HONORING CHAMORU LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR

In celebration of Mes CHamoru, the Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru proudly launched its first-ever Kompetensian Kometsiu — a competition designed to highlight and uplift cultural leaders within the private sector who are actively incorporating the CHamoru language, culture, and knowledge into their everyday business practices.

Rooted in the Kumisión’s mission to restore and revitalize the CHamoru language and identity, the competition invited businesses across industries — from hotels and restaurants to banks, retail, and nightlife — to showcase how they are authentically embracing CHamoru values and expression.

EXTENDING  CHAMORU INTO EVERY CORNER OF OUR LIVES

Board Member Dr. Robert Underwood emphasized, “Extending CHamoru into future generations also means extending it into all dimensions of our lives — economic, cultural, and educational. Finding new ways to use CHamoru beyond schools and museums is the surest path to its survival.”

This competition reflected the Kumisión’s commitment to expanding the visibility of the CHamoru language and culture far beyond classrooms and cultural institutions, inviting the private sector to become true stewards of cultural preservation and innovation.

AWARD CATEGORIES & JUDGES

Businesses were encouraged to enter one or more of the following categories:

• Cultural Ambience – showcasing the physical and sensory celebration of CHamoru identity
  in business spaces
• Fino’ CHamoru – demonstrating the use and normalization of CHamoru language in
  signage, branding, menus, and service
• Events – promoting cultural engagement through CHamoru-centered programs, performances, or gatherings

Each submission was reviewed by a diverse panel of cultural leaders, educators, and professionals committed to advancing CHamoru heritage:

Judging Panel:
Teresita C. Flores, Jimmy Teria, Sumåhi Bevacqua (Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru)
Joe Quinata (Guam Preservation Trust)
Pika Fejeran (Cultural Entrepreneur)
Melanie Mendiola (Guam Economic Development Authority)
Shana Guzman (International Distributors)
Dee Hernandez (Guam Visitors Bureau)

MEANINGFUL RECOGNITION

Winning businesses in each category (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) were proudly promoted by the Kumisión throughout the year on its public-facing platforms. Thanks to support from its co-sponsors — the Guam Visitors Bureau, International Distributors, Saltwater Empress, and Menhalom Wearable Wisdom— prizes included custom-made cultural carvings, gift cards to the Sagan Kotturan CHamoru gift shop, and other incentives that celebrate and deepen connection to CHamoru heritage.