tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80091974670030547862024-03-14T00:36:02.251-07:00Friends of the Mariana IslandsFriends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) ay isang samahang na nangunguna sa pagtulong sa Kommunidad dito sa isla nang Saipan Beautify CNMI!Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-75486154114456008782011-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:002011-03-10T02:07:13.892-08:002010 FMI Accomplishment Project funded by Mobil<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVlJ88aFrF4/TXiic2_l-wI/AAAAAAAACt8/0adwQnTAzBU/s1600/DSC08942.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582390354808011522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVlJ88aFrF4/TXiic2_l-wI/AAAAAAAACt8/0adwQnTAzBU/s400/DSC08942.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIZGceodnl0/TXifc9Ue7GI/AAAAAAAACt0/KmAZHszkG04/s1600/Disney%2BLand%2B2010%2B050.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7QxeSbFfAg/TXicaDKpWqI/AAAAAAAACts/EMvikvjQ9TY/s1600/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582383709466221218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7QxeSbFfAg/TXicaDKpWqI/AAAAAAAACts/EMvikvjQ9TY/s400/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FDzcx6NT3s/TXiaJPi0GFI/AAAAAAAACtk/12qqc8VclvY/s1600/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582381221707782226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FDzcx6NT3s/TXiaJPi0GFI/AAAAAAAACtk/12qqc8VclvY/s400/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhdG_Ww7FL0/TXiXtHfkmMI/AAAAAAAACtc/yc1NJR_YcBA/s1600/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582378539487107266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhdG_Ww7FL0/TXiXtHfkmMI/AAAAAAAACtc/yc1NJR_YcBA/s400/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B079.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FigYL6KX6sA/TXiUd1Yvf7I/AAAAAAAACtU/cj6ncWr2OL4/s1600/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582374978393702322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FigYL6KX6sA/TXiUd1Yvf7I/AAAAAAAACtU/cj6ncWr2OL4/s400/Sunday%2BFMI%2BMOBIL%2Bcleanup%2B5-30-10%2B005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-73120565153169212512011-03-07T02:40:00.000-08:002011-03-07T04:25:45.744-08:002010 FMI Accomplishment Project<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVgkUJm7meo/TXTFPDgXDAI/AAAAAAAACtM/Y6vnfSeiq_8/s1600/DSC08835%2B-%2BCopy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581302700648631298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVgkUJm7meo/TXTFPDgXDAI/AAAAAAAACtM/Y6vnfSeiq_8/s400/DSC08835%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5A19UXDBoGo/TXS-KR5FDyI/AAAAAAAACtE/jcAa5IyjJ2o/s1600/DSC08927.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581294922029666082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5A19UXDBoGo/TXS-KR5FDyI/AAAAAAAACtE/jcAa5IyjJ2o/s400/DSC08927.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_aA6CgKjj4/TXS69zl6t5I/AAAAAAAACs8/_Irzy7u1EYk/s1600/DSC08942.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581291409202919314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_aA6CgKjj4/TXS69zl6t5I/AAAAAAAACs8/_Irzy7u1EYk/s400/DSC08942.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfChl_n_8ZA/TXS3E2VtK_I/AAAAAAAACs0/lyCPX_yl39M/s1600/DSC08944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581287132152802290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfChl_n_8ZA/TXS3E2VtK_I/AAAAAAAACs0/lyCPX_yl39M/s400/DSC08944.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-44476018282326476502010-10-28T15:54:00.001-07:002010-10-28T16:23:22.749-07:00Thank you from the bottom of our heartWe, the Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) family wish to express our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all of Camilo D. Laoeng's friends who give their support and cared for him and the community of Saipan at the large who welcomed him into their group. Camilo was one of the most active member of Beautify CNMI! and he's the most active Board of Director member of our FMI group. Camilo loved and always been happy to serve the community. He loved Saipan and embraced the people he worked with as his family and we did the same as well. We are gratefull for his volunteer work and the care and interest he had shown to each one of us.<br /><br />Your thoughtful prayers and words of consolation lessen our pain and sorrow for our loss.<br /><br />Thank you so much and may god bless us all!