Young professionals highlight Chamorro culture

The Saipan Young Professionals enjoyed an evening of great food and entertainment at their barbecue/potluck dinner on Sept. 26, ending their month of “tourism” with a focus on the importance of showcasing and understanding the Chamorro culture.

Aside from featuring local delicacies, they also featured a special dinner show performance by a Chamorro cultural group called “Guma’ Simiyan Mañaina-ta,” a non-profit organization that aims to give individuals an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the Chamorro culture through visual and performing arts. 

Founder Luis John “L.J.” Castro shared information about their group, stating that the performers that evening were comprised of young teenagers from the high school and early college level. He said the group recently traveled to Guam to perform at the 2015 Chamorro Dance Competition and Festival. Aside from performing abroad, the group also performs at festivals on island including the Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.

“We decided to feature a Chamorro performance to highlight our unique culture. Their performance was one-of-kind and all the songs were sung in Chamorro, giving everyone a truly cultural experience complete with Chamorro language and dance,” said SYP chair Mable Ayuyu.

She shared that the committee, this month, learned the significance of giving tourists an understanding of the “Chamorro” culture.

“Much of what we see in hotel dinner shows features Polynesian dancing, which we enjoy because it’s exciting and entertaining. However, it’s even more significant to explore the idea of featuring the very thing that makes us unique,” Ayuyu said.

The performance featured a cultural blend of Chamorro-sung songs and dancing (including a fire dance). SYP member Thomas Basa Jr. of MARPAC said, “I loved it! What better way to tell our ancestors’ stories and cultures through music, chants, and dance.”

SYP member Camille Orallo of Tan Holdings said, “It was really nice taking a breather from our busy work schedules to come together for a nice dinner under the stars. The performance by the Guma’ Simiyan Mañaina-ta group was breathtaking!”

The SYP Committee extends its deepest appreciation to Guma’ Simiyan Mañaina-ta board chair Elaine Cabrera, Castro, and all the group performers and musicians.

“To all the cultural groups like Guma’ Simiyan Mañaina-ta, we thank you for continuing to keep our culture alive,” said Ayuyu, adding that the Saipan Young Professionals Committee is proud to support and advocates for groups like the one that performed for them.

For more information about the Saipan Young Professionals Committee, visit www.saipanchamber.com or call (670) 234-7150. The Saipan Young Professionals is a Committee of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. (SYP)