AGP Executive Report

Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau GM Régine Biscoe Lee says overseas promotion is ramping up even as arrivals stay weak, citing Aug. 1–18 data showing visitor numbers down 22.9% vs. 2025; the Guam Mega Familiarization Tour on Sept. 4 drew 200+ trade pros, media, and influencers, with plans to make it annual. Music & Culture: Jam Sessions’ milestone show “Rooted: Tribal Theory featuring Wavvy” hits LeoPalace Resort Guam this Saturday, bringing the San Diego reggae band back for its first Guam performance since 2018. Local Sports: Guam Football Association launches its inaugural Men’s Recreational Mañe’lu League (Oct. 4 start) for ages 18+ to keep adults active and playing. Community & Arts: GEDA awards $285K to 19 village mayor’s offices for projects across healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education, and cultural preservation. Food & Tradition: Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, celebrating a year of food, music, and cultural exchange. Religious Life: The Archdiocese of Agana continues efforts to promote devotion toward canonization of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores.

Island Reggae Homecoming: Tribal Theory returns to Guam this Saturday for “ROOTED: Tribal Theory featuring Wavvy” at LeoPalace Resort Guam, with doors opening 4 p.m. and local opener Malak Mo’na plus a CHamoru Bendision before the main show. Courtroom Drama: “Baby Joe” Taimanglo’s assault trial begins in Superior Court, with prosecutors describing a non-random bar-fight-style incident and the defense raising “serious conflicts” in how the case is being handled. Faith & Heritage: The Archdiocese of Agana keeps pushing toward canonization for Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, planning new educational and devotional efforts to grow active devotion. Sports for Everyone: The Guam Football Association launches its inaugural Men’s Recreational Mañe’lu League starting Oct. 4, built for ages 18+ to play for fitness, friendship, and fun. Community Nights: Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, celebrating a year of food, culture, and performers from Guam and beyond. Local Business Boost: GEDA awards $285,000 to 19 village mayor’s offices for projects spanning healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education, and cultural preservation. Remembering 9/11: Jamaican Grill’s 25th annual 9.11 Commemorative Luncheon invites Guam first responders to a free combo plate across four locations. Tech & Travel Marketing: A Guam Visitors Bureau talk highlights how more travelers are using AI to plan trips—urging local businesses to post clear, specific info so they show up in AI recommendations. Guam in Japan: GEDA’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Shizuoka showcases Made in Guam products with cultural performances and direct sales to Japanese consumers.

Guam Community & Culture: Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, growing from a 10-Sunday pilot into a weekly hub for local food, performers, and international culture—plus big plans for September. Arts & Fundraising: Public Radio for Guam (KPRG) is hosting The Thrift Store Ball on Sept. 12 with live music, costume prizes, and a community push to keep local NPR programming on the air. Local Business Spotlight: Grease Monkey Drive-In opens in Tamuning as a car-community hangout, with limited hours at first while staffing and ordering tech get set. GEDA & Village Projects: GEDA awarded $285,000 to 19 village mayors’ offices for projects across healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education, and cultural preservation. Education Policy: A bill would let GDOE set educator pay plans; it has support for retention but raises concerns about how fast and how far it could go. Sports: Utuado and Guayama swept women’s baseball twin bills in the 2026 season. Local Court Watch: “Baby Joe” Taimanglo II’s trial begins over alleged 2025 assaults.

Guam Community & Culture: Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, growing from a 10-weekend pilot into a weekly hub for local food, performers, and international acts—plus big plans for September. Local Education: Bill 351-38 would let GDOE set pay for educators and support staff; lawmakers heard support for retention, but also worries about how fast and how far it could go. Arts & Fundraising: Artspace Guåhan launches “Be a Friend. Make Your Mark.” to keep creative programs accessible, while KPRG’s Thrift Store Ball returns Sept. 12 with music and costume prizes. Business & Lifestyle: Grease Monkey Drive-In opens in Tamuning as a car-community hangout, and iLearn eyes the long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall as a future school site. Sports: Utuado and Guayama sweep women’s baseball twin bills. Public Safety: GPD investigates a report of a girl found at a Dededo bus stop. International Spotlight (Guam ties): RNZAF P-8A Poseidon crews join a multinational maritime exercise around Guam, and Guam’s Håfa Adai Festival in Japan spotlights Made-in-Guam products.

