Chamorro Cultural Fest--A Party I'll Never Forget!

It’s been 5 days since CHE’LU’s Chamorro Cultural Fest in San Diego and I believe I’m physically recovered. Having Guam Books and Beads there for its second year was wonderful.

I met many friends, relatives and supporters. My favorite encounters were with former JFKHS students. I feel a sense of security in our heritage when I see that they have grown into successful adults with families and some with the cutest nenis ever!

The fest was buzzing from sunrise to sunset and with the dedicated Board of Directors and committee volunteers our mission was accomplished:

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHE’LU) is dedicated to the Chamorro community by strengthening our native language, culture and health through education.

I was happy to see the enthusiasm of vendors, many skeptical of their first time at the fest and later hearing wonderful feedback about their experience. Having Marissa Borja and John Damian from Pacific Home and Garden on Guam cover the fest was a great reprise. Can’t wait to watch the coverage soon. I love that many traveled from Guam to participate...ie, Judy Flores-Batik Artist, Chris Malafunkshun, Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio, Zoriesonly-Doyon Ahn and the talents of Vince Reyes and Inetnon Gefpa'go. And to the vendors who shared their products from all over the mainland, thank you! (Gerard Aflague, Bahakke Brand and Tony Mesa-Hafabrown Designs).

Another favorite moment was getting a visit from Kat Gardner, author of Myths of Guam from the 80s. Her support of our writing efforts was wonderful validation.

Our tireless photographer, Bryson Kim captured everything! His wonderful photos help preserve the event and are a testament that the Chamorro spirit lives on.

Entertainment was packed and the amphitheater never saw a dull moment.

I’m happy to be a part of such a wonderful group as CHE’LU. Our team is working on all cylinders and supports each other with love.

With that said, no matter where the Navy takes me and my family, I know that I will do my best to make the trek back to San Diego--the one city that CHE’LU has established as the Chamorro Cultural hub of the west coast. Until March 2013, Biba Chamorro!

My favorite part of the music line up, Jason J. Alex Lugwa...Mighty Mellow Massive.

www.chelusd.org

My Blogging Boundaries…..Day 5 of NaBloPoMo.

“Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures.” Edwin Louis Cole

Keeping my posts light this weekend. Have much to catch up on, but the basic gist of this entry is the boundaries I’ve set for myself when writing anything online, whether it is Twitter, Facebook or here. For one, I don’t discuss marital issues here. I never discuss my husband in detail, unless it’s to note something positive. I don’t post photos of my kids (and I know many bloggers do), it’s a personal choice and a mutual decision my husband and I made. I do have one photo of my son dressed as Ben 10 with the creator of the show at Comic Con, but that’s him in character. If you’re a “friend” on Facebook, you can keep up with my children’s adventures there. I may be hypocritical because I enjoy seeing photos people post. I get a snapshot of their lives and for me, I don’t reciprocate. If I do, it’s with my words, and I feel that’s enough. My children and I watch videos on Youtube enjoying lately the dance styles of Justin and Jeremy, adorable twins who can be seen in Just Dance 3 commercials. We find joy in watching these cuties, and by their parents put it out there for people to enjoy, we do. *****It’s just that I wouldn’t do that for my children. My family, with our Chamorro culture, our personal backgrounds flavoring our current decisions as parents, our beliefs as a family unit, well, we don’t let it all hang out-so to speak. There are too many unknowns in the world. Too many fiends I need to protect my children from. I’ve downsized my Facebook page twice, and may have to do it again, because it is there that I am most myself with funny posts, photos of my kids in everyday life. At least I control the 700 plus “friends” who view, reduced from 800+. I walk a fine line of what to share and what not to. I hate how people are most friendly in cyberspace, but duds face to face. I like watching someone’s face or body language in person to see if they are sincere, really interested. As an author (self-published, yes), I do need to market myself to an extent so my name is known, a brand of sorts. I plan on making it big in writing and by saying that, it can become more real.

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”—Applejack

ESTA LATER!