Graffiti

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Graffiti

Why deface a coconut tree when you can use this graffiti page instead?

(Page Down to read the Graffiti)

Like John said...are there any good sites with chamorro inspired tattoo designs. Living in Texas now but raised on Guam (1/2 - dad was USAF) till I was 14, lived in Agana Heights (now Hagatna)...looking to re-establish my ties to the island.

Bill McGaw (mother maiden was Aguan) - San Antonio, TX
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 13:19 (EDT)

JUST WANNA SAY THERE'S NO ISLAND LIKE SAIPAN. I MISS MY HOME. I MISS THE REAL ISLAND LIFE DOWN THERE...

TO THE CREW DOWN AT MARIANAS HIGH SCHOOL I MISS YOU ALL...

Doris Castro - Bremerton WA,
Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 14:28 (EDT)

I was born in Guam. But raised in the states.I dont know to much about my heritage but I would like to know more.You see my mom passed away before she could teach me about my heritage. I now have children of my own. Although they are half white they are still my children I would still like them to know their roots.

Cecilia Rabon - USA
Friday, April 09, 2004 at 19:57 (EDT)

youre right there is no place like Guam... I love that place! I miss it more...

elizabeth broussard - new orleans
Friday, March 19, 2004 at 00:17 (EST)

is there any good web sites to get designs for chamorro tattoo

john montgomery - ca.
Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 00:57 (EST)

Just wanna say, there ain't no place like Guam.

Tim Camacho - Tacoma, WA
Monday, March 01, 2004 at 14:02 (EST)

To Jack McCann,

You may get a boost from TheHawaiiChannel.com. They list "The Brown Tree Snake" as one of their Pacific Adventure Specials. Here's a link that may lead you to a contact:

Click Here

Good Luck

Mark Perez - SF
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 16:03 (EST)

"Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep"

To all Chamorro's around the world who have responded with confusion and ignorance regarding the topic of my book!

My sister had taken it upon herself to let the other Chamorro's and the world know what when went through as children. "Yes", we were abused & tortured beyond human comprehension. My book is our "true" life story regarding the abuse and tortures we went through as children. And how "the system" (CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES) had failed us when we continually ran away and asked for help to save us for being tortured.

In response to THE MENO-GARRIDO - VALLEJO,CA ORIGINALLY FROM MALESSO/INARAJAN. Here is what we went through as children. From age 3-16 I was raped and molested by relatives. From age 7-12, My mother would punish me by binding my wrist together and hang me in the closet overnight. At age 12, my father punched and bashed my face in. I had my mouth wired shut for several months and stayed in Sanctuary for a few months. At age 15, my older brother and father tried to "MURDER" me with a machete. These are just a few of the topics I wrote about in my book which have been all documented with "Child Protective Services" and other "GOVERNMENT AGENCIES"!

So please do not pass judgement on myself or my sister for what we had gone through and what I had to say about the "SYSTEM" failing us. This book is totally not about the politics in GUAM.

The correct link to my web-page is:
BOOKSURGE.COM
*Under search by Author, simply type my name; SHAWN TEIXEIRA
my link will pull up for anyone who would like to purchase a copy and know first hand what we had gone through as children. So please stop the rude "IGNORANT" comments until you read the book!

Sincerely,
Shawn J. Teixeira
STMuzique@aol.com

Shawn J. Teixeira - Wilmington, NC
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 15:10 (EST)

Hafa Adai.
Years ago I saw a PBS documentary about Guam. It covered the brown snake and loss of birds but also touched upon the loss of chamorro culture. My chamorro friend has never seen it. Does anyone know what it was called and how I might get a copy. This was probably 10 to 20 years ago. Thanks for your time. :>)

jack mccann - santa cruz, ca
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 14:30 (EST)

My bother's book is about Child Abuse in the 70's and how my father and brother took him to Two Lovers Point and tried to chop him up with a machete and how we were hanging in the closet for days and not being fed. The police and CPS have records, but did anyone go to jail for doing this? NO! There is a lot more that has to be said for this. I would have died for my brother to save him and I almost did. I was only 13 and he was 4 at the time, now I'm 38 and still would die for him. You would have to get the book to understand it.

