AGP Executive Report

World Teachers’ Day Spotlight: Marianas Variety’s “Draw Your Teacher” contest crowned grade 1–3 winners across Saipan and Guam, with students drawing teachers and even a tennis coach—celebrating classroom impact through art. Guam Tourism at Expo Japan: Guam brought CHamoru culture, island food, music, and hospitality to Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, reaching 183,270 visitors and boosting the island’s visibility in a key travel market. Community Run/Walk: Guam Cancer Care’s 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure returns Oct. 3 in Tumon Bay with a 2K/5K, raising funds for “Kids for the Cure” and offering a chance to win a United Airlines roundtrip ticket. Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using storytelling and art to tackle Guam’s suicide crisis and encourage prevention conversations. Local Arts & Culture Travel: A Guam travel feature highlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus local tastes like açaí. Sports & Youth Leadership: Pacific sports coverage spotlights regional rugby league and Polynesian tournaments, while GTA names five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27.

Community Fitness & Cancer Support: Guam Cancer Care and The Baker Foundation are gearing up for the 25th Anniversary Strides for the Cure 2K/5K Run/Walk in Tumon Bay on Oct. 3, with proceeds supporting “Kids for the Cure.” Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a Guam-focused suicide prevention documentary, at Micronesia Mall Theatres on Oct. 2, with screenings throughout October. Arts, Culture & Tourism: A Guam travel feature highlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus local eats like an açaí bowl. Local Retail & Lifestyle: Dusit Place (Dusit Thani Guam) is expanding with New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a coming Paradise Premium Fitness, aiming to turn the plaza into a go-to destination. Pacific Sports & Events: A Pacific sports wrap spotlights Tahiti’s half marathon champions and the upcoming FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup in Tahiti (Oct. 19–24). Mental Health Outreach: Surry Community College’s PTK chapter hosts “Behind the Smile” mental health awareness fair Sept. 30 with coping-skill activities and resource stations. Micronesian Navigation Heritage: Adventurer Steve Thomas brings an updated edition of “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s wayfinding legacy. Hospitality Industry Watch: IHG is introducing its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo signings (Shinjuku conversion opening in 2027; Ginza new-build opening in 2029).

Museum Spotlight: Te Papa Tongarewa’s Pacific Arts display spotlights Polynesian material culture, including a rare early wooden akau tau and barkcloth/tapa traditions, while also unpacking how some “Fijian” pieces were shaped by Tongan artisans and boat builders in the 1700s. Sports & Culture: A Pacific sports wrap links French Polynesian athletics, Tahiti’s FIBA Women’s Polynesian Cup (Oct. 19–24), and rugby league squad announcements across the region. Community Mental Health (Guam): UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” (Oct. 2, Micronesia Mall Theatres) to elevate suicide prevention through survivor stories, poetry, and visual art. Arts & Books (Micronesia connection): Author TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s star-and-swell wayfinding legacy. Local Youth Leadership (Guam): GTA names five Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships, with leadership spanning arts, advocacy, and community service. Lifestyle & Entertainment (Guam): Dusit Place’s Dusit Thani plaza is adding New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a coming Paradise Premium Fitness, aiming to make the area a go-to destination. Travel & Hospitality (Japan/Micronesia tie-in): IHG launches its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels—Shinjuku’s Kabukicho conversion (opening 2027) and Ginza’s new-build (opening 2029).

Mental Health & Film: Guam’s UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with screenings throughout October, centering suicide-loss survivors and pushing prevention through storytelling, poetry, and community resources. Community Wellbeing: U.S. Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team and Chaplain Directorate just wrapped a two-week mental health and religious leader outreach across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, training leaders to recognize distress and strengthen coping and referral pathways. Arts & Culture: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s wayfinding traditions. Local Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships. Sports Spotlight: Simeon Jacob of the Federated States of Micronesia set a new FSM half-marathon record at the World Athletics Road Running Championships. Hospitality Watch: IHG is launching its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels (Shinjuku conversion opening 2027; Ginza new-build opening 2029).

Diplomatic Appointments: The Council of Ministers has approved new Spanish ambassadors to Angola, the Philippines, Madagascar, and South Sudan, including Miguel Utray Delgado, who previously served as ambassador in Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Mental Health Through Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a documentary on suicide prevention and suicide-loss survivors, at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with screenings throughout October. Community Wellness Events: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter is hosting “Behind the Smile” mental health awareness fair Sept. 30 at Surry Community College, featuring resource stations and a cardio drumming session. Arts & Culture Travel: A Guam travel feature spotlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, Tumon Bay, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show. Sports Across the Pacific: Regional coverage highlights record runs and World Cup qualification battles, including a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob. Hospitality & Lifestyle: IHG is bringing its premium Noted Collection brand to Japan with two Tokyo signings—one in Shinjuku (opening 2027) and one in Ginza (opening 2029).

