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NMC music club take their turn with the man’amko
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Posted on Dec 22 2011
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
The Proa Music Society of the Northern Marianas College took its turn yesterday to serenade the man’amko at the Aging Center with classic Christmas carols.
Twelve members of NMC’s only chartered music club performed rollicking versions of Christmas hits such as Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bell Rock, and Last Christmas. The island’s elderly clapped and sang along, with some swaying to the beat, including Pacita Angeles, a client at the Center for five years.
Proa Music Society president Amber Mendiola said it was the group’s first time to perform for the man’amko. She said the group, formed in September 2010, practiced for about two weeks in time for yesterday’s presentation.
The group was also at the KKMP radio station earlier that day and was scheduled to play another set at Joeten Susupe following their Aging Center performance.
Mendiola said their group chose to sing lively songs to get the man’amko engaged.
“It feels very heartwarming because a lot of the music we did, they really appreciated it. It was nice to see them get into the Christmas spirit by clapping their hands and dancing to the tunes,” she told Saipan Tribune.
The group enjoyed it so much that a tradition may have been born. Mendiola said that performing for the man’amko every year is a possibility. “Hopefully next time, there would be more students participating in this activity,” she added.
Dean Borja, a Hospitality major at NMC, said it was a great feeling spreading Christmas cheer to the senior citizens.
“I hope they have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. God bless every man’amko out there in the world,” said Borja, who is also the lead singer for the local band Latte Vibes.
Jacoba Asuncion, a client at the center for about eight years, became an instant fan. “I wish they could come every year. They did a very good job,” she said.
Saipan Seniors Advisory Council chair Teresita Sorroza, for her part, said, “We’re very grateful that the Proa group wanted to cheer us and wish us merry Christmas. We wish the same for them.”