The book is by: Shawn J Teixeira. This link should take you to a web site where the book can be purchased.

www.booksurge.com/author.php3?accountID=IMPR01472

Yvette Teixeira Oglesby - Colorado Springs , Co
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 09:50 (EST)

Lets stop this talk of Chamorro blood percentage and racial makeup. I find it so irritating, especially when I am know I am Chamorro and someone ignorant person has the nerve to tell me I am actually some other race and I just don't know it. My last name is Quintanilla. I am not stupid, I know the name is Spanish. It came from my great, great, great grandfather who was Spanish. Now, I consider Quintanilla to be a Chamorro name too.

In my family it is the Chamorroness that binds us. Chamorro language, Chamorro customs and yes, Chamorro blood. The people in my family speak Chamorro, follow Chamorro customs, and eat Chamorro food. The manamko told me I am Chamorro and I believe them.

As for the belief that there are no pure Chamorros left. They have been shoving this down our throats for centuries. Remember!! The practice was and still is, to stamp out the Chamorro language, culture and people. Racist people had and still do, have something to gain by telling us we don't exist. So there might be pure Chamorros or there might not be. You can't prove it either way. Who cares. Chamorros know who Chamorros are. We exist and will continue to exist. What we need to do in the face of all this, is grow stronger and more united as one people.

Alan - California
Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 14:55 (EST)

to kal671, come on now my chamorro friend from the island of GUAHAN. You really don't want us natives to go back to say the stone age, or I'm I reading you wrong? Seems to me that buildings, and highways are all in the name of progress. However, as for our ancestors waking from the dead to see all the filthy mess we made. Don't sweat it PARE, cause sooner, or later, we will meet them, and then we can tell them all the bad news.HEY! do me a favor! Don't bogart that joint MAN!!!

iggy man - red dirt
Friday, February 20, 2004 at 20:37 (EST)

Hafa Adai!

I see alot of people arguing again and again.

Come on we have to stand together and Prostest to UNITE GUAHAN & CNMI as ONE CHAMORI NATION. We need this to help stop the cruelty and injustice we have forced upon Chamori's from Guahan and Chamori's from CNMI.

Lets all stand together as one to take back our lands, to control ourseleves, to be on our own and not depend on the U.S. or any other imperialist country out there.

We need to stop the Americanization.... Chamori's should be the only ones allowed to PURCHASE, AND BUILD on land on GUAHAN, not any other nationality. Our land is small so we have to conserve and protect our ancestors sacred lands today.

What if all of a sudden all our ancestors woke-up from the dead and saw the tall concrete buildings, or the highways, or the street lights, or the houses looking like boxes? What will they think, they might think we disgraced them...

Come on I love you all my Chamori people, you are my people, my family, and part of each and everyones life by BLOOD... We have everyone of us inside our hearts.

MANA-MORI HAM ADAHI NA UN FALEFA

Kal671 - Phoenix, but from Sinahana, Guahan
Friday, February 20, 2004 at 15:21 (EST)

to all the sipan peeps was up well am still repin chamorro pride up in the us and they all bee saying all us gurls be lookin fine well was up holla at chu gurl

jocelyn teregeyo somol - seattle,wa
Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 11:59 (EST)

To vv70 florida, The water is on tap, so you won't have to wait any longer for that drink of cold water. As for the indeginious people bickering back and forth, you know, that's what make up our composition especially we as Islanders. You on the other hand is like the anthropologist that you mentioned.

Iggy man - red dirt
Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 15:51 (EST)

As one who was on that beautiful island only two years, I am distressed to see the infighting among the indiginous people as to who is "more" Chamorru.

Work hard to preserve your cultures and pass along your values to your children. With the advent of international air travel and the internet, it is easy to "contaminate" a culture. As any anthropologist will tell you, you can't study a culture without affecting it.

I was JFK, class of 67.
"And when you turn on the cold water for a cold drink, you wait and wait and wait...

vv70 - Florida
Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 09:51 (EST)

From her comment, I got that the book was about the politician's abuse of the very people they were serving. If that's right, then hey...everyone has got to admit that we have been abused by practically all our leaders that I can remember....Plus, with the court action against Former Governor Gutierrez, that just provides more proof. I really didn't think that the woman meant to say that we were abused and tortured as a community and how we were raised per se....just that we were abused by our leaders we entrusted and put into office.....I may be wrong, but that's what I got from it!

just another point of view - the mainland
Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 16:08 (EST)

Yvette...I am a CHAMORRO...althought I have been residing in Calif. for the past 5 years. I lived in MERIZO/INARAJAN GUAM for the first 17 years of my life. It turns my stomach that someone can say use the word "Torture" and "GUAM" in the same sentence. Yes, I feel that the Govt. System and It's Leaders have failed us in many ways. I was curious as to what your brother has to say about the "Abuse and Torture we endured in Guam". I tried to look up his book but nothing was coming up. The only time I belive any one endured Abuse and Torture was during the Japanese invasion. The hard times my grandparents endured. So I do hope that when I come across your brother's book, I hope that is what he was refering too... Otherwise I have no idea what the HELL YOUR BROTHER IS TALKING ABOUT... and I'm pretty sure any other CHAMORRO will agree with me.

