We can all agree that such times bring out the worst in people. This unhealthy social environment will likely give birth to domestic disputes over finances in the home and overall mistrust of others within our community at large.
I continue to remain optimistic however that our island culture can bring us back to prosperity once again.
Chamorros and Carolinians alike have prospered on these islands without many earthly possessions in the past by bonding as a community. Our sense of “familia,” is deeply engrained in our culture and as such can withstand whatever obstacles life decides to throw our way. I have witnessed just that these past two months. I saw people care for others even when they too are feeling the financial pinch. I witnessed individuals sacrificing their precious time to lend a hand to complete strangers. I observed people who have nothing in common bond for the sake of others. I felt the true meaning of “loving thy neighbor” this past Christmas. This in my eyes is what a community must strive for and this was just what I saw during the “Luta Cares Toy Drive.”
This effort began in early November over a discussion at our dinner table. My wife Julie Ogo Manglona expressed her sorrow for the many families on the island of Rota that were impacted as a result of their 16-hour reduction and unpaid holidays. Because these families were not privy to much of the decision-making that was happening to prevent payless paydays in the CNMI, they obligated themselves prior by taking out home and personal loans for various reasons. Many of these individuals, prior to the 16-hour reduction were accustomed to living off of that same twenty percent and did just that “live.” When the 16-hour reduction came, there wasn’t any other recourse than to take the hit. This hit for those that don’t really understand what 20 percent means for the “average Joe” means a take home of dollar amounts like $35, $25, $7, and 50 cents. This may seem extreme but this is the harsh reality for those that have allotments with the banks that they took out loans with.
This means that the back takes their cut first and your left with what remaining balance is listed. Boy, if we haven’t hit rock bottom yet, I really don’t want to envision what that would look and feel like.
Over the years many of us have made friends of all walks of life. We can even use the social network site “Facebook” as evidence of what networking can accomplish. With aggressive marketing and tenacity much can be accomplished. But this can only be successful if there is shared ownership and a sense of community. I am writing this letter to the editor as testament to the outstanding work and sacrifices made by many in this community to put a smile on Luta’s kids. I am writing to thank you and bring you back news that your sacrifice whether by sending toys, purchasing toys, picking up toys at different locations, and encouraging others to participate did not go unnoticed nor unappreciated.
On Dec. 23, 2010 at approximately 5:30 p.m. Chamorro Standard Time all of the far-reaching work and sacrifices that were put forth finally meant something. We the volunteers of Luta Cares gift wrapped individual toys and passed them out to Rota kids ranging from toddlers on up to the age of 10. I want you to imagine us motorcading with Santa around Songsong village to give the feel of the holidays. It was surely a wonderful site to see. No written word inked on this page can describe the overwhelming feeling that came upon me as I saw kids appreciate the combined effort of their numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and most especially the complete strangers that reached out during this time of need. Although most of you volunteers and donors could not be present, I assure you that the look on those children’s faces was priceless. The site of numerous kids tearing up wrappers and loud cheers were rampant that day. Who would of thought that by sharing a bit of your time, you would receive this invaluable intrinsic gift. With this being said I would like to acknowledge these businesses, organizations, and individuals because they truly deserve a round of applause. I apologize for the following long list, however as mentioned before their selfless act should not go unnoticed and most of all unrecognized:
• AMOSTPHERIQ TIDES RADIO
• The Island Session
• Rufus Records
• Tai Ofisio Crew
• BETELNUT RADIO
• Rota Women In Action Association Members & Estrella Mendiola
• TAN HOLDINGS CORPORATION & TAN SIU LIN FOUNDATION Managements & Staff
• Jerry Tan, Ivan Quichocho & Ed Arriola
• Law Office of Jacqueline Terlaje Management & Staff
• FREEDOM AIR Managements & Staff
• 4-H Program (NMC CREES)
• Marianas Agupa (100.3 Radio) & Host Glenn Manglona
• Rota High School National Honor Society
• N. Horiguchi, SPN
• DESIGNS ON Q (Mrs. Geneva Quitugua & Petra Quitugua)
• IT&E
• PDM Promoters, Inc.
