.
Judy Flores
Decorated hat band, by Jill Benavente for Ed Benavente. Seed beads, nylon cord, Hima (giant clam), rosalind seed, Spondylus and cat’s eye shell. Julie "Jill" Benaventer collection.
Julie "Jill" Quichocho Benavente
Chalan langet or sky trail was created in 2006. It is a digital photo synthesis.
Kie Susuico
Laura T. Souder
Laura T. Souder
Leonard Iriarte and I Fanlalai'an Chant Group
Leonard Iriarte
Governor Joseph Ada and Lieutenant Governor Frank Blas Jr. served the island of Guam from 1987 through 1994. Ada stewarded Guam’s economic expansion and pushed, successfully, for return of land held by the US military.
Lt. Governor Frank F. Blas
First Family, Governor Ricardo Jerome and First Lady Madeleine Zeien Bordallo with daughter Deborah, 1978.
Madeleine Zeien Bordallo
Magdalena Taitano
Magdalena Taitano
Manny Crisostomo
Manny Crisostomo
Also known as "Ran Maria" and her husband, Pedro Ada, founded a series of business ventures.
Maria Palomo Ada
Maria Yatar McDonald
Maria Yatar McDonald
Creative Expressions
Mark Dell'Isola
Melvin Won Pat-Borja
Melvin Won Pat-Borja
Moe Cotton
Moe Cotton
Monica D. Baza
Monica D. Baza
Patrick Palomo and mother Ana. Guahan Magazine collection.
Patrick Palomo
Jazz vocalist Patti Lane moved to Guam, after singing in Japan for some time. One interesting highlight in Patti's musical career is the fact that she met Duke Ellington, while singing in Europe.
Patti Lane
pedroadamug
Pedro Martinez Ada
Honorable Peter C. Siguenza on one of his many dive excursions aboard his boat, the "Maggie May". Family Collection
Peter C. Siguenza, Jr.
Peter R. Onedera
Peter Onedera
Richard "Ric" Castro
Richard "Ric" Castro
Speaker Joseph F. Ada and Vice Speaker Alfred C. Ysrael with Senators Vicente D. Ada, Conception C. Barrett, Frank F. Blas, Edward T. Charfauros, Adrian L. Cristobal, Edward R. Duenas, Jose R. Duenas, Roy P. Duenas, Ernesto M. Espaldon, Carl TC Gutierrez, Benigno M. Palomo, Jerry M. Rivera, Ricardo G. Salas, Adrian C. Sanchez, Allan A. Sekt, Richard F. Taitano, Thomas VC Tanaka and James H. Underwood.
Richard Flores Taitano
Latte carvings, 2011.
Robert Taitano
Rita Franquez
Rita Franquez
Roberto Fracassini photo from the Guam Humanities Council.
Roberto Fracassini
Master Weaver Tan Elena
Ron Castro
Rosa Perez Salas graduation photo. Salas Family Collection
Rosa Perez Salas
Speaker Joe T. San Agustin, 2012
Speaker Joe T. San Agustin
Senator Vicente "ben" Cabrera Pangelinan
Vicente Cabrera Pangelinan
Vince Reyes and Dancers
Vince Reyes
Will Hernandez
William L. Hernandez

