NMI shines at Palau arts festival

With thousands of dignitaries, guests, and participants cheering, the CNMI delegation to the IX Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Palau immediately made their presence felt, showcasing the best of the Northern Marianas culture during opening night last Thursday, according to a statement e-mailed to the Saipan Tribune by the delegation.

With almost 200 members, the CNMI delegation was one of the two largest groups in the festival.

The delegation presented the host country with various gifts, followed by performances that included cultural chants and traditional dances.

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta, who heads the delegation, expressed appreciation to the host country for the invitation and to all who supported and assisted the delegation so they could take part in the event.

Babauta went on to thank Palau sister state Ngaremlengui for their hospitality and assistance.

“The government of the Republic of Palau, festival organizers and staff and [Palau] sister state of Ngaremlengui have extended every assistance to the NMI delegation and we are very appreciative,” he said.

He also indicated the significance of the event to the NMI delegates as well as to the preservation of “our cultural arts.”

“The NMI delegation is involved in many of the festival activities and will continue to represent the NMI with its best efforts. The NMI is well represented at the festival and our delegation is making the NMI proud,” he said.

The opening act included chants performed by Rep. Ray A. Tebuteb and Uraali dance group leader Melvin Faisao “giving honor, thanks, and well-wishes” to the host country.

According to Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture executive director Robert Hunter, the delegation presented gifts that included traditional Carolinian bead neckware, baskets, coconut fiber rope, two large taga stone carvings, and a symbolic sculpture representing symbols unique to the CNMI. The statement said that Carolinian Affairs Office executive director Victorino Igitol led the presentation of gifts.

Members of the Wellipal dance group then followed by performing a traditional number for the crowd, which, according to Hunter, “drew a loud accolade from the audience.”

The delegation also opened booths displaying traditional arts at the Festival Village; contemporary arts at the new Palau Museum; and showcased its traditional dance troupes at Asahi Field, the main performance venue at the festival on Friday.

The delegation then opened its literary arts display and hosted performances and music exchanges at the Jam House on Saturday. Leading the way for the exchange was the group’s contemporary musicians.

The Festival, which takes place once every four years, is scheduled to end this Saturday, July 31.

Also taking part in the Festival are delegates from Guam, the Marshall Islands, American Samoa, Yap, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Palau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Hawaii.

CANOE CREW ARRIVES SAFELY

Due to a delay caused by poor wind conditions, the CNMI canoe was unable to participate in the canoe ceremony. It, however, managed to arrive Friday to a cheering crowd, which included Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr., Yap Gov. Robert Ruecho, NMI Reps. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero and Tebuteb, Commonwealth Arts Council Board chair Escolastica Iguel, Babauta and Hunter.

The canoe, navigated by Antonio Piailug, made its entrance along with a Yap vessel that was piloted by Piailug’s brother, Cesario. The two are sons of the famed navigator Mau Piailug.

According to the statement, the voyage was planned for over a year by the CCAC and sought to bring, for the first time, a sailing vessel from the CNMI to the festival.

The statement indicated that the two navigators told tales of running short of water due to the additional voyaging time, and strong currents that were made more difficult by the lack of wind.

“The organizers of the festival were a bit worried and, of course, wanted to ensure a safe and happy festival; however, we were not too worried, as we knew that both navigators are very skilled and have undertaken voyages of much longer periods,” Hunter said.

A special ceremony was held on Saturday for the voyagers. Included in the ceremony were numbers from the delegation’s performing artists.