m>>>
TO RETURN
TO A DIRECTORY, CLICK ONE OF THE CATEGORIES AT LEFT <<<
>>> IF THERE IS A PHOTO,
CLICK IT FOR A BIGGER VERSION <<<
[PRESS RELEASE] -- The Republic of Korea Samoa Association (ROKSA) in conjunction with Equal Opportunity (EO), Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and four other Asian Pacific communities planned and coordinated the kick-off celebration in observance of the "Asian Pacific American Heritage Month," May 6, 2006, in Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK). This is in line with the Joint Resolution signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 2, 1978 that marked the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week celebration. This was extended to a month long celebration when President George Bush signed the law in 1992, designating the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
The theme for this year's celebration is "Dreams and Challenges for Asian Pacific Americans."
Representatives from ROKSA, Filipino, Korean, Hawaiian and Guamanian communities came together to plan the Area ll kick-off celebration. According to CSM Tuileama Nua, this is the first year that Area II has committed a whole day for the event and will definitely be the "standard" to follow for coming years. This was echoed by COL Yanger, from Guam, when he emphasized that it is up to Asian communities and Pacific Islanders in the ROK to build upon the success of this year's celebration.
The program started with the reading of the proclamation by the EO NCOIC, MSG McClure, Area ll EO Advisor, followed with opening remarks by COL Stephens, Ronald, Area ll Commander.
According to COL Stevens, "the ceremony is dedicated to the commemoration of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have contributed so much to our Nation and our American culture." This was followed by the singing of the National Anthems (ROK and USA) by CPL Park Joung and the invocation by Chaplain Kerr.
Despite the inclement weather, spirits were not dampened and the pride diplayed by ROKSA and all participating communities in promoting their respective cultures remained high throughout the festivities. Armed Forces Network Korea hosted a one hour talk show with all representatives involved in this event. ROKSA President, MAJOR Tauapai Laupola shared the humble beginnings of ROKSA and its mission to provide a "home away from home" as well as to promote "faasamoa, the Samoan way of life" amongst Samoans and their friends. He further commented on ROKSA plans for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. It has always been a pleasure to promote and perpetuate the "faasamoa."
During the talk show, a lot of interest was focused on how Samoans prepare and cook the pig. Many who witnessed it came away with an appreciation of how much preparation goes into the making of this Samoan delicacy. In addition to the pig, the women of ROKSA prepared sapasui, sua fa'i and luau pisupo for the event. Major Laupola acknowledged them for choreographing the beautiful dances that were enjoyed by all who were at the event. They are Jackie Taua Gibbons, Anita Nua, Matalena Roberts, Sue Feliciano, Shelly Mata'utia and Sue Sapatu. He further praised the dedication of the ROKSA men to include SFC Suiaunoa Sapatu (RET) who spearheaded the cooking of the pig, faalifu talo ma fa'i, and faiai pilikaki. SFC Sapatu (RET) was assisted by CW01 Samitioata Roberts, CSM Tuileama Nua, CSM Tom Bruce (RET) SFC Faresa Tuuao (RET), 1SG Martin Mata'utia (RET), SFC Barry Feliciano (RET) and SPC Punefuolemotu Aiumu. Although ROKSA has experienced a shortfall in manpower during this event due to families relocating out of Korea in the last year with no immediate replacements, the remaining personnel were still able to pull together to prepare and cook the food, setup display tables and provide top-notch entertainment dancing for the this celebration.
Several martial arts groups and musical performances entertained the audience while they filed to view cultural displays and food sampling. The pig, faiai pilikaki and the luau pisupo were amongst the favorite dishes of the day. The last part of the celebration was the entertainment. The performance by ROKSA electrified the audience who responded with an explosive enthusiasm as the Samoan dancers entertained them with their upbeat songs and dances. ROKSA opened with a "sasa", followed by dances from the islands of Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. Dazzling the audience with their bright and colorful uniforms and fast-beat songs, the crowd roared with applause as each dance number was completed. A finale "taualuga"performed by Ms. Anna Theresa Fuafanua "Tita" Laupola placed the finishing touches for another successful ROKSA event.
The ROKSA board and supporting members wish to thank the young dancers for their energy and time spent in weekly practices producing yet another successful event in the name of ROKSA. The ROKSA dancers are: Girls: Gabby Matautia, Julie Suafo'aMurray, Meraiah Tueli, KellyWhite, Kehau Feliciano, Silia Sefo, Tima Sua, AnnaTheresa (Tita) Fuafanua Laupola, Georgina (Toti) Ipuniuesea Laupola, Athenia (Peti) Aitio Laupola, and Lindsey Salamasina Tanina Laupola; Boys: Dylan Bruce, Kawika Feliciano, Thomas Gibbons, Safune Gibbons, Keanu Nua, Samitioata Roberts, Punefuolemotu Aiumu and Faresa Tuuao.
Osini Faleatasi, Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.
>>> TO RETURN TO A DIRECTORY, CLICK ONE OF THE CATEGORIES AT LEFT <<<