Gamsun Project’s youngest class participants learn the basics of swimming, as PSS Co-Op participants sail the Anåguan canoe in the background. (ANDREA CARR)

Friday, Jan. 17, marked the first day of this semester’s 500 Sails Gamsun Project and the last day of this semester’s 500 Sails’ Co-op class.

Gamsun Project provides free swim classes for all school age youth. Classes take place on those Public School System half-day Fridays that coincide with higher tides. There are two more classes this semester, on Feb. 7 and 28, from 2pm to 4pm at the Guma Sakman in Susupe. So far there are 40 participants, from complete beginners to highly skilled swimmers. Time includes structured class and free time. Certified high school lifeguards and teacher assistants are joined by 500 Sails’ volunteers to oversee the program. Spaces are still available. Email info@500sails.org for more information.

500 Sails has participated as an employer for the PSS Co-Op Program for three semesters. Youth get the opportunity to learn hands-on how to assist in building a traditional Chamorro canoe using modern materials. In addition, they are introduced to sailing these canoes themselves. Interested youth should contact their schools

For more information: email info@500sails.org, visit website at http://www.500sails.org, follow 500 Sails at https://www.facebook.com/500SailsDolphinClubSaipan, or call Emma Perez at 670-285-4268. (PR)

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A picture of Saipan-born Asia Hilario is featured in a bottle of wine that was one of the giveaways at the Imagine Talks leadership conference last Saturday at Oakland Asian Cultural Center in California. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Saipan-born Asia Hilario, who was recently honored as its Woman of the Year by a women empowerment organization in South San Francisco in California, continues to make waves after being chosen as one of guest speakers at Imagine Talks.

Hilario was one of the 20 speakers that talked about leadership and life lessons at the 6th annual conference of Imagine Talks this year that was held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center last Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.

She shared the stage with celebrities and business people like Mark Dacascos of John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum; JuJu Chan, a Hong Kong born American actress; and Moscow International Ballet Competition gold medalist Miko Fogarty, among others.

Imagine Talks is a fast-growing annual leadership conference known for bringing together successful entrepreneurs, celebrity entertainers, and Asian-American community leaders from around the world.

Hilario, who was named Woman of the Year last year by Women on the Rise, is currently based in San Jose, California. She is a lifestyle blogger advocating women empowerment, mental health, and wellness. She is a crisis counselor for CrisisTextLine, and a brand ambassador for Kuros, an organization whose mission is to enhance the safety and mobility of women around the world.

In an earlier interview, Hilario said that by lifting other women, an entire community and society can elevate. “Women are powerful beings, who can do incredible things, and by empowering them (giving them resources, offering support, encouraging them, educating them, giving them a voice) we can change the world.”

Part of her advocacy is trying to break the negative stigma around mental health. “I’m trying to de-stigmatize seeking mental help for those who need it. The more we talk about mental health, the braver people will be to not only seek help, but to speak about it as well. The biggest struggle I’ve had in the past was feeling like I was alone in my struggles. I want to use my voice to make sure that no one else feels that they’re alone in their struggles,” she added.

Saipan-born Asia Hilario was chosen to be one of the speakers at Imagine Talks, a leadership conference held last Saturday at Oakland Asian Cultural Center in California. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Hilario was born and raised in Kagman II on Saipan and is the daughter of Robert Hilario and Lucille Camacho Hilario. She is the granddaughter of Luis Salas Camacho (familian Mang) and Fermina Mendiola Camacho.

“We are all proud of Asia. …It is her hope to inspire the young people of the CNMI,” Lucille Camacho Hilario said in an email.

“It was so cool to see Asia’s pictures on the walls of the event, including the wine giveaways. There were 19 other speakers from different parts of the world. Famous speakers included Jet Li, Mark Dacascos, Juju Chan, etc. This was a rare event where Asia successfully represented her people,” she added.

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SAFA elects new officers

The 37th Saipan Agricultural Fair Association has elected new officers, with Dr. Ignacio T. dela Cruz elected as president and William C. Ada as vice president. The other officers are Aileen S. Benavente, treasurer, and Zabrina C. Shai, secretary.
The next SAFA meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at 10am at the Division of Agriculture in Kagman.
For more information, call Shai at the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality at 664-8300 or Diana Gabaldon, Soil and Water Conservation, at 256-3320. (PR)

Free medical outreach

The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Saipan will be hosting a free medical mission outreach program on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at the San Antonio basketball court, from 2pm to 6pm.
There will be free blood sugar and blood pressure check, and eye screening with free reading glass giveaways. There will also be a chair massage/reflex, facial cleansing, and free haircuts, plus free snacks refreshments, bag of giveaways (toiletries), new and used clothes, toy giveaways, and counseling/prayers for the sick.
For more information, call Pastor Claire Javillonar 789-7566. (PR)

Water service outage in parts of Gualo Rai

There will be a scheduled water service interruption for portions of Gualo Rai mainly for customers located along Gualo Rai Road on the west side of the Gualo Rai traffic light on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, from 8am to 5pm. Commonwealth Utilities Corp. customers in the affected areas should expect restoration of water services soon after.
The purpose of the scheduled water interruption is to allow CUC’s contractor, AIC Marianas, Inc., to connect the new 8-inch distribution main to the existing 16-inch main as part of CUC’s Gualo Rai Waterline Replacement Project funded by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of the waterline replacement, a more reliable water system will be provided to the community.
For more information, contact the CUC Customer Call Center at 664-4282. (PR)

Alternative contact no. for MLSC

The Marianas office of Micronesian Legal Services Corp. is having trouble with its telephone lines. If you call and cannot reach the MLSC at its regular numbers, try 235-6102. Thank you for your patience and understanding. (PR)

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Travelers Gio Loh and Mia Deng made Saipan a special place in their hearts after Loh’s underwater marriage proposal and Deng answering a big yes. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

The Saipan Mayor’s Office officiated 619 tourist marriages last year. Unrecorded, though, are the hundreds of marriage proposals that were made on Saipan by travelers who take advantage of the scenic views and perfect sunset to ask the magic question, “Will you marry me?”

