AGP Executive Report

Micronesia Mall Entertainment: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot family fun center with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, indoor go-karts, and an arcade, is targeting an early December opening on Guam. A hiring fair is set for Oct. 10, and the venue will run beyond mall hours. Community Sports & Fundraising: About 50 CNMI paddlers are fundraising and heading to Guam for the 26th Annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race (Oct. 15–18), with sendoff and club fundraisers planned across early October. Local Arts Spotlight: Palau’s DAVE Art Show put a 1981 Samuel Adelbai painting at center stage, framing “Belau of Tomorrow” through the bai men’s meeting house motif. Youth Creativity: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned winners across grades 1–3 ahead of World Teachers’ Day, celebrating students’ art and teacher impact. Tourism & Culture: Guam tourism brought CHamoru dance, island music, and local food to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing more than 183,000 visitors.

Micronesia Mall Entertainment: PowerUP is gearing up for an early December opening with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, an indoor go-kart track, and an arcade—plus party rooms, food and bar service, and a job fair on Oct. 10. Guam Sports & Community: CNMI paddlers are fundraising for the 26th Annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race (Oct. 15–18), with sendoff and multiple local fundraisers planned as they head to Guam. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Palau’s DAVE Art Show put a 1981 Samuel Adelbai painting at center stage, framing “Belau of Tomorrow” through the bai men’s meeting house and a broader future-facing theme. Local Creativity for World Teachers’ Day: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned student winners across grades 1–3, celebrating teachers through student art. Tourism Through Music & Food: Guam brought CHamoru dance, island music, and local flavors to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing major visitor numbers and industry attention. What’s On in Canberra: A packed week includes a 35mm Romeo + Juliet anniversary screening with live performers and a big brand sale at Canberra Outlet.

Micronesia Mall Entertainment: PowerUP is gearing up for an early December opening with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, an indoor go-kart track, and an arcade—plus a hiring fair Oct. 10 and plans to run beyond mall hours. Community Sports: About 50 CNMI paddlers are fundraising for the 26th Annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race in Guam (Oct. 15–18), with sendoffs and club fundraisers already in motion. Arts & Culture: Palau’s DAVE Art Show spotlighted Samuel Adelbai’s 1981 painting “Belau of Tomorrow, Our Belau,” tying tradition and modernization to the show’s future-focused theme. Local Creativity: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned winners across grades 1–3 ahead of World Teachers’ Day, celebrating student art and teacher impact. Tourism & Music: Guam brought CHamoru culture, island food, dance, and live music to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing 183,270 visitors and boosting the island’s global visibility. Fitness Charity: The 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk hits Tumon Bay Oct. 3, supporting Guam Cancer Care’s “Kids for the Cure.”

Micronesia Mall Watch: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot family entertainment center with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, an indoor electric go-kart track, and an arcade, is targeting an early December opening and will hold a hiring fair Oct. 10. Community Sports: About 50 CNMI paddlers are fundraising for the 26th Annual Micronesia Cup Canoe Race in Guam (Oct. 15–18), with sendoffs and club fundraisers already underway. Arts & Culture: Palau’s DAVE Art Show spotlighted Samuel Adelbai’s 1981 painting “Belau of Tomorrow, Our Belau,” tying a vision of the future to the bai men’s meeting house. Local Creativity: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest ahead of World Teachers’ Day crowned winners across grades 1–3, celebrating student art and teacher impact. Tourism & Entertainment: Guam brought CHamoru dance, island music, and local food to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing 183,270 visitors and boosting the island’s presence in a key market. Fitness & Fundraising: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure (Oct. 3, Tumon Bay) returns with a 2K/5K run/walk benefiting “Kids for the Cure.”

New Entertainment at Micronesia Mall: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot family fun center, is aiming for an early December opening with 12 bowling lanes, a 60-foot zip line ropes course, indoor electric go-karts, and an arcade—plus food, party rooms, online booking, and plans to stay open beyond mall hours. Community Jobs & Hiring: PowerUP will hold a hiring fair Oct. 10 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Micronesia Mall to recruit full- and part-time staff ahead of training in October and November. CNMI Sports Fundraising: About 50 paddlers from Saipan Paddling Club, Marianas Pacific Paddlers, and Marianas Outrigger Club are raising funds for the Oct. 15–18 Micronesia Cup Canoe Race in Guam, with events like a happy hour sendoff and carwash fundraisers. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Palau’s DAVE Art Show featured a 1981 Samuel Adelbai painting, “Belau of Tomorrow, Our Belau,” using the bai men’s meeting house as a frame for a future-looking vision. Local Film & Mental Health: “One Kind Word,” a documentary on Guam suicide loss survivors and prevention, premieres Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres and will screen throughout October. Tourism & Performance: Guam brought CHamoru culture, music, and island food to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing major visitor interest alongside new WTTC-backed tourism collaboration.

