Island in the Sun (Guam 2013)

A tropical island in the Pacific, with a history involving Spanish, American, and Japanese occupation.

However, unlike the Philippines which was granted independence (again), Guam is still an unincorporated territory of the United States.

"I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans, because however a bad Filipino government might be, we can always change it."

- Manuel L. Quezon

Of course, many Filipinos today might argue that we actually got the short end of the stick since we're far from being exemplary when it comes to self-rule.


Incidentally, Filipinos comprise 26.3% of the ethnic groups on the island of Guam, while 75% of the tourists are Japanese.

Hotel Nikko

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica

Two Lovers Point

Apparently, if you carry enough gear with you, people will sometimes mistake you as a professional photographer and ask you to take their picture. Incidentally, the lady on the right uses a Nikon J1.

Statue of Liberty replica

There's something surreal about seeing a Statue of Liberty surrounded by coconut trees.

Fort Apugan

University of Guam

(or somewhere within that area anyway)

Jeff's Pirates Cove

(restaurant)

Inarajan

Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad

Raider 21 Monument

Latte of Freedom

Cetti Bay Overlook

Special thanks to Grace and Edmond Hebert for being such gracious hosts during my short stay, and to Michael Gabriel for showing me around the island.