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Marites Aquino Castillo<br />FMI PresidentTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-86468309843490408912010-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:002010-09-03T10:41:00.332-07:00Friends of the Monument join call for Coral Reef Conservation<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5354/365/1600/IMG_5196.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="obyan beach underwater" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5354/365/1600/IMG_5196.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument are back in the news, this time calling for the US Senate to pass strong conservation-minded coral reef legislation:<blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">September 3, 2010, Saipan, CNMI</span> / Our coral reefs are in trouble. Almost 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost and an additional 35% are threatened according to the expert opinion of 372 coral reef scientists and managers from 96 countries who contributed to the latest Status of the Coral Reefs of the World, published in 2008.<br /><br />In response, a coalition of non-governmental organizations and environmental stakeholders issued a letter today calling for the US Senate to pass strong conservation-minded coral reef legislation. The US House version of the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act passed in September of last year. Further movement of the legislation now depends on the US Senate.<br /><br />Thirty-five organizations signed the Senate corals letter. Groups represented include leading organizations such as the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), International Society for Reef Studies, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Surfrider Foundation, Greenpeace USA, Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife Fund, Coastal States Organization, and Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument.<br /><br />The Coral Reef Conservation Act authorizes grants for coral reef conservation activities. Funds are awarded under six program categories: State and Territory Coral Reef Management; State and Territory Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring; Coral Reef Ecosystem Research; Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans; General Coral Reef Conservation; and International Coral Reef Conservation.<br /><br />The coalition expressed alarm about the declining health of coral reef ecosystems and the threats coral reefs face. Major threats noted include coastal runoff, overfishing and overharvesting, vessel impacts, invasive species, and coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification caused by unregulated greenhouse gas pollution.<br /><br />Measures before Congress, supported by the coalition, include provisions to increase the status of protection for corals in all U.S. waters, increase funding for coral reef conservation efforts, provide support to better understand and manage the trade in coral reef wildlife, and support communitybased approaches to coral reef stewardship, among others.<br /><br />“Coral reef ecosystems face growing threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, poor water quality and disease”, said Dr. Andrew Baker, a coral reef biologist at the University of Miami and a 2008 Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation. “When you add the devastating impacts of our carbon dioxide emissions, which lead to warmer and more acidic oceans, coral reefs worldwide are left reeling from the impacts. The decline of coral reef ecosystems worldwide underscores the need for Congress to pass coral reef legislation, while also renewing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas pollution.”<br /><br />“These valuable and fascinating ecosystems are disappearing within our lifetimes, and their loss will have significant economic, social, and environmental consequences in the United States and worldwide,” said Steven Lutz, Executive Director of Blue Climate Solutions, the group that organized the coalition effort. “The Senate has a fantastic opportunity to protect and conserve coral reefs by passing this important legislation.”