From left: Cornessa M. Dela Cruz, Mercilynn K. Palec, Polly DLG Masga, Brian T. Torres Jr., Adelpha Lynn K. Magofna, Johanna K. Lizama and Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero.
MASTERS students from the University of Guam will host a live speaking engagement at American Memorial Park on Saturday, May 6, focusing on the “evolution of culture in leadership, traditional arts, modern-day practices, culture and faith.”
The event is titled “A Marianas Medley: A Collection of Tales and Voices in the Marianas.” It will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Memorial Park theater. Tickets are $5.
Project lead Cornessa Dela Cruz said, “A Marianas Medley” is inspired by a recent publication, “Marianas Mosaic,” and will feature “a dynamic group of individuals” speaking on topics, such as traditional arts, navigation, musical influences, and more.
Guest speakers are Northern Marianas College President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Rev. Fr. James Balajadia, knowledge-keeper Agatha Ketebengang, community elder and knowledge-keeper Lino Olopai, author Ajani Burrell, slam poet Daisylynn Demapan, and musician Josh “Zengzung” Castro.
This project is the capstone event of the UOG Masters of Public Administration cohort of which Dela Cruz is a part.
She and her cohort members are organizing the event as an educational opportunity for the public.
Dela Cruz hopes the evening can be an “opportunity to learn more and engage in conversation relative to our islands’ history, traditions and lifestyle.”
She also hopes to build connections through the work.
“The event will serve as a platform for individuals to voice and embrace their own stories, allowing our community to connect and learn more about…the history of our islands, lived experiences, or stories about culture and ways of life, and more.”
