Youth baseball on Guam developed as an organized sport after World War II and enjoyed several decades as the predominant youth sport on the island. Guam’s top youth baseball teams have represented Guam well in international competitions such as the Little League World Series and the Babe Ruth World Series.
Baseball: Youth League Read Post »
Baseball arrived in Guam with the Americans, and seems to have been played almost as soon as the Americans took over the administration of Guam at the turn of the 20th century. For the first half of the 1900s, it was the only sport played in any widespread form, and until about 20 or 30 years ago it was still the most popular sport in Guam.
Baseball: History of the Sport in Guam Read Post »
Mr. Smooth Norbert Tydingco is best known for playing the smoothest chord progressions in the local jazz arena earning for himself the nickname “Mr. Smooth.” Tydingco’s love of music began
Louie Gombar is an accomplished musician on Guam known for his playing of the vibes (vibraharp). Gombar started out as a musician at the young age of twelve using bottles filled with water and playing them as if they were the vibes. Soon after, Gombar began to get exposure to Guam’s music scene.
Jose Naputi Gumabon, Sr. (1904 – 1968) was musically and artistically gifted. He formed a stringed orchestra with his sons and close friends to play at parties, weddings, christenings, and other functions. Although Gumabon and his musician sons have since passed away, their memories live on through their children, relatives and fellow musicians.
Guitarist Joaquin “Ding” Palomo (1923 – 1997) was a well-known and well-accomplished musician. Although he was known by his peers for playing rhythm guitar, he also played lead guitar. Palomo was an educator by profession, serving as principal of schools in Humåtak/Umatac and Dededu/Dededo. He woke up each morning at 5 a.m., however, to engage in what many called his passion – music.
Joaquin “Ding” Palomo Read Post »
Francisco Garrido Franquez (1921 – 2006), also known as “Frank” or “Ankie,” first picked up the harmonica at the age of 14 years old. In 1935 or 1936 there was a harmonica contest in the Guam schools for students throughout the island. Though Franquez did not care for the instrument at first, he continued to practice and eventually became an accomplished player.
Francisco G. Franquez Read Post »
Forrest Harris (1932 – ) first found his interest in music at nine years old while strumming a ukulele and playing a country song called “San Antonio Rose.” He would go on in his adult years to playing the mandolin, although he preferred the sound of the guitar.
Carlos Cruz Laguana was born on 4 November 1925, and died at age 65 on 30 June 1991. He was a banker by profession, but is best remembered for his musical prowess as a bassist.
George William Pereira Muna, more commonly known as Bill Muna, was a noted musician and active member of the community on Guam. He was an employee of the US Naval Public Works Center (PWC) up until his medical retirement in the late 1980s.