</blockquote>The text of the letter signed by Friends' Chairman Ike Cabrera is as follows:<blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">CORAL REEF COALITION LETTER ON THE PENDING REAUTHORIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES’ CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT</span><br /><br />The Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV <br />Chairman <br />Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation<br /><br />The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchinson <br />Ranking Member<br />Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation<br /><br />The Honorable Maria Cantwell <br />Chairwoman <br />Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard<br /><br />The Honorable Olympia J. Snowe <br />Ranking Member<br />Senate Subcommittee on Oceans<br />Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard<br /><br />September 3, 2010<br /><br />Dear Chairpersons and Ranking Members:<br /><br />As organizations and stakeholders involved with coral reef conservation, we are profoundly alarmed about the threats these unique and invaluable ecosystems face in the United States and around the world. We urge your support for a strong conservation-minded reauthorization of the United States Coral Reef Conservation Act.<br /><br />Coral reefs provide many important services; they protect coastlines from the damaging effects of storms, and are vital to the economies of many coastal communities in the U.S. and around the world, through revenues generated in tourism and fisheries. The diversity of life they support establishes them as treasure troves of discovery for applications in medicine and industry.<br /><br />However coral reefs are declining at an alarming rate. Almost 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost and an additional 35% are threatened according to the expert opinion of 372 coral reef scientists and managers from 96 countries who contributed to the Status of the Coral Reefs of the World: 2008 report. The major threats to coral reefs include coastal runoff, overfishing and overharvesting, vessel impacts, invasive species, and coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification caused by unregulated greenhouse gas pollution.<br /><br />These valuable and fascinating ecosystems are disappearing within our lifetimes, and their loss will have significant social, economic, and environmental consequences in the United States and worldwide.<br /><br />We commend the positive steps taken in the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act by the Senate. We respectfully ask you to adopt the strongest possible language for the conservation and protection of coral reef ecosystems in the reauthorization of this important legislation. Measures we support include provisions to:<br /><br />• Increase the status of protection for corals in all U.S. waters;<br />• Support community-based approaches to coral reef stewardship;<br />• Enable management to effectively address the threat of vessel groundings and seek appropriate liability for such<br />incidents (with narrowly defined exceptions);<br />• Support cooperative relationships with universities and other academic bodies, and non-governmental<br />organizations in promotion of coral reef conservation;<br />• Enable all relevant federal agencies to effectively participate in coral reef conservation;<br />• Provide additional accountability for federal funds used for coral reef conservation efforts;<br />• Provide support to better understand and manage the trade in coral reef wildlife;<br />• Strengthen U.S. international coral reef conservation efforts; and<br />• Authorize increased funding to protect these extraordinary habitats.<br /><br />Please join the effort to conserve our coral reefs by supporting the reauthorization of the Coral Reef<br />Conservation Act.<br /><br />Sincerely yours, (signed by the following thirty-five organizations and stakeholders)<br /><br />Blue Climate Solutions - Steven J. Lutz, Executive Director, Miami, FL<br /><br />Center for Biological Diversity - Andrea A. Treece, Senior Attorney, Oceans Program, San Francisco, CA<br /><br />Coastal States Organization - Kristen Fletcher, Executive Director, Washington, DC<br /><br />Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) - Rick MacPherson, Director, Conservation Programs, San Francisco, CA<br /><br />EarthEcho International - Philippe Cousteau, CEO and co-founder, Washington, DC<br /><br />Environmental Defense Fund - Cara Cooper, Coral Specialist, Saint Petersburg, FL<br /><br />Fauna & Flora International - Katie Frohardt, Executive Director, Washington, DC<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument - Ignacio V. Cabrera, Chairman, Saipan, CNMI</span><br /><br />Greenpeace USA - Phil Kline, Senior Ocean Campaigner, Washington, DC<br /><br />International Society for Reef Studies (ICRS) - Richard Aronson<br /><br />Natural Resources Defense Council - Lisa Suatoni, Senior Scientist, Oceans Program, New York, NY<br /><br />NAUI Worldwide - Jed Livingstone, Vice President, Riverview, FL<br /><br />Nova Southeastern University National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) - Richard E Dodge, Dean, Wendy Wood-Derrer, Assistant Director of Development, Ft. Lauderdale, FL<br /><br />Ocean Conservation Research - Michael Stocker, Director, Lagunitas<br /><br />Ocean Defenders Alliance - Kurt Lieber, Founder and President, Scott Sheckman, Acting Executive Director, Huntington Beach, CA<br /><br />Oceanic Defense - "Educate. Activate" - Samantha Whitcraft, Director, Conservation Biology, Miami, FL<br /><br />Palm Beach County Reef Rescue - Ed Tichenor, Director, Boynton Beach, FL<br /><br />Project AWARE Foundation - Jenny Miller Garmendia Director, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA<br /><br />Reef Check Foundation - Gregor Hodgson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Reef Check Foundation, Pacific Palisades, CA<br /><br />Sailors for the Sea - Dan Pingaro, CEO, Newport, RI<br /><br />Save Our Seas - Capt. Paul Clark, President, Hanalei, HI<br /><br />Sea Turtle Conservancy (formerly the Caribbean Conservation Corporation) - David Godfrey, Executive Director, Gainesville, FL<br /><br />SeaWeb - Dawn M. Martin, President, Silver Spring, MD<br /><br />Sierra Club - Bruce Hamilton, Conservation Director, San Francisco, CA<br /><br />South Carolina Coastal Conservation League - Dana Beach, Charleston, SC<br /><br />Surfrider Foundation - Chad Nelsen, Environmental Director, San Clemente, CA<br /><br />The Humane Society of the United States / Humane Society International - Teresa M. Telecky, Ph.D., Director of Wildlife, Washington, DC<br /><br />The Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature - Lewis Regenstein, President, Atlanta, GA<br /><br />The Ocean Foundation - Mark J. Spalding, Ph.D., President, Washington, DC<br /><br />The Ocean Project - Bill Mott, Director, Providence, RI<br /><br />The Snorkel Bob Foundation - Robert Wintner, Executive Director, Kihei, HI<br /><br />Urban Environment League - Fran Bohnsack, President, Miami, FL<br /><br />Urban Paradise Guild - Sam Van Leer, Executive Director & Founder, North Miami, FL<br /><br />WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network) - Karen Eckert, Ph.D., Executive Director, Beaufort, NC<br /><br />World Wildlife Fund - Roberta Elias, Senior Program Officer, Marine and Fisheries Policy, Washington, DC</blockquote>Angelo Villagomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00970383305205702533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-64478601376734854512010-09-02T03:46:00.000-07:002010-09-09T13:46:41.682-07:00FMI Adopted Beach AreaFriends of the Mariana Islands had been doing the cleanup at South Laolao Beach since 2006 and it's really been 4 years now! We had just signed up for the Coastal Cleanup on September 25, 2010 and we are so proud to say that we are again adopting South Laolao Beach.<br /><br />Time to start: 8:00am and it will end at 10:00am<br /><br />We are inviting everyone who's interested to join us on the up coming event please call Marites-FMI President at 285-8980.<br /><br />Friends of the Mariana Islands will be providing trash bag, gloves, Snacks, and Water, only for the South Laolao Beach volunteers.<br /><br /><br />Thank you very much and hope to see you all on the 25th of Septemeber 2010.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-74798159164571692552010-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:002010-08-10T07:53:05.033-07:00Contribute to Carnival of the Blue XL: Top of the Food Chain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsTuDxtqI7c/TFo-4O9X2OI/AAAAAAAAM0s/iT1XjUZB4uo/s1600/carnival+of+the+blue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsTuDxtqI7c/TFo-4O9X2OI/AAAAAAAAM0s/iT1XjUZB4uo/s400/carnival+of+the+blue.jpg" border="0" alt="carnival of the blue 40" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501779030595590370" /></a>Next month <a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnival%20of%20the%20Blue">the Saipan Blog</a> will be the host of Carnival of the Blue 40, or as I prefer to call it, Carnival of the Blue XL. COTB XL promises to be the biggest, baddest COTB EVER. Why? Well, not only is COTB turning 40, but the theme of next month's carnival is going to be <span style="font-style:italic;">Top of the Food Chain</span>.<br /><br />COTB XL is going to be all about predators, baby.<br /><br />Please use this <a href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_8736.html">online article submission form</a> to submit your contribution to COTB XL. Please try to make your post about predation (¿cómo se dice de tiburón en Inglés?), but if the predation bug doesn't hit you this month, COTB XL will still publish your ocean blog. If you have any questions you can email me at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com.