Guinahan I Lanchero: Johnny Castro, Mr. Mango Man

Johnny Castro at his mango farm in Talo’fo’fo

Before he was known as Mr. Mango Man, Johnny Castro drove around Guam selling life insurance. On those drives, he couldn’t help but notice the towering mango trees — and that curiosity eventually led him to learn how to graft them.

A delicate, patient art that turns one strong tree into many fruitful varieties. His talent didn’t stay hidden for long. Thalia Gange reached out, wanting her employees to learn his methods. Then came a call from the Hågat Mayor’s Office, Johnny shared 50 grafted mango trees at the very first Hågat Mango Festival.

On a visit to his farm, we witnessed the living proof of Johnny’s craft: a lush, half-acre landscape with mango trees stretching nearly 30 feet into the sky. Indian, papaya, and more mango varieties thrived in soil so soft it could be mistaken for cake flour—though Johnny simply said, “That’s just cow poop.”

Fire pits marked the northern corners, and the whole land felt like something sacred. Oddly enough, Johnny now doesn’t even eat mangoes. “I’ve had enough,” he jokes.

Johnny’s advice to new farmers:
“Find people with knowledge. Be patient. Stick with it and never give up.”