Oct 5 2020

CHAMORU CUISINE: A Guam and CNMI Award-Winning Cookbook

To order your CHAMORU CUISINE cookbook, click here. If you have any questions about this cookbook, feel free to email us at sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com.

CHAMORU CUISINE: A Mariånas Cultural Legacy is an award-winning cookbook representing Guam and the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian in the Northern Mariånas.

Gerard and Mary Aflague, formerly from Sinajana, Guam, craft a family legacy from their parents and World War II survivors Lorenzo and Julia Aflague. Their book highlights the CHamoru culture and hundreds of island recipes from the Mariånas. Enjoy reading their stories, pass along a beautiful CHamoru history, and share tasty recipes with family and friends.

Book features:

Origins of a CHamoru family legacy
Narratives about preserving and passing on the CHamoru culture
Overview of the Mariånas
Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan maps
Stories of CHamoru culture
Narratives about the CHamoru people
A story about the CHamoru fiesta
Prayer before meals and the Lord’s Prayer in CHamoru and English
Phrases in the kitchen in CHamoru and English
Pencil drawings of Mariånas life from an 1800s Russian artist
Narratives and vintage photos about CHamoru culinary practices
Colorful imagery of the land and sea of the Mariåna islands
A brief history of CHamoru cuisine
Illustrated ingredients in English and CHamoru
Helpful kitchen tips
108 CHamoru and island-inspired recipes
Doneness and temperature guides
Culinary terms and definitions in CHamoru and English
Mariånas harvesting calendars for fruits and vegetables
Index
Notes pages

Recipes in this book were prepared and photographed in the Aflagues’ test kitchen. They were crafted in keeping with the taste one would expect from CHamoru cooking. Of the 424 pages, there are 108 recipe pages and 108 beautiful photos showing finished dishes for a total of 216 recipe pages. Of the 108 recipes, a dozen are island-inspired (new creations from Mary and Gerard. The remaining recipes are fiesta dishes and home-style recipes). There are also 80+ pages highlighting aspects of CHamoru culinary fare, and dozens of pages sharing the culture of the Mariånas.

Pages: 424 total
Book Weight: 3 pounds, 4 ounces
Book size: 8 x 10 x 1.25 inches
Orientation: Portrait
Cover: Hardback cover with a debossed title
Inside: Full color and black and white pages
Edition: 1st
Publisher: Blue Wave Press
Authors: Gerard and Mary Aflague
Content and Copy Editor: Victoria Leon Guerrero
Cultural and CHamoru Editor: Joey Franquez
Recipe Editor: Vicki Tosher

CHAMORU CUISINE received a 2020 Gourmand “Best in World” Cookbook award.

Recipes in CHAMORU CUISINE include:

Amotsa Breakfast
Inafliton Hineksa Mariånas Mariånas Fried Rice
Yinalaka’ CHåda’, Atmagosu, yan Gollai Siha Scrambled Eggs, Bitter Melon, and Veggies
Inafliton Hineksa ni Manå’yi Kåtne Steak Fried Rice
Pånket Siha Ginen i Isla Island-Style Hot Cakes
CHurisos Dinanche, CHåda’, yan Hineksa’ Spicy Sausage, Eggs, and Rice

CHesa Siha Appetizers
Boñelos Uhang Shrimp Patties
Lumpian Månnok Chicken Spring Rolls
Kelaguen Binådu Citrusy Chopped Venison
Madoya Fried Sweet Bananas
Mana’pika na Getmon Maguro’ Spicy Tuna Crunch
Mapikan Månnok yan Gollai Siha (Motsiyas) Minced Chicken and Vegetables
Kelaguen Kåtnen Guaka Citrusy Chopped Beef
Enkattidon Papåya Pickled Papaya

Gellai yan Ensalåda Siha Vegetables and Salads
Ensalådan Batåtas CHamoru CHamoru Potato Salad
Bok Choy, Payonsia yan Donne’ Gollai Agaga’   Bok Choy, Mushrooms, and Red Bell Peppers
Månnok, Gollai yan Satsan Hålom Tåno’   Chicken Veggie Bowl with Jungle Sauce
Tininon Birenghenas ni Malechen Niyok   Roasted Eggplant in Coconut Milk
Såtsan i Isla Savory Island Salsa
Gollai Hågon Suni Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk
Ensalådan Pånglao yan Gollai Broccoli Crab Salad
Såtsan Mames i Isla Sweet Island Salsa
Enkattidon Atmagosu Pickled Bitter Melon
Ensalådan Kåmba yan Daigo’ Cucumber and Daigo Salad
Ensalådan Isla ‘Macaroni’ Island Macaroni Salad
Tropikåt Ensalådan Mariånas Tropical Mariånas Salad
‘Spinach’ Hånom, Siboyas Dikike’, yan Håsngot’   Water Spinach, Shallots, and Ginger

Åggon Siha Starches
Hineksa’ Agaga’ CHamoru Red Rice
Gollai Åppan Lemmai   Breadfruit in Coconut Milk
Pån Sena Dinner Rolls
Pansit Kanton, Kåtnen Guaka, yan Gollai Siha Pan-Fried Egg Noodles, Beef, and Vegetables
Makomat Titiyas Harina Grilled Flour Tortillas
Riyenu CHamoru Potato Stuffing
Empanåda Fried Red Rice Chicken Turnover
Gollai Åppan Kamuti Sweet Potatoes in Coconut Milk
Pansit Bihon Månnok Stir-Fried Chicken, Rice Noodles, and Vegetables
Mahotnon Kamuten Lila   Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
Gollai Åppan Mendioka   Cassava in Coconut Milk
Titiyas Ma’es Corn Tortillas
Pika na Tamåles Gisu Spicy and Savory Tamales
Gollai Åppan Aga’ Bananas in Coconut Milk
Titiyas Månha Young Coconut Tortillas
Hineksa’ Åpaka’ White Rice
Mahotnon Mames Kamuti Siha Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Fina’denne’ yan Tinemplåda Siha Condiments and Marinades
Fina’denne’ Spicy-Soy Mariånas Sauce
Fina’denne’ Binakle Spicy-Vinegar Sauce
Satsan Hålom Tåno’ Jungle Sauce
Birenghenas Dinanche Eggplant Hot Pepper Mash
Tinemplan Kechap yan Lemon Mårianas Mariånas Soy-Lemon Marinade
Tinemplan Kechap yan Binakle Soy-Vinegar Marinade

Kåddo Siha Soups
Kåddon Månnok ni Malechen Niyok   Chicken Coconut Milk Soup
Kåddon ‘Shank’ yan Papåya ni Malechen Niyok Beef Shank and Papaya in Coconut Milk
Aros Kåddon Månnok yan Hasngot   Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger
Esutangu, Kåtnen Guaka yan Gollai Glass Noodles, Beef, and Vegetables
‘Shank’ Guaka yan Puntan Kalamasa ni Maleche Beef Shank and Pumpkin Tips in Coconut Milk
Ilotes   Sweet Corn Soup with Coconut Milk
Kåtnen Binådu, Puntan Kalamasa, yan Suni Venison, Pumpkin Tips, and Taro
Kåri Fresh Turmeric and Chicken in Coconut Milk
Mongos yan Månnok Mung Beans with Chicken

Kåtne yan Gå’ga’ Tåsi Meats and Seafood
Kelaguen Månnok Lemon Coconut Chopped Chicken
CHamoskåddon Kåtnen Guaka Hearty Beef Stew
CHalakiles ni Manå’yiyi Kåtnen Månnok Toasted Red Rice Chicken
Tinaktak Kåtnen Guaka ni Malechen Niyok Tenderized Beef in Coconut Milk
CHurisos CHamoru Chorizos CHamoru
Estufao Månnok Soy Garlic Chicken
Tininon Kostiyas Babui Grilled Pork Spare-Ribs
Masipek Kåtnen Guaka yan Gollai Beef and Vegetable Skewers
Bistek Soy-Vinegar Beef Sauté
Tininon Månnok Mariånas Grilled Chicken
Kåddon Pikan Månnok Spicy Stewed Soy Chicken
Tininon Kostiyas Guaka Grilled Beef Short Ribs
Kåtnen ‘Rib-Eye’ yan Mångga ni Ma’afliton Yalaka’   Rib-Eye and Mango Stir Fry
Matostan Sesame Machamosan Maguro’   Sesame Encrusted Seared Tuna Salad
Birenghenas yan Mana’mames Kåtnen Guaka   Eggplant and Sweet Beef
Guihan yan ‘Spinach’ ni Malechen Niyok Fish and Spinach in Coconut Milk
Pånglao ni Malechen Niyok Crab in Coconut Milk
Guihan yan ‘Bok Choy’ ni Malechen Niyok Fish and Bok Choy in Coconut Milk
Eskabeche Fried Fish and Vegetables in Turmeric Sauce
Kelaguen Uhang Lemon Chopped Shrimp
Kruket Satmon Salmon Croquette
Uhang ni Malechen Niyok Shrimp in Coconut Milk
Guihan ni Mana’mames yan Ma’aksom   Sweet and Sour Fish
Ma’afliton Guihan Palakse’/Låggua Deep Fried Parrot Fish