A PROUD CHAMORRO-THE MENO-GARRIDO - VALLEJO,CA ORIGINALLY FROM MALESSO/INARAJAN
Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 04:15 (EST)

Yvette, what types of torture and abuse are you referring to???? I lived in Guam most of my life and experienced no such thing....I dunno, call me lucky or what, but I don't know what you are talking about.

Meeh - Las Vegas
Wednesday, January 07, 2004 at 20:02 (EST)

so, let's see now, is this book that you mentioned your brother wrote? Is the book about slavery, or sounds to me like a bed time prayer i recite with my kids at night..
I grew up on guam and i could never recalled ever being tortured or any such abuse..

Iggyman - red dirt
Monday, January 05, 2004 at 19:51 (EST)

Check out the website, MadMuzik. Log on to madmuzik.com. The website is owned and operated by Guamanians.

SC Santos - San Jose, CA
Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 00:12 (EST)

To the BB supporters,

Look at what BB has done to the Commonwealth and still two more years of more damages to come or left in their term. One B is a frequent traveler who defines the phrase it is useless to have a governor who is never here, while the other B requires us to write to him to receive our overdue tax checks.

With this, I say in YOUR FACE!

j teregeyo - CNMI
Monday, December 29, 2003 at 19:04 (EST)

Irritated in Las Vegas....It is Graffiti, let them express themselves as they please. If it hurts your eyes, then don't read it....They are just having FUN!

kimpossible - Riverside, CA
Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 16:06 (EST)

In the Septamber 2002 Section Of this website, there are lots of people arguing about whom is more Chamorro than the others. I have to say “busta chad”. Stop the hating; truth of the matter is that anyone of Chamorro blood should be proud. I have a little bit of white blood in me and my complexion gave me a hard time growing up because you teach your children to be prejudice. I know the Chamorro language but I am not the best speaker because I was shunned to be Chamorro growing up because I look chamolie. Now I am struggling to keep my language for the betterment of my children’s future. Be proud you have the blood and are not as bad as the American Indians and Hawaiian’s because we still have it and we can keep it and grow it if we nurture it. Love and Peace to you.

Manuel C. Cruz (Mature Chamorro) - Ginen gi halom tano
Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 17:30 (EST)

Read the story in todays Guam PDN about this site and thought i'd have a look.Raised on Guam but now live in Oregon.Miss the food which has forced me to break out the cook books.Hope to see others on this site,maybe find some long lost friends.

Robyn Denight - Oregon
Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 02:21 (EST)

To Lila in Yigo, go to the University of Guam and go to the MARC, Micronesian Area Research Center. There you can view written material about the Suruhanu and also watch video tapes on them. The best source however is to actually go and speak with a few of them. Go to any village mayor's office and they can provide you information on how to get in touch with them.

Chamoruboy - Mannheim, Germany
Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 11:47 (EST)

Hi i need help with finding information on suruhanas, suruhanos. If any one has information on the subject please write to me. In need information on:
plants used
where it originated from
is there someone teaching it today
how to make a simple medication
I would appreciate it. This is for a chamoru project. Thank you

Lila - yigo
Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 01:31 (EST)

HAFA ADAI to everyone, I am wanting to learn the chamorru language so I can write my sweetheart a song in his native language for our wedding. Please help teach me some more words in chamorru! Wishing you a world of peace, victoria Please write to me

victoria - Oregon,USA
Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 11:56 (EDT)

Can you kids please quit with the upper-case, lower-case crap! It hurts my eyes to try to read that crap! Not only that, but you look ridiculously ignorant. Grow up and get an education!

