“We are happy whenever people come to see us here, even if they have nothing to bring for us,” she said.
Yesterday, congregates at the Aging Center were visited by the members of the Korean Women Association and Kagman High School’s JROTC Ayuyu Battalion cadets.
The Koreans served lunch to the manamko’, distributed gifts and performed song and dance numbers.
Kim Jae Hong, Korean Community of Saipan president, also donated $200 to the manamko’.
In the past, the Korean women’s group also provided free haircuts to the senior citizens but they temporarily stopped the service this year.
Rose DLG. Mondala, Office on Aging director, said the group will resume its free haircut service next year.
“We are very thankful that they continue to remember us,” she added.
Young Hee Park, Korean Women Association president, said they are happy to meet again with the manamko’.
“We always wish them good health and we always try to make them happy,” she said.
Her group has over 500 members on Saipan.
Senior Citizens Advisory Council president Teresita Sorroza said the manamko’ were very thankful to the group for always remembering them.
“They’re so very generous,” Maria T. Salinas said.
Community service
For their part, the Kagman cadets led by Ayuyu Battalion commander Cadet Lt. Col. Debra Buekis conducted rifle and fancy drills for the manamko’.
Battalion publication officer Cadet 1st Lt. Karen Dela Cruz said their visit also allowed them to interact with the senior citizens.
“We want to widen our horizons so we can better prepare ourselves for our future,” Cadet 1st. Lt. Christopher Punzala said.
Rifle color guard team commander Sgt. Major Gavin Sablan said they wanted to share the spirit of Christmas with the manamko’
Kenneth Aguon led the rifle exhibition drill.
Master Sgt. James Burke, Kagman High School senior army instructor said 38 cadets joined the event.
It was the battalion’s eighth annual Christmas show at the aging center.
The cadets also gave Christmas cards they made to each senior citizen.
The fancy drill team then showed the manamko’ “how to drill, Christmas style. “
They also performed a double pyramid salute and concluded their presentation with Christmas songs.
“This service learning project is a yearly event wherein the cadets plan for a learning experience outside the classroom. This was a fun and great experience for all who attended,” Burke said.
