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Students take turns spreading cheer among the man’amko
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Posted on Dec 21 2011
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
Tuesday was a day for the man’amko to bond with students as two schools on island visited the island’s elderly at the Aging Center in time for Christmas.
Students of San Vicente Elementary School visited the clients at the center in the morning, bringing gifts of various local fruits like bananas and papaya, which the man’amko shared among themselves. The students also handed out handmade cards.
After SVES’ visit, 11 juniors and seniors from Saipan Southern High School arrived before lunch to sing to the senior citizens.
Accompanied by conductor Rose Ada-Hocog, the students are members of Saipan Southern High’s Jamsesh group, which was just formed last month. The group sang Christmas carols in various languages, with a ukulele accompaniment to boot.
Ivan Santos, one of the ukulele players, said it took them about two weeks of practice to perfect their act.
“Performing for them [man’amko] was great. I hope they have a great Christmas and they enjoy the holiday season,” said Santos, 17.
Gerlyn Libunao, 18, said that seeing the man’amko enjoying the performance was “heartwarming.” “It felt good entertaining them,” the senior told Saipan Tribune.
Ada-Hocog, for her part, said, “I believe the highlight of the performance was having the man’amko singing with the students.”
Elena Villanueva, secretary for the Saipan Seniors Advisory Council, expressed her appreciation for the donated fruits and the Christmas caroling.
“It was beautiful. We’re happy. It reminded me of my family, some of whom are in the Philippines,” said Villanueva.
When asked for her Christmas wish and message, Villanueva said, “I am hoping that I can visit my family again. I also wish for the man’amko to love and share with one another.”
Hermana Faisao, 67, said she sang along with the SSHS students. “I like the caroling and I like the fruits and the cards. I feel happy that these kids come to the center and give to the man’amko. I hope they come back next year.”
