My Blog

An inauguration

I was able to attend the inauguration of the new governor of the Commonwealth of North Marianas. Gov. Ben Fitial and Lt. Gov. Tim Villagomez. I saw a simple ceremony but showcase some of the island’s culture. Diginitaries were there like the past and present governor of Guam, President of Palau and Micronesia, RP Senator Mar Roxas and others

The audience listened the to speeches of the incoming officials who set their platforms for their administration. The people of these beautiful islands were eager to learn on how they can lift the slow down in economy.

I was happy to see the optimism of businessmen and the general public for the future.

I was able to bump in to an old acquaintance. Freddie Aguilar who has a large following in CNMI. In fact his song “Anak” was sang in the local dialect of Chamorro.

I am looking forward to a brighter future of CNMI with the new administration.

Pounding on New Year’s Day

This year I got to spend my New Year doing the Japanese
Mochi-Tsuki rice pounding to welcome the
New Year . In

Japan

they usually do the pounding of the rice 2 days before the New Year. Then spend
the New Year day eating the rice cake they made after they pounded it.

Pounding the rice is supposed to bring good luck for you for
the coming year.

You get to wear what they call happy coats supposed to
ensure happiness for you as you get to pound the rice. Our Japanese intern woke
up very early to prepare the mochi. They are very similar to the Filipino
“palitaw” Rei our intern made a variety
of mochi some were sweet with sesame seed and  red beans . Others were more of the main
course type salty with miso . But all were Oishi “delicious”

We had hotel guest there with children joining us in welcoming the New Year. It was soon fun
watching them pounding the rice away between the cheers and laughter.

 I always deeply
appreciate Japanese Culture , Language and food. I never pass a chance of
partaking in such opportunities like this.

Well Happy New Year to all.