Rotary treats man’amko to Thanksgiving lunch

The Rotary Club of Saipan’s annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Office of Aging is their way of honoring and celebrating the pillars of the community, according to Rotary Club of Saipan president Joann Aquino.

“Today, as we gather for the RCS annual man’amko lunch celebration, I’m reminded of a profound truth—the real magic isn’t just in Rotary, it’s in you, our man’amko. You’re the keepers of our stories, the guardians of our traditions, and the bridge between our past and our future. In a world where change comes at lightning speed, your wisdom grounds us, your stories guide us, and your presence reminds us of who we are and where we come from,” said Aquino in her speech last Tuesday.

Aquino added that the annual lunch is so much more than just a meal but it’s their way of saying thank you.

“Our theme, the ‘Magic of Rotary’ is about creating moments like these moments where we can pause and celebrate the pillars of our community. Each story you share, each tradition you preserve, and each smile you offer adds to the enchanting tapestry of our island culture. That is why our annual lunch celebration is so much more than just a meal, it’s our way of saying thank you for the lifetime of love and wisdom you’ve shared with us and our community and remain our most precious blessing,” she added.

Office of Aging director Walter Manglona expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club of Saipan.

“I don’t remember the exact year we started this tradition, but the Rotary Club of Saipan has been hosting the man’amko even way before COVID time. Their dedication and their commitment to continue to come here and show you that they care, and they love you. We are so thankful and fully blessed and with that, like I tell everybody, you know the entire community here on this beautiful island of Saipan has been spoiling the man’amko and we never lose that sense of appreciation,” said Manglona in his remarks.

Man’amko Association president Aurora Desebel also thanked the Rotary for their unending support.

“I wish to give you thanks for your unending support and assistance every year, season year of Thanksgiving… And I know that your door is always open because we will be knocking on your door to come and see us for our Christmas party,” said Desebel.

Aquino acknowledged and introduced the RCS officers and members present during the celebration and commended RCS Community Service director Billy Grow for chairing the annual event.

Grow in an interview said they prepared food for 120 man’amko and Office on Aging staff.

“The food was catered by Herman’s Modern Bakery and RCS director Das (Krishnan) was kind enough to provide the staff to support the event by carving the turkey, ham, and roasted pig. As well as providing catering trays to hold the food. The plates and silverware all came from Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan,” said Grow.

Interact and Rotaract members also volunteered to help distribute silverware and serve the plated food to the man’amko tables.

Voices of the Marianas Bernice Sabino provided the entertainment and the event was concluded with a group photo.