Couple Gio Loh and Mia Deng from Singapore created a milestone in their relationship when Loh asked Deng to marry him two weeks ago. The kicker? They did it underwater.

As Loh tells it: “We saw Saipan through a Chinese website that offers Saipan holiday tour. It has a lot of introduction of places and things to do on Saipan. Mia and I read reviews of where people went and what they did. Many said that Saipan is a very beautiful place. That and seeing the photos, we were captivated and booked a holiday in Saipan right away.”

According to Loh, their planned simple holiday turned into an opportunity for him to propose. “Mia had no idea and, because we travel a lot, she thought that this was just one of our regular travels. Mia thinks that when I propose, I won’t put a spin on it or be creative about it,” he said.

Gio Loh and Mia Deng agree that Saipan has now personal significance for both of them.

“Saipan is a beautiful place, so proposing there and under the sea will totally surprise her. …Mia loves to go scuba diving and we went to beautiful Lau Lau Bay, which is the perfect place to propose underwater,” he added.

Loh made all the arrangements, sharing his plans only with the dive company. “We are extremely grateful to our trainers and coaches— James Hsu, Ansel, and Ling of iMarianas—that helped us with all the arrangement as they did most of the planning. …So I did it and asked her to marry me underwater. Mia said yes and it was perfect because we saw a turtle swimming around us. That made everything more special,” he said

“That was truly a memorable moment for my girlfriend and now my future wife. …We will definitely come back to Saipan. This place now has a personal significance for me and Mia,” Loh added.

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D&Q International resident manager Max Kretzers, third from right, present a $1,000 check on Jan. 15, 2020, for the Marianas Tourism Education Council’s Tourism Summit on Jan. 23, 2020. From left, D&Q sales manager Marilyn Marron, MTEC treasurer Robert Ryan Yulo, MTEC board member Glenn Policare, MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, Kretzers, MTEC secretary Martin Duenas, and MTEC board member Catherine Perry. (MTEC)

D&Q International and Saipan Ice & Water Co. have joined the growing list of sponsors for the Marianas Tourism Education Council Tourism Summit on Jan. 23, 2020.

Executives of D&Q International presented a $1,000 check to the MTEC board on Jan. 15, 2020, and Saipan Ice & Water Co. donated $1,000 worth of water.

“Each year, the support from D&Q and Saipan Ice& Water continues to grow and we are so grateful for their contribution to the annual Tourism Summit,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente.

Other summit sponsors are E-Land Group (Kensington and PIC Saipan),T Galleria by DFS, TSL Foundation, Kanoa Resort, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Bridge Capital LLC, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, IT&E, Matson Navigation Co., Triple J Saipan, Saipan Ice & Water, and Sorenson Media Group.

The theme of this year’s summit, co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, is “VolunTOURISM: Learn today. Lead tomorrow.” reflecting the opportunities available to students to engage with the industry and learn today in preparation for the leadership roles they will take in the industry in the future. This year’s summit will be held at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, with students from MY WAVE—Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically—Clubs in grades 5-12 chosen by their respective schools to participate.

Participating schools will be Kagman, Saipan Southern, and Marianas high schools; Chacha, Dandan, Hopwood, and Tanapag middle schools; Kagman, San Vicente, Koblerville, Francisco M. Sablan, W.S. Reyes, Oleai, and Garapan elementary schools; and Da’ok Academy.

Saipan Ice & Water Co. production manager Lisa Panuringan and chief financial officer Arman Amog, third and fourth from left, donate 20 cases of water on Jan. 15, 2020, for the Marianas Tourism Education Council Tourism Summit on Jan. 23, 2020. From left, MTEC board member Catherine Perry, MTEC treasurer Robert Ryan Yulo, Panuringan, Amog, MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, secretary Martin Duenas, and MTEC board member Glenn Policare. (MTEC)

The annual summit will feature Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance executive director Roberta Guerrero, CNMI Public School System middle school teacher Victor Cabrera, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsch, and Saipan Chamber of Commerce financial and data management coordinator Franco M. Santos.

The summit will also feature exhibits by the MVA, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Carolinian Affairs Office, Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Office of Indigenous Affairs, Northern Marianas College, MINA, Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History & Culture,Northern Marianas Technical Institute, 500 Sails, SeaTouch, Sea Turtle Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Paseo de Marianas Productions.

For more information, contact MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas at mduenas@mymarianas.com or call 664-3210. (PR)

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Kanoa Resort director of operations Glenn Policare poses with Triathlon Association of the CNMI secretary general Ricky Castro, president Florence Antonio, and adviser Paul Plunkett and Kiyokazu Fitness Club’s Kiyokazu Onishi and Kazue Hiwatashi at the Susupe hotel lobby yesterday. (Mark Rabago)

For a third straight year Kanoa Resort will serve as the host hotel for the Tagaman Triathlon—the longest running sporting event in western Pacific and named after the ancient Chamorro chief Taga.

Triathlon Association of the CNMI and Kanoa Resort formalized the latter’s hosting duties anew yesterday at the Susupe hotel and the hotel’s director of operations, Glenn Policare, couldn’t be happier with the development.

“Once again Kanoa Resort will be the host hotel to the 31st running of the Tagaman Triathlon. This event is close to my heart since I’ve been involved in it since the late ’90s. And since it went to Kanoa Resort the race has kind of followed me. I’m so happy to see that TRAC has taken over the responsibility of the organization with partners like Kiyokazu Fitness Club. We couldn’t have done this without them,” he said in an interview with Saipan Tribune.

Policare added that with the entry of Skymark Airlines Inc., the CNMI’s tourism sector is hoping for an increased number of Japanese tourists and the same is true with athletes taking part in this year’s staging of the Tagaman Triathlosportn.

“We’re looking at more triathletes from Japan joining the Tagaman because of the availability of direct flights from Japan via Skymark. With our Korean market also rising, we really hope to see a huge rise in international athletes to this event.”

The Kanoa Resort official said his company is donating $40,000 worth of rooms to the Tagaman Triathlon and it’s the third straight year Kanoa Resort is serving as the host hotel.

