BRM June

Inspiration in nature Painter shares her story

Parker Yobei Music for life

Being Dad

Fathers share stories

June 2015

ABOUT THE COVER

Shown in cover photo is Rosemary Abelinde Diaz, artist and entrepreneur. Photo taken at Camia Garden Plant Nursery located on Chalan Monsignor Guerrero Road.

4 Cover Story

Painter Rosemary Diaz talks inspiration

Photos by Marco Averion marco@averionphotography.com

6 A Family Reunited

Daughter honors father’s memory

13 Dining

12th Night Restaurant

14 Music

Parker Yobei talks about his musical career

15 Tourism

HANMI celebrates 30th Anniversary

18 Profiles of a people

Celebrating Philippine Independence Day

24 On the Road

Event photos and greetings

We’re Online!

www.brmsaipan.com beachroadmagazine

Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Hanson ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White REPORTERS Bryce Guerrero Thomas Johnson PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Michele Blas Conrad Calma Jr. SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, June 2015. Entire contents copyrighted 2015 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly

by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

COVER FEATURE

THE COLOR

By Joy White

With the stroke of a brush, Rosemary Abelinde Diaz creates works of art that reflect her deep appreciation for nature and her attachment to her native culture, as well as the culture of her Saipan home. Self taught for the most part, Diaz uses various mediums, including oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastels and mixed media. She also composes installation art, which uses pebbles, sand and other objects found in nature.

Diaz describes herself as a highly driven individual, and her passion for art has motivated her to try producing different types of artwork.

“I have been interested in painting since I was in grade school. Portrait and landscape always fascinated me. I started to sketch things that were around me with a piece of paper or notepad. From then on, I taught myself different techniques as I continued to paint,” she says.

Inspiration sprouts while she is working outdoors in her garden. She uses landscape scenes and vignettes of the island’s beauty to express themes of culture. “The message I hope to give people with my art is [a portrayal of] the culture and lives of those individual who passed before us [who] have touched our lives and for the young generation to remember and preserve our island culture and its heritage,” Diaz says.

Her artwork has also flowed into her work life. As owner and general manager of Camia Garden Plant Nursery, she is occupied from sunrise to sunset in a place she finds inspiring and that she enjoys with her family. The nursery sells plants and supplies and offers plant rental services . “I find visual art in a form of anything in different shapes, colors and texture,” she says.

Two of Diaz’s works won awards at this year’s Bridge Capital’s CNMI Art Contest at the 34th Annual Flame Tree Festival. Her piece “May Tide” won first place in the painting category. The piece depicts the unique formation of coconuts, Fishkill seeds, decayed drift wood and a mass of sand bars, coral, rocks and marine organisms exposed in a dry lagoon.

Her piece “The Dance” won second place in the photography category and depicts four young girls in full Pacific island dance costume. The candid shot captures the girls’ beauty and conveys their feelings of calm, relaxation and confidence for their upcoming performance, she says.

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COVER FEATURE

OF CULTURE The background photo is: “The Dance”, Photography by Rose Diaz

One of her most treasured pieces was a painting of plumeria at sunrise. A tourist said she loved the painting and that she and her fiancé wanted to bring the painting with them as they traveled.

Although the piece was not for sale, Diaz reluctantly parted with it.

“I valued the painting but felt somehow connected that my artwork has found a home with them,” Diaz says. Diaz says one of her own goals for the future is to travel to new places and discover new things.

Originally from Tinambac Camarines Sur, located east-southeast of Manila, Diaz relocated to Saipan in 1979. Her favorite memories of her hometown involve enjoying the tropical environment.

“I enjoyed swimming by the river, boat surfing by San Miguel Bay and hiking at Isarog Mountain with my folks. Black river rocks and thundering waterfalls [were] my [favorite] places to spend my day,” she recalls.

She married Saipan-native Juan Camacho Diaz, and her family continues to be her main pri-

ority.

“Believing in God and having faith in my daily life allows me to appreciate nature and share the gift of my talent through paintings. I am a multicultured individual and close to the people of CNMI, which I now call my home,” Diaz says.

