Valentine's Sweethearts Ball

On Saturday, February 14th, M.E. celebrated the holiday of LOVE, Valentine's Day at the Fiesta Resort & Spa. Jenni & Mark Aguon did a fantastic job organizing the event and approximately 45 couples (even non-encountered) joined in the fun!

Steps facilitators.... Kanae & Russ Quinn, Clarie & Rex Kosack, Sonia & Jeff Camacho.
ME is all in the family... Nen & Dave Attao, Juanette & JJ Atalig, Linda & Jun Pangelinan, Eric & Tania David, Wilma & George David, Natashia & Peter Tomokane.

Angie & Tyce Mister
Tony & Linda Y and Vince & Hilma Castro enter in the marshmallow eating/talking game.

The Briones' & Yumul's participate in the "licking the sugar off the donut" game!
The longest married couple: Roger & Teresita Abe (26 yrs) and

The shortest married Couple: Peter & Natashia Tomokane (1 yr)

Peter threw the garter for the guys to catch.
Teresita threw the bouquet!
The last "game" was to read loud the note cards that we all wrote,

expressing our love to our spouses. However, we chose the note cards at random

and laughed hysterically at some of them.

The next event is the ME Weekend from 27-29 March 2009 at the Saipan Grand Hotel.

The cost is $50 per couple for the weekend (includes accommodation and all meals). ME is for every couple who wishes to strengthen communication and intimacy in their marriage.

For registration, please email Vicky & John Mafnas @vbmafnas@yahoo.com or call 285-8454.

A Successful World Marriage Day

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Community recently celebrated WORLD MARRIAGE DAY on February 7, 2009 at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater. As a historic ecumenical celebration with Father Ike Ayuyu, Father Ryan Jimenez, Pastor Greg Dickerman and Pastor Roger Abe, the CNMI Marriage Encounter Community and the public joined together as one to celebrate the sanctity of marriage and family.

The ceremony commenced with a song by Jenni Aguon, “The Greatest Gift of All”, followed by each of the priests and pastors reading scripture verses. Interspersed among the verses were testimonies from three couples: Rex & Clarie Kosack, Charles & Cathy Cepeda and Gonzalo & Linda Pangelinan who shared their stories about love and marriage. Next, followed the homily by Pastor Dickerman, the candle lighting and the renewing of vows.

Lastly, the large Muna clan witnessed Father Ryan bestow a special honor and blessing for Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas Muna, recognized as the Longest Married Couple in the CNMI. The Muna’s have been married for 66 years and are blessed with many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The memorable event was a prelude to Valentine’s Day and the next Marriage Encounter Weekend, slated for March 27-29, 2009 at the Saipan Grand Hotel. For registration, please contact John & Vicky Mafnas at 285-8454 or Email: vbmafnas@yahoo.com.