After a 22-year wait, the Guam equivalent of the Grammys for the arts—known as the Maga’håga Art Awards—made a triumphant return on October 4, 2025, thanks to the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA). This event isn’t just a flashy awards night; it’s a heartfelt celebration of our island’s creative spirit and cultural pride, giving a huge shoutout to all those who contribute to Guam’s diverse arts scene.

Nominations were open to everyone, showing just how plugged into the community the arts really are. This grassroots vibe is what we love about the local scene. It’s all about us, supporting each other and celebrating the incredible talent that we have right here in Guam. So, whether you’re all about visuals, literature, performing arts, or you’re simply a fan, you can appreciate the range of categories that the awards celebrated.

Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio and CAHA’s big wigs—Director Angie Taitague and Board Chair Monica Guzman—took the stage, handing out awards that spanned the full creative spectrum. Highlights included Robert Taitano Jr. picking up the trophy for Heritage Arts, Dr. Michael Bevacqua for Literary Arts, and Joyce Torres taking the crown for Performing Arts. It was a night of cheers and applause not just for individuals but also organizations like the Breaking Wave Theatre Company and community supporters like GTA Teleguam.

Two standout honors, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lifetime Cultural Contribution Award, were personally selected by the Governor to recognize those whose contributions shaped Guam’s cultural landscape. Patrick Palomo and Dr. Judy Selk Flores took home these coveted awards, showing that the passion for the arts runs deep on our island.

As Angie Taitague put it, the return of the Maga’håga Art Awards isn’t just an event; it’s a powerful testament to how resilient and creative Guam truly is. It’s about honoring our roots, recognizing our artists, and ensuring that the spirit of creativity continues to thrive—just like in gaming, where every achievement is a step toward leveling up. For all of us in the gaming and tech community, this is a reminder that creativity isn’t just for the gallery—it’s all around us and worth celebrating!