Boston Snapshots

Boston is always bustling no matter what time of the day. It is historical, inspirational, fast-paced, and the list goes on. Here are just a few of the snapshots taken during our ILA trip.

Guam IRA Receives Honor Council Award in Boston, MA

Congratulations to the Guam Council IRA for receiving the ILA Honor Council Award!  Guam IRA has been instrumental in promoting literacy on Guam since 1968, and it will continue in its efforts to do so for many years to come.  Our mission is to develop an awareness of the powerful impact of reading, and we aim to make connections to the island's community through various literacy projects and events including our Annual Read-A-Thon, Author Visits, educator grants, Annual Language Arts Conference sponsorship, literacy workshops/presentations, professional development credit opportunities, local book donations and International book donations to our neighboring islands, affordable and resourceful books, tools, supplies, and engaging projects that promote literacy on the island of Guam and Micronesia at large.

Guam IRA Receives ILA Honor Council Award for 2015-2016 at the ILA Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.  Guam IRA was recognized as an HONOR COUNCIL of the International Literacy Association for its achievements in programs, membership, promotion, and community service.  Pictured L-R:  April Cordova, Guam IRA Board Member; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, 2016-2017 Guam IRA President; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Guam IRA Board Member; Evangeline P. Chaco, 2015-2016 Guam IRA President; Dylan Orot, Guam IRA Board Member; and Annette Raguindin, Guam IRA Board Member.

Visiting Familia!

Memories shared with our familia last a lifetime.  I had the opportunity to visit my familia in San Diego, Arizona, and San Francisco this summer.  Si Yu'os Ma'ase', mi familia, for making my trip an unforgettable one!  Here are just a few snapshots taken during my visit.

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

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

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Paperback:

Annette Raguindin

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Novelties:

Margaret Beam, Darlene Quichocho

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Young Adults:

Dylan Orot, April Cordova

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Professional Development:

Erlinda Arriola, Martha Sudo

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Author Visit:

Lois T. Gumataotao

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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

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 35^th 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 35^th 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!