GUAM, an American territory, is the closest US destination to the Philippines. Thus, it is no wonder, that many Filipinos work in the island and visit it, as well, for rest and recreation.
The current economic growth has enabled many Filipinos to travel here and abroad. Aware of the increase in the purchasing power of Filipinos, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) decided to make a stronger push to invite them to the land of the Chamorros, the natives of Guam.
In a recent news briefing in Makati City, the GVB came in full force, joined by several organizations, to promote Guam to more Filipinos.
Herbie Arabillo, marketing consultant of GVB, pointed out that Filipinos would love Guam because it is blessed with a warm climate—its average daily temperature is 29 degrees Celsius—and scenic geography. “For the nature lover, Guam is definitely a paradise as its land emerges from the depths of the Marianas Trench, the deepest underwater trench in the world, and the limestone cliffs, which cascade down to sea in the northern part of Guam,” he said.
Shopping is one of the joys of traveling, and Guam has ensured that tourists will enjoy buying their favorite brands in several of the retail stores on the island.
Arabillo said Guam has a very active retail scene highlighted by the presence of international fashion houses, world-renowned brands, friendly retail staff and spectacular tax-free promotions, especially during holiday season at the end of the year. He added that Tumon is the center of Guam’s fashion and shopping world, as it hosts several collections of boutiques within the stores that include the DFS Guam Galleria. “It is the cheapest Duty Free shop in the world and is open at 5 a.m.,” he said.
For the shopaholics, there are alternatives to Tumon in the three malls: Agana Shopping Center in Hagatna, Guam Premiere Outlets in Tamuning and Micronesia Mall in Dededo.
Aside from shopping, a traveler to Guam can also explore the local culture in the Lina’La Chamorro Cultural Park in Tumon, reenactments of the past events that enable a visitor to know of the island’s history.
Arabillo said tourists can also explore the clear and pristine waters of the several diving sites in the island. For the golfing buffs, Guam has seven courses designed by world-renowned golfers, such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Furthermore, Arabillo said the GVB has organized several events to entice more visitors. From May 15 to 17, the island will hold the 28th Guam Micronesia Island Fair to be held at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Tumon. It is an annual major cultural event of the GVB, which shows the culture of Micronesia in one exhilarating weekend featuring master carvers, blacksmiths, sailing experts and other skilled craftsmen of the island.
Music lovers will have blast when they attend the Guam Live International Music Festival on June 5 and 6. It is a two-day musical event at the Paseo Stadium featuring the major bands and artists from the US.
Foodies will have to see the Guam BBQ Block Party on July 4 to witness the culinary traditions of the island featuring the different barbecue from the island’s grill experts. Admission is free.
Cineastes will have their grand time during the Guam International Festival from September 26 to 30 at the Agana Center Stadium Theaters. The festival features the different independent films around the world.
The GVB closes the year with a bang with the Shop Guam Festival from November 1, 2014, to February 15. It is an annual event where shoppers make a “pilgrimage” to Guam to take advantage of the fantastic deals and shopping experience offered by this paradise in Micronesia.