PLAIN ENGLISH
Maureen N. Maratita
Listen. Those sounds are the doors of islands businesses opening. And the sounds of our residents coming and going — off-island and out to eat. …
I don’t believe that anybody is ignoring the fact that Guam is not COVID-free and may not be for the foreseeable future. But yes, life is showing signs of coming back to normal. …
As the summer approaches, we are even beginning to hope we’ll soon see tourists coming and going too.
It’s tough to get a table for lunch or Sunday brunch again in Guam. But since occupancy on-island is only at 75% and tables must be distanced — it’s actually harder.
And of course, some restaurants are not able to make dining-in work from that essential perspective — the profit margin — or have closed. …
Like COVID vaccinations, the shortage of seating has had some undesirable side effects for some people too.
I can tell you that there actually was fighting over tables at a venue that does not take reservations. (We were not there; we missed it by minutes — so I cannot prove this — but I’m pretty sure none of my readers were involved.) …
For those of us venturing out, I think we have all got beyond, “It’s so nice to sit at a table and be served (outside, under a canopy, with the rain pouring down).” It’s still nice to sit outside — only now we can choose not to do so when it’s raining.
But we are back to expecting good food, great ingredients and well, good service. I know it’s a balancing act now more than ever to source ingredients — but our chefs have always been resourceful and creative. …
So, it is not without reason that I’d like to compliment Roy’s at the Guam Hilton on their weekday lunch menu, the availability of what we ordered, and the service when the restaurant re-opened in May.
Something arrived for us to munch on when we sat down. Our waiter also discreetly magicked away appetizer plates and brought the main courses. And dessert. Oh, the dessert — a little work of art.
It was nice to see the Hilton management team at Roy’s — and with something to smile about.
Given the shortage of venues, it’s a plus to have Roy’s back, albeit only three days a week to start with. …
The Journal’s front page in this issue features two stories that show the effect of the U.S. military on regional economies.
The paper is also carrying stories of two individuals who represent their countries.
None of this was planned. We never know when an issue heads off to the printer or our website exactly what the next one will bring.
But it is a pleasing convergence of events, people and news.
You could say that of the “Focus” pages too. It’s been a while since we’ve seen so many people at events in our pages.
So to everybody who stood up or sat down for photos, or who made time for an interview, or shared their opinions — thank you. As they say, we couldn’t do it without you. …
— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Publications at Glimpses Media include the Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, The Real Estate Journal, Guam Business Magazine, Beach Road Magazine, Buenas and Drive Guam.
