DUE to the Covid-19 pandemic, the last time Marianas High School was able to celebrate Chamorro-Carolinian Heritage Month was in March 2019.
On Thursday, MHS senior students took it upon themselves to hold a Chamorro-Carolinian heritage concert in the school cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Over 30 music and dance performances were presented.
Youth Sen. Easton Dela Cruz and fellow MHS senior Jamille Pangelinan were among the organizers of the program.
Pangelinan said, “It is basically us, MHS students, who are showcasing the musical talents of all the clubs on campus. This is to show Chamorro and Carolinian pride.”
Pangelinan said MHS vice principal Romolor Orsini told the students that “he…feels that Chamorro and Carolinian pride is dying. So it was the students and teachers’ idea to bring back ‘the spark’ of the culture by showcasing the students’ talents while taking pride in the islands’ Chamorro and Carolinian heritage.”
Pangelinan said they were really happy to see groups of students performing on stage Thursday.
“We really never had the time to practice because it was a last-minute preparation,” Pangelinan said. “We only thought of this idea earlier month. So it is really interesting to see how talented MHS students are.”
For his part, Orsini said the celebration is also “a tribute to all the other cultures that make the Marianas a beautiful place.
“This event is 100% student-led,” he added. “All we did on our part as a school is give them extra support. We kind of helped them with program planning, but really this was a beautiful celebration completely done and planned by students. They were excited, they were ready and we are very proud of them.”
Orsini said he hopes that the event will become an annual thing.
Among the MHS students’ special guests on Thursday was first lady Diann Torres who also commended the students for highlighting Chamorro-Carolinian culture.
The Marianas High School Refaluwasch Cultural Club performs during the Chamorro-Carolinian Heritage Month cultural concert in the MHS cafeteria on Thursday.
Jamille Pangelinan, Alexis Aldan, Jovinia Moses perform a musical number.
Senior student Sonny Kaipat plays a ukulele while singing.
KC Deleon Guerrero sings “Chamorita Girl.”
Junior student Munga Ma Senya De Sha and Zi Gian Li perform a duet.
Junior student Donato Santiago performs with the MHS Chorale and Concert Band.
KC Deleon Guerrero and the DCC Dolphin Band
MHS Chorale and Concert Band. flutists perform on stage.
