GUAHAN Project's first Personality Profile is actually made up of 5 uniquely powerful women of Guam.  They are the board members of Conscious Living, a health wellness organization that also advocates for positive social change in the community.

The GUAHAN Project is very proud and humbled by Conscious Living’s incredible efforts to bring the Broadway musical RENT to Guam, scheduled to run January 27-30 at Club Pash in Tumon.  Portions of the proceeds will benefit GUAHAN Project’s AIDS Education programs.  Asian and Pacific Islander women, especially those of child bearing years, are the fastest growing groups of new HIV infections.  HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. 

Conscious Living has a fresh approach of selflessness that is increasingly rare in nearly every community.  Their drive and resolve to get things done for the benefit of the community is exceeded only by their respect for all people.  Conscious Living has a place in the community and in the hearts of those enlightened by its presence.      

Fighting AIDS can be extremely difficult and challenging.  Shame, stigma, fear and negativity are still created by some people in response to AIDS.  The GUAHAN Project is grateful for Conscious Living’s support and positive energy to change these attitudes, which, in turn, will help make the cure to AIDS a reality.

Photo below: Conscious Living Board of Directors:  L to R:  Clare Calvo, Lilly Llaneta, Nicole Vasquez, Lisa Baza and Ron Romero

Conscious Living’s purpose and mission is to bring forth over-all wellness and healing to the island of Guam and her people. By advocating and promoting events and activities to raise group consciousness, we hold the vision of inner and communal peace and harmony. 

As individuals, the more we connect with others who choose the same conscious actions, the more we leverage our seemingly small impact. Together we are building a movement of social change which is rooted deeply in love and respect for the interconnectedness of all life.

If ignorance is considered the root of evil, awareness can be considered the root of good.  Through this awareness, we strive to cultivate self-empowerment by taking responsible steps to improve our over-all livelihood in our beautiful community; Hence, CONSCIOUS LIVING.  Be well!  Be Blessed!

Director’s Notes:  The Normal Heart
“The human contribution is the essential ingredient.  It is only the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.”  These are the words of Ethel Perry Andrus.  Words that truly represent the work you are about to witness tonight.  The Normal Heart was just another job I auditioned for as a professional actor.  I played the role of Mickey Marcus.  But I did not realize the impact and the importance of this work as a theatre piece and a message piece.  We learn a great deal about each other based on our histories and actions.  This play is a history on the plague we know as AIDS and is one of most important examples of getting to know what we are up against as activists and people living in the age of this disease. 

The presentation of this play is not as unorthodox as you might think.  Plays go through processes of evolution known as staged readings.  The directors, producers, and playwrights need to see the play “on its feet” and more importantly the actors giving the characters a voice.  We as actors kindly and graciously give you this work as an expression of our dedication to educating the public about AIDS and the prejudice that surrounds it.  The work itself is presented in the simplest form possible – bare stage, uniformed costumes, and basic lighting.  It is now your job to use your imagination to create the scenarios and situations.  We hope to help you in the images you create. 

Now we ask you to contribute and to give of yourself for this cause we feel so strongly. 

Ricky Vergara, Director, The Normal Heart (Read More)