“Triathletes are not paid a lot by their sponsors so for TRAC to be able to arrange transportation is a big deal. We also give them a little bit of a break on hotel rooms, as some of the athletes would stay for free and we do offer discounts for family and friends of the athletes. We want to make it easy for everyone who wants to be a part of it in one level or another…March is also typically our sports month so we have a lot of things going on and Kanoa Resort will be at the finish line to help this event along,” said Policare.

In all, Kanoa Resort serving as host hotel for the 31st Tagaman Triathlon is not only a boon to organizers and triathletes, but also allows the hotel to promote itself to its key markets of Korea and Japan.

“This is shaping up to be one of our signature events. The packet pick up is here, the banquet is here. This event is really becoming synonymous with Kanoa Resort. We’re super happy. It creates a buzz. It’s a great time of the year and we’re so happy to be part of the event again this year.”

TRAC secretary general Ricky Castro said he’s ecstatic that Kanoa Resort is onboard again as a sponsor for the 2020 Tagaman Triathlon.

“We’ve got a real good partnership with Kanoa Resort so we’ve really happy that they once again agreed to serve as our hotel host this year. The rooms they’re donating really goes a long way in helping us organize the event. In behalf of the TRAC board and its officers, we’d like to thank Kanoa Resort general manager Martin Jambor and, of course, Glenn for signing off on this year’s sponsorship deal,” he said.

The 2-kilometer swim, 60-km bike, and 15-km run Tagaman Triathlon is set for March 21. The starting point and swim leg will be at Minachom Atdao. Bikers will transition at Kilili Pavilion parking lot in Susupe, head south to Airport Road, north to Banzai Cliff, and back south to Minachom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe for the finish line.

Cash prizes await the Top 3 finishers in the women’s and men’s open categories: $1,000 for first place, $700 for second place, and $500 for third place. Medals and T-shirts will be awarded to all finishers.

The Tagaman Triathlon is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, aimed at attracting visiting athletes and media to the tropical shores of the Northern Marianas. The event is co-organized by MVA and TRAC.

Early sponsors for the 31st Tagaman Triathlon are Kanoa Resort as the official hotel, Neo Timing System, KFC Triathlon Club of Japan, TSL Foundation, Bridge Capital LLC, Triple J, MARPAC, and Skymark Airlines Inc.

The Tagaman Triathlon was established by the then Marianas Visitors Board managing director J.M. Guerrero, to promote tourism, and with the help of Kinki Nippon Tours and a trip to Miyakojima for their major triathlon, a small island south of Japan, the seed was planted.

Registration for the 31st Tagaman Triathlon is available online at www.saipantriathlon.com or www.webscorer.com by searching the event name or Race ID 198830.

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In 2018, the Office of the Public Auditor recommended that the Department of Public Lands develop a tracking system to monitor submission of required documents when due. Fast forward to 2020, each DPL division now has one.

The recommendation for a document tracking system came after OPA’s findings in its 2018 audit of the management of land leases and temporary permits, that the DPL did not closely monitor compliance with lease agreements and permits.

According to the report released by the OPA last week, DPL has updated its master list for all leases, permits, and agricultural grazing permits to include pertinent documents and timeframes for renewals.

Semi-annual random audits are also now being conducted by an internal auditor to verify compliance to monitor each division’s progress. Non-compliances are reported by the internal auditor to DPL’s Compliance Division.

“Each division has a tracking system in place to monitor due dates and submission dates of required documents, account statuses, and incoming/outgoing correspondences for all leases, temporary occupancy agreements, and AGP,” the report stated.

Plans to improve the DPL tracking system are also in place “to allow its system to flag leases, TOAs, and AGPs 90 days prior to expiration to ensure timely renewals, document submissions, and inspections.”

OPA, in its 2018 finding, stressed that “untimely submissions of, or complete failure to submit, required appraisals and financial documents may result in potential loss of revenue,” adding that that is a concern as the documents dictate the annual base rent and additional rent for lessees and permittees.

In a follow-up meeting last December, OPA said that DPL has made significant improvements to its tracking system to track and monitor the status of leases and permits, including monitoring due dates for submission of required documents.

“DPL’s tracking system also includes the names of the staff assigned to each lease and permits. The assigned staff is responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted when due and prepares notices for those in violation of their contract terms and conditions,” OPA’s most recent report read.

In addition, a Microsoft Access database is also being developed by DPL’s internal auditor to ensure a more efficient monitoring and tracking system.

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In the Western world, rats are typically associated with filth and are considered pests. Not in the East. In Chinese culture, rats are a sign of wealth and surplus. Because they’re so good at reproducing, married couples pray to them for children.

The Rat is the first of all Chinese zodiac animals. It is believed that zodiac signs came from a myth about a competition called by the first god Yu Huang or Jade Emperor to decide the cycle of the zodiac animals and the zodiac’s order was determined by the order in which they arrived to the party. Reportedly, the rat asked the ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and then jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals. That is why every Chinese new year is represented by animals and it is also believed that people born in a year that represents a particular animal shares its traits and personality.

The 12 zodiac animals are the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The entire cycle is repeated every 12 years. 2020 is considered the Year of the Rat.

Recent years of the Rat are 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020. It is said that those who are born in the Year of the Rat are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.

The new year is also associated with many beliefs that have become part of the tradition of ushering in the Chinese new year.

Gavin Lam, owner of Casa Décor on Middle Road, said that putting bright lights in your home is a good luck charm. “I recommend them to get beautiful bright lights to light up their new year and future,” he said.

Blue is the color of 2020, according to florist Roberto Barcelo of New Paradise Flower Shop on Middle Road. “Many of our Chinese clients are ordering blue flowers from us because they say that is the lucky color for 2020. They get blue roses and ask for arrangements tied in blue ribbons,” he said.

“Many of them also buy the lucky bamboo plants from us because each stalk represents love, wealth, health, and happiness. The more stalks the bamboo has, the more luck will come to anyone who owns it,” he added.

Red decor, lanterns, and couplets are a must in homes and businesses, according to vendor Racquel Tan of Garapan. “Bright red décor outside of the house are believed to scare away evil spirits. We have many couplets and the Chinese character Fu outside our house. We hang them upside down to invite the arrival of good luck to our family and business,” she said.