<br /><br />By the way, this will be the fourth consecutive September the Saipan Blog has hosted Carnival of the Blue. The Saipan Blog has previously hosted <a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2007/09/carnival-of-blue-iv.html">Carnival of the Blue IV</a>, <a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2008/09/carnival-of-blue-xvi.html">Carnival of the Blue XVI</a> and <a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2009/09/carnival-of-blue-28.html">Carnival of the Blue XXVIII</a>.<br /><br />*A big thanks to underwater photographer and dive instructor Harry Blalock for letting me use his photo. If you ever find yourself on Saipan in need of a dive guide: <a href="http://www.axemurderertours.com/">http://www.axemurderertours.com/</a>Angelo Villagomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00970383305205702533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-64370605516278687512010-07-16T12:39:00.000-07:002010-07-16T12:55:36.107-07:00FMI 9th Sunday cleanup for the Mobil projectFriends of the Mariana Islands will be at the Lau-Lau Road to do the cleanup for the Mobil project tomorrow morning,dated July 18, 2010. start at 8:00AM up to 12:PM. Anyone that interested to give their support for this environmental project are always welcome to our group.<br /><br />Contact person: Ms. Marites A. Castillo/FMI President<br />Contact Number: 234-9769 or 285-8980Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-9088851152310642272010-05-22T13:30:00.001-07:002010-05-22T13:30:40.851-07:00facebook.com/beautifycnmi<center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("f5283cbbbb8f703d6f520660d79cb35a");</script><fb:fan profile_id="42670564719" stream="0" connections="28" logobar="1" width="400" height="390"></fb:fan><div style="font-size:8px; padding-left:10px">Follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beautifycnmi">Beautify CNMI</a> on Facebook</div></center>Angelo Villagomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00970383305205702533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-21601743710709082172010-05-22T04:47:00.000-07:002010-05-22T04:59:39.485-07:00Our young volunteers<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_fFzaxv_-I/AAAAAAAACoU/oLYLqPdqCLo/s1600/Maui+Hawaii+%26+Mother%27s+day2010+330.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474061359244115938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_fFzaxv_-I/AAAAAAAACoU/oLYLqPdqCLo/s400/Maui+Hawaii+%26+Mother%27s+day2010+330.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Betty Matson looks really tired picking up trash. Annika and Carlyn are just having fun picking up trash! thanks girls for your effort and hope to see you again for the next cleanup.</div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-68388263786463407872010-05-22T03:30:00.000-07:002010-05-22T04:37:05.293-07:00FMI-MOBIL 2010 Environmental Project<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_e5Ru4PZ8I/AAAAAAAACoM/JSeb60Ac2ZM/s1600/Maui+Hawaii+%26+Mother%27s+day2010+285.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474047586384963522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_e5Ru4PZ8I/AAAAAAAACoM/JSeb60Ac2ZM/s400/Maui+Hawaii+%26+Mother%27s+day2010+285.jpg" /></a> Ang unang araw nang aming environmental project funded by Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. Muli na naman po kaming nagpapasalamat sa walang sawang suporta nang MOBIL sa aming grupo.<br /><div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-36815552177662742402010-05-22T03:09:00.000-07:002010-05-22T03:26:47.048-07:00Our FMI member<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_ewG5l3bmI/AAAAAAAACoE/T47dpvTtdOE/s1600/Mobil+Project+for+2009+048.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474037504677473890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S_ewG5l3bmI/AAAAAAAACoE/T47dpvTtdOE/s400/Mobil+Project+for+2009+048.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Ang aming volunteer Precy Ramboanga ay walang sawang nagbibigay nang kanyang dalawang oras every weekends para sa paglilinis at patuloy na pag aalaga sa ating inang kalikasan. Umula at umaraw ang FMI Group Volunteers makikita sa lansangan para mamulot nang basura sa mga tabi nang daan. </div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-35726205893033072632010-05-12T20:13:00.000-07:002010-05-12T20:33:31.262-07:00FMI will start the MOBIL ProjectThis coming Sunday Friends of the Mariana Islands will start the 2010 Mobil Environmental project at Lau-Lau Road down to the beach. All members and volunteers are welcome to arrive and joint at the bus stop (the one at the top of Lau Lua drive) at 8:00 AM (May 16th). We will be needed until about 11:00 AM. The type of volunteer work will be bush cutting (equipment provided) and general clearing/cleaning of the Lua Lua road itself. This cleanup effort is funded by Mobil who we thank for providing equipment, supplies and fuel for the effort. Thank you in advance for your help in the project.