Fina’mames Siha Desserts
CHampulådu Chocolate Rice Porridge
Påstet Baked Pumpkin Turnover
Boñelos Aga’ Banana Doughnuts
Buchibuchi Fried Pumpkin Turnover
Bukåyu Coconut Candy
Inafliton Roset Crispy Rosettes
Latiya Cinnamon Custard Cake
Boñelos Antigu Sugar Doughnuts
Mahotnon Mendioka yan Niyok Baked Coconut Cassava
Rosketti   Crumbly Cookies
Pai Puddeng   Custard Pie
Leche Flan   Caramel Custard Pudding
Ensalådan Fresko na Fruta   Fresh Fruit Salad
Pai Månha Young Coconut Pie
Pai Mames Kamuten Mariånas Mariånas Sweet Potato Pie
Guyuria Glazed Twirly Cookies
Pai Lemon ‘Meringue’ Lemon Meringue Pie
Kalamai (Kulot de Rosa) Pink Corn Pudding
Makomat Mendioka yan Niyok (Apigige’) Toasted Cassava and Coconut
Puddeng Pån CHamoru CHamoru Bread Pudding
Pai Mames na Kamuten Luta Rota Sweet Potato Pie
Åhu Sweet Young Coconut Soup
Minesklan Niyok Tropikåt Tropical Coconut Clusters
Puddeng ‘Chia’ Aga’ yan Mångga   Banana Mango Chia Pudding
CHeritan ‘Acai’ yan Frutas Tropikåt   Tropical Fruits Acai Bowl
Brohas Sponge Cake
Ma’åson Tamåles Niyok yan Mendioka Steamed Coconut and Cassava

Jun 9 2019

A Cultural Resource and Cookbook of Guam and the CNMI Seeks Funding

On June 5, 2019, a worldwide Kickstarter.com campaign was launched to raise funds to publish a book about Chamoru culture and cuisine. This book offers over 75+ pages of cultural narratives, imagery, and culinary practices. It also offers over 100+ Chamoru recipes. This book is co-authored by Gerard and Mary Aflague.

This Kickstarter campaign will run between June 5, 2019 through August 4, 2019.

Gerard and Mary Aflague seek your help to bring this Chamoru cookbook to fruition. It will not only be a great culinary resource for your home, but it will also offer a legacy of Marianas culture. Did we mention that it also makes great gifts for family and friends?

By pledging your support of $35 or more + shipping, you will reserve your copy of our book. If we reach our goal, you’ll receive your book.

By clicking the Kickstarter link above, or click the book cover image below, you’ll be taken to our Kickstarter page where you can pledge your support.

If you would like to inquire about this project or to reach out the co-authors of this book, contact sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com.

Click the book cover below to see our campaign details or to pledge financial support. Gerard and Mary Aflague express their appreciation.

Front cover art of Chamoru Cuisine, A Mariånas Cultural Legacy | Gerard and Mary Aflague

Mar 4 2018

A Variety of Umbrellas Sport Guam, CNMI, and Chamorro Designs

Folks from Guam and the CNMI love to represent their culture and identity. The Gerard Aflague Collection has introduced seven new umbrellas that represent the islands of Guam and the Northern Marianas, as well as the heritage of the Chamorros to make representing easy. All these beautiful designs shown below are available for purchase online on Gerard Aflague Collection.

Made with heavy-duty construction, each large-sized, standard umbrella has components made of fiberglass, with its shade made from 100% polyester material.

These umbrellas are in limited quantities, so order them today! Scroll down to see all seven designs.

Modern Guam Seal Tribe Brand Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Tribal Guam Seal Tribe Brand Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Latte Sling Sunset Guam/CNMI Tribe Brand Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Hafa Adai Reflection Guam and CNMI Chamorro Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Fina’denne’ & Co. Guam and CNMI Chamorro Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Old Spanish Hagatna, Guam Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Chamorro (Guam/CNMI) Lord’s Prayer Tribe Brand Umbrella. [Photo courtesy of Gerard Aflague Collection] – See below

Feb 5 2017

Finadene Bowls Inspire Chamorro Cultural Cuisine

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Finadene is a cultural Chamorro condiment that Pacific Islanders across the Marianas Islands of Guam, Saipan, Rota, and Tinian love. They offer so much flavor when paired with meats, and other sides. Some Chamorros swear by it when they put loads of Finadene on rice. Others, like myself, enjoy Finadene on bar-b-que meat such as chicken and beef.

Our 18oz Finadene bowl is an original creation made in a variety of colors that sports a beautiful logo that includes onions, soy sauce, lemons, hot pepper, and tomatoes. Yes. I love Finadene with tomatoes as it adds a chunky experience when poured onto a fiesta plate full of delightful food fare. It’s a perfect parking spot on one’s dinner table to hold a load of one’s favorite Finadene recipe.

Finadene bowls – perfect as gifts for family and friends – are available online for purchase – click here.

Jan 29 2017

Books Teach Children Palauan Language

New books published by the Gerard Aflague Collection offers tools to teach the Palauan language to customers online. The Republic of Palau (Belau) is a beautiful island nation with a majestic marine backdrop. South of Guam by several hours via jet, the only other thing that truly marvels its tropical beauty are the people itself.

Palauan is a language spoken by the people of Palau. Gerard understands the importance of offering Pacific islanders and those that are interested in the language, educational resources to spread its culture. While Gerard has illustrated many Chamorro books for his Guam and Norther Marianas neighbors, he has the goal of publishing many books for the other smaller islands that do not necessarily have the skills or resources to do so themselves.

Gerard’s deeper desire is to give back some of his time through illustrating bilingual books, in order to further the cultures of the people in Micronesia and Polynesia. Most especially, he wants to offer resources to the thousands of islanders that have called the United States mainland their home.

Two books that Gerard has translated into Palauan include “Teach Me to Pray in Palauan” and “My First Palauan 200 Picture Word Book”. These children’s books offer parents or adults some reading resources to share with their children in order to further the language through repetition and vocalizing words with accompanying images. The first is a Christian prayer book that offers five simple prayers in both Palauan and English, and the second is a 200 picture word book that offers the tools to learn Palauan by seeing and saying a variety of images in Palauan.
The following two books are available for purchase on Gerard Aflague Collection.

The Gerard Aflague Collection also offers these titles at wholesale bulk pricing for bookstores, libraries, schools, and more. Contact sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com to inquire.

my-first-palauan-200-picture-word-book-cover-front

The following two books are available for purchase on Gerard Aflague Collection.

my-first-palauan-200-picture-word-book-cover-back

The following two books are available for purchase on Gerard Aflague Collection.

teach-me-to-pray-in-palauan-cover-front

The following two books are available for purchase on Gerard Aflague Collection.

teach-me-to-pray-in-palauan-cover-back

The following two books are available for purchase on Gerard Aflague Collection.

Feb 14 2016

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“I Am Chamorro” Film Promotes Identity and Discovery

Tonight, my wife and I had the privilege to watch a newly released cultural documentary called I Am Chamorro. As I opened up the newly wrapped DVD case, I asked myself other than where I come from, is there anything else that marks me as a Chamorro? With hopes that the film will shed new light about who I am, and who my children are as pacific islanders and Chamorros, I was eager to find out what the film was about. From the comfort of our Colorado home, my wife and I were immediately welcomed back to the sounds and sights of the Mariana Islands on our television. While the snow outside was melting on our brown lawn, we were quickly greeted with deep green moist jungles, dark limestone rocks, steep cliffs, colorful flowers and untouched beaches on our screen. These were only some of the vivid images from the Mariana archipelago that made me homesick or mahalang for my island and its people.

I Am Chamorro is a high-definition film in Blu-Ray and DVD narrated by Catholic priest, Father Eric Forbes, OFM, CAP, a Chamorro and Guam native with Irish roots. Father Forbes spent decades researching his Chamorro heritage, which thus created a passion for sharing his roots. Forbes, along with Executive Producer of the film, Joanne Tabor Modic, a Chamorro born and raised on Guam, now living in California, have successfully brought our Chamorro identity to the forefront.

With the resurgence of interest in the Chamorro culture by many in the islands and by many Chamorros abroad, Modic and Forbes could not have chosen a better time to produce and release this video. Over the last decade, so many Chamorros have worked collectively to bring their attention to rediscovering their eroding identity, and to bring forth new opportunities for growth and understanding of our culture.

This film framed where Chamorros came from as a people using DNA evidence, which has allowed scholars and scientists to theorize that several thousand years ago, Chamorros more likely migrated from places like Eastern Indonesia where East Indonesian women’s DNA is more similar to Chamorro female DNA than any other DNA across that region. There was a discussion of a theory of two migration waves from Indonesia, one which brought over the earliest of Chamorro settlers, and the second wave of people potentially being the impetus for the introduction of latte stones to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI). This theory is further supported by an Indonesian stone carving which seems to show a house atop what we would call “latte stones”.

I Am Chamorro paints an overview of the Chamorro people’s pre-history, and history concerning the migration of peoples from Spain, the Philippines, other islands in Micronesia, from Mexico, and other Asian countries as a result of sea-trade, farming, and missionary expeditions across the region. Additionally, it attempts to underscore the different political paths that Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands took, how they were affected by World War II, including how each struggled with occupations from Spain, Japan, Germany, and the United States.

This documentary has intimate dialogue between the younger Chamorro diaspora and the viewing audience, sharing their personal journeys about who they are and what they know of themselves to be as Chamorro. While the diaspora provided a narrative of their perspective, what made this film even more compelling are the interviews of older Chamorros on Guam and in the NMI, about their personal testimonies and experiences as they shared their identity.

If there was a highlight that caught my attention through out the video, aside from the factual information that informed my culture, it was the professional acting skills of two Chamorro natives who could pass as brothers. Dressed in ancient attire, with native bone and shell jewelry, carrying spears, they were trekking through the beautiful green jungles, limestone caves, and sandy shores of Guam. They dressed the part and did well in these roles. I only wish they actually spoke the Chamorro language to complete the cinematic experience. With the varied scenes they were part of, they made me want to explore my island even more, in ancient Chamorro attire to boot.

