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

Comic Con Here I Come!

Comic Con Newbie!

Yes, Comic Con in San Diego is an exciting event. I’m thoroughly excited to the point that I’ve been planning my Thursday visit like a military leader. I’ve reconned the building, twice, Youtubed (this is a verb much like Google has become a verb—not verified) the horrific lines for Hall H and even coerced my wonderful cousins who live less than two miles away to let me and my children sleep over so I can sneak out before “Breaking Dawn” in hopes of lining up for the Twilight: Breaking Dawn panel. If you follow my blog, you know I do admire Robert, so I’m trying not to get too excited in case I don’t make the 6,000 attendee cut off for the infamous Hall H.


I know “real” Comic Convention enthusiasts hate Twi-hards or Twi-tards as we are often referred to, but everyone is entitled to their afflictions. I am definitely making the rounds of the comic book circuit on the proceeding days. I will take pictures of the many characters that will convene by the water. I’m particularly excited to see Wonderwoman or any strong (sexy) female characters. If I see a Harry Potter look-a-like, I’ll be posing with him too.

Hopefully, I can report back that I indeed saw the cast of Twilight: Breaking Dawn in person, even if they are microscopic. Wish me luck as I ride the teen/mom/grandma wave of estrogen into Hall H. Robward, here I come.