Irritated - Las Vegas
Monday, October 06, 2003 at 19:51 (EDT)

AfA aDaI tEw AlL eM cHaMoRrItAz, I bEeH iN cAlI bUh i WaNnAh Go bAk TeW dA iSlAnDz, Da IsLaNd FeStIvEl IsH dA bOmB, It WuZ oFf dA hOoK, AnYwHo, ChEcK oUt MaH sYtZ aT http://www.xanga.com/diz_ish_shorty
or http://www.xanga.com/shortyg4lyf
latez

ShOrTy - DaYgO cAlIfOrNiA
Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 21:02 (EDT)

After visiting and read the entries in Graffiti, I am still amazed that we as Chamorus still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like many I wanted to see our islands unite for many reasons, but sadly the "Law Makers" of Guam were too damn interested in their own pockets, never mind the fact that we all came for the same stock. I am by birth born on Guam, but I, too, have relatives in Saipan. So what's the problem with wanting to have the Mariana Islands whole once again.

Just doesn't make any sense that we still are engaged in who is the better "people". As far as I am concerned we are all the same blood.

Think of this. If Guam and the CNMI could set aside differences for just awhile and start a dialog, both sides can achieve better footing (well may be) with the Feds.

The increased land area will be a boon to both CNMI/GUAM economically and can be developed to the advantage of all. Guam is like Honolulu (the seat of Government) but look at the outer islands many still remain beautiful.

Get over it y'all and bring home those whom we love, make our islands "United" for all.

Ron M. Oliva - Kingman, AZ and Guam
Monday, September 22, 2003 at 11:15 (EDT)

...in addition to the Reply from
"Just An Observation",California...
quote from that reply,"...the word is chill."

More like..."The Word Is STALE!!!"

...I thought i read 'graffiti' entries here instead of defacing property, like coconut trees...?! THERE AINT ENUFF BARK ON DA COCONUT TREE FOR ALL YOU 'GAGAS'TO ENGRAVE ALL 'DIS KALAKAS!!
Maybe you are 'kiddos', too young to even remember the 'original island graffitis'!!
Hey, fellow old skool generation, remember these graffiti terms/slang??? ------
"Tan Loli wuz hea!", "GW Rulz!", "Kiko-n-Sabet 4-eva'", "All the way!", "To the max!"

Now THOSE ARE WORDS WITH A STORY BEHIND IT!!
I know there's more out there that totally tops what i wrote for graffitis, ...
yuus langit, di age y di brain...wish i could remember them really funny ones...they had some good, descent 'poetry' in 'dem bathrooms!!! Lucky for me sitting there back then, that i was able to laugh at a couple wise ones!!! I KNOW I AINT THE ONLY ONES NOW! SO EVEN IF YA ALL LAUGH, I'M LAUGHIN TOO! EVEN TIL NOW...........
AI ADAI, "TIME...IS FLOWIN LIKE A RIVER, TO THE SEA!!"

DGuerrero - Vallejo, CA
Monday, September 15, 2003 at 02:10 (EDT)

I couldn't believe what Bolis (sorry if I didn't spell your name right) had to say! My family is from Guam and I am very proud of that half of my family, the other half is Irish. I am deeply saddened to hear about Guam's harships...

Tuncap - not sleeping like I should be
Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 01:55 (EDT)

I agree with what you're saying DGuerrero.
Let you tell it, that's old school style...

janel - Long Beach, Ca
Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 15:46 (EDT)

awe...kiddos!!!
such childish 'graffiti'...
whats with the guam saipan rota tinian words of separation? or never a combination???
what do you kiddos know.
Same nationality, same language, some deeper than others, same areas, same pacific waters, like only practically minutes from each other(planeride)....same food, same styles, same everything....some deeper than others........
how ya know these islands were never one island in first place...term: erosion? term: earthquakes? etc......
Dont understand the quarrels between folks who's language and culture are the same....
You folks sound ridiculously funny but hardly hilarious reading debates talking about the exact same thing on whatever sides you're trying to make..........cant do it peoplezzzzzzzzzzz...
cant separate anything here no matter how much capital letters you use in your sentences....these islands are way older than you whoever saying 'never together'..whatever..........you have no right to speak for the billions of years these islands have, they are still very much alive you know, only we will be dead and gone and our islands continue to lay close to each other....considering, who knows, what rocks form inbetween them to actually connect.....??? Who are you to even question or answer to the natures of the earth from before whatever to current to after whenever????
Your life is seconds shorter compared to the lives of these islands......
Your wasting your short precious life chamorro/u.......or are you? If so, be one and love the islands on which all chamorros have walked, walk, will walk...

