Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

~Minagof Nochebuena ~ Felis Pasgua (Chamorro)
~Maligayan Pasko (Tagalog)
~Peren en Krismas (Pohnpeian)
~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin (Marshallese)
~Falang e Baynag (Yapese)
~Tok Tapeng (Kosraean)
~Ungil Kurismas (Palauan)
~Pwapwan Kirisimas (Chuukese)
~Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian)
~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee (Carolinian)

Gathering with PIBBA International President Neth

Annual Book Donation at IRA Community Book Fair - Dec. 3

On December 3, 2016, the Guam Council of the International Reading Association donated books to three organizations during its Annual Community Book Fair held at the Agana Shopping Center.  The organizations that received the book donation include the Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Island Girl Power; and Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association. 

Guam IRA Donation to organizations on Dec. 3, 2016:  Pictured L-R:  Mariana Guzman, PIBBA member; Juanita Blaz, Island Girl Power Director; Toni Calvo, PIBBA member; Theresa "Ewy" Taitano, PIBBA Guam President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Guam IRA President; Lois T. Gumataotao, PIBBA Secretary; Julia N. Rivera, Big Brothers, Big Sisters volunteer; and Benit Lizama, PIBBA member.

PIBBA Guam Brings Christmas Cheer at the Annual IRA Community Book Fair

PIBBA - IRA Networking: December 2016 Guam Council IRA Newsletter

Click here to view the December 2016 Guam Council IRA newsletter.

Annual Community Book Fair - Dec. 3

Join us for IRA's Annual Community Book Fair on Saturday, December 3, 2016!

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Venue: Agana Shopping Center

PIBBA - IRA Networking: November 2016 Newsletter

Click here to view the November 2016 Guam Council IRA newsletter.

Condolences for the Gumataotao Family

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Kenneth "Ken" Taitano Gumataotao of Agana Heights, sister of PIBBA Guam Secretary, Lois Taitano Gumataotao. Ken left this Earth on Nov. 5 at the age of 55.

Nightly rosary is being held at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Agana Heights. The viewing will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 4:30 p.m. at the Guam Memorial Park.  The funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Agana Heights.

Ken will always be remembered. God Bless him and his family.  May he rest in peace.

Condolences for the Edward Family

The PIBBA family extends it deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of former PIBBA International President, Linda Aguon Teodosio Edward.  She left this Earth on November 2, 2016 at the age of 59.

Mass and rosary is being said nightly at 6:30 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Yigo.  The funeral is on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in To’to beginning at 9:00 a.m.  The funeral mass is at 1:00 p.m and the burial is at the Guam Memorial Park in Barrigada. May her soul and the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. 

Condolences for the Masga Family

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Cristina Songsong Masga of Toto, mother of former PIBBA Guam Vice President, Antonia "Toni" Masga Calvo.  Masga left this Earth on October 2 at the age of 75.

Mass of intention will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Toto.  Mass will be held at 5:45 a.m. Oct. 6 and 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 9.  Rosary is being said nightly at 7 p.m. at 128 Nando St. in Toto.  Rosaries will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 9.  Last respects will be paid from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on October 11 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Toto.  Mass for Christian burial will be offered at noon.  Interment will follow at the Guam Memorial Park in Leyang, Barrigada.  She will always be remembered. God Bless her and her family. May she rest in peace.

PIBBA-Guam IRA Networking: September 2016 IRA Newsletter

Click here to view the September 2016 Guam Council IRA newsletter.

Pohnpei to Host 36th Annual International PIBBA Conference

Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 10

PIBBA Condolences

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of John Rosario of Pohnpei, cousin of former PIBBA Teacher of the Year, Dr. Gregorio Tainatongo, and uncle of PIBBA Webmaster and former PIBBA Pioneer of the Year, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.  Rosario left this Earth in the early morning of July 27, 2016, Pohnpei time.  He will always be remembered. God Bless him and his family. May he rest in peace.


We will always remember in our hearts, John Rosario...

John Rosario and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at a Rosario Family Gathering in Pohnpei

Rosario Family Gathering/Sakau Ceremony in Pohnpei.  Pictured L-R:  Francisco Rosario; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster; Marcus Rosario (seated); Augusta Rosario; and Clara Rosario.  In spirit was Dr. Rivera's great-great grandfather, Ignacio Rosario Tainatongo.  

PIBBA Conference Media Coverage

Press releases on the 35th Annual International PIBBA Conference were published in PDN and The Post. News coverage was provided by The Post and KUAM. The URLs on the coverage are listed below:

The Post Coverage:

*Article titled, “Conference tackles classroom diversity, indigenous language”, URL: www.postguam.com/news/local/conference-tackels-classroom-diversity-indigenous-language/article_13b0a396-2bb7-11e6-a0fc-afa669b6e744.html

*Article titled, “Bilingual conference on Chamorro”, URL: www.postguam.com/news/local/bilingual-conference-on-chamorro/article_4379e810-2d53-11e6-917b-d305dff30fdc.html 

KUAM Coverage:

Story titled, “Conference perpetuates indigenous Pacific languages”, URL: www.kuam.com/story/32150399/2016/06/06/conference-perpetuates-indigenous-pacific-languages

Snapshots of this year's 35th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Guam