Made in Guam in Japan: GEDA’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Shizuoka put seven local companies on the map, letting them sell directly to Japanese consumers while cultural groups like Guma Famagu’on Tano’ yan i Tasi and Yoshiwara Gion Taiko performed. Guam politics, but make it accessible: “Lunch with the Leaders” is expanding into a nonpartisan candidate interview series, confirming 18 senatorial candidates plus all five attorney general candidates for Sept. 8–22 on Wave 105, YouTube, and livestreams. Tourism spotlight: The Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show drew 200+ international partners and media to experience Guam firsthand, with local exhibitors including the Barcinas Sisters. Community arts & culture: The Barcinas Sisters brought traditional weaving to the spotlight with fresh twists at the MegaFAM show. New local hangout: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning as a car-community meet-up spot, starting with limited hours and a dinner run Tue–Sat. Onstage queer storytelling: “Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad” brings a queer men’s revue story to Manila’s Halxyon Club (Sept. 29–Oct. 29). Sports (Guam vs NMI): Guam’s U20 men closed AFC qualifiers with a 3–0 win over Northern Mariana Islands in Mongolia. Election letters: Two opinion pieces zero in on cost of living, trust, and jobs as voters head to the Nov. 3 Guam General Election.

Guam Tourism & Media: The Guam Visitors Bureau kicked off the 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam, welcoming 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers—plus local exhibitors from hotels to attractions—aiming to spark fresh bookings and content for Guam’s holiday season. Local Culture Spotlight: The Barcinas Sisters brought traditional weaving to the MegaFAM crowd, mixing classic fish-and-hat designs with modern twists like jewelry and acrylic coasters. Community & 9/11 Remembrance: Tower for Humanity is lighting up its 9/11 Twin Towers replica at Micronesia Mall for a 25th-anniversary remembrance ceremony, built with thousands of toy timber logs and thousands of internal lights. New Local Business: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning as a car-community hangout, currently running limited hours while staffing and ordering tech get set. Sports (Guam vs NMI): Guam’s U20 men closed AFC U20 qualifiers with a 3–0 win over the NMI U20 team in Mongolia. Public Safety Update: GPD is investigating a report of a young girl found at a Dededo bus stop; Child Protective Services is involved and the case remains active.

Local Education & Development: The long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall is back in the spotlight as iLearn Academy Charter School eyes the space for a 40-classroom “educational facility,” with zoning and planning approvals needed for a hoped-for 2027 start. New Drive-In Spot: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning as a car-community hangout, currently running limited hours while staffing and ordering tech (cash first, then cards/QR) get fully set. Tourism Showcase: The Guam MegaFAM Trade Show brought 200+ international travel partners and media to LeoPalace Resort Guam, with local businesses—like the Barcinas Sisters—turning traditional weaving into modern, visitor-friendly souvenirs. Guam in the Connectivity Mix: GTA led a 10-member delegation to BATIC 2026 in Bali to strengthen Pacific network partnerships, pitching Guam as a gateway and growing data hub. Sports (Guam Football): Guam’s U20 men kicked off AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a 3-0 win over NMI, with Levi Berg scoring twice. Entertainment: Filipina singer Dessa delivered an intimate dinner-show performance at Hyatt Regency Guam, mixing big vocals with crowd-pleasing humor and classics.

