I found myself on American soil, enjoying the very best that the island life has to offer, and it only took me a 3-hour flight from Manila.
That’s faster than learning how to say “Hafa Adai,” which means “Hello” in Chamorro, the native language of Guam, by the way.
So, what’s there to do in Guam?
To begin with, Guam is a U.S. island territory in Micronesia in Western Pacific or on the eastern side of the Philippines. It is famous for its tropical beaches, age-old customs and, of course, tax-free discounted goods from the States.
But aside from shopping, many religious Filipinos also frequent the island to learn more about its rich Catholic history, but more specifically, St. Pedro Calungsod.
Tripventures Int’l Travel & Tours
2/F Pascual Bldg., 894 Quirino Hwy., Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TripventuresTravel/
Email: rsvn.tripsaverstravel@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 915 0937-1385, +63 933 877-1038
Tel: +632 936-0300, 419-0553, 418-7538
First Things First
Guam is a relatively small place that is almost the same size as Singapore but only slightly smaller.
It’s generally pretty easy to get around if you’re driving in a rental car. Rental prices start at around $40 for a whole day and, yes, you can use your local Philippine driver’s license.
However, getting around via public transport is a bit troublesome because there is no public train system, so you are better off joining a tour group to maximize your time and minimize your travel expenses.
For this trip, we booked our all-inclusive 5-day tour of Guam with Tripventures Int’l Travel & Tours for a hassle-free vacation.
Day 01 – Arrival | T-Galleria | San Pedro Shrine | Church
We arrived at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport after a 3.5-hour flight from Manila. Guam is 2 hours ahead of the Philippines.
After the airport formalities, we then transferred to our home for 5 days, the Pacific Star Resort & Spa which is only 15 minutes away from the airport.
Once we’ve all checked in, we then proceeded to a nearby Jamaican restaurant for lunch.
Jamaican Grill, across the hotel, is famous for its savory steaks, salad and, of course, their signature Jamaican sweet style ribs.
After our heavy meal, we then went straight to T-galleria by DFS, the first of our many shopping escapades in Guam.
T-galleria is a very popular mall located along the shopping district of Tumon. Unlike other malls, T-galleria sells mostly highly discounted luxury branded items like Coach, LV, Prada, Gucci and many more.
Just a few minutes away from Tumon district is another famous site amongst religious locals and Filipinos, the Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod.
It is believed to be the place where the young Filipino martyr, along with Spanish missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores, was executed. The San Pedro Calungsod Shrine is our first religious stop in our Guam Pilgrimage.
Although born in the Philippines, St. Pedro Calungsod is loosely considered an American saint because he was martyred in Guam. He, however, is still considered in the Philippines as the youngest and first ever Visayan saint.
After paying our respects, we then attended a mass led by our resident priest at the Blessed Diego San Vitores Church to end the night.
For dinner, we ate at the Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse where we were served, what else, different kinds of Brazilian steaks!
Day 02 – Church | Musem | Shopping | Fish Eye
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we started the day with prayers and reflections at the largest Catholic church in Guam, the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica.
It is located on the site where the island’s first ever Catholic church was built in 1669.
We did everything under the guidance of the Spanish Missionary Padre San Vitores.
Also around the area is what’s left of the original Plaza de Espana after it was heavily bombed during WWII.
And alongside that is the National Guam Museum where the current capital of the United States territory of Guam sits.
Further down south, you can also admire the breathtaking view of Guam from a nearby observation deck in an old fort, the Forta Santa Agueda…
…And then visit the Church of Nuestra Senora De La Paz y Buen Viaje for prayers.
After the church visit, we went for another round of shopping, but this time around it’s at the Guam Premiere Outlet where the biggest ROSS is located…
…As well as heavy discount shops like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s and Guess.
For dinner, we headed to the Fish Eye Marine for a BBQ buffet while watching a 1-hour long fiery cultural show by the Chamorro people.
Day 03 – River Cruise | Church | Magic Show
This day was for a fun trip to the southern part of Guam, a relaxing whole day river cruise at the cultural valley of the Latte Stone Park.
The whole scenic river cruise at the Latte wasn’t that long as it only took us around 30 minutes to reach the drop-off point…
…Where we saw and interacted with the Chamorro men, called “Ulitao,” in their traditional clothing.
We also got to take a look at the original ancient latte stones, pillars used as support for the houses of the native Chamorro people.
Via a trail, we also saw various local animals, and we were treated to a demonstration of different lifestyle techniques as we feasted on local Chamorro cuisine.
On our way back, we visited three significant churches to the Catholic faith, first of which was the historic San Dionisio Church at Umatac where, it is believed, Magellan first arrived before setting foot in the Philippines.
We also offered a series of prayers at the San Dionisio and San Dimas at Merizo.
This was followed by a final mass at the beautiful church of St. Joseph at Inarajan.
Also at Inarajan is a popular tourist spot amongst locals, the Inarajan Natural Pool—a bathing spot consisting of rocky seawater pools that are conveniently separated by rocks from the ocean waves.
By the time we arrived back in the city, we were just in time for the world-renowned Sandcastle Magic Show.
It was a Vegas-inspired show complete with world-class stage performances…
…Mind-bending magical theatrics, tiger shows and insane acrobatics. Definitely one of the best ways to end the night.
Day 04 – Two Lovers Point | Shopping | Free Day
On our last day in Guam, we explored the island’s most iconic and most frequented attraction, “Two Lovers Point.”
A cliff line towering over Tumon bay in northern Guam is perhaps the most legendary because of how it earned its name.
To keep the story short, legend has it that 2 lovers jumped over the towering cliffs to avoid being separated from each other back during the time when the Spanish ruled Guam.
Two Lovers Point serves as a reminder that true love is indeed the most beautiful thing of all. Hence, Two Lovers Point is without a doubt one of the best places to see Guam’s true beauty.
For a complete hassle-free pilgrimage package please contact:
Tripventures Int’l Travel & Tours
2/F Pascual Bldg., 894 Quirino Hwy., Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TripventuresTravel/
Email: rsvn.tripsaverstravel@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 915 0937-1385, +63 933 877-1038
Tel: +632 936-0300, 419-0553, 418-7538
– Complete with Guided Tours + Filipino Priest / Chaplain
– All-Inclusive Round Trip Airfare + Baggage Allowance
– Private Van, Hotels and Transfers
– 4- to 5-Star Hotel Accommodations
– All Meals included | Buffet
Live an Awesome Life,
NICO of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our trip to Guam was courtesy of Tripventures Travel & Tours. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
P.S. Watch these interviews about the actual Guam Pilgrimage experience…
how much the package of 3 days / 2 nights