DGuerrero - Vallejo, CA
Sunday, September 14, 2003 at 06:02 (EDT)

Slow day at the office, took a peek online to this page, my only regret is that young and old all seem to get their underwear in a bunch when discussing Guam/Saipan topics, the word is chill

just an observation - california
Thursday, September 04, 2003 at 19:11 (EDT)

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Tasi - Internet
Friday, August 29, 2003 at 00:14 (EDT)

I'm saddened to see so much hatred among those that should be united. It's been a long time since I've been back to Guam and hope to return soon. I just hope this is not the reception I would expect upon arrival. Peace to all who have hatred in their hearts and love to those who know better.

John

jdelgado - California
Friday, August 22, 2003 at 18:06 (EDT)

Here we go again! Cutting down each other's roots, etc. My honest opinion, Guam and Saipan will never join to be one. That's a fact. So instead of all you young Chamorro's acting like a bunch of spoiled kids on this website that was put together for all Chamorro's to communicate from all over the world and share their experiences, take your hatred elsewhere. Remember all the lives that were sacrificed to bring peace to our islands. I know if they were alive, they wouldn't appreciate hearing the young generations speak about who-what-when. Grow up! Keep your comments to yourselves. Only if they're helpful to others, then voice out. A lot of you, probably, are in a situation where you're alone somewhere and the only thing you've got to express yourself is a computer. Remember, God is listening and your day will come to answer to Him, WHY? have you talked bad against your neighbors, in this case, your own blood. I'll pray for all to keep peace on the web.

Chamorro or Chamorru - Japan
Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 22:22 (EDT)

Oh give it a break you guys. Saipan and her sister islands probably won't unite with Guam and achieve statehood if only because both governments are so damned corrupt they couldn't work together on anything that might actually benefit the people themselves. And that sucks because the children of the islands are joining the military in droves and they can't even vote...

Tono - Florida
Friday, August 15, 2003 at 08:05 (EDT)

TO B CRUZ;WHY ARE YOU ALL PISSED OFF,if you think Guam and SAIPAN is gonna Get together think AGAIN IT'S NOT HAPPENING GOT IT!when i was bsck home before i came to the unitedstates there are so much talk about You guminians trying to take Over saipan ,well wake up.Call me an Asshole lOOK WHOSE TALKING your the ASSHOLE!!!!! GO AHEAD YOU IGNORANT GUAMINIANS BITE ME AND KISS MY BROWN ASS.CHAMORRO ALWAYS AND FOREVER.

SOME ONE IN SEATTLE - SEATTLE
Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 14:15 (EDT)

Reply-SOMEONE IN SEATTLE, you better shut up. You don't even know your history a$$hole. If you read your history the people of the Northern Mariana Islands during the Spanish & Japanese rule was forced to live on Guam,because it was bigger than the rest of the Northern Islands. My roots come from Guam and Saipan. My Mom's side of the family came from Saipan, my dads side is from Guam. And of course the people of Saipan are not from Guam. We are just from the Mariana Islands. Why do you CNMI Citizens, act so ignorant, everytime we the people of Guam tell you the facts about the history of the Mariana Islands. Your history is way different from ours. We may be the same people, but you CNMI Citizens just want hand-outs from the U.S. and wil not be eager to pay taxes like the people of Guam do. Get over all yourself, you CNMI people act like a bunch of hypocrits everytime the Chamorro people of Guam state our opinions. I just think we all should stop arguing. Guam & CNMI should RE-UNITE as one Island Nation,but vote for 'MARIANA' Statehood. I just think the entire Mariana's should be united and be as a whole, not divided upon Political Status. Mariana Islands is just like the Hawaiian Islands, both of them are made of different islands. I just hope and pray that GUAM & CNMI could reunite in the future and be classified as one whole UNITED STATE OF AMERICA, just like our sister Islands of Hawaii.

B. Cruz - Sinajana,Guam & Mesa,Arizona
Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 12:14 (EDT)

To;B cruz What makes you think that Guam is Saipa i don't think that is true!maybe for you , i am originally from saipan and i know that saipan is not Guam so stop talking shit about guam being saipan effidently you don't know your roots why don;t you look back where you were born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some One in seattle. - seattle
Monday, August 11, 2003 at 18:52 (EDT)

To ChamoruBoy from Mannheim: Great insight, very educational and interesting!!!!

Nique - Washington, but missing Guam
Friday, August 01, 2003 at 23:03 (EDT)

Hafa Adai to everyone on the island of Guam!!! This is Natasha Castro!!! I am from Merizo!!! I am now living in Federal Way, Washington with my father. If any of you all want to e-mail me,click on my name for my e-mail address.

