Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick John Sablan
Hi Patrick John, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised on the island of Guåhan (Guam), I was trained by my late grandfather to be a Talayeru (cast-net fisherman); a dying art on my island today. From him, I learned the art of weaving, the ocean’s tides, the seasons of the sea, and the moon cycles which bonded me to my island. The hardest thing is leaving the island. However, I was conditioned to “chase the American Dream”. In 2006, I made the decision to move to the mainland to join the U.S. Air force and reunite with my high-school sweetheart; taking with me the teachings of my grandfather.
I’ve always struggled with identity, which contributes to my multifaceted artistic abilities. As a mixed breed island-boy, I was never CHamoru enough for the Chamorros. I was never Hawaiian enough for the Hawaiians and I was never Filipino enough for the Filipinos. It was that exclusion that fed my desire to create a personalized fusion of tribal art. Tribal art traces back to ancient civilizations and I devised a set of modernized tribal patterns to pay homage to my Chamoru, Hawaiian, and Filipino roots; “Ancient Emojis” as I’ve coined it. I utilize art as a link to my island roots. What started as a personal passion became a popular request amongst my fellow islanders spanning from personalized tattoo art requests to epoxy wall art and retirement plaques.
In 2010, I had the honor of being trained by Chief Tama Satoafaiga; the art of spinning fire with the Samoan Fire Knife. It was a seed planted that later bloomed into today’s This Tribal Fest; my Luau Fire Show production. It is a legacy that I’m passing down to my son, Keoni, 15, who I can proudly say spins faster than me now. As a true ride-or-die, my wife not only supported me but has joined me in the fire spinning arts. We are now a family that spins fire together bringing, yet again, a fusion of island-style entertainment from back yard birthday parties to corporate events across Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve never fully “made it” and it’s been dirt roads for most of the way. My biggest struggle is impostor syndrome. I doubt my abilities and lack the belief that I deserve success which then trickles down to self sabotage and lack of motivation. In a nutshell, I am my own worst enemy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
This Tribal Fest is my primary baby. We specialize in Luau Fire Show entertainment. When people think Luau, they immediately think Hula Dancers and although we can supply Hula Entertainment, our pride and joy is FIRE. When people think Luau, they immediately think Hawaii. We do not just bring you to Hawaii on this fire voyage; we bring you to Oceania. Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Soon to come and to pay homage to my Filipino roots, we will be incorporating the Philippines as we train in the art of Eskrima.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ThisTribalFest.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thistribalfest?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091797431879
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisTribalFest
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thistribalfest
Image Credits
Islander’s View Podcast
Jason Enriquez – Chelu Media
Cristian ArguetaSoto – Fort Worth Report
Stui Alfafara
