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1962: Chef Frank Taijito
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
On October 23, 1962, the Guam Daily News ran an article on Frank Taijito. He was a chef to four of Guam’s civilian Governors: Governors Ford Elvidge, Richard Barrett, Joseph Flores and William “Bill” Daniels. It was interesting to note that Taijito learned to cook by memorizing the Boston Cook Book and another book.
His first chef’s job was with Pan American airlines in 1937 in which he also served the first China Clipper that came through Guam and eventually served millions of air travelers. Imagine being a layover passenger treated by Taijito’s local delicacies such as coconut crab, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh water shrimp. Boy, gone are those days!
Taijito said that when World War II broke out his plane was on Midway Island. Fortunately, he was evacuated to Hawaii. Promptly he joined the Navy, where he claimed to have had the shortest military career on record. Two days later he was discharged and then picked up again by Pan American airlines.
Like others away from home during the war, Taijito lost touch with his family. It was not until 1945 where he was allowed to return and reunite with his family. He then worked for the Naval government and for Pan American when service was reestablished on Guam. But it was not until after layover feedings were abolished in 1954, Taijito then became the official Governor’s chef.
Miguel Maria Ventura: A Chamorro without a Chamorro Name in 1674
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Miguel Maria Ventura
He was a Chamorro child no older than two years of age. He was found alive around July 13, 1674, which was also the eve of St. Buenaventura, at a town near Chuchugu, Guam (possibly Machaute).
His mother, who was carrying him, unfortunately was caught in the middle of a nighttime skirmish (Battles of Chuchugu) and died from some spear wounds.
After being found by some soldiers, he was taken to Father Alonso Lopez and was immediately baptized with the name Miguel Maria Ventura.
Source: Rodrigue Levesque. 1995. History of Micronesia, A Collection of Source Documents, Volume 6 – Revolts in the Marianas, 1673-1678, pg. 296 & 431. Levesque Publications: Quebec, Canada
Governor Manuel Flores Leon Guerrero
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
(October 25, 1914 – October 9, 1985)
He was more commonly known as Governor Guerrero and was a public servant of Guam for about 51 years (1931-1982). This 1963 Guam Daily News article highlights some of the public service positions he held prior to be appointed Governor of Guam by then President John F. Kennedy.
1961: Guam Commissioners and Assistants
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
On January 13, 1961 the following Guam District and Assistant Commissioners were sworn in (listed alphabetically):
Baza, Luis C. (Sinajana)
Benavente, Vicente A. (Dededo)
Calvo, Gregorio A. (Assistant Tamuning)
Calvo, Jacinto B. (Assistant Sinajana)
Camacho, Jesus S. (Barrigada)
Chargualaf, Francisco C. (Merizo)
Diedo, Joaquin SN (Inarajan)
Farfan, Jose C. (Mongmong-Toto-Maite)
Leon Guerrero, Juan LG (Agat)
Limtiaco Vicente A. (Piti)
Mendiola, Jose F. (Assistant Barrigada)
Pangelinan, Juan L. (Agana Heights)
Pereira, Jesus C. (Mangilao)
Perez, Joaquin D. (Santa Rita)
Perez, Jose D. (Yigo)
Perez, Juan D. (Agana)
Quinata, Jesus T. (Umatac)
San Nicolas, Higinio I. (Tamuning)
Santos, Joaquin S. (Asan)
Sudo, Jose S. (Yona)
Tenorio, Juan C. (Talofofo)
Valenzuela, Francisco LG (Chalan Pago-Ordot)
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