Fish, pork dishes, and dumplings are a must in welcoming the new year, according to Majesty Chinese Restaurant manager Cheli Chunxiang. “Fish symbolizes savings for the incoming year and intends to welcome prosperity in your home or business. Pig knuckles, which pigs use to get food close to them, are also served during the new year as this symbolizes retention of wealth,” she said.

“Dumplings representing union, harmony and wealth. Usually each family member helps to make dumplings. Peking duck is of course always present in any Chinese celebration because it is tradition,” she said.

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The public is being warned of strong winds and rough seas this week. A small craft advisory remains in effect through Sunday night.

Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, fresh to strong east winds will continue across the region through the weekend with combined seas of 9 to 11 feet.

East winds of 15 to 20 knots will have wind gusts in excess of 25 knots. Combined seas of 9 to 11 feet are also projected within the coastal waters of the Mariana islands through Sunday night. Small craft can be blown off course or be capsized.

The EOC is advising the public and inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

Meanwhile, at 1:50pm yesterday, a report of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake occurred 58 kilometers north of Farallon de Parajos in the Northern Marianas Islands. Currently, no tsunami warnings or advisories were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

For more information, contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000. (PR)

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Robbie Schorr is seen here in action in a file photo from a recent local tennis tournament. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

CNMI national player and Pacific Games gold medalist Robbie Schorr is headed to William Woods University in Missouri where he will play college tennis for the Owls in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The 17-year-old received a partial athletic and academic scholarship from William Woods University, which plays in the American Midwest Conference or AMC.

“I’m super happy and excited to have everything I’ve worked on pay off and thrilled for the great opportunity I’ve been given,” said Schorr when asked about his initial reaction upon receiving the news that he got the partial athletic and academic scholarship from William Woods University.

“I dedicate [my acceptance to William Woods University] to my parents for always supporting me and being there for me, all my coaches in my life that helped me get to where I am now, especially coach Jeff Race who has been there since the beginning, and all my friends and teammates I’ve played with and against to become better,” he added.

Schorr said he looks forward to furthering his tennis career in college and in the NAIA.

“My goals are simply to work hard on and off the court, be the player I need to be, and strive to get to that next level,” he said, adding that he plans to take up a bachelor’s degree along the lines of exercise science.

Schorr’s parents, Jeff and Hannah, were ecstatic after learning that their son will be going to college at Williams Woods University.

“Like every parent, we are very proud of what Robbie has achieved,” the Schorrs said.

Race, for his part, said he’s happy to see Schorr’s hard work finally paying off and that finally he gets a shot at playing college tennis in the U.S. mainland.

“As Robbie’s coach for about 10 years I’m thrilled that Robbie will be fulfilling his goal of playing university tennis in the U.S. Getting an excellent scholarship is even better. All the hard work of training has paid off. Now he’ll be able to take his game to the next level in college,” he said.

According to its website, William Woods University is a learning community of more than 3,500 students and faculty, including some 1,100 traditional undergraduates representing more than 35 US states and 24 countries on our 225-acre campus in Fulton, Missouri.

The NAIA is a college athletics association for small colleges and universities in North America. For the 2018-2019 season, it has 251 member institutions, of which two are in British Columbia, one in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the rest in the conterminous United States.

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With records about Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ official expenses now with the House of Representatives, the minority bloc is set to review the documents, as the preparations roll for an inquiry whether there were any incidents of misuse of government funds.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune, Rep. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) said the minority will begin reviewing the documents, to assess what they requested under the Open Government Act and what they have actually received.

“We also want to reach out to the [Office of the] Public Auditor for assistance in the review. And, then we’ll be engaging with our professional staff. We have our fiscal analyst here who has said that he could participate in the review as well,” she said.

According to Sablan, the minority will be doing their own review, highlight issues that they would find, and prepare a report.

Sablan added that they are also participating in the committee investigation as members.

She stressed that the governor deserves due process. “I know that members of the community are already saying we should do an impeachment, but…to be fair, if we are serious about giving the governor due process, and I know from the minority’s side, we are, and if we want to do a thorough inquiry, we can’t have some endgame in mind, whether it’s impeachment or criminal referrals for prosecution, or anything like that.”

In a separate interview last Friday, Rep. Ivan Blanco (R-Saipan), who is with the majority bloc at the Legislature, assured that “we look forward to working with” the minority bloc.

The Department of Finance handed over Torres’ financial records to the House of Representatives last Jan. 22.

Blanco said the House Ways & Means Committee has yet to receive their copy of the documents. “I spoke to the Secretary of Finance this morning just a while ago and he said they’re also preparing our files. I’m looking forward to it the soonest. For the Ways and Means Committee, we do have two minority members. So we’re going to review theirs, and they’re also going to help us review ours for the committee.”

Blanco added that the committee is going to look into the documents and would pass on any found questionable documents to the authorities, “whether it be [attorney general] or the OPA, and they will decide whether that would warrant further review or looking into. That’s the plan.”

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Saipan Community School teacher Sarah Vander Wal, second from right, poses with women’s second place Savita Sikkel after finishing first in the run-swim-run component of early yesterday morning’s 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run. Flanking the two are Triathlon Association of the CNMI’s Manny Sitchon and Ronald Villafria. (Mark Rabago)

Saipan Community School teacher Sarah Vander Wal topped the run-swim-run component of early yesterday morning’s 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run that started at the Kilili Pavilion in Oleai.

Vander Wal finished the 1km swim split in 18:29 before tackling the run splits (two 5K runs) in 43:49. Her first place finish came as a complete surprise to the eighth grade teacher.

“I was expecting the swim team kids to finish before me,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Vander Wal said after her success in the 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run, she will now train her sights on next March’s Tagaman Triathlon and the Saipan Marathon.

“My next plan is to do the swim part of the Tagaman on a team with Rommel Tiosejo and Taylor Nowicki. I am also planning on running the half marathon in March. Other than that, I don’t think I have any other upcoming goals,” she said.