Natasha Castro - Federal Way, Washington
Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 14:43 (EDT)

I second that motions ChamoruBoy.. We need people like you to continue educating the people who go on this site. Buenas yan Si Yu'us Ma'ase......

Che'lu - Guahan, Tano i man Chamoru
Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 21:22 (EDT)

ChamoruBoy - Mannheim, Germany, what a great entry! Thanks for info.

Nana - Wisconsin
Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 11:53 (EDT)

To Anica: You tell me I'm no Chamorro cause you assume I don't think it's noble for a Mom to stay home with her kids, but you would stay with a man in an uncommitted relationship, who has told you he wants you to have an abortion? I AM a stay home mom, but I am not a doormat for some guy who uses me for sex and calls all the shots. You are probably a beautiful, Chamorro girl who can have the kind of guy who will treat your VERY well, IF you chose more wisely next time. AND don't sit around expecting someone to support you, because while that can work, you gotta have a way to take care of yourself and your babies if you have to. Keeps that man on his toes if he knows you're not 100% dependent. Get my drift girl?

Nana - Wisconsin
Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 11:51 (EDT)

You all are so pathetic, just reading what all you fools wrote. I can't beleive people from SAIPAN and people from GUAM are debating over our language and heritage. Your stupidity and faults will get you no where. GUAM is where SAIPAN people were pushed to when SPAIN ruled GUAM, SAIPANESE people lived on GUAM for a long time, until U.S. bought GUAM after the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, CHAMORRO People living on GUAM Migrated to SAIPAN, TINIAN, and ROTA, thiers no difference, we are all CHAMORRO's stop arguing and start thinking about the entire MARIANA ISLANDS future. Where it stands today, not where you think it will stand. Our ancient Ancestors lived on the MARIANA's for over thousands of years, they kept GUAM's culture rich and alive. The U.S. did GUAM a big favor, but still not good enough. Just like when the U.S. Over thrown QUEEN LILI'UOKALANI of HAWAIIA, when she was QUEEN of HAWAII in 1896, they tried to do everything to take her rule away, I feel sad, because HAWAIIA should be her own nation, th Mariana's should be our own nation, but if we can't atleast become a state or COMMONWEALTH like the CNMI, because that way HAOLE' don't move and over throw our people from governing it.

B.Cruz - Sinajana,GUAM & Mesa, Arizona
Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 11:01 (EDT)

HAFA ADAI,to all the chamorro people out there,ijust wanted to say hi i've been away from home for almost 13years never liiked back, but i do miss the fun,food the culture,.with everything changing now a days,it looks likeno one is the same but too much bullcrap,what ever happend to respect and dignity that we were taught.so much for the chamorro people.

Anica - seattle
Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 14:51 (EDT)

TO;NANA in Wisconsin,you must be an AMERICAN YOURSELF!let me tell you something!i am a chamorro girl and from what i am thought when i was growing up that if i have a family to take care of I SHOULD STAY HOME AND TAKE CARE OF FAMILY NEEDS WHILE MY OTHER HALF GOES TO WORK,so if your not no chamorro WOMAN you need to back of or if you are then something is wrong thank you.Iwas pregnant with our baby but he wasn't happy and he wanted me to have an abortion ,sorry i a catholic,abortion is out of the question ,when i went in to labor and broke my water i had to go under emergency c-section,they put me to sleep and when i woke up and asked for my baby they told me that HIS DEAD and he still charges me for all those times i didn't work!Sorry i didn't mean to sound so rude.BYE FOR NOW, TAKE CARE NANA

ANICA - SEATTLE
Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 15:10 (EDT)

HaFA aDAI , TO alL mY iSLANd pEePS . tO mY FAMiLE .. iN sANTA rIta, tHE cALips, tHE wAdES, tHE guMaTAOtao's ANd tO mY gOD soN nAthaNieL dIaZ, ... i lovE aND misS yOU aLL. alsO tO tHE rEsiDEnts of saNta riTA, kEEp iT rEAL, tO tHoMas bAleTO anD cHrIS cALiP , wELcOME bAck tO thE beAutIfUl< iSLanD we aLL cAll hOME, aND to my fRieNDs WhO sHArE my loNe linEsS oF beiNg awaY frOM homE, jAnA qUintANilla, jaMes esPErOn, ronald maDAmbA and eVERyoNE eLse ouT tHERe... i loVE aND miSS you aLL, cOmINg frOm pAtsY , joN anD tHE twO kiDS>...

pATSY - ALABAMA.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 16:15 (EDT)

As a person of Chamoru descent whom has lived on Guam, California, and Washington State, I have come to observe certain cultural misconceptions about the Chamoru both from individuals whom are Chamoru and whom aren’t.

