SCS’ Jesus Villagomez tops junior division of 2024 Sengebau poetry tilt

First of a two-part series

Jesus Villagomez’s riveting rendition of Valentine Sengebau’s “Strategy” took first place in the junior division of the 2024 Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition last Friday at the American Memorial Park.

The Saipan Community School student chose the specific poem because “It depicts a native’s perspective on the not-so-positive effects of colonization.” His performance was marked by a strong, confident voice that carried the weight of the poem’s critical examination of history. The tone firm, yet contemplative, mirroring the conflicting emotions of the indigenous people in the face of Western colonization.

His pacing was deliberate, well-timed which allowed his audience to absorb the gravity of the poem’s message. His calm delivery in contrast to the intensity of the poem’s themes created a palpable tension in the room that held the audience’s attention throughout his performance. His gestures, although minimal, were effective as he stood still for much of the performance allowing the words to speak for themselves—so to say. The stillness combined with focused eye contact, reinforced the seriousness of the context and the poem’s emphasis on enduring struggles of colonized people.

Villagomez’s performance brought a fresh perspective to the historical complexities of colonization, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Duos from both Francisco Mendiola Sablan Middle School—Lindsay D. Bocago and Hannah R. Ramos—and Hopwood Middle School—Kiano Jude R. Arriola and Alexander Joseph M. Salunguit—finished tied for second with their spectacular performances.

Bocago and Ramos presented one of Sengebau’s works, “The Task” displaying a deep understanding of the poem’s themes relating to the cultural heritage and identity. Their duet began with harmonious balance, seamlessly transitioning between each other’s voices and created a rich and engaging auditory experience.

Bocago opened with a strong and clear voice, immediately drawing attention with passion. She emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural legacies and connection between past and present. Her gestures were expressive yet controlled, using her hands to illustrate key concepts and engage in visuals with the audience.

Ramos joined in equal fervor, complementing Bocago’s delivery with a slightly softer tone that added depth to the performance. Her presence brought a dynamic element blending urgency with sincerity to the poem’s message. Together, they maintained eye contact with the audience, creating a connection that invited listeners to reflect on their own cultural identities.

Their pacing was well coordinated with each pause, the audience absorbed the significance of their words. The interplay between their voices heightened the emotional resonance of the poem, especially in moments that addressed the challenges faced by their ancestors. Their performance not only highlighted their individual talents but also the strength and unity of storytelling through poetry.

From HMS, Arriola and Salundaguit performed Sengebau’s “Searching” with a strong introduction to who they were, their personal stories resonating with the poem. Delivering the poem with a mixture of emotional vulnerability and pride, their voices carried the weight of personal experience: the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world, particularly as an individual from minority communities.

Both had impactful tones. Arriola’s tone was reflective, soft, and filled with personal emotion, particularly as she recounted moments of guidance from his uncle and grandparents. His pace was steady, allowing the audience to absorb the weight of his words. Salundaguit’s delivery was filled with emotional conflict and intellectual struggle. His variation in tone and pacing added depth to the performance, creating moments of tension and release that heightened the emotional impact.

The performance was compelling, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges associated with cultural identity. Both Arriola and Salundaguit managed to convey complex emotions through their delivery, making the themes of the poem feel personal yet widely relevant. Their performance left a lasting impression on the audience, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Taking third place with a captivating performance was Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. Sr. High School’s Asher P. Reyel, who recited another one of Sengebau’s works, “Mirage.” Reyel skillfully embodied the poem’s central theme: the tension between ambition and the realization that the journey, rather than the destination, holds true significance.

His voice was calm and deliberate, drawing the audience into the reflective nature of the poem. His steady pacing allowed the audience to contemplate the meaning of each line, especially as he highlighted keywords and phrases that conveyed the poet’s sense of frustration and eventual enlightenment. His vocal tone mirrored the emotional shifts in the poem, moving from a determined, almost urgent tone at the beginning—where ambition takes center stage—to a more resigned, thoughtful tone as the character realizes the futility of his pursuit of external success.

His pacing quickened slightly in moments of tension, such as when the character expresses frustration at not achieving the honor he sought, before slowing again to emphasize the poem’s resolution and lesson. Reyel used pauses effectively, particularly after emotionally charged lines, giving the audience time to absorb the deeper meaning behind the metaphor of the “mirage.”

These well-timed breaks allowed for moments of reflection and added weight to the poem’s more introspective passages.

His quiet, measured delivery encouraged reflection, and his ability to convey the poem’s message without excessive theatrics made the performance feel genuine and relatable. Reyel’s recital was met with enthusiastic applause, acknowledging the emotional impact and the clarity of his interpretation.

Competitors in the junior division recite poems composed by Sengebau that were published in a 2004 anthology, titled “Microchild.” The competition is open to all middle school (junior) and high school (senior) 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.