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“Divided by the Land, Connected by the Ocean/ Man Apattáo gi Tano’, lao Man Chetton gi Tasi"
Si Yu'os Ma'åse & Thank You to Our Sponsors, Supporters, and Community
The Marianas Festival 2025 would not have been possible without the generosity, partnership, and inafamaolek of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, performers, vendors, resource booths, delegates, committee members, and community members. We are deeply grateful to our major sponsors and partners—Metro, Opus Prize Foundation Grant, Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), CareOregon, NW Natural, and Oregon Department of Human Services APINet—as well as our supporting partners, including The Columbian, Buoy, MultCo Health, Alaska Airlines, Tasi Studio, Portland Cider Co., Polynesian Pride, Taplandia, Crowns, Hoku, Loowit Brewery, Freesen Bakery, Life of Pie, and Heritage High School. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our monetary donors, including FannyLynn Terlaje, Enl Inc., DCA Painting & Construction LLC, NOCVA Washington Chapter, Roberto T. Maanao, Mike & Linhda Prog – A.L.A.S Construction LLC, and Health Share of Oregon. Special recognition goes to Maria Toth for assistance securing a stage, Top Flyte Management for providing security, Eric Reyes for facilitating an incredible workshop and leading the opening ceremony, and Saina Frank Rabon for your presence and support. We celebrate the contributions of our dance groups—Bailadora, Guma'Imahe, Kutturan Mariånas, Imåhen Taotao Tåno, Metgot Manggåfa, Gi Matan Guma—our performers, including Bounce Cruz of ST1reggae, Island Reminyce, Dakota Camacho, JJ Conepcion and Band, Chloe Andre H. Talan ft. Julian & Jeremiah Hofschneider, Cris Cruz, Pete Champaco & the House of Sound, The Guma’ Gela’ Band, Zarpana, Estranghera, Rakhan, and Paul Cruz, as well as our workshop hosts—Roman DelaCruz, Rob Perez, Therese Benavente, Eric Reyes, Angela Paet, Margaret Cayton, Enrique Mesgnon, Jeanette Meno, Doreen Flores, Antoinette Morta, Noel Quitugua, Serene Seng, Bernard Punzalan, and Dakota—and our emcees Brian Bautista, Jerry Herrera, and Fina'dene' Neni & Netty Cee. To all vendors, resource booths, delegates, committee members, and the community, thank you for showing up, sharing your talents, and providing unwavering support and love. We also want to say dunkalo na si yu'us ma'ase to Manhita for helping is with parking. We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you! This festival is a true reflection of inafa'maolek and the enduring spirit of culture, family, and community in the Marianas.
See you at Marianas Festival 2026 – Maila’ Mågi!
Si Yu'os ma'åse' TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS:
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MEDIA SPONSOR:
special thanks to:
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ABOUT MARIANAS FESTIVAL 2025
Social Media
Purchase photos Pulitzer Prize Manny Crisostomo HERE
Photo Credit: Ben De Vries
Learn About Marianas Festival 2025: Culture, Community & Celebration
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The Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders (MÅGI) welcomes you to the second annual Marianas Festival—a celebration of the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of the people of the Marianas! Maila' Mågi!
This is a three-day event! Day 1 is dedicated to hands-on, interactive workshops at Heritage High School. Days 2 & 3 are the main festival, held at Blue Lake Regional Park. This is an outdoor event happening rain or shine!
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WORKSHOP
Friday, August 22, 2025 1 PM – 8 PM
Heritage High School – Heritage High School 7825 NE 130th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682
Free or low-cost
Click HERE to register for workshops
Workshops include Chamorro Dance, Chamorro Sign Language, CHamoru Genealogy, Fanaitai Lisayu yan Nobena, Hinasson Nina’huyong Matao, Håyi Hit - Understanding Chamoru Identity Through Language & Community, I Galaide, Introduction to Slingstone Fundamentals, Lighatúttúr, Marianas Minute, Mwar, Pandanus Bracelet Weaving, Pottery Making, Pursuing Passion Projects, Something to Call Our Own, and Stencils and Templates. Festival Days are Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 2025, and will be held at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview, OR. Saturday, August 23, runs from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, August 24, from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, we encourage everyone to start arriving by 9 AM on Saturday to catch the Opening Ceremony — you do not want to miss this special moment that kicks off our cultural celebration.