If you have not seen this new documentary, I’d encourage you to do so. This project of love for our people provides a spring board to further explore, and ask questions about who we are, and who we want to become as a Chamorro people.

While this film isn’t a one-size-fits-all definition for what a Chamorro truly is, I came to a realization that I’m better informed about my past, and my identity to form a more complete picture of who I am as a Chamorro.

My intention is to share this film with my children, and my children’s future children so that they can discover who they are, and what they can do themselves to learn more, and share more, to create the people that they themselves, would want to be as Chamorros.

***
Gerard Aflague is a blogger, and Chamorro, born on Guam, formerly from Sinajana, he now resides in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, living with his wife and three children.

His parents, Lorenzo and Julia, and grandparents, Demetrio Garcia Cruz and Teresa Duenas Cruz, together with Vicente Torres Aflague and Anna Martinez Calvo Aflague, were from Hagatna, the capital of Guam. Gerard traces his genealogy primarily to Guam, the Philippines, Spain, and Scotland. His lineage is from the following clans: Aflague, Cruz, Calvo, Garcia, Torres, Flores, Leon Guerrero, Duenas, Martinez, and Crisostomo.

Gerard is part of a worldwide collective of Chamorros who spends time to give back to his people and to promote his culture, as part of his varied collection sold on GerardAflagueCollection.com.

Jan 28 2016

The Love of Designing Guam SnapBack Hats

Careful thought, focused energy, and a love for the pacific islands are the things that are poured into designing premium snap back hats for customers with connections to the islands of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI).

Premium hats are head-pieces built from the bottom up with careful and deliberate consideration of design, function, and form. As part of our goal of providing an premium line of head-gear and apparel, the Tribe brand was born as an off-shoot of the Gerard Aflague Collection. With 15% wool part of the fabric of every hat, this makes it premium and something that can’t be left unmentioned.

The four custom snap backs in the Tribe series include the maroon Chamorro Hafa Adai, the green Bamboo Fish Hook Seal, the black Tribal Guam Seal, and patriotic Modern Guam Seal – all with his distinctive embroidered logos on the sides and/or back of every snap back, along with interior criss-cross branding for that embellished touch.

With so many ideas for new hat designs, there are a limitless number of possibilities for new and exciting designs.

Click the images below for product details, additional photo side, back, and under brim images, and ordering links.

Jan 16 2016

New Guam Children & Adult Book Titles

The Gerard Aflague Collection began primarily offering artful Guam-centric home and office decor online to consumers across the United States and its territories. But if you asked us three years ago if we ever thought that we would be illustrating, writing, and publishing books, the answer would probably be no. However, if you ask us today, our answer would be a little different. With our first Chamorro ABCs title as a pilot test, we were overwhelmed with the response we got. This was the spark we needed to get us into the mode of writing and illustrating new and interesting titles. In a little over two years, we have published 27 titles and have sold over 2,000 books across the United States. This isn’t that bad for such a small niche market. However, we are humbled by the thousands of folks who have trusted us to provide them with titles that teach and entertain young and old folks alike.

While our focus was to fill a demand for certain Guam and CNMI related titles that could be purchased online from anywhere in the world, we broadened our scope and have even gone into other niches as well, such as writing books for other cultures, and creating learning resources for the deaf and hearing-impaired.

Below is a select list of titles as of January 12, 2016 that we have available for purchase on Amazon.com and the GerardAflagueCollection.com. A smaller selection of titles are available in bookstores on Guam and the CNMI at Bestseller Books outlets and at Faith Book Store in Maite.

Chamorro ABCs: Animals, Plants, and Things of the Mariana Islands teach children the foundation that make up the Chamorro language. It offers a colorful, and beautifully illustrated animal, plant, or thing associated with each letter being highlighted which includes alphabets A through Y. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Each page includes descriptions of the object and an activity that the child can demonstrate to the adult is reading to them. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Counting in Chamorro 123s teach children how to count in the Chamorro language – in both the contemporary and old Chamorro language (pre-Spanish period). It offers a colorful, and beautifully illustrated animal, plant, or thing associated with each number being highlighted which includes numbers 1-12. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Kulot Siha Colors in Chamorro teach children how to say colors in the Chamorro language. It offers an interesting way to teach colors with complimentary facing color pages, and a test section to drill your child on his or her knowledge. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order.

Shapes, Saying it in Chamorro teach children how to say their shapes in Chamorro. It offers an interesting way to teach shapes with complimentary facing color pages, and a test section to drill your child on his or her knowledge. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Feelings – Sinente Siha teach children how to say over 20 emotions in Chamorro. It offers an interesting way to teach emotions with cute animated faces and grins, and a test section to drill your child on his or her knowledge. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order.

Learning to Say VEHICLES teach children how to say over 20 transportation vehicles in Chamorro. It offers an interesting way to teach how to say vehicles with colorful illustrations, and a test section to drill your child on his or her knowledge. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Little Chamorrita Did I Tell You teaches children how to say Hu Guaiya Hao or I Love You in the Chamorro language. It uses tropical imagery to explain the love a parent has for their little girl or little Chamorrita. Chamorro illustrator, Gerard Aflague takes his time to illustrate vivid and artful images. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Ai Adai Guali’ek Everywhere is a rhyming story about island geckos. It uses tropical imagery to poke fun at the little critters that are found all around the island in places one would not expect. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Chamorro Christmas Hymns is our 2nd Edition that offers eighteen novena songs in Chamorro. Sing these songs and bring back memories of the islands and the novena during Christmas time. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

The Twelve Days of Chamorro Christmas With a Gayu on a Coconut Tree is a lyrical illustrated book that offers you the opportunity to sing a familiar tune – Chamorro-styled. It uses tropical imagery to illustrate the 12 days of Christmas. It’s a fun and entertaining book. You’ll love to own this and share it with family as you sing around the Christmas tree with family and friends. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

The Chamorro Fiesta Table is One Islander’s Amusing Journey Through the Well-Known Party Table. Mary Aflague authored this book using her poetic prowess to depict one islander’s own journey across the fiesta table. You’ll find some of the scenes memorable and it may even conjure up some of your own personal experiences at the fiesta table. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Prayers, Proverbs, & Healing Words in Chamorro & English is a title authored by Fermina Sablan. Fermina is formerly from the island of Rota, and now resides in Guam. Her love for her Christian faith, and desire to share her cultural identity through words inspired her to work with Gerard in offering this beautiful soft-cover book. Each page is set among breath-taking images of the Mariana Islands, with English and Chamorro prayers, proverbs, and healing words. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Chamorro & English Prayers and Poetry is a title authored by Fermina Sablan. Fermina is formerly from the island of Rota, and now resides in Guam. Her love for her Christian faith, and desire to share her cultural identity through words inspired her to work with Gerard in offering this beautiful soft-cover book. Each page is set among breath-taking images of the Mariana Islands, with English and Chamorro prayers, proverbs, and healing words. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Alphabets Using American Sign Language with Children’s Illustrations offers a simple and illustrative way to teach young children their alphabets from A-Z using American Sign Language. Gerard had the desire to offer customers across the United States another book title that provides ease of learning and fun.

25 Fun-Filled Guam Word Search Puzzles is a new title that provides fun and entertainment to young and old. A simple brain game to keep one occupied, the twenty five Guam-centric puzzles are sure to please. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Legend of the Children of Guam’s Green Jungle is a fictional short story about Guam’s occupation and influence that the Spanish, Japanese, and Americans had on the native people. It is a folktale of sorts about colored children which tries to urge young minds to consider the many generations of influence upon their land and to question the identity that they hold. It is a great short-story for young minds. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

John & Napu’s Wintry Guam Adventure is a fun read for young minds. It is a rhyming adventure about snow on Guam and the fun that John & Napu gets themselves into. While it is truly a dream-come-true, it will truly inspire the young ones to yearn for snow! Or will they? Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

My Magic Mångga Tree Listens to Me is a fun and simple interactive tropical story. It is a magical read about a magic mango or mångga in Chamorro. With the pages artfully and simplistically illustrated, children together with their parents can partake in the different things that the child does to make the mango and mango tree listen to him or her. It’s a simple but fun book. Order on Gerard Aflague Collection as a first-time customer and use discount code FIRST5OFF at checkout to get a discount on your total order. This title may be available in-store at Guam and CNMI’s Best Seller Books and Guam’s Faith Bookstore.

Jul 7 2015

New Pacific Island-Themed Book Just Released: Children of the Green Jungle

The Gerard Aflague Collection is proud to announce its latest book release, an eco-fable story entitled Children of the Green Jungle by Deanna Quitugua. This book is written for children and adults young-at-heart. Using allegory and colorful illustrations, this story is based on Chamorro history and provides a fresh view of the challenges and changes that indigenous ancestors have experienced under foreign rule for half-a-century by the Spanish, the Japanese, and the United States governments.

Click here to order this book today

Children of the Green Jungle illustrates the rapid evolution of simple island-life long ago to the complexity and diversity of today. The indigenous population, known as Chamorros, continue to struggle to retain their history, heritage, and culture. Although it is written for children, it retains deeper meaning for adults. The book alludes to the introduction of Catholicism after the arrival of Magellan as well as European diseases such as smallpox, which nearly decimated the native population. It moves on to the arrival of Japanese forces in World War ll and the often-cruel treatment upon the Chamorros. This is followed by the Liberation of Guam by US troops in 1944 which is widely celebrated with parades and parties. Today, many Chamorros still have a deep desire to hold on to their native culture and identity, while being denied self-rule for five-hundred years. The Children of the Green Jungle lends itself to consider other similar populations such as the Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, Filipinos, and others who strive to retain their native cultures in a complicated world. This title was written to offer an early introduction to Guam’s history for younger readers using colorful imagery and symbolism. It is also meant to encourage readers to assess the value and importance of their Pacific islander heritage.

