House pays tribute to 670 Rock Steady founder Cabrera

Members of the House of Representatives pay tribute to the late Francisco Deleon Guerrero Cabrera, through a commemorative resolution presented to his family last Friday, Dec. 20, at the House chamber on Capital Hill. Cabrera was the creative mind behind the Mågas/Stressfree clothing brand, and the founder of 670 Rock Steady Shop. (IVA MAURIN)

The late Francisco Deleon Guerrero Cabrera, the creative mind behind the Mågas/Stressfree clothing brand and founder of 670 Rock Steady Shop, was honored with tribute by members of the House of Representatives last Friday, Dec. 20, on Capital Hill.

“All of us have a unique relationship with him, whether it be as customers, whether it be as friends, and whether it be as family,” said Rep. Luis John DLG Castro (R-Saipan).

Castro introduced the resolution to posthumously recognize Cabrera’s contributions and accomplishments in business and in the community, as well as in lifting the Marianas brand worldwide.

Cabrera passed away last Nov. 25, 2019, at the age of 41.

“As a child, the late Francisco Deleon Guerrero Cabrera developed the passion for art and culture that became stronger as he grew older,” the resolution states.

After earning a degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii, Cabrera returned to Saipan and worked as a social worker for the Department of Public Health’s Community Guidance Center.

To express his artistry, Cabrera began in mid-2000 to place his artwork on T-shirts, which he then sold from the trunk of his car, serving as the humble beginnings of his island-inspired clothing line, Stress-Free, and the Stress-free CNMI company.

In 2007, Cabrera, with several other fashion designers, opened the 670 Rock Steady Shop which paved the way for other artists to turn their fashion into profit. Through the years, the business expanded to include boutique kiosks at DFS Galleria, giving tourists the chance to buy a piece of Marianas fashion to take home with them.

Cabrera also received the U.S. trademark for his Mågas/Stressfree clothing, becoming one of a few businesses in the CNMI to achieve such a milestone.

Not only did Cabrera excel as an entrepreneur, he was also a philanthropist. Cabrera, who was a passionate supporter of the arts and an active participant in the annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, donated to many groups and organizations, and mentored and gave opportunities to young members of the community through employment and counsel.

“Though his time on earth is brief, in that brief period of time, he left a big impact on our islands,” Castro said. “When he came back to these islands he called home, he came back and saw islands that needed a jumpstart, and wanting to be that catalyst for change, he used his love and his passion, to turn a word into more than just a ‘slang’ but a state of mind.”

The posthumous recognition was presented to Cabrera’s widow, May Reyes-Cabrera, their sons, and family.

Cabrera’s father, Herman B. Cabrera, on behalf of the family, thanked the members of the House for the resolution and said that they would be treasuring it in their hearts.

“These islands that we call home, these rocks that we live on, are a lot steadier now for the work that he did,” Castro said. “He always felt that the Marianas were destined for better days then, and today, the thing he worked hard to make possible is now a reality. Marianas, he left better than when he found it.”