27 thoughts on “Killeen, TX 2010 Liberation In Central Texas”

1. Why or what are we paying for $15.00? What is the menu? Where is the schedule of events? We’ve never had to pay for the Guam Liberation here in Central texas. Why now? I heard there is another Guam Liberation being held at the lake and it’s potlock. It’s always been like that since we’ve been here (1990). I think the people who are chairing this have no idea on what they are doing and shouldn’t be chairing any other events for the Chamorro Association in the near future. Good luck on getting the Chamorro Community in Central Texas to participate on this event. I know by rumors the majority of the Chamorro’s will be at the lake.

   Speaking for the Chamoru’s of Central Texas….

2. I second that comment from Texas Chamoru…. I think the people coordinating or chairing the Guam Liberation here in Central Texas have no clue on what they are doing. They are unorganized and most of all I think they forgot where they came from. In Guam we don’t charge to celebrate Guam Liberation.. In the past we never did this here in Central Texas. Why now? Why fix something which wasn’t broke. It doesn’t need fixing. We’ve been doing this for so long why change. I don’t think Ed Topasna & Lorrain Sanchez with there crew have a clue on what they are doing to our Chamorro Comunity here in Central Texas. I to and the majority of the Chamorro’s here in Central Texas and those coming to visit from out of state will be atttending the Guam Liberation at the lake. I hope this people charging Chamorro’s to go to the Guam Liberation make back the Chamorro Associations money that they worked hard and sacrificed for. It’s just money being wasted away.

3. Yes, though it is unfortunate that the Chamorro Association of Central Texas is hosting its first fee-based Liberation gathering when all prior years were pot-luck with a byo drinks, but the purpose of the funds is to build a permanent structure for our ever-growing Chamorro community here in Texas. I have had a discussion with several of the founders for the association and I found out that one of our own people actually stole a large sum of money that was supposed to be used for the building. We don’t have enough monetary or group support to raise funds like this.

   This building is going to be used to host future Liberation functions, cultural performances and practices, Organization meetings, host religious functions, provide a youth center for various athletic or educational activities, and be home to our cultural artifacts in recognition of our ancestral roots.

4. I disagree with the 2 previous comments. There’s always 2 sides to a story.

   In the past, you were technically charged because you had to contribute $25 whether you were single or not, in addition bring side dish + dessert + drinks. Then it was open to the public for free so there were numerous people that did not bring anything and were the first ones in line. On top of that, you had the same people busting their behind to cook and work.

   It’s not going to hurt the Chamorro community to try something different for a change. It’s about time that someone stepped up and decided to chair the liberation differently. People are actually going to relax, enjoy and understand what was the Guam Liberation about.

   As far as the lake, you can go to the lake any other day and you can potluck at any other parties. The Liberation should be treated differently.

   So, a question for the main person having it at the lake, why are you asking people to potluck, bring your canopy, drinks, etc? Why aren’t you supplying all that for the Chamorro’s?

5. It’s okay to charge a small amount especially when it covers food, drinks, entertainment and cultural dancing. Nothing wrong with it.

6. Well.. if thats the case why is it that people who are purcahsing tickets are mostly outsiders.. not Chamorro’s. Check your head count again. Texamanian for your concern we never heard of this funds being used for any building. Why wasn’t this ever brought up in the monthly meetings. I’ll bet next years Liberation won’t be disfunctional as it is for this year 2010. Question for another central tx chamorro you make it sound like your using your money to supply the goods for this Liberation don’t forget it’s the Chamorro Associations money not yours. I wonder what the real deal is. All in all at the end it will prevail. Good luck!!!

7. In reply to “another central tx chamorro”, first of all, the group that are hosting the Killeen Liberation at the Lake is conducting the celebration as it should be, as a Chamorro Association UNITED… Since when was Liberation about ONE person? And when was there a LAW how the Liberation Day Commemoration be celebrated? And why should ONLY ONE person have to resort to the ideology our heritage and culture were founded on…

   Someone said, “Hey, I’m going down to the Lake with BBQ and Entertainment to commemorate the liberation of our island, wanna join?” They RECOMMEND you bring your own drinks, chairs, and canopy to give people CHOICE. It’s a picnic area, set up where you please, watch the entertainment, join the raffle if you want, dance to the music they provide, but they don’t dictate, isolate, or alienate anyone who want to come down and bring their dish, drink, canopy, and chairs. They had never stated that you MUST bring it… If you come empty-handed, hey, sit on the ground, sit on the benches under the pavilion… who cares? Just come.