On Day 1 – Saturday, August 23, the festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony, followed by performances from Chloe Andre Talan ft. Julian Hofschneider & Jeremiah Hofschneider, Kutturan Mariånas, Imahen Taotao Tano', Guma' Imahe, Cris Cruz, Island Reminyce, Dakota Camacho, Gi Matan Guma', and Estrangeru. The day culminates with the headliner, J.J “The Legend” Concepcion, performing with The One Marianas Band featuring Nadine Concepcion-Reyes, Eric Reyes, Big Jay “The Voice” Selepeo, Angela Paet, and Jye Paet. Additional Saturday highlights include the Fatinåsi Kelaguen Challenge, Marianas Truck Meet, Beer Garden, local vendors, hands-on exhibits, community resources, raffles, and much more.
On Day 2 – Sunday, August 24, performances include RA Khan, Metgot Manggåfa, Bounce Cruz of ST1reggae, Guma' Gela', Paul Cruz, Bailadora, Zarpana, Cris Cruz, and Pete Champaco & the House of Sound. The day also features the return of headliner J.J “The Legend” Concepcion with The One Marianas Band. Sunday’s fun activities include the Marianas 5K & Tropixx Warmup, Beer Garden, cultural exhibits, local vendors, community resources, raffle drawings, and more.This festival is special because it’s not just about one part of our culture — it’s all of it, woven together. From the beat of the drum and the movement of our dances, to the taste of our food, the beauty of our crafts, the depth of our stories, the power of our language, and the creativity of our inspiring local brands — it’s a full-circle experience that feels like a family reunion. Please share this event with your neighbors, friends, and co-workers. This is more than a weekend celebration — it’s a way for others to understand who we are and where we come from. It’s about sharing Chamorro/Refaluwasch culture with the Pacific Northwest and inviting others to witness, learn, and celebrate alongside us.
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NO PETS (neither in vehicle nor on leash). ONLY service animals are allowed in Metro parks, including Blue Lake, under ADA laws. Service animals need to be leashed and under the control of their handler at all times.
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ALCOHOL only in designated beer garden ONLY. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL.
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PARKING PASSES must be displayed by all vehicles. Please bring CASH (exact change) to help with the flow of traffic.
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Personal coolers, pop up tents, tables, food including potluck items and BBQ pits are NOT ALLOWED. There will be plenty of paid vendors with exclusive rights to operate and sell their delicious food.
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Encouraged to bring low back chairs, blankets and small umbrellas.
SATRUDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 10 AM - 6 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2025 10 AM - 5 PM
Blue Lake Park: 21224 NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, OR 97024
Free event. $5.00 parking fee managed by Metro
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FESTIVAL
WORKSHOP
Download HERE
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FESTIVAL LINEUP
Download HERE
INFORMATION BOOTH
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Volunteer check-in
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Vendor check-in
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Entertainment check-in
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Marianas Festival Merch
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Event Information
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Raffle Sales
BEER GARDEN
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Age Restriction: Only individuals of the legal drinking age of 21 years old or older can enter the beer garden.
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No Outside Alcohol: Customers are not allowed to bring their own alcohol into the beer garden. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the venue.
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Responsible Drinking: Customers are expected to drink responsibly and not engage in excessive or disruptive behavior. Intoxicated individuals may be refused service or asked to leave.
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No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in the beer garden to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
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Respect for Others: Customers are expected to be respectful towards staff and other patrons. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence will not be tolerated.
PARKING
There is a vehicle fee of $5 per motorized vehicle and $7 per bus on all days. No exceptions. Price: $5. To help with the flow of traffic we ask for attendees to bring exact change.
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21224 NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, OR 97024
WESTPAC TOUR PRE-PARTY
The WESTPAC Tour is back in the PNW. Join us and Crowns Guam on August 21, 2025 at Georgie's Garage and Grill for a special pre-party + merch pick-up night leading up to the Marianas Festival!
