33rd Annual PIBBA International Conference Meaningful!

The 33rd Annual Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was a success! The conference theme, "I Lingguåhi, I Kuttura, I Haligen I Taotao-ta ~ Mwaliyasch, Kkoosch, Alleghul Aramasasch ~ The Language, The Culture, The Pillars of Our People" was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 22-26, 2014 in Luta, CNMI. 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.”

Congratulations PIBBA Guam TOY and POY!

Congratulations to this year's Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Pioneer of the Year (POY)!  Barbara Manibusan was selected for the prestigious 2014 TOY and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera was selected for the distinguished 2014 POY.  Manibusan, who serves as a Chamorro teacher, has held various PIBBA Guam executive positions.  Dr. Rivera, who serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Guam, is the webmaster for both local and PIBBA International organizations.

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…
I love you!
© mnrivera

University Singers Win Gold!

University Singers bring home the Gold after winning the Festa Musicale 42nd Festival of Songs International Choir Competition.

Congratulations to Julia and the rest of the University Singers for winning Gold during the Festa Musicale 42nd Festival of Songs International Choir Competition in Olomouc, Czech Republic.  We're so proud of all of you!  Way to go!

Agat 2014 Mango Festival

Be sure to visit the beautiful village of Agat for the 8th Annual Mango Festival held at Sagan Bisita.  The festival will feature Chopped Mango Edition, the local version of the popular Food Network TV show.  As part of the show, competitors will prepare a dish that includes mango as well as a secret ingredient that will be unveiled during the contest.  Hundreds of residents and tourists have already visited the festival, so if you haven't stopped by yet, do so before it ends!  Enjoy!

PIBBA Guam Photography Art Contest

The Guam Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Guam Chapter announces the:

PHOTOGRAPHY ART Contest in progress now, to produce a special calendar promoting pride in cultures and languages of the Pacific region.    

THEME:  Unique Photos of our Pacific Island Cultures

Photo images can depict any themes.  Please include name of photoartist and location of photo.

Entries must  be sent electronically (attach photo) to Dr. Arn Diaz, acsdiaz@yahoo.com .  Winning images will be placed into calendar, for sale at the 2014 Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference and in 2015 (Kosrae).  PIBBA Guam Chapter reserves the rights to use entries in future fundraising  projects, with notification and kudos to photoartists.

The contest is open to students, parents, teachers, and educators who support the PIBBA International Chapters; up to 3 photos per individual can be submitted to the Calendar Committee. 

Winners will receive a complimentary copy of the calendar, one PIBBA t-shirt, and will be given special recognition at the annual conference.  Enter a photo and join in the fun!  Good Luck!

Please direct your inquiries to acsdiaz@yahoo.com or call (671) 483-6426 for more information.  

Certificate of Appreciation from GC-IRA

GPLS Summer Reading Program - Fizz, Boom, Read - June 7 - July 26

Safe travels and God Bless Julia and the University Singers

Julia and the rest of the University Singers departed for Europe today en route through Korea. We wish them the best as they compete in the Festa Musicale 42nd Festival of Songs International Choir Competition in Olomouc, Czech Republic. God Bless you all, and we know that you will continue to represent Guam well!

Happy 2nd Birthday Eva Dior Arjean Naputi Hernandez! God Bless, and we love you!

The ICC Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2014, 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Head Start Office Conference Room, located in Tiyan, next to Guahan Charter School. Please feel free to contact us for directions.