   To “island redneck”, from my sources, this topic had always been a primary issue, however, because of all the typical chamorro drama, the issue gets sidetracked and forgotten, no one speak of the real important issues, all they talk about is how they want things run. There are too many chiefs and not enough indians.

   This Association is in serious need of leadership reorganization and they have to focus on suspicious and ambiguous action and decision-making as well as remember where they came from. Enough politics… Na Mandañahit!

8. Many members of the Chamorro Association of Central Texas invites all Guamanians and their guests to Dana’s Peak in Belton to commemorate Guam’s Liberation Day. Bring a dish, your lounge chairs, drinks, coolers, and canopy if you so desire. There is no fee except a small per-car-fee at the entrance of the park which is controlled by Park Officials. The Nobenan I Fatima will be said at 10:00 a.m. There will be music by Island Jamz and performances done by Baila Pacifica.

   Contact:
   John Santos 254-371-2155
   Zina Sarrosa 254-200-0029 or 254-371-9506

9. Hafa Adai! Correction made, Poly-Mic will be performing as well as Baila Pacifica.

   Thank you, hope to see ya’ll there 🙂

10. Buenas yan Hafa Adai…..
    This is so sad that the Chamorros in Central Texas cannot unite!!! I think it has to be mentioned that the most single important thing we all share in common is that we are celebrating our LIBERATION OF GUAHAN!!!! We all need to remember and never forget what our elders, relatives and family members did for our freedom during the Japanese Occupation WWII of Guahan(Guam)!!! It needs to be reminded I guess! Our ancestors…the survivors of the occupation would be angered over this childplay!!!! It makes me sick to see what is going on here in Central TX! There needs to be a compromise some how! Instead of this bickering among each other who has the better one and so on…every one needs to have a common ground!!! I am proud of what they did for our freedom…our chamorro heritage, our culture, being americans …a PROUD CHAMORRO AND AMERICAN at that! As of right now this is an embarrassment to our chamorro culture and Central TX Chamorros who reside here and who are not apart of this silliness! To my Chamorro brothers and sisters…please I beg you all, lets have common ground here and a compromise!!! Let us show everyone our Chamorro true spirit, our beauiful culture and heritage, REMEMBERING THE SUFFERINGS, HEROISM AND LIVES LOST OF ALL THOSE WHO WERE THERE AND THE LIBERATION OF OUR ISLAND SO WE MAY HAVE OUR FREEDOM TODAY!!! REMEMBER!!!!!!! We all need to focus on the Liberation of Guam at hand…not how it is run, not the event venue, and the negativity of gossip spread around the Chamorro Community! It is not a Fiesta…It is a CELEBRATION OF BEING LIBEBRATED AND REMBERANCE OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED, DIED,AND TORTURED TO REGAIN OUR FREEDOM!!!!!!

11. Buenas yan Hafa Adai…..
    This is so sad that the Chamorros in Central Texas cannot unite!!! I think it has to be mentioned that the most single important thing we all share in common is that we are celebrating our LIBERATION OF GUAHAN!!!! We all need to remember and never forget what our elders, relatives and family members did for our freedom during the Japanese Occupation WWII of Guahan(Guam)!!! It needs to be reminded I guess! Our ancestors…the survivors of the occupation would be angered over this childplay!!!! It makes me sick to see what is going on here in Central TX! There needs to be a compromise some how! Instead of this bickering among each other who has the better one and so on…every one needs to have a common ground!!! I am proud of what they did for our freedom…our chamorro heritage, our culture, being americans …a PROUD CHAMORRO AND AMERICAN at that! As of right now this is an embarrassment to our chamorro culture and Central TX Chamorros who reside here and who are not apart of this silliness! To my Chamorro brothers and sisters…please I beg you all, lets have common ground here and a compromise!!! Let us show everyone our Chamorro true spirit, our beauiful culture and heritage, REMEMBERING THE SUFFERINGS, HEROISM AND LIVES LOST OF ALL THOSE WHO WERE THERE AND THE LIBERATION OF OUR ISLAND SO WE MAY HAVE OUR FREEDOM TODAY!!! REMEMBER!!!!!!! We all need to focus on the Liberation of Guam at hand…not how it is run, not the event venue, and the negativity of gossip spread around the Chamorro Community! It is not a Fiesta…It is a CELEBRATION OF BEING LIBEBRATED AND REMBERANCE OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED, DIED,AND TORTURED TO REGAIN OUR FREEDOM!!!!!!