• Congressman Greg “Kilili” & Staff
• David DLG. Atalig
• Frank “Kiko” Oliver
• Allison Madamba
• Christian Manzanares
• Sen. Paul Manglona
• Rep.Teresita Santos
• 13th Rota Municipal Council
• National Office Supplies
• Koblerville Youth Learning Center (Vernon & Michael Manglona)
• Rota Liason Office & Esther Basa
• Sen. Jovita Taimanao
• Sen. Juan Ayuyu
• Mount Carmel National Honor Society & Savana Manglona
• McDonalds & Mr & Mrs Joe Ayuyu
• Rota DPS (Fire & Police)
• Isla Wahine Dancers
• Rota Mayor’s Office
• Aging Office & Ms. Josepha Barcinas
• Joey Quitugua
• Christine I. Mendiola
• Angel S. Hocog
• Dean A. Manglona, Rota
• Anthony & Jessica C. Barcinas
• Tasi Taitano
• Rachel Taimanao-Ayuyu
• Jesse/Tracy Fejeran, Barrigada, GU
• Courtney Diaz, Salem, OR
• Anonymous, Pearl City, HI
• James & Aloyse Calvo, USA
• Tanya King (Board of Education Member)
• Dennis James Mendiola, Ft Leonard Wood, MO
• Frances “Kilili” Sablan, SPN
• Councilman George O. Hocog & Family
• Janora Takai, SPN
• Karen Clark, Salem, OR
• Gary, Michelle & Sierra Winters, Salem, OR
• Marisol Quintanilla, SPN
• Steve & Merci Sablan, SPN
• Jang Kim & Hee Jung Suh, SPN
• Ethan & Taylor Mesngon-Guadamuz, Fremont, CA
• Clarence P. Tenorio, Schofield Barracks, HI
• S2 CLUB, SPN
• IN MEMORY OF NANAN BEATA, Anonymous Donor, SPN
• John & Anginette Bamba, Junction City, KS
• John & Anita Myers, GU
• Pauline & Rante Cabales, Mililani, HI
• Cris “Kuri” Ogo, Linda Koshiro, Jlynn Cepeda, Sierra Valdrez, Mama Angie Ogo & Family, Salem, OR
• JOETEN ACE HARDWARE, ROTA
• Jesse “JJ,” Juanette Atalig & Children, SPN
• Brant Songsong, HI
• SOCIAL WORK STUDENT ALLIANCE (SWSA), GU
• Keilani, Brendan, Kymani (Juana & Norman Palma), USA
• Ivan “Bambi” Garces, SPN
• Angie Barcinas, OR
• Noriko Grandinetti/Lawrence Hocog, OR
• Percy Torre, OR
• Doll Boddy, OR
• Maggie, Alfra, & Victorino Mendiola, OR
• Carl Atalig/Jacoba King, OR
• Janet Ogo/Ralston Ogo/Rhonda Ogo, OR
• Donahue/Roxanne Holland, OR
• Alys Mundo, OR
• Jay Mundo/Rosie Tenorio, OR
• Bryden/Analy Taimanao, OR
• Lawrence Hocog, OR
• DJ Ck, OR
• Dr. Larry & Mrs. Matilde Hocog, SPN
• Mrs. Evelyn M. Mendiola,
• Mr. & Mrs. Romy Cinco, Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Castro, Mrs. Francisca “Nang” Barcinas, Ms. Franchesca Castro, Mrs. Cec Pratt, OR
• Ron H. Ogo
• Randall SN Taisacan
• Northern Marianas College, Rota Campus (Martin & Jennifer)
• Joeleen Aldan, SPN
• Harry A. Masga
• Lorenzo A. Barcinas
• Mary Lou Quitugua
• Isaiah Ogo, Patrick & Keanu Barcinas, Michael O. Manglona
• Nora Aldan
• Leticia Palacios
• Ed Kapileo & Patricia Ogo
• Lorenza O. Barcinas
• Vicky O. Barcinas
• Jasmine A. Ogo
• Chanelle & Oliver Manglona
• Keith Ogo & Charlene Manglona
• Veronica Acosta
• Nola Hix
To the numerous people and businesses listed above that helped this cause we are forever grateful for your unselfish act. If for some reason or another that we missed your name, we extend our sincere apology for the oversight and thank you nonetheless.
From my wife Julie and I along with our children (Christian, Julian, Ian, Tristan and Ethan), we thank you for extending Luta’s kids with gifts and making it feel as if Christmas is still alive and well. We also wish you a very prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Talo ha Un dangkulu na Si Yu’us Ma’ase!
ROSS SONGAO MANGLONA
Songsong, Rota
