Biba Åñu Nuebu!

Biba Åñu Nuebu!  As 2026 begins where the sun first rises over the Pacific, this message is offered from Guåhan with warmth, gratitude, and hope. It honors the island’s ancient roots, living culture, and enduring spirit while welcoming a new year filled with promise. Please enjoy the poem below as these words carry the light of the New Year’s dawn—celebrating health, love, generosity, and joy—shared from Guåhan to wherever you are. 🎉🙏🇬🇺❤️🌴🤗

New Year's Dawn on Guåhan: Blessings of the Pacific

As midnight fireworks bloom over Tumon's azure bay,  

Guåhan awakens first to the New Year, lighting hope's bright way.  

From Latte Stone whispers of ancient times,

To the ocean’s endless song where trade winds softly chimes—  

Here, in this island heart of CHamoru grace and fire,  

We weave our wishes bold, for a year to inspire.  

I wish you good health, like Guåhan’s pure waves that heal and cleanse,  

So every dawn you rise in comfort, strong and sense.  

Breathe deep the fresh crisp air,  

And savor days of vigor.

I wish you love of family and friends, fierce and true,  

Like nobena gatherings where kin forever renew.  

In village fiestas shared, with laughter warm and near,  

Peace blooms within your heart, dissolving every fear.  

I wish you beauty of nature, Guåhan’s divine display—  

Coconut palms swaying, reefs in turquoise play,  

Serene nature surroundings, the work of God's own hand,  

That fills your soul with wonder across this sacred land.  

I wish you wisdom to choose what truly matters most,  

Like families gazing back from the coast.  

Priorities like family promesa, etched in stone and sea,  

Guiding steps through life's vast, unfolding mystery.  

I wish you generosity, to share as villages do—  

Feasts of roasts, kelaguen, finadene, buñelos fresh and new.  

Let goodness freely flow,  

Enriching every shore where kindness helps it grow.  

I wish you happiness and joy, exploding like the lights,  

That crown the New Year first in America's delight.  

With aloha in the breeze and stars above the tide,  

Blessings cascade like waves on Guåhan’s eternal side.  

I wish you the best of everything, prosperity's warm sun,  

In this Pacific jewel where new beginnings run.  

From the Malesso’ Pier to Humåtak’s historic shore,  

May Guåhan’s resilient spirit lift your year and more.  

Wishing You a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

On Guåhan’s embracing shores, let love and light appear—  

Health, joy, and wisdom flow, as resolutions rise,  

A sea of endless promise under New Year's skies.

Biba Åñu Nuebu!  

©️Matilda Naputi Rivera

Christmas Across the Pacific: A Sea of Love

Filis Pasgua ~ Minagof Nochebuena❣️🎄 Below is a poem I wrote in celebration of Christmas as it is felt and shared across the Pacific—where many islands, cultures, and languages are woven together by family, faith, and a deep, unifying love that flows like the ocean itself.  Enjoy❣️🌴🙏

Christmas Across the Pacific: A Sea of Love

Across the wide Pacific blue, where gentle trade winds play,
The islands shine with Christmas light in love’s eternal way.
From reef to ridge, from palm to pine, one truth the heart can see—
That familia is the greatest gift across the land and sea.

~Minagof Nochebuena~

 CHamoru joy takes flight,
Feasts and laughter fill the night.
Candles glow on ocean waves,
Blessing hearts the season saves.

~Feliz Navidad~

From shores so bright,

Where hearts are warm and spirits light.

Across the waves, the joy is shared—

The Pacific unites, with love declared.

~Maligayan Pasko~

Philippine voices sing,
Of hope and peace the Christ Child brings.
Families gather, hearts entwine,
The stars above in bright design.

~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee~
Carolinian hearts sing free.
Their blessings travel wave to wave,
A gift of peace the season gave.

~Peren en Krismas~

Pohnpei’s rain falls light,
A song of love through silent night.
Each drop a prayer, each breeze a hymn,
The world grows bright, though skies grow dim.

~Pwapwan Kirisimas~

Chuuk’s bright bay,
Echoes laughter through the day.
Children’s songs and elders’ grace,
Bring heaven’s warmth to every place.

~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin~

Marshallese hearts proclaim,
That Christmas joy is still the same.
From shore to shore, the laughter flows,
As kindness, like the ocean, grows.

~Falang e Baynag~

Yap’s voices resound,
Tradition’s rhythm all around.
Hands together, spirits high,
Their joy ascends into the sky.

~Tok Tapeng~

Kosrae’s jungles hum,
With songs of peace that softly come.
The earth and sea in harmony,
Reflecting love’s simplicity.

~Ungil Kurismas~

Palauans cheer,
With open hearts and voices clear.
The ocean sparkles, calm and wide,
As families gather side by side.

~Mele Kalikimaka~

Hawaii’s breeze,
Carries joy across the seas.
Aloha shines in every smile,
Love that lingers all the while.

And from the heart of American Samoa, too,
~Manuia le Kerisimasi~ to you!
Where mountains meet the ocean’s song,
And aiga (family) keeps us strong.

Across the Pacific, one truth we know,
Wherever the island breezes blow—
That Christmas shines in every land,
When hearts reach out and hands join hands.

Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!
A sea of love, pure and terrific.

©️Matilda Naputi Rivera

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs New Year's Saturday Story Time - Jan. 3, 2026

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs New Year's Saturday Story Time on January 3, 2026, via Zoom or in person at the Hagatna Public Library.  Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading.  We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁📚🚤 🎉😃

A Double Dose of Birthday Joy! 🎂 🎉

Celebrating Two Special Blessings Today!

It’s a double celebration! 🎉 Sending heartfelt Biba Kumpleaños wishes to this outstanding young man and to our precious grandson, neni Dmitri!  Hu guaiya hao❣️🎂🎉