12. I agree that the Killeen Civic and Convention Center should be used for the Liberation celebration as in the past it has been held at the Copperas Cove Civic Center which last year was excrutiatingly hot! It was cramped, the lines were long, and there was basically no where to sit. I had to sit in my vehicle to eat my food. I am not saying that it was unorganized, it’s just that our community has grown and folks from all over are willing to participate in the event which is fantastic as it is a way for us to reach out to our fellow Chamorros. Although there is a fee I believe there should be, many folks invite their neighbors, friends, and co-workers to the event which in turn adds up to the numerous folks that have to be fed with no profit to the organization to fund any other events they would like to host for the community.

13. My children attended last years for the first time and had a grand time. They live in different parts of the country and flew in for this event. They want to come again and I will be happy to pay their way there and to pay the fee to help defray some of the costs of putting this event. Kudos to all that are involved in the planning and organizing of this big event. God bless you all.
    Regina Champaco Aflleje Zagurskie
    138 South 12th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042

14. I cannot agree more with Islan Guahan. It is a CELEBRATION OF BEING LIBEBRATED AND REMBERING THOSE WHO SUFFERED, DIED,AND TORTURED TO REGAIN OUR FREEDOM!!!!!! The same freedom we so enjoy today to be able to decide and choose which venue we attend, free or fee?

15. Since 2003, my family and I have attended several Guamanian Liberation events such as: Long Branch Park in Killeen, Copperas Cove Civic Center and San Antonio Military Park. Traditionally, this much celebrated event is usually held in an outdoor environment. Over the years, the population of attendees has grown significantly.
    As an attendee of the Long Branch celebration, the hot weather was unbearable, multiple electric fans were necessary to beat the horrendous mid-afternoon heat. Our children could not play in the playground; many families had to resort to eating in their vehicles, while others sat underneath the smoldering sun – regardless if they brought their canopies, coolers and lawn chairs! Trying to beat the heat was far more engaging than enjoying our families and festivities. Subsequently, the celebrations at the Copperas Cove Civic Center were also poor in quality and far from comfort to enjoy the food and entertainment. The quality of air ventilation was horrible, the bathrooms were filthy and like Long Branch Park – it was excessively hot. Many people who traveled from hours away to only leave disappointed – because of the same reason mentioned as above – they were forced to leave earlier than expected due to the obvious!
    With that said, the time for change is needed now more than ever – it is time to pass the torch to the next generation to take on the responsibility of this tradition to provide what the Guamanian community deserves – a comfortable environment and a memorable celebration. The flies, fat dancers, no more food, excruciating heat, rancid smell of human sweat and the same poor entertainment year after year – is the thing of past!!!
    All those who oppose the efforts and organization of the holding 2010 celebration at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center should accept this as positive change and move forward.

16. Hafa Adai. When is the celebration at the lake? Anybody? Thanks.

17. I strongly agree w/ Texamanian. Let’s look at it this way, how is the celebration on Guam conducted? Everyone gathers at the parade route (Marine Dr., Agana) and each family or group has their own little function within the main event, the parade. I see the celebration at the lake to be patterned this way, and it’s a good idea. People do get to mingle. While walking around, there’s likely a group or family inviting you to join them, THE GOOD OLD CHAMORRO WAY! I’m not saying people should CRASH the events, but we should give our fellow Chamorros some credit. If they can help contribute, that is greatly appreciated. If they can’t, they are not turned away. Don’t forget the true Chamorro Spirit and Island Pride. Offer from you hearts with no strings attatched!

