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

Saturday, November 15, 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 #49 titled Belembao Tuyan. Enjoy!

Belembao Tuyan

Our culture is rich with music and dance
And one thing that makes it lively
Is the belembao tuyan* which will delight your ears
With its distinctive sounds
That are uniquely generated by one’s stomach

There aren’t that many
Who can play the belembao tuyan with ease
But when it is played you can bet
It will merrily entertain you
With a cultural tune that can’t be matched.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*belembao tuyan: musical string instrument which is held against the belly while the musician plays.


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

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