First of all, many people believe that Chamoru is not it’s own cultural group, or race, or ethnicity. People think that it is a corrupted sub race of another race such as Filipino or Mexican/Spanish. The Chamoru race, people, and culture have been traced back to Taiwan. Now don’t get confused. This is not saying that the Taiwanese are the ancestors of the Chamoru. There were people there long before the present-day Chinese-Taiwanese people. These people migrated out to the Pacific. Only later did the Chinese-Taiwanese people settle what is now known as Taiwan.

The Filipino people also originated from Taiwan out of the same people. So you see the Chamoru and the Filipino are related but one is not the ancestor of the other. You shouldn’t say the Filipino are the ancestors of the Chamoru any more than you should say the Chamoru are the ancestors of the Filipino. We originated from the same source, not one out of the other. The same is true with the Indonesians. This is why the Chamoru have such similar characteristics as the Indonesian in respect to vocabulary, culture, food, and traditions.

Another huge misconception is with the language. Many think that Chamoru is a diluted form of Spanish. This could not be further from the truth. Chamoru is a language that has it’s own set of rules and grammar. The only similarity it has to Spanish is in some of the borrowed vocabulary that was necessary because certain things and ideas that were introduced by the Spanish, that the Chamoru had no way of expressing. Also, many Chamoru words were replaced by Spanish words. Since the Chamoru language was not a written language until fairly recently, many of the old Chamoru words were lost. However, the rules and grammar of the Chamoru language did not change.

A Chamoru person, a Mexican person, and a Filipino person would not be able to communicate with any of the others unless they spoke in English or one of the languages of the other person. Chamoru has very difficult rules such as reduplication of syllables. There are complex prefixes, suffixes, and infixes. Also, probably the most difficult, is the rule of harmonics. You see Chamoru was a strictly oral language and any slight mispronunciation can completely change the meaning of a word or phrase. The rule of harmonics is difficult because the rule basically is that if you modify a word it must sound pleasing and correct and you can only know if it is correct if you speak the language and are exposed to it very often. Chamoru is not a language you can learn from a book or in a class. You must be immersed in the world of the Chamoru and surrounded by them.
Since the Spanish colonized the Marianas, the Phillipines, and Mexico and converted everyone to Catholicism we all share similar values and beliefs. This is another source that feeds the confusion and belief that these three peoples are the same. Each group I mentioned here, have a deep respect and reverence for elders. I believe however, having interacted with both Mexicans and Filipinos, that the Chamoru culture places a greater emphasis on respect and reverence for the elders or “Man Amko’” as they are called in Chamoru.

In conclusion, I have written this for all those people, Chamoru especially, that are confused about the Chamoru identity. Have no doubt about it, the Chamoru language and culture is unique and original. It is beautiful and something to embrace and be proud of. All cultures and races are beautiful and it is good to learn about other races and people, but make sure you know about your own race and culture, and love the fact that you are who you are, whomever and whatever you are.

To all the Chamoru people, learn our history. Learn our language. Continue our heritage. Instill our values and beliefs in our children.

ChamoruBoy - Mannheim, Germany
Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at 08:03 (EDT)

To Anica -- Chamorro or not, guys don't pay for the milk when they get the cow free. Have some respect for yourself. Get out and next time don't put yourself in a position where the guy calls all the shots and you're hanging on hoping for a handout. Now if you feel like letting some guy move in with you and making nice while you call all the shots, that's another thing sista! :>

Nana - Wisconsin
Monday, July 28, 2003 at 17:38 (EDT)

What's up with you all chamorro people it looks like no one has any respect for one another.you can't have anything and everything you want.especially if your with an AMERICAN MAN COZ THEY WILL CHARGE YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND WHEN I SAY EVERYTHING THAT MEANS;RENT,ELECTRICITY,PHONE,GROCERY,ETC believe me i'm in that situation myself.hs say's he loves me cause he knows that we chamorro people have a great loving heart that we will do anything for love, but I've come to the point that my heart gone cold that i don't give a shit,now i am looking for a chamorro man that would understand where i'm coming from.

anica - Seattle
Monday, July 28, 2003 at 15:13 (EDT)

The Beatiful Island of Guam misses all her sons and daughters who care about her. Try and make it back to our island. This thing happening here is only temporary. She will come back to life again as she always does. The people who love her will not let her go under. She will shine like the diamond she is. A rare and beatiful, one of a kind gem.. Adios yan Si Yu'us in fan benidsi ham'yu todos.......

