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TAPA :A Glimpse into the art of Hawaiian Kapa & Samoan Siapo🖌️

TAPA :A Glimpse into the art of Hawaiian Kapa & Samoan Siapo🖌️

by Anthony Perez | Apr 10, 2025 | American Samoa, Hawai'i

A sneak peek into the heart of Pacific arts through the voices of Dalani Tanahy and Reggie Meredith in Hawai’i and American Samoa. Teachings from their elders and their resilience in an ever evolving world that has seen the art form slowly fade over the past two...
A Spiritual Journey to The Pageant | with Angel Vitale | American Samoa

A Spiritual Journey to The Pageant | with Angel Vitale | American Samoa

by Anthony Perez | Jun 3, 2024 | American Samoa

I present to you your newly crowned Miss American Samoa! But you see, my meeting and connection with Angel was beyond the pageant! Three weeks ago Angel and I sat down for lunch initially on the light concept of doing collaborative work. But we sat down over coffee...
The “Superbowl” of American Samoa (Voyage Sneak Peek)

The “Superbowl” of American Samoa (Voyage Sneak Peek)

by Anthony Perez | May 7, 2024 | American Samoa

The fautasi race is one of the biggest, if not the biggest event that is the flag day for American Samoa.  The fautasi race is a historic event that revolves around pride throughout the number of villages present with their boats. Each with a unique theme and motto,...
From Dream to Reality: Why I’m Setting Sail for American Samoa

From Dream to Reality: Why I’m Setting Sail for American Samoa

by Anthony Perez | Oct 22, 2023 | American Samoa

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies a gem, a place where tradition and modernity intertwine seamlessly. American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States, has been a calling for me nearly all of my life. As I prepare to embark on this cross...
AMERICAN SAMOA 🇦🇸 The REAL Reasons Why I Am Going 🌴

AMERICAN SAMOA 🇦🇸 The REAL Reasons Why I Am Going 🌴

by Anthony Perez | Sep 18, 2023 | American Samoa, Videos

Exciting plans for a destination I’ve been wanting to visit much of my life. Join me as I prep for my first stop in Pacific Islands 2024. If you’re new to my YouTube channel, please consider subscribing as I continue to plan this life changing...

Anthony Perez

At 26 years old, I left my job and your average 9-5 life in South Carolina to travel the world. I spent 6 incredible months in Southern Europe and ended up becoming a nomad. Eight years later, I am still exploring, at 39 countries and then some. My goal is to listen, observe, learn, and respectful share all beautiful elements of the world, from beautiful destinations to beautiful cultural immersion. Read more here.

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Recent Posts

  • TAPA :A Glimpse into the art of Hawaiian Kapa & Samoan Siapo🖌️
  • Wa’a: A Voyage Across the Pacific 🌊⛵
  • A Spiritual Journey to The Pageant | with Angel Vitale | American Samoa
  • The “Superbowl” of American Samoa (Voyage Sneak Peek)
  • Living Like A Hawaiian 🌺 One Month Later
  • Prepping for TOKELAU 🇹🇰 | Cultural INTENTIONS & Why I’m EXCITED to go🇹🇰
  • Living Like a Palauan (One Year Later..)
  • 2023 REWIND | The Realization of “One Ocean, One People”

Recent Popular Uploads – Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3s7zXpF-6U

