Pacific Islanders Podcast

Taking an L is not a loss the L stands for lessons. Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) and Sabyu Smooth (@sabyu.smooth) as they discuss what Sabyu learned from America's Song Contest understanding that you can do things that you didn't think you could do. His experience meeting the other artists in the same cohort. Understanding that they are all respecting their home stage just like him. Representing the Chamorro culture and the people of the CNMI on a platform with millions of people. His experience meeting Snoop Dog and Kelly Clarkson in person. He discusses the gift he gave Snoop Dog and Kelly Clarkson when he met them. He shared how Snoop Dog showed loved and took a photo with Sabyu. Sabyu shared his pre-show ritual for the show and how he handled his nervousness. Next, Sabyu shared his experience right before stepping onto the main stage where millions of people were watching him perform. The feeling of all the nerves hitting when the countdown started knowing what he was about to do on the main stage. Doing his best to put on a show for the Marianas. He shared his experience meeting Alan Stone and what they discussed and what he learned from him. Next, we discuss, the advice he has for people wanting to pursue the music industry. Remembering the “WHY” you're pursuing music. Be serious about why you are wanting to pursue music. Surrounding yourself with people that are better than you. The importance of staying humble and grounded. Remember that your goals will evolve and change as time goes on. Being open to exploring other avenues of music. His advice for people that are afraid of failure to pursue their dreams. Trying is better than not trying. As you grow you live, and you learn. Lastly, we discuss where Sabyu Smooth sees himself in the next five years.How to find Sabyu Smooth:Instagram (@sabyu.smooth)Website (@Sabyu.com)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast, where we explore the diverse culture, histories, and experiences of Pacific Islander communities around the world. We discuss and share knowledge and insight on various topics, ranging from traditional customs and practices to issues and challenges facing Pacific Islander communities. Whether you're a member of the Pacific Islander community or simply want to learn about these rich and variant cultures, we hope you'll join us on this journey of discovery. Tune in and get to know the diverse voices and stories of the Pacific Islands.Pacific Islanders Podcast Social Media Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Youtube (@pacificislanderspodcast)Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)Tik-Tok (@pacificislanderspodcast)Facebook (@pacificislanderspodcast)Twitter(@islanderpodcast)

Lean into the adventure. (Part 2/3) Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) and Sabyu Smooth (@sabyu.smooth) as they discuss the importance of believing in yourself. Manifesting your dreams and turning them into reality. Mentors and how they have helped him with creating music and being a musician. Dealing with imposter syndrome.  Handling the self-doubt and pressure you place on yourself to perform and represent the CNMI. How Sabyu handles the pre-performance jitters. Next, we discuss the principles and rules that he follows for his craft. Pondering the idea of quitting music. Getting perspective and reflecting to make the best decision for your future. Things that Sabyu wants to improve on in 2023. Health is wealth, avoiding social media addictions, and being mindful of his actions daily. Sabyu's favorite part of being a musician and producer. And the least favorite part of being a musician. The experience of being on a large platform and the over-exposure that you experience. Changes Sabyu would make if he could travel back in time. How he books appointments and clients for performances. Lastly, we discuss how he discovered the American Song Contest.How to find Sabyu Smooth:Instagram (@sabyu.smooth)Website (sabyu.com)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast, where we explore the diverse culture, histories, and experiences of Pacific Islander communities around the world. We discuss and share knowledge and insight on various topics, ranging from traditional customs and practices to issues and challenges facing Pacific Islander communities. Whether you're a member of the Pacific Islander community or simply want to learn about these rich and variant cultures, we hope you'll join us on this journey of discovery. Tune in and get to know the diverse voices and stories of the Pacific Islands.Pacific Islanders Podcast Social Media Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Youtube (@pacificislanderspodcast)Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)Tik-Tok (@pacificislanderspodcast)Facebook (@pacificislanderspodcast)Twitter(@islanderpodcast)

