Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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 #32 titled Mangga. Enjoy!

Mangga

I remember the mangga* days
When we would pick mango as a family.
When mango season came along
We knew the mangos would be abundant
And that we’d have to get to work.

We had to pick the mangos from our 20 trees
That my dad would skillfully climb on.
When he reached the top of the trees
He would hit the branches with all his might
As the mangos came falling down
Like huge and heavy raindrops
That sometimes hit our backs and arms
If we didn’t dodge them as they came our way.

I still remember the mangga days
And how we would fill our sacks with delicious mangos
To eat as much as we wanted
And to sell to the market.
Those mangga days are gone now
But they will never be forgotten.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Mangga: mango

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 #31 titled Wedding. Enjoy!

Wedding

The umakamo’* is a memorable event –
Just look at the nobia*
She’s dressed up in a lovely, glimmering, white dress.
Her name is Juanita
And she’s as beautiful as can be.
And look at Miguel
He’s the most handsome nobiu* I’ve ever seen.
He’s dressed in a black suit that has just been pressed.
But aside from the nobia and nobiu
You’ll notice the band playing a cha-cha song.
Everyone is dancing to the beat of Nobia Kahulo*
And are happy as can be.
But, oh, look at that gorgeous table setting
With ruffle decorations and a lovely lace table cover.
There you can find some delicious fiesta food
Like hot kelaguen, steaming red rice, barbecue chicken,
And so much more!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*umakamo’: wedding
*nobia: bride
*nobiu: groom
*Nobia Kahulo: Chamorro wedding song meaning, Bride Wake Up


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

Sunday, September 28, 2008

UOG-ACEI Induction Ceremony: Senator Judi Won-Pat conducted the 2008-2009 induction ceremony for the University of Guam Association for Childhood Education International (UOG-ACEI) for their new officers and advisors on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at the School of Education . Many ACEI members, students, friends, and faculty members attended. Several community and civic organizations and agencies who partnership with UOG-ACEI were invited to attend and participate in the ceremony.Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor; Dr. Marilyn Malloy Jackson, ACEI Advisor; Senator Judi Won-Pat, and Dr. Anita Borja-Enriquez, Executive Director for the School of Business and Public Administration. Back row L-R: Alicia Quintanilla, President; Ewalani Escruplo, Vice President; Beauty Letewasiyal, Secretary; Kimberly Castro, Treasurer; Vaughn Blas, Public Relations Officer; and Nakita Braganza, Public Relations Officer.
Staff Development: St. Anthony Catholic School teachers completed a 5-day workshop titled, "Middle School Reading and Writing in the Content Areas" on September 24, 2008. Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Josephine Catahay, St. Anthony Catholic School NCLB Representative. Back row L-R: Agnes Pocaigue, Martha Castro, Dominic Gumataotao, Maricon Reyes, and Eileen Gofigan.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

When a family member has cancer, it can be shocking and tragic for all members. I am grateful that my mother, Julia Santos Naputi, has survived cancer, and will be able to spend Mother’s Day with us. She lives life to the fullest each day, and cherishes the time she spends with family and friends.


L-R: Julia Naputi Rivera, Joaquin Naputi, Joaquin “Kinny” N.A. Rivera, Julia Naputi, Novalei & Isabella. Back row: Matilda Naputi Rivera, Jose, Lahna, Felicia, Joaquin Jr. & Fausto Naputi Rivera III.

Story in the Pacific Daily News:


Full Story from the Pacific Daily News:

When a family member is stricken with cancer, it can be shocking and tragic for all members. Today I am grateful that my mother, Julia Santos Naputi, has survived cancer, and will be able to spend Mother’s Day with us. My family is blessed that she arrived safely from San Diego yesterday evening.

It has been emotional and challenging especially for my father, Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, who is my mother’s caretaker. I see the love that he possesses, as he takes the time to cook for her, take her to the hospital for chemotheraphy and radiation treatments, and so much more.

My mother says that she is at ease with her circumstances because her eyes are open to the good of God, which is always present. She releases what she cannot change and makes wise choices in areas where she can. She is grateful for her life and the abundance present within it. She is grateful to all my family and friends for their concern, love, caring, masses, and prayers.

