Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #10 titled Chamorro. Enjoy!

Chamorro

Hafa Adai!*
I am a Chamorro — a native of Guam
Who lives on a beautiful island
You’ll find in the deep, blue Pacific Ocean.
You’re welcome to visit us anytime
To share a part of our rich culture.
We’re hospitable and peaceful people
And we gladly welcome you to our family.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Hafa Adai: “Hello” or “How are you?”

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #9 titled Tata Dear. Enjoy!

Tata Dear

Oh, Tata*, if you were here
I would let you know how much I love you.
And now that you’re gone things won’t be the same
Because you’re missing from my life.

I know life must go on day by day
And though it’s hard I’ll try my best
To live life to the fullest with my chin held up high
Remembering the special times
That we shared at the ranch –
Treasuring those moments
That I hold dear to my korasón*
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Tata: father
* korasón: heart

Note: Although Tata literally translates to father in this poem, it is affectionately referred to such for grandfather, based on personal experience.

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #8 titled I Love You Nana. Enjoy!

I Love You Nana

Look at my Nana*
She seems old and fragile.
And look at her now
She’s sweet and wise.
As she speaks it’s not clear English
But you can tell that she’s been through it all.
She’s been through rough times of raising 14 children
And caring also for her husband – my Tata*
She’s now the grandmother of 23
And I’m proud to say I’m one of them.
It didn’t matter to my Nana that I was the 15th grandchild
Because she always made the time
To talk to me sincerely.
I remember the times
When she cheered me up when I felt sad
And for being there when I needed her advice.
Si Yu’os Ma’ase para todos*
I want you to know na hu guiaya hao*
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Nana: mother
*Tata: father
* Si Yu’os Ma’ase para todos: Thank you for everything
* na hu guiaya hao: that I love you

Note: Although Nana and Tata literally translates to mother and father respectively, in this poem they are affectionately referred to such for grandparents, based on personal experience.

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Happy Liberation Day Guam!

Hafa Adai and Happy Liberation Day! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #7 titled Liberation Parade. Enjoy! Biba Guahan!

Liberation Parade

Packed with crowds to celebrate Guam’s freedom
From Japan’s cruel occupation
We continue to celebrate
And to thank our Dear Uncle Sam – the United States
During our annual Liberation Parade on July 21.
We are grateful U.S. citizens
Yan Saluda* all who continue to fight for our freedom
In the spirit of the U.S.A.!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Yan saluda: And salute

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Mangi Kelaguen!

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #6 titled Kelaguen. Enjoy!

Kelaguen

Lemon juice mixed with coconut meat
Along with salt and donné
Are the perfect ingredients,
For the best tasting
And most popular fiesta food called kelaguen.
But the recipe would not be complete
Without some form of chopped meat – chicken or beef.
And you can even use SPAM
Where there’s no need for cooking –
Simply mix it up raw with lemon juice and hot pepper.
Just try out the recipe and you’ll see for yourself,
The delicious and scrumptious food you can prepare,
That’ll make your mouth water
And satisfy your appetite with much delight.
And when fiesta time comes around you can bet,
That this simple and delicious dish
Will be served for all to eat!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*donné: hot pepper

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao