Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Obechou Gubatan
Obechou Gubatan wishes all her Compass Group colleagues of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage “a happy AAPI Heritage Month!” She believes May is a time to honor the many cultures, unique histories, and achievements of AAPI communities, as well as the challenges they have faced. An executive sous chef for CCL-Hospitality Group, Obechou adds, “It’s a time to reflect on our shared values and continue to work toward a world of inclusion.”
Obechou was born on the island of Palau and raised on the island of Guam. Her father is of Palauan and Filipino descent, and her mother is of Palauan and Okinawan descent. Although her family is of mixed heritage, she grew up following Palauan cultural practices. She spent most of her life in Guam, where the population is a diverse blend of Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Micronesians.
As a child, she visited Palau most summers. “As a family, we visited the Rock Islands, a collection of limestone formations home to a unique and diverse marine life,” shares Obechou. “We’d take boats out for sightseeing, snorkeling, and fishing. Those experiences shaped my appreciation for nature and deepened my respect for the ocean.”
Respect is a cornerstone of her family’s values, particularly toward elders and ancestors. The spirit of reciprocity practiced among them extends across ten familial generations and beyond oceans. Major life events—such as births, deaths, and marriages—are marked by gatherings where family members exchange food, goods, and financial resources, providing support in both joyous and challenging times.
“Being part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community means proudly embracing and representing the diverse cultures and traditions that unite us, especially in times of societal challenges,” notes Obechou. The AAPI community is deeply supportive—one person’s success is seen as a victory for all and is celebrated and valued.
This May marks Obechou’s third year as a sous chef at the Moorings Park Grande Lake in Naples, Florida. “I enjoy helping and supporting my team, as well as learning about the cultural backgrounds of those I work with,” she adds.
Both her personal and professional life have been shaped by the values of respect, family, and community. “These beliefs influence how I interact with others and how I approach daily challenges,” she reflects.
She has been particularly inspired by a Palauan saying: ‘A lak kemiu, eng diak kemam,’ which translates to ‘If not for you, there is no us.’
“We’re all interdependent on each other for success, and therefore, we must treat one another with honor and respect,” Obechou declares. “Only through collective efforts can we advance in life.”