Palau Arts: Palauan artist Samuel Adelbai’s 1981 painting “Belau ra Klukuk, Belau er Kid” anchors this year’s DAVE Art Show, using the bai (men’s meeting house) as a frame for a “Belau of Tomorrow” shaped by tradition, modernization, and global change. Classroom Creativity: Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned student winners across grades 1–3, spotlighting teachers and even a tennis coach through student art. Guam Culture on the Road: Guam tourism brought CHamoru dance, island music, and local food to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing 183,270 visitors and boosting the island’s presence in Japan through a WTTC-linked partnership. Community Fitness & Cause: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure returns Oct. 3 with a 2K/5K run-walk in Tumon Bay, supporting “Kids for the Cure.” Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films’ documentary “One Kind Word” premieres Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, sharing suicide loss stories to spark prevention and healing conversations. Micronesian Navigation Spotlight: Author/TV host Steve Thomas brings an updated “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, highlighting Mau Piailug’s wayfinding traditions. Pacific Sports: A Pacific sports wrap looks at Polynesian athletics and the FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti, plus rugby league and other regional matchups.

World Teachers’ Day Spotlight: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned grade 1–3 winners across Saipan and Guam, with students drawing teachers and even a tennis coach—celebrating classroom impact through art. Guam Tourism at Expo Japan: Guam brought CHamoru culture, island food, music, and hospitality to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, reaching 183,270 visitors and boosting the island’s visibility in a key travel market. Community Run/Walk: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure returns Oct. 3 in Tumon Bay with a 2K/5K, raising funds for “Kids for the Cure” and offering a chance to win a United Airlines roundtrip ticket. Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using storytelling and art to tackle Guam’s suicide crisis and encourage prevention conversations. Local Arts & Culture Travel: A Guam travel feature highlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus local tastes like açaí. Sports & Youth Leadership: Pacific sports coverage spotlights regional rugby league and Polynesian tournaments, while GTA names five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27.

Community Fitness & Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care and The Baker Foundation are gearing up for the 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk in Tumon Bay on Oct. 3, with proceeds supporting “Kids for the Cure.” Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a Guam-focused suicide prevention documentary, at Micronesia Mall Theatres on Oct. 2, with screenings throughout October. Arts, Culture & Tourism: A Guam travel feature highlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus local eats like an açaí bowl. Local Retail & Lifestyle: Dusit Place (Dusit Thani Guam) is expanding with New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a coming Paradise Premium Fitness, aiming to turn the plaza into a go-to destination. Pacific Sports & Events: A Pacific sports wrap spotlights Tahiti’s half marathon champions and the upcoming FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti (Oct. 19–24). Mental Health Outreach: Surry Community College’s PTK chapter hosts “Behind the Smile” mental health awareness fair Sept. 30 with coping-skill activities and resource stations. Micronesian Navigation Heritage: Adventurer Steve Thomas brings an updated edition of “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s wayfinding legacy. Hospitality Industry Watch: IHG is introducing its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo signings (Shinjuku conversion opening in 2027; Ginza new-build opening in 2029).

Museum Spotlight: Te Papa Tongarewa’s Pacific Arts display spotlights Polynesian material culture, including a rare early wooden akau tau and barkcloth/tapa traditions, while also unpacking how some “Fijian” pieces were shaped by Tongan artisans and boat builders in the 1700s. Sports & Culture: A Pacific sports wrap links French Polynesian athletics, Tahiti’s FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup (Oct. 19–24), and rugby league squad announcements across the region. Community Mental Health (Guam): UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” (Oct. 2, Micronesia Mall Theatres) to elevate suicide prevention through survivor stories, poetry, and visual art. Arts & Books (Micronesia connection): Author TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s star-and-swell wayfinding legacy. Local Youth Leadership (Guam): GTA names five Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships, with leadership spanning arts, advocacy, and community service. Lifestyle & Entertainment (Guam): Dusit Place’s Dusit Thani plaza is adding New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a coming Paradise Premium Fitness, aiming to make the area a go-to destination. Travel & Hospitality (Japan/Micronesia tie-in): IHG launches its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels—Shinjuku’s Kabukicho conversion (opening 2027) and Ginza’s new-build (opening 2029).

Mental Health & Film: Guam’s UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with screenings throughout October, centering suicide-loss survivors and pushing prevention through storytelling, poetry, and community resources. Community Wellbeing: U.S. Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team and Chaplain Directorate just wrapped a two-week mental health and religious leader outreach across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, training leaders to recognize distress and strengthen coping and referral pathways. Arts & Culture: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s wayfinding traditions. Local Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships. Sports Spotlight: Simeon Jacob of the Federated States of Micronesia set a new FSM half-marathon record at the World Athletics Road Running Championships. Hospitality Watch: IHG is launching its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels (Shinjuku conversion opening 2027; Ginza new-build opening 2029).

