FESTPAC Unforgettable

FESTPAC Literary Arts Team

Guam is home to the12th Festival of the Pacific Arts scheduled for May 22, 2016 to June 4, 2016.  As the Co-Chair of the Literary Arts Publications Sub-Committee, I had the rich opportunity to experience and work with amazing and talented writers in the Pacific in the various sessions we hosted at the newly-renovated Hagatna Public Library and Latte of Freedom at Adelup.  We were surrounded by the cultural aura of arts, language, heritage, spirit, pride, and unity of the Pacific, which can’t be matched.  The next FESTPAC in Guam may be in another 40 years, so I’m glad I had the opportunity to serve as one of Guam’s FESTPAC delegates.  Hawaii is slated to be the next host, followed by Fiji.  I hope to be able to attend each of the upcoming festivals, because I’m sure they will be just as memorable!  BIBA FESTPAC!  Here are just a few snapshots taken during the FESTPAC activities.  Enjoy!

Guam IRA - May 2016 Newsletter

Click on the newsletter above to view this month's issue.

Latte Tones Performance a Success!

The Latte Tones were a hit once again!  Si Yu'os Ma'ase' to those who supported my daughter Julia and the rest of the Latte Tones!  Your presence at their performance held at the UOG Fine Arts Theatre spoke volumes.  They are on their way to the Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival in Northern Italy!

FESTPAC PUBLICATIONS CELEBRATES BOOK LAUNCH FOR LOCAL VOICES: AN ANTHOLOGY

In honor of the 12^th Festival of Pacific Arts, the Guam Literary Arts Publications Committee will celebrate the publication of Local Voices: An Anthology at Pika’s Cafe on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. The collection of poetry and creative narratives features 37 authors from the Pacific Island region, many of whom are official delegates representing Guam at Fest Pac 2016.

Authors in Local Voices include the following: Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Simone Efigenia Perez Bollinger, Kisha Borja-Quichocho, Raina Carpo, Dennis Chan, Paulette M. Coulter, Brandon Cruz, Eduardo R. Cruz, Tressa Cundiff Dela Cruz, Alicia U. Diego, Evelyn Flores, Louie Gombar, Mary P. Hattori, Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, Arielle Lowe, Lufi A. Luteru, Kelly G. Marsh-Taitano, Cara Flores Mays, Leiana S.A. Naholowa'a, Craig Santos Perez, Kallen Perez, Doug Poole, Malia Ramirez, Andrew Roberto, Shane Root, Vincent John Salas, Johanna Salinas, Corey Santos, Meta Sarmiento, Megan Taitague, Ewy Taitano, Tanya Taimanglo, Tabitha Espina Velasco, Desiree Taimanglo Ventura, Clarissa Villava, and Verna Zafra.

WHAT: The Local Voices public book launch event is free and open to the public and will include live readings by the authors. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, and the special Fest Pac price for the book is $20.00.

WHEN: Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pika’s Cafe, Upper Tumon

WHO: Delegates and Members of the Guam Fest Pac Literary Arts Publications Committee; Authors featured in Local Voices

WHY: Local Voices has been created specifically for the 12^th Festival of Pacific Arts, which Guam is hosting this year. The Guam Fest Pac Publications Committee seeks to expand opportunities for local writers to publish their work as well as increase Pacific Island literature and literacy in our region.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Mothers out there! Enjoy your Special Day! You deserve it! May God Bless you always, for all that you do, from being a nurse, doctor, taxi driver, photographer, etc.The list goes on! Enjoy the following mother’s poem!

Nana

Nana*….

If I haven’t told you already

“I love you so”

And always will

You have sacrificed

You have brought so much nurturing into my life

That I can’t imagine my life without you.

Even if my actions tell a different story.

So though I don’t say it all the time

Just know that I do appreciate you

For all that you have done for me

That I love you too

And I always will…

I love you mom!

*Nana: mother

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

PIBBA Steering Committee Hard at Work

PIBBA Guam Steering Committee.  Pictured L-R:  Dawn Maka; Bobbie Benavente; Professor Rosa Salas Palomo, Vice President; Dr. Jose Cruz, Historian; Ewy Taitano, President; Joey Leon Guerrero; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Juanita Manibusan; and Mye Ganan-Flores.

PIBBA Steering Committee discuss logistics of the 35th PIBBA International Conference at Lemai Cafe on April 30, 2016.

Source:  http://pibbainternational.blogspot.com

Latte Tones to Showcase Olaf/Disney Performance - May 6 & 7