GOVPH

Agana PCG Launches MapagLAROng Likha: Reimagining Philippine Traditional Games Through Art

Press Release RPL-005-2025 - Agana PCG Launches MapagLAROng Likha: Reimagining Philippine Traditional Games Through Art

24 February 2025, Guam - In celebration of Philippine National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Guam launched its art exhibit “MapagLAROng Likha: Reimagining Philippine Traditional Games Through Art at Micronesia Mall on 22 February 2025, which aims to promote Philippine traditional games through the artworks of Filipino-American artists in Guam. 

The launch was attended by Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Senator Shelly Calvo of the 38th Guam Legislature, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA) Executive Director Angie Taitague, Goodwind Development Corporation’s Executive Director Rene Lao, who represented Micronesia Mall Management Team and Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) President Edna Rebanal. The event was also attended by esteemed members of the Filipino community, school administrators, and media partners.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque expressed her gratitude to the Filipino-American artists who participated in this art exhibit, saying “Their works not only celebrate our traditional games but also serve as a bridge between generations, preserving our heritage through art.” She also conveyed her appreciation to Vice Speaker Ada, Senator Calvo, CAHA, and the Micronesia Mall for their unwavering support to the Consulate’s initiatives in promoting Philippine culture and the arts in Guam.

In her inspirational message as the Guest of Honor during the launch of the exhibit, 38th Guam Legislature Majority Whip and Committee Chairperson for Arts and Culture, Senator Shelly Calvo highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino-American artists on Guam in enriching Guam’s Guam’s cultural scene by blending Filipino traditional themes with local Chamorro influences. Their works help foster a deep appreciation of both cultures creating a unique artistic identity on the island.creative industry.

Vice Speaker Tony Ada together with Senator Shelly Calvo, presented Certificates of Recognition to the Filipino-American artists, recognizing their participation in this art exhibit and artistic contribution to the island of Guam.

The art exhibit features the artworks of ten (10) Guam-based Filipino-American artists, namely, Trexie Berondo, Richelle Canto, Anette Catahay, Grace Gueco, Olivia Newman, Lolit Poblete, Maila Pujol, Viola Roces, Merc Tenorio, Marcus Villaverde. The exhibit featured 15 artworks showcasing traditional games such as piko, saranggola, trumpo, sipa, bahay-bahayan, holen, teks, palo sebo, luksong lubid, luksong tinik, luksong baka, tumbang preso, and sungka. Most pieces were created using acrylic paint, while two artists created digital art.

The exhibit is open to the public from 23 February until 02 March 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall (beside Beyond the Box).

Agana PCG Launches Virtually the 2025 VIP Tour

03 February 2025, Guam - The Philippine Consulate General in Guam virtually launched the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 01 February 2025 to promote Philippine tourism and culture to overseas Filipinos and foreign nationals. The event aimed to provide information on the VIP Tour itinerary and package inclusions to interested participants in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands.

The virtual launch was attended by previous VIP Tour participants, officers and members of different Filipino organizations in Guam and Saipan, leaders of the Guam business community, as well as representatives of various tour/travel agencies in Guam. Also present in the launch included Ms. Genesis Raenani G. Renos from Philippine Department of Tourism - Los Angeles Office, Mr. Jose Clemente from Rajah Tours, Ms. Shaina Manlangit from Industry’s Finest, and Mr. Israel Fontanilla from Philippine Airlines (PAL) in Guam.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque invited all the attendees in the virtual launch to participate in the 2025 VIP Tour to be held on 06 to 15 July 2025 to top destinations in Manila, Laoag, Vigan, and Puerto Princesa. She also conveyed her appreciation to the previous VIP Tour participants and expressed hope that all attendees will be able to join this year’s VIP Tour.  She said, “Your continued enthusiasm and support are the reasons why this program is alive and thriving. Likewise, to all of you present today, we sincerely appreciate your interest, and I strongly encourage all of you to consider joining us this July for an experience that goes beyond travel—it is a homecoming, a way to reconnect with our roots, and an opportunity to create lasting memories with fellow Filipinos and friends.”

In a video message, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Jose Manuel Romualdez invited everyone to join this year’s VIP Tour, wherein he said, “This remarkable tour will offer an immerse journey into the heart of the Philippines where culture and history and natural beauty come together. [...] This will be a remarkable adventure that will not only allow you to experience the best of the Philippines but also create unforgettable moments.”

Mr. Jose Clemente, President of Rajah Tours, presented the 2025 Main VIP Tour itinerary, as well as the corresponding fees and package inclusions for the trip, to the interested participants.

Meanwhile, Ms. Shaina Manlangit, CEO and Founder of Industry’s Finest, introduced the newest offering for this year’s VIP Tour, which is the VIP Next Gen option, tailored for those who are seeking a more adventure-filled experience. This special itinerary (which will also take place from 06 to 15 July 2025) will take travelers to Manila, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa, offering thrilling activities and immersive cultural experiences.

Mr. Israel Fontanilla, PAL Operations Manager in Guam, presented the tentative flight itinerary and the airfare package for the VIP Tour. He mentioned that PAL will have a chartered flight from Laoag to Puerto Princesa.

The three presenters also answered queries from the attendees during the Question and Answer portion of the program.

For more information on the 2025 VIP Tour and how to join, interested participants may visit www.viptourphilippines.com or send an email to the Consulate through email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..END

Agana PCG Commemorates the 128th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal's Martyrdom

Press Release RPL-34-2024

31 December 2024, Guam - The Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam (Agana PCG), in cooperation with the Masonic District of Guam, commemorated the 128th Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom with a flower offering at Sentro Rizal Agana on 30 December 2024.

During the event, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque highlighted in her remarks the theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas (“Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Teachings, as our Guide”). She said, “To my colleagues in the Consulate, we can emulate Dr. Rizal’s love for our country by performing diligently and with integrity our daily tasks and responsibilities, especially in providing efficient and effective consular services to our stakeholders, while embodying the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas through our actions and commitment.” 

Consul General Lemque further said, “As we remember Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom, I wish to thank the modern heroes of our times. I commend the Masonic District of Guam for their heroism in times of calamities and disasters, they were ready to extend immediate assistance such as food and temporary shelter to those greatly affected during the recent typhoons not only to the locals but to our fellow kababayan in Guam.”

The event was attended by Agana PCG personnel with the officers and members of the Masonic District of Guam headed by Bro. Michael Jon Callang, District Deputy Grand Master, who delivered a message during the event citing Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom as a pivotal moment that played a crucial role in the Philippines’ attainment of independence and the shaping of its nationhood.END