Click here to order this book today

This book includes questions to prompt further discussion between children and adults. This 32-page soft-cover book is one of over a dozen titles published by the Gerard Aflague Collection. All titles are available for purchase on GerardAflagueCollection.com, Amazon.com, Ebay.com, and will be available in-store on Guam at Bestseller Books and Faith Bookstore very soon. Author Deanna Quitugua is a Guam resident, and former special education teacher. Born in Ohio, she was married to the late Joseph Quitugua who inspired her writing. Joseph, who was born in 1944 on Guam, was raised with family telling stories of the history of the Chamorro people. His family was incarcerated by the Japanese at the Maneggon Hills prison camp when he was 6 months old, prior to the liberation of Guam by American forces. He was self-reliant, well educated, served as a teacher and school principal, and a member of the Air Force. For more information, for purchases, or for interviews, please contact sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com.

Click here to order this book today

Jan 13 2015

Your are a what? Chamorro?

In a recent conversation with someone recently in Colorado, they asked me what my race was. I said I was Chamorro – a people from the Pacific Islands of the Marianas. With a smile, they said, “You are a what? Chamorro? That’s interesting”. I said, “Why?” They said that they have never heard of that race before. Now…I’m not passing judgement on this individual’s lack of knowledge. It was just interesting that this person was not aware of the existence of the Chamorro race. Granted, we make up a fraction of the world’s population. However, it heightened my belief that we still have much to do as a people to share who we are with the world.

Learning About My Past from Ancient Chamorro Archeologically

While I’m not an expert in Chamorro studies – be it the language, culture, or people; or in archaeology. I did enroll in Chamorro language classes in high-school and in college. Furthermore, I involved myself in higher-education academics in the field of archaeology at the University of Guam, as a student under Dr. Hiro Kurushina. Dr. Kurushina was an expert in conducting fun and dirty digs, in the most interesting places around Guam. We did all this to uncover the Chamorro people’s past, and to understand more about their society, lifestyle, and rituals, among other things.

We trekked through jungles and beaches that most people didn’t normally seek out. We found pottery, bone shards, wood pieces, and tool implements. We even uncovered latte stone relics overgrown with weeds. We measured, sectioned-off dirt, dug, sifted, washed, studied, theorized, and discussed what we uncovered. In all, we were trying to piece together a clearer picture of who we were as a people in the past.

It was interesting – to me at least, that I could dig a few feet deep, and uncover artifacts that were buried there for a long, long time. It was a surreal experience to know that uncovering something like an ancient pottery shard could allow my ancestors to talk to me (from the past), and tell me a little about how they lived. My experience with Dr. Kurishina began to teach me that these things told stories not only about them, but about who I am as a Chamorro. Something about this stuck with me for all these years.

From an academic perspective, Dr. Kurushina was one of several people (including Dr. Rosa Palomo, a language expert) who impacted me the most. He sparked in me the “little fire” to discover my past. As a Chamorro native, many decades older, I’ve had a constant desire to understand as much about who I am and who my ancestors were. So much has been uncovered about the people of the Marianas Islands – that it intrigues me – even to this day.

Actively Seeking to Give Back to Perpetuate and Educate About My Culture

Everyone has passions and interests. Mine happens to be in technology, art, and in my culture. In a haphazard way you could say, I’ve been involved in a variety of projects to create things that are useful and unique to people, but mostly to my Chamorro and Guamanian folks.

I get inspired. Sometimes by the most mundane things. Take for example, my trip to my neighborhood Colorado bookstore. I stumbled over a National Geographic magazine, and began thumbing through the pages. I was looking at a page that illustrated many facts about a rocket. It fascinated me. The thin lines pointing to a specific part of the rocket, with small descriptions to teach me just a little more about something I didn’t already know. Looking at this, my mind was already racing to determine how I could leverage such a technical and academic illustration to give back to my own culture through an educational and cultural way.

With this spark, I hyper-focused on wanting to direct and illustrate a technical illustration to tell of the story of my ancestors and their past, to show the engineering and architectural skills we possessed, and to illustrate about the uniqueness of how we once lived. The result is the Latte Stone House (guma’ åcho latte) poster shown below. While much of the design was inspired from past drawings and other cultural research academic writings on this topic, this work of art could not have been created without the help of others including Fermina Sablan, a Chamorro language speaker, and Dr. Michael Bevacqua from the University of Guam who reviewed this for accuracy.

My hope is that this educational illustration about the Latte Stone House and Chamorro society long-ago, can be shared with many others who have the desire to perpetuate the language, culture, people known as the Chamorros. Hopefully, by sharing about our culture with others, one by one, we can further educate others about who we are as Chamorros.

How We All Can Promote Chamorro Cultural Education

While there are many people in the Marianas and abroad who are actively promoting our culture, be it through education, cultural arts, history, or song, I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that each of us can do more to create greater synergy toward this end.

We encourage you to obtain a copy of one of our posters to display in your home, office, or at an upcoming event. These posters were made to share the Chamorro culture with others, and to educate others.

We have illustrated the Latte Stone House in two colorful themes below. To purchase your own copy of this poster in a variety of sizes and mediums (including 18×24 inches, 24×36 inches, non-laminated and laminated), click the picture below to be taken to our online store. If you would like a larger illustration for an event that requires a larger display size, email us at sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com. We can offer this in sizes as big as 10 feet by 20 feet.

Click Here to Buy This Green Poster

Latte Stone House Illustration, Marianas Islands

Click Here to Buy This Brown Poster Below

Gerard Aflague is the blog author, Chamorro native, and long time resident of Guam, who now resides in the Denver metro area of Colorado. His passions are in the arts, writing, and exploring and perpetuating his culture in a variety of ways. He has written various childrens’ titles and has an online store that offers a variety of home and office island-themed products, among others.

Oct 25 2014

Chamorro Grillin’ in California

My own entrepreneurial endeavors selling Guam and other island-themed home and office decor through the Gerard Aflague Collection over the last three years have brought about wonderful opportunities learning about Chamorros and Guam connected folks across the world and actually meeting them. I’ve meet literally thousands of people over the last few years, and I’ve been part of many peoples own lives, and heard of their stories being shared. One special story is that of Terese Mesa, originally from Guam, and now a resident of California. She is from the Mesa family and is sharing her story of their Chamorro restaurant called “Keepin It Island”.

This article is an interview between myself and Terese Mesa. I hope you enjoy reading about her story and how she is making a difference in people’s lives across the world.

Tell me all about your family, and your Chamorro restaurant.
My family migrated from Guam in 1978 and relocated to Long Beach, California. In 1980, we moved to Vallejo, California where we lived the rest of my childhood. I remember my mom always enjoying baking and cooking for family events and it was her dream to open a restaurant. And that one day finally came January 4, 2014 when we opened “KEEPIN’ IT ISLAND” in Vallejo at 3730 Sonoma Blvd. Vallejo CA 94589. We are a family owned Chamorro restaurant and everything we make is from our parents’ recipes. We are growing, and as such we also cater events and open up our culinary skills to share our island favorites. For those who are interested in contacting us, we can be reached at (707) 552-7500.

What are the demographics of your customers?
We get a variety of customers that come into the restaurant from everywhere you can imagine.

What are the most popular entrees, sides, desserts, etc.
The most popular entrees are the Tri-tip and Rib combo plate, which is served with red rice, a side of cucumber and potato salad. The chicken kelaguen and chicken empanadas are also another of our customer favorites.

What are the average prices of your offerings?
Our prices range from $6.50 for our “Neni” small plate, to $11.00 for our regular two-meat combo plate.

How is the food you offer different from Chamorro fiesta food?
The food isn’t different from Chamorro Fiesta Food. We serve traditional Chamorro fiesta food.

Is your chef professionally schooled?
No, he just has years of cooking experience and enjoys perfecting it.

What is the owners most favorite entree and why?
We can’t really pin-point a favorite entrée because we love it all. But if I had to pick something I would say the chicken kelaguen and my mother’s chicken empanadas. There’s a lot of love and time that goes into making those items between the grilling, chopping and making the dough. You can instantly tell how much love goes into making it once you take that first bite.

What makes your restaurant different from the rest?
We are a family owned and operated establishment and the environment reflects that. Everyone one that works here is family.

What menu items are inspired from other countries and from where?
None. All our menu items are Chamorro recipes.

What moments can you recount that make you feel that venturing into this type of business is worthwhile?
When we started having regular customers that come in every week. Their repeat business has allowed us to get to know them personally. Also when Customers that travel from far come in just because they heard about our restaurant. This is really encouraging.

Describe any challenges you experienced in running this type of restaurant business.
Well, starting restaurant business in general is tough, but with family teamwork we manage to stay strong. We appreciate what our culture embodies when it comes to working together and helping out each other.

Are there plans to diversify?
One day we hope to branch out. We haven’t really changed the menu but for now we have weekend specials and we change those every weekend.

Do you cater for parties? If yes, what are the maximum number if people you cater for?
Yes we cater, we can feed folks for specific events that number in the hundreds up to five thousand people.

How many miles away is the nearest Chamorro restaurant?
I believe there is a Chamorro restaurant in San Francisco, which is about 31 miles from our restaurant, but it is a fusion-type of menu that is framed as a Chamorro restaurant.

How many Chamorro restaurants do you now of that are located in California?
I want to say there are about four in total. There are two down south in San Diego, and one in San Francisco, including ours which is located in Vallejo, California.