Music is my life. (Part 1/3) Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) and Sabyu Smooth (@sabyu.smooth) as they discuss how music changed Sabyu's life. His college experience in Olympia Washington. His long-term career goals. His vision for his music career and the importance of having a vision. His approach to performing live. His favorite live performances. Things he learned about himself from performing. How he keeps the crowd engaged during performances. Advice for young musicians on the come-up. How he markets himself. How his sound has evolved over the years. The turning point when he started taking his music seriously. Dealing with people's doubts and concerns. What he wants listeners to take away from his music. His songwriting process from start to finish. The challenge he faced as a musician and how he overcame them. How he gets into the creative zone. The most difficult song to write. All the instruments that he plays. How he sees his music evolving in the future. How he gets out of the gutter when he's in a creative rut. How he deals with his insecurities making music. His dream musician to collaborate with. Friendly competition when working with other artists. Picking the right person to associate your brand with. If he prefers to go solo or work in a group. The negatives and positives of being in a group vs solo. How he found his music style. How he would explain his music to a stranger. Lastly, if he learns from other artists in other genres.How to find Sabyu Smooth (Guest)Instagram (@sabyu.smooth)Website (sabyu.com)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast, where we explore the diverse culture, histories, and experiences of Pacific Islander communities around the world. We discuss and share knowledge and insight on various topics, ranging from traditional customs and practices to issues and challenges facing Pacific Islander communities. Whether you're a member of the Pacific Islander community or simply want to learn about these rich and variant cultures, we hope you'll join us on this journey of discovery. Tune in and get to know the diverse voices and stories of the Pacific Islands.Pacific Islanders Podcast Social Media Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Youtube (@pacificislanderspodcast)Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)Tik-Tok (@pacificislanderspodcast)Facebook (@pacificislanderspodcast)Twitter(@islanderpodcast)

It's never too late to listen to your parents. (Part 3/3) Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) (@pacificislanderspodcast) and Marcus Taiscan (@marktaisacan77) to discuss the importance of an all-around healthy lifestyle. Marcus's preferred method of exercising. We discuss his injury. How he uses running (long distance) as a method of self-reflection and healing process. We then discuss his mental health and how important it is to take care of his mental health since it is something we experience as humans. We discuss the importance of believing in yourself and the importance of manifesting your future. The importance of taking risks and accepting the fact that failure will happen but not letting that stop you once you experience failure. The option to choose the life that you want and live on your terms and conditions and not the terms of other people. Next, we discuss the power of mediation. How it brings peace, calmness, and satisfaction to Marcus. How positive thinking has changed Marcus's life. Thinking back and realizing his mistakes when he was younger. What would Marcus say to his 21-year-old self? We wrap the episode with Marcus's advice to younger people.How to find Marcus Taisacan (Guest)Instagram (@marktaisacan77)Facebook (@Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop) Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast, where we explore the diverse culture, histories, and experiences of Pacific Islander communities around the world. We discuss and share knowledge and insight on various topics, ranging from traditional customs and practices to issues and challenges facing Pacific Islander communities. Whether you're a member of the Pacific Islander community or simply want to learn about these rich and variant cultures, we hope you'll join us on this journey of discovery. Tune in and get to know the diverse voices and stories of the Pacific Islands.Pacific Islanders Podcast Social Media Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)Tik-Tok (@pacificislanderspodcast)Facebook (@pacificislanderspodcast)Twitter(@islanderpodcast)

Don't judge a book by its cover. (Part 2/3) Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) (@pacificislanderspodcast) and Marcus Taisacan (@marktaisacan77) (@Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop). As they discuss group tattoos, cover-ups, clients' pain tolerance, maximum time Marcus will tattoo for, wild tattoo experiences, and customers having good hygiene for a session. Next, they discuss Marcus being grateful for the opportunity to pursue tattooing as a career. Meeting clients, talking about life experiences, traumas, and everything personal, and putting in the effort to make the customer happy. Next, they discuss Marcus's favorite tattoo style, wanting to do American traditional tattoos. Things that clients should not do during the consulting part of the appointment. His opinion on face tattoos. The most interesting tattoo he's done. His advice for future entrepreneurs wanting to be their own boss and run a business.  Lastly, they discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people that support you on your journey.Guest's Social Media Links:Instagram: (@marktaisacan77)Facebook: (@Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.Host: Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Podcast Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)

Think about it a million times. (Part 1/3) Today, join Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez) (@pacificislanderspodcast) and Marcus Taisacan (@marktaisacan77) (@Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop). We discuss Marcus's early upbringing growing up in Saipan. How the culture has changed from Marcus's upbringing to his kids' upbringing. How he applies his life lessons from growing up to his kids' upbringing. His life experience in his 20's. His experience getting married at 24 years old. His mistakes that he made but accepting the reality of the situation. His advice to young guys wanting to get married or currently are married. The journey of getting married. The journey of him meeting his future wife and them getting together. We discuss Marcus giving his first tattoo at age 15 from the machine he built on his own. We discuss how Marcus got inspired by other tattoo artists and his journey of diving into the art. How he manages his nervousness from his first tattoo to now years later. The mistakes that he made along the way on his tattoo journey. Lastly, how he meditates before he tattoos his clients. Social Media Links:Instagram: (@marcustaisacan77)Facebook: (@Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop)Podcast Instagram: (@pacificislanderspodcast)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.Host: Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Podcast Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)

