(LDTF) — The Lady Diann Torres Foundation officially held a book launching of its latest children’s book entitled I Duendis 2 at Taga Beach, Tinian on Oct. 10, 2022.
I Duendis 2 is one of a two-part book series authored by Tinian’s Cielo Long, Jenean King, Letrisha Palacios, Kiyani Villagomez and Piper Christian.
The I Duendis I which was written by Cielo Long was published back in 2018 and has been catalogued at all major public libraries on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
I Duendis 2 shares a story of a young girl named Rita who discovers that the little creatures known as Duendis who were believed to lure people with mysterious night lights with the intent to capture were not the bad creatures she was made to believe. In fact, the Duendis only wanted Rita to help children find their voices to help protect Mother Nature.
Except for Cielo Long who has left the CNMI to pursue her studies at the prestigious Harvard University, the remaining authors of I Duendis 2 were in full attendance during the book launch, which was open to the general public.
In her absence, Long’s parents were present to accept the Certificate of Recognition on her behalf. The certificate recognized all five authors for their participation, involvement, and contribution as a member of the Sisters of CNMI and now a published author under the LDTF’s Young Author’s Program, which is designed to help protect the indigenous culture and languages of the Chamorro and Carolinian (Refaluwaasch).
LDTF founder and president first lady Diann Torres was joined by Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and the 2023 State Teacher of the Year Donovan Tudela to help celebrate the published young authors and to deliver inspirational speeches that help inspire young authors to continue writing and sharing stories through LDTF’s Language and Literacy Young Authors Program.
In addition to the celebrated young authors, the event recognized and applauded Tinian’s talented artist Mikaela San Nicolas who was responsible for the well-produced illustrations of I Duendis 2.
First lady Diann Torres also dedicated the book launch to the late Patricia Kapileo who was instrumental in the Refaluwaasch translations of I Duendis 2 and other books published under the Foundation’s Young Authors Program. Kapileo passed away earlier this year.
The book publishing of I Duendis 2 was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.
“I Duendis 2 brought many talents together. It shared a story that encourages the protection of a fragile environment. I am very proud of our young authors Jenean, Cielo, Letrisha, Kiyani and Piper for a well written book and local artist Mikaela San Nicolas for producing some of the best illustrations,” said first lady Diann Torres. “This book launch was an emotional one for us, as we remember Ms. Pat Kapileo and her many contributions to our program. And time and again, we are overwhelmed by the support of our sponsors, volunteers and the Humanities. Anything is possible with teamwork and collaboration, including the will to build a giant library of children’s book with the goal of preserving language and culture.”
LDTF extends its sincerest gratitude to all Young Authors Program partners: IT&E, Bridge Capital, Bank of Guam, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Saipan Shipping, Indigenous Affairs Office, Chamorro and Carolinian Language Commission, Carolinian Affairs Office, Tinian Mayor’s Office, Joeten Kiyu Public Library, and the CNMI Public School System’s CCLHS Teachers.
Lady Diann Torres Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by first lady Diann Torres. Its board members include vice president Geri Dela Cruz, secretary Claudia Flores, treasurer Kathy Palacios, and members Bonnie Royal, Shirley Sablan, Michelle Sablan, Donovan Tudela and Tiana Reyes.
For information about the LDTF Language and Literacy Young Author’s Program, I Duendis 2 book and/or other Foundation programs, email [email protected] or call 235-2383 (LDTF).
2023 Teacher of the Year Donovan Tudela delivers his remarks during the book launching event.
First lady Diann Torres with young authors Letrisha Palacios and Kiyani Villagomez.
I Duendis 2 author Jenean King receives her certificate of recognition from first lady Diann Torres. Also in photo are Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and family members.
I Duendis 2 author Kiyani Villagomez receives her certificate of recognition from first lady Diann Torres. Also in photo are Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and family members.
I Duendis 2 author Letrisha Palacios receives her certificate of recognition from first lady Diann Torres. Also in photo are Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and family members.
I Duendis 2 author Piper Christian receives her certificate of recognition from first lady Diann Torres. They are joined by Mayor Edwin Aldan and a family member.
In her absence,I Duendis 2 Cielo Long’s parents received her certificate of recognition from first lady Diann Torres. Also in photo is Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan.
The book launching event featured fun activities for all present.
I Duendis 2 authors pose with first lady Diann, Mayor Aldan and volunteers from the Lady Diann Torres Foundation and the Tinian Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Edwin Aldan holds copies of I Duendis I and 2 written by young authors from Tinian.
Young authors read a few pages of I Duendis 2.
The I Duendis 2 book launching event banner.