Live acoustic vibes from special guests
Get your tickets: https://crownsguam.com/.../crowns-presents-marianas...
GEORGIE´S GARAGE AND GRILL
606 Broadway Street in Vancouver, WA
August 21, 2025
Doors open at 7PM
MARIANAS 5k
Get Ready to Run/Walk at the 1st Annual Famokkat/Falågu Marianas 5K!
We’re excited to announce a brand new, family-friendly event joining us on Day 3 (Sunday, August 24, 2025) of the Marianas Festival the 1st Annual "Famokkat/Falågu" Marianas 5K!
For the first time ever, The Learn Chamorro Project Inc. (a non-profit based out of Guam) is partnering with MÅGI (Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders) to bring a LIVE + Virtual family-fun run/walk right here to Oregon.
And to get you warmed up and ready, Natibu Tropixx with Coach Ria will be leading a 45-minute cultural dance fitness warmup prior to the 5K! It's more than just a run; it's a fundraising effort to support our collective missions of promoting health, fitness, and the inafa' maolek spirit.
Don't miss out on this chance to be active, support a great cause, and enjoy the festival! Register online today at Marianas5K.com.
Together we shall thrive. Community over competition. Please share this with your family and friends.
Fatinåsi Kelaguen Challenge
You know that one auntie/uncle/cousin who says they make the BEST kelaguen? Well, it’s time to put those claims to the test!
We’re bringing the heat with the Fatinåsi Kelaguen Challenge at this year’s Marianas Festival! This isn’t just about food; it’s about pride, tradition, and showing off those kitchen skills passed down through generations.
When:
Saturday, August 23rd
Time: Competition & Judging starts at 11:00 AM
Where: Marianas Festival @ Blue Lake Regional Park, Fairview, OR
Rules:
Key Dates:
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Competitor Meeting: Friday, August 22 at 5:30 PM | Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA or via zoom. Meet Chef Peter Dueñas and review rules, registration, and draw your blind judging number.
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Competition Day: Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 AM | Blue Lake Regional Park, Fairview, OR
Got that perfect balance of lemon, pepper, and onion? That secret ingredient no one knows about? Win awesome prizes and earn serious bragging rights.
Ready to show us what you got? Sign up by August 22nd! Space is limited so chop-chop! 🔗 https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/fatinasi-kelaguen
Kelaguen Competition Rules and Conditions of Entry Competitors to produce 2 plates each. 1 x display plate; 1 x judging plate for each category. Competitor Criteria: Individual or team, open to anyone and everyone. Entry items must be prepared and ready for plating prior to competition start times. Food items must be stored in proper holding temperatures until your allotted plating time slot. For example: Kelaguens may be stored in Ziploc bags and covered in ice inside of coolers. All garnishes must also be stored in proper temperatures. Any food NOT kept in proper holding temperatures may be subject to disqualification. The menu item will consist of: Kelaguen served cold. Competitor Entries will be submitted in 5-minute intervals and order of submission/time slot will be drawn by each competitor or team member during the competition briefing on August 22nd. All competitors will use the same unidentifiable plates/containers which will be provided by the venue host. Entries will be plated in the competition arena, during allotted time slots, while following all sanitary requirements and regulations. Judging will be blind so all judges will not be able to see any of the competitors or plating. A team of assistants will be ready to deliver entry plates to the judges, at a separate judging location. Each entry will be judged under the following guidelines and point allocation: Presentation – 10 points Taste – 90 points Highest points – Top Prize 2nd place – Prize 3 rd place - Prize
MARIANAS CAR MEET
No Pressure. No Sponsors. Just Pride.
This year’s Marianas Festival Car Meet is more than just cars — it’s a tribute to a time and feeling many of us grew up with.
Back when nights at Paseo meant rolling deep, windows down, music up. Stopping at red lights, checking out the lowrider next to you. That era lives in us — and now we get to share it.
Let’s bring that feeling to the PNW. Let’s show our community — especially those who never got to experience it — what that pride looks like. What that story sounds like.