The trio of Tiana Cabrera, Jinju Thompson, ad Kuu Nishimura—known collectively as SIS Geckos—was the lone entry in the mixed division of yesterday morning’s 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run and breezed through the race in lightning speed 14:13 in the swim and 38:59 in the two 5K runs. (Mark Rabago)

Coming in second overall to Vander Wal and first among the male competitors was Shuji Kuroda with splits of 19:47 for the swim and 44:00 for the run. Savita Sikkel and Claire Devey rounded out the top 3 in the women’s division with splits of 20:29 and 46:32 and 22:58 and 49:33, respectively.

For the men, following Kuroda to the finish line were Taiyo Akimaru and Jacoby Winkfield with swim and run splits of 18:21 and 47:04 and 20:12 and 47:07, respectively.

In the relay, the trio of Tiana Cabrera, Jinju Thompson, ad Kuu Nishimura—known collectively as SIS Geckos—was the lone entry in the mixed division and breezed through the race in lightning speed 14:13 in the swim and 38:59 in the two 5K runs.

The swim portion of the 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run was held in the waters off Kilili Beach, while the run portion started at the Kilili Pavilion and continued north toward the turnaround point at Monika’s Gallery.

A total of 20 athletes and one relay team took part in the run-swim-run component of the 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run, which was organized by the Triathlon Association of the CNMI and sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority and Kanoa Resort. The results of the 10K run will be published in tomorrow’s edition of the Saipan Tribune.

TRAC’s 5th Aquathlon & 10KM Run was the second leg of their series leading up to the 2020 Tagaman Triathlon. The first was their Duathlon event held last Dec. 21 in Paupau Beach. The last of the series will be the Sprint Triathlon set for Feb. 29 that would involve a 750m swim, 20-km bike, and 5-km run.

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Members of Power-Up pose with their championship trophy after winning the 2020 Micronesia Rocball Championship last Thursday at the Marianas High School. Power-Up swept Stryker in their best-of-five championship series. (Contributed Photo)

Power-Up upended Stryker in a three-game sweep to the win the 2020 Micronesia Rocball Championship last Thursday at the Marianas High School.

Power-Up outscored the Strykers in two point serves, 33-16, and in 3-point goals, 5-2, to dominate the best-of-five championship for the CNMI’s indigenous sport of Rocball.

“Power-Up is a very spirited team of players. They have a positive attitude and support each other in every game I watched them play,” said Rocball founder James Feger after the title matchup.

Nilo Calimay of Power-Up was named the MVP for the championship series after he scored 20 aces, 2 kees, and a goal for a total of 47 points. The rest of the championship team is made up of six boys and two girls—Calimay, Jerico Castro, Wency Castillo, Madellen Narciso, Ariel Moises, Futima Monterubio, Jasper Perez, and Daniel Park.

In Rocball’s mixed games if a team doesn’t have a girl registered to play, they can only play five boys.

Power-Up went undefeated during the regular season this year and won the runner-up slot against the Veteran Rocball players last year. The Veterans were made up of college players and high school graduates that came back to campus to play as a team in last year’s league.

Unlike in 2019, Feger restricted the games to high school students this year. The Veterans and Teachers teams have asked for a matchup against newly crowned Rocball champion Power-Up in an exhibition game.

Power-Up barely advanced to the championship series after knocking out The Aces in three games, 42-41. Runner-up Strykers advanced to the finals after beating previously undefeated Laly Four in the semifinals, 2-1. They are made up of Isaac Balbin, Raylyn, Ian Kaniki, Lawerence Laniyo, Rotsed Fabian, Kirro Williams, Melvin Menchor, and Able Amu.

This year’s 2020 Rocball tournament originally had 10 teams and they played in a round-robin, three-game elimination system. A team that lost three games was eliminated. The names of the teams were GTA (Get That Ace), Strykers, The Aces, Power-Up, Infinity War, WBI (We Beat It), Wanpipty, Riot, Laly Four, and Play 5.

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Whale research presentation on Saipan

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center has studied cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the Marianas since 2010. In 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began studying humpback whales off Saipan in winter months (January–March) to determine if they are just passing through or actually mating and giving birth in the area. NOAA also wanted to learn where the whales go when they leave the Marianas, and how they are connected to other humpback whale populations within the North Pacific.
The Asia Pacific Academy of Science, Education and Environmental Management, or APASEEM, has invited Marie Hill to present a talk titled “Mariana Archipelago humpback whales: Links to other western North Pacific breeding and feeding grounds” at 6pm on Jan. 26 at the American Memorial Park on Saipan. This is an update to an ongoing project in the Marianas, which may provide a clue to solving a scientific mystery. (PR

Veterans Affairs Resource Fair set

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is having a Veterans Resource Fair hosted by VA Pacific Islands Health Care System acting director Kevin Amick and Honolulu Veterans Benefits Regional Office director Sergio S. Chao.
This is to share information and resources, hear feedback from veterans and to answer questions on VA health care and benefits.
The Veterans Resource Fair on Saipan will take place on Feb. 4, 2020, from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe near the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
The Listening Sessions on Tinian and Rota will be held on the following dates and time:
– Tinian: Feb. 5, 2020, from 10am to 12:30 pm at the Tinian Library.
– Rota: Feb. 6, 2020, from 10am to 12:30pm at the Mayor of Rota’s conference hall.
All veterans, their families, survivors and any organization(s) or individual(s) who works with or on behalf of veterans are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Ruth Coleman at 322-0035. (PR)

MHS PTSA meeting set

The Marianas High School will have a Parents Teachers Students Association meeting this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at 6pm in the school cafeteria.