Diplomatic Appointments: The Council of Ministers has approved new Spanish ambassadors to Angola, the Philippines, Madagascar, and South Sudan, including Miguel Utray Delgado, who previously served as ambassador in Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a documentary on suicide prevention and suicide-loss survivors, at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with screenings throughout October. Community Wellness Events: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter is hosting “Behind the Smile” mental health awareness fair Sept. 30 at Surry Community College, featuring resource stations and a cardio drumming session. Arts & Culture Travel: A Guam travel feature spotlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, Tumon Bay, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show. Sports Across the Pacific: Regional coverage highlights record runs and World Cup qualification battles, including a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob. Hospitality & Lifestyle: IHG is bringing its premium Noted Collection brand to Japan with two Tokyo signings—one in Shinjuku (opening 2027) and one in Ginza (opening 2029).

Mental Health & Community: Guam’s UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using survivor stories, poetry, and art to push suicide prevention and start community conversations. Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships, with two top leaders also receiving extra travel miles. Arts, Culture & Books: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s wayfinding traditions. Wellness & Fitness in Guam: Dusit Place’s rebrand is adding New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a planned Paradise Premium Fitness, plus a look ahead to the Aquarium of Guam’s reopening. Regional Sports: Pacific sport coverage highlights record-breaking athletics, World Cup qualifiers, and Oceania weightlifting results, including a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob. Travel & Hospitality (Micronesia-linked): IHG is rolling out its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels—one in Shinjuku (opening 2027) and one in Ginza (opening 2029).

Guam Arts & Culture Travel: A spring-break trip to Guam spotlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, Tumon Bay sunsets, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus a local açaí stop. Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films announce “One Kind Word,” a suicide-prevention documentary premiering Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using storytelling, poetry, visual art, and survivor voices to spark conversations about loss and healing. Community Wellness Event: Honor society PTK at Surry Community College hosts “Behind the Smile” on Sept. 30, a mental health awareness fair with coping-skills activities, resource stations, and a cardio drumming session. Local Youth Leadership: GTA names five Guam Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while recognizing leadership across service, academics, athletics, arts, advocacy, and more. Retail, Dining & Fitness in Guam: Dusit Place’s Dusit Thani Resort rebranding adds New Era (sports headwear), Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono (luxury watches), and a planned Paradise Premium Fitness, with the Aquarium of Guam reopening later this year. Micronesia-Linked Sports: Pacific sport coverage includes a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob at the World Athletics Road Running Championships. Regional Security Debate: “Ocean of Peace” is discussed as a Pacific idea—still more slogan than framework—amid ongoing diplomatic disagreements. Hospitality News (Japan): IHG brings its Noted Collection brand to Japan via two Tokyo hotels, including a Shinjuku conversion property and a Ginza new-build slated for later openings.

Hotel & Lifestyle: IHG is bringing its premium Noted Collection brand to Japan via two Tokyo deals—an 81-key Ginza opening planned for 2029 and a 207-key Shinjuku (Kabukicho) conversion hotel slated for 2027—aimed at owners who want global scale without losing each property’s identity. Mental Health & Community Arts: The University of Guam Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using survivor stories, poetry, and visual art to push suicide prevention and healing. Navigation Heritage: Author/adventurer Steve Thomas brings The Last Navigator (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding and the research behind it. Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPads and scholarships while highlighting student work across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Arts, Wellness & Retail: Dusit Place in Guam is rebranding with new tenants like New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, and SRS Chrono, plus an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness and a look ahead to the Aquarium of Guam reopening.

Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films are premiering “One Kind Word,” a Guam-focused suicide prevention documentary built from stories by suicide loss survivors, attempt survivors, first responders, and health professionals. It screens at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with showings throughout October. Community Wellness Events: Surry Community College’s “Behind the Smile” mental health fair (Sept. 30) pairs resource stations with coping activities, including a free cardio drumming session. Youth Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while highlighting leadership across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Arts, Books & Tradition: Author/adventurer Steve Thomas brings an updated edition of The Last Navigator to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding. Arts & Culture in the Region: “Ocean of Peace” debate continues among Pacific leaders, raising questions about whether the phrase can become a real security framework. Sports (Micronesia in focus): Simeon Jacob set a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, spotlighting Guam suicide loss survivors and prevention through storytelling, poetry, visual art, and first-person accounts, with screenings planned throughout October. Community Wellbeing: US Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team wrapped a two-week mental health and religious leader outreach across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, training trusted leaders to spot distress, encourage coping, and connect people to professional support. Arts, Books & Navigation: TV host and author Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding and star-and-swell navigation methods. Youth Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while highlighting leadership across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Culture & Sports: Dusit Place’s rebranding adds New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness, while the NM Jiu-Jitsu Federation moves toward NMSA membership to expand regional competition pathways.