Community Events: Friendship recital, skills showcase, Freedom Rocks, fitness expo

Osaka students return for Friendship recital at Micronesia Mall

Students from Sakai Liberal High School in Osaka, Japan returned to Guam for a special Friendship Recital at the Micronesia Mall Center Court on June 20.

The students' performance kicked off the weekend festivities for the Mall Ball 3x3 High School Tournament, which runs from June 20–22.

Sakai Liberal High School is renowned throughout Japan for its distinctive “expression education” program, which fosters student confidence through dance, music, and performance-based communication.

The event showcases Micronesia Mall’s commitment to welcoming Japanese tourists and showcasing international talent, especially in the spirit of friendship and cross-cultural celebration. Attendees can expect high-energy song and dance performances from 39 talented students.

A total of nine performances are scheduled, showcasing vocal, band, chorus, and dance presentations from individuals, small groups and full class ensembles.

BTACS Expo 2025 showcases student talent & career readiness

The Business and Technology Academy Charter School will showcase the skills, creativity and career readiness of its students at BTACS Expo 2025.

The event, open to the public, will take place on June 28 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 pm. at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.

The expo will feature interactive student-led booths representing various Career and Technical Education programs offered at BTACS.

Each class will present a themed booth featuring student work, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging visuals that reflect their learning from the school year.

“Our students have worked incredibly hard and are excited to show the community what they’ve learned,” said Joshua Miller, BTACS teacher. “This event is more than a showcase — it’s a celebration of innovation, skill-building, and the future workforce of Guam.”

Freedom Rocks at Navy base

The U.S. Naval Base Guam will host the Freedom Rocks festival at Polaris Point on July 4, a free event open to the public.

"The Naval Base Guam team looks forward to once again welcome the community to celebrate our nation's birthday," said Capt. John Frye, NBG commanding officer.

"While it is a day of celebration, on Independence

Day we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and vision of our nation's founders who boldly declared our independence and laid the foundation for the freedoms we cherish today," he added.

The gate will be open for those with normal base access at 2 p.m. Those without base access will be welcomed at 3 p.m. A military ID or visitor pass is not required for access.

Besides foods and games, the festival will feature performances by Johnny Suite and Chante, Hawaii-based island reggae artists; Freedom Circus and local entertainment by Precious Metal band and Jimmy Dee's Chamorritas and

Matuas fire show.

The 12-minute fireworks display will be launched at 8:15 p.m. from a barge just outside the Point Club.

Polaris Point will be open until the installation reaches capacity for parking or at 8 p.m. before the start of the fireworks display. Guests who would like to view the fireworks from Polaris Point are advised to arrive before the closure. 

Guests are prohibited from bringing items such as drones, weapons, personal fireworks, backpacks, grills, glass containers, coolers, large bags, tents, recording devices (audio or video), outside alcohol, pets, rollerblades, skateboards, roller-skates, marijuana and other drugs.

The following are examples of allowed items: small bags or purses, umbrellas,

towels, strollers/wagons, and folding chairs. Security personnel will inspect all personnel, bags and hand-carried items at the entrance to the event.

Fitness expo returns

Guam FitExpo is back for its annual fitness, wellness and community celebration at LeoPalace Resort Guam on July 26 and 27. 

Last year’s event drew athletes, judges, and fitness enthusiasts from across Asia — including the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea — who experienced Guam’s island hospitality and vibrant fitness scene. 

“This year, we’re excited to expand our reach even further, drawing in new athletes from neighboring regions such as Saipan and continuing to spotlight Guam as a vibrant wellness tourism destination,” says Guam FitExpo President Domer Gabriel. 

Event lineup: 

Saturday, July 26• 10 a.m. – World Natural Bodybuilding Federation – Classic Muscle Showdown Pro Card Show 
10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Seminars, Fitness Classes, & More
2 p.m & 6:30 p.m. – Music x Movement by Senhålom

Sunday, July 27• 6 a.m.  5K Sunrise Run 
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Expo Booths & Wellness Activations
10 a.m.  GUROX Team Fitness Race

Tickets for the Guam FitExpo can be purchased on www.Guamtime.net. To learn more, visit https://linktr.ee/guamfitexpo