MCS’ Tenorio, RHI’s Feolino, Barcinas rule senior division

Last of a two-part series

Mount Carmel School’s Jessiana Tenorio and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior-Senior High School’s Bernice A. Feolino and Rianna T. Barcinas won the senior division of the 2024 Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition last Friday at the American Memorial Park.

The senior division added a challenge to participants’ performance as they had to write an original poem that showcased both their creativity and delivery skills.

Tenorio’s performance of “Taya Chamoru” was a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the struggle to connect with her Chamoru heritage. As she took the stage, her presence commanded attention, and her initial hesitation transformed into a powerful delivery that resonated with the audience.

With each line, Tenorio conveyed the weight of her personal experience—feeling estranged from her culture and language while surrounded by friends who seamlessly spoke Chamoru. Her voice trembled with vulnerability as she recounted the shame and confusion that often accompanied her attempts to embrace her roots. The contrast between her yearning for connection and the reality of her struggle was palpable, creating an emotional depth that drew the audience in.

Her use of vivid imagery—describing her reflection in the mirror, the warmth of family ties, and the beauty of Chamoru traditions—painted a rich tapestry of her identity. Tenorio’s passion surged as she proclaimed the significance of her culture, reminding the audience that it is more than just language; it is woven into the very fabric of who she is.

The performance culminated in a powerful affirmation of pride, as she expressed her determination to reclaim her Chamoru identity. Tneorio’s compelling delivery, marked by both fragility and strength, left a lasting impact on the audience, who responded with heartfelt applause, acknowledging her courage and the universal themes of belonging and self-discovery embedded in her performance.

Meanwhile, Feolino and Barcinas recited their original work, “Echos of Our Souls” and their performance was a powerful reflection on the fading aspects of their home’s cultural identity.

The poem vividly portrays the tension between the island’s rich heritage and the pressures of westernization. Through evocative imagery of palm trees swaying and traditions slipping like sand through fingers, they captured a sense of loss, frustration, and resilience.

Feolino and Barcinas painted a picture of a culture once vibrant and thriving, that is now overshadowed by modern influences. Yet, amidst the melancholy, their words carried a message of hope and strength, urging unity and a reclamation of their cultural legacy. They spoke of the artistry of Carolinian canoes and the songs of Chamorro ancestors, celebrating the islands’ traditions while lamenting the unraveling of identity.

Delivered with emotion and grace, the performance was both a tribute to their heritage and a call to preserve it for future generations, reminding the audience of the enduring spirit of the Marianas people.

With vivid imagery of palm trees and waves, the poem expresses a deep frustration over losing their heritage, while also celebrating resilience. Their emotional delivery highlighted the importance of reclaiming and honoring cultural identity amidst change, leaving the audience in thoughtful silence.

First time competing and winning second place, Da’ok Acadamy’s proud duo of Daniel Taisakan and Princess Debengek presented “Who Are We?” The duo began their recitation with a strong, confident presence, immediately drawing the audience into their exploration of self and community.

Their delivery was dynamic, alternating between them in a rhythmic flow that enhanced the poem’s emotional resonance. Taisakan’s voice carried a sense of urgency as he articulated the longing for connection to their roots, while Debengek complemented him with a soothing tone that emphasized the beauty of tradition and the complexity of contemporary existence.

As they delved into their verses, they painted vivid images of their cultural landscape—contrasting the richness of customs and languages with the distractions of modern society. The lines flowed seamlessly, reflecting their shared understanding of the struggles faced by their generation. They spoke candidly about the pressures of materialism and the quest for authenticity, using powerful metaphors that connected with the audience on a personal level.

Their performance was not just a recitation; it was a heartfelt dialogue that evoked a range of emotions—from nostalgia and pride to frustration and hope. The final lines, which emphasized their collective identity and resilience, were delivered with a sense of conviction that left the audience in thoughtful silence before erupting into enthusiastic applause. Taisakan and Debengek’s performance was a moving testament to their cultural heritage and a call for introspection in an ever-evolving world.

From Saipan Southern High School, Yu Rong Jiang took third place performing her “Familia.” Jiang’s performance of “Familia” was a heartfelt exploration of the concept of family and its evolving definitions. Standing confidently before the audience, she began her recitation with an engaging greeting, inviting everyone to reflect on their own experiences of family. Her approachable demeanor set a warm tone for the performance, making it relatable to those listening.

Her voice ebbed and flowed with emotion, weaving a narrative that celebrated familial bonds while acknowledging the complexities of modern relationships. She contrasted the English word “family,” which she described as six letters representing equal love, with the Chamorro term “familia,” which has seven letters, symbolizing an additional welcome—a beautiful representation of inclusivity that resonated deeply with the audience. Her performance was infused with a sense of pride and gratitude, as she highlighted the stories and lessons that family teaches us. The delivery was both passionate and reflective, allowing listeners to connect personally with the themes of belonging and acceptance. As Jiang concluded her poem, the audience responded with heartfelt applause, recognizing the sincerity of her message and the universal truth that family—whether biological or chosen—holds an irreplaceable place in our lives.

Senior division competitors are judged on two categories: content material of their original poem and recital. Competitors in the junior division recite poems composed by Sengebau that were published in a 2004 anthology, titled “Microchild.”

The competition aims to promote an appreciation for poetry that captures expressions of the CNMI’s diverse experiences and values as they relate to culture, identity, and change. This event hopes to strengthen the contestants’ literacy and oratory skills.

The competition is open to all middle school and high school students and is held annually in October, CNMI Humanities Month.

The annual Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition is held in honor of the late Valentine Sengebau, who spent the last 25 years of his life in his adopted home of Saipan. The Palauan poet composed dozens of poems that were published in the Micronesian Reporter and the Marianas Variety. Sengebau’s poetry expressed the joys and sorrows of his life, his concerns regarding loss of cultural identity in the islands, as well as the political negotiations between the United States and Micronesia.

To ensure that his work is enjoyed by future generations, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council published an anthology of Sengebau’s poetry, “Microchild,” in 2004. The annual Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition was established to support the work of young Micronesian poets and to honor Sengebau’s legacy as one of Micronesia’s foremost poets.

The competition aims to promote an appreciation for poetry that captures expressions of the CNMI’s diverse experiences and values as they relate to culture, identity, and change. This event hopes to strengthen the contestants’ literacy and oratory skills.