Ortizo named to dean’s list at University of Delaware

NEWARK, Delaware—Michael Roy Ortizo of Saipan has been named to the University of Delaware’s dean’s list for the fall 2018 semester.
To meet eligibility requirements for the dean’s list, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester. (PR)

SHRM membership meeting set

The Society for Human Resource Management-NMI Chapter will have a general membership meeting and webinar training on Feb. 7, Friday, at the Charley’s Cabaret of the Pacific Islands Club Saipan. The meeting starts at 9am with the induction of the 2020 NMI SHRM board members.
The webinar trainer will be Fran Sepler, president of Sepler & Associates, who is known for her pioneering work in harassment prevention and workplace investigations.
Training topics:
– 9:30am – 12:30pm: “Respect in the Workplace.” Based on values of respect and fairness, this training focuses on skill building for employees such as: bystander intervention and giving and getting feedback

– 1:30pm – 5:3pm: “Leading for Respect.” Learn how to respond appropriately to concerns and complaints made by employees, focusing on the employee’s perceptions of fairness and the supervisor’s responsibility to respond with emotional intelligence
This training includes lunch and costs $50 for SHRM members and $60 for non-SHRM members. Reserve your seat by contacting Roman Tudela at tudela.roman@gmail.com or Denise Montenegro at denise.montenegro@hyatt.com
SHRM is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. The NMI Chapter is affiliated with the national organization. (PR)

Guam war claims processing center opens

HAGÅTÑA, Guam—The Guam War Claims Processing Center opened its doors last Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at the old Hakubotan Building across the Tamuning Post Office. 
“We are so excited to finally have a center where our World War II survivors can come in so we can take care of them, just like we take care of our moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our staff are eager to help and we want everyone to know that we will work as quickly as possible to process every adjudicated claim so we can pay our war survivors the money they rightfully deserve.”
The Guam War Claims Processing Center will be open from 9am to 4pm. Mondays through Fridays. CHamoru-speaking staff are present to assist claimants. 
The center is ADA compliant and those needing homebound assistance can contact the center during its normal hours of operation.
For more information, contact the center at 482-0792 or visit its website at warclaims.guam.gov. (PR)

Alternative contact no. for MLSC

The Marianas office of Micronesian Legal Services Corp. is having trouble with its telephone lines. If you call and cannot reach the MLSC at its regular numbers, try 235-6102. Thank you for your patience and understanding. (PR)

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The post SCC Business Person of the Year Gala appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

The annual gala of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce last Saturday saw not only the selection of Pacific Island Club Saipan general manager Gloria Cavanagh as its Business Person of the Year but also the presentation of four other awards that honored other integral members of the community.

The awards— Saipan Young Professional of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and Small Business of the Year—were presented Saturday at the Chamber gala at the Hyatt Regency Saipan ballroom.

Thirty-one year old Nicole Babauta won the Saipan Young Professional of the Year award for her work as administrator of the CNMI Small Business Development Center, where she has been working since 2017.

Last year, she was given the 2018 America’s Small Business Development Center State Star Award for her work contributing to SBDC’s economic development projects and her commitment to CNMI small businesses.

Babauta holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. “I am very honored and I share this award [with] the other nominees with whom I worked and collaborated over the years. I encourage the young professionals of today and the future to work hard, stay open to new learnings and let us continue to work together,” she said.

Her father, Ben Babauta, a BPOY awardee in 2009, said, “I am really proud of her. It has been a journey of hard work and the goal to improve the business sector and the community. She did an awesome job,” he said.

It was a tie between IT&E-CNMI and the CNMI Small Business Development Center for the Chamber Member of the Year award.

IT&E-CNMI general manager Rose Soledad said that they have always been a big supporter of the business and CNMI community. “We always do our best to deliver whatever service we offer and I think we have proven ourselves every time, especially during typhoons where communication is very crucial. IT&E was there and always will be,” she said. “We will continue doing our best for 2020 as we extend our fiber network and work on going 5G.”

Nicole Babauta, administrator of the CNMI Small Business Development Center, received the award and thanked Gov. Ralph Torres and CNMI Commerce Secretary Mark Rabauliman. “…Their continued support of CNMI SBDC is behind our success. …We would like to thanks the CNMI community as well and I hope they continue to let us know how we can improve so that we can help more,” she said. “We plan to work closely with our sister islands—Guam, Kosrae, Palau and Pohnpei— as we hope to launch the Micronesia Regional Trade Programs that will allow interested individuals to train amongst the island. …Please walk through our doors and we will help set you up.”

The Non-Profit of the Year award went to the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for its many charitable acts, events, and projects that help uplift individuals and families in the CNMI. The foundation’s executive director, Merlie Tolentino, who received the award, said, “…It is great to be recognized by business people. All of us are working hard—whether in business or charitable works—to help the CNMI.”

“For this year, we are in the process of developing activities and events to encourage the CNMI community to live a healthier lifestyle. …We are also currently organizing different events with possible partnerships with different government offices,” she added.

Island Training Solutions won the Small Business of the Year award. ITS conducts professional training and consultancy and a big supporter of workforce development in the CNMI through Latte Training Academy. LTA owner Jim Arenovski said that investing in the CNMI’s workforce development is a passion. “I am fortunate enough to have lots of great customers and people know the quality of the work that we have done. …By investing in individuals starting from high school all the way to college…we have touched the lives of many people,” he said.

“We have a pool of great instructors like Kanai Quinn and Tyce Mister that help with development and training in destination enhancement and business operations. …For this year, our goal is rededicate ourselves to quality and safety certifications We also plan to get more certifications in Emotional Intelligence training and we are also broadening our focus on “Mastermind Thought Process” training,” he added.

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Sean Lee in action against Isaac Heo in the SIS STUCO Tennis Tournament last Sunday at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. (Mark Rabago)

The top seeds advanced as expected as the SIS STUCO Tennis Tournament got going last Sunday at the American Memorial Park and Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan tennis courts.

After rain washed out all the matches on the first day of the supposed to be two-day tournament last Saturday, top seeds Carol Lee and Robbie Schorr set up a third round match after outdueling their lower seeded opponents last Sunday in the boys U18.

After getting a bye in the first round, Lee won her first match against Ken Song 6-3, 6-3. Song earlier advanced against the No. 1 seed Lee after upending Sam Ryu, 6-0, 6-3.

Schorr, for his part, played in the first round and made short work of Isaac Heo, 6-1, 6-0, before setting up his third round match against Lee with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Jinmin Woo. Woo earlier defeated Carol’s younger brother, Sean, 6-3-6-1, in their opening round pairing.

