A group of Agriculture (AG) majors, led by third-year undergraduate student Tristan Paulino, founded ALS Club just this fall semester. There was a previous AG club called the Farmacists, but it unfortunately fell through due to a shift in leadership.

While on an off-island study tour program in Pohnpei, Paulino talked to other AG majors about reviving the Farmacist club in an effort to save what was left of it.

After thinking everything through, they decided to instead start a whole new club with a brand new face. This was the beginning of the ALS Club.

Camille Quichocho, another third-year undergraduate student, explained that the ALS Club is different from Farmacists in that the new club now includes the rest of the programs that fall under the ALS department.

Farmacists, on the other hand, were mainly consistent of AG majors only. This time around, the club is inclusive to any students who are interested.

According to the organization’s constitution, the ALS Club’s mission is “to encourage a healthy behavior and island sustainability to the University community.”

Paulino said their main purpose, other than community service, is to help facilitate practical experience for ALS majors.

“One of our projects that we will be spearheading is working at Triton Farms,” Paulino said. “We will be doing some hands on work, and also get professional help and professional guidance.”

The UOG faculty and research extension agents from Triton Farms guide these volunteers in learning proper planting techniques and other useful practices.

Like Paulino, Quichocho is also an AG major with an emphasis in Research. She hopes that ALS Club will bring her campus beautification project to life.

“[The campus] would be less hot with more trees,” said Quichocho as she elaborated on the kind of impact her project could make. “It’s such an open space and not a lot of life.”

She believes that planting more trees would make the university more appealing to students.

When asked about what makes ALS different and unique, Paulino emphasized the activities that they plan to do.

“The projects that we do are a combination of practical work, [and] working and building a comradery,” Paulino explained. “So while we’re out in the field, we don’t just focus on trying to get the task done – we talk while doing our work.”

Joshua Sylvia, another AG major with an emphasis in Research, agreed with this notion of comradery.

“Our main goal here is to try and network, at the same time have fun and share experience amongst members,” said Sylvia when describing ALS. “I believe that the people involved in this club will be important channels of information, experience, and ideas in the future.”

He also mentioned more project ideas that he would like to see happen while in the club. One in particular would be starting a farmer’s market on campus in which ALS members will either grow their own produce or purchase from local farmers and sell to UOG faculty, staff, and students as an alternative to making a trip to the grocery store.

“Agriculture can seem very dull, but really this is a diverse field to get into,” said Sylvia. “I think that it is important for everyone of all ages and backgrounds to be exposed to planting … as well as become less dependent on outside sources for our produce.”

Ultimately, Paulino hopes that he can eventually recruit new members and inspire them to continue the work that the ALS Club is doing now.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBN5pPgf2e8[/embedyt]

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The Tamuning-based dance company presented intricate concert pieces that featured different Halloween themes, from scary movies to iconic horror characters.

Most of the dancers featured in the show are prime members of the group, but a huge part of GDC’s vision is to inspire all dancers on the island.

Their production also featured numbers from high school dance clubs, such as JFK, St. Paul and Guahan Academy Charter School.

Frightmare consisted of Act I and II, each showcasing creative dance pieces that told a spooky story, keeping audience members on their toes.

Act II’s “Briarcliff” was the fan favorite of Kayla Eata, a former GDC member who watched both shows. “Briarcliff” presents the story of a young man as he’s admitted into an asylum and the ominous events that follow.

“The theme that they were trying to execute was portrayed really well,” Eata said. “[It] was really enjoyable.”

Another dance number that had the audience cheering was “Hocus Pocus,” a take on the popular Disney film featuring GDC’s own version of the Sanderson Sisters. Not only were the dancers’ costumes and makeup up to par, their performance was just as comedic and entertaining.

Michelle Mafnas, a GDC member and choreographer, said one of her favorite numbers was “The Coven,” which she said was technically challenging for some of the dancers.

“A lot of our dancers are hip-hop based,” Mafnas said. “It was really interesting to see everyone do something that was really out of their realm.”

As one of the choreographers, Mafnas said she can tell that this concert really helped the dancers showcase their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, and allowed everyone to grow and expand their horizons.

Mafnas also mentioned that the pre-production phase of the performance challenged her creative side.

“Hearing that a lot of people understood the storyline and enjoyed the numbers — it was really different and really exciting for me,” said Mafnas, as she explained the creative process. “It inspired me to do more and push my limits.”

“Fright Club” and “The Purge” were two perfect examples of GDC’s creativity in motion.

“Fright Club” followed the GDC teen members as they journeyed through a slumber party gone haywire. The dance number featured horror characters, such as Freddy and Jason. “The Purge” featured GDC adult members dressed as characters from the famous movie series.

Not only did the group manage to entertain the audience with their dance moves and storylines, but they also executed a great amount of thrill.

When asked if she would watch another show by GDC, Eata agreed in a heartbeat. “This group never disappoints when they perform because they always bring it.”

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Nangauta, 25, is a Talofofo resident and a first-year student at the UOG. Since Spring 2017, he has been a member of the UOG Tritons Basketball team.

Nangauta started playing football when he was in grade school. When it hit summer time, however, the sport was no longer offered. This is when Nangauta was introduced to basketball. He began playing at the age of 10, but officially joined a school team when he was in tenth grade at Southern High School.

Other than being a full-time student at UOG and a member of the Tritons Basketball team, Nangauta also works as a security officer for the Baldyga Group.

“That’s all it comes down to – it’s time management,” said Nangauta, when asked about how he prioritizes all of his responsibilities. “Knowing what’s more important than anything else.” He has come to understand the importance of establishing long term goals.

Since he became a student athlete, Nangauta has learned how to properly take care of himself and his body. He makes sure he has enough energy to study and finish homework after basketball practice.

Although he has yet to declare a major, he is leaning towards an undergraduate degree in Physical Education or Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition. He aspires to become a personal trainer one day.

Nangauta hopes his college education will provide a better outlet for his future self and ensure his financial stability.

His biggest inspiration is his mom because she was able to achieve success despite several obstacles. Nangauta is the second youngest of four children. His mother started their family at a young age, but still obtained her GED and eventually received her Master’s degree.

Nangauta believes that all of these struggles will soon pay off.

“I worked hard for everything that’s coming my way,” Nangauta said. “Everything that I’m getting – know that it’s not all handed to me.”

Outside of his hectic schedule, he spends his spare time working out at the gym and perfecting his craft, or relaxing and playing video games. His favorite video game is currently 2K18.

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The Guam Dance Community will be hosting their first Halloween dance concert titled “Frightmare” on Oct. 21 and 22 at Mercy Heights.

GDC is a Tamuning-based dance company. The company is divided into two teams: GDC teens and GDC adults.

The show will feature Halloween-inspired performances by the GDC team and other high school dance clubs. The concert is open to people of all ages.

Although GDC was only founded in 2016, it has already hosted several dance events.

“Frightmare” will be their third official concert in two years. Similar to their previous performances, this concert will present a collection of storytelling dance pieces.

Roebby Truong, GDC’s co-founder, said the purpose of the show is to “push the boundaries of creativity among the dancers.”

He hopes the audience will walk away feeling inspired.

Michelle Mafnas, a GDC dancer, said everyone is working hard to make it an amazing experience.

Tickets are now available at Cold Stone Creamery Micronesia Mall and Guam Premier Outlets. For more information, you may contact GUDC671@gmail.com. You may also visit their social media profiles for updates: @GuamDanceComm on Twitter and @guamdanceofficial on Instagram.

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