Recent Posts

  • TAPA :A Glimpse into the art of Hawaiian Kapa & Samoan Siapo🖌️
  • Wa’a: A Voyage Across the Pacific 🌊⛵
  • A Spiritual Journey to The Pageant | with Angel Vitale | American Samoa
  • The “Superbowl” of American Samoa (Voyage Sneak Peek)
  • Living Like A Hawaiian 🌺 One Month Later
“Can I share about the history of the fautasi?” 🚣 I want to express my gratitude to Launiusaelua Voloti Malietoa once again as I wrapped up a short story on the fautasi’s history and connections to the canoe while celebrating a sport of village pride. This was all thanks to Voloti’s openness and willingness to not only take time for me, but seeing the deeper and more expansive documentation this all is for the archipelago and greater pacific. I also will forever hold deep gratitude for the fautasi crew, leaders, and even the entire village of Aua for embracing this voyager at a time where I was a humble stranger and new face to the territory. With this short story now up, I can’t help but appreciate Voloti’s eagerness to share the history and general story of the fautasi from it’s days as a traditional canoe, to war canoe, transport canoe, to sport today. While then I had no clue of it’s history back then, the information shared as he sat across from me made me realize, the fautasi was exactly the canoe story I didn’t know I was meant to capture in this cross Oceania initiative. Little do most know, the canoe is at the forefront of all of my Oceania storytelling initiatives!! First Hawaii, now American Samoa, with an exciting onward voyage ahead, on voyaging itself 🙂 CHeeehoo Check out the short on YouTube: (link in bio) 🚣‍♀️ #americansamoa #samoa #fautasi #oneoceanonepeople
Aua powerhouse ☠️🚣🏽‍♀️ x Tutuilas Aua powerhouse ☠️🚣🏽‍♀️ x Tutuilas beauty 🌅 #fautasi #americansamoa #asmr
This is my official anthem for umu preps 🥹😅🤤 #americansamoa
sea therapy 🧘🏻 x sea traditions #americansa sea therapy 🧘🏻 x sea traditions #americansamoa Hat by @givemesamoa684
A year ago, I found myself in a moment I’ll neve A year ago, I found myself in a moment I’ll never forget, aboard Aua’s Paepaeulupo’o, gliding across the waters of Pago Pago Harbor as part of a fautasi crew. At the time, I didn’t have a laptop or the tools to properly share what that moment meant to me. But coming back around to the photos a year later, is like reliving it all over again. Joining the crew of Paepaeulupo’o was more than just an incredible opportunity. it was my first time experiencing a fautasi in motion at its core. It would become the first of three unforgettable moments I’ve had aboard these legendary longboats of American Samoa, later Fagasa and Iliili . To this day the motion of the fautasi give me chills! There’s a mana, that surges through the boat when more than thirty rowers move as one. It’s hard to describe the energy in that kind of unity until you’ve lived it. The rhythm, the strength, the whistle, the sweat, the pride, echoing across the harbor, all becomes one force. One body. It’s not just a race or a tradition; it’s a living spirit of teamwork, legacy, and identity. You don’t just ride in a fautasi. You become part of living history. That experience also stays with me not only because of the moment itself, but also because of the deep historical and cultural ties I’ve come to learn since. Fautasi boats trace their lineage back to war canoes, once vessels of battle, now vessels of pride, sportsmanship, and community spirit. What was once used for warfare now unites villages in competition and deep pride. This connection between past and present is something I’ve grown more passionate about documenting which is why I was immersed so much a year ago. To the village of Aua, fa’afetai tele lava for not only welcoming me into the crew, but welcoming me into the community. With gratitude, Voyager⛵️🌊
sunsets in Aunu’u 🌅 #americansamoa sunsets in Aunu’u 🌅 #americansamoa
a destination ALWAYS tells the story 🏝️ #ame a destination ALWAYS tells the story 🏝️ #americansamoa
1787: A Year that changed the course of history fo 1787: A Year that changed the course of history for Tutuila, and Samoans of A’asu!❤️‍🩹 This week, was blessed to be invited to the A’asu Bay, the historical site of the 1787 incident between the French and Samoans that resulted in casualties on both sides. While it’s often referred to as “Massacre Bay,” this narrative is far more layered than history books often portray. I’ll add that the word “Massacre” used for A’asu bay is in quotations for a reason. As someone who’s been voyaging through One Ocean, One People and learning that Pacific Islander stories have primarily been passed down orally, I’m reminded that there’s always an indigenous perspective to every story. In this case, the Samoan side of the incident shows a different reality—one that challenges the “Massacre” label and gives a more balance understanding of what happened centuries ago. My journey wasn’t so straightforward, as it took time and community connections to get the right authorization and triple reassurance I was okay to visit. Initiated by a call out on Facebook, I was eventually guided to the right people, including family members from the village, who gave me the green light to make the trip. Originally seeking a way down by hike became a short boat ride and camp out for two days. The journey through the community played a pivotal role as it helped me to understand, just why this village is so protected, sacred and through the words of few family members, a special place. Sacred and special is how I felt about it too but the bittersweet history of the what occurred over 200 years ago was a heavy feeling in itself. “This was like our 9/11 for our ancestors back then”, My host Ioane stated in our interview as he cleaned the graves of his ancestors and relatives. The population of A’asu lies high up the mountain adjacent to Aoloau with the coastal settlement now home to overgrowth and echoes of life. But the incident in 1787 is a memory passed down orally. Stories vary between families, the scars of pain experienced by the people of A’asu are still felt today. Fa’afetai tele lava A’asu leaders and community for having me in such a special place. Stay tuned.💙 #oneoceanonepeople
30 islands, 1 ever evolving blessing! 💙 #pacifi 30 islands, 1 ever evolving blessing! 💙 #pacificislands Hat by @givemesamoa684 🇦🇸🇼🇸
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