As Philippine Independence Day is being celebrated this month, Diaz will be keeping the lessons of past events close to her heart.

When she was a young girl, she remembers waving a flag during the Philippine Independence Day parades. “Since [I came to Saipan] I haven’t celebrated Philippine Independence Day, but I continue to remember it in my heart and recognize the true value of freedom,” she says. The holiday is important to recognize, she says, because it commemorates the birth of the Philippine republic and the creation of self-government.

Philippine Independence Day is a day for all to remember the fallen heroes who sacrifice their lives for the country and to give thanks to those who fought for freedom, and pray for world peace, she says.

JUNE 2015

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A family reunited

FATHER’S DAY

By Joy White

Photos courtesy of Toki Mojica

Father’s Day is a time to show our appreciation for all that father’s do for their families. For others, it is a time to honor their memory. Toki Mojica, a local artist, shared a special story with Beach Road Magazine about reuniting with her father’s family years after his passing.

Toki Mojica is the daughter of Chutaro Gushi.

Gushi had moved to Mili Atoll of the Marshall Islands at the age of 17 to work for the Japanese Government Administration just before World War II. While in the islands, he married a Marshallese woman, who passed away during the war. When the war ended, Japanese and Okinawan citizens in the Marshall Islands were ordered to return to their homes.

Gushi pleaded with the Marshall Islands government to remain in the islands with his children.

He was allowed to become a Marshallese citizen but had to renounce his Okinawan citizenship. He met and married a second Marshallese woman, and Mojica was born, the youngest of her family.

Mojica’s father passed away in March 1977. “The good memories of my relationship with my father remain a treasure in my heart. He was an amazing father who also was a good friend and mentor. I could write a book — so much love, respect and caring. I am a product of who he was, what he was and what he believed,” Mojica says.

After the passing of her father, Mojica wanted to learn more about his family, background, culture and roots. However, it would be 30 years before she would be able to fulfill her wish.

Mojica was introduced to John and Cindy Attao by chance. “They heard my story of my search for my family.

They went out of their way to do everything for me and my family. We are all now in a circle of family and love,” she says.

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With their help, Mojica was reunited with cousins and their families and an aunt in April in Okinawa.

“Driving into the driveway of [their] home the first day we met was such an enormous emotional feeling. I could not help but cry— so did my friends, Cindy and Lisa. Their husbands, John and Frank, sat motionless. As I looked out of the car, members of my fathers’ family were anxiously waiting to see me. As I shook hands with the leader of the family, my cousin Mr. Tatsuya and the rest, I asked myself, ‘Is this really happening? Am I awake or am I in a dream? God is so good to me,’” she says.

Despite the language barrier, the reunited family introduced themselves and did their best to try to get to know each other.

At some point, Mojica says, there was a lull in the conversation as they were eating a dinner prepared by the family. She says although there was some sadness at not being able to communicate very well, she felt accepted by the family and happy to be reunited.

“At that moment, I realized how important and special this family made me feel. I was the center of attention. I felt as if I was a queen. How humble everyone became, including me. There was a sense of oneness, love and welcoming. Nothing seemed to matter, only that we found each other,” she says.

Mojica says she will continue to visit her Okinawan family in the future, and hopefully someday they will come visit her in Saipan.

“Reflecting on this event, I am reminded of the saying, ‘Blood is thicker than water.’ More importantly, I saw how faithful God is to me. It seemed so unreal and impossible, the task I undertook. But as I learned the will of God, and as I prayed for his help, God connect me to the right people, at the right time, at the right place,” she says.

FATHER’S DAY

By Bryce Guerrero

As cornerstones of their families and leaders of their packs, Guy Pudney and Jener A. Pineda talk about themselves, their kids and what keeps the bond between the two strong.

Contributed photo

Guy Pudney is a father of four: Monique, 21; Damani, 14; Landon, 4; and Guy Princeton, five months. He’s part of a team, creating a dynamic child-raising duo with his wife.