How can you explain how your restaurant is different from other Chamorro restaurants in the state of California?
I know we are the only traditional Chamorro restaurant in the North Bay, so we have different menu items to offer. You can consider us a very niche restaurant with flavors that one will enjoy, especially if they are longing for the flavors of Guam and the islands.

Are there any food products that can be ordered and shipped across the USA?
We haven’t considered offering any just yet, but it is an interesting idea.

If you know of someone that is Guam connected and you think we should know about them, let me know. I’d like to be able to feature them right here. Be it a lifestyle angle, a career angle, a tear-jerking story, or something that makes them special, I want to share it right here. Maybe this someone is so in love with the island culture and wants to share their story, we want to know. How is this Guam-connected individual making an impact in our world? Tell us! Our newsletter goes out to over 3,000 Guam and Mariana Islands connected folks. Some of these folks are residents of the islands, former residents, extended family, military members, and even transplants. We love sharing stories and being a part of something bigger.

Sep 8 2014

Gallery

Chamorro Book: Shapes – Fotmasion Siha

This gallery contains 17 photos.

A new book entitled Shapes – Saying it in Chamorro – Fotmasion Siha is the newest learning tool to teach shapes in Chamorro – the language of the people of the Mariana Islands. It is a 50 plus page book … Continue reading →

Aug 3 2014

New Guam & CNMI Children’s Books Making Debut

Chamorro ABCs and Ai Adai Guali’ek Everywhere are two Guam & CNMI Children’s books that were recently released as part of the Gerard Aflague Collection. Marianas-centric and full of illustrations, these soft-cover books provide the very young minds with plenty of visual delight. Teaching about Chamorro alphabets or telling a rhyming story about little gecko critters called guali’ek provides for new opportunities to bring the culture and island spirit into one’s homes.

Illustrated by Gerard Aflague, his wife Mary Aflague was also instrumental in providing editing support for these two titles.

Order these two titles on Amazon.com or through the Gerard Aflague Collection online.

In the coming weeks, the newest title to be released is called Little Chamorrita, Did I tell you? This book provides a parent a tool to explain to a young chamorrita just how much she is loved. Using tropical illustrations to get the message across, this soon-to-be-released title is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Be ready to order this new title in the coming weeks on both sites mentioned above.

Mar 22 2014

Learn How to Make Chamorro Chocolate Party Favors for Guam & CNMI Celebrations

Click our video below to learn how to make Chamorro and Guam-styled chocolates today! Our new line of Chamorro chocolate, butter, and gelatin molds are featured in this short how-to video. Using one-of-three of our molds: Guam Seal, Hu Guaiya Hao (I Love You), or Si Yu’os Ma’ase (Thank You), you can easily make chocolate pieces for kids treats, as a fun children’s cultural project in the kitchen, for gift baskets, or as party favors for your upcoming fiesta, wedding, birthday party, or for that special romantic celebration.

Interested in ordering your very own molds? Click here > Gerard Aflague Collection

Jan 30 2014

Si Yu’os Ma’ase is More Than a Thank You

Si Yu’os Ma’ase means thank you in Chamorro, the language of the people of Guam and the Northern Marianas (CNMI). It is also much more than that, because while it translates to a thank you, it is also a phrase that wishes God’s grace upon an individual when spoken or told to.

The Gerard Aflague Collection has taken this phrase and elegantly created a number of beautiful folded cards, note cards, and envelopes, with embossing and gold printing to impress those that receive it. Perfect for business, personal, and any occasion where you would want to send a message of thanks to others embodied in the Chamorro language.

It was my desire to create Chamorro Si Yu’os Ma’ase Thank You cards that embody an elegance that has not been created for islanders or islander connected folks across the United States to purchase online. This elegance is also a beautiful message on paper because it is a blessing as well as a thank you. Printed in gold foil, with embossing, these products are nothing short of beautiful.

Our products are perfect to attach to gift baskets, to send a message to that special someone, or to attach to party favors at weddings, baptisms, and engagement events. It’s also appropriate to send out to those that may have supported you during a loss. This is probably the best way to send your chen’chule to others since it is more than just sending money in an envelope, it sends God’s blessings as well. To add to our envelope collection, we also carry stationary to send out personal thank you letters to those you care about.

We offer an 8-set Si Yu’os Ma’ase Thank You product that includes a gold leaf, embossed folded card, note card, and matching envelope. We also have both personal sized stationary, and business sized stationary with matching envelopes that will allow for more writing space if your message requires more space than what a note card offers. If you need just notecards for gift baskets or to put on tables at a wedding with chocolates, we have that too.

Here are the links to our products.

Click here to order our 8-pc Set of Thank You Cards, Note Cards, and Envelopes
Click here to see our 12-pc Set of Si Yu’os Ma’ase Note Cards
Click here to see our 8-pc Set of Business Stationary and Envelopes
Click here to see our 8-pc Set of Personal Stationary and Envelopes

Below is one photo that embodies the elegance of this product line. Click the product links above to see more p

Jan 24 2014

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Valentine’s Candy Island-Styled

Looking for a unique way to woo your Valentine this coming February? Look no further! You can make your very own island-styled chocolate candy in time for Valentines. It’s very easy. Make these beautiful chocolate pieces under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Melt chocolate morsels over a double broiler
Step 2: Stir until melted
Step 3: Spoon into molds
Step 4: Tap to settle and remove bubbles
Step 5: Place in refrigerator for 15-25 minutes
Step 6: Tap them out of the mold and let them set

Nothing is easier with our molds. Click the picture to learn more and place your order. Limited number of molds. Retails at $9.95. Order more and get bulk discounts. Get yours while they last. Orders shipped out next business day. Need to inquire about specifics? Call us anytime at 703-508-9989. Si Yu’os Ma’ase.

Jan 5 2014

A New Year 2014 with Exciting Plans!

We say good by to 2013 and count our blessings. We’ve grown beyond our expectations. We thank you for this. We’ve met so many milestones including having shipped to all the 50 states, Guam, the CNMI, and to many U.S. military bases world wide. Over 600 families and maybe even more carry our products in their home today. We’ve shipped thousands of our products to many customers across the worlds, and showcased our website to over 50,000 visitors on our website since we first opened our online store. Our line of products have grown exponentially, and we’ve broadened our presence to offer our products on GerardAflagueCollection.com, Amazon.com, and Ebay.com.

Exciting plans are up our alley for the Gerard Aflague Collection for 2014 as we anticipate and think up new and interesting things to offer many customers who have continued to support us since 2012. We’ve heard from many of you and the message is clear. You want us to think of new and unique products that we have continually provided over the months and years. We don’t plan to disappoint you. In fact, we think that the following things we have in store will be unique and exciting.

Plans for 2014

Offer a variety of plastic and silicone molds in a variety of Guam and Chamorro themes to create beautiful chocolate, butter, and hard candy pieces
Offer food products that many Guamanians throughout the world are seeking at a reasonable price
Offer digital products including Chamorro ringtones, chants, and music singles on GerardAflagueCollection.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, etc.
Offer CDs of singles, Chamorro chants, and more
Offer Chamorro and English translations of the rosary and novenas in book form and as digital e-book for smartphones
Offer premium designed and classy Chamorro greeting and thank you cards
Offer stone products for porch and entry way greetings, as kitchen aides, and more
Offer Chamorro and Guam designed packaging and gift boxes for use as partner products, but also to sell to other seeking Guam-themed packaging for their gift giving
Offer more affordable stickers, decals, and related products
Offer a wider choice of newly designed blankets, illustrations, and more
Offer Guam and Chamorro themed metal belt buckles and leather products
Offer Guam and Chamorro themed key-chains, luggage tags, and magnets
Offer a line of Chamorro chants on a variety of products representing the unique and rich language of the native people of the Marianas

While we have even more planned, we can’t divulge too much on this blog article. We just ask that you visit us regularly to see what we have launched since the last time that you have been on our online stores.

Dec 17 2013

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Coming Soon! Modern Guam Seal Plastic Mold

Dec 14 2013

Order Your Guam 2014 Calendar Today!

The 2014 Guam Tropical Images Calendar by Rueben Olivas is now available to order on Gerard Aflague Collection online. Order during our pre-order period and save $3.00. Click here to view product details and order this calendar. After the pre-order period of December 27, 2013, the calendar will be sold at the regular retail price of $12.95. We ship to the islands, to all 50 states, and to U.S. military bases worldwide.

This beautiful Guam calendar, with 13 strikingly vivid and creative perspectives, frames the island of Guam creating a wonderment of tropical beauty.

This is the perfect holiday gift for family and friends. The Gerard Aflague Collection in collaboration with Guam’s famed photographer, Rueben Olivas, brings the island’s imagery alive as he sees it from his perspective.

Dec 14 2013

Video

The 12 Days of Chamorro Christmas Song

Hey. I was thinking. Isn’t it just 12 days left until Christmas? Well then. It’s time to break out the guitar, and some vocal chords and join in with us as we sing the 12 Days of Chamorro Christmas (in the islands). My children and I share their talents with you all. So that you can sing along, I’ve pasted the lyrics below. Gather the young kids around the computer, press play, and start singing. Just be silly, and enjoy time together during this special time of year. Felis Nabidat to each and everyone of you.

After you try your act at singing with your kids (or significant other), check out our 12-Days of Chamorro Christmas Card, Apron & Women’s Shirt all on http://GerardAflagueCollection.Com – Enjoy!

