About The Guam Bicentennial Album

This album is dedicated to the American Bicentennial. A “Labor of Love” by our director, composer, arranger and conductor. Scion of a musically prominent family in the Philippines, Nick or “Mr. Music” as he is called in Guam composed “You Remind Me of a Song”” for his wife Pacita, 35 years ago but never set it to paper until now and immediately recorded it. In the album are some of this other compositions which are recorded for the first time such as “America’s Day Begins on Guam”, “Moon over Agana”, “Gachong”, “Guam is Good” and “That’s Chamorro”, all about Guam. Among the selection is “Glist’ning Silver Sands” composed by his son.

Bill James, a gifted, competent and well known singer on Guam can take his place among the greats. Bill had first recorded the popular “Hafa Dai” and “Goddess” several years ago. This is his first and hopefully not his last long playing album. His versatility is proven once again ranging from the unpolished Chamorro Love, Wedding and Picnic Medleys to the majestic “Guam Hymn” which is a crowning glory and a tribute to its composer Ramon M. Sablan, M.D., a pioneer in the written music of Guam, to the contemporary works of Nick Abelardo and the now generation sounds of Guam Is Good”. 

The Rondolla accompaniment to the Chamorro songs is traditional and depicts the Spanish influence in the Guamanian music.

Also featured are the “Duendes” the school children of Kamuning Elementary School directed by Nick’s sister Ms. Cecille A. Quizon.

Hope you enjoy listening to the album as it was a real pleasure making it for you.

• Doi Chargualaf