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By: Justoria Marie Borja
AGANA, Guam – The 80th Guam Liberation Day Parade featured a colorful float display, with the Palau Community Association of Guam (PCAG) taking first place in the Non-Government/Civic/Community/Non-Profit category.
Parade reflects unity and culture
The annual parade is a highlight of Guam’s Liberation Day celebrations. This year’s theme is “Peace Forever,” and the various floats representing different organizations, communities and cultures reflect this theme. Spectators line the streets of Hagatna to watch the colorful displays and performances.
Palau’s winning float
PCAG’s winning float featured two Bai, the traditional Palauan men’s gathering house, symbolizing their dual island homes in Guam and Palau. The structures were connected by a string of Palauan beads (iek/yek), symbolizing the strong cultural bond between the Palauans and the Chamorro people of Guam.
The float is decorated on both sides with Biib (Bib), Palau’s unofficial national bird, and Rur (white Rock Island lily), its unofficial national flower. Black coconut shells are shaped like latte stones, representing the strong cultural foundation of Palau and Guam.
PCAG members on the float prepared billum, a traditional dish of cassava flour wrapped in cassava leaves and cooked. Kelau, a well-known singer in the Palauan community, entertained the audience with her singing.
PCAG celebrates community and recognition
This is the first time PCAG has participated in the parade in more than a decade. Elfrie Koshiba, the association’s public relations officer, is proud of their return. “We haven’t participated in the parade since 2012. With the 80th anniversary coming up in October and our own 30th Independence Day, we felt it was a good time to rejoin,” she said.
Winning first place was an added bonus. “We wanted to showcase the growth and maturity of the Palau community on Guam,” Koshiba said. “We are proud to contribute to the diverse community of this island and love sharing our traditions.”
PCAG President Lewis Ilek praised the community’s teamwork. “Even though we had just over a week to prepare, we came together to put on the parade,” he said. “Everyone volunteered their talents and resources.”
PCAG member Indira Takeo acknowledged the tight timeline but stressed their determination. “We only had 10 days, but we did it,” she said, expressing their desire to keep the winning streak going.
Xiaoshi and Elik expressed their gratitude to all those who participated. The success of PCAG reflects the strength and unity of the Palau community in Guam.
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