“A typical day for me really consists of teamwork with my wife, Nadine. While she’s busy with the baby, I’ll be helping Landon get ready in the morning for school and then dropping and picking him up. When I get home from work, I help with the baby while Nadine prepares dinner. After dinner we usually take turns showering the kids. Then, we both tuck them into bed. If time permits, we read them a short story,” he says.

The Pudneys teach their children the golden rule of treating others as they would like to be treated themselves, as well as proper manners. Honesty is the Pudney family policy. Pudney tells his children, “Don’t be afraid to tell the truth.”

Pudney understands the value of tuning out when it comes to bonding with his children. The radio goes off when he picks up his son, Landon, from school and the quality bonding time is turned on.

Conversations start with talking about the day and branch outward.

“Some of the rewards for me [as a father] are just to see them smile, especially when I get home from work or when they accomplished a certain task or deed and they feel good about it. It makes me feel good as a father just to be a part of it. I love to see them happy,” Pudney says.

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JUNE 2015

FATHER’S DAY

For Jener A. Pineda, being a good father is a legacy that was passed down from his own father. “My dad is my inspiration. He’s my role-model. He sacrificed himself [by being] away from us to work abroad just to give us a good life. He’s a good provider. I learned a lot of things from him, like being religious, humble and responsible,” Pineda says.

Father of two, Jay Francis Dominic and Jener Franz, Pineda is also responsible for many more children as a vice principal of Northern Marianas International School.

With his wife, Franni, Pineda is sure to provide quality time together with his family, which involves church on Sunday, outdoor activities, video games, cooking and praying.

“But most importantly, at night, [Franni and I] always have time to talk and listen to [the kids]. There’s always open communication between us,” he says.

Lessons that Pineda tries to teach children are to be God-fearing while instructing them in proper etiquette, encouraging them to be honest and keep their word and to be thankful for everything.

“Being a father is priceless. It always brings joys and more meaning in my life […] As a father, I am the protector, teacher, friend and spiritual leader of my family — and also, as a partner, I always respect, love, and [stay] faithful to my wife. She’s my everything,” he says.

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. “ — Author Unknown

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.

— Jim Valvano

JUNE 2015

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ART

Passion, painting and passing on the legacy

By Joy White Photos courtesy of Robert Hunter

It all started with doodles. A young Robert Hunter received praises for his doodles from his peers, teachers, grandparents and parents. Then he was asked to do projects, and from there it grew into his profession.

“I look back at the drawings I did, and they were no better than any other child at that age. In fact, my daughter is a much better artist than I was at that age. But I kept doing the work because of the encouragement I got,” he says.

Hunter was raised on Saipan. His mother is part Ulithian and part Palauan.

At first, he thought he should pursue a career in animation, but was persuaded by a famous American artist, Marjorie Reed, in Arizona to pursue commercial design and advertising. After obtaining a degree at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida, he returned to his hometown after being offered a position at the Public School Arts Program of Saipan. He has since been involved in various government organizations that involve the arts. In addition to being an artist, Hunter also has a few other business endeavors and works with the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture.

He says he is very methodical when it comes to doing a piece, and while art is a passion, much work is still involved.

“Painting is work. Before a brush is ever put to canvas, there is a mental process to preparing to do a painting that most people do not understand. I might spend weeks prior to doing a painting or drawing a little, but mostly thinking,” he says.

Hunter says a painting is like a puzzle in which the artist must fit pieces together. The different pieces include the background, the foreground, color and light and line and shadow.

“Legacy” continued on page 10

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Re-thinking your role in marine conservation When you think about marine conservation the things that may come to mind are coral reefs, fish and fisheries. What you might not think of is the forest and watershed. However, the land ecosystem can have quite a large impact on its adjacent marine neighbor. Natural and human activities cause erosion that can send sediment running off the land and directly onto coral reefs. Sedimentation has harmful effects; it smothers the reef preventing growth of corals and may ultimately lead to coral

ENVIRONMENT

death, and thus a loss of habitat for fish and many other services that the reef provides. Human activities on land such as development, deforestation for agriculture, and use of pesticides and other chemicals have serious consequences downstream. As we try to address issues affecting the ocean and near-shore areas we must consider what happens on the land. The land and sea are linked together more than we realize. So if you are interested in protecting the ocean, you can start with asking yourself, “What can I do here on land, in my neighborhood, to stop and prevent erosion and other harmful practices?” And then take action for the ocean on your own.