Government and Economic Systems

Senator Ricardo Bordallo, Sen. Richard Taitano, Legal Council Andrew Gayle, and Sen. James Sablan.
A 1974 Analysis of Social, Cultural and Historical Factors Bearing on the Political Status of Guam
chamoru quest for self-determination
Challenge to CHamoru Self-determination: Davis v. Guam
Decolonization Registry Liberation Day, 21 July 2013.
CHamoru Registry and the Decolonization Registry
OPI-R 1981-1982. This grassroots organization embarked on a campaign to educate Chamorros on the right to self-determination. Photo Courtesy of the Department of Chamorro Affairs.
CHamoru/Chamorro Self-Determination
The primary duty of the Department of CHamoru Affairs dictionary group is describing and prescribing the CHamoru/Chamorro language in its written form.
Chamorro vs. Chamoru
Banner for Decolonization Registry Guampedia
Commission on Decolonization
Commission on Self-Determination members and staff, 1987. Photo Courtesy of the Department of Chamorro Affairs.
Commission on Self-Determination
The Cliff Hotel in Agana Heights is one of the few hotel from the beginning of tourism and there are now more than 28 hotel properties in operation.
Evolution of the Tourism Industry on Guam
Dr. Sylvia Frain
Fanohge Famalåo'an and Fan'tachu Fama'lauan
Guam’s Draft Commonwealth Act. Senator Pilar Lujan’s copy. Monica Guzman collection
Guam Commonwealth Act
Antonio Won Pat was the Speaker of the House of Assembly during the Guam Congress walkout.
Guam Congressional Representation Act 1972
Guam Leaders and Department of Interior
Guam Constitutional Conventions (ConCon)
The Guam Law Library was established in 1978 to serve the growing needs of Guam’s legal community and the public.
Contemporary Guam: Guam Law Library
3rd Guam Legislature, 1955
Guam Legislature
Aerial View Buildup
Guam Military Build Up
Protest Sign. Fanai Castro image.
Guam's Political Status
US Naval Era Politics and Government Entries
Guam's Strategic Value
NMI Council Audiovisual Presentation
History of Efforts to Reunify the Mariana Islands
Figure 1. Map showing location of Cocos Island in relation to Guam (photo credit: Google Earth).
Land Ownership in Guam
President Harry Truman finally signed the Organic Act on 1 August 1950, which solidified Guam’s status as an unincorporated territory, and essentially established the Government of Guam while granting American citizenship to the local CHamoru population. Image courtesy of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC), UOG.
Organic Act of Guam
Aerial Photo of University of Guam, 1974
PASA Conference
Image depicting the US empire as of 1898. Philadelphia Press, Public Domain
Political Status Commissions
Eduardo Jake Calvo was Speaker of the House of Assembly after World War II. Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC), University of Guam.
Republican Party of Guam
Commission on Self-Determination in Washington, D.C.
Self-Determination for CHamorus and Hawai'ians
2022 Web UNPFII-logo
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
UN Celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the Declaration of Decolonization. Photographic reproduction of one of the three maps showing the world as it was in 1945. United Nations Photo # 169092
United Nations Role in Guam’s Decolonization
Two Lover's Point to Tumon Bay, National Park Services.
Update: Land Ownership in Guam

Health and Medicine

Hurao students and latte. Photo by Kerri Ann Borja.
CHamoru/Chamorro DNA Studies and the Origin of the CHamoru
Guam Memorial Hospital was named to honor Chamorros who died during World War II.
Guam Memorial Hospital
Joaquina Babauta Herrera, or Kina', has been a pattera since 1938. She took classes and worked in the Hagåtña hospital.
Guam Pattera Interviews
Nursing
Nursing Program, University of Guam
Suicide in Micronesia
Suicide in Micronesia
The Naval Hospital in the foreground and Susana Hospital in background in Hagatna.
US Naval Hospital, Guam 1962-Present

Language and Education

The primary duty of the Department of CHamoru Affairs dictionary group is describing and prescribing the CHamoru/Chamorro language in its written form.
Chamorro Orthography
Ray Leon Guerrero, a member of the group working to produce a new Chamorro-English dictionary, carefully examines the worksheets.
CHamoru Orthography Rules
Fino Håya Project
Fino' Håya Project
Kumision Logo Featured Image
Kumision I Fino’ CHamoru Language Commission
In the 1970s, the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) moved to the University of Guam RFK Memorial Library, shown here, expanding its faculty, staff and general collection.
Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
Namesake School: JM Guerrero Elementary
Namesake School: JM Guerrero Elementary
Namesake School: MU Lujan Elementary
Namesake School: MU Lujan Elementary
Spanish Era Education Entries
Role of Education in the Preservation of Guam's Indigenous Language