The Lyrics to the 12-days of Chamorro Christmas – Written by Gerard Aflague

1. On the first day of Christmas my nana gave to me – a gayu on a coconut tree

2. On the second day of Christmas my nana gave to me – two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

3. On the third day of Christmas my nana gave to me – three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

4. On the fourth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

5. On the fifth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – five bi’na’du, four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

6. On the sixth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

7. On the seventh day of Christmas my nana gave to me – seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

8. On the eight day of Christmas my nana gave to me – eight big ayu’yu, seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

9. On the ninth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – nine quick gue’li’ek, eight big ayu’yu, seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

10. On the tenth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – ten chi-chi-rika, nine quick gue’li’ek, eight big ayu’yu, seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas my nana gave to me – eleven dancing pung’lao, ten chi-chi-rika, nine quick gue’li’ek, eight big ayu’yu, seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas my nana gave to me – twelve pink ali-ling, eleven dancing pung’lao, ten chi-chi-rika, nine quick gue’li’ek, eight big ayu’yu, seven swimming ha’gaan, six sailing sak’man, five bi’na’du…four fat fanihi, three ko’ku birds, two carabao, and a gayu on a coconut tree.

Dec 14 2013

Felis Nabidat!

Christmas Ornament in a Felis Nabidat Motif

Christmas island-style. If you are like me, having grown up in Guam, there are a few things that remind me most of the holidays in the island. I thought I’d spend a moment to share it with you all.

1. Buenelos Dago – Those yummy deep-fried doughnuts that are dipped in sugar water. Yes. My mom (Julie) introduced me to the practice of getting the root crop, grating it in the kitchen, and preparing it to roll off my hand while squeezing it into the hot oil. So yummy and delicious. You know you got to have some. But what is one to do when you don’t have access to dagu around here neck of the woods? Krispy Kreme comes close but not close enough. Lol.

2. Lumot and Novenas – Yes. Break out those stored boxes of three king statues, baby Jesus, the donkey, the nativity, and the Christmas lights. The spider webs are wiped away, stacks of boxes are arranged to take on fresh lumot, that green carpet-like stuff that our uncles went into the jungles to harvest. It was the coolest thing, but smelled like mildew. Hmmm. Then there are the many days of prayers and singing. You know the routine….let me refresh your memory: Fanmato Manhengge, Dan Dan i Pandaretas Na Fan Palang’pang, Puenguen Yu’os, Puenguen Jesus, and on, and on. They were great cultural songs that reverberate into my soul even until this very day. I think for those of us that are in the mainland, we need to get our fix of a novena. Wishing that I could be taken back to my childhood to share my experiences with my own children.

3. Nino Jesus Taken House to House – Okay. So for those of you islanders, you remember the cue right? The alter boys coming down the street, sometimes taken on the back of the beds of pickups. Then they go knocking house to house with the Baby Jesus in hand, and a little white cloth smelling like Auntie Charo’s perfume. The doorbell rings, and one by one, we gather to pay our respects and kiss the forehead of the Baby Jesus. Oh did I forget to mention that they’d ring the tiny bell to alert the neighborhood that they were coming? Yup. Those were the days.

What were your memories of home in the islands during the holidays? Share it with us in your comments below. Let us all relish in the memories that we can share with each other.

Nov 29 2013

Aside

For one day only, Gerard Aflague Collection is offering 10% off on all products in the store – including items already on-sale. That’s right, discounts apply automatically and will be reflected at checkout. This offer is good on Friday, November 29, 2010, beginning midnight Eastern Standard Time through 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Now is the perfect time to get that island-styled gift for family and friends including our iKamyu coconut graters, Finadene and Kelaguen Made-Easy Measuring Mugs, our 4″ and 2″ Guam Seal and other Cookie Cutters and Stamps, our Guam-styled blankets, apparel, and hundreds of other items to numerous too mention.

The first 10 customers to order on our website on BLACK FRIDAY will receive a FREE beautiful 18×24 folded 2011 Guam satellite map included with their order.

Customers who order $100 worth of products (before discounts) during our black Friday offer, will also receive a FREE surprise gift with their purchase (to be included as part of their shipped order).

Don’t know what your family or friends want? You can buy a gift certificate for them so that they can buy what they want. These gift certificates can be used for anything in the store, and it never expires.

Black Friday on Gerard Aflague Collection

Jul 1 2013

Worldwide Guam Events Calendar

This Worldwide Guam Events Calendar is sponsored by Gerard Aflague Collection – your online source for unique Guam-themed products shipped worldwide.

Do you have a Guam event that you would like to publish for all to know about? Whether your Guam event is in the mainland, Guam, or across the globe, we’d like to share it right here. Send us an email about your event including the essentials such as the event name, date and time, points of contacts, cost, and other important details. We will publish your event and list it here for free.

Events for July 2013

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California – Port Hueneme 5th Annual Chamorro Celebration of Guam’s Liberation
Date: July 20, 2013, Saturday – 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Location: Bolles Field Park, Building 1401, 1000 23rd Ave., Port Hueneme, CA 93043
Place: Naval Base Ventura County
Cost: Monetary donations are greatly appreciated at entrance.
Note: Games for children and adults, Guam memorabillia, arts & craft display, entertainment & camaraderie. Entertainment by Pacific Legends, Joe Taimanglo Jr., Pete Arceo, Phil Dejapa, Island Rain, and dance groups.
Contacts: Pete and Marian Arceo – 805-485-0912; Carl and Cindy Aguon – 805.263.0525; and Linda Alig – 805.469.9861

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California – San Diego
10th Annual Guam Liberation Celebration
Date: July 20th, 2013 – 9am-4pm
Location: 2400 Admiral Baker Rd #3604, San Diego, California
Cost: Free
Important: No pets or glass allowed on premises. Bring food and water.
Contact: GuamLiberation@gmail.com

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California – Ventura
5th Annual Guam Liberation

Date: July 20th, 2013
Location: Bolles Field Park, Building 1401
1000 23rd Ave, Port Hueneme, CA 93043
Time: 10am-6pm
Cost: Monetary donations are greatly appreciated at Entrance
Entertainment: Will be provided.

POC:
Pete and Marian Arcea 805-485-0912
Jaime and Vanessa Arroyo 805-485-0912
Carl and Cindy Aguon 805-263-0525

Base Access List
Greg Gamboa 805-276-5879

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California – Yuba City
Date: July 13th, 2013 – 1pm to 8pm
Location: St Isadore’s Church, 222S., Clark Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991
Contact: yubasutterchamorroclub@hotmail.com

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Georgia, Ft Benning – For all Georgia and Alabama interested attendees
Date: July 13, 2013 – 12:00pm -6pm
Location: Uchee Creek Army Campgrounds
7 Uchee Creek Rd, Fort Mitchell, Alabama
Contact: Dee Crisostomo – (706) 601-9622 – crisostomo252@hotmail.com; Larry Mendiola – (209) 613-4489; or Frank Fegurgur – (706) 570-1005

Note: You may bring a dish, but one is not required. If going through the Army base, you will need a driver’s license and registration, and proof of insurance. If one is interested in camping on the grounds, early reservations must be made (and a military identification is required) by calling the Uchee Creek Army Campgrounds Morale Welfare and Recreation center (http://uchee.benningmwr.com), or call 706-685-3060, extension 200, 201, or 202. There is also military lodging on base. Hotels are also available in the outskirts of the campgrounds. Alcohol not provided, however it is allowed on the campgrounds. You are welcomed to bring your own drinks and/or alcohol. ##This listing was verified on May 16, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

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Hawaii, Oahu
Hafa Adai Club of Hawaii (HACH)
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013 – 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: Huey Park at Wheeler Army Airfield Base, Wahiawa OAHU
Chamorro style Potluck, Entertainment, Music, Band, Guam Arts & Crafts, Games & Raffles.
Contact: 671moon@gmail.com

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North Carolina – Fort Bragg (Open to all interested persons)
Date: July 20, 2013 – 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm (Tables open at 12 noon)
Location: Woodland Park (794 Armistead St.) Ft Bragg/Pope, NC
Contact: George Carr – 910.868.3453 or email alii@nc.rr.com

Important: Non-military personnel must enter through All-American Processing point. 17+yrs must have valid photo ID to gain access into Ft Bragg. For food donations, please contact George Carr (food preparation will be done the night before the event at the residence of George and Rocky Carr – 5551 Hedrick Dr, Fayetteville, North Carolina) – Volunteers are welcomed for preparation night. You are encouraged to bring your tents and chairs. If you would like to bring a prepared dish, bring it directly to the event. Beer may be brought into the event location, however, glass containers are prohibited. Hotel accommodations (Fairfield Inn, Holiday Express, Embassy Suites, Comfort Inn, etc.) are available close to the event. Make reservations early. ##This listing was verified on May 16, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

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Ohio – Fairborn
Date: Saturday, July 20,2013 – 1:00 pm to dusk
Where: Fairborn , Ohio Community Park
Contact: Timothy Meno
Phone 937-305-5366 or email at timothy.meno@hotmail.com
Notice: Bring any local Guam food. Contact Timothy if you are unsure what to bring. Attendance is currently between 70-100 people.
##This listing was verified on May 16, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

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Copperas Cove, Texas
Date: July 20th, 2013
Location: Copperas Cove Civic Center
1206 W Ave B
Copperas Cove, Texas 76522
Time: 11am

Point of Contacts
Chairman – Joseph Ada 254.200.0289
Entertainment – Zina Sarrosa 254.200.0029
Raffle Ticket – Roy Fowler 512.250.3175
Vendor – Leah Mantanona 254.238.7519
Food Committee – Tony Lujan 254.699.0485

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Texas – San Antonio
Date: July 13th, 2013, Saturday – 11am-6pm
Location: Comanche Park #2, 2600 Rigsby Ave., San Antonio, TX 78222
Contact: Danny San Nicolas at 210-865-2938, or Mike Aquino at 210-863-8329
Fiesta Type: Potluck
Note: For those coming from outside of San Antonio, we ask that you just bring drinks or what you desire. For those that would like to donate any food items please contact Danny San Nicolas at the above number, or contact Rose Aquino at 210-862-8324. Beer is allowed at this park, however, glass containers are prohibited. Entertainment, prizes, and a raffle will be held.
##This listing was verified on May 30, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

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Virginia – Alexandria

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2013, 12:00pm – 7:00p
Location: US Coast Guard TISCOM Park, 7323 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315
Point of Contact: 2013 Liberation Picnic Chairperson is Charlie Gulac (703) 323-6694; assisted by Teresita Guevara Smith; Benny Taitague; and a whole team of Guam Society Members who are focused on making this a fantastic event for all who attend.

