Author: Roman Dela Cruz

28 Nov

The art of slinging, a skill deeply rooted in Chamorro culture and the wider history of the Marianas, was proudly represented on the global stage at the 5th Slinging World Cup in Ibiza, Spain. This October, Roman De La Cruz and Guelo Rosario journeyed to Europe as cultural ambassadors, representing Guam, Rota, and the Marianas Islands at this prestigious international competition. Their participation not only...

02:00 / Latest Post
28 Nov

Håfa Adai and Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this season of gratitude, we at Fokai want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. From our humble beginnings—selling t-shirts out of backpacks—to the global connections we've forged through online shopping and community events, your support has carried us through every step of this journey. For some, this...

01:23 / Latest Post
21 Nov

A Decade of Perseverance. 10 Year Anniversary Walk Across Japan The Spirit of the Walk Ten years have passed since a journey of epic proportions was etched into the fabric of humanitarian history. Enson Inoue, Roman Dela Cruz, and Mike Fowler set out on a mission that was more than a walk—it was a voyage across Japan that bound the steps of the travelers to the heartbeats...

03:24 / Latest Post
20 Nov

In the vast, rocky expanses of Nevada's desert, under a blanket of stars, Ray Chargualaf and his team embarked on a journey that tested the limits of human endurance and spirit. The Fire Fest Ultra 100-Mile Race, a grueling test of resilience, saw Ray pushing through 72 miles—a remarkable feat that speaks volumes about never giving up, despite falling short of the goal. A Team...

15:30 / Latest Post
14 Nov

  In the heart of Logandale, Nevada, on November 18-19, 2023, Ray Chargualaf, a proud son of Guam and the Mariana Islands, will embark on a grueling 100-mile race, the Fire Fest Ultra. His story is not just about physical endurance but a testament to the resilience, determination, and spirit of a local boy who dared to push the boundaries of mind, body, and spirit. The Foundation...

12:22 / Latest Post
07 Nov

Embracing Cultural Roots and Forging International Connections: The Chamorro Slingers of Guam / The Mariana Islands         At the 4th Annual World Slinging Cup, two representatives from the distant shores of Guam and the Mariana Islands ventured into a global arena, carrying the legacy of their ancestors in the slings they wielded. Out of a formidable gathering of 50 international competitors, Guelo and Roman stood their ground,...

02:23 / Latest Post
25 Oct

Celebrating Culture Through Slinging: The Tagafest Sling Competition The vibrant Marianas have always been a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Among these, the ancient sport of slinging stands out as a testament to our deep-rooted connection with our ancestors. During a recent visit to Guam, I found myself amidst a bustling sling competition right behind the Fokai shop. To my astonishment, most competitors turned out...

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23 Oct

Slinging Forward: A Chamorro's Connection to the Past and Vision for the Future         In the bustling atmosphere of the World Slinging Cup in Ibiza, Spain, the duo from Guam and the Mariana Islands, Roman Dela Cruz and Guelo Rosario, took a moment to share their insights on the ancient art of slinging. Their words revealed not just a love for the sport but a profound connection...

00:52 / Latest Post
23 Oct

Marianas' Pride: Slingers Roman Dela Cruz and Guelo Rosario Represent the Mariana Islands at the 4th Annual World Slinging Cup in Ibiza, Spain             Ibiza, Spain – In an exciting showcase of ancient talent and skill, Guam and the Mariana Islands' very own Roman Dela Cruz and Guelo Rosario have touched down in Ibiza, Spain, to represent their homeland at the prestigious 4th Annual World Slinging Cup,...

00:43 / Latest Post
03 Aug

Reviving an Ancient Art: The CHamoru Slingstone Finds New Life in Guam's Sling-Golf Initiative The echoes of the past are never quite silent on the Pacific island of Guam. Among the verdant jungles and azure sea that cradle the island, the collective memory of the ancient CHamoru people is preserved, telling a tale of resilience and survival. One thread in this intricate tapestry is the art...

22:44 / Latest Post