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Fino Håya – Låguas (Mariana Islands, Islas Marianas)
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Kao un tungo? (Did you know?)...The native term for the Mariana Islands is Låguas.
Sinangan as Jose Lizama: Kiroga yan Talage
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
This digital extract is from the initial collection of tales by Gertrude (aka Trudis Alemån) Hornbostel and published in Laura Thompson’s 1932 “Archaeology of the Mariana Islands,” Bishop Museum, Bulletin 100.
This story was told to Trudis by Jose Lizama from Hagat sometime in the 1920s. Although, Lizama was listed as being 109 years old, I am uncertain if this was his age at the time of the recording (1920s) or the date of publication (1932).
In the 1920 Census, there is, however, a Jose S.N. Lizama, residing on Pareno Street, Agat, a widower, age 94. Therefore, I am also not sure if this is the same Lizama that conveyed this story to Trudis, but does seem likely.
Ancient Chamorros Fishing from their Proas…
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Father Peter Coomans was one of the very few that had many positive observations of the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands that was recorded in history. Coomans was amazed at the sight of a fleet of Chamorro people fishing from their proas.
I would love to see someone’s artistic rendition of Father Cooman’s description of what he saw of this fleet of 30 sails and people fishing at night with torches raised at the bow of each proa.
...Happy Thanksgiving...
Vietnam: 19 December 1970
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
This is Department of Defense photo of the late Guam Governor Carlos G. Camacho, being assisted by his nephew John Q. Salas, passing out Christmas gifts. Also included in this photo on the far right receiving a gift is William J. Punzalan Gogue.
TBT: October 9, 1944
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
The Chamorro people have a history of having a high rate of military service per capita. According to the Seattle P.I., in 1919 on Guam:
“There [were] 1,000 militiamen, the government supplying guns and ammunition and the regular khaki uniform of the United States army. Seven per cent of Guam’s population is in the militia, at which rate, if we of the mainland kept up with the Chamorros, we should have an army of 7,000,000.”
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons prior to World War II for the Chamorro people wanting to be a part of the military was to demonstrate their loyalty and patriotism to the United States in order to gain U.S. citizenship under colonization. Hindsight reveals that citizenship would not come until 52 years later that included a global war.
The impact of World War II on the Chamorro people and the Mariana Islands significantly altered much of the United States policy on national interests, strategy and military defense of its possessions. The trauma experienced first-hand by the Chamorro people during the war also altered views and became that much more of a driving force for many to join the U.S. military.
Without a doubt, some saw the U.S. military also as a vehicle of opportunity and adventure, which would likely account for a good portion of today’s Chamorro diaspora.
In addition, those military who integrated and immersed themselves into the Chamorro culture and bonded with the Chamorro people was also a likely cause of influence to join the military.
This 1944 article from the Seattle Daily Times is a photo of Joaquin B. Pangelinan, Marine Warrant Officer Virgil A. Hickle and Thomas A(nderson) Iglesias. (click on the image to view the full article)
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