18. There really is no wrong or right way to celebrate Liberation. Whether it’s outdoors or inside an air-conditioned facility, do not loose site of why it is being celebrated. The final day of the Liberation festivities is celebrated in Guam on Marine Drive with a Parade. However, previous to this day, at least one formal event takes place at one of Guam’s prestigious hotel banquet rooms. There we commemorate our fallen and survivors the same. We remember why we are able to sit around with a diverse community to celebrate with them this great occasion. So whether you are white, black, filipino or any ethnic origin, race or color, we invite you all to celebrate with us. This is how it is celebrated on Guam. So on July 10th whether you are at the lake beating the heat or sitting comfortable in an airconditioned facility, “Munga malefa hafa tai’manu na gaige hao guenao”!

19. I totally agree with Texamanian, but I’m still attending both. Going to the Fatima and eat a little at the Lake than conclude the rest of my day chilling indoor at the Civic Center. A lot of us saw the flyer that was published on the Kuam news/Net. I truly believe there were other entertainments or two other groups that are suppose to be performed as well. I really feel bad for these other groups, the names of their dance groups are not even mentioned. If I were the other groups, I wouldn’t even waste my time. This is strictly bad business…its all about this Baila Pacifica and their ways of doing things. And my question to you Texamanian..you all know this local group ‘POLYMIC’ has been around for many years and took a huge part in participating Liberation…Why in the world you did not include them in your event at Civic Center? They might rather join you than this one at the Lake. Hey… its never too late to ask them now that their groups name is not on the Baila Pacific’s owner’s flyer. These people invited PolyMic to entertain at the Lake for free… and didn’t even have a chance to put their name on their flyer? What about the group that are driving all the way from San Antonio? Its ashame and very selfish!!:( Think about it.. Its not about you all, its about Guam’s Liberation Day and why we are celebrating this event. You all totally forgot why we celebrate Liberation. Hope and Pray next year is not as drama as this year. Good Luck to both!

20. First of all, everyone needs to UNDERSTAND the true meaning of the “Guam Liberation” and stop all this nonsense. We are ONE UNITED and so few at that so we need to all get along and stop acting like teenagers. And “TRUE CHAMORRO’S” would NOT schedule an event on the same day, they would be considerate of the other party. And the lake is not by reservations, it’s a first come first serve basis,$70 for the pavillion so get the story right before telling lies so you don’t get caught.
    And please stop bad mouthing the Chamorro Association of Central Texas,the idea was brought to the table voted by members and majority ruled. Usually us devoted members spend easily $200 each towards the Liberation to provide meat,side dishes,drinks and door prizes not to mention hours spent setting up before and cleaning up after and working the tables the entire day.And it’s usually the same people every year. There is nothing wrong with change, learn to adapt.And learn to support eachother.
    My understanding is the Vice President of the Association John Santos is not supporting the Association’s Liberation this year and deceided to support the one at the lake. He needs to read the Constitution, he was sworn -in, so either be a man and resign or get the boot, because you have failed to uphold your duty as a Vice President and what you are doing is against the Constitution.

21. I think this is a great idea because..yes even though some people think its crazy that we have to pay..think about it..its open to the public but yet a lot of people don’t bring any and the people that do fork out money so either way someones paying and if your talking crap its because your probably one of those who don’t contribute. So stop complaining !! As for those who think its a good idea..HEY ITS IN AC!! Who the heck is going to complain about that!

22. Hafa Adai,

    I would like to report that I attended both events and my family and I supported both events because although there were two different venues, we support the Chamoru community regardless of whatever difference of opinion. BOTH events were enormously successful. I saw many people who attended both events. It just shows how united we really are. Not everyone could fit in the Civic Center so in a way, the lake celebration was a Godsend to handle the overflow. I feel it was great to have a choice of venue since not everyone could agree on a single venue. Having a choice is never a bad thing. I only heard of this website after it was mentioned to me that some people believe that I had posted here before and the comments had made people upset. The comments that was mentioned was the one posted by Mungga Maleffa. Let me just say that I never post anonymously. Whenever I have something to say I put my name because I will never say anything that I won’t stand behind. The other thing about Mungga Maleffa’s comments is that the Chamoru part doesn’t make sense. I’m a stickler for the Chamoru language and I would not have written that. On the English part, the comments were pretty nuetral so I don’t see why anyone would be upset.

