Guam’s famous Tumon Bay
It was all about family. Meeting relatives from my mom’s side and celebrating my Aunt Shirley’s 80th birthday in Guam was the main reason I found myself on this side of the USA. As an island nearer on the coast of the Philippines than that of mainland it was much easier to go there, cheaper as well especially with the cost shouldered by my sister from the US just to accompany my mom whose adamant to travel alone.
Tumon Bay is a Protected Area
My Aunt had no idea that we were going to Guam at that time so it was a great surprise for her to find us inside her church the day of her birthday. She was much more on the surprised when she found a surprise birthday celebration on a hotel. It was a couple of hours of celebrating life, a colorful legacy and expressions of love.
The Sisters, Mom and Aunt Shirley”
Throughout the two weeks I was in Guam, Tumon Bay was a constant sight and a welcome one indeed. It’s great that my aunt lived in a condo beside Westin Hotel where her room was facing Tumon Bay and I could always go down at the pool side with a book and read while enjoying the view of the blue waters of Tumon Bay.
The Dames Family
It’s commercial, popular and teeming with water sports activities. But despite the droves of people coming here, Tumon Bay looks pristine amongst the surrounding high rise resort structures. I guess being a natural protected reserve area where people are not allowed to fish and take corals and the strict implementation of the local government made it what it is.
Aunt Shirley doing the Hula
For me the areas around Tumon Bay were venue of celebrations where a family has been re-united to simply have fun together. We had picnics, snacks dinners at the pool side and even a lively photo session when the sun was about to set. Even on her 80 years of age she can still jump and dance the hula. And also congratulate my mom who has traveled as far as this corner of the world.
Sunset over Tumon Bay
As I sit on the grass, feeling the cool wind in my face, hearing the wave’s crash on the rocks under the cliff while watching the sunset, here I am finally expanding my boundary. It’s a new world here and the best way to acquaint myself in this side of the world is through a warm and welcoming family.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