<br /><br />Marites Aquino Castillo<br />2010-2012 FMI President/Chairwomen<br />Contact #: 234-9769 or 285-8980<br />Email Add: <a href="mailto:castillofmi@gmail.com">castillofmi@gmail.com</a>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-9121390795401286552010-03-26T16:49:00.000-07:002010-03-26T17:20:10.216-07:002010 NATIONAL PARENT LEADERSHIP MONTH AWARDEES<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61KMir5oiI/AAAAAAAACn8/VT0Xnl9ghQI/s1600/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+096.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453096303145361954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61KMir5oiI/AAAAAAAACn8/VT0Xnl9ghQI/s400/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+096.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 2nd from the right, sharing the Plaque of Recognation 2010 NATIONAL PARENT LEADERSHIP with teacher BEA of Joshua Generation International Academy. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61JW4dgeQI/AAAAAAAACn0/Hdxy2VXFius/s1600/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+074.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453095381277636866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61JW4dgeQI/AAAAAAAACn0/Hdxy2VXFius/s400/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+074.jpg" /></a><br />Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 2nd from the right, and Mr. Bernadine Marcelo, 3rd from the right, sharing their Plaque's of Recognation with the Teachers and Principal of the Joshua Generation International Academy.<br /><div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-55196756184758503422010-03-26T16:24:00.001-07:002010-03-26T16:48:39.426-07:002010 MOBIL Donation to FMI Environmental Project<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61ERAaqcLI/AAAAAAAACns/j84H367xEiI/s1600/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+115.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453089782775836850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S61ERAaqcLI/AAAAAAAACns/j84H367xEiI/s400/Mobil+Oil+Donation+for+FMI+115.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) President/Chairwomen Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 3rd from the left, accept $2,000 check from Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. President and Country Manager, Mr. Gennaro Cioffi, 1st from the right, and Field Operations Manager (CNMI) Mr. Anthony Wenceslao, 1st from the left. Also present was the FMI youngest Environmental Volunteer, Betty Castillo Matson, 2nd from the right, and FMI Treasurer Mrs. Myrna Manzano, The Donation will be use to continue the Environmental Cleanup Project at Lau-Lau Beach and Road. </div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-91960678462926374912010-02-27T17:11:00.000-08:002010-02-27T17:28:39.447-08:00FMI Schedule for the monthly CleanupThe Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) will be conducting Beach monthly cleanup on March 14, 2010 at Lau-Lau Beach South. Start at 8:00 AM till 10:00 AM. We are calling for everyone who's interested to give his/her two hours volunteer time for community services. FMI President will provide Water to drink and Snack for the volunteers. <br /><br />Thank you and hope to see you all on the 14th of March, 2010 at 8:00 AM.<br /><br />A VERY PROUD PARTNER OF BEAUTIFY CNMI!<br />Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI)<br /><br />Contact Person: Ms. Marites A. Castillo - FMI President/Chairwomen<br />Contact #: (670) 285-8980Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-76766913547294704582010-02-20T22:55:00.000-08:002010-02-20T23:12:56.399-08:00FMI PRESIDENT 40TH BIRTHDAY<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S4DaNRGx0uI/AAAAAAAACmo/K2r4zJ9x2lM/s1600-h/Tess+%26+Betty%27s+B-Day+2010+066.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440588271328547554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S4DaNRGx0uI/AAAAAAAACmo/K2r4zJ9x2lM/s400/Tess+%26+Betty%27s+B-Day+2010+066.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Congratulations madam! </div><div>Happy 40th Birthday and may you have many more birthdays to come. May the LORD GOD BLESS YOU always and may you stay sweet as you are! Stay young and happy as always. We love you very much madam. </div><div> </div><div>It's a very simple birthday celebration together with her husband BILL and close friends MR. GUS and MS. CINTA KAIPAT.