JOSE Tilipao Limes, David Anthony S. Hosono, Lynn Fitial, Felix Fitial, Raymond Fitial, and Fautisto G. Tebuteb were honored at the 2022 Flame Tree Arts Festival for sharing their unique talents and their contributions in perpetuating local culture, customs and traditions.
Limes, affectionately known as “Joe,” “Ping” or the “General,” was a cultural performer and advocate for the preservation and enhancement of Refaluwasch or Carolinian cultural dance and music.
Limes is remembered for the local dance troupes and bands he helped form, and his ability “to serenade an entire hall with his ukulele or guitar while singing local Chamorro, Refaluwasch, and Micronesian” tunes.
Hosono, a cultural dance performer, was remembered for his contributions in promoting Refaluwasch culture abroad through dances, songs and crafts. Also known as “Boi” and “Dave,” he was known for his “energy and personality that personified the characteristics of a true artist and entertainer.”
Father and daughter Felix Fitial and Lana Lynn Fitial were recognized for their contributions to the local music scene.
Felix Fitial was known as an early pioneer of Refaluwasch music. As a musician, songwriter and lyrical composer, he helped inspire a whole generation of local musicians. His unique style of playing the guitar in the slack key tuning leaves a lasting impression to listeners.
Lana Lynn Fitial, a singer, dancer, composer and music enthusiast, is known for her “melodic and improvisation style” when playing the ukulele and electronic keyboard.
Fautisto G. Tebuteb, a traditional Refaluwasch performer, was born on Saipan and raised on Agrihan. He was 15 years old when he started performing as one of the traditional “Maas” and men’s stick dancers.
Raymond N. Fitial is remembered for his “infectious voice.” He grew up around families who loved to sing and who did not need to hire musicians because they were musicians.
He was admired by his peers for his readiness to sing on stage with little coaxing when called upon.
“They may have been gone but will never be forgotten,” said Department of Culture and Cultural Arts Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero. “Let us remember them and the legacy they left behind through their unique talents.”
This year, the Flame Tree Arts Festival marked its 39th, 40th, and 41st celebration. The annual event was not held in the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The festival was held from April 29 to May 1 at Sugar King Park and the CNMI Museum grounds with the theme, “Healing through Arts.” The master and mistresses of ceremonies were Gordon Marciano, Frances Sablan and Eva Cruz.
“The theme is especially fitting considering what we have gone through (Covid 19 pandemic),” DCCA Secretary Deleon Guerrero said. “Our islands were on a standstill for the past two years, and we stayed home as we refrained from social gatherings to keep our community safe. Despite everything we have endured, we stay Marianas Strong and resilient as ever.”
Coming together as one community again to celebrate the arts “is healing for the mind, body and soul,” Deleon Guerrero added.
“We are back! And we will continue our tradition of celebrating our annual festival and celebrating our artists and our community at large.”
In his invocation and blessing, Bishop Ryan Jimenez said, “The Flame Tree Arts Festival celebrates our unique cultural heritage through music, arts, crafts, food, and even the communal act of gathering together as one people coming from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
The bishop added, “Like the flame tree that blossoms this time of the year, may we also bloom and see the value and goodness of every person in the community.”
In his remarks, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres recounted his experience with local music as a young man in Boise, Idaho where he attended high school and college.
“I remember…listening to Chamorro music, and I would ask my dad about Chamorro words I didn’t know…. Music [allowed me] to continue speaking my native language, Chamorro,” in the states.
Addressing the local musical artists at this year’s festival, Torres said: “You don’t know how much effect you have on the people [who listen to local music] whether here in the CNMI or abroad — you do change people’s lives.”
The main sponsors of this year’s combined festival included Bridge Capital LLC., Tan Siu Lin Foundation, IT&E, Marpac, Triple J, Bank of Guam, and Pacific Development, Inc.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with family member of local artists Felix and Lama Lyn Fitial who received posthumous awards during the opening ceremony of the Flame Tree Arts Festival at Sugar King Park on Friday, April 29, 2022. Also in photo is mistress of ceremonies Eva Cruz.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres embraces a family member of the late local artist Raymond K. Fitial.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, third right, first lady Diann Torres, fourth left, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, third left, Arts Council Executive Director Parker Yobei, left, and mistress of ceremonies Eva Cruz, right, join the family of the late local artist Faustina Tebuteb.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, smiles with indigenous culture advocate Lino Olopai, 2nd left, after a family member of the late artist Jose Limes received his posthumous award. Also in the photo are Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero and mistress of ceremonies Eva Cruz.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, second right, and first lady Diann Torres, 3rd right, join the family of the late local artist Anthony Hosono. Also in picture are Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, 2nd left, indigenous culture advocate Lino Olopai, right, and Arts Council Executive Director Parker Yobei, left.