Migrations of People

Carolinians
Carolinians on Guam
Filipinos in Guam, 1902. Micronesian Seminar collection.
Filipinos on Guam

Natural Resources

Brown Treesnake. Photo by Isaac Chellman.
Brown Treesnake
The Pteropus marianus is a medium sized flying fox. Anne Brooke
Fanihi: Mariana Fruit Bat
Hiking To Talofofo Caves, 2007.
Geography of Guam
Haggan or Haggan Bedi is the Chamorro name for the Green Sea Turtle. It's scientific name is Chelonia Mydas.
Haggan: Green Sea Turtle
Birds Header
Native Forest Birds of Guam
Enhalus acoroides, the scientific name for Tape seagrass, shown here on the shallow reef flat at Ipan in Talofofo, Guam.
Seagrasses Overview
Ulva clathrata
Seaweed: Enteromorpha
Gracilaria
Seaweed: Gracilaria
Red algae, whose scientific name is Rhodophyta, has 109 species in the waters of Guam.
Seaweeds Overview

Religion and Cultural Practices

San Dionision Procession. Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
Ancestral Worship Today
Christmas Mass Choir 2006 at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica
CHamoru Religious Music: Hymnals
Guam Buddhism Society
Guam Buddhism Society
The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, first brought the Catholic faith to Guam in 1668. The Humåtak/Umatac church from d'Urville's Voyage de la corvettte L'Astrolabe, 1830.
Jesuits: Society of Jesus
Eid Prayer is done twice per lunar calendar year on the two major holidays in the Islamic Calendar of Tradition. Kids enjoy themselves because they get to dress up nice, receive gifts and money. Muslim Association of Guam
Muslim Association of Guam
The Nino Perdido Y Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church) is the Cathoic church in Asan. It was established in 1947, just after World War II and is the center of the main village.
Nobenan i Sagråda Familia
St. Anthony altar
Nobenan San Antonion Padua (Novena to Saint Anthony of Padua)
The Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary of Guam
Redemptoris Mater Seminary
The Santa Ana Chapel was built in the 1950s and dedicated in 1968. In 2008, the Chapel was rebuilt and is currently maintained by the Santa Ana Lancheros Association of Agat. Mass is held every first Saturday of the month at 7am and 4pm.
Santa Ana Chapel, Hågat
The 10th anniversary of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Sisters was celebrated with a mass, with Srs. Margarita, Joanne, Connie, Stella, Anita and Pauline Bilbrough (far right), participating. Sisters of the Good Shepherd
Sisters of the Good Shepherd

Sports and Recreation

In 1968, just a year after Guam Little League became officially chartered, Guam Babe Ruth also became officially chartered for its 16-18-year-old division. James Ferrante was the first commissioner of the league, although Pete Rosario, Public Safety Commissioner, and Juan Garcia, Agana Heights mayor, were also instrumental in starting up the league.
Baseball: Guam Major League
Guam Major League. Guahan Magazine photo.
Baseball: History of the Sport in Guam
Baseball Youth All Stars
Baseball: Youth League
Tumon 5.5 Mile Beach Run, 2007
Running: History of the Sport on Guam
Johnny Borja Surfing at 3's Malesso’/Merizo, Guam
Surfing: Early History on Guam

Transportation, Technology, and Communications

Guam Recorder (1976, 1st issue)
Guam Recorder, 1976
Guam Recorder 1977
Guam Recorder, January 1927
Guam Recorder (1978)
Guam Recorder, 1978
Guam Recorder (1979)
Guam Recorder, 1979

