Brief respite at Chamoru Park

ROTA — The huge latte stones and the black and white sign board bearing the words “Chamoru Ancestral Park” caught my attention the first time I drove past this site on my way to Songsong from Sinapalo some weeks back, and I immediately made a U-turn to explore the place.

Parking my rented car at the roadside, I surveyed the surroundings and gingerly picked my way toward the latte stones. The place was deserted.
Except for the rumbling of the giant waves on the rocky cliffs some meters away and the occasional chirping of birds, total silence reigned.
I first thought the place was a sacred burial ground and I had no right to be there. Huge rusty chains fenced the sides of the park. Curiosity, however, got the best of me and I took step after cautious step around, pausing to take photos of anything and everything while trying to shake off the eerie feeling that someone or something was looking at me and whatever or whoever it was would spring at me anytime. It was just past 2 p.m. and I was too old to be scared in broad daylight.
As if in some slow-motion movie, I picked my way around the well-manicured grass, stopping now and then to run a hand at some of the meticulously arranged stone formations and all the while looking beyond my shoulder to make sure I was really alone.
I made my way to the wooden cottages near the sea, almost dropping my cameras when I backed against a post and came face to face with a white coconut husk mask hanging from it.
Stepping a few paces away, I collected my breath, turned toward the sea and simply gaped at the spectacular view. Watching miles and miles of blue water stretching out to eternity and huge waves chasing each other in an endless race toward the sharp cliffs bordered by white wooden railings was a sight to behold. I forgot my fears and simply gaped and took photos and wished that I could stay there longer.
The 28,420-sq. meter Chamoru Ancestral Park, which I learned is owned and maintained by Matias and Mercedes Taisacan, is just one of the charms that win over anyone who visits Rota. The Taisacans also run a family-owned museum containing pre and post World War II relics.
If you are planning a trip to Rota, don’t miss the chance to hang out for sometime at this wonderful spot located directly across from the Marianas Trench Cave Museum on your way to Songsong. For more information, call 532-0078. (This article was first published HERE)

Tinian’s suicide cliffs revisited

THE noonday heat beating mercilessly did not spoil my excitement as I and two photographer buddies headed toward one of Tinian’s famous historical spots a couple of weeks ago.
I had been to Suicide Cliff of Tinian several times before for the past three years, but on each visit, the spectacular panorama never fails to take my breath away.
The place was completely deserted and it was as though we had stepped into a place from the past, with only the Japanese, Korean and Okinawan markers and monuments standing still as silent witnesses to our intrusion.
Dried flowers and a half-burned candle in front of one of the Korean monuments took my attention for a few minutes, the remnants of an offering probably left by some family members of those who were long dead. About 5,000 Korean civilians were reported to have died in the Marianas during  World War II. Family members and some peace organizations have erected the monuments to honor the dead.
For the next 30 minutes, nothing was heard except for the strong gust of the wind and the clicking of shutters as we three were lost in our own worlds, busily capturing everything on the lens.
A few meters away from the monuments, an unobstructed view of the huge waves crashing on the unforgiving rocks hundreds of feet below, the lush foliage on the cliff sides and the deep blue sea stretching out to forever never fail to entice any visitor to gaze in wonder at the spectacular view of this historical spot that gets thousands of visits from tourists from all over the world each year.
It is hard to imagine that over 60 years ago, the place became the focus of unspeakable horror as the foaming waters turned red with blood as thousands of Japanese civilians and military who believed the propaganda that the American soldiers would torture them chose to jump off from the cliff rather than surrender.
Over six decades have passed and the horror of the mass suicide may have faded and its memories documented on the pages of history, but try visiting the Tinian Suicide Cliff today. The beauty of the place cannot blot out the horrifying event and you can’t help but shiver even in broad daylight.s
This article was first published HERE

