The Guam Batik Gallery would like to lend a hand to Guampedia.com who provides such a valuable resource for those who want to learn about Guam from the people of Guam.  Participating in a 10 minute survey will help them know who you are and what you would like to see Guampedia provide in the future.  The link to their survey will take you to the Guampedia site where you can enjoy the unique collection of  information and images provided there.  You can look for your area of interest by category, or by authors, or specifically Judy Flores’ contributions.

Thank you for your help with the Chamorro Language Suvey.  BEGIN SURVEY HERE.

 

 

We hope your celebrations are full of fun and family.  As for the Flores family, we will gather together at the beach with friends and good food.

To share at the family beach gathering, I made some Katdiyu - fried the atulai real crispy so 

even the bones were crunchy, then set them aside. Added green papaya slices, onions and 

greens to quick cook in some of the hot oil, then seasoned with tumeric, sea salt, fresh 

lemon juice. Added thick lechen niyok as a finishing touch and poured it over layers of 

atulai and veggies - mmmm. 

I had a sample first (over hot rice) and now will take it out to the gang at the beach. 

Happy New Year!

si Judy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Guam Batik Gallery Tradition

Dandan I Panduretas

I never knew what Panduretas were until just recently – I just never thought to ask. This song was always sung on the last night of the Nubenan Ninio.

I knew that “Dandan I Panduretas” meant to make a joyful noise. “Panduretas”, it turns out, are pots and pans and other objects with which to beat on and make a joyful noise.

The Nubenan Ninio (nine days of prayer for the Baby Jesus) is always calculated to end on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, or Three Kings (January 6).  So Christmas parties were spread out all over Inalahan village as various families celebrated on any of these days.

On the ending celebrations, a full party meal was usually served, with everyone in the extended family contributing food and helping to prepare it.  Hineksa’ Agaga’ (red rice), barbeque fish, chicken keleguin, fish kelaguin, amotsiyas (chopped chicken with herbs, wrapped in pumpkin leaf), tamales gisu (made with corn meal and bacon, wrapped in banana leaf), galai appan lemmai (breadfruit in coconut milk), titiyas mai’es (corn tortillas), gollai agun suni (chopped taro leaves in coconut milk, lemon and turmeric) and whatever produce and meats that came from the family lanchos.

 

Paketin Christmas

In my childhood in Inalahan, I observed that children didn’t wait for Santa Claus.  Christmas presents came from one’s godparents.

My husband, Juan, talks about visiting his godfather and receiving a rooster as his gift.  He came home very happy, and the rooster probably ended up in a Christmas meal.  He talks about his grandmother, Nan Kolasa, working many months to weave each grandchild a new guafak – sleeping mat – for Christmas. 

In my childhood in the late 1950s one’s godparents often gave them money – a couple of dollars that could buy a lot back then.  “Nginge’ Nina, Na’i Pe’ “ was a saying that meant, “Kiss your godmother, receive money.”

 

We still have wonderful Christmases in Guam, and families still gather together, make their bilens, and celebrate the Nubenan Ninio.

It seems that we have so much more of everything – more parties to prepare and to attend, through work and other social relationships.  The children have more toys to play with, more sports to participate in, and more social and school functions to attend.

Parents buy presents (or give money to) godchildren, plus their own children, plus friends and family.  More of everything has created less time to spend with children to prepare the bilen and celebrate the Nubenan Ninio.

Let’s remember what is really precious from our childhood and make sure that our children experience some of the magic we felt in simple celebrations.

si Judy

This is the last of the Chamorro Christmas memories series.  

Felis Nabidat from the Guam Batik Gallery!

 

 

 

 Hafa Adai,

To promote Guam's unique culture, GVB is pleased to publish a feature story
by Judy Flores, PhD, a professional batik artist, historian, and
folklorist. Please see the attached PDF, Chamorro Storytelling.

Thank you,

*Jessica Peterson
**Media Communications Specialist, Marketing Department

www.visitguam.org

Download Guam Storytelling Here

As a board member and supporter, this art and article was provided to the Guam Visitors Bureau.

Enjoy this downloadable file that you can share with your friends and family, courtesy of GVB.

si Judy

 

 

For anyone who is still looking for that special gift, I thought I’d share this.

 

Guam Batik Gallery is saying goodbye to the large latte pictured here.  We love this decorative glass latte that is painted with the ‘Latte with a View’ design.  It shows colorful island flowers with a view of the ocean behind  Hidden in the tall flora you can find a latte stone.  This is how most latte were originally situated near the ocean, so it’s natural to show one like this, as you might find it today, overgrown with flowers.

The decision hasn’t been made yet as to if or when we might produce another 9″ glass latte like this, but for now we have about 10 left, and I wanted to offer them as a special gift that you can still give this year.  Most places in the US will still get the latte in time for Christmas if you order very soon.  I know there are a few people who have been waiting to get theirs.  This is for you!

 

To all: Enjoy the holiday season.  Share the warmth of Guam with your family and friends, wherever you are.

Saina Maase

si Sandy