‘We are not satisfied with the judges’ decision’

The Inetnon Atten Attistan Luta (IAAL) of Rota is not satisfied with the judges’ overall decision placing the group as second place winner for booth competition held last Saturday, April 26, during the 27th Flame Tree Arts Festival event.

Based on this year’s festival theme, “Showcase Our Inheritance,” the IAAL group did their very best to showcase cultural inheritance by displaying and portraying family living narrated by Lourdes Manglona as mother (nåna) in the family with her children during the presence of the judges.

Showcasing our cultural inheritance included live demonstration of boñelos dågu cooking by Julita Calvo, coconut leaf weaving by Maria Mesngon, and herbal medicine processing by Carmen Toves. Cultural attire was also worn by Julita and Carmen. Other sibling played by Natividad Barcinas welcomed the presence of the judges by offering boñelos dågu.

To understand our dissatisfaction, allow me to narrate the content of IAAL’s booth on that day. As you enter our booth, the theme: “Fata I Irensia-ta” (“Showcase Our Inheritance”) hangs at the door entrance including woven palm fronds, betel nut bunches, and woven birds hanging on each side. From the entrance, you also see the dining table as this is first on the display. A tefan (table cover) is used to cover the dining table where local delicacies is neatly arranged on woven bowls and platters (åla, guagua’, bandehan hågon niyok) such as saibok dågu, hineksa’ katupat, titiyas, tinala’ katne, tinala’ guihan, and alaguan haguaf. Alaguan haguaf is placed on coconut shell cups (tåsan ha’iguas) and ready to drink. Drinking water was also available in local decanters (bongbong pi’åo). Completing the table setting, pandanas plates (plåton pahong) and bamboo cups (båson pi’åo) were also available.

In the middle of the booth was another table where many household items were also on display such as mitåti and månu (stone grinder and pestle), påsu (clay pot/urn), la’uyan papa (pot with wings surrounding), putot and lommok (mortar and pestle), lusong and lommok (stone mortar and pestle), prensan lulok (metal iron), kotot, etc. Also on the same table was the demonstration of herbal medicine.

Inside the booth on the left corner was the bedroom display of items such as the kabiyon (mosquito net), guafak (sleeping mat), and kanastran magågu (cloth basket), etc.

The right corner was the kitchen where boñelos dågu was cooking. Under the stove was the display of a small pile taro root crop supply for the family. To its left was the palm leaf weaving demonstration.

On the left wall was the display of fishing net (talåya) and local artwork collection mounted on four separate wooden frames depicting family basic necessities such as kamyo, niyok, tenedot ha’iguas, plåton pahong, guagua’, haguet, karetan guaka yan guaka, tuhong gunot,doggan gunot, magågon mestisa, tinifok flores rosat, kadena, etc.

On the right wall hung the 20 feet long woven flower curtains. Curtains were handwoven flower design made from palm leaves and da’ok seeds assembled on strips. Each strip was six feet long and neatly attached to wooden poles.

During the whole judging process, our entire family worked together to demonstrate and portray our culture. We thought we grabbed it all the way. But yet, we were given the second place. This is not fair!

Later, we were told why IAAL booth did not win first place for the following reasons: 1.) IAAL should have won first place if only there were live animals. Excuse me! We have our Tinala’ Katne and beef is from cow. Isn’t it? So why bring live animal to the booth. Logically, there is no need to go this far or is it stated on the criteria? Besides we had some live demonstrations. 2.) One of the siblings played by Natividad Barcinas, the youngest child in the family, offered boñelos dågu to the judges while the mother was narrating the displays to the judges. Ombre ga’chong! This is a combination of reality and welcoming into our home. Isn’t it true that when you come upon a home that still portrays the olden days, the first thing you notice is that you will be offered something to eat or drink. Ombre ga’chong! This is local tradition and if you don’t experience it, of course how can you give IAAL the first place winner?

By the way, did any of the judges notice small details like for instance all our displays come with labels—the name of each item using our mother’s tongue? Isn’t this promoting our diminishing Chamorro language?