Take care of your mental health. Part (3/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) (@pacificislanderspodcast) and Ben (@tyler's_gelatte_stone) as they discuss the physical location of the shop. Being a partner with Bistro Boys. Ben's greatest lessons as an entrepreneur. Unexpected lessons when starting his business. The massive amount of support from the community. Managing his time running a business and working. Working at NMTech (Northern Marianas Technical Institute). Saying no to certain requests and events. Ben's role models and mentors. The idea of opening a shop in Guam. Business advice and guidance for people wanting to start. The importance of having a mentor. Greatest lessons since having a son. The value of patience. Advice for future parents. Lastly, his life advice.Social Media Links:Instagram (@tyler's_gelatte_stone)Podcast Instagram: (@pacificislanderspodcast)Tyler's Gelatte StoneLocation - Sugar King Park (Saipan, CNMI)Hours - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12:00 pm to 7:30 pmPayment - Cash and PayPalWelcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.Host: Bernard Villagomez (@bernardvillagomez)Podcast Instagram (@pacificislanderspodcast)

Take advice with a grain of salt. Part (2/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Ben (@tyler's_gelatte_stone) as they discuss the difference between ice cream and gelato. Ben's family and relatives supporting his business. The hiccups, ups & downs of running a business. Dealing with the opinions of others. Creating the menu for Tyler's Gellate Stone. The creation of the shop name. Creation of the logo. Getting a loan and the process and execution to fulfill his part. Starting “Small Business Sundays.” The grand opening experience. Donating to charities. Giving back to the community. The vision he has for the shop. The company culture.  Lastly, how his life has changed since starting his business.Social Media Links:Instagram (@tyler's_gelatte_stone)Tyler's Gelatte StoneLocation - Sugar King Park (Saipan, CNMI)Hours - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12:00 pm to 7:30 pmPayment - Cash and PayPalWelcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.

Ben Babauta Social Media Links:Instagram (@tylers_gelatte_stone)Tyler's Gelatte Stone Location: Sugar King Park (across Gold's Gym) (Saipan, CNMI)Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday12:00 pm to 7:30 pmPayment:Cash and PayPalEnjoy the journey. Part (1/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Ben (@tylers_gelatte_stone) as they discuss Ben owning Tyler's Gelatte Stone, and being a partner of Bistro Boys. His sister, his son Tyler and how he helped Ben mature. The comparison of Ben's childhood to his son's childhood. How the culture is evolving in the world of technology. His childhood experiences cooking, making the decision between Las Vegas, the University of Guam (UOG), and Chaminade University. Attending culinary school in Las Vegas. The process and structure of culinary school. The difference between culinary arts, baking, and pastries. The pressure of failure and how that propelled him to succeed during culinary school. The events that changed him during his time in Las Vegas. His epiphany during his work trip to Japan about starting a Gelato shop back in Saipan. The process of formulating the products that he sells today.Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.

Become the person you envision. Part (3/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Leah (@kadukalay) as they discuss what Leah sees herself doing in 10 years. House hunting. Having the freedom to be herself and discovering who she is. Working for herself. Discussing thoughts and comments on our age group (20-24). Growing up without the internet and embracing the internet generation. Understanding other people's beliefs and perspectives. Being a figure for the Pacific Islander culture and community. Ghost stories from her childhood. Her love for horror movies and series. Chamorro superstitions. Favorite foods at gatherings. Her invention of "Bad Bitch Ice Tea."  Lastly, her experience traveling to 14 countries.Leah's Social Links: Go Follow and Subscribe!OnlyFans (@angelkari)YouTube (@Kadukalay)Instagram (@kadukalay)Twitter (@kadukalay)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.

Love your work. Part (2/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Leah (@kadukalay) as they discuss how to navigate, market, and avoid pitfalls as an OnlyFans creator and content creator. Accepting who you are as a person. Appreciating your accomplishments and being proud of yourself. Figuring out who belongs in your life and who doesn't. Dealing with the traumas that come with living in the CNMI. Lastly, we discuss all forms of abuse that arise in the CNMI. Leah's Social Links: Go follow and subscribe!OnlyFans (@angelkari)YouTube (@Kadukalay)Instagram (@kadukalay)Twitter (@kadukalay)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.

Surround yourself with people that support you.  Part (1/3) Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Leah (@Kadukalay) as they discuss growing up in the CNMI. Living in the CNMI. Appreciating Saipan's nature. Her relationship with her siblings and family. The importance of having friends that support your journey. Meeting her husband. Her experience being married. Cheaters in relationships. Her OnlyFans experience. Dealing with people's opinions. Lastly, her advice for OnlyFans creators.Leah's Social Links:OnlyFans (@angelkari)YouTube (@Kadukalay)Instagram (@kadukalay)Twitter (@kadukalay)Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.

