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, June 18, 2016

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, and God Bless all fathers who make a difference in the lives of their children.

The following is a poem I wrote in dedication to my father.


My Tata


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…
Hu guaiya hao!
© mnrivera

Monday, June 13, 2016

Congratulations, 2016-2017 IRA Board Members!



President:
Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
.
President-Elect, Readathon 2016-2017 Chair:
Rose Cruz Castro
.
Recording Secretary:
Martha Sudo
.
Treasurer:
Nilfa Milan
.
Corresponding Secretary:
Neldie Pendon-Limtiaco
.
Grants:
Lois T. Gumataotao
.
Hard Cover:
Lea Calvo, Sophia Fujikawa, Marilyn Balajadia
.
Software:
Geri Duenas
.
Book Exchange:
Jane Rayphand
.
Paperback:
Annette Raguindin
.
Novelties:
Margaret Beam, Darlene Quichocho
.
Young Adults:
Dylan Orot, April Cordova
.
Professional Development:
Erlinda Arriola, Martha Sudo
.
Author Visit:
Lois T. Gumataotao
.
Membership:
Stephanie Taitano, Margaret Asuncion
.
Historian:
Frances Blanco
.
Webmaster:
Liwanag Dominguez
.
Newsletter:
Grace Griffin
.
Professional Resources:
Liwanag Dominguez, Elaine Madrazo
.
Door Prizes:
Evangeline "Vangie" Chaco

Thursday, June 09, 2016

Congratulations Newly-Elected PIBBA Officers!

President - Senator Shelten G. Neth (Pohnpei)
President-Elect (Acting) - Jon Masaichi (Palau)
Secretary - Theresa "Ewy" Taitano (Guam)
Treasurer - Rosa Salas Palomo (Guam)
Historian - Alister Tolenoa (Kosrae)
Webmaster - Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (Guam)


PIBBA International Officers:  Pictured L-R:  Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Jon Masaichi, Acting Presiden-Elect; Alister Tolenoa, Historian; and Theresa "Ewy" Taitano, Secretary.  Not pictured is President Sen. Shelten G. Neth.

PIBBA Conference a Success!

The 35th Annual Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was a success! The conference theme, What Is Ours, What We Have, What We Share ... And To Give More ~ Håfa Iyo-ta, Håfa Guinahå-ta, Håfa Ta Påtte ... Ya U Ta Nå’i Mas was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 6-8, 2016. Each day featured the gathering of everyone singing the PIBBA song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference are CNMI, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Guam. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.

The first day of the PIBBA Conference was held at the University of Guam and included a Tribute to Colors, National Anthem, Guam Hymn, Inifresi, and special selections played by the Belembaotuyan Orchestra.  Welcoming remarks were made by PIBBA International and PIBBA Guam Chapter President Theresa “Ewy” Taitano.  A special Keynote Speech titled, “Leveraging the Bilingual Bicultural Advantage for Student Success in School and in Life” was made by Dr. Samuel Betances.  This day also included various cultural presentations and kicked off the annual silent auction.

The second day included historic field trips to Inalahan and the Humatak Heritage Project.  Historical tales and artifacts captivated the audience who participated.

The third day of the PIBBA Conference was held at the University of Guam.  It included the awarding of the indigenous Teachers of the Year and Pioneers of the Year, as well as various other cultural presentations.  The silent auction also closed on this day.  A meaningful closing ceremony and dinner took place at the Latte of Freedom at Adelup.

The final day included the PIBBA International Annual Meeting held at the University of Guam.  Congratulations to the newly-elected PIBBA International Officers, including the following:  Senator Shelten G. Neth (Pohnpei), President; Jon Masaichi (Palau), Acting President-Elect; Theresa “Ewy” Taitano (Guam), Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo (Guam), Treasurer; Alister Tolenoa (Kosrae), Historian; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (Guam), Webmaster.


Deep gratitude goes out to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 35th Anuual PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’!  Kalahngan! Mesulang! Kuloh!  Kinissow! Kommol! Kammagar!