MAGALAHI

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

New book highlights pre-Spanish Marianas rulers

Ed Benavente donated 1 copy to Taotao Tano CNMI Association, Inc. 111407.




A new book detailing the lives of several chiefs and chieftains that ruled the Marianas hundreds of years ago is now available.
Guam Gov. Felix Camacho led the presentation of the new book, titled I Manmañaina-ta; I Manmaga’lahi yan I Manma’gas; Geran Chamoru/Españot, (1668-1695), during the kick-off of the 8th Western Micronesia Chief Executive Summit Tuesday morning.
Author Ed Benavente, who is also director of the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission, joined Camacho in presenting the book to CNMI Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
Prior the presentation, Benavente and two of his staff showed to conference delegates illustrated posters of at least 25 chiefs and chieftains who ruled the islands in pre-Spanish times.
Benavente and illustrator Raphael Unpingco came up with the new book, which covers the Chamorro and Spanish War of 1668 to 1695. The book is an 86-page volume that identified the Chamorros who fought for freedom from the Spaniards.
Benavente said the book names 11 chiefs from the CNMI, while 15 are from Guam. Some of the chiefs during that time were Choko, Maga'ling Mata'pang, Tolahi, Sangho, Poio, Magalahi, Hurao, Aligao, Chaifi, Ka'lsa, Ke'Puha, Ipao, Kimadu, Olanok and Punni.
The book covers the war in Micronesia that lasted 27 years, culminating in the last decisive battle on the island of Aguijan in July 1695. The book contains a section that is devoted to each chief or warrior, recounting details of their clashes with Spanish soldiers and the speeches that stirred its people during that time.
111507 st-By Marconi CalindasReporter

Thursday, November 8, 2007

First lady's vision foundation





CNMI first lady Josie Fitial receives a check for $15,000 from Bridge Capital for the First Lady’s Vision Foundation.
From left, front row, are Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Mrs. Fitial, Lee Francia, Remy Buniag of the Women’s Affairs Office, Bridge Capital loan officer Jon Anderson and chief financial officer David Jensen. At the back, from left, are special assistant for public liaison Angel Hocog, WAO public information officer Rose Pangelinan and special assistant for administration Esther Fleming. Photo by Mark Peñaranda

Olopai seeks balance in cultural tradition and modern life


By Marconi Calindas Reporter

As part of the monthlong celebration of CNMI Humanities Month, the Council for Humanities started its Literary Series Thursday night with a talk by author and renowned Carolinian navigator Lino Olopai. Olopai, author of The Rope to Tradition, spoke before at least 20 people during the event held at the CNMI Museum of History and Culture in Garapan. In his usual comic manner, Olopai reminisced about his past and how he came to know better his Carolinian heritage. Olopai said that being a navigator requires relying on one's skills and instincts and interpreting one's environment, including the stars. Carolinian navigation skills use stick charts that are raised and aligned with the stars to guide navigators as they sail across the vast stretches of the Pacific. He also shared his experiences about meeting other Carolinian navigators, through which he came to know more about his heritage and his present advocacy to balance traditional culture with the demands of modern life in the Commonwealth. Olopai's Rope of Traditionwas published by the Council in 2004. Humanities Council director Paz Younis led Thursday night's event, in cooperation with Museum director Robert Hunter and his staff members. Humanities Council officer Scott Russell, who introduced Olopai, said he has known the author since the '70s. The Council is inviting the community once again to the second part of the series, featuring Maria B. Dooley and Anicia Q. Tomokane, who will discuss their contributions to producing relevant children's literature in “Literature by and for Children” beginning 9:30am on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. The series' final presentation will feature Robert “Bob” Coldeen and Francisco “Tun Ko” M. Palacios in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during which they will discuss the origins and evolution of the game of baseball in the Northern Mariana Islands. Their presentation will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday evening, Oct. 25 at Palacios Field. Interested individuals are invited to contact Council staff at 235-4785 for additional details about these events.

Four new Marines from NMI


mv 110807

A HEARTFELT congratulations goes out to four of the U.S Marine Corps’ newest Marines, all from the CNMI, a media release said.Recruited by Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Eric Arriaga, the four departed the CNMI on Aug. 6. Leaving the comfort and security of their homes, families and friends behind, these four young men embarked on a three-month odyssey to become an integral part of “The Few and the Proud.”After an intense week of initial processing and 12 grueling weeks of physical and mental training, these four young men graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California on Nov. 2 as members of the 2nd Battalion, Golf Company, Platoon 2148. Tyrone Mundo Aquiningoc of Tinian, Daryl Igitol Brennan of Saipan, Abraham Mendiola Castro of Tinian and Fritz Arriola Mendiola of Tinian not only managed to complete the basic training program, but excelled and were promoted from the initial rank of private to private first class (E2) prior to graduation.For three months as recruits, the four men began each day 5 a.m. or earlier with physical training, running several miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning, the men spent numerous hours in classroom study, on the obstacle course and engaging in field assignments which included learning combat first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts and assorted weapons training. They were instructed on how to perform close order drills and operate as a small infantry unit during field training.They and their fellow recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values of “honor, courage and commitment” and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. A defining event in the second phase of their training was “The Crucible” — a 54-hour, team oriented event that tested every aspect of their training. Along the way they and their fellow recruits were required to execute a variety of demanding tasks, work together as a team to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, march over 50 miles while carrying 85-pound packs, wearing 20-pound flak jackets, 5-pound kevlar helmets and carrying their rifles. The recruits were only allowed six hours of sleep and two short meals during the event. The 12 weeks of training culminated in an emotional ceremony in which recruits were presented the “Eagle, Globe and Anchor,” the emblem of the United States Marine Corps, and addressed as Marines for the first time in their careers.After a well deserved 10 days of leave, they will go on to Marine Combat Training or School of Infantry training at Camp Pendelton, California. Upon completion of the combat training, they will proceed to their respective military occupational specialty training schools or be assigned their first duty stations.

TASALA Dancers

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Then! They once sat and worked together in one room, Today! we careless and challenge each other. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Then! You can barely see cars passing by, Today! you can't even exit an intersection. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Then! we were so scared to fly anywhere with our only airplane available, Today! everyone is leaving the Island without a return plan. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Then! it was the most popular building on the Island, Now! you must posses foriegn language to even get a shopping bag or your change. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Then! it was the darkest road on Island to pass through, Now! it is the most peaceful, smooth no bumps or holes road you can find on Island. Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Then! 40 years ago; it looks much better than today. The only difference about this section today is alot more houses alongside the road. The saddest part is; it is right next to the Legislature & Government buildings but the road remains the same just much worst.