</div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-87587038254815625292010-02-20T22:20:00.000-08:002010-02-20T22:51:57.444-08:00Congratulations to the FMI newly elected officers and BOD<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S4DSOFOJsWI/AAAAAAAACmg/tfBHxrb9l-I/s1600-h/Betty%27s+4th+B-day+2010+232.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440579489225093474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/S4DSOFOJsWI/AAAAAAAACmg/tfBHxrb9l-I/s400/Betty%27s+4th+B-day+2010+232.jpg" /></a> A Group Pictures of the FMI for the 1st time in 2010 get together<br /><br /><br />2010-2012 Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) Officers and Board of Directors:<br /><br />Marites Aquino Castillo ------------------ President/Chairwomen<br />Francisco Flores Jr. ------------------ V-President/V-Chairman<br />Lynda Perez ------------------ Secretary<br />Myrna Manzano ------------------ Treasurer<br />Melecia Marquez ------------------ Bus. Manager<br />Perlita L. Castillo ------------------ Asst. Bus. Manager<br />Malou S. Bansil ------------------ Auditor<br />Roben Bachicha ------------------ Marshall - I<br />Presila Ramboanga ------------------ Marshall - II<br /><br />Board of Director Members<br /><br />Mike Valencia ------------------ BOD Secretary<br />Roben Bachicha ------------------ BOD Member<br />Camilo D. Laoeng ------------------ BOD Member<br /><br />On behalf of my fellow Officers and Directors, from the bottom of my heart, we would like to thank all the members who voted for us! It's always a pleasure to serve each and everyone in our group but most specially to the community of Saipan.<br /><br />Again, Thank you! (maraming-maraming salamat po).Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-4017260924545982662010-01-31T22:31:00.000-08:002010-01-31T22:49:29.677-08:00FMI ElectionAng Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) ay magkakaruon nang election para sa mga bagong Officers at board of directors ngayong February 14, 2010 at San Vicente Village, 2:00pm. We also would like to invite everyone to please come and join our dynamic group. any nationality, as long as you love to give times for the community services, like beach & road cleanup.<br /><br />Hope to see you all!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-25244964617008696982010-01-17T00:30:00.000-08:002010-01-31T22:30:45.596-08:002010 FMI schedules for the monthly cleanupFriends of the Mariana Islands schedules for the 2010 Lau-Lau beach cleanup!<br /><br /><br />1st Sunday of the month:<br />February 7, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />March 14, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month<br />April 11,2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month<br />May 9, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />June 13,2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />July 11, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />August 8, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month<br />September 12, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />October 10, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />November 14, 2010<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />2nd Sunday of the month:<br />December 12, 2010<br />Time: 8;00am to 10:00amTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-53936961709901939722009-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:002009-10-28T18:13:24.829-07:00FMI Schedule for November 2009We would like to inform the public that our group Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) will be at the Lao-Lao Beach (South) to do the monthly beach cleanup.<br /><br />Date: November 8, 2009<br />Time: 8:00am to 10:00am<br /><br />Our group would like to invite everyone who are willing to give there time for the community services. Please come, joint us and give your heart for the ENVIRONMENT! Our contact Person no other than Ms. Marites Castillo FMI President/Chairwomen; Contact #: 285-8980.<br /><br />We would like to thanks MOBIL Oil Mariana, Islands Inc., DEQ and Beautify CNMI! for there untiring support.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-25682811976882931042009-09-20T23:54:00.000-07:002009-09-20T23:55:15.133-07:00Beautify CNMI announces slogan and bumper sticker contestBeautify CNMI is looking for a new slogan following the successful “What we do on the land can affect our marine environment” campaign started in 2006.<br /><br />In order to find a new slogan, Beautify CNMI is looking to the community for help.