    What I will say is that being a nuetral party, I saw both sides getting upset at the other side, but let me tell you, there is only one side, the Chamoru side and regardless if you were at the lake or the civic center or at both, then good for you because you came out to commemorate Guam’s sacrifice, freedom, and way of life. I will restate what I have told everyone, I don’t take sides and if a groups asks for my support, I will give it. Both groups asked for our support in different ways and we gave our support. I will personally say Thank you to everyone who supported either event or both. Biba Chamoru!!!

23. I just wanted to thank you all for bringing the reason why we celebrate the 21 July. I have attended other celebrations with no real understanding as to why we celebrate this day. My daughters now are aware of why this is a celebration. Let’s rejoice that our heritage continues and for generations to come. There will always be petty disagreeance, but on this day we should be united. This day I felt what my mother has felt and will always be remembered for she rarely spoke about the occupation. Yes we move forward, we must, but also my Family and I will always remember. Thank you for such a great celebration all of you. Also, having the Majors to proclaim the 21st as the Guam Liberation Day is outstanding. Preserve our culture.

24. CHAMORITTA………….CHAMORITTA……CHAMORITTA…….

    You have the right to say whatever you want BUT IF you want to talk crap on Baila Pacifica, DO IT WITH THE FACTS! I or Baila Pacifica did not make the flyer and the flyer was made before I asked the other 2 groups to perform. I could’ve been “SELFISH” as you say I am, to not include any damn group but my own. I wasn’t like the chair persons for the liberation at the civic center that ONLY invited ONE group! When I found out that the Chamorro Dance group was the ONLY group invited to dance at the Civic Center that is when I decided to make it a point to invite Poly-Mic and Mariana Pride dancers (that I recently met at a fiesta prior to) Since you were there at the lake I’m sure you heard Kathy, owner of Poly-Mic thank ME AND BAILA PACIFICA FOR HAVING THEM THERE RIGHT BEFORE THEY STARTED THEIR SHOW, also after the Mariana Pride Dancers completed their show, Rebecca, the owner of the group, thanked ME for inviting them too. IF they don’t have a problem, I don’t understand why you DO! SOOOOOOOOO…..Keep hating, stand on the sidelines (anonymously), and watch what I do, OBVIOUSLY I’m interesting 🙂

25. To all the dance groups that performed for Liberation at both venues did a spectacular awesome job!!!! Kudos to everyone!!!! I believe all the dance groups are not at fault…but in the middle of all this. The Chamorro dance group did an excellent job perpetuating their culture and heritage through song and dance. The skits were excellent as well as the dances. They touched the hearts of the crowd and made some cry. It touched me and gave me goosebumps!!! Maybe next year representatives from each dance group can unite to do one large showcase of the culture and do their expertise dances in one large show. I was a dancer once and we respected each and every dancers of each group…infact…we exchanged cultures through song and dances from the area they are from in different workshops. We all worked together and taught each other our different culture. I hope next year we can all unite as one somehow! Come to some common ground! Show our true Chamorro Spirit!!!! Both venues have their point taken well… and both successful. Instead of saying one was better than the other, or who is better…let’s us all put our energy into one for next year to make it spectacular!

26. WAKE UP CHAMORRO’S This is the reason we can never be respected admired and remember for who the people of Guam represent instead we care more for who can be better at any given task. I am a Chamorro and as I scroll down and read comments left by other Chamorro’s makes me so disgusted and ashamed! We celebrate Liberation for what it defines our FREEDOM but you make it look like we the people of Guam cannot, will not, and don’t not know how to unite as one. Instead we do what know best we become HYPOCRITES Instead of having blessings for one another we try to compete with each other. Who cares that MA is always the last to enter an event cause he or she loves to make a grand entrance, who cares that FP is the one person you do not talk to, her gossip must be really gold, who cares that LC is a widow still beautiful and is threat that she steal your husband, and most importantly who cares that JB doesn’t give anyone a glimpse as to what his or her life is all about? I tell you who! We Chamorro’s and at the same token we defend the very thing that we represent our island! We will never be respected in the Chamorro community because of comments like this…Shameful

27. Hey! Maybe if we all talk to Ryan Seacrest, he’ll produce a reality show with all of us as the stars… 😉