ALIA HARO
- thevividvida
- Nov 1, 2018
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 5, 2019
The Arts / Brand Ambassador for thevividvida / A Song for the CNMI feature
TVV: Hi Alia! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My Name is Alia Haro. I am 19 years old. I am a sophomore at Seattle Pacific University. I love to sing, write original songs, and play the ukulele. I'm always down to jam with anyone that shares an interest and passion for music. I also love spending quality time with people and food :). You'll catch me attending lots of family gatherings, eating, and hanging out with friends.
TVV: "Catch me attending lots of family gatherings, eating, and hanging out with friend" - SAME. Thanks for sharing with us! So originally, we were going to feature you for your wonderful talent as a musician but instead we're going to be talking about a very real and important time for the people of the CNMI. Can you share more of what has happened this past month?
Recently, many families back home in the Mariana Islands have experienced loss and major disaster due to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu. Super Typhoon Yutu is one of the strongest storms to hit the CNMI. Many CNMI residents, especially those in Saipan and Tinian, are experiencing power outage, short water supply, and severe damage in their homes and infrastructure overall. Many have lost personal belongings and necessities for everyday life. The people of the CNMI need all the help they can get to rebuild and recover. It will take some time to rebuild in the Marianas and we can be a big help to that too
TVV: For our readers who don't know, can you tell us about where the Common Wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is located and how you're connected to the islands?
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is made up of all the Mariana islands north of Guam. The most populated northern islands are Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. My family is from Saipan. Both my parents were born and raised in Saipan, and most of my extended family are from Saipan, too. I was raised by many people from Saipan and have adopted Saipan values and lifestyles growing up. I wasn't born in Saipan but I still consider it to be home.
TVV: That must be really hard to grow up so far away from a place you cherish so much. Can you share on your experience growing up and being far from your home island? How does that experience shape you or continue to shape you?
Growing up, I'd hear stories about Saipan, engage with CNMI natives, and learn about the values and lifestyles people have there. Much of the CNMI community and culture resides in Washington state. There is a CNMI club that regularly meets to gather in community in my hometown in WA. I feel blessed to have grown up with the opportunity to engage with CNMI club members, many relatives, and other people who hold heart and spirit for back home, here in the U.S. I don't feel as much as an outsider knowing that I've grown up with many CNMI traditions and values. Being far from my family's home island always had me curious and yearning to go back home to experience the joy and life they had when they were there. I've learned so much about being grateful for every opportunity I have here in the U.S. because I've learned the differences between the islands and America. In the islands, there aren't as many opportunities compared to the U.S. Life is not as advanced as the lifestyle here in the U.S. Gratitude and respect are engrained in me, thanks to the lessons people of the CNMI have taught me growing up. I have nothing but love for all people and won't take anything for granted.
TVV: You mentioned that there aren't many opportunities for those in the islands compared to live in the United States. What were the living conditions in the CNMI prior to the typhoon and how has it changed now?
The CNMI had recently rebuilt and recovered from Typhoon Soudelor's damage in 2015. Homes and infrastructure were back to normal. Schools and businesses were back in session. Power and water supply finally recovered. Super Typhoon Yutu created damage that's even worse than what happened after Typhoon Soudelor. This time, many people's homes and businesses are in ruins, cars are flipped over, schools are incredibly damaged, water supply is short, and power is out. It will take the CNMI another while to rebuild after all the damage that's been done. The people of the CNMI are back to square one
TVV: Where were you when you first heard about what's happening back home?
I was in my dorm room scrolling through social media when I stumbled upon some news posts about Super Typhoon Yutu. I immediately called my Mom afterwards to realize it was true.
TVV: For those affected by the super typhoon, what resources do you think they need most?
Considering people lost power and water supply, I’d say lanterns, flashlights, batteries, and bottled drinking water are important. These people have lost so much more than that though. People range from needing tents, cots, and blankets, to clothes, food, hygiene products, and toiletries. There is a lot of clean up happening back home, and we want people to be safe with how they handle debris, so working gloves would be helpful too. Mosquito coils and bug spray would help keep bugs away, too. These people have lost a lot, so anything helps, whether it be clothes, canned foods, houseware or housing goods, the people of the CNMI need a little bit of everything to rebuild and recover.
TVV: Originally we asked you to do a feature on your music - but now changed your topic to be that of the typhoon. But we still would love to hear about your story regarding music. Can you tell us how you got into it?
My family inspires me to create music. Ever since I was a toddler, I've been immersed in the music world. I like to thank my Mom for introducing me to music. My mom would sing me lullabies and nursery rhymes when I was a toddler and when I got old enough, she would have me sing along with her all the time. She made me her little superstar. Whether we were listening to nursery rhymes, Chamorro music, or her favorite RNB/Hip Hop artists, I was always singing backup or singing melodies as a kid. When I got older, somewhere around 7 years old, My Nana became my main musical influence. Whenever I went over to her house, she would have me sing karaoke with her and would teach me her favorite country songs. I remember her being my vocal coach. She would always correct me if I sang off pitch and would encourage me to always sing better. My Dad became my musical influence when I got older and to this day, he inspires me the most. He has more of a taste in reggae and soul music, which are two genres I absolutely love. My Dad isn’t a vocalist, he’s our instrumentalist. He plays guitar, bass, ukulele, and hand drums. He used to play in bands growing up. I remember going to his shows and being his #1 fan with my mom in the audience. When he was involved with bands, he would write original songs. I look up to my dad because he is so talented and creative. He inspired my desire to create music and perform too. I officially got into creating my own music when I turned thirteen. At that point, I would write songs with my Dad and would have random jam sessions with him. As time passed, I started creating my own music and experimenting with different genres and musical styles. I’ve performed in front of different audiences, whether they’re from talent shows, choir performances, or open mics, I love to take any performing opportunity I can get. I thank my family for encouraging me to love and create music. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without their passions, talents, and creativity.
TVV: A lot of the music we've seen you do reflects the sounds of Pacific Island Culture. How has your culture influenced the way you play music and the music you create?
I love to make covers of Chamorro songs because in a way, it helps me engage in our culture more. By recreating Chamorro music, I get to speak our language and stories through song and play music that many talented Chamorros have made before me. There’s something special about indulging in the arts of my own culture. I love the passion and heart many Chamorro musicians put into their music, and that inspires me to create original music that speaks from my heart and perform with purpose. I learned to not just sing notes and words; I must portray emotion and tell a story with the music I create. I want listeners to feel as moved as I am when I listen or see the good performances done by other Chamorro people.
TVV: We're looking forward to hearing the song you've covered for us this week! The interview is coming to an end, do you have any last words or PSA type of messages you'd like to share?
We must not let the people of the CNMI be forgotten. Restoration and recovery from disasters do not happen overnight. It will take months for our islands to rebuild and get back to normal. I ask that people continue to not only share about Yutu, but also continue to donate to the people back home who need us and our help the most. I appreciate all who contribute to the rebuilding of the CNMI with my whole heart. You have helped not only save our people, but also our home. Si Yu’us Ma’ase.
Thank you to everybody who has read the interview Alia has done for thevividvida. We ask that you stay connected to us via social media and our website to learn more about the Super Typhoon Yutu and how you can help the people of the CNMI. Throughout the month of November we'll be sharing more stories and collaborations between us and people of the CNMI.
Comentarios