“Part Land, Part Sea & All Ancestry”

— Roquin-Jon Quichocho Siongco

GUMA’ GELA’ is an inclusive collective with a mission to cultivate and innovate the CHamoru culture through interdisciplinary artistic expression. We are storytellers made up of illustrators, make-up artists, poets, performers, photographers, singers, weavers and designers! Through our collaborative work, we amplify each others’ voice and bring fantasy into reality. Effectively granting people permission to exist in their entirety while building community.

In September 2019, four diasporic CHamoru folks made their way across the Atlantic, to represent the Mariana Islands for the first time at London Pacific Fashion Week. Directed by Ana Lavekau. Three artists created the looks while another cared for makeup and style.

The following images are taken by Moea Creugnet in London, September 2019. The “Part Land” garment (aka The Map Dress) is hand-painted by Jessica Vergel on organza over tulle. Worn by model Blue. Makeup by Clay Josh Aflleje. Earrings by Roquin-Jon Siongco. The quote, “Home is an archipelago of belonging” is authored by Chamorro poet, writer and professor, Craig Santos Perez. Accompanied and encouraged by (fellow collective member) Roldy Ablao, Selina Vergel and Dianne Brudnicki.