True Islander - Guahan, Tano i man Chamoru
Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 02:11 (EDT)

I miss Guam so much.

Dee - WA
Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 19:02 (EDT)

i love guam!!!

Adrea - Las Vegas
Monday, July 21, 2003 at 00:37 (EDT)

Adios Angel Santos. May your Name live in all the hearts of Chamoru's everywhere. Now you are with your daughter. Rest in peace my friend. Now you are among the other "Angels" in paradise. Adios Che'lu.

Chamoru'un Guahan - Guahan, Tano i man Chamoru
Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 23:54 (EDT)

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT IN SAIPAN,TINIAN AND ROTA, EVERY YOUNG GENERATION WILL TRY A PIECE OF LAND WHEN THEY GROW UP. BECAUSE WE THE PEOPLE OF THE CNMI CHOOSE NOT TO BE GOVERN BY THE USA BUT ONLY GET HELP FROM THEM. DONT BLAME OR POINT FINGERS AT THE PEOPLE OF SAIPAN,TINIAN AND ROTA BECAUSE OF ALL THE RIGHTS THEY HAVE AS CNMI CITIZENS. I UNDERSTAND THAT GUAM IS ALSO PART OF OUR HISTORY, CULTURE AND TRADITION. BUT WE DID NOT MAKE ANY ACTIONS AS TO WHY YOUR GOVERNMENT IS LIKE THAT. YOU CAN FIGHT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN TO SAVE YOUR LANDS FOR YOUR FUTURE GENERATION OF CHILDREN BUT YOU WONT WIN, BECAUSE USA IS NOW MAKING DECISIONS FOR ALL OF YOU. THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN FIGHT AND WIN IS WHEN YOU BECOME PART OF THE CNMI. BUT THE QUESTION IS, WILL THE CNMI ALLOW SUCH THING TO HAPPEN. CHAMOLINIAN IS WHO WE ARE!! BE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE, NO MORE HATRED WE HAD ENOUGH OF HATRED SINCE SEPT 11 ATTACK.

IN-D-G-NOUS - native islander
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 01:59 (EDT)

I was just browsing through the internet hoping to ease myself from being so maha'lang for home. I normally don't offer my opinion, but in this instance, I couldn't help myself.

Ken V.- Your remarks were uncalled for, I feel sorry for you. You say that you're an "educated person", yet you make such an ignorant remark about chamorro people. Ignorance is not a typical charactistic of an "educated person". Just like every single ethnic group, you have your good and your bad. It is asinine for you to say that chamorro people in general are lazy, uneducated, and that you yourself are so ashamed to be associated with anyone from Guam, Saipan, and the other Marianas Islands. You must not come across any of the young chamorros that are in the US furthering their education. Have you ever once stepped into a classroom on Guam or Saipan, because if you have, you would know that there are MANY young chamorros that are full of so much potential to positively impact not only the beautiful Marianas Islands, but also your beloved US. Our society is blessed to have many doctors, lawyers, educators, military officers (I am the proud sister of two newly commissioned CHAMORRO officers), and professionals of CHAMORRO descent. These people are not only highly educated, but they are also compassionate (something that seems to be lacking in many Americans nowadays).

Before you fly off the handle, I am not racist nor am I ethnocentric. I am married to a Italian American, and he not only loves my heritage, but he embraces my culture because he loves how we place so much emphasis on family rather than the individual. Like I said before, I am not an ethnocentric person, I am however, EXTREMELY PROUD of my CHAMORRO heritage. I come from a race of people who are not only compassionate, but are easy-going, intelligent, and fun-loving. I wish I could say the same for you, because it is evident that you are not of CHAMORRO descent.

Please don't think for one minute that I am anti-American, in fact I am grateful to the US for all that they have done for us.

I think that your arrogance and ignorance will be your downfall. So be careful. Remember to keep your words short and sweet, because you'll never know which ones you'll have to eat tomorrow.

Have a nice day and may God bless you.

Monique - US, but missing my island dearly
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 01:56 (EDT)

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