STUDENTS of the University of Guam’s Masters of Public Administration CNMI cohort held the first Marianas Medley speaking engagement at American Memorial Park on Friday.
Marianas Medley was described by the cohort’s event coordinator Cornessa Dela Cruz as an “opportunity to learn more and engage in conversation relative to our islands’ history, traditions and lifestyle.”
Featured at the event were 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.
Dela Cruz said the event was a success. She hopes that after the cohort graduates community organizations will be willing to partner and hold more such speaking engagements.
Dela Cruz said the talks were significant because they provided a perspective of life in the Marianas and were an opportunity to pass knowledge.
“[Culture] makes us who we are as a CNMI and that’s really important especially for the youth, the future generations. Once [culture] is gone it’s probably going to be gone forever,” she added.
Deleon Guerrero began the night’s presentations with a reflection on leadership, masculinity, and Chamorro culture through his own personal experiences.
Balajadia spoke of the ways he found community in the church, which in turn inspired him to become a priest for the Marianas.
Ketebengang provided an overview of the Refaluwasch culture, treating the audience to a lesson on sailing, tattoos, traditional beadwork and more.
Olopai added to Ketebenggang’s presentation by speaking of his life as a young Refaluwasch, and sharing his perspective on changes he’s seen over the years.
Burrell presented the research data he collected on the reasons NMC students purchase and use local clothing brands.
Two performances marked the end of the night: Demapan’s recitation of original slam poetry and Castro’s rap.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero
Rev. Father James Balajadia
Knowledge holder Agatha Ketebengang, of the Carolinian Affairs Office.
Community elder Lino Olopai
Slam poet Daisy Demapan, right, with Mercilynn Palec.
Musician Josh Castro
Author Ajani Burrell
The UOG CNMI MPA Cohort
