Man’amko give concert preview at Legislature

Several man’amko serenaded members of the Legislature and their staff last Monday at the House chamber. (Jon Perez)

Commonwealth lawmakers and their staff got a much-needed holiday boost on Monday, with the man’amko serenading them for a sneak peek of the man’amko’s concert on Wednesday night and their way of saying thank you to the work legislators have done the whole year.

This is the third year for the man’amko to sing Christmas carols to the legislators, who then hosted them for lunch. Vice speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) started the annual tradition.

“It gives us something to talk about, we have to practice for our legislators. We just want to go out and visit different facilities and offices. We’re happy for all the help they [Legislature] give. We just want to appreciate the hard work they do since they are making critical decisions,” said Office on Aging director Walter Manglona.

“Some of our elderly feel that they [lawmakers] also deserve to have a break. Coming up here and singing to them was our special way of thanking them. We’re happy that they are committed in giving back to our elders. We are thankful for their continuing support to our man’amko.”

Manglona said they look past the donations, food, and hosting by the Legislature to the love and thought the lawmakers and their staff give the man’amko. “We’re really fortunate that they took care of our man’amko.”

Deleon Guerrero said that playing host to the man’amko is also their way of having them showcase their talents and also their gesture of thanks. “We’re busy the entire year. We can appreciate our elders and the things they have done for raising us right. This is our way to also say thank you. It’s also an opportunity for them to showcase their talents through Christmas songs and dances.”

The man’amko also used the event as a fundraising activity. “They also do a little bit of fundraising. They use a Santa hat and pass it around,” said Deleon Guerrero.

He added that the Legislature wants the event to become an annual tradition, “where every Christmas, we here at the Legislature, be entertained and host them.”

Lawmakers and their staff also offered songs to the man’amko after their performance.

Manglona said there are close to 400 elderly under the Office on Aging’s program, with Pedro Dela Cruz among the oldest. “He’s a strong guy and it is always nice to see our elders in high spirits.”