Starting January 2012, the organization will begin building the “Guma’ Latte Marianas,” a massive canoe house at the Governor Joseph Flores Beach Park in Ypao, Tumon.
The group has cleared all required hurdles before commencing construction, from the signing of a memorandum of agreement to permits; they are ready to take on the ambitious project at full force.
For many months, wooden telephone poles and other natural building materials have marked the site where the Guma’ Latte will rise. Makeshift huts also exist around the area, housing traditional canoes built by TASA and student volunteers.
TASA, whose mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the traditional Chamorro culture of seafaring of the Marianas, has taken on this project in honor of the legendary Chamorro Chief Taga, according to founder and president Ron Acfalle.
“We wanted to build a latte house but we didn’t want do something too small to where there wasn’t going to be enough activity in it. So we came up with the idea that if we built the [latte house] why don’t we build in honor of Taga who had erected the latte in Tinian,” explained Acfalle.
According to Guampedia, the largest standing latte is the House of Taga in Tinian. Although the Chamorros never completed what would have been the largest latte in the Marianas, Acfalle hopes that this project will come close.
“The lattes that [Taga] had erected in Tinian were the size between 12 to 16 feet, I believe, and we wanted to build those lattes in honor of Taga and build the houses on top of them,” Acfalle stated. “The real intent is to hopefully build a larger size sakman anywhere between 60 to 70 feet and it actually would fit beneath the latte house if we were to build it.”
According to Acfalle, the completed Guma’ Latte dimensions will be 80 feet in length, 42 feet high from the ground to the top of the house, 35 feet in width. The foundation of the house will be supported by ten 12-feet latte stones, which will be set in two rows of five.
As the group begins construction in January 2012, they hope to finish in four to five months.
“We really would like to complete this project by May which is perfect timing for Tourism Month,” said Acfalle. “That’s our projected goal now if we start in January.
Student volunteers
TASA has been fortunate to have interested youth volunteer their time in helping the organization with their various projects. TASA also serves as a youth guidance group, teaching students in middle and high school levels the techniques of building traditional canoes.
“The teenagers and young adults are here because they love the ocean and they love the culture — we take it to the next level for them,” said Acfalle. “They’re hungry for knowledge and we want to provide that.”
As the students volunteer, not only are they getting a hands-on education in ancient Chamorro customs and traditions, but they also gain experience in the trades as they are be guided by TASA members in the construction of the Guma’ Latte, Acfalle added.
The project is funded partly through the Guam Visitors Bureau, private sponsors, nonprofit organizations, Guam Preservation Trust, and other grants.
“As much as the sacrifices we’ve been making for this particular project, we want the community and the local people to know that this project is for them. This is about all of us,” said Acfalle. “Where more can you have a display of your flying proa and your latte structure with a house on top than to have it down at Tumon at Ypao Beach? This is a time for us to stand up and take pride.”
Although the Guma’ Latte is soon to be underway, TASA still seeks funding to ensure timely completion of the project.
“This project is based on the people of the community and I’m asking if they could find it in their hearts, especially the locals, if they’re willing to donate to a nonprofit organization,” said Acfalle.
“We really need all the help we can get. We want the locals to feel like it’s theirs too. We’re reaching out to our Chamorro brothers and sisters. We really want to see this project come to a completion.”
