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Just as most of us here in Manila bid goodbye to summer and say hello (usually in an upbeat manner, right?) to another school year, I was fortunate enough to squeeze in a vacation to a beautiful island I call home—GUAM! It's been two years since I left the place to pursue acting here and I was excited to head back! I mean, I love it here in Manila, this place has been so good to me, but there's nothing like the feeling of being home.  

 
I had just a week to make the most out of my stay there. I was really glad I had the chance to be there for my sister's graduation. I think there are just some family moments that you just have to try to capture together. That was definitely one of them.

 I've always wondered why a lot of families who migrate to the US suddenly come back to Guam. I always thought, the whole world is out there and being in Guam would limit you from seeing it because we're just a spot (literally, look at a globe) in the Pacific.  But having gone home for this vacation, I realize what they were coming back for. Sometimes being in this entertainment business, you can really get sucked in and forget what's most important. Guam never does. I realize how much I've missed it what's really important. Just being yourself, being with friends and family who'll love and support you no matter what adventures you take in life.  Everything is just so chill in Guam.

At my sister's graduation. With my family and my homeboy Ship after dinner at Capriciossa. And with the John F. Kennedy High Class of 2004 mini reunion at Bari Bari.

I mean imagine, calling up your friend who's like miles away, and five minutes later, you're both chilling at the beach with ice cream from COLD STONE (why haven't we gotten a franchise here?), just relaxing and looking at the sunset. It's that easy to make that happen in Guam. Some people wait months and weeks here (not to mention saving up the means to) to have a getaway like that. Back home, it's as easy as driving around… Can't relate with the driving? Don't even get me started in the driving conditions there! It is so relaxing driving there, the longest trip you'll ever take might be like 30 minutes. There's never any traffic, and everyone is just so considerate. You have your passport and ticket ready yet? 

Just chillin' at the beach! 

To sum it all up, I ended up extending my stay, TWICE! Still, I couldn't squeeze in all the food, the fun, the people, the shopping at Macy*s (former employer!), the girls… joke!  I would have extended again if I didn't have commitments here to attend to. Enjoy the pictures I have up with this entry. I know a picture says a thousand words, but it doesn't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed (and now miss) home! 

Oh, and now I'm taking up voice lessons—I know, I know, as if it's not raining enough, right? We'll see how much floods I can cause with that… Oh, and people, shameless plug here, please grab a copy of Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo out now on VCD and DVD at all major retail outlets. I'm doing another film with Direk Wenn Deramas under Viva Films so I'll keep you all posted with that!

Thanks to Mimi Tiu for allowing me to post in their site, and girls, continue to enjoy Candy!

Vince Saldana