Your words should match your actions. Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Shannon (@shannonrts) as they discuss connecting with the Chamorro culture. The importance of learning the Chamorro language. Having the confidence to say "I do not know." Why people should educate instead of belittling people. Her paranormal experiences here on Saipan. Cultural superstitions that her grandma tells her about. Lastly, her traveling experiences.Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.Follow Shannon Sasamoto on Instagram: @shannonrts

Get out of your comfort zone and do it. Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Shannon (@shannonrts) as they discuss Shannon's dream of becoming a fashion designer. Watching her grandma sewing when she was a child and her picking it up and trying it out for herself. Young entrepreneurs in the CNMI. Lastly, Shannon's experiences with non-profit organizations contributing to the CNMI community.Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures.Follow Shannon Sasamoto on Instagram: @shannonrts

Take risks its worth it. Today, join Bernard (@bernardvillagomez) and Shannon (@shannonrts) as they discuss her family and siblings. Her decision to move back to the Saipan (CNMI). The differences between living in the United States (Oregon) and Saipan (CNMI). Contributing to the community and helping others.  Her Miss Northern Marianas experience. Lastly, Shannon's advice to women and younger girls that look up to her.Welcome to the Pacific Islanders Podcast where we talk with residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) about their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the United States. Everything ties into the Northern Marianas Islands and Pacific Islander cultures. 

This is the last episode of the Rich Salas series. I had such a great interview with Rich Salas. We discuss his role as Director of Coastal Resource Management. How the CNMI residents can support the department's mission. Foreseeable environmental issues in the CNMI. Advice for people wanting to pursue a career in conservation and environmental sustainability. Ghost experiences and superstitions in the CNMI. Thank you so much for tuning in. 

In this episode, we discuss Rich Salas's paddling experience and how team chemistry is needed to be successful in the sport. We talk about one of my favorite subjects to cover, fitness, and Rich's mentality toward fitness and his approach to nutrition. In the CNMI, nutrition is so difficult because everything is imported from all over the world. It is really important that we support local farmers that grow crops here in the CNMI. It is a win-win for the farmer and the buyer's health. 

In this episode, I had the chance to learn more about Rich Salas on his journey. He answered questions I'm curious about like the expectation vs the reality of becoming a father and the lessons learned through the journey. Finding the right partner, and his college experience out in Boise, Idaho. 

The last part (3 out of 3) of my interview with Victoria Deleon Guerrero. We discuss her role models and how they have changed her journey and her perspective on this crazy journey of life. Next, we discuss her ghost experience here in the CNMI. Listening to her story gave me goosebumps and I am sure that other CNMI residents have experienced something similar (hopefully not). Lastly, we have a little fun trivia questionnaire to finish off the interview. Thank you!

In this part (2 out of 3) of the Victoria Deleon Guerrero interview, we discuss the highs and lows of her fitness journey. The difficulties and struggles that come with the journey of changing your life for the better. The journey never ends and understanding your why is so critical for success.  Next, how Victoria approached nutrition and her experience with the Keto diet. Lastly, she provides insight and advice for people wanting to take part in their fitness journey.

I interview Victoria Deleon Guerrero on her journey growing up in the CNMI (Saipan). Her experience attending Seattle University,  giving back to the CNMI community, and becoming Director of Institutional Development at Mount Carmel school here in Saipan. We covered entrepreneurship in the CNMI,  health and fitness, the Keto diet, and the younger generations in the CNMI. Her paranormal experience here in Saipan and her favorite Chamorro food dishes. This is part one of a three-part series involving Victoria's journey. 

I (Bernard Villagomez) share my reasoning for why I started this podcast. It's a short episode but I believe it's important to explain the mission and goal of this podcast and platform. Thank you for the support, take care and be safe!

Interviewing residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) on their journey of living on a tropical island thousands of miles away from the mainland. We discuss professional careers, relationships, family, lifestyle, health, fitness, mental health, culture, food, entrepreneurship, society, traditions, life experiences, environmental topics, opportunities, history, crimes, the current state of the CNMI, and the future of the CNMI.

I interview Tyler Macaranas (18) on his journey of growing up in Saipan. What it is like to be Chamorro. The importance of family. How Saipan's tight-knit community works together in times of natural disaster. Lessons learned from his near-death experience in his youth. The effects Covid-19 had on the Saipan. What is Chamorro food? What could Saipan improve on and the future of the island from the perspective of the younger generation?