In the boys U16, top seed Andy Kim is in the third round after a tough 7-5, 7-5 win against Juncheol Hwang. He got a bye in the first round. Hwang advanced to the second round after beating Daniel Kang, 6-1, 6-4.

Waiting for Kim in the third round is David Kwon, who also had to go through the eye of the needle in his 7-5, 7-5 victory against Jun Wang. Kwon earlier defeated Sam Culp, 6-0, 6-1, while Wang was a 6-2, 6-1 victor against Andrew Chung.

June Yu, Nason Wessel, and Wataru and Yutaka Kadokura are all safely in the third round of the boys U12.

In the U10 mini tennis tournament, Jung Bin Park won the whole shebang after beating Ian Chae, 4-1. Results of the girls U12, girls U14, doubles U18, and doubles U12 will be reported in tomorrow’s issue of the Saipan Tribune. The SIS STUCO Tennis Tournament will continue next weekend, good weather permitting.

The Saipan International School student council is organizing the SIS STUCO Tennis Tournament. It is being held to fundraise for the school’s many activities, including prom. SIS student and CNMI junior national player Malika Miyawaki is coordinating the entire tournament with the help of CNMI national tennis coach and sports hall of famer Jeff Race.

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The Commonwealth Casino Commission appealed to members of the Senate Committee on Gaming yesterday to act soon on House Bill 21-11, which would expand the authority of the regulatory body over casino operations in the CNMI.

“This bill is long overdue and I hope that this body will act as soon as possible,” said CCC chair Juan M. Sablan.

The bill, re-introduced by House vice speaker Lorenzo Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan), is meant to enable the regulatory agency to more effectively fulfill its mandate of regulating the casino industry.

“The Commonwealth would be better protected if the entity that is expected to regulate it has the authority to do so,” CCC executive director Edwin Deleon Guerrero said, adding that the commission also sees the need to protect and manage the revenue that is coming into the Commonwealth.

“There’s some other issues there that involves protecting the Commonwealth Treasury, [such as] by restricting any tax write-off. While we enhance our enforcement responsibility and capability, we are also trying to close any loopholes that might drain the fiscal resources of the Commonwealth,” Deleon Guerrero added.

The CCC executive director also revealed that a lot of revenue coming in is from the VIP gaming credits so they would want to protect and make sure, as included in the H.B. 21-11, that those credits cannot be written off.

The bill would give the CCC the enforcement authority over gaming-related violations, complementary to the enforcement authority of the Department of Public Safety.

“All of our enforcement investigations are specifically trained on gaming-related activities. That’s something that we think CCC is in the best position, to be the responsible entity to implement. We will still work with DPS, and still work with the federal [agencies] on others issues,” Deleon Guerrero said.

With concerns still pending, particularly in relation to the Lottery Commission, and with the CCC waiting for years now for the bill to be enacted, Sablan asks that the Senate acts fast to move the bill forward, suggesting that amendments can always be done in the future.

“For three and a half years we have been waiting,” Sablan said. “I really like to move forward. There’s always another time, no bill is perfect. You can always go back. These [implied amendments] is just to clear the confusion between ourselves, the Lottery Commission, and whatsoever.”

“We would like to move forward and continue with what we have to do that is mandated of us to do by the statute, but give us the authority and better clarify to clear the confusions that we are faced with. So again, we encourage the committee and members of the Senate to please act on this legislation,” Sablan added.

The discussion on H.B. 21-11 will continue at the next Senate Cannabis and Gaming Committee meeting that is tentatively set on Feb 13, Thursday, at the Senate chamber on Capital Hill.

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The carving station highlights mouthwatering roast beef and pork. (Bea Cabrera)

Sunday Brunch at the World Café of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan is always done right. Once you make it out of the house and arrive at the door of World Café, a warm welcome from the diligent receptionist awaits and, after some brief pleasantries, leads you immediately to your seat. You can take a table inside or at the patio and, whichever place you choose, the array of food and drinks are accessible.

The variety of food that is served from 11am to 2pm feature island favorites like tuna poke, sashimi, and ceviche, to name a few, and a slew of international dishes that showcase Japanese, Chinese, American, Korean, French, and Filipino cuisines. One will not get tired of going every week because German Executive Chef Fitz makes sure that new dishes are available each Sunday.

Enjoy crab legs and other fresh seafood at the Sunday Brunch of the World Cafe from 11am to 2pm. (Bea Cabrera)

The jumbo crab legs are a crowd pleaser. Aside from the enormous sizes, the natural sweetness of the meat inside means they are guaranteed fresh. The carving station will not disappoint as it features roast pork and beef. The tenderness of the meat and crispy skin of the roasted pork are a great combination. The roast beef is packed with flavor and meat that melts in your mouth.

People will really love the beef sukiyaki station as they can combine meat and vegetables simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and mirin. This dish is welcoming and the broth is soothing, especially after a long work week. The dumplings with fillings made with meat and vegetables are always fast to go but are immediately replenished. One cannot get enough, especially if it is paired with the sweet and spicy sauce.

An array of local and international dishes awaits you at the World Cafe Sunday Brunch from 11am to 2pm. (Bea Cabrera)

Children will love pancakes prepared in front of them, where they can choose a variety of jams and syrup. The bread station is partnered with different cuts and types of cheeses. For sweet food lovers, the dessert station carries different flavors of ice creams, an array of pastries and the famous World Café savory bread pudding with its creamy sauce.

To wash all the good food down, unlimited drinks of sparkling wine, beer, and juices are available. And while guests are enjoying the food and conversation with family or friends live music brings more life to the day as they sing the favorite hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Billy Holiday and, if it your birthday, expect to be serenaded by the staff.

World Café Sunday Brunch is for everyone—both locals and tourists will get their money’s worth. It is ideal for families and friends to get together, recap the past week and reset for the incoming week, which is the heart of brunch.

The restaurant can sit 240 people inside and around 60 on the outside hallway. It also has a private room that can sit 50 people for special and private celebrations. World Café Sunday Brunch is $30 for adults and $15 for children with access to the swimming pools inclusive of towel use.

For more information, call (670) 233-6414 or visit their website: www.fiestasaipan.com.

Located inside Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan, the World Cafe Sunday Brunch
is open from 11am to 2pm. (Bea Cabrera)

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Kada chatagmag matachoñg-yu` gi siyahu gi kusinan sanhiyuñg `nai hu tutuhun rumikonose gi Internet haf` guaha gi oriya yan chagu`. Mesklau i asuntu desde felis esta che`chu` satbahe.

Fuera de hinanau konbiñiente hu konsidedera haf` na planu guaha para uma-adelanta kualidat linala` tautau-ta siha guine na petlas?

Taya` fina` nuebu na asuntu maseha mohon pot kadu` na planun para uma-adelanta ha`anen tautau-ta siha guine. Kulan atdau ni doku` gi sanhaya ya machum dispues gi sanlagu. Natting!

Estague` `nai klaru anog abilidat kabisiyu umadelanta ha`anen tautauña siha. Iya hululu` i suetdun popble ni ma-ususune ni 15-mit na empleau guine. Haf` planun miyu fuera de “not yet, already?”

Baratu

Ta usa kumu ihemplo asuntun guma` familia. Ha nesessita este lafigu` na suetdu para u siña i familia siha man-manhatsa disiente na fanliheñg.

Na ti magahet na kase 15-mit na empleau gumagana suetdun popble? Haf` para u chogue i kuattru na membron familia yan $7.25 gi ora?

I kuattru na membron familia haf` mohon na suetdu mauleg para u siña mahatsa petmanente na guma`? Nahuñg ni $7.25 gi ora `sino $15,080 gi sakan? Hokog dispues de mafahan mas presisu na nesessidat tat kumu neñkanu`.

I suetdun popble gi 15-mit na empleau i primera chanda para i manma-elihe pa`gu na sakan.

Pipinu`

Kase in` tiñgu` esta na ayu na sagu mafanana`an “coronavirus” pipinu` na chenot. Ha tutuhungue` giya China `nai guaha 56 na tautau esta manpininu`.

Todu bisnis kumarera ginen China mana` para pot sumen piligru este na sagu. I chenot kulan regulat na sagu estake ha hatme i gofes ya nimoñia (pneumonia) i tautau.

Para proteksion-mu mismu, suhaye tautau ni lolo`lu` piot ya nuebu `nai ha birague` ginen iya China. `An sinagu hau, mauleg un` falag i hospitat ya un` mariseta pot asegurat.

Gaige hahale`ña i chenot gi katnen ga`ga` siha na masuspecha man-inaplacha`e kukuracha `sino cha`ka ni mabenefisia dispues. Piligrosu!

Bintaha

Hinanau popble gai grasia yan likidu na inagoflie`e ha fotma gi entalu` membron familia. Man-asustene unu yan otru gi dididi` na guinahan familia. `An hinegsa` yan asiga pues in` usune yan hanum sinaga ginen i tanke.

Sessu teñga `an mamomokatyu` para i Guma` Yuus para bai fañetbe kumu tanores mafattu gi hinasoghu kau “este ha` uttimu?” Magahet na tatnai hana` fan fatta ham i Saina presisu na nesessidat siha desde neñkanu` esta trahe. Maseha anna`e lau esta enfin guaha para tampen tatautau mame.

Ginen un` popble lokue` na bisinu `nai man-dañkulu ham mina ti in` gef siente pinepble. Parehu patek diariamente. `An sinetnan sune yan asiga sena-hu pues tapbla yan i bisinu. Ayu buente na parehu ham man-magof gi tinaya` mame!

Magahet na fitme na krineansa ginen mañainan mame umusune haf` guinahan mame. Poresu na ni unu mañake pot fitme leksion i Dies Na Tinagu` Yuus ginen i sinatusan na nanan mame. Diariu na poñga para bai`n che`gue che`chu` echu tautau!

Inadahe

Gi un` popblen guma` `nai man-eyag ham man-la`la` gi halum tinaya`. Magahet na tat ti in` usune entalu` gualu`, tasi yan halum tanu` manman-aligau mantension.

Iya Obyan tatnai huli`e `an ha`ane solu pueñge `an man-emanog hatsadu ham. Ayu `nai umeyagyu` malagu gi halum tanu` sin kandet (flashlight) lau gaige matahu gi manog gi ramas troñku.

Gi birada ume-umañg-yu` pot yumahu dispues mantika na abunen umañg yan hinegsa`. Puru bokan satbasion ginen un` popblen guma`. Fitme siha na leksion mattu ginen ayu na finapos-hu tat kumu inadahe gi halum tinaya`.

I tinilaikan tiempu umatisa mas sapet gi megai na familia guine. Gi hiniyuñg i Navy megai mana` fan para gi offisiun niha. Dispues de hinalum i Trust Territory `nai adumididi` manmakone` tatte.

Megai umusune man-gualu` tatte pot ayu solu `nai siña maprebeniye familia mantensioña. Kontodu tasi ma-usune. Diberas na tiru halum gualu` kada finagpu` eskuela esta i lemlem tautau.

Ni estudiu makat `nai estayu` yayas ginen che`chu` gualu`. Esta i chatagmag gi sigiente dia `nai hu falague iyoghu siha homework.

Adumididi`

Maseha latan satdinas in` katdun niyog yan kundot `sino puntan kalamasa para bai`n fan nahuñg. Ayu `nai in` seseda ginefsagan mame `an in` pinu pinegsai manog `sino babue.

Megai pinadesen tautau-ta siha guihe na tiempu `nai hasan cho`chu`. Gualu` yan tasi diariu mapetsige ni megai na familia guine. Lau in` siñgun pot ayu solu `nai siña bai`n seda` mantension mame.

Lau ni achog halum chinatsaga guaha siha fina` grasian halum pinepble. I puntu: man-magof i familia umusune haf` guaha gi kusina.

Gi ha`anen gupot siha mas oppan magof na fasun tautau-ta bastara ke kompliañus i Niño Jesus. Esta i makat na sentimentu nina` ñahlalañg esta dispues de ha`anen Añu Nuebu! I pisu gaige gi kutturan ina`ayuda gi entalu` unu yan todu.

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