<br /><br />Artists are being asked to come up with a slogan and to design a bumper sticker that goes along with their slogan. The winner will receive $150 cash and fifty of their winning bumper stickers to give out to friends and family.<br /><br />The contest is open to all residents of all ages of the Commonwealth. Guidelines for the slogan contest are:<br /><br />• must be original<br />• must be relevant to the actions and mission of Beautify CNMI.<br />• The bumper sticker can be square or horizontally rectangular.<br />• Artists and participants can submit more than one design and more than one artist can work together on a single submission.<br />• Designs may be by free-hand sketch, drawing or computer generated, but must be in electronic format to be considered.<br />• Entries must be submitted by noon on October 24, 2009 and must include the artist's full name, mailing address, telephone number and email address if available.<br /><br />A brief statement explaining the design and slogan may accompany entries.<br /><br />All entries will become the property of Beautify CNMI and can be used freely by Beautify CNMI and must be received on or before Thursday, October 24, 2009 at noon. Entries are to be submitted via email to angelovillagomez@gmail.com.<br /><br />Beautify CNMI reserves the right to modify the winning logo at any time but when possible, Beautify CNMI will work with the original artists to make these changes.<br /><br />Beautify CNMI reserves the right to correct any information that appears in this contest in error and is not responsible for omissions.<br /><br />For inquiries contact Angelo Villagomez at 670 285 6462Angelo Villagomezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00970383305205702533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-58232717265747229702009-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:002009-08-24T16:56:35.646-07:00FMI Members South Lao-Lao Beach Cleanup<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMnxRYihZI/AAAAAAAACjg/Qr8D4AAJ8qQ/s1600-h/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373682507816535442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMnxRYihZI/AAAAAAAACjg/Qr8D4AAJ8qQ/s400/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+034.jpg" /></a> Our group picture<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMm55VfRaI/AAAAAAAACjY/HAZiVt8UwP8/s1600-h/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373681556468483490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMm55VfRaI/AAAAAAAACjY/HAZiVt8UwP8/s400/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+013.jpg" /></a><br />FMI new members, Earth Team Volunteer and Beautify CNMI!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMmFbMvhxI/AAAAAAAACjQ/YvbkQpOV6P0/s1600-h/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373680655025538834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SpMmFbMvhxI/AAAAAAAACjQ/YvbkQpOV6P0/s400/Lau-Lau+Beach+Cleanup+8-19-09+015.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-7370294547538432242009-08-18T04:44:00.000-07:002009-08-18T05:06:47.048-07:00Lau-Lau Beach CleanupFriends of the Mariana Islands will be doing a Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup at<strong> <em>"August 19, 2009"</em></strong> starting from <strong><em>"8:00-10:00 a.m."</em></strong> Anybody interested will have to show up in the "Lau-Lau beach Pavilion." <strong>Water ( is provided by the FMI group), Gloves, and Trash bags have been provided from Beautify CNMI & DEQ, (Snacks are not provided.) </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Thank You </strong>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-91818049080481528122009-08-18T04:38:00.000-07:002009-08-18T04:41:02.691-07:00NOTE TO HACKERWHo ever you are stop doing this to our blog!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009197467003054786.post-35759152204781960472009-08-17T14:50:00.000-07:002009-08-17T15:18:36.412-07:00Lao-Lao Bay Tree Planting<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SonTMt0kbEI/AAAAAAAACiw/qGlY6qJM758/s1600-h/Tree+Planting+at+Lao-Lao+Bay+8-09+215.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371056246028004418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SonTMt0kbEI/AAAAAAAACiw/qGlY6qJM758/s400/Tree+Planting+at+Lao-Lao+Bay+8-09+215.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SonR1_hgfSI/AAAAAAAACio/QvOuLk5hBlI/s1600-h/Tree+Planting+at+Lao-Lao+Bay+8-09+197.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371054756131274018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nbalriGmRtE/SonR1_hgfSI/AAAAAAAACio/QvOuLk5hBlI/s400/Tree+Planting+at+Lao-Lao+Bay+8-09+197.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734992691969921736noreply@blogger.com1