Villages, Places, Organizations, and Island Life

Also known as Triangle Park for its triangular shape, Tutujan Park is located at the fork in the road with its three points leading to the surrounding villages of Hagåtña, Agana Heights and Sinajana. Nathalie Pereda/Guampedia
Agana Heights (Tutuhan)
Mt. Carmel Catholic Church remains at the center of village life in Hågat/Agat and is part of the Mt. Carmel Catholic School.
Hågat/Agat
American Pacific Nursing Leaders' Council
American Pacific Nursing Leaders Council
Chamorro nurses from the Naval Hospital ride on the Red Cross Float during an island fair.
American Red Cross, Guam Chapter
The Asan Beach Unit of the War in Pacific National Historical Park is a favorite recreational sport for island families today.
Asan-Maina (Assan-Ma’ina)
The interior hills of Guam are seen from this photo taken from Mt. Barrigada, the highest point in the village, and a site of a battle fought during WWII.
Barrigada (Barigåda)
Nuestra Señora de la Paz Y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Safe Voyage) is Chalan Pago's catholic church. Nathalie Pereda/Guampedia
Chalan Pago-Ordot (Chålan Pågu-Otdot)
The Manibusan-Punzalan family, standing from left to right are Bernard II, Shery, and Brandon. Members sitting are from left, Bernard, Bryant, and Josephine.
CHamoru/Chamorro Roots Genealogy Project
Dededo Skate Park. Guampedia photo.
Dededo (Dedidu)
The new members of the family are being greeted and examined by GAIN staff Nathalie Pereda Guampedia
Guam Animals in Need (GAIN)
Art Entries Header
Guam Art Galleries
Barrigada Procession
Guam Fiesta Calendar
Header Contemporary Music
Guam Humanities Council
Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities
Guam Humanities Council
Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association GMHVA logo GMHVA collection
Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association
Chamorros Nurses
Guam Nurses Association
Minds Behind the Music
Guam Symphony Society
Guam Women's Club. MARC collection.
Guam Women's Club
Hagatna
Hagåtña
The map of the Hagåtña Heritage Trail
Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail
Gef Pa’go Cultural Village stands along Inalåhan/Inarajan Bay and provides daily tours giving visitors a taste of traditional CHamoru/Chamorro life. Nathalie Pereda/Guampedia
Inalåhan (Inarajan)
Latte of Freedom
Latte of Freedom
The University of Guam's Business Building hosts the 4th Marianas History Conference, 2019. Guampedia photo.
Mangilao
This school building was built in the 1920s by the naval government. Plans are underway to restore the historical structure so it can be used again as a youth social center.
Malesso'/Merizo
Parishioners of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church celebrate their patron saint’s fiesta on the second or third Saturday of June each year.
Mongmong-Toto-Maite (Mongmong-To’to-Maite’)
Nasion Chamorro
Nasion Chamoru
OPI-R 1981-1982. This grassroots organization embarked on a campaign to educate Chamorros on the right to self-determination. Photo Courtesy of the Department of Chamorro Affairs.
OPI-R: Organization of People for Indigenous Rights
Angel Santos and Nasion members build concrete structure.
PARA-PADA
Assumption of Our Lay Piti Catholic Church photographed by the staff of Piti Mayor Jesse Alig in July 2005.
Piti
Namo Falls in Santa Rita
Sånta Rita-Sumai (Santa Rita)
Sinajana
Sinajana (Sinahånña)
One of many swimming areas along side the road in Talofofo. This particular beach or pool area is just before going uphill Talofofo. Nathalie Pereda/Guampedia
Talo'fo'fo
Hotel Nikko Latte Memorial. George Miller, 2014.
Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon (Tamuneng-Tomhom)
Fouha Bay
Humåtak/Umatac
Organized an educational boat tour of the harbor targeted by the Navy for the unprecedented dredging of 75 acres of unique coral reef. Photo courtesy of We Are Guahan.
We Are Guåhan
Greg Flores Yigo Mural
Yigo
Our Lady of Peace Yona
Yona (Yo’ña)
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