HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Pictured above: Steering committee members of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) are hard at work during the 28^th Annual International PIBBA Conference held June 22-25, 2009 at the University of Guam, Guam Marriott Resort, and Merlyn Cook School in Malesso. The conference theme was “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific.”

Hafa Adai! I just wanted to wish everyone out there a Happy Labor Day weekend! Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy the Labor Day holiday, since there’s no doubt that many of us have exerted much effort to contribute to the betterment of our island. Our genuine commitment to work hard and wisely should not go unnoticed. I salute all of you who sincerely strive to make a difference! Kudos to all of you and Happy Labor Day!

TALES Familia

It is always nice to be able to spend time with my Talofofo Elementary School (TALES) Tiger Familia.  Although Luwaina will be heading to Florida, she'll only be a keystroke or Zoom session away.  Safe travels, and keep in touch! 🐅 😘

AULOC C-School, March 2023

AULOC C-School, March 2023

St. Louis, Missouri

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Community Saturday Story Time - Sept. 2

Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁🚤📚😀

RIP Bro Pete 🙏❤️

RIP Pete.  You are now in a better place in heaven above.  You will always be remembered. 🙏❤️

RIP Pete Phillip Quichocho 🙏❤️

Double Celebration!

It’s a double celebration! 🎉 My parents surprised my baby sister Felicia and I with a birthday and graduation celebration combined! 🥳 Happy 25th Birthday 🎂 (wishful thinking) to my baby sister Felicia, and Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ to my familia for the graduation celebration of my final doctoral degree! 👩‍🎓 We are truly blessed to be surrounded by love and support! ❤️💕🎉🏆🎈

Double Celebration of Birthday & Graduation with the Naputi's and Rivera's!

Another Doctoral Achievement!

The Guam Cohort graduated with a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Philippine Women’s University on July 29, 2023 at PICC in Manila.  Kudos to the following cohort members:  Dr. Afshin Amoui, Dr. Erika Arceo, Dr. Therese Flores, Dr. Philip Patricio, Dr. Jim Reyes, Dr. Matilda Rivera, Dr. Jennifer San Nicolas, and Dr. Sylvia Taylor! 👩‍🎓🎉

The Guam Cohort take a pose to celebrate their doctoral achievement!  They are proud to represent Guam.  

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera smiles as she receives her doctoral diploma.  This is her third and final doctoral journey.  Pictured L-R:  PWU President Marco M. Benitez, Rivera, and Board of Regents Member.

Happy Liberation Day, Guam!

Biba Ha’ånen Libirasion!

1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner Meaningful

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to our families & friends who joined us for the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner on July 20, 2023.  Thank you also to Malesso’ Mayor Ernest Chargualaf for his Opening Remarks, along with Inarajan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf and Talofofo Mayor Vicente Taitague, for being present.  We truly appreciate Governor Lou Leon Guerrero for her presentation of the Proclamation of The World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Remembrance Day.  Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ also goes out to Jeremie Cepeda and Dakota Camacho for the beautiful Bendision of prayers and chants as we remember our 7 Beloved Heroes who prevented a total massacre of the people of Malesso’.  I’m proud to say that my Tata, Juan Acfalle Naputi, and my 2 uncles (my Nana’s brothers), Mariano Nangauta & Jose Nangauta, are 3 of the 7 heroes. Malesso’ is the only village liberated by the villagers themselves and not by the U.S. Armed Forces.  Let us remember the following beloved heroes:  Jose S. Reyes, Mariano N. Nangauta, Jose N. Nangauta, Juan A. Naputi, Patricio S. Taijeron , Vicente M. Meno, and Nicolas A. Chargualaf.  May all our heroes Rest In Peace! If it weren’t for them, I would not be here today.  🙏😘  Enjoy the following snapshots, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Pictured L-R:  Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi.

Jose D. Naputi, grandson of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes, and 

Coordinator of the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner

Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes.

Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi; EvaDior Arjean Naputi Hernandez, great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi.

Pictured L-R:  Art San Nicolas and Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso'

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, and Jeremy Cepeda

Pictured L-R:  EvaDior Arjean Naputi Hernandez, great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Jose Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi

Pictured L-R:  Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso', and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

Pictured L-R:  Joaquin Nangauta Naputi, son of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 Heroes of Malesso'; Julia Santos Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi; and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

Malesso' Mayor Ernest Chargualaf saying his Opening Remarks

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero speaks to the participants of the 1st Annual World War II Seven Heroes of Malesso’ Dinner 

Pictured L-R:  Dolores Cruz Naputi, daughter-in-law of Juan Acfalle Naputi, one of the 7 heroes; and Renee Angoco, and great granddaughter of Juan Acfalle Naputi.

Holiday - July 4 ~ Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to one and all! We are grateful to all veterans & those who serve in the Armed Forces, for they are instrumental in the freedom we enjoy today.

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Source:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
Image source: www.estateweddingsandevents.com

Happy Father’s Day!

 

Happy Father's Day to my Amazing Dad, supportive husband, dedicated brothers, and to all you wonderful fathers out there!  Enjoy your Special Day!  God Bless you for being that powerful light filled with unwavering love that guides the path every step of the way❣️🙏👏🏼🥇🎉❤️

Typhoon Mawar Slams Guam May 24

Trees uprooted by Typhoon Mawar

When Typhoon Mawar slammed Guam on May 24, 2023, we were left without power, water, and lost our telecom services.  To this day, many of us don’t have power, but thank God, we’re alive and our water has been restored.  Sadly, Mawar unleashed its rage with deafening roars and wild gusts, as strong waves slammed into the island.  In its wake, devastation ruled supreme, however, despite the chaos, strength would emerge, as our people are resilient.  Together, we will overcome the destruction and rebuild our lives, one day at a time.  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ to all those who have come to the aid of our island and its people!  God bless you all for all that you do to make a difference! 🙏 🙏 🙏

Happy 51st Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Happy 51st Anniversary Mom & Dad!  ❤️🎉 May every precious moment spent together continue to strengthen the love you have for each other for years to come.  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ for all the sacrifices you’ve made to provide and care for our familia.  We wouldn’t have made it this far, if it weren’t for both of you.  God bless you always, and enjoy your Anniversary!  Hu Guiaya Hao!❤️🎉