Lazy afternoon at Micro Beach

HOW many times have you taken off your shoes and walked barefoot on the beach? When was the last time that you picked up a stick and wrote messages in the pristine white sands? Or just sat on a grassy patch or on top of a rock as you watch the waves splashing on the seashore, or be an observer to a hive of activities all around you?
I admit I often do these things whenever I can, squeezing a few minutes to start up my day before going to work, or steal a few minutes from the office to refresh my system. I found that it always helps.
If you have a few hours to spare especially during the late afternoon, one of the best places to visit is the Micro Beach in Garapan. Located next to American Memorial Park, the Micro beach is one of Saipan’s most accessible beaches with picnic facilities, spacious parking areas, picnic tables under the shade of the trees, a playground for kids and child-friendly white shores where kids can frolic and have fun.
The Micro Beach is one great hangout to watch one of Saipan’s glorious sunsets, with Managaha Island in the backdrop.
I could sit for hours on end on the seaside and listen to the jovial shouts of kids, watch couples and families bond together, stare dreamily from a distant as boats head to Managaha, or watch tourists floating above the clouds in the colorful parasails.
A very popular windsurfing spot, the Micro Beach hosts hundreds of windsurfers from all other parts of the world each year. When the winds are strong and you think the ideal thing to do is stay inside the house, I find my way to Micro Beach and enjoy watching windsurfers taking advantage of the strong winds to take them to the sea.
When you feel stressed and needs to unwind, try visiting some of Saipan’s pristine beaches such as Micro Beach, and you’ll come back feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. A few hours of relaxation is right within your reach, and it’s free.

Tinian’s suicide cliffs revisited

THE noonday heat beating mercilessly did not spoil my excitement as I and two photographer buddies headed toward one of Tinian’s famous historical spots a couple of weeks ago.
I had been to the Suicide Cliff of Tinian several times before for the past three years, but on each visit, the spectacular panorama never fails to take my breath away.
The place was completely deserted and it was as though we have stepped into a place from the past, with only the Japanese, Korean and Okinawan markers and monuments standing still as silent witnesses to our intrusion.
Dried flowers and a half-burnt candle in front of one of the Korean monuments took my attention for a few minutes, the remnants of an offering probably left by some family members of those who were long dead. About 5,000 Korean civilians were reported to have died in the Marianas during the World War 11. Family members and some peace organizations have erected the monuments to honor the dead.
For the next 30 minutes, nothing was heard except for the strong gust of the wind and the clicking of shutters as we three were lost in our own worlds, busily capturing everything on the lens.
A few meters away from the monuments, an unobstructed view of the huge waves crashing on the unforgiving rocks hundreds of feet below, the lush foliage on the cliff sides and the deep blue sea stretching out to forever would never fail to entice any visitor to gaze in wonder at the spectacular view of this historical spot that gets thousands of visits from tourists from all over the world each year.
It is hard to imagine that over 60 years ago, the place became the focus of unspeakable horror as the foaming waters turned red with blood as thousands of Japanese civilians and military who believed the propaganda that the American soldiers would torture them chose to jump off from the cliffs rather than surrender.
Over six decades have passed and the horror of the mass suicide may have faded and its memories documented on the pages of history, but try visiting the Tinian Suicide Cliff today. The beauty of the place cannot blot out the horrifying event and you can’t help but shiver even in broad daylight.

Tinian from up above

BOARDING a six-seater plane for the first time bound for Tinian can be a challenging experience for anyone, especially if you’re used to the big planes but once you are airborne, start to appreciate the view from up above and you will forget what initial fears you may have of flying on a small plane.
No one can blame you if you get scared, especially if you happen to sit beside the pilot and the plane starts running on the runway with the door open. Don’t worry, the pilot will close the door as soon as the plane takes off for the 10-minute flight across the sea toward Tinian airport.
Since the ferry stopped its operations in March last year, commuters going to Tinian have no choice but to take the small planes.
A tour of the 39 square miles island of Tinian, home of many of the CNMI’s historical treasures from over a thousand feet above offers anyone the best view of what the island looks like and makes a land tour more meaningful because you already have a bird’s eye view of where you are.
Flying over the deep sea between Saipan and Tinian can be scary at first, but before you know it, the sea is left behind and you will start seeing green trees and lush vegetation everywhere.
From up above, Tinian looks like a hidden paradise and all you can see are the pristine beaches on its shorelines, the clear blue waters that looks too inviting for scuba diving and snorkeling, limestone cliffs and attractive stone formations, coral reefs, a variety of flora and fauna, and a long, straight road that runs through the green shrubs, providing a pleasant view that any passenger, tourist or local, cannot resist taking pictures of.
If you are scared of boarding a small plane, try to overcome your fear and take a trip to Tinian. You will be rewarded with spectacular views that you can only see from up above. And oh, don’t forget to bring your camera.

