Happy Anniversary to Pacific Island Times! Publisher/editor-in-chief Mar-Vic Cagurangan, congratulations!
You have successfully and tirelessly developed and delivered a source of information that is relevant and meaningful to our readership. While focused on our region, the Blue Continent, the articles are insightful to the entire globe.
I remember the early days when you were taking the first steps. Separating from a prior media operation and creating your establishment took such bravery. Thank you for making your dream come true. Seven years later, here we are.
There is no doubt that your incredible experience beginning in 1988 as a junior reporter for People Tonight and your blossoming career through the years has nurtured an environment that fosters good journalism.
Mar-Vic worked at the Philippine Daily Globe, Today, Marianas Variety-CNMI Asian Newspaper Focus (Singapore), Philippine Free Press, Samui Express (Thailand), Marianas Variety-Guam, Marianas Business Journal and Guam Business, Guam Daily Post and currently the Guam correspondent for Building Industry Magazine Hawaii, and a regular contributor to The Guardian.
She has been a reporter, subeditor, correspondent, columnist, editor, managing editor, supplements editor, contributor. Today, she is a publisher and editor-in-chief.
Mar-Vic earned an AB in Philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas and some credits toward an MA in Sociology from the University of the Philippines. With this scholarly background, it is easy to see where her analytic insight and thought-provoking writing comes from.
Just as meaningful is understanding her mindset for her work. As a sociologist, Mar-Vic is interested and intrigued by human social behavior, interaction, and culture. Her writing topics reflect this. Indeed, her editorial pieces titled “Signs of the Times” are exactly that – signs of the times.
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Pacific Island Times has top-notch contributing writers from Guam and around the Pacific. The slate includes Raquel Bagnol, Donna Hope Blas, Zaldy Dandan, Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, Theodore Lewis, Louella Losinio, Bryan Manabat, Joyce McClure, Gabriel McCoard, Diana Mendoza, Jack Niedenthal, Julian Ryall, Robert Underwood, Frank Whitman and me.
Jan Furukawa has been on the team for years and, from seeing the growth of sponsors, has delivered extraordinarily well. Administrative assistant Jinky Villanueva and accountant Adoracion Leomo, whonare part of the team and I’m sure they are equally as efficient and enthusiastic.
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Scattered across the region and West Coast, perspectives are guaranteed to be captivating. Mar-Vic does not require us to write about anything in particular – we choose, she supports. The tapestry of articles is always delightful, interesting with things to learn or thoughts to think about.
Mar-Vic's care for people is easy to see. At one point, I had to address some health issues and could not make monthly deadlines. She was gracious, inquired why and wished me well. After a few months, she popped an email my way asking if I was ready to write again. I smiled. Always nice to be welcomed.
For Christmas, she gave me a copy of “When a Mustard Seed Moved a Mountain,” written by Theodore Lewis. The collection of 25 life stories is really interesting and moving. But the acknowledgment of Mar-Vic's encouragement for him to write, share, and move on was heartwarming.
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Mar-Vic and I have our sons in common. Ico and Eric share the same journeys in life – figuring out where they fit in, how they fit in. The challenges with getting the needed support and guidance are multiple. The desire to have our sons be happy and productive is a goal. We share dreams, frustrations, anxiety and hopes.
While the Pacific Island Times is online, it is also in print. I hope it stays in hard copy. Technology is great until it is not. Not having to depend on power and internet to access news is a godsend. Also, some of us like turning pages and holding print close up. You know, the good ole days.
Cheers! Mar Vic, congratulations. Thank you for your passion for writing and sharing. In today’s world, the connection is just as valued as you are.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.
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