Sunday, May 22, 2011

SOCIETY LIFE IN 1935

A DESPEDIDA PARTY FOR BISHOP OLAIZ
hosted by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society
April 25, 1935
Agaña

How did socially connected people on Guam before the war entertain or throw parties?  Here is a good example.

The occasion : the departure of a Spanish bishop who lived on Guam for 20 years.  A "Despedida Party" is a Farewell Party.  From the Spanish word "despedir," "to bid farewell."

Here was that night's programme :

A PIANO OCTET
performed by
Eugenia Robinson
Rosie Underwood
Carmen Underwood
James Underwood

ADDRESS
by James Underwood
President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society

RECITAL
by
Eugenia Robinson
Lagrimas Guerrero
Herbert Johnston
Raymond Underwood

CHAMORRO POEM
"Tayuyute Ham"
(Pray for Us)
by
Teresita Perez

CHAMORRO PLAY
"I Testamenton Ton Luis"
written by Spanish Capuchin Brother (Fray) Jesus

Cast of Characters :

Ton Luis (Herbert Johnston)
Conchita (Rosie Underwood)
Rosario (Lagrimas Guerrero)
Ton Antonio, a lawyer (Raymond Underwood)
Ramona (Candelaria Cruz)

BUTTERFLY DANCE
by Haruko Sawada

SPANISH SONG
"Cantemos el Himno"
sung by Lagrimas Guerrero
Candelaria Cruz
Engracia Sanchez
Rosie Underwood
Carmen Underwood

SPANISH DANCE
by
Rosie Underwood
Carmen Underwood

SPANISH SONG
"La Pilarica"
sung by
Eugenia Robinson
Lagrimas Guerrero

*** Notice the mix of English, Chamorro, Spanish and one Japanese number

*** People still put on original, composed plays in Chamorro

*** Chamorro high society was still attuned to Spanish song and dance

*** The participation of Haruko Sawada is interesting.  The Sawada family was Japanese and during the war they were considered supporters of the new regime.  

*** Lagrimas Guerrero is, I believe, in fact, Lagrimas Leon Guerrero.  "Leon" was sometimes dropped by a few people during Naval govenrment times.

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