\n\t\t\t\tThe Los Angeles-based creative team group leader Shan Duan and his team.\n(Contributed Photo)\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nSaipan Mayor David M. Apatang and Skywalker Communications Group managing director Dr. Hu Bo hosted the lighting and check presentation ceremony right after the master of ceremonies, Gordon Marciano, announced the winner of the Mascot Naming Contest last Saturday, July 18, at the stage of the festival grounds.<\/p>\n
When coming up with the name of the mascot, Lucy C. Sablan, the winner of the naming contest, said that \u201cNa\u2019I animu\u201d means to encourage the spirit and to make an effort.<\/p>\n
Sablan explained: \u201cFor the ancient Chamorros, our taotaomona, to build the latte stones, they had to be physically strong and have \u2018animu\u2019 to make it possible for them to carve out pillars up to 16 feet tall [and] weighing up to 56 tons (shaft and cap combined). This was not work for the faint of heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most common answer to the greeting \u2018Hafa adai, mauleg ha?\u2019 (\u2018Hello, how are you?\u2019) is \u2018Animu ha ya guaha.\u2019 (\u2018If you have the spirit.\u2019), then all is well,\u201d she added. \u201cEvery Chamorro speaking person uses the word \u2018Animu\u2019 to encourage each other to work hard, work together, persevere and never give up. The main character, \u2018Animu,\u2019 illustrates the spirit and strength in the diversity of CNMI people.\u201d<\/p>\n
From its creation to publication, several people made numerous contributions to how \u201cAnimu\u201d came about. After doing considerable historical research, the entire creative team came to Saipan for the privilege of understanding the local culture and customs, as well as to experience the local people\u2019s unity and hospitality. From the gorgeous and splendid flame tree, to the world-renowned fruit bat and the exquisite and elegant frangipani, every single character of the CNMI could be the source of that creative spark. The creative team finally embraced the core spirit of the CNMI after seeing the shape, signs, and statues of latte stones all over Saipan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I got to know the deep historical meaning of the latte stone, I believed that we have found the symbol of the CNMI,\u201d said Shijin Liu, the creative director of Skywalker Communications Group.<\/p>\n
Shan Duan, an artist from Los Angeles, made the idea come true and brought about the figure of the mascot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tried to make more models for the original figure of the mascot, with various clothes and different poses, with the intention of making it as vivid as possible. We also garlanded it to show respect for the two local races on Saipan,\u201d said Duan.<\/p>\n
Since the unveiling of \u201cAnimu,\u201d the newly selected mascot has already won the hearts of CNMI residents with its all-embracing smile and enlightened spirit. This new fellow will stand side by side with the people here, representing the most valuable characters of warmth, encouragement, and the spirit of never giving up. (Skywalker Communications Group)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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