On January 2006, she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer (nose and throat cancer). Small nodules were found on the left and right side of her neck area. She was scared. She wondered why this happened when things were going great in her life. She was the Area Manager for General Nutrition Center. She did aerobics daily and dutifully took her vitamins.

The three months of radiation and chemotherapy weakened her body, and she lost 30 pounds. With my father’s undying support and caring, affection from families and friends, many prayers and masses on Guam and San Diego, she made it through. Then on September 2006, three small swellings were noticed on her lungs. A series of cat scan, pet scan and biopsies revealed it was growing. On March 2007, she went through the chemotherapy regiment again. As always, families and friends rallied to support her.

On this Mother’s Day, my mother wishes to give thanks to family and friends for their continued prayers. It is a circumstance in her life she has to deal with. She works hard to nourish her positive state of mind through daily exercise, prayers, and creation of gifts and souvenirs. Working on various gifts and souvenirs keeps her occupied. Otherwise, she would dwell on her cancer. She lives life to the fullest each day, cherishes the time she spends with family and friends, and leaves things in God’s hands.


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 #30 titled Karabao. Enjoy!

Karabao

The karabao* has rough and heavy skin
And loves to chew on the grass so long and green.
The karabao loves to swim in the bay
And would enjoy swimming there all day.
And though the karabao is strong and powerful
They may be a thing of the past
If we do not take care of them today.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*karabao: water buffalo, carabao

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 #29 titled Lancho. Enjoy!

Lancho

Early in the morning my mom and dad
Would go out in the field of our lancho*
In that hot, glaring sun
They would work even harder.
When I see drops of sweat fall from their forehead
I can tell it’s time to give them a glass of ice-cold water.
They grow various golai*
Guam residents love to eat –
Cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, and beans.

Farming is a family event too
For my brothers, my sister, and I also help my parents.
We hand them a shovel or two
And help them pick golai that are ready to eat.
Farming is hard work
But it’s something that must be done
To put food on the table for all of us.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*lancho: ranch
*golai: vegetables

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 #28 titled Fishing. Enjoy!

Fishing

It’s six o’clock in the morning
And I can hear my father gathering his fishing gear.
Yesterday he caught 10 palakse’*
But they were so lean
Perhaps tomorrow he’ll have a better catch.
His favorite place to fish is at the Tumon reef
But sometimes he fishes at Agana with his pare*
He told me today that he would get a good catch
And I believe him because he said the sky told him so.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*pare: close friend, *palakse’: parrot fish

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 #27 titled Pugua’. Enjoy!

Pugua’

Pugua’* is a special nut
We chew with delight.
Whether it be Ugum or Chungă
It has a unique flavor
And is especially tasty with Pupulu leaves!
It’ll spark your energy
And keep you moving
In all that you do!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*pugua’: betel nut

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 #26 titled SPAM. Enjoy!

SPAM

SPAM is our island’s instant Chamorro steak.
It’s truly a national mainstay
For our people consume it more than any other meat.

Introduced by the Americans during the war
It has survived the test of time
And today remains a staple for many.

We even hold a SPAM Olympics
To explore new SPAM recipes
Filled with zesty and spicy flavor
That we can taste and enjoy!

SPAM…Guam’s adopted Chamorro steak
Tastes especially good when it’s pika*
Combined with steaming red rice
And an ice-cold drink!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*pika: hot (spicy)

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

Monday, September 22, 2008



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 #24 titled Sirena. Enjoy!


Sirena

There’s a popular legend we have here on Guam

Of a beautiful and young native girl

Who had lovely long, black hair.

Her name was Sirena and she was a playful girl

Who loved to swim all day long.

When sent out to do errands

You can bet

She’d first take a swim in the river.

It’s been told that one day

Sirena's mother became very impatient

For she couldn’t stand Sirena swimming most of the day

When errands had to be done.

So one day came when she cursed Sirena into a fish.

But thanks to Sirena’s nina*

The curse was stopped halfway.

To this day, we hear about Sirena,

As a beautiful creature – half woman and half fish.

Her mother never saw her again

And wished she never said the curse

For tears of sadness flowed endlessly

As Sirena disappeared among the waves.

