and neacn parties ana parucrpare 111 ramuy-oriented .activities like sack races or holidaycaroling.

Mabini's childhood friends, most of whom shemet through the first Batanqas Association youthgroup, are also now well-recognized leaders in theFilipino community. They include former FilipinoCommunity of Guam President Alex Gagaring,Dr. Melinda Sangalang, Dr. Melissa Sangalang-Samaniego, and Attorney Jocelyn Roden, amongothers.

Mabini also shared her knowledge of the similaritiesbetween the Filipino and Chamorro culture, whichshe gained during her visits to remote provincesin the Philippines. Through these visits, Mabiniexperienced an authentic immersion into theFilipino culture by living in Nipa huts.

Some of the similarities in culture she embracedthrough this experience, she said, include

UlalIVIIVVVt::U.

Celebrettee(In a recent tri p to her parents' hometown of Balayan,Batangas, Mabini's mother was brought to tears,undeniably proud of her daughter's remarkableaccomplishments. Mabini was greeted by cityleaders, the town's mayor, his staff, the regionalsuperintendent of education and thousands ofteachers and local townspeople.

"Ultimately, the people of my parents' hometownwere all proud to have a Filipino senator, especiallyone from humble beginnings. It was a proudmoment for my parents, family and friends," sheshared.

Mabini encourages all her "kababayans" andfellow Guamanians to celebrate the 113thcommemoration of Philippine Independenceduring the month of June.

for our successes in the Philippines, Guam andthroughout the world.

"As a co-host on the Saturday Tagalog radioprogram on Megamixx 101.9 FM, DamdamingPinoy, I am known for my bugtong or riddles.So I'd like to share one of my favorite Filipinoproverbs: Ang taong hindi marunong umalala sa

•kaniyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makakaratingsa kaniyang paroroonan. In English: A person whodoes not remember where he or she came fromwill never reach his or her destination.

"I value this philosophy, and thus express my"utang na loob" to my parents, family, friends andall those who have contributed to my success.

Biba Guam and Mabuhay Pilipinas sa Araw ngKasarinian!"

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY OFFICE OF SENATOR SAM MABINI

Senator Mabini and Congressman Manny Pacquiaoduring her visit to Philippine Congress, May 2011.

Senator Mabini in a conversation with Philippine Congressional SpeakerFeliciano Belmonte, Jr. and fellow congressmen.

Senator Mabini at the Filipino LadiesAssociation Sampaguita Awards.

A Special Section to the Marianas Variety-Guam Friday, June 10, 2011