Condolences for Jose Cascayan Respicio

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Jose Cascayan Respicio, our PIBBA friend and stepfather of PIBBA Guam President, Juanita Manibusan-Manglona. He left this earth on Sept. 6, 2009, but he will always be remembered. God Bless him and his family. May he rest in peace.

PIBBA International Donation

Pictured above: PIBBA International donated a canopy gift set to the Mayor of Malesso, Ernest Chargualaf, on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Merlyn Cook School. The canopy will be used for various activities held in the village. PIBBA International donated the canopy set in gratitude to Mayor Chargualaf who graciously allowed the association to host its last day of the PIBBA Conference at the Merlyn Cook School in Malesso on June 25, 2009. Pictured L-R front row: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; Julia Shore, PIBBA member; Mye Ganan-Flores, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; and Joseph Mafnas, PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Second row L-R: Antonia Salas, PIBBA Guam Chapter Historian; Mayor Chargualaf; Dr. Jose Q. Cruz, PIBBA International Historian; Teresita Flores, PIBBA International conference steering committee member; and Zander Refilong; PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Back row L-R: Carmen Weaver, PIBBA International conference steering committee member and Dr. Greg Tainatongo, PIBBA International conference steering committee member. Not pictured are PIBBA International President Rosa Salas Palomo; and PIBBA International conference steering committee members Maria Agulto, Maria Cruz, Toni Ramirez, Marie Castro, Carol Cepeda, Peter Onedera, Juanita Manibusan-Manglona, Julie Ulloa-Heath, Jovie Taimanao, Barbara Manibusan, Gene Dydasco, Faye Kaible, Marife Fernandez, and Risa Salas Miguel.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Pictured above: Steering committee members of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) are hard at work during the 28th Annual International PIBBA Conference held June 22-25, 2009 at the University of Guam, Guam Marriott Resort, and Merlyn Cook School in Malesso. The conference theme was “Invigorating Languages and Cultures of the Pacific.”


Hafa Adai, and Happy Labor Day weekend! Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy the Labor Day holiday, since there’s no doubt that many of us have exerted much effort to contribute to the betterment of our island. Our genuine commitment to work hard and wisely should not go unnoticed. Kudos to all of you who sincerely strive to make a difference!

An Interview with PIBBA International President-Elect Cheta Anien

1. What made you join PIBBA?

When I got my job as a Marshallese Language Arts Specialist, PIBBA started to grow in my mind bit by bit. I got involved with PIBBA for the very first time when I went to Kosrae for the 8th Annual PIBBA Conference way back in mid 1988. At this time, Dr. Robert Underwood was the keynote speaker and his speech was so inspiring it got me hooked, and I love my job to this day.


2. How long have you been a member of PIBBA?

I’ve been a member of PIBBA for 21 years, and I feel great for this wonderful opportunity!


3. Has PIBBA made an impact in the Pacific island entities?

I am not sure about the rest of the neighboring entities, but I want to share that RMI started to see the importance of preserving its own culture and language through the same vision and mission shared by PIBBA. To this day, the invigoration of the Marshallese culture and language has been done through many local festivities.


4. Why should others join PIBBA?

I think others should join PIBBA if they want to keep their cultures and languages alive and strong. We, the Pacific people, are seen as special and very unique people in the way we do things differently such as birthday celebrations, burial ceremonies, first born child, respect for the elderly, etc. We need to be together as strong PIBBA families to make PIBBA grow and grow for the sake of our future generations, and they will do likewise.

An Interview with PIBBA CNMI Head Delegation Frances Sablan

1. What made you join PIBBA?

I joined PIBBA initially because of our NMI local members. After participating in the PIBBA Conference in Kosrae in 1999 and experiencing the camaraderie of the PIBBA International members and officers, and the hosting entity, I remained a loyal member.

2. How long have you been a member of PIBBA?

I have been an active member of PIBBA since 1999.

3. Has PIBBA made an impact in the Pacific Island entities?

Yes, through the networking and sharing of best practices, etc.

4. Why should others join PIBBA?

Others should join PIBBA for the reasons I’ve stated in my earlier responses.

5. Are there any other thoughts you wish to share regarding PIBBA?

PIBBA is a very worthwhile organization that not only promotes our cultures and languages, but also friendship and camaraderie. I can now say that I am not just a daughter of the Marianas, but also of Micronesia and the Pacific in general.

Condolences for Past PIBBA President Dr. Rita Hocog Inos

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of our PIBBA friend and past president of PIBBA, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos. God Bless her and her family. May she rest in peace.




Dr. Rita Hocog Inos



Funeral Services:
Memorial Service for Saipan: Saturday 7:30am, followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00am.
Between 7:30am & 10:30 last respects and viewing & series of tributes & resolution presentions and 10:30am Eulogy , acknowledgment & Mass.

Remains will be transported to Rota Sat. afternoon at 2:30pm. Tues. morning at 7:30am viewing and last respects at San Francisco de Borja Church. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial follows immediately at San Jose Cemetary, Rota.

Contact person: Angel S. Hocog, email: angelshocog@yahoo.com, Tel. 483-4164, P.O Bx 5870 CHRB, Saipan, MP 96950, Mwaar Mwaar Ave, Dandan, Saipan

Condolences for PIBBA Family Member Masa-Aki Emesiochl

The PIBBA family extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Masa-Aki Emesiochl and his family on the passing away of their beloved father. We will keep them in our prayers. God bless you all.