Guam Tourism Boost: The Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show welcomed 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers at LeoPalace Resort Guam, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, food, attractions, and shopping to key markets. Local Culture in the Spotlight: The Barcinas Sisters brought woven tradition to the MegaFAM crowd, mixing classic fish-and-hat designs with newer jewelry and accessories. Election Access, Youth-Led: “Lunch with the Leaders” is expanding into a nonpartisan candidate interview series, now confirming 18 senatorial candidates and all five attorney general candidates for Sept. 8–22 broadcasts on Wave 105, YouTube, and livestreams. Connectivity for Guam: GTA led a 10-member delegation to BATIC 2026 in Bali to strengthen Pacific connectivity partnerships, highlighting Guam’s role as a gateway for new cables and a growing data hub. Guam Sports (U20): Guam opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a dominant 3–0 win over NMI, led by Levi Berg’s two goals. Science & Health: A Guam-linked skincare/anti-aging buzz includes P-beauty and next-gen anti-aging products, while a separate study points to a gut inflammation trigger tied to a Guam-associated compound. Defense & Policy Watch: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s seabed-mining FAST-41 amendment was blocked by the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for expedited federal review.

Tourism Spotlight: Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show packed LeoPalace Resort Guam with 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers, plus nearly 40 local exhibitors—from hotels and attractions to the Barcinas Sisters—aiming to turn visits into new packages and content. Arts & Entertainment: World Theatre brings Broadway magic to Guam with its biggest cast yet for “Frozen,” running Sept. 4–6 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House. Sports: Guam U20 Men’s National Team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands; next up is Mongolia on Sept. 6. Local Culture & Community: Dessa delivered an intimate concert dinner show at Hyatt Regency Guam, mixing big vocals with crowd-pleasing classics and humor. Guam Business: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant to make applications faster and more transparent.

Tourism & Local Craft: The Guam Visitors Bureau’s MegaFAM Trade Show put the Barcinas Sisters’ traditional weaving front and center at LeoPalace, with nearly 40 local businesses welcoming 240+ international travel partners, media, and influencers. GVB Growth Moves: GVB also launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, aiming to make applications faster and more transparent for tourism partners. Music & Live Entertainment: Filipina singer Dessa brought an intimate, laugh-and-sing dinner show to the Hyatt Regency Guam. Sports Spotlight: Guam’s U20 Men’s National Team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, and heads to Mongolia next. Community & Culture on Stage: World Theatre returns with “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” at the University of Guam Sept. 4–6, with a huge cast and two alternating teams. Local Governance Watch: An opinion piece urges Guam senators to fix the Ma Kahat Act before another Simon Sanchez High School rebuild setback. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends soon, with the next U.S. clock change set for Nov. 1, 2026.

Guam Politics & Environment: Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining off Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from getting fast-track federal review failed after the House Rules Committee declined to bring his amendment to a vote, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for expedited permitting under FAST-41. Local Energy & Tech: A UOG and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory team is exploring the old Tanguisson power plant site for an ocean thermal energy conversion project, while also studying South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning and looking at whether AI data-center firms could help fund marine energy. Airport Business: Avolta has been provisionally approved to take over A.B. Won Pat International Airport’s specialty retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage contracts, moving from interim operator Lotte Duty Free. Sports (Guam U20): Guam’s U20 Men’s National Team opened AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, with Levi Berg scoring twice; next up is Mongolia on Sept. 6. Arts & Family Entertainment: World Theatre brings Broadway’s “Frozen” to the University of Guam Calvo Field House Sept. 4–6 with a cast of 130+ and ticket sales via GuamTime. Tourism & Community: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant to make applications easier and more transparent for tourism partners.

Guam Sports: Guam’s U20 Men’s National Team kicked off the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, led by Levi Berg’s two goals; Guam next faces Mongolia on Sept. 6 (1 p.m.). Guam Arts & Family Entertainment: World Theatre brings Broadway magic to Guam with its biggest cast yet for “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” at the University of Guam Calvo Field House (Sept. 4-6). Guam Tourism & Local Business: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, aiming to make applications faster and more transparent for tourism partners. Airport Retail Update: Avolta has been provisionally set to take over A.B. Won Pat International Airport’s speciality retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage contracts. Community Wellness: Go Peace 26 Conference at Hyatt Regency Guam focused on prevention and mental health across generations, with sessions on substance use, resilience, and everyday wellness. Local Culture/Environment: Volunteers planted 2,200 trees at As Gadao in Malesso’, part of Guam’s ongoing watershed and landscape restoration push.

