Like other islands in the Pacific region, Rota has its unique signature, the “waving of hand,” that is now gaining attention in different parts of the world.
Tourists and visitors alike who visited the island, unknowingly or knowingly, adopted this supreme expression of friendship, greeting, and hospitality.
But like other famous custom and tradition, nobody on Rota could vividly recall when, who and how that “waving of hand” started.
“From day one I came they have that hand waving here,” Fr. Luis Anthonelli, parish priest of San Isidro Parish Church for 37 years now.
Like Alejandro Peralta Dumale, a Filipino who came on Rota in 1972, Anthonelli doesn’t know who started the “waving of hand.”
While driving from the Rota International Airport to Songsong Village , I was greeted by friendly gesture from motorists and from residents along the road side.
I was surprised yet delighted and started, to adopt their famous signature in the island. This was how newly wed Roy and Naomi Ichihare felt when they arrived from Guam to spend their honeymoon on Rota. “They are very friendly people,” Roy said.
Department of Public Safety officer Sgt. Ed Ayuyu said the waving of hand simply notes “welcome to the friendly island.” His suggestion was that Rota ’s local government will designate a “Waving Day” to recognize the island’s unique style of greetings.
“We should celebrate this waving of hand,” Fr. Anthonelli said.
Fred Manglona, 26 year old resident, recalled how Rota former Mayor Benjamin Manglona aggressively promoted the “hand waving.” “This is like giving respect. I hope our leaders will initiate action to designate a day of the year for the ‘Waving Day,’” he said.
But for Senator Felix T. Mendiola “so much pageantry entails so much expenses.” He opposed to the idea of creating another holiday for that purpose. The senator though likes to see the “waving of hand” included during every celebration of Cultural Day.
“Since the beginning of life,” newly elected mayor Melchor Mendiola said about the beginning of hand waving. In his administration, he promised to “solidify” by encouraging government workers to set as example to carry the signature with them always. “We will align this with the Cultural Day.”
Since he was a little boy, Senator Paterno Hocog said the hand waving was already there. He said he will initiate filling a resolution that would officially incorporated in Rota’s Cultural Day the “hand waving” as way of greetings of the community.
Now 60 year old, Tom Mendiola recalled in the earliest time when people used cow-cart they greeted each other by waving of their hands when they meet in the forest or open field.
Nobody could trace when that “hand waving” had started, according to Henry Atalig. When Rota was still young and there are not much people, everybody knows each other and greeted when they meet along the way.
Atalig said there were houses in the midst of the bushes and trees and neighbors are seeing each other. Because of their distance they just wave their hand, a way of saying “hello.”
The “waving of hand,” teacher Elvira Manglona, said should be promoted to the school children.
It’s now apparent, whether we like it or not, the “waving of hand,” is very much alive in the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
.