What (to Bring): This is a pot luck event. Bring a dish/dessert to share & one 2-liter bottle of soda. Note that beer will be provided. Please DO NOT BRING outside alcoholic beverages to the event – the installation/base is enforcing its ‘No Outside Alcoholic Beverages’ policy for these type of events.

– If you’re bringing meats to BBQ, please arrive not later than 10:00am – Please note for health reasons, do not bring meat that has been marinated and set aside for more than 12 hours prior to the event.

– Do bring your picnic chairs, tables, canopies – and most of all your cameras.

– DO RSVP to get access to the Base/Installation – RSVPs must be received by Monday, July 15, 2013 – simply send an email to info@guamsociety.org with the names of those who will be attending. We may be limited this year in how many guests are allowed to enter the facility – so please RSVP soonest.

ENTERTAINMENT:

– The year, the Guam Society is proud to have several cultural performances lined up for your entertainment:

– The Kutturan Chamoru Foundation performers (from California) will be performing as they have done so every year for the past several years – performing Ancient Chamoru and Spanish Period dances from our rich cultural heritage

– D Island Tropics (from California)

– Isa Pasifika Dancers (Washington, DC)

– The Rosario Family Dancers (Edgewood, MD)

– Music will be provided by the Tropic Sounds Band with band members from the Guam Society of America

ACTIVITIES:

– Volleyball – come out with a team or put together a 4-man team for 4-on-4 Volleyball Play

– Children’s Games/Activities

– Presentation of the 2013 Guam Society of America Scholarship Recipients

– 50/50 Raffle

– Prize Raffle

– Meet with relatives and friends — the Liberation Picnic is a great time for impromptu reunions – you’ll just never know who you’ll meet up with at the event.

– Vendors are welcomed to attend – please coordinate with Terri Smith (teresita.smith@dodiis.mil); note: no sale of large food plates; however island specialties like doughnuts, empanadas, pastit, donne dinanche, snow cones, are just fine – but please check with Terri first. There is no fee for vendors; however, the Guam Society does ask that vendors donate a gift/item of at least $25 to be sued for the Liberation Picnic raffle. All booths will be set up in one location – again, see Terri Smith for placement/location.

IF YOU HAVE NOT RENEWED YOUR 2013 GUAM SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP – TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RENEW IT AT THE PICNIC. THE GUAM SOCIETY WELCOMES ALL NEWCOMERS TO OUR EVENT AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN THE SOCIETY AND BE A PART OF THE OLDEST GUAM CLUB/ORGANIZATION IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.

Directions to US Coast Guard TISCOM Park, 7323 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA. 22315.

From I-495 in Virginia (DC Beltway), Take Exit 176 to Telegraph Rd. South –about 4.4 miles; Turn left into Coast Guard Base –park is on left.

From the South, take I-95 North and exit at 166A to Ft. Belvoir. Take the Telegraph Road Exit, turn left at the light and go 3.5 miles north, park is on the right.

NOTE: Due to security requirements for entrance, attendees will need a photo ID, drivers of vehicles will need proof of insurance in case vehicles get randomly inspected.

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Virginia – Hopewell
Motto: Stories of Courage and Faith
Date: July 13th, 2013, Saturday – Begins at 12 noon. No end time established.
Location: CRYSTAL LAKE PARK, 3502 RIVER RD, HOPEWELL, VA 23860
Fiesta Type: Potluck (Please bring a side dish, water, soda, beer and wine to share).
Other notes: Games, door prizes, entertainment, fun, and music will be provided. Dancing encouraged.
Music: Maryland’s “Pacific Islanders” Band
Party Preparation: Anyone donating BBQ meats may drop off food items by Friday, 8:00 pm, July 12, 2013 at Joe and Mary O’s residence at 551 Briarwood Circle, Hopewell, VA.
Contact: islanderseastcoast@gmail.com or call Barbara Kelly at 804-720-6494, or Rose Aguigui at 407-916-9489
##This listing was updated on June 25, 2013 with the contact person for this event. Venue location changed as reflected above.

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Washington, Bremerton
Guam Liberation Day 69th Anniversary Dinner Dance
Date: July 20, 2013 – 5:30 pm – Midnight
Location: Sons of Norway, 1018 18th St, Bremerton,Wa 98337
Note: This is an all adult event. Minimum entry age is 21.
Contact: Mercie S. Jesus at 360-876-1174 (Public Affairs Officer) or
President, Guamanian Club of Bremerton and Vicinity (GCBV), Manny A. Flores, 360-874-0565, or email him at mfloresis@wavecable.com.
##This listing was verified on May 16, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

Note: Call Mercie or Manny for tickets, or pay at the door. Tickets are limited as there is a 300 capacity limit. Tickets are $18 advance, and $20 at the door. Cash and checks (from local banks) are accepted. ##This listing was verified on May 16, 2013 with the contact person for this event.

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Jun 30 2013

ikamyu: World’s State-of-the-Art Coconut Grinder

Probably the world’s most innovative coconut grinder ever. This product will eventually be printed in any design imaginable for any customer or niche market.

ikamyu – the newest product for the Gerard Aflague Collection – is the most innovative, unique, and modern coconut grinder and art deco piece ever designed.

Coconut grinders are a traditional kitchen-aid for many islanders and them some. It is a valuable tool to assist to grate or grind fresh coconut shavings from adult coconuts for many island-styled desserts, as well as for many soups, and other traditional island-cuisine.

While efforts are now being made to patent ikamyu – we expect to make it available for online purchase sometime in July, and then we will begin shipping this product across the world, including to all zip codes in the United States, including all territories, and to U.S. bases worldwide.

Because our first production batch is limited, we plan to begin accepting pre-orders starting around July 7th or so, to allow folks to reserve their very own ikamyu. Prices will be announced on our website at the time that we begin accepting pre-orders.

I kamyu means “the grinder” in the language of the Chamorro people of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. ikamyu is the brainchild of Gerard Aflague who will be marketing this product exclusively on GerardAflagueCollection.Com.

While many Pacific Islanders own their very own traditional wooden or multi-part constructed coconut grinder – we feel that our new state-of-the-art product will peak the interest of many would-be customers, simply because of the many features that rival the traditional coconut grinder.

Many hours of thought went into redesigning a traditional coconut grinder, and hours of prototyping and testing went into developing it into a product that is in fact truly a proud invention that is nothing less than genius.

We are very excited about this product and know that many of you are looking forward to owning your ikamyu. To contact us about this product, please email us at sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com.

May 10 2013

2013 Guam Liberation Day Event Listings

The Gerard Aflague Collection, Guam’s premier online store for over 600 Guam and island-themed products, is publishing the 2013 Guam Liberation Day Events across the world. This may not be an all inclusive list.

If you want to add your event to be listed here, please email us at gerard.v.aflague@gmail.com. Events are added within 24 hours.

The information on this page may change at the discretion of the event coordinators themselves. We suggest that you contact the appropriate individuals below for details concerning each event.

———–

—————————–

California – Ventura
5th Annual Guam Liberation

POC:
Pete and Marian Arcea 805-485-0912
Jaime and Vanessa Arroyo 805-485-0912
Carl and Cindy Aguon 805-263-0525

Base Access List
Greg Gamboa 805-276-5879

—————————–

California – Yuba City
Date: July 13th, 2013 – 1pm to 8pm
Location: St Isadore’s Church, 222S., Clark Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991
Contact: yubasutterchamorroclub@hotmail.com

—————————–

Copperas Cove, Texas
Date: July 20th, 2013
Location: Copperas Cove Civic Center
1206 W Ave B
Copperas Cove, Texas 76522
Time: 11am

—————————–

Virginia – Alexandria

– Do bring your picnic chairs, tables, canopies – and most of all your cameras.

ENTERTAINMENT:

– The year, the Guam Society is proud to have several cultural performances lined up for your entertainment:

– D Island Tropics (from California)

– Isa Pasifika Dancers (Washington, DC)

– The Rosario Family Dancers (Edgewood, MD)

– Music will be provided by the Tropic Sounds Band with band members from the Guam Society of America

ACTIVITIES:

– Volleyball – come out with a team or put together a 4-man team for 4-on-4 Volleyball Play

– Children’s Games/Activities

– Presentation of the 2013 Guam Society of America Scholarship Recipients

– 50/50 Raffle

– Prize Raffle

– Meet with relatives and friends — the Liberation Picnic is a great time for impromptu reunions – you’ll just never know who you’ll meet up with at the event.

Directions to US Coast Guard TISCOM Park, 7323 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA. 22315.

From I-495 in Virginia (DC Beltway), Take Exit 176 to Telegraph Rd. South –about 4.4 miles; Turn left into Coast Guard Base –park is on left.

