[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CHRISTOPHER BEJADO ON RECEIVING THE 2013 U.S. SMALL 
               BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2013

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Mr. Christopher Bejado on being awarded the 2013 U.S. Small Business 
Administration's Person of the Year Award for Guam. Mr. Bejado is the 
president and director of hospitality of Marianas Slingstone, Inc. dba 
Proa.
   PROA is true to the philosophy of ``garden to table,'' meaning PROA 
hires its employees from Guam and sources its ingredients from local 
farmers. The restaurant remains committed to the Hafa Adai spirit and 
to being locally sustainable.
   Chris was pursuing a master's degree in education from the 
University of Guam when he and his childhood friend, Geoffrey D. Perez, 
opened PROA Restaurant in Tumon. In 2007, the restaurant opened a 
complementary business, Sweet Relief Pastry Shop, featuring unique 
local flavors in delectable sweets. PROA opened a second location in 
November 2012, in the heart of Hagatna, to cater to the island's 
southern patrons.
   Born and raised on Guam in the village of Tamuning, Chris is the son 
of Catalino Marilag Bejado, a Filipino migrant from the province of 
Bicol in the Philippines, and Maria Martinez Flores, a Chamorro 
islander. He is the youngest of six siblings.
   Chris is a 1988 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and earned a 
bachelor's degree in travel industry management from Hawaii Pacific 
University. He is married to Cora Yanger Bejado and has three 
daughters: Natalie, Camille, and Kathleen.
   At age 23, after graduating from college Chris returned home to Guam 
and opened his first restaurant called De Niro's Pasta Kitchen in the 
village of Dededo which remained open for just 2 years. Chris has also 
held positions with the Hyatt Regency Guam as Assistant Manager for the 
Al Dente Restaurant, as well as Stewarding Manager. He also held the 
position of Concessions Manager for LSG Lufthansa Sky Chefs, opening 12 
food and beverage outlets in the New Guam International Airport in 
1995.
   Chris had a passion for sharing his work experience with Guam's 
young students, this led him to accept a position at the University of 
Guam (UOG) as Outreach Coordinator for the International Tourism and 
Hospitality Industry. He later worked as Marketing Specialist for the 
Office of University and Community Engagement, spending nearly ten 
years at UOG.
   Chris is also an active member in our island community. Chris has 
always believed that giving back to the community is his civic duty. He 
has years of experience and commitment to community organizations, 
serving as Chairman for the Hagatna Foundation, Chairman and Board 
Member for the Guam Humanities Council, and the Guam Educational Radio 
Foundation, KPRG 89.3. He has also contributed much time and resources 
to the American Cancer Society.
   I congratulate Christopher Bejado on receiving the 2013 U.S. Small 
Business Administration's Person of the Year Award for Guam. I join the 
people of Guam in commending him for his award and thanking him for his 
contributions to our community.

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