Stroll up. Show your ride. Bring your project, your daily, your beast, or your beauty. Park it. Talk story. Walk around. Catch a vibe.
No judges. No entry fees. No sponsors. No pressure. This one’s for the culture.
Marianas Festival Car Meet Details:
📍 21224 NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, Oregon
📅 Saturday, August 23
🕙 Roll-up time: 10:00 AM
👉🏽 All builds welcome.
Event Info & Rules:
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$5.00 park entrance fee — collected and regulated by park officials
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Parking is in the car meet area — parking attendants will direct you upon arrival
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No additional charge for parking in the show area
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No burnouts
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No speeding
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Personal coolers, pop up tents, tables, food including potluck items and BBQ pits are NOT ALLOWED. There will be plenty of paid vendors with exclusive rights to operate and sell their delicious food.
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No drinking in the parking lot (designated beer garden only)
RAFFLE TICKETS
Purchase HERE
Honoring Our Manåmko of the Year
Honoring Our Manåmko of the Year- Rosa Atoigue Cruz
Marianas Festival
It is with deep pride and reverence that we honor Auntie Rosa Atoigue Cruz Hilgeman as the Manåmko of the Year for this year's Marianas Festival. A proud Chamorro woman—pure blooded and deeply rooted in the island of Guam—Auntie Rosa embodies the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of our people.
Born on March 2, 1935, and raised on the beautiful island of Guam, Auntie Rosa’s life has been a living testament to the endurance of the Chamorro culture, language, and faith. As a young girl, she lived through one of the most traumatic periods in our island's history—World War II and the Japanese occupation. At just 6 years old, she bore witness to the bombing of Guam on December 8, 1941. She was with her older sister and father in Hagåtña, on their way to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, when the sirens rang out and chaos unfolded.
Forced to flee, her family sought refuge at their ranch in Songsong, only to be displaced again when Japanese soldiers commandeered their home. Auntie Rosa and her family endured relocation to Maga, and later, imprisonment in the Manenggon Concentration Camp—a painful chapter that many of our island's survivors still carry in their hearts. She recalls owning only two sets of dresses—one for church, one for home—and no shoes, a simple yet powerful reminder of the hardship Chamorros faced during the war.
After the U.S. liberation in 1944, Auntie Rosa and her family were relocated to Bradley Camp in Asan, where they slowly began the process of rebuilding their lives and reclaiming their home and dignity.
Auntie Rosa attended Price Elementary and graduated from George Washington High School in 1954. With ambition and compassion, she moved to South Dakota to pursue a career in nursing. She enrolled in the Presentation School of Nursing, a Catholic college, and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1957.
She practiced as an RN until the birth of her first son, Joseph, in 1959. Auntie Rosa then chose to dedicate her life to being a full-time mother—raising eight boys and nurturing a strong, values-centered family. Today, she is the proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren.
Auntie Rosa married Navy Veteran John Allen Hilgeman, and together they were stationed in:
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Massachusetts
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Tennessee
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California
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Guam
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Washington
Her husband retired from the Navy in 1974 at his final duty station in San Diego, California, where Auntie Rosa continues to reside.
Auntie Rosa’s unwavering faith has been a guiding light throughout her life. She began working for Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in 1973 and dedicated 52 years of service before retiring in August 2025. Her devotion to the Church and to her Catholic faith is a cornerstone of her identity and service to the community.
Her hobbies include traveling, and throughout her life, she has remained connected to her roots while embracing the broader world.
Auntie Rosa’s story is not just one of survival—it is one of dignity, cultural pride, and quiet strength. Her voice, her memory, and her legacy remind us of the sacrifices made by our manåmko so that future generations could live in freedom and peace.
Today, we stand in celebration of her life, her history, and her enduring love for Guam and her Chamorro heritage.
Thank you, Auntie Rosa Atoigue Cruz Hilgeman, for preserving the stories of our past and showing us the strength of the Chamorro spirit.
Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, and congratulations on being our Manåmko of the Year.
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VENDOR MAP
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