From the South, take I-95 North and exit at 166A to Ft. Belvoir. Take the Telegraph Road Exit, turn left at the light and go 3.5 miles north, park is on the right.

NOTE: Due to security requirements for entrance, attendees will need a photo ID, drivers of vehicles will need proof of insurance in case vehicles get randomly inspected.

—————————–

—————————–

Apr 20 2013

Island-Styled Guam and CNMI Outdoor Gear Coming Soon

The Gerard Aflague Collection is rolling out new Guam and CNMI styled island gear such as tents, chairs, table covers, and picnic blankets to name a few. We will have 12 island-themes to choose from. To see the latest product details, soon to be released prices, and designs, please check us on our website (we plan to announce more details as we get closer to roll-out).

Apr 9 2013

New Island-Styled Outdoor Products Coming Soon!

We are growing our line of island-styled products. We are excited to announce that we are going to be offering custom designed 10×10 ft pop-up tents, chairs, privacy screens, and matching accessories. To keep you informed, we decided to launch a page to provide a status of our progress, FAQs, and a catalog of 12 designs that will be offering in addition to custom designed orders.

We will be offering 12 different designs, accessories, and will also take custom orders for non-profits, sports teams, clubs, etc.

Click here to be brought to our online store to find out our latest on this exciting product offering!

Guam Tents, Chairs, and Accessories. Coming soon!

Mar 5 2013

Buy Guam Gifts and Souvenirs Online

Find an array of Guam gifts, Guam products, and Guam souvenirs online at the Gerard Aflague Collection. The Gerard Aflague Collection is the premier online store for the purchase of a multitude of products in a one-stop shop. Hundreds of products are at your fingertips when you are looking for that birthday or Christmas gift with island-flavor.

Gifts that are available at the Gerard Aflague Collection online store include Guam hats, Guam aprons, Guam wood products, Guam patches, Guam auto products, Guam apparel, Guam decals, Guam cutting boards, and much more.

In this image, a new product is shown which is a mortar and pestle with a lasered Guam Seal on the front face of the mortar. Buy this and over 400 products online today!

Jan 18 2013

Order Tamper Proof Prescription (Rx) Pads for Guam, CNMI (Saipan, Rota, Tinian), FSM, and Palau Physicians

If you are a physicians office in the islands of Guam, the CNMI (Saipan, Rota, Tinian), the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau, and are looking to order affordably priced tamper prescription (Rx) pads, the Gerard Aflague Collection can help you.

With new laws governing the dispensing of prescription medications especially for controlled substances, and for programs under the Medicaid program, many medical offices need to comply with many state and federal laws that require these pads to be manufactured with minimum tamper-resistant characteristics from an approved printer.

While you may be able to source tamper-proof, Medicaid compliant prescription pads on island, you may be paying too much for them. One medical group ordering from our company has said that they were paying almost three-times when they ordered from a vendor on Guam. This may even be higher for other islands outside of Guam.

If you are a physicians offices needing affordable tamper-proof prescription pads, please contact the Gerard Aflague Collection today to get a quote by filling out the online custom quote request form. The Gerard Aflague Collection is a mainland broker of printing services that assists to obtain your Rx compliant pads. We assist to place the order, inspects them, and package them in water-proof plastic, before sending them via USPS Priority mail to your physician’s address. Your product will be trackable, insured, and sent within 5-10 days after we have packaged them for remittance.

Rx pads are customizable with numbering, additional prescriber, name and addresses, etc.

Order one or two-part (carbon) tamper resistant physician prescription pads that are Medicaid compliant, customized for your medical practice.

Security features include:

-Opaque “Rx” image in background
-Watermark on back visible at 45 degrees
-Micro printed border
-Copy and erasure resistant background
-Thermochromatic ink box (printed on back) outlining security features
-Thermochormatic “Rx” disappears when rubbed or heated
-VOID appears on any reproduction

Note: Physicians offices will be required to provide the physician’s DEA license number which will be verified and checked prior to the order being placed and printed. We will only ship orders directly to the physician’s office or medical group address after verifying that this is in fact accurate.

We also can source EMR Prescription paper with these same security features for your physician office’s needs.

Jan 18 2013

Affordable Printing Options in Guam, the CNMI, the FSM, and Palau

Printing in the Islands Can Be Expensive

Do you need the best priced and most affordable printing for your products destined for Guam, the CNMI, the FSM, and Palau? Many customers in the islands who seek high-quality four-color offset printing, digital printing, specialty printing, and large format printing have come to understand that it is generally expensive to obtain printing services on island among the few printers that service the islands, when compared with printing companies off-island. In one example, a customer found that printing was almost three times more than what was available in the mainland United States. In another example it was ten times cheaper in Asia. This is one reason why folks seek competitive quotes elsewhere.

Off-Island Options May Seem Like a Deal, But It Can Also Bring Unexpected Challenges and Expenses

While one can get printing services in Asia, including the Philippines and Hong Kong as examples, many will find that the quality may be sub-standard (i.e. Philippines) while the expense to ship it back to the islands may make the effort a wash, or even cost more in the end because of higher international DHL and FedEx shipping rates (i.e. Hong Kong or Korea), not to mention the customs fees and taxes that one may need to pay upon importing such goods into the islands (which can encompass an additional percentage of the cost of the goods, plus expensive overtime charges for goods that need to be cleared in an expedient manner, or outside of regular service hours).

In some cases, others may choose to find a printer on-line from the United States mainland to ensure a greater potential for higher-quality and hopefully an easier to time to communicate with customer service staff, however, they quickly find that most mainland providers only ship via UPS and FedEx adding to the total cost of their printing needs with Use Tax again as an added potential cost – which may add to the delay of getting your products. For the small percentage that ship via the post office, customs forms are an added hurdle that they don’t care to maneuver. In spite of all these challenges, don’t despair.

There is a Quality and Value-Based Solution That You Should Know About

Whether you start-up business in the islands needing marketing material, an established company needing 10,000 brochures, or an individual in need of a set of business cards or a single banner, there is a better option!

The Gerard Aflague Collection (based in Colorado) offers custom design and printing services of all kinds. What are the advantages? Well for one, the company knows the islands because they are from the islands, they understand that sending packages via the US Postal Service is the most economical and value based method, and more importantly, they work with many large, and experienced mega-printing companies to bring you what you need at a value that almost always would beat any competitor’s price in the islands. They understand Use Tax laws and know that for shipments arriving into Guam, if the US Postal Service is used, it requires a customs form and it will not necessitate taxation at the border, nor would there be additional overtime for clearance services. Additionally, they are able to offer value-based tracking, and ensure that it is packed in a water-tight manner to ensure that they goods do not sustain additional damage as it makes its way onto the island by plane, boat, or other means. Because they work with multiple printing companies across the nation, they pass along high-quality products and value-based pricing.

If you need affordable and competitive printing for your business or personal needs and want it shipped to Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian, the FSM, or Palau, simply fill out the online form of the Gerard Aflague Collection and let us know exactly what you need.

Frequently-Asked-Questions

We’ve put together frequently-asked-questions about obtaining affordable printing to Guam, the CNMI (Saipan, Rota, and Tinian), to the FSM (Chuuk, Ponphei, Yap, and Kosrae), and to Palau. Read on.

1. What types of printing services do you offer?

We offer digital and/or 4-color offset business cards, postcards, mailing labels, stickers, pamphlets, posters, door hangers, plastic cards, Giclee prints, PVC cards, folders, table tents, magnets, envelopes, stationary, flyers, bookmarks, mugs, t-shirts, totes, canvas, and much more. On the large format category, we offer banners, floor adhesives, window tint, wall murals, and much more.

2. Do you offer specialty printing?

Yes. We offer speciality printing including fine-art Giclee prints, shadow light-box transparencies, and print on curtains, table covers, photography backdrops, and over one-hundred other home and office products including. We also offer laser printing and etching on a variety of wood, metal, glass, stone, leather, and paper products.

3. Do you offer embroidery?

Yes. We can assist with your embroidery needs that usually includes a digitizing fee for custom designs and the cost for the embroidery, plus the item in question.

4. Do you offer high-end printing on plaques?

Yes. We offer the ability to plaque photos, as well as digital vector images for your personal as well as corporate needs.

5. How is it that you can offer a better product and value all-together?

We pass on the discounts to you by leveraging mainland printing companies that provide the highest-quality products, and package your order for delivery using the most economical means, in many cases avoiding additional taxation upon entry into certain island jurisdictions.

6. How long does production and shipping to the islands take?

Printing can take about 3-6 days depending on standard orders, with rush turn-arounds available. Shipping to the tropical isles (we only use US Post Office as our shipper) takes between 4-10 days depending on what is being sent (Priority Mail), with Express shipping offered (2-3 days) with tracking and insurance.

7. Who can submit and order a custom printing product?

Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies, as well as individuals who need high-quality, value-based printing.

8. Do you drop ship orders?

Yes. For example, if you live in Saipan, you can place the order and make payment, then we can drop ship your order to Tinian, Guam, or the FSM, with no additional shipping cost to you.

9. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payment via debit or credit card, US Postal Service money orders, we can send a PayPal invoice, or take your payment details over the phone. In some cases, we can also take government purchase order to get the order started, however, we request that you contact us by email to inquire about specific terms of agreement. Email us at sales@gerardaflaguecollection.com

10. How do I get an estimate for my job?

Click here and fill out the online form to request a custom quote for your printing needs. Our company will give you an estimate no later than the next business day. If you accept, we will assist you with proofs via email that you will approve, then we will commence the printing process. It’s that simple.

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