Dancing for luck and good fortune

THE beating of the drums started and the lion dancers fall into position. Despite the noonday heat, a small audience gathered taking photos and videos to capture another brilliant, wickedly energetic Chinese traditional dance to welcome the New Year.
Chopsticks were suspended in mid-air as diners at the Gourmet Restaurant in Garapan gaped at the two “lions” with ornately decorated heads and bright eyes trying to squeeze their long bodies into the restaurant, entering every room to bring good luck for the coming year.
The lion dancers prance back outside, performing acrobatic stunts with agile movements before ending the performance by eating the green vegetables hanged outside the restaurant door and spreading the rest of the fresh vegetables at the doorway and inside the restaurant.
Chinese Association of Saipan director Rose Chan said that the vegetables represented good health and life.
For early morning until late last night, the lion dancers of the Chinese Association of Saipan visited several hotels, restaurants and business establishments all the way from Susupe to Garapan and distributed goodies to the children for health and prosperity for the Year of the Rabbit.
Two individuals enact the lion dance. One dancer handles the head while the other holds the tail, and together, they move in a specific rhythm blending with the beating of the drums and the cymbals.
Each year, the lion dancers always amaze the community with their colorful costumes and lively dance moves as they try to mimic a lion’s movements.
“The lion dance has always been a part of the Chinese culture and heritage to wish for good luck and prosperity,” Chan said.
Yesterday, the world witnessed colorful presentations from lion dancers all over the world as the Chinese community welcomed the New Year, summoning luck and good fortune.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Exploring the ruins of Tinian’s historical buildings

THE gaping holes on the roofs walls and floors, the protruding and bent pieces of steel, the tall bushes around and the eerie silence of the surrounding – this all adds up to one of the must-not-miss historical attractions in the island of Tinian.
The ruins of the Air Administration Building stood amid thick foliage and vegetation, and aside from our footfalls which echoed along the empty halls, there were no other sounds heard as we gingerly picked our way into the building which used to be the headquarters for the Japanese Navy’s 1^st Air Fleet.
There is something uncanny yet exciting about exploring a building that had been a mute witness and played a vital role in a bloody battle that took place six decades ago.  It felt like we were invading privacy and committing a sin stepping on the floors and holding on to the skeleton of a building has withstood over 60 years of exposure to the elements of nature.
Slowly picking our way up to the second floor where more gaping holes in the floors and roofs met our eyes, our guide told us that the Air Administration Staff Building was part of the Central Pacific Area Fleet of Japan.
It was hard to imagine that such an innocent- looking building, or what was left of it was used as a staging area to transport aircrafts to Southern Pacific battle areas.
The Air Administration Building is just one of the ruins on Tinian that you have to visit. Take time to visit the North Field, the three airstrips, the dilapidated air operations building which is now home to hundreds of spiders and other insects, the air raid shelters, the bunkers at Invasion Beach, the Taga House, the two atomic bomb pit where the B-29 Enola Gay was towed and launched on Aug. 5, 1945 and the atomic bomb pit where the plutonium bomb “Fat Man” was loaded and dropped above Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. The two bombs killed over two hundred thousand people.
Tinian is practically littered with World War 2 relics and remnants, each with volumes of stories to tell to its visitors, and a day is not enough to really immerse yourself in the rich historical sites in the island.