CHAMOLINIAN Cultural Village Inc. or CCVI, KKMP radio, the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Marianas Visitors Authority hosted a farewell dinner for Sofia-6, a world-renowned Bulgarian folk-dance ensemble, at the Carolinian Affair’s Office beach pavilion Tuesday night.
The 20-member Bulgarian group, who arrived on island last week, held a series of performances on Saipan as part of CCVI’s 20th anniversary celebration.
The director of the ensemble, Nikolay Nestorov, through a translator, said: “We really feel at home here…. We found a piece of heaven…. I don’t know how many of you had a chance to visit Europe, but there, daily life is very intense and fast-paced. Being here gave us the break that we needed….”
On behalf of the group, Nestorov thanked Gordon Marciano, Frances Sablan and John Hosono.
“We found some really close friends. We can probably call them our brothers and sisters. We wish from the bottom of our hearts that you…have a chance to meet many other groups like us. Anywhere, it is difficult for any organization without the support of the government…. Please help the people that organize events like this because it will be worth it afterward. Arts and culture do the work of politicians faster,” Nestorov added.
According to Gordon Marciano, Pacific Development Inc. managing director, KKMP radio prepared fish for the ensemble while Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho brought roasted pig for the farewell dinner.
“Gov. Arnold I. Palacios took care of the ensemble’s daily meals,” Marciano added.
Sen. Celina R. Babauta, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, Indigenous Affairs Office Resident Executive Ross Manglona, and Carolinian Affairs Office Special Assistant Felix Nogis were among the government officials who attended the farewell dinner for the Bulgarians.
On Wednesday, April 26, at 7:50 a.m., the group departed Saipan for Guam where they will participate in the Mariana Islands International Dance & Art Festival which will be held from April 27 to 30.
Sofia-6 was supposed to perform at this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival on Saipan, but it was “postponed to a later date.”
Members of Sofia-6, a Bulgarian folk-dance ensemble, pose with their local hosts during a farewell dinner at the Carolinian Affair’s Office beach pavilion on Tuesday night.