World Theatre: Guam gets Broadway magic with “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” at the University of Guam Calvo Field House (Sept. 4–6), featuring a 130+ actor cast and tickets $25 via GuamTime or at the door. Airport Retail: Avolta has been provisionally awarded A.B. Won Pat International Airport speciality retail (duty free) and food & beverage contracts, taking over from Lotte Duty Free as final negotiations gear up. Tourism Funding: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting applicants submit, upload documents, and save applications securely. Sports & Community: The Guam U20 Men’s National Team heads to Mongolia for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, while GOPEACE 26 at Hyatt Regency Guam spotlights intergenerational mental health and prevention. Local Sports Spotlight: Belleville High School boys soccer looks to a strong returning core for the season. Food & Fun: “Pitmasters” champions Esaul and Grecia Ramos are riding their Food Network breakthrough after winning the show. Guam Public Safety: A woman played “Amazing Grace” in court before being sentenced to time served in a Navy officer attempted assault case. Viral Incident: A man accused in a Thai Kitchen fight video has been arrested and charged.

Broadway in Guam: World Theatre Production is bringing “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” to the University of Guam Calvo Field House Sept. 4–6, with tickets $25 via GuamTime; the show features the biggest cast yet (130+ performers) and two alternating casts. Airport Retail Shake-Up: Avolta has been provisionally approved to take over A.B. Won Pat International Airport’s speciality retail (including duty free) from Lotte Duty Free, plus the master food & beverage contract, with final talks set to begin soon. Tourism Funding Made Easier: GVB launched a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting partners apply securely, upload documents, and save progress. Guam Sports Spotlight: Guam’s U20 Men’s National Team departs for Mongolia for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, aiming for growth beyond the scoreboard. Community & Wellness: GOPEACE 26 at Hyatt Regency Guam brought together behavioral health and prevention leaders to bridge generations on mental health and substance use. Local Environment: The GROW watershed restoration effort highlights how tree planting and erosion control on land protect Guam’s coral reefs. Meta Settlement Watch: Virginia AG says Meta’s $17B deal is a “down payment on reforms,” including limits on teen screen time.

Guam Tourism Buzz: The Guam Visitors Bureau is gearing up for the Guam Mega Familiarization Tour (Sept. 3–7), bringing 200+ travel trade pros, media, and digital influencers for island tours, a tabletop marketplace, and cultural stops like the Labor Day celebration and Tumon Night Market. Local Arts & Community: Weekly Volcano’s Newspaper Box Challenge is back, with reimagined newspaper boxes on display at Court House Square through Sept. 23—plus online voting to support artists and the paper. Mental Health & Wellness: Go Peace 26 at Hyatt Regency Guam is spotlighting prevention and mental wellness through an intergenerational lens, with sessions connecting generations on substance use and everyday wellbeing. Sports Spotlight: East Bengal FC has been drawn into Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026–27, facing Hwacheon KSPO, Ho Chi Minh City, and 4.25 SC, with Kolkata hosting Nov. 1–7. Public Safety/Local News: A man accused in a viral Thai Kitchen fight in Tamuning has been charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. Environment: The GROW watershed restoration effort highlights how hillside tree planting and erosion control protect Guam’s coral reefs and freshwater.

Watershed Restoration: Guam’s GROW Initiative is tackling coral reef health by restoring southern hillsides and watersheds—tree planting and erosion-control to stop sediment from smothering reefs and clouding freshwater. Court Update: A 43-year-old man tied to a viral Thai Kitchen fight in Tamuning has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct, after surveillance footage and injuries were reported. Wellness & Youth Mental Health: The Go Peace 26 Conference at Hyatt Regency Guam brought behavioral health leaders together for “Generations Across Prevention,” spotlighting how kids are increasingly self-referring for counseling. Sports (Women’s Football): East Bengal FC was drawn into Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026–27 with Hwacheon KSPO, Ho Chi Minh City, and 4.25 SC, with Kolkata hosting Nov. 1–7. Local Tourism & Entertainment: GVB is gearing up for the Guam Mega FAM (Sept. 3–7) with 200+ travel partners, and Pacific Islands Club Guam keeps the spotlight on its Pirates of the Pacific Dinner Show.