In 2015, my late husband, John Francis Leon Guerrero and I had an idea of having our own apparel line proudly displaying Chamorro designs specifically the Latte Stone. We wanted our company name to be something we could be proud of, so we came up with Onra (meaning Honor in Chamorro). However, Onra remained just an idea and was put on the back burner. Unfortunately, my world was flipped upside down when I lost my husband due to complications with his battle with colon cancer on May 17, 2023. I had hoped that we would have had many more years together, however, that wasn't God's plan. At this point, I was unsure of what my future would hold until I stumbled across some old graphic designs that John Francis and I played with many years ago that suddenly filled me with energy and inspired me to revisit the idea of Onra, as if his spirit was encouraging me to pick up where we left off. I felt that making our idea a reality is my tribute to John Francis memory.

Onra Marianas came about because I also wanted to honor my father, Angel Castro Santos born on Saipan and my mother, Elenita Aguon Santos born on Guam. Ultimately, my wish with Onra is to perpetuate my Chamorro heritage as well as the lessons from my parents of always acting with honor and respect.

My Vision is to develop a company that prides itself on maintaining honor in all that we do and represent. I want to be a good example for the next generation on how to move forward despite life's setbacks, never forgetting our past, especially of those we love and lost in out life journey. I want them to take pride in their heritage and know that they too can live in this current society with honor and respect. I hope that it is a positive legacy that I leave behind. What better way to stand true to the meaning of Onra than to honor my love, my life partner, my proud Marine, John Francis by always remembering him through Onra Marianas.

Lastly, thank you to all my friends and family who have contributed in many ways, ideas, suggestions, support etc... to bring Onra Marianas to life, I could not do this without you. I am blessed beyond belief with having you all in my life and thank God for each and everyone of you. Onra Marianas is ours to grow together.

Dankalu Na Si Yunus Ma'ase (Thank you very Much)

-Melissa Aguon Santos