CNMI Women’s Month recognizes women in music

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, front, second from right, and first Lady Diann Torres, front, third from right, are joined by guests and honorees at the Marianas Women in Music and International Diversity last Friday, March 26, at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center. (NEIL FAMA)

The Marianas Women in Music and International Diversity celebration last Friday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe honored 30 women in music as part of the celebration of March as CNMI Women’s Month.

The 30 women in music who were honored included Alexandra Marino, Amber Mendiola, Arriane Antonio, Atsuko Kada Eck, Chrystal Marino, Darlene Aldan, Ellena Sutton, Emerenciana “Emi” Peter-Palican, Emily Jones, Franvina R. Sos, Immaculada Melita Olopai Pialur, Joannie LouEm Seman Laniyo, Jobelle Yumul Tabuena, Kiki Seman, Laurina Sebaklim, Loretta Kaainoa Deleon Guerrero, Magdalena “Maggie” Naputi Bell, Malua Luke Peter Hosono, Margaret DelaCruz, Margarita Tenorio Cabrera, Maria Angelica W. Iginoef-Mangarero, Nina Aldan, Rhe’ann Manibusan Tudela, Ro’ana Manibusan Tudela, Ruby Jean Moses, Ruslyn Carmen Billy Saito, Sheelane Santos, Stacy Carmelita Sablan Kaipat, Tiana Tudela Reyes, and Visitacion Saures Fitial.

The event was also attended by representatives from the Chamorro, Carolinian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Chuuk, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Kosraean, Marshallese, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Russian, Samoan, Thai, Tongan, American, and Yapese communities.

The event was organized by the CNMI Women’s Affairs Office, in cooperation with first lady Diann Torres and her Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ wife, Wella, and the offices of the Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.

Others who graced the event was 2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Lyn Relox Delos Santos, while Frances Sablan was the mistress of ceremony. Emi-Palican, Stacy Kaipat, and Ellen Stutton provided entertainment and closed the event.

According to Delos Santos, first lady Diann Torres and Wella Palacios began recognizing CNMI women two years ago as part of the celebration of Women’s Month. At that time, they presented recognition awards to over 150 women on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with the theme “breaking the glass ceiling,” awarding women in male-dominated positions such as policewomen, custom inspectors, and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. linewomen in the CNMI.

Last year, 13 women were honored for surviving obstacles such as toxic relationships, being a single mother, losing a loved one, or a job, yet moving mountains to sustain their families.

In early February this year, they sent out a call for nominations for women in music.

“A woman is anyone who is a singer a composer instrumental performer and music educator with a passion to share talent, and volunteer some of their time to the community. We are happy to announce 30 of those talented women of the CNMI tonight,” Delos Santos said.

Partners and sponsors of the event included Pacifica Insurance, Bridge Capital, IT&E, Marianas Visitors Authority, Hanna, Mariana Global, Friends of Japan Council, MARPAC, and Bank of Guam.

The Recognition of Women in Music event was livestreamed in partnership with Northern Marianas College because of limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.