What can you do?

• Plant shrubs and tre es to create a buffe r between your property and the wa ter to filter out pollu tants • Plant natives, plant grass, plant trees on an y bare soil on your land • Repair and stabilize places where you se e soil eroding • Minimize the time soil is exposed when you do constrution or lands caping • Reduce, Reuse, Re cycle • Use the minimum amount of fertilizers and pesticides.

A little goes a long way!

• Harvest rain water

Contact BECQ at 664-8500 and ask how you can volunteer for local projects/clean-ups to help protect the environment.

“Legacy” continued from page 10

ART

Despite all the work and the distractions of having to produce artwork to support his family, his biggest motivation has been to portray his home island and culture.

“The one underlying inspiration that has been present since I was in high school and is present to this day is the need to promote my home and my background as a Micronesian. I have always wanted to do work that featured the stories and people of Micronesia. I have always wanted to work to do my part to promote and bring recognition to this great place we live in,” he says.

Now, Hunter is experiencing the joy of watching his daughter forge her own path in the arts. Eight-year-old Arro Hunter has taken to visual arts and is creating art that includes painting, building, sewing, gluing, sculpting, costume-making and printing.

“She is only 8 years old right now and going to the third grade. Her interests will certainly not always be the same, but whatever happens with her interest in the arts, it doesn’t really matter to me. I am so glad that she is interested right now, and I believe it helps her tremendously with other aspects of her young life and her education,” he says.

Arro Hunter entered her first art competition recently, submitting a piece along with her father’s at Bridge Capital’s CNMI Art Competition. “I tried to encourage her to submit a piece in previous years, but she was too nervous. This year, she just came up to me and said, ‘Dad, I’m going to do artwork for the contest,’ and she did,” he says.

“The Dancer”

“Things lost, things found”

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“Discovery”

Fine dining every night at 12th Night Restaurant

By Joy White

William Shakespeare himself would enjoy dining at the Mariana Resort & Spa’s 12th Night Restaurant, which is named after his romantic comedy.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 12th Night Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. The high wooden ceiling and glass and wood panels have patrons dining in an elegant setting, in perfect view of Saipan’s spectacular sunsets.

The ambiance, which is carefully crafted using balanced lighting and soft music, is relaxing and luxurious.

Chef William Retardo, who has been with Mariana Resort & Spa for 24 years, says the restaurant’s quality sets it apart from all other

Photos courtesy of Mariana Resort & Spa

restaurants. “We boast a beautiful location, friendly staff and excellent food; that sums it up,” he says.

The restaurant mostly serves Italian cuisine and some international dishes for variety, including barbecue with a dinner show twice a week and teppanyaki five times a week.

Angus beef steak is 12th Night Restaurant’s most popular dish, says Chef Retardo.

However, the chef’s personal favorite is the cold pasta with fresh basil sauce. “The basil is fresh from our garden,” he says.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. A private room that seats 10 is available for celebrations and get-togethers.

DINING

MUSIC

Getting lost in the music

By Joy White Photo by Ed Propst

Musician Parker Y. Yobei travels near and far as a professional musician, but is also a family man and wants to see other musicians succeed.

Yobei began performing professionally in 1997. His professional career as a musician stems from a lifelong passion for music.

“It was my curiosity that got me started,” he says. Coming from a musically inclined family, Yobei was always surrounded by musicians and singers. He began playing the keyboard at age five, starting with Palauan songs. As he grew up, he began playing songs he heard on the radio, expanding and developing his skills. He also occasionally plays the ukulele.

Once he began performing professionally, he started to learn other genres such asv country, reggae, rhythm and blues, hip hop, ballads, blues and Latin pop. “I took all of this, but I created my own beat that I thought would bring older and younger folks on the dance floor. It’s been working for me since,” Yobei says.

His daughter, Mia Danielle Inos Yobei, is also a musician. “Performing with my daughter at home is always a treat. She’s only 6, but she’s coming up with her own remixes.

It gets me all the time,” he says.

Through the years, Yobei has performed widely in the region and in the United States at concerts and private events. His performances include the United Nesia Concert in the Pacific Northwest, the Chamorro Festival in San Diego, the Guam Micronesian Islands Fair, the NMI Labor Day Softball Tournament in Oregon and other concerts throughout the Micronesian islands. He has performed along-side such artists as Kapena, Soja, Katchafire and Clinton Ferron.

“It’s funny because I’m not much of a talker. Some see me as being a little shy. But when I am up on that stage performing, I get lost in the music,” he says.

A memorable concert for Yobei was the first Battle of the Bands held during Liberation Day festivities several years ago, where he entered as a one-man band and won four prizes out of the five categories.

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As awesome as the experience was for him to win so many accolades, Yobei still remains humble.

“I decided several years back that I would no longer compete in these types of events, as I would like to give others a chance to shine. I have had my turn many times,” he says.

His advice to other performers is to do one’s best, be confident and to understand making mistakes helps one to work harder to prevent repeating them. He encourages musicians to be innovative and keep up with current hits. Playing a variety of genres helps to keep everyone entertained, he says.

“One very important piece of advice I would also like to share with other performers is to pay attention to your audience. You are what they think of you. Your main goal at any time is to make sure your audience is happy and satisfied,” he says.

Yobei pursues his passion with the support of his family. His wife, Christine Agulto Inos, understands that music is his life and supports him fully. He admits he has missed many family events and functions, but at the same time, says his work as a musician helps support his family and sacrifices are often necessary to ensure their well-being.

He balances his day job and, whenever possible, restricts his performances to weekends.

“I love music and I enjoy what I do, but the greatest pleasure I get is seeing that people enjoy it as well.

Seeing the happiness on people’s faces as they dance to my music makes me love what I do,” he says.

30 years and counting

TOURISM

Hotel industry marks a milestone

By Joy White Photos courtesy of Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas

The Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands is celebrating its 30th anniversary by giving back to the community. A logo contest for students kicked off the celebrations in May, and a portion of the proceeds from HANMI’s Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden were donated to various community groups. A gala celebration will be held later this year, according to an April 29 HANMI press release.

“In partnership with the government, industry partners and the community, we are all enjoying today the fruit of seeds that were planted decades ago — hotels that were established decades ago and have grown with the Northern Marianas into the international tourism destination we are today,” says Gloria Cavanagh, general manager of Mariana Resort & Spa and chairwoman of HANMI. HANMI is a voluntary association of 12 hotels and numerous supporting industries in the NMI. According to a release, in 2014 HANMI members contributed $13.2 million in hotel occupancy tax to the government as well as $4.4 million in gross revenue receipts. The hotel industry is the largest private employer in the NMI, with HANMI members

currently employing some 1,600 employees.

As the primary advocate and an established reputable representative of the hotel industry, HANMI provides data and perspectives on the industry and promotes hotels’ interests though civic representation, education, community partnerships with the local and federal governments, industry partners and potential investors.

The organization also advises its members on business practices and encourages legislation in support of the hotel industry.

“Our biggest success has been the development of a strong tourism industry as the foundation of the economy of the Northern Marianas,” Cavanagh says. “Representing investors from our largest tourism markets of Japan, Korea and China, HANMI member hotels also support the sustainability of the industry by promoting a healthy market mix from each of these source countries.”

“Building a stronger commonwealth with you, since 1985,” is HANMI’S anniversary theme. Cavanaugh says HANMI is looking forward to continuing to help build a stronger NMI.

JUNE 2015

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EDUCATION

Teaching the future of the NMI

By Joy White Photos by BRM

Founded in 2013, the Northern Marianas International School is one of the fastest-growing international schools in the NMI. With a total of 17 classrooms and 140 students ranging in level from preschool to eighth grade, the school offers a U.S.-based curriculum with a strong academic program and follows a carefully planned program designed for children of all ages and needs, helping to encourage the development of each child’s unique skills and abilities. Electives such as English as a Second Language and Chinese as a Second Language will also help to prepare domestic and international students to succeed in a more diverse world.

“The ultimate reason for the establishment of NMIS is to provide quality education,” says Vice Principal Jener A. Pineda.

“Academic excellence is the top priority. All students are challenged to reach their maximum potential by learning at their functional level. Our hope is to provide a solid foundation of skills, knowledge and values so that each child that attends NMIS will become a productive member of society.”

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Northern Marianas International School is one of the few schools on island to use electronic books, which gives the school access to more educational materials and interactive education than schools that use physical books. “As teachers shift to a supporting role in the classroom, they transfer more responsibility to students for their own learning,” he says. “Increasing technology integration and personalized learning will drive students to be more self-directed and self-discipline. It’s a more hands-on, real-world process of relaying information in classrooms and allows students to participate in the educational conversation through technology and role-playing group exercises in class.”

The school has a low teacher-to-student ratio, which ensures that each learner has hands-on time with his or her teacher, and allows the teachers more time to accommodate the learning styles of each child. NMIS students have the opportunity to form mentoring relationships with their educators, which can lead them to greater academic successes.

Each classroom is designed to be conducive for learning. The NMIS facilities contain indoor and outdoor playgrounds, digital classrooms and closed-circuit security camera surveillance. Faculty and staff are all

trained, certified and experienced, promoting a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere of teaching moral values to the student body.

According to Pineda, Northern Marianas International School students have been consistent winners for every competition they have joined in the NMI and the United States. “Last year, two students represented CNMI for the Thespians & Junior International Society in Lincoln, NE, and Kansas City, MO. This June and July, two more students will be headed to Dallas, TX, and Lincoln, NE for the same events. Every year, NMIS also competes in the regional Spelling Bee competition in Guam, and ranked in the top 15 out of 64 spellers this year.”

“NMIS is also one of the best day care centers in the CNMI,” he says. “We’ve been approved by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and starting the 2015-2016 school year, we’ll be partnering with the Federal Early Headstart Child Care Program. This program provides high quality comprehensive services that benefit children, families and teachers.” Services will include health, developmental and behavioral screenings; higher health, safety, and nutrition standards; increased professional development opportunities for teachers; and an increase in parent engagement opportunities.

Nortnern Marianas International School is open for registration from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.. For inquiries, please call 234-NMIS(6647) or e-mail the school at jay@northernmarianasinternationalschool.com. You can also visit their website or social media accounts through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

June 12 is the celebration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence Day. The theme for the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence is: “Independence 2015: Triumphs through reforms, within nation’s reach,” which in Tagalog translates to “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa pagbabagong nasimulan, Abot-kamay na ng Bayan.”

The flag-raising on June 12 and Pistang Pinoy on June 14 will be celebrated in Saipan, led by the United Filipino Organizations (CNMI) Inc.

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Background of Philippine Declaration of Independence During the Spanish-American War, Filipino rebels led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines after 300 years of Spanish rule.

The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12,1898 in Cavite II el Viejo, presentday Kawit, Cavite.

On this date, Aguinaldo was the first to raise the national flag of the Philippines to proclaim Philippine independence. The historical ceremony also included the performance of the country’s national anthem, “Marcha Filipina Magdalo,” now

Photo from the 2014 Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day held after the flag-raising at Coral Ocean Point Golf and Resort.

Contributed photo by UFO (CNMI), Inc. JUNE 2015

Long live the men and women

of the Philippines!

known as “Lupang Hinirang,” which was composed by Julián Felipe and played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band.

The Act of the Declaration of Independence was read at the flag raising ceremony by its author, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, in Spanish and was signed by 98 people. The Declaration is housed in the National Library of the

Philippines. It is not on public display but can be viewed with permission.

June 12 was originally celebrated as Flag Day and July 4 as Independence Day as the day independence was granted by the United States. However, in 1964 President Diosdado Macapagal signed the law designating June 12 as the country’s Independence Day.

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Philippine Independence Day Profiles of a people

By Joy White Photos by BRM

They are entrepreneurs, policy makers, community advocates, artists and more. As the Filipino community of Saipan joins the Philippines and Filipinos around the world in celebrating the 117th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain, BRM takes a look at the many influential members of the Northern Marianas Islands’ community and how they will be celebrating the holiday.

Glicerio “Eli” Arago has been with Tan Holdings for 30 years and serves as the company’s senior vice president and chief financial officer. He was recently appointed as the Honorary Philippine Consul in the NMI. In this position, he is tasked with promoting and protecting the interests of the Philippines in his consular district of Saipan, Rota and Tinian, relating to trade investment and tourism, as well as the protection of the rights and welfare of Philippine citizens. He says he is proud and honored to be chosen for the position,because it allows him to help his fellow kababayans, he says.

How do you personally celebrate or recognize Philippine Independence Day? I celebrate it daily, in my day-to-day life. June 12 is just a marker. As a free citizen of a free country, my sense of nationalism is very strong, and that flows into my daily interactions with people and in how I live my life — as a proud citizen of the Philippines.

Why do you think it is important to recognize the holiday?

It is important to maintain a sense of continuity in our collective memories of where we came from as a nation, to give us the proper direction on where we are going. Celebrating Philippine Independence Day allows us to instill in our youth the importance of being a free nation, so that they, in turn, will learn to value our freedoms, our rights, and our responsibilities as citizens of this country.

What cultural practices do you bring to your career and practice in your daily life?

The most common traits of Filipinos are our resilience, patience and our spirit of bayanihan, and these are the three cultural traits that I infuse into my life and my work. I like helping people, and that has always been a defining trait for us Filipinos because we are not makasarili [selfish]; we always help one another. Also, we are patient and endure all sacrifices for the sake of our families.

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Olivia Yana devotes her life to community service and plans to continue to help the community for many years into the future. The 54-year-old has held various positions in the United Filipino Organization, most recently as the secretary of the board of directors from 2012 to 2014. She is also active in the Saipan Marianas Lion Club and is the organization’s incoming president. Other organizations she is active in include the Visayas-Mindanao Association (CNMI) Inc., the Saipan Association of Filipino Skilled Workers, the Marianas Filipino Women’s Association, the Saipan Simbang Gabi Group, the Kristo Rai Finance Council, the Kristo Rai Church and the Zion Choir.

“If more people care about their community, much more can be accomplished. There is no such thing as small people when it comes to community service. However small that is contributed in terms of time, money and effort — if brought together — it can make a difference,” she says.

How do you personally celebrate or recognize Philippine Independence Day? For the past 20 years, I celebrated Philippine Independence Day through community service that has been spearheaded by the United Filipino Organization and by empowering other Filipinos to do the same.

We encouraged other Filipinos to show to the world the strong, talented, intelligent and resilient people that we are through the “Pistang Pinoy,” which includes programs that showcased Filipino skills and talents as well as our desire to serve our community through medical missions.

The dream of our forefathers that our nation will one day be free from poverty and rise up as a proud, peaceful and progressive nation is a dream that each Filipino hopes our country may one day achieve.

Why do you think it is important to recognize the holiday?

It is important to maintain a sense of continuity in our collective memories of where we came from as a nation, to give us the proper direction on where we are going. Celebrating Philippine Independence Day allows us to instill in our youth the importance of being a free nation, so that they, in turn, will learn to value our freedoms, our rights, and our responsibilities as citizens of this country.

What cultural practices do you bring with you in your daily life?

I bring with me at work and in my daily life, among others, the cultural practices of respect, especially for elders, with employers, peers and to anyone in general. Respect can be shown in many ways, even at the smallest instance as in answering a telephone call by being polite, addressing clients, regardless of who they are as “Sir” or “Ma’am,” and by lending an ear to anyone who needs assistance. We may never be [capable] of actually answering their problems, but just hearing them out gives them a sense of comfort. I also brought with me the cultural practices of working hard to achieve any goal I have.

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Romeo “Bong” Malasarte, President of the United Filipino Organization (CNMI), Inc., operations manager, electrical engineer and has been with Armatech Co. for about 10 years. He was drawn to the industry because of the new technology. The company started out offering PABX System maintenance and sales in 2005.

Through the years, Armatech has grown to offer induction motor repairs, generators, electrical industrial maintenance and supply parts; motor rewinding services, generator maintenance and electrical repairs; and electronic door lock systems to hotels and business. The company recently dove into new technologies, recently offering IP-phone systems and this year introducing LED lighting systems to its client base and CCTV camera system sales, services and installation.

What cultural practices do you bring with you to your business or your daily life?

I always think positive and keep an attitude of, “Yes, we can be the best.”

How do you personally celebrate or recognize Philippine Independence Day? The nation’s Independence Day celebrations and join the Philippine Flag raising ceremony with friends and family.

Why do you think it is important to recognize the holiday?

[It is] one of the most significant dates in the Philippines’ history because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.

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JUNE 2015

ON THE ROAD

Ulysses Torres Sabuco emceed Honorary Consul Eli Arago’s appreciation party at Hibiscus, Fiesta Resort on May 27.

LLBC Mabuhay Saipan’s General Manager Val Gatchalian gladly poses for BRM prior to Consul Arago’s event on May 27. Taken at Fiesta Resort’s garden area.

Esther Fleming from the Office of the Governor and U.S. Representative Gregorio ‘Kilili’ Sablan. Taken at Fiesta Resort and Spa lobby on May 27.

The winners of the Saipan Young Professionals Logo Contest winners from left are Abby Racoma (1st place), Annika Matias (2nd place), Verijean Mangubat (4th place), and Fritz Gerald Trinidad (5th place). Enrico del Rosario (3rd place) is not shown in photo. Photo taken at SCC General Meeting at Hibiscus, Fiesta Resort on June 03.

Welcome to Saipan Laidy. From your family and friends at Transpac.

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JUNE 2015

(From left) Lyn Sablan with husband Ray Sablan and good friend Judy Atoigue who is visiting from Guam. Photo taken on April 26 at the Flame Tree Festival.

ON THE ROAD

Happy 31st Wedding Anniversary to Cornerstone Christian Church’s Pastor Manuel Rey and Sis. Femy Rey. Much love from family and friends. God bless!

Sweet bonding moments between mom Annamae and daughter Ramhae at the Flame Tree Festival on April 26.

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ON THE ROAD

Gov. Eloy Inos and Lt. Gov. Ralph Tenorio sign a proclamation on June 1 at the Garapan Public Markets, Fishing Base declaring June as National Resources Month and June 27 as Saipan Agricultural Day.

The 2015 Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship recipients with their families. They are Katrina Punzalan, Donovan Castro, Minori Yoshida, Maria Fe Andrea Lazaro, Nicole Arenovski, and Riya Nathrani. The scholarships were awarded at the SCC General Meeting at Fiesta Resort’s Hibiscus function room, on June 03.

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JUNE 2015

May 24 Corporate Challenge by Saipan Chamber of Commerce held at the Minachom Atdao grounds, Susupe Beach Park.

Team Club C from Kanoa Resort

Team Triple J Motors

Team Bank of Guam

Team Coca Cola poses for BRM before the group presentation.

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ON THE ROAD

May 24 Corporate Challenge by Saipan Chamber of Commerce held at the Minachom Atdao grounds, Susupe Beach Park (Continue)

Team T Galleria, First Place Winner

Team Delta Management

Team Coca Cola

Team Fiesta Resort & Spa

Team Pacific Trading, Inc. 28

JUNE 2015

Team Hyatt, Spirit Award Winner

Saipan Chamber of Commerce’ Jill Arenovski (left) and April Sablan (right) with youth volunteers.