Mental Health & Community: Guam’s UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using survivor stories, poetry, and art to push suicide prevention and start community conversations. Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships, with two top leaders also receiving extra travel miles. Arts, Culture & Books: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s wayfinding traditions. Wellness & Fitness in Guam: Dusit Place’s rebrand is adding New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and a planned Paradise Premium Fitness, plus a look ahead to the Aquarium of Guam’s reopening. Regional Sports: Pacific sport coverage highlights record-breaking athletics, World Cup qualifiers, and Oceania weightlifting results, including a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob. Travel & Hospitality (Micronesia-linked): IHG is rolling out its Noted Collection brand in Japan with two Tokyo hotels—one in Shinjuku (opening 2027) and one in Ginza (opening 2029).

Guam Arts & Culture Travel: A spring-break trip to Guam spotlights Talofofo Falls, Two Lovers Point, Fish Eye Marine Park, Tumon Bay sunsets, and the Fish Eye Island Cultural Dinner Show—plus a local açaí stop. Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films announce “One Kind Word,” a suicide-prevention documentary premiering Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using storytelling, poetry, visual art, and survivor voices to spark conversations about loss and healing. Community Wellness Event: Honor society PTK at Surry Community College hosts “Behind the Smile” on Sept. 30, a mental health awareness fair with coping-skills activities, resource stations, and a cardio drumming session. Local Youth Leadership: GTA names five Guam Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while recognizing leadership across service, academics, athletics, arts, advocacy, and more. Retail, Dining & Fitness in Guam: Dusit Place’s Dusit Thani Resort rebranding adds New Era (sports headwear), Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono (luxury watches), and a planned Paradise Premium Fitness, with the Aquarium of Guam reopening later this year. Micronesia-Linked Sports: Pacific sport coverage includes a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob at the World Athletics Road Running Championships. Regional Security Debate: “Ocean of Peace” is discussed as a Pacific idea—still more slogan than framework—amid ongoing diplomatic disagreements. Hospitality News (Japan): IHG brings its Noted Collection brand to Japan via two Tokyo hotels, including a Shinjuku conversion property and a Ginza new-build slated for later openings.

Hotel & Lifestyle: IHG is bringing its premium Noted Collection brand to Japan via two Tokyo deals—an 81-key Ginza opening planned for 2029 and a 207-key Shinjuku (Kabukicho) conversion hotel slated for 2027—aimed at owners who want global scale without losing each property’s identity. Mental Health & Community Arts: The University of Guam Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, using survivor stories, poetry, and visual art to push suicide prevention and healing. Navigation Heritage: Author/adventurer Steve Thomas brings The Last Navigator (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding and the research behind it. Youth & Leadership: GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPads and scholarships while highlighting student work across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Arts, Wellness & Retail: Dusit Place in Guam is rebranding with new tenants like New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, and SRS Chrono, plus an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness and a look ahead to the Aquarium of Guam reopening.

Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films are premiering “One Kind Word,” a Guam-focused suicide prevention documentary built from stories by suicide loss survivors, attempt survivors, first responders, and health professionals. It screens at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with showings throughout October. Community Wellness Events: Surry Community College’s “Behind the Smile” mental health fair (Sept. 30) pairs resource stations with coping activities, including a free cardio drumming session. Youth Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while highlighting leadership across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Arts, Books & Tradition: Author/adventurer Steve Thomas brings an updated edition of The Last Navigator to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, spotlighting Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding. Arts & Culture in the Region: “Ocean of Peace” debate continues among Pacific leaders, raising questions about whether the phrase can become a real security framework. Sports (Micronesia in focus): Simeon Jacob set a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Documentary & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres, spotlighting Guam suicide loss survivors and prevention through storytelling, poetry, visual art, and first-person accounts, with screenings planned throughout October. Community Wellbeing: US Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team wrapped a two-week mental health and religious leader outreach across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, training trusted leaders to spot distress, encourage coping, and connect people to professional support. Arts, Books & Navigation: TV host and author Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding and star-and-swell navigation methods. Youth Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and scholarships while highlighting leadership across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Culture & Sports: Dusit Place’s rebranding adds New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness, while the NM Jiu-Jitsu Federation moves toward NMSA membership to expand regional competition pathways.

UOG Press & Brian Muña Films: Guam’s new documentary “One Kind Word” spotlights suicide-loss survivors and prevention, premiering Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with storytelling, poetry, and art aimed at breaking the silence and connecting people to resources. Mental Health in the Community: Surry Community College’s “Behind the Smile” fair (Sept. 30) mixes coping-skill stations, counseling info, and cardio drumming to help students and the public find support. Youth Leadership: GTA names five Guam high schoolers as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPads and scholarships while highlighting leadership across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and more. Retail & Wellness at Dusit Place: Dusit Thani Resort’s plaza rebranding adds New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, SRS Chrono, and an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness, aiming to make the area a go-to destination. Sports & Culture: Pacific sport coverage includes a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob, while other regional updates range from tennis leadership to weightlifting and rugby. Arts & Heritage: Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” to Lyme Public Hall Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s Micronesian wayfinding traditions.

Mental Health & Film: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a documentary on Guam’s suicide crisis, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Micronesia Mall Theatres, with October screenings planned; the project pairs storytelling, poetry, and visual art with survivor and first-responder voices, backed by the Focus on Life Program. Wayfinding & Books: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas brings “The Last Navigator” (updated edition) to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s star-and-swell navigation traditions in a free talk and book signing. Arts & Community Events: Surry Community College hosts “Behind the Smile” mental health awareness fair Sept. 30, plus Guam Cancer Care’s Strides for the Cure 2K/5K returns Oct. 3 near Dusit Thani Guam. Arts, Culture & Exhibitions: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, makes its Honolulu debut with a reception at UH Mānoa’s East-West Center Gallery this Sunday, featuring live performances and a gallery tour. Sports Leadership: GTA names five Guam high school Youth Leaders for 2026–27, recognizing leadership across service, academics, athletics, arts, and advocacy.

Micronesian Navigation & Storytelling: Adventurer/TV host Steve Thomas will bring his updated book The Last Navigator to Lyme Public Hall on Oct. 7, sharing Mau Piailug’s traditional wayfinding—stars, swells, and bird flight—plus a book signing and illustrated talk. Mental Health in the Community: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter is hosting “Behind the Smile” at Surry Community College on Sept. 30, with coping-skill activities, resource stations, and a cardio drumming session. Youth Leadership (Guam): GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPads and scholarships, with leadership spanning service, arts, advocacy, and environmental work. Arts, Wellness & New Openings (Guam): Dusit Place is rebranding as a destination with new tenants like New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, and SRS Chrono, plus an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness and Aquarium of Guam reopening. Suicide Prevention Documentary (Guam): UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere One Kind Word Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theaters, using storytelling and art to spotlight suicide loss and prevention. Sports & Regional Development: NM Jiu-Jitsu Federation is moving toward NMSA membership to expand combat-sports pathways toward future regional competitions. Ocean of Peace (Micronesian Art): “Ocean of Peace” is set for a Honolulu debut at the East-West Center Gallery, featuring Micronesian artists and live performances.

Mental Health & Community: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter is hosting “Behind the Smile: Mental Health Awareness Fair” Sept. 30 at Surry Community College, with resource stations, coping activities, and a 1 p.m. cardio drumming session. Youth Leadership: GTA named five Guam high school students as Youth Leaders for 2026–27, awarding iPad Airs and $1,000 scholarships, with top leaders also receiving travel miles. Arts & Film for Healing: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary “One Kind Word” Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theaters, using storytelling and art to spotlight Guam’s suicide prevention and suicide-loss survivors. Local Culture on Display: “Ocean of Peace,” a Micronesian art exhibition, opens in Honolulu this Sunday at UH Mānoa’s East-West Center Gallery with performances and a curator-led tour. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Dusit Place in Guam is rebranding as a destination with new tenants including New Era, Shogun Teppanyaki, and luxury watch retailer SRS Chrono, plus an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness and a planned Aquarium of Guam reopening.

Retail & Lifestyle: Dusit Place in Guam is rebranding as a true destination, with four new tenants including New Era (first Guam store), Shogun Teppanyaki, luxury watch shop SRS Chrono, and an upcoming Paradise Premium Fitness—plus the Aquarium of Guam’s planned reopening later this year. Film & Mental Health: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere the documentary One Kind Word on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theaters, using storytelling, poetry, and art to spotlight Guam’s suicide crisis and prevention. Arts & Community Events: Guam Cancer Care’s Strides for the Cure 2K/5K returns for its 25th anniversary on Oct. 3 near Dusit Thani Guam, funding the Kids for the Cure education program for school-age children. Micronesian Art in Hawaiʻi: Ocean of Peace—a Micronesian art exhibition—opens in Honolulu at UH Mānoa this Sunday with live performances and a gallery tour. Sports & Youth Leadership: GTA names five Youth Leaders for SY 2026–27, recognizing students across service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and more. Regional Sports: Tennis Australia’s Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis program in Fiji includes Alyssa Johnson of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Micronesian Art & Culture: “Ocean of Peace” is heading to Honolulu—an exhibition of Micronesian art opens this Sunday at UH Mānoa’s East-West Center Gallery with a reception, gallery tour, and live performances. Mental Health Through Storytelling: The University of Guam Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word,” a documentary on suicide prevention and suicide-loss survivors, on Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theaters, using storytelling, poetry, and visual art. Community Leadership & Youth: GTA names five GTA Youth Leaders for the 2026–27 school year, spotlighting students active in service, academics, athletics, the arts, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Sports & Regional Pathways: The Northern Marianas Jiu-Jitsu Federation moves toward NMSA membership to expand combat-sports opportunities and connect athletes to regional competitions. Arts & Entertainment (Pop Culture): “Survivor” kicks off its “Open Era” with a season 51 premiere recap and a look at where past winners are now. Pacific Sports Roundup: Across the region, athletics and other sports news includes a Federated States of Micronesia half-marathon record by Simeon Jacob.