THOUSANDS ATTEND SHOP GUAM | TASTE GUAM EVENT

Food, Fashion & Fun at Pleasure Island Attracts Island Residents & Visitors

(Tumon, Guam) Amidst a busy weekend with Thanksgiving, Black Friday, the Japan Club of Guam Autumn Festival and the Guma’ I Taotao Peace Festival, over four thousand people came to Pleasure Island, Tumon yesterday evening to celebrate the community launch of the Shop Guam Festival. Together with the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association (GHRA), the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and its partners organized the SHOP GUAM | TASTE GUAM event in the heart of the island’s tourism district.

“We applaud the successful efforts of our partners to make everyone feel at home with great entertainment and mouth watering cuisine,” said GVB General Manager Karl Pangelinan. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and we thank our island community and visitors for celebrating with us.” 

San-ai Swimwear Image Girl Ikumi Hisamatsu kicked off the first of five fashion shows at the event with 20 other international and local models on a 24-foot catwalk. Local dance groups and DJs also kept the crowd entertained throughout the night.

International celebrity musicians Faye Chan, Ian Chen and Real Huang also attended the festivities and were introduced on stage. The trio makes up the Taiwanese pop rock group known as F.I.R. They are on Guam to shoot a music video and buy locally made products for less fortunate children in their country.

Many island residents and visitors were likewise seen indulging on an assortment of fiesta plates, fresh fruit juices and sweet treats.

“We’re extremely humbled and grateful from the response of our community. It’s extremely satisfying when all of our partners from DFS Galleria, Pleasure Island and GVB continue to put out strong events,” said GHRA President Mary Rhodes. “The combination of hotels, restaurants and smaller vendors really put a lot of diversity for everyone to enjoy.”

In addition, Rhodes mentioned the proceeds from the food and beverage sales will benefit the Micronesian Chefs Association, Guam Community College’s Culinary Arts Program and GHRA scholarships.

Aside from the fashion and food, SHOP GUAM | TASTE GUAM was also an environmentally conscious event. iRecycle Program Administrator Peggy Denney and her team of students volunteered their time to help recycle any waste that was generated.

The Shop Guam campaign continues with more shopping incentives, cultural events and activities linked to the free Shop Guam app for iPhones and Android phones. The mobile guide is available for download on the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store.

Additionally, the community can enjoy the holiday lights in Tumon and Christmas Village display across from the Hyatt Resort. The annual holiday illumination project is another component of the Shop Guam festival to celebrate the Christmas season on Guam.

 More photos can be seen here.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer