NO REST FOR THE AWAKE - MINAGAHET CHAMORRO

After almost 13 hours of labor, I am excited beyond words to introduce all of you to Lulai Lumuhu Perez Bevacqua. Lulai means to fish on the reef by the moonlight. Lumuhu is an ancient Chamoru month, it was documented to mean “the time to return” or “to resume one’s path.” Desiree moved back to Guam last year to reconnect with her island and learn Chamoru. This name holds special significance, since her return home allowed us to meet. Perez is from Desiree’s family and is “Familian Boño.” She's also Familian Pepero as well. Bevacqua is my family and although we have roots elsewhere as well, we are from the Kabesa and Bittot families of Guam. Lulai has one of those matan bihu mångnge faces, that make you feel torn between pinching them to vent out the magoddai or take her hand and sniff it “manginge’” style to show her respect. She looks like fresh new life, paopaopao yan pao'neni lokkue' and also looks like my grandfather at the same time. Sen magof ham på’go ya in agradede

The groups Our Islands Are Sacred and Hinasso organized a wonderful event today in order to celebrate the Chamorro new year. Although Guam today uses the 12 month calendar, the Ancient Chamorro calendar was based on 13 months because of the 13 moons of the year. This period of the year is Tumaiguini, the first month of the year meaning "to become like this." The event is Lukao Fuha or a procession to Fouha Rock in Fouha Bay. Fouha Bay was a very sacred place in Ancient times for Chamorros. It was so sacred that the Spanish accounts even recognize its religious significance. This is important because the priests were committed to doing away with most of the religion of Ancient Chamorros and finding ways to subvert it and make it become subordinate to the new Catholic faith. But Fouha Bay in Umatac was noted for being a place where Chamorros from villages around the entire island would travel to hold a ceremony or gathering to honor Fu'una and Puntan, who according to t

Living by the Light of the Moon by Lacee Martinez GUAM PDN 1/24/14 Beyond illuminating the night sky, the moon synchronizes the life cycles of the flora and fauna of the islands and ocean. Guam's ancient seafaring people also relied on moon phases to guide their lives, says John Calvo, a local fishing advocate. "Modern Chamorro traditions and cultural values have evolved from these practices that encourage living in respect and harmony with the island environment," he says. Celebrate the continuing connection between life and the moon on Sunday at the 6th annual Gupot Fanha'aniyan Pulan CHamoru, or the Chamorro Lunar Calendar Festival. The Guam Fishermen's Cooperative Association, with support of various agencies and groups, will hold a celebration at the cooperative's grounds beside the Chamorro Village and Greg D. Perez Marina in Hagåtña on Sunday. Expect a day packed with cultural activities, local crafts, fruits and vegetab

Don't forget that this Sunday at the Fishermen's Coop there will be the Gupot Fanha'aniyan Pulan Chamorro or Chamorro Lunar Calendar Festival. There will be arts, crafts and food. Here's an interview with John Calvo who helps organize it each year.