They say that Sirena has visited different places

Where she stopped vessels that came her way.

And it is believed

That this beautiful creature can be caught

Only with a net made of human hair.

© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*nina: godmother

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

Saturday, September 20, 2008


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 #23 titled Aga’. Enjoy!


Aga'

My favorite fruit is aga’* or banana as we know it.

We grew many banana trees on our Malesso lancho*

And you would always find some aga’

On our wooden kitchen table.

My mom made bunelos aga’* and madoya*

That made my mouth water

Just by the smell of them being cooked.

And eating the aga’ plain doesn’t bother me at all

Because it’s the easiest dessert I can grab to eat.

So, if ever you want a simple dessert to eat

Why not pick up an aga’ treat?

© mnrivera and ltgumataotao


*aga’: banana (ripe)

*lancho: ranch

*bunelos aga’: banana doughnuts

*bonelos aga: banana donuts

*madoya: fried banana dessert made with a mixture of flour, milk, and eggs


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

Friday, September 19, 2008


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 #22 titled Latte Stones. Enjoy!

Latte Stones

The Latte* Stones are archaeological wonders
Said to be used as pillars
For the foundation of homes.
How did they come to be?
Those huge, unique mounded stones are heavy
With one heavy stone placed on top of another.
Who chose the shape?
Who shaped the stones?
The answers are there for all to imagine
As we reflect on the days of our ancestors.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Latte: stone pillar for building

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

Monday, September 15, 2008

My Guela

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 #25 titled Guela Dear. Enjoy!

Guela Dear

Guela* Dear
I love you so
For being there for all of us, always.

Our babysitter
Our instant Bible
Our master chef
Our shopaholic
Our Santa Claus all year long.
The list goes on,
My Guela Dear.
But no matter what
We will always treasure
How you loved us with all your heart and soul!

So, if I haven’t told you lately
I want you to know
That we all love you,
We truly do…
And we’ll never forget
How you shaped our lives
To be true to ourselves and others
And strive to live by God’s Word, in all that we do.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Guela: Grandma


Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao
The newly elected UOG Alumni Association Officers met with the University's President, Dr. Robert Underwood, to discuss alumni activities and various goals to strengthen alumni ties.


Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Vice President; Jennifer Sanchez, President; Toni Aflague, Secretary. Back row L-R: James Underwood, Treasurer; Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President; and Peter Roy Martinez, UOG Director of Alumni Affairs.

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 #21 titled The Coconut Tree. Enjoy!

The Coconut Tree

The beautiful coconut trees or trongkon niyok*
As we natives say
Can be found all around the island
From Yigo to Malesso Bay.
Its coconut fruit has a delightful taste
With its milk and meat that can’t compare
With a nut anywhere.
The coconut trees are very strong and tall
And I just love its tasty nut – it’s special!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*trongkon niyok: coconut tree

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

Saturday, September 06, 2008

My Tata

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 #20 titled Tata. Enjoy!

Tata

Tata*…
I love you more than words can say
For all that you are
And all that you do
To provide for us all.
And your stern, yet caring ways
Instill us with a stamina to succeed
To reach beyond the limits
And keep going for victory!
So Tata,
Just know that I care too…
I love you!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Tata: father


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

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who voted for me during UOG's Alumni Election. Thanks to you, I was elected as the UOG Alumni Association Vice President. The election results include the following:


Jennifer Sanchez- President

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera- Vice President

Toni Aflague- Secretary

James Underwood- Treasurer


Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! I am humbled by your wonderful support and votes! It was a very close race for every candidate! I will remain committed in working with the newly elected UOG Alumni Association Officers, so that we will uphold the University's mission and connect with our fellow alumni members. I wish you all the best, and please keep in touch.

Warm regards,
Dr. Rivera
My Nana


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 #19 titled Nana. Enjoy!

Nana

Nana*….
If I haven’t told you already
“I love you so”
And always will

You have sacrificed
You have brought so much nurturing into my life
That I can’t imagine my life without you.
Even if my actions tell a different story.

So though I don’t say it all the time
Just know that I do appreciate you
For